Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative condition caused by repeated traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) leading to cognitive, behavioral, and motor dysfunctions. This study examined the relationship between cognitive impairment and clinical syndromes among 145 CTE patients aged 18 to 75 years who underwent inpatient treatment at the Ternopil Regional Clinical Psychoneurological Hospital between 2021 and 2022. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), with results classified into four categories: normal, mild impairment, moderate impairment, and dementia. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between cognitive impairment and specific neuroimaging changes, including ventricular dilatation. Clinical syndromes, such as cognitive disorder syndrome, also showed significant associations with cognitive impairment (p < 0.001). Using logistic regression, we developed a predictive model to estimate the probability of cognitive impairment based on various clinical features, including memory loss, attention deficits, and sleep disturbances. The model demonstrated high accuracy, with a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showing a sensitivity of 91.0% and a specificity of 92.5%, yielding an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.964 (95% CI: 0.934 - 0.994). These findings suggest that specific neuroimaging and clinical features can predict cognitive impairment in CTE patients.

We present contrast information, a novel application of some specific cases of relative entropy measures, designed to be useful for cognitive modelling of sequential perception of continuous signals. We explain the relevance of entropy in cognitive modelling of music and language. Then, as a first step to demonstrating the utility of constrast information for that purpose, we show empirically that its discrete case correlates well with existing successful cognitive models in the literature. We explain some interesting properties of constrast information. Finally we propose future work towards a cognitive architecture that uses it.

Digital health has added numerous promising solutions to enhance the health and wellness of people with neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) and their informal caregivers: (1) Background: It is important to get a comprehensive view of currently available technologies, their outcomes, and conditions of success to inform recommendations regarding digital health solutions for people with NCDs and their caregivers. This environmental scan was performed to identify the features of existing digital health solutions relevant to the targeted population. This work reviews currently available digital health solutions and their related characteristics to develop a decision support tool for older adults living with mild or major neurocognitive disorders and their informal caregivers. This knowledge will inform the development of a decision support tool to assist older adults and their informal caregivers in their search for adequate digital health solutions according to their needs and preferences, based on trustable information.; (2) Methods: We conducted an environmental scan to identify digital health solutions from a systematic review and targeted searches in grey literature covering the regions of Canada and Europe. Technological tools were scanned based on a preformatted extraction grid. We assessed their relevance based on selected attributes and summarized findings; (3) Results: We identified 100 available digital health solutions. The majority (56%) were not specific to NCDs. Only 28% provided scientific evidence of their effectiveness. Remote patient care, movement tracking, and cognitive exercises were the most common purposes of digital health solutions. Most solutions were presented as decision aid tools, pill dispensers, apps, web, or a combination of these platforms. (4) Conclusions: This environmental scan allowed the identification of current digital health solutions for older adults with mild or major neurocognitive disorders and their informal caregivers. Findings from the environmental scan highlight the need for additional approaches to strengthen digital health interventions for the well-being of older adults with mild and major NCDs and their informal and formal healthcare providers.

The present exploratory study tested the hypothesis that computerized cognitive training (CCT) in home telemonitoring may beneficially affect eyes-closed resting-state electroencephalographic (rsEEG) rhythms in Parkinson's disease patients with cognitive deficits (PDCD). A Eurasian database provided clinical-demographic-rsEEG datasets in 40 PDCD patients, 29 PD patients without cognitive deficits (PDNCD), 40 Alzheimer’s disease patients with cognitive deficits (ADCD), and 40 cognitively normal older adults (Healthy). Sixteen of the 40 PDCD patients completed a cross-over unsupervised CCT program of simple, serious video games (versus a sham program) consisting of 14 daily sessions of approximately 20 minutes each in the patients' homes. Compared to the Healthy, PDNCD, and ADCD groups, the PDCD group was characterized by greater diffuse rsEEG delta (about 2-4 Hz) and theta (about 4-7 Hz) source activity. The PDCD patients who underwent the CCT program showed an improvement in video game performance and a reduction in these delta-theta source activities after this program compared to the control condition. In conclusion, these results suggest that the 2-week CCT program in home telemonitoring may mitigate the abnormal “slowing” of rsEEG rhythms in PDCD patients, possibly enhancing the regulation of brain arousal and quiet vigilance.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a stealthy and progressive neurological disorder that is a leading cause of dementia in the global elderly population, imposing a significant burden on both the elderly and society. Currently, the condition is treated with medications that alleviate symptoms. Nonetheless, these drugs may not consistently produce the desired results and can cause serious side effects. Hence, there is a vigorous pursuit of alternative options to enhance the quality of life for patients. Ginkgo biloba (GB), an herb with historical use in traditional medicine, contains bioactive compounds such as terpenoids (Ginkgolides A, B, and C), polyphenols, organic acids, and flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin). These compounds are associated with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, making them valuable for cognitive health. A systematic search across three databases using specific keywords GB in AD and dementia yielded 1702 documents, leading to the selection of 15 clinical trials for synthesis. In eleven studies, GB extract/EGb 761® was shown to improve cognitive function, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and functional abilities in both dementia types. In four studies, however, there were no significant differences between the GB-treated and placebo groups. Significant improvements were observed in scores obtained from the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Short Cognitive Performance Test (SKT), and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). While the majority of synthesized clinical trials show Ginkgo biloba has promising potential in these conditions, more research is needed to determine optimal dosages, effective delivery methods, and appropriate pharmaceutical formulations. Furthermore, a thorough assessment of adverse effects, exploration of long-term use implications, and investigation into potential drug interactions are critical aspects that must be carefully evaluated in future studies.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) poses a significant public health challenge due to its irreversible and progressive nature while lack of a cure. As a potential strategy to combat AD, its prevention becomes increasingly attractive. Mild Cognitive Impairment due to AD (MCI-AD) represents a critical transitional stage between normal age-related cognitive decline and more severe AD conditions, occurring just before dementia onset. Unfortunately, there is currently no established animal model that accurately recapitulates MCI-AD characteristics. While many laboratories have traditionally used normally aged wild-type animals as experimental models, this approach falls short in representing the inherently worse state of MCI-AD compared to normal aging. To address this gap, we introduce an animal model—a transgenic mouse line with genetic inactivation of G protein-coupled receptor kinase-5 (GRK5), commonly known as the GRK5 knockout (GRK5KO) mouse. These GRK5KO mice exhibit amnesia, cognitive deficits, increased β-amyloid levels, neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) immunopositive axonopathy, and hippocampal neurodegenerative changes. Importantly, these pathological alterations predominantly impact the entorhinal, transentorhinal, and hippocampal cortices, aligning with human MCI-AD criteria and Braak stage II of human AD progression. Notably, female GRK5KO mice show approximately 2.5 times more NFT-positive axonopathy than males, mirroring the higher prevalence of AD cases in women. Collectively, existing data strongly supports the GRK5KO mouse as a qualified animal model for studying MCI-AD.

Background/Objectives: Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause variable symptoms, which may be irreversible if not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. We aimed to develop a widely accepted expert consensus to guide the practice of diagnosing and treating B12 deficiency. Methods: We conducted a scoping review of the literature published in PubMed since January 2003. Data were used to design a two-round Delphi survey to study the level of consensus among 42 experts. Results: The panelists agreed on the need for educational and organizational changes in the current medical practices for diagnosing and treating B12 deficiency. Recognition of clinical symptoms should receive the highest priority in establishing the diagnosis. There is agreement that the serum B12 concentration is useful as a screening marker, whereas methylmalonic acid or homocysteine can support the diagnosis. Patient lifestyle, disease history and medications can provide clues to the cause of B12 deficiency. Regardless of the cause of the deficiency, initial treatment with parenteral B12 was regarded as the first choice for patients with acute and severe manifestations of B12 deficiency. The use of high-dose oral B12 at different frequencies may be considered for long-term treatment. Prophylactic B12 supplementation should be considered for specific high-risk groups. Conclusions: There is a consensus that clinical symptoms need to receive more attention in establishing a diagnosis. B12 laboratory markers can support the diagnosis. The severity of clinical symptoms, the causes of B12 deficiency and the treatment goals govern decisions regarding the route and dose of B12 therapy.

Background: Both of cognitive decline and unhealthy lifestyle have been associated with an increased risk of mortality in older people. We aimed to investigate whether lifestyle behaviors might modify the association between cognitive function and the risk of all-cause mortality in Chinese older populations. Methods: The study included 5,124 individuals free of dementia in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey from 2011 to 2018. Cognitive function was measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination in 2011. A lifestyle score was calculated on the basis of five lifestyle factors including smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, diet and body mass index. Cox proportional hazards models were performed to examine the association between baseline cognitive function and all-cause mortality, with an interaction term of cognitive function and lifestyle score being added to the models Results: During a median follow-up of 6.4 years, we documented 1,461 deaths. Both higher cognitive function (HR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.96–0.97) and healthier lifestyle (HR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.87–0.97) were significantly associated with a lower risk of mortality. We found that lifestyle significantly modified the association of cognitive function with mortality (P for interaction = 0.004). The inverse association between high cognitive function and mortality was more prominent among participants with healthier lifestyle. Of note, among the lifestyle scores component, diet showed a significant interaction with mortality (P for interaction = 0.003), with the protective HR of the all-cause mortality associated with higher MMSE scores was stronger among participants with healthy diets compared with unhealthy diets. Conclusion: Our study indicates that cognitive decline is associated with an increased risk of mortality, and such relations are modified by overall lifestyle, with healthy diet being the major contributor.

Research indicates that brain region-specific synapse loss and dysfunction are early hallmarks and stronger neurobiological correlates of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) than counts of amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuronal loss. Even though the precise mechanisms underlying increased synaptic pruning in AD are still unknown, it has been confirmed that dysregulation of the balance between complement activation and inhibition is a crucial driver of pathology. The complement includes three distinct activation mechanisms, with activation products C3a and C5a, potent inflammatory effectors, and a membrane attack complex (MAC), leading to cell lysis. Besides pro-inflammatory cytokines, dysregulated complement proteins released by activated microglia bind to amyloid β at synaptic regions and cause microglia to engulf synapses. Additionally, research indicating that microglia-removed synapses are not always degenerating, and that suppression of synaptic engulfment can repair cognitive deficits point to an essential opportunity for intervention that can prevent the loss of intact synapses. In this study, we focus on the latest research on the role and mechanisms of complement-mediated microglial synaptic pruning at different stages of AD to find the right targets that could interfere with complement dysregulation and be relevant for therapeutic intervention at the early stages of the disease.

IBD, encompassing CD and UC, are characterized by chronic gastrointestinal inflammation due to abnormal immune responses to gut microflora. The bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain, known as the GBA, is disrupted in IBD, leading to neurobiological imbalances and affective symptoms. Systemic inflammation in IBD affects the brain's inflammatory response system, hormonal axis, and BBB integrity, influencing gut microbiota and clinical responses to probiotics. This review aims to explore the links between dysregulations in the GBA, serum biomarkers, and the development of MCI and NDDs. The objective is to identify potential correlations and propose future research directions to understand the impact of altered microbiomes and intestinal barrier functions on NDDs. Studies suggest a potential link between IBD and extraintestinal complications such as MCI and NDDs. Mechanisms include systemic inflammation, BBB dysfunction, autoimmune responses, GBA dysfunction, medication effects, and comorbidities. Serum biomarkers, including vitamin D3, C-reactive protein, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, vitamin B12, homocysteine, serum amyloid, neuron-specific enolase, neurofilament light chain, S100 proteins, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, IL-6, LP-2 associated phospholipase, prostaglandin E2, IL-1β, and TNF-α, have been investigated for their potential to predict MCI but current results are lacking clarity.

The paper examines the various uncertainties encountered in high-frequency trading (HFT) environments and delves into the multiple challenges faced by HFT firms in navigating the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (referred to as the "Dodd-Frank Act"), particularly during the initial stages of its enactment. These challenges include the ambiguity surrounding the definition of HFT, the lack of clarity regarding regulatory requirements and boundaries, inconsistencies in enforcement resulting from deviations in understanding the content, and the absence of detailed descriptions of the Act’s provisions. These hurdles significantly impact not only the daily operations of HFT firms but also pose higher demands on their long-term strategic planning and risk management. Drawing upon the Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom, and Purpose (DIKWP) model, this study employs an innovative analytical framework. Through the comprehensive application of conceptual space, cognitive space, and semantic space, it provides a systematic methodology for identifying and analyzing the aforementioned issues. This approach not only aids firms in better comprehending and adhering to complex regulatory requirements but also enables them to explore new business opportunities and competitive advantages while ensuring compliance.

Badminton is one of the most popular racket sports played by children up to the elderly worldwide. Everyone can practice and play badminton as a leisure or competitive sport, regardless of age, experience, or skill level. It does not require physical contact among players and expensive equipment. Compared with closed-skill exercise (e.g., running, swimming), open-skill exercise (e.g., badminton, table tennis) has been reported to intervene more with cognitive function and prevent cognitive decline. In this review, we outline the characteristics of badminton’s beneficial effects on physical and cognitive aspects. The characteristics presented here indicate that intervention with regular badminton exercise could effectively improve cognitive function and prevent cognitive decline in the elderly.

Background: Critical states present scale-free dynamics, optimizing neuronal complexity. We explored electroencephalogram (EEG) criticality in amnesic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) patients with clinical improvement in working memory, verbal memory, verbal fluency and overall executive functions after the completion of a 6-month prospective memory training. (2) Methods: We compared “before” and “after” stationary resting-state EEG records of right-handed MCI patients (n = 17; 11 females), using the method of critical fluctuations and Haar wavelet analysis. (3) Results: Significant criticality enhancement was present in frontotemporal electrodes [mean dif: 0.10; Z = 7, p = .019] and isolated electrodes T6 [mean dif: 0.204; t (10) = - 2.3, p = .044] and F4 [mean dif: 0.0194; t (10) = - 2.82; p = .018]. (4) Conclusions: EEG criticality agreed with clinical improvement, consisting a possible monitoring biomarker in MCI and Alzheimer’s disease. Further evaluation is needed in patients under cognitive training or even drug-modifying therapies.

We propose that a dietary reduction of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) could reduce risk and slow the progression of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. LPS is a component of the highly inflammatory cell membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. The highest dietary sources of LPS are processed meat and dairy products, which can sharply raise plasma LPS within one to two hours. The LPS in these foods is packaged into chylomicrons, which enter the bloodstream. Smaller amounts of LPS from colonic microbiota do not account for the sharp postprandial increase of plasma LPS. Once in the bloodstream, LPS can trigger the release of inflammatory cytokines within three hours. LPS can increase cytokines via LPS binding protein and cluster of differentiation-14, triggering toll-like receptor-4, and activating nuclear factor kappa-B. Nuclear factor kappa-B can increase cytokine levels, including interleukin-1-beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. LPS and inflammatory cytokines are higher in Alzheimer’s disease, both in plasma and in the central nervous system. These cytokines can enter the brain via active transport and induce microglial activation and inflammatory damage in the brain, including loss of synapses and neurons. Elevated brain inflammation from dietary LPS can contribute to cognitive impairment and increased risk of dementia.

Background: 3D virtual reality (VR) Motionless Imagery Exercise through Avatar (MIEA) was developed to improve elderly’s psychological (cognitive and emotional) and physical health. This study observed the impact of this program on the cognitive functions and emotional well-being and the electrophysiological changes in older adults. Methods: This study was conducted using a randomized controlled trial design. The participants included 38 adults, 65 to 84 years of age, who were physically mobile and neurologically healthy. Among them, 19 participants were assigned to the experimental group, who underwent exercises using elderly avatars in a VR virtual exercise program. The other 19 participants were assigned to the control group who underwent the VR program. Both groups engaged in the VR intervention for 20 minutes three times a week, over six weeks. Results: The cognitive functions, including attention restraint, working memory, and phonemic fluency, of the experimental group showed significant improvements compared to the control group. Regarding emotional well-being, the experimental group showed greater self-efficacy. The electrophysiological changes revealed similar patterns to exercise-induced reactions in electromyography of the experimental group after intervention. Conclusions: These findings confirm that participation in 3D VR MIEA enhances cognitive functions and physical self-efficacy among the elderly. Therefore, 3D VR MIEA can be utilized in the rehabilitation therapy of patients or elderly with limited physical activity.

The importance of cognitive health for academic success is well-recognized. However, longitudinal data regarding the associations of body fatness, physical fitness and cognition are relatively scarce and mixed. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether body fatness, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular fitness (MF) in preschool are associated with cognitive skills in first grade at school. 133 South Estonian children aged 6-7 years were recruited from 13 kindergartens and again at 7-8 years when they had entered school. Body fat percentage (BF%), CRF, MF as the mean of z-scores of relative handgrip strength and standing long jump tests, and cognitive skills (verbal, conceptual, perceptual) were studied. There were no associations between BF% and CRF in pre-school with perceptual, conceptual or verbal skills in school in boys and girls. In boys, higher MF in preschool predicted higher verbal skills (β = 0.293, p = 0.021) in school after adjustment for con-founders. Cognitive skills at baseline seemed predominantly predict later cognitive performance in school. In conclusion, higher muscular fitness in preschool predicted better verbal skills in first grade at school in boys but not in girls. Body fatness and cardiorespiratory fitness in preschool were not associated with cognitive skills in school.

As the world’s population age, Cognitive Frailty (CF) is becoming one of the most serious health problems and elucidating its biological mechanisms along with prevention and treatments becomes increasingly important also considering the associated health costs. This pilot study aims to investigate the potential cognitive and neuropsychological effects of a 5-week treatment with a therapy based on the regenerative properties of ozone (O3) in a cohort of patients stratified according to CF. We also study the potential effects of O3 on blood-based biomarkers indicative of specific biological systems that may be altered in CF. Seventy-five older persons have been recruited and randomly assigned to receive the active treatment (150cc of oxygen-O2-O3 mixture at the concentration of 30ug of O3 per cc of O2) or O2, or the placebo (air) for 5 weeks. The primary endpoint is a change in the scores of clinical scales from baseline (T0) to weeks 3 (T3), 9 (T9), 15 (T15) after treatment. The secondary endpoint is a change in biomarkers levels resulting from transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomic patterns at the same times. This study will evaluate whether an intervention with the O2-O3 therapy could have potential cognitive, neuropsychological and biological effects on CF.

In this case series, we examine the impact of the Titan-iR Pro® deep spectrum biotherapeutic device on brain function in healthy individuals. Here we present 15 participants, aged 26-68 years, who enrolled in this open-label study, designed to assess the effect of a single 15-minute course of deep spectrum biotherapy on brain function. Although symptom-free upon enrollment, participants had diverse medical histories with some displaying early signs of cognitive decline. As part of the evaluation, all participants engaged in electroencephalogram (EEG) recording sessions that focused on assessing event-related potential (ERP) evaluations, including audio P300 amplitudes and latencies (speeds), neurocognitive testing, and physical reaction times. Following the Titan-iR Pro intervention an improvement in EEG-based cognitive markers was observed. These results underscore the importance of further investigation into the potential of advanced and deep spectrum photobiomodulation in the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline and other neurological disorders.

Older adults with obesity have an increased risk for cognitive decline and subsequent Alzheimer’s disease. Previous research has focused on the impact of individual nutrients and overall dietary patterns to improve cognitive function. The Brain and Body Health (BB-Health) study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of a multicomponent nutritional supplement (MCNS) and weight loss (WL) intervention for individuals with overweight and obesity who are not consuming a healthy diet. BB-Health is a parallel-group randomized placebo-controlled 2x2 factorial pilot trial comparing the MCNS, WL, and MCNS+WL with a Control group. Eligible participants are 55 to 85 years of age with a body mass index 27.0 to 39.9 kg/m2. Major exclusion criteria include type 2 diabetes, moderate or severe cognitive impairment, and self-reported healthy dietary pattern. The BB-Health feasibility trial is registered as NCT05542199 at clinicaltrials.gov. The BB-Health objectives are to report: 1) recruitment and enrollment, including pace and descriptive statistics of the study sample; 2) adherence to the administered interventions; 3) successful data collection and performance of outcome assessments, including evaluation of change in key outcomes over time that are powered for this pilot study; and 4) summary statistics on outcomes for use in planning a subsequent, larger trial. The outcomes of interest are age-sensitive cognitive assessments, cerebral hemodynamics, and related health parameters. All measurements are collected at baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12-month visits. If the BB-Health protocol demonstrates feasibility, the novel MCNS with and without a parallel WL intervention has potential to be administered in a confirmatory randomized trial to evaluate ability to prevent age-related cognitive decline and improve brain health. The BB-Health Feasibility Study could significantly contribute to our understanding of the influence of diet and weight management on cognitive health

Persons high in the manipulative, misanthropic trait Machiavellianism make use of various forms of deception to attain their goals. A recent study demonstrated that different facets of Machiavellianism account for different kinds of deception (Blötner & Bergold, 2023; https://doi.org/10.1111/bjso.12559). Intelligence could be another predictor of deception production. This research examined the interactions between different facets of Machiavellianism and verbal reasoning to predict the production of empty, vague pseudo-information that is supposed to help achieve desired states or prevent undesired ones (co-called “bullshit”). In a sample of 525 participants, and consistent with the hypotheses, individuals with high scores in the goal-oriented facet of Machiavellianism produced “bullshit” more frequently to achieve certain goals if they also scored high in verbal reasoning. Thus, and opposing common assumptions, Machiavellianism is not sufficient to explain engagement in deceptive behavior as it only reflects the motivation to do so. Especially in the case of verbally expressed deception, verbal skills are also required to be successful.

The escalating levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) due to anthropogenic activities have raised significant concerns regarding their far-reaching consequences, including potential impacts on human brain function. This study employs Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) and a comprehensive literature review to comprehensively examine the effects of varying atmospheric CO₂ concentrations on human brain activity. Historical and projected CO₂concentration data, along with neuroscientific insights, were integrated into the ABM framework to simulate brain activity responses under different CO₂ scenarios. The simulations revealed that elevated CO₂ levels disrupt neural activity and alter neurotransmitter profiles, indicating potential cognitive consequences. Sensitivity analysis emphasized the importance of accurate parameterization for robust simulations. The findings underscore the urgent need to address global CO₂ emissions to preserve cognitive health. Further research is essential to validate and refine the model, incorporating additional factors for a comprehensive understanding of the cognitive repercussions of rising CO₂ levels, crucial for informed policy-making and public awareness campaigns.

Spontaneous, unwilled subjective imagery and symbols often emerge in psychotherapy that can appear baffling and confound interpretation. Moreover, early psychoanalytic theories seemed to diverge as often as they agreed on the meaning of such content. Nevertheless, reviewing key findings in the empirical science of spontaneous thought, as well as insights gleaned from neurosciences and especially embodied cognition, it is now possible to construct a more coherent theory of interpretation that is clinically useful. Given that thought is so thoroughly embodied, it is possible to demonstrate that universalities in human physiology yield universalities in thought. Such universalities can then be demonstrated to form a kind of biologically directed universal “code” for understanding spontaneous symbolic expressions that emerge in psychotherapy. An example is given that illustrates how this can be applied to clinical encounters.

In patients with schizophrenia, metabolic syndrome is associated with cognitive impairments. We carried out a second analysis of data from a longitudinal trial to examine the relationship between weight gain and cognitive function in patients with first-episode schizophrenia (FES) over the first 6-month antipsychotic treatment. Baseline and 6-month endpoint measurements were taken for both cognitive function and body weight. Linear and logistic regression analyses were applied to investigate the bidirectional relationship between weight gain and cognitive function. Clinically relevant weight gain (CRW) was defined as an increase in body weight ex-ceeding 7%. The final analysis included 337 participants. Lower baseline scores in processing speed (OR=0.837, p=0.007), working memory and attention (OR=0.889, p=0.043), and executive function (OR=0.863, p=0.006) domains were significantly associated with CRW at the 6-month endpoint. After adjusting for confounders, CRW was found to be associated with improvement in the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test (p=0.036). The findings suggest that patients with lower baseline cognitive performance experienced more substantial weight gain. Conversely, weight gain was correlated with cognitive improvements, particularly in the domain of visual learning and memory. This suggested a potential bidirectional relationship between weight gain and cog-nitive function in patients with first-episode schizophrenia.

Ant rescue behaviour belongs to the most interesting subcategories of prosocial and altruistic behaviour encountered in the animal world. Several studies suggested that ants are able to identify what exactly restrains the movements of another individual and to direct their rescue behaviour precisely to that object. To shed more light on the question how precise is the identifi-cation of the source of restraint of another ant, we investigated rescue behaviour of workers of the red wood ant Formica polyctena using a new version of an artificial snare bioassay in which a nestmate victim was bearing on its body two wire loops, one placed on the petiole and acting as a snare, and an additional one on the leg. The tested ants did not direct preferentially their rescue behaviour to the snare. Moreover, the overall strategy adopted by the most active rescuers was not limited to precisely targeted rescue attempts directed to the snare, but consisted of attempts to find a solution to the victim’s problem through frequent trial-and-error switching between various subcategories of rescue behaviour. These findings highlight the importance of precise identifica-tion of cognitive processes and overall behavioural strategies for better understanding of causal factors underlying animal helping behaviour.

Despite the clinical significance of partial posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), research on its associated cognitive function profiles is notably lacking. This study aimed to identify distinct cognitive function profiles in patients with partial PTSD. Medical records of Vietnamese War Korean Veterans undergoing psychiatric assessments, including the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) and neurocognitive tests on the same day, were retrospectively reviewed. The participants were divided into partial PTSD (N = 10) and non-PTSD (N = 36) groups based on the CAPS interview. Neurocognitive test score profiles of the partial PTSD and non-PTSD groups were compared. Covariance analysis adjusted for potential confounders in cognitive function. In cognitive profiles, executive function, mental flexibility (measured by Trail Making Test B), and concentration (measured by the Mini-Mental Status Exam) were significantly poorer in the partial PTSD group. When adjusted for age, depressive symptoms, and education level, no significant differences were observed in the cognitive profiles between the partial PTSD and non-PTSD groups. In the current study, executive function and concentration showed deficits in patients with partial PTSD compared with those without PTSD. Partial PTSD cognitive profiles displayed no significant differences from non-PTSD profiles when adjusted for possible confounders such as depressive symptoms.

Cognitive impairment affects 34-65% of People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS), significantly impacting their quality of life. Clinicians routinely address cognitive deficits with in-clinic neuro-behavioural interventions, but accessibility issues exist. Telerehabilitation is a promising solution that utilises digital tools for home-based cognitive remediation. This narrative review assessed the feasibility and efficacy of cognitive telerehabilitation in PwMS, identifying 13 relevant studies. Regarding the feasibility of cognitive telerehabilitation, evidence shows adherence rates are generally good, although, surprisingly, not all studies reported a measure of compliance with the cognitive training explored. Considering the efficacy of different rehabilitative techniques on cognitive performance of PwMS, findings are generally inconsistent, with only one study reporting consistently positive results. A range of methodological limitations are reported as potential factors contributing to the variability of results. Overcoming some of these issues will be key. Upcoming research is necessary to determine optimal intervention approaches, long-term effects of rehabilitation, and how to best integrate the use of telerehabilitation into routine clinical practice. By exploiting digital tools in the best way and addressing methodological concerns, home-based rehabilitation holds the potential for improving cognitive functions and enhancing the quality of life in PwMS.

Neurodegeneration is a major problem in neuroscience and medicine as it causes and worsens many neurological and psychiatric disorders. It involves gradual loss of neurons at different levels of the brain, affecting cognition, emotion, behavior, consciousness, and attention. Understanding the causes and consequences of neurodegeneration is crucial for identifying the risk factors, biomarkers, and treatments. However, the current therapies are mostly symptomatic and ineffective. Therefore, new and innovative methods, such as noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS), are needed to modulate brain activity and plasticity in a safe and reversible manner. This field is rapidly developing, with a focus on exploring new clinical applications, mechanisms, and combinations of NIBS and drugs. This special issue covers the latest progress and challenges in the study of neurodegeneration in cognitive impairment and mood disorders from the experimental, clinical, and translational perspectives. It addresses the complexity and diversity of these conditions, the lack of disease-modifying treatments, the ethical and practical issues of conducting research in vulnerable and diverse populations, the integration and interpretation of data from multiple sources and modalities, and the development and validation of novel methods such as NIBS, artificial intelligence, and drug repurposing. Collaborative efforts among various stakeholders are needed to improve our knowledge and treatment of neurodegeneration underlying cognitive impairment and mood disorders.

Neurological involvement following COronaVIrus Disease 19 (COVID-19) is thought to have a neuroinflammatory etiology. Co-ultraPEALut (an antiinflammatory molecule) and luteolin (an antioxidant) yielded promising results as neuroinflammation antagonists. This study aimed at describing cognitive impairment in post-COVID patient treated with co-ultraPEALut. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Prospective-Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and a subjective evaluation were administered at baseline and after 10 months. Co-ultraPEALut-treated patients were retrospectively compared with controls. 26 co-ultraPEALut-treated patients showed significant improvement in PRMQ (T0: 51.94±10.55, T1: 39.67±13.02, p

The aging of the global population has increased the prevalence of neurodegenerative conditions. Bacopa monnieri (BM), an herb with active compounds, such as bacosides A and B, betulinic acid, loliolide, asiatic acid, and quercetin, demonstrates the potential for brain health. Limited research has been conducted on the therapeutic applications of BM in neurodegenerative conditions. This systematic review aims to project BM's beneficial role in brain disorders. BM has anti-apoptotic and antioxidant actions and can repair damaged neurons, stimulate kinase activity, restore synaptic function, improve nerve transmission, and increase neuroprotection. The included twenty-two clinical trials demonstrated that BM can reduce Nuclear Factor-κB phosphorylation, improve emotional function, cognitive functions, anhedonia, hyperactivity, sleep routine, depression, attention deficit, learning problems, memory retention, impulsivity, and psychiatric problems. Moreover, BM can reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress. Here, we highlight that BM provides notable therapeutic benefits and can serve as a complementary approach for the care of patients with neurodegenerative conditions associated with brain disorders. This review adds to the growing interest in natural products and their potential therapeutic applications by improving our understanding of the mechanisms underlying cognitive function and neurodegeneration and informing the development of new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.

The microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum (PT) is distinguished by its rich nutrient profile, characterized by well-documented neuroprotective activities, including fucoxanthin (FX), a major carotenoid, and polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFA). The current study aims to evaluate the protective effects of a standardized extract of PT (Mi136) containing 2% FX on cognitive function, oxidative stress, and inflammation parameters in a mouse model of accelerated aging. Seventy-two (72) male mice were randomly assigned to the blank control group (BC), negative control group (NC), and four similar microalgae extract of PT groups (branded as BrainPhytTM) with different human equivalent doses. From day 01 to day 51, mice in the BC group were injected with a 0.9% normal saline solution, while mice in all other groups were subcutaneously injected with D-galactose (D-Gal) at a dose of 150 mg/kg once per day, five days per week. Results indicated that, for the three higher microalgae extract of PT dose groups, spatial cognitive function, swim latency, and step-through latency impairments induced by chronic D-Gal intoxication were significantly and fully inhibited, with mean values similar to those in the BC group during each day of testing. Similar benefits were observed in biochemical analysis, specifically regarding brain and plasma levels of lipid peroxidation, TNF-α, and IL-6 markers. These data underscore the positive effects of a standardized extract of PT containing 2% FX on cognitive function parameters such as spatial working memory, long-term memory, and short-term memory through the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation pathways.

Although there is a vast body of neuroscientific research on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), many therapists are confused about how to incorporate the evidence into their clinical practice. This narrative review translates neuroscientific research on CBT for depression into a therapist-friendly formulation model. Four brain networks that are particularly relevant to depression, including the Central Executive Network, Default mode Network, Salience Network, and Affective Network, were identified based on their interactions and described in relation to depressive symptoms. Additionally, it clarified how each CBT technique works on a brain map. Assessment, intervention selection, and patient psychoeducation based on this model will facilitate the clinical application of neuroscience in CBT.

Mirror Therapy (MT) and Cognitive Therapeutic Exercise (CTE) are two neurorehabilitation techniques based on neuroplasticity and designed to enhance the functionality of the upper limb. Therefore, the aim is to assess the effectiveness of the combination of CTE and MT with task-oriented training (TOT) on fine and gross motor skills of the affected hand, as well as the functionality of the affected upper limb, autonomy, independence, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with acute stroke. This longitudinal and multicenter study involved a sample of 120 participants selected randomly and consecutively. Three groups were formed, including a control group (CG) and two treatment groups, one with MT and the other with CTE. The functionality of the upper limb, fine and gross motor skills, the quantity and quality of use of the affected upper limb, autonomy, and QoL were evaluated using various scales validated in the Spanish population at the baseline, after 20 treatment sessions, and at three months of follow-up. ANCOVA analysis was conducted, revealing statistically significant differences between assessments in the CG compared to the experimental groups (GEs), indicating a notable improvement in overall functionality, fine and gross motor skills, autonomy, and QoL in the latter. However, there were no significant differences between the GEs. Therefore, the application of either of these experimental combinations is crucial for the motor recovery, functionality, and improvement of the quality of life of individuals who have suffered a stroke.

Human language and social cognition are two key disciplines that have traditionally been studied as separate domains. However, emerging research from detailed studies of comparative animal behavior, human social behavior, language acquisition in children, social cognitive neuroscience, and the cognitive neuroscience of language suggest that language and social cognition are two deeply interrelated capacities of the human species. For instance, recent developmental studies on the acquisition of language in infants and young children, draw attention to the important crucial benefits associated with several different aspects of social stimulation for youngsters, including the quantity and quality of linguistic input, dyadic infant/child-to-parent verbal and non-verbal social interactions, and other important social cues integral for facilitating language learning and social bonding. Studies of the adult human brain further suggest a high degree of specialization for sociolinguistic information processing, memory retrieval, and comprehension, suggesting the function of these regions may link language with social cognition and social bonding. In effect, the social brain and social complexity hypotheses may jointly help to explain how neurotypical children and adults learn language, why autistic adults and children exhibit simultaneous deficits in language and social cognition, and why nonhuman primates and other animals with significant computational abilities do not acquire the capacity for language. But perhaps most critically, the following article argues that this and related research will allow scientists to generate a holistic profile and deeper understanding of the healthy adult social brain, while developing more innovative and effective diagnoses, prognoses, and treatments for maladies and deficits also associated with the social brain.

In our country, the aging society is rapidly progressing, with an increase in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those undergoing dialysis, coupled with the aging of the population. As a result, the number of individuals with cognitive impairment (CI) is rising, and addressing this issue has become an urgent problem. One characteristic of dementia in CKD patients is the high frequency of vascular dementia, making the prevention through the management of classical risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, smoking, etc., associated with atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis. Other effective measures, including the use of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, addressing anemia, exercise therapy, and lifestyle improvements, have been reported. Incidence and progression of CI may also be influenced by the type of dialysis or kidney replacement therapy, with reports suggesting that long-duration dialysis, low-temperature hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation (KTx) can have a possible preferable effect on preserving cognitive function.

Aileen Oeberst and Roland Imhoff’s remarkable paper (Perspectives on Psychological Science 2023; 18: 1464-87). should be compulsory reading for all intelligence analysts. It offers a tantalisingly parsimonious explanation comprising the combination of strongly held prior 'beliefs' coupled with subsequent 'belief-consistent information processing' (akin to confirmation bias) - an explanation that simplifies understanding of a vast array of cognitive biases, and thereby suggests that all of these might be attenuated through the application of accessible analytical and assessment practices. What this means for intelligence analysis will be determined by the explicit and implicit 'beliefs' (or, more generally, ‘value[s]’) attributed to any evidence available, and any insight generated, to reduce decision-makers’ uncertainty and unsubstantiated certainty, and thereby offer them future advantage. Analysts are well aware that different sources of evidence (whether empirical, theoretical or entirely speculative) can assign different types and amounts of ‘prior value’ to the information available for intelligence analysis and assessment. Acknowledging such value as a potential driver of subsequent confirmation bias should help analysts guard against any inherent tendency to preference evidence solely on the basis that this was initially considered most ‘valuable’. Instead they should subject all evidence and all insight – regardless of perceived ‘value’ – to a consistent battery of systematic, rigorous and robust evaluation.

The early detection of cognitive decline and timely non-pharmacological management or drug therapy are extremely important in providing care for Parkinson’s disease with dementia (PDD). In this study, we first conducted a discovery study to identify six plasma microRNAs that may allow for the differentiation of PD with or without mild cognitive impairment via NGS. A total of 120 participants were further recruited in a validation cohort and divided into four subgroups, namely, normal controls (HC), PD with no dementia (PDND), PD with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) and PDD. Among the six candidates, miR-203a-3p was successfully detected in the plasma of the validation cohort using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Our results show that the ratio of miR-203a-3p/miR-16-5p observed in PDD was significantly increased compared to in PD-MCI (p < 0.001) and PDND (p = 0.041). Moreover, the ratio of miR-203a-3p/miR-16-5p showed a significant correlation with MoCA scores (r = -0.237, p = 0.024) in patients with PD (PwP). The ROC curve of the logistic regression model, consisting of the variables of age, the ratio of miR-203a-3p/miR-16-5p and the UPDRS III score, also demonstrated an average AUC of 0.883 via 5-fold cross-validation. In conclusion, the ratio of miR-203a-3p/miR-16-5p may serve as a potential biomarker for distinguishing cognitive dysfunction from PwP.

Patients with chronic (CM) and high frequency episodic migraine (HFEM) report cognitive complaints that contribute to migraine burden. Although, there is little evidence about the ef-fects of migraine treatments on these symptoms. Objective: To evaluate the effect of preventive treatment on the impact of cognitive symptoms, specifically the ability to concentrate, in individuals with CM and HFEM. Methods: Prospective cohort study in patients with CM and HFEM initiating treatment with botulinum toxin (BT) or anti-CGRP/R monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Patients were evaluated at baseline and after 3 months of treatment, using a headache diary and a question about the im-pact of migraine attacks on concentration (never, rarely, sometimes, often, and always). Results: 108 patients (105 females, 44.3 years of age on average), 75% with CM and 27% with HFEM were included, 55 received a first session of BT and 53 received 3 injections of a monthly mAb. In both groups, there was a significant decline on the impact of migraine in concentration (related samples Wilcoxon signed rank test <0.001) compared to baseline. Reduction in monthly headache days was the main predictor of any concentration improvement, while treatment group, age, ongoing medication with topiramate or baseline medication overuse were not sig-nificant. Conclusion: Preventive treatment of HFEM or CM with drugs not acting on central nervous sys-tem is associated with a decrease of the impact of migraine attacks on concentration, predicted by the decline in headache days. These results indicate that migraine preventive treatment also improves non-pain symptoms, which is relevant given the contribution of cognitive complaints to the impact of headache attacks

The Trail Making Test (TMT) is one of the most commonly administered tests in clinical and research neuropsychological settings. The two parts of the test [part A (TMT-A) and part B (TMT-B)] enable the evaluation of visuoperceptual tracking and processing speed (TMT-A), as well as divided attention, set-shifting and cognitive flexibility (TMT-B). The main cognitive processes that are assessed using TMT, i.e. processing speed, divided attention and cognitive flexibility, are often affected in patients with stroke. Considering the wide use of TMT in research and clinical settings since its introduction in neuropsychological practice, the purpose of our review was to provide a comprehensive overview on the use of TMT in stroke patients in an attempt to mainly identify its role for the evaluation of post-stroke cognitive dysfunction and progression over time, the identification of the underlying neuroanatomical pathology related to impaired TMT performance, and the association with other stroke outcomes, such motor function, driving ability and quality of life. Our comprehensive review underscores that the TMT stands as an invaluable asset in the stroke assessment toolkit, contributing nuanced insights into diverse cognitive, functional, and emotional dimensions. As research progresses, continued exploration of the TMT potential across these domains is encouraged, fostering a deeper comprehension of post-stroke dynamics, and enhancing patient-centered care across hospitals, rehabilitation centers, research institutions, and community health settings. Its integration into both research and clinical practice reaffirms TMT status as an indispensable instrument in stroke-related evaluations, enabling holistic insights that extend beyond traditional neurological assessments.

Cognitive Warfare (CogWar) is another form of warfare where the goal is to exploit cognition facets to disrupt, undermine, influence or modify human decisions. Famous examples include “Operation Gidlock” meddling with the US 2016 election, and CogWar campaigns assisting the annexation of Crimea. As Large Language Model(LLM)-based applications expand, reaching more users and their cognitive states, stealth Malicious Cognitive Behavioral Tactics (MCBT) can be embedded in trusted application sessions to systematically profile, then alter, each individual’s cognition over time. Successful MCBT can create more cases like Snowden, mass shootings, or January6. This short-form paper discusses a novel MCBT threat model, a novel kill chain, and an on-going prototype for demonstration.

Background and Objectives: Rheumatic diseases often exhibit a complex pattern of comorbidities, including the increased occurrence of emotional disorders like anxiety and depression, which are closely related to the presence of chronic pain. Therefore, a multimodal approach is necessary for treatment, targeting both the physical and psychological functioning. Due to the increased burden within the healthcare context that emerged during the post-pandemic period, the need to adjust the content and length of psychological interventions became ubiquitous. In this way, the main objective of this study was to investigate the efficiency of a single-session, process-based psychological intervention for patients with rheumatic conditions and emotional comorbidities in a naturalistic, in-patient setting. Materials and Methods: After the screening, a total of 31 participants (Mage = 58.9, SD = 12.03) completed the single session intervention. The therapeutic protocol relied on a process-based cognitive-behavioural therapy framework aiming to improve cognitive, emotional and behavioural functioning. Assessments were conducted prior to the intervention, post-intervention and one month following the hospitalization. Results: Immediately after the intervention, significant reductions in dysfunctional cognitive and emotional processes, along with the improvement of behavioural strategies were observed. At the one-month telephonic evaluation, participants reported decreased pain, state anxiety and state depression levels. Conclusions: The single-session, process-based approach represents a promising intervention in healthcare contexts, targeting important psychopathological mechanisms in patients with rheumatic conditions. Future studies could clarify the extent to which these outcomes persist over time and their specific associations with anxiety and depressive symptoms, by using more controlled and rigorous trial designs.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of circuit training on β-amyloid, BDNF, and cognitive function in untrained obese elderly Korean women. The subjects for the study were aged 65–70 years, composed of the circuit training group(n=12) and control group(n=11). The 60-minute combined exercise was performed 3 times per week for 16 weeks. Exercise intensity was progressively increased from 40% HRR to 70% HRR. The test data were analyzed by paired t-test, independent t-test, and two-way repeated measures ANOVA, and the alpha level of .05 was set for all tests of significance. The findings of this study were as follows: β-amyloid significantly decreased after the exercise group had compared to before the exercise and BDNF and cognitive function significantly increased after the exercise group had compared to before the exercise. However, there were no significant changes in β-amyloid, BDNF, and cognitive function in the control group Therefore, it is suggested that the circuit training used in this study could be an effective exercise method for improving the risk factors of cognitive impairment in obese elderly Korean women.

The mechanism of brain information processing unfolds within spatial and temporal domains inherently linked to the concept of symmetry. Biological evolution, beginning with the prevalent molecular chirality, results in the handedness of cognitive and psychological functions (the phenomena known as biochirality). The key element in the chain of chirality transfer from the downstream to upstream processes is the pyramidal neuron (PyrN) morphology-function paradigm (archetype). The most apparent landmark of PyrN is the geometry of the cell soma. However, “why/how PyrN soma gains the shape of quasi-tetrahedral symmetry” has never been explicitly articulated. Resolving the above inquiry is only possible based on the broad-view assumption that encoding 3D-space requires specific 3D-geometry of the neuronal detector and corresponding network. Accordingly, our hypothesis states that if the primary function of PyrNs, at the organism level, is sensory space perception, then the pyramidal shape of soma is the best evolutionary-selected geometry to support sensory-motor coupling.

Abstract: Objectives: To establish the expression profile of N6-methyladenosine(m6A) modifications in the hippocampus of mice with diabetic cognitive impairment (DCI) and elucidate the potential regulatory mechanism. Methods: A DCI model was established by feeding a high-fat diet to C57BL/6J mice. m6A and RNA sequencing was conducted to profile the m6A-tagged transcripts in the hippocampus. Results: Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation with next-generation sequencing and RNA sequencing analyses yielded differentially m6A-modified and expressed genes in the hippocampus of DCI mice, which were enriched in pathways involving synaptic transmission and axonal guidance. Mechanistic analyses revealed a remarkable change in m6A modification levels through alteration of the mRNA expression of m6A methyltransferases (METTL3 and METTL14) and demethylase (FTO) in the hippocampus of DCI mice. Conclusions: We identified a co-mediated specific RNA regulatory strategy that broadens the epigenetic regulatory mechanism of RNA-induced neurodegenerative disorders associated with metabolic and endocrine diseases.

Background: Cognitive for patients with neurocognitive disorders are mostly measured by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Visual Cognitive Assessment Test (VCAT) as screening tools. These cognitive scores are usually left skewed and the results of association analysis might not be robust. This study aims to study the distribution of the cognitive outcomes and to discuss potential solutions. Materials and Methods: The inverse transformed cognitive outcomes are modelled using different statistical distributions. Robustness of the proposed models are checked under different scenarios: with intercept only, models with covariate, with and without bootstrapping. Results: Main results were based on VCAT score, and validated via MoCA score. Findings suggested that the inverse transformation method improves modelling the cognitive scores compared to the conventional methods using the original cognitive scores. Association of baseline characteristics (age, gender and years of education) and the cognitive outcomes were reported as estimates and 95% confidence intervals. Bootstrap methods improved the estimate precision and the bootstrapped standard errors of the estimates are more robust. Cognitive outcomes are widely analyzed using linear regression models with default normal distribution as a conventional method. We compared the results of our suggested models with the normal distribution under various scenarios. Goodness-of-fit measurements were compared between proposed models and conventional methods. Conclusions: The findings support the use of the inverse transformation method to model the cognitive outcomes instead of the original cognitive scores for early stage neurocognitive disorders where the cognitive outcomes are left skewed.

This study examines the prospective association of egg consumption with multiple domains of cognitive function in older, community-dwelling men and women followed 16.3 years. Participants were 617 men and 898 women from the Rancho Bernardo Cohort aged 60 and older who were surveyed about egg intake/week in 1972-74, and attended a 1988-91 research visit when cognitive function was assessed with 12 tests. Analyses showed that egg intake ranged from 0-24/week (means: men=4.23.2, women=3.52.7, p<0.0001). In men, covariate-adjusted regressions showed egg intake was associated with better performance on Buschke total (p=0.04), long-term (p=0.02) and short-term (p=0.05) recall. No significant associations were observed in women (p’s>0.05). Analyses in those <60y at in 1972-74 showed egg intake was positively associated with scores on Heaton copying(p<.04) and the Mini-Mental Status Exam(MMSE;p<.02) in men, and category fluency(p<0.05) in women. Egg intake was not significantly associated with odds of poor performance on MMSE, Trails B, or category fluency in either sex. These reassuring findings suggest there are no long-term detrimental effects of egg consumption on multiple cognitive function domains, and for men, there may be beneficial effects for verbal episodic memory. Egg consumption in middle-age may also be related to better cognitive performance later in life.

Depression and cognitive impairment are recognized complications of COVID-19. This study aimed to assess cognitive performance in clinically diagnosed post-COVID depression (PCD) patients using neuropsychological testing. The study involved 71 post-COVID patients, with matched control groups: recovered COVID-19 individuals without complications (n=18) and individuals without prior COVID-19 history (n=19). A post-COVID depression group (PCD, n=25) was identified based on psychiatric diagnosis, a comparison group (noPCD, n=46) included participants with neurological COVID-19 complications, excluding clinical depression. The PCD patients showed significantly less scores in the MoCA test, decreased immediate memory recall in the Word Memory Test, decreased processing speed and higher accuracy in the Trail Making Test, and near to significant worse executive control and processing speed in the Stroop task compared to controls and the noPCD patients. The number of post-COVID symptoms negatively correlated with immediate word memory recall and processing speed among all post-COVID patients. In PCD patients, negative correlations between number of post-COVID symptoms and delayed recall, between time after recovery and immediate recall, and positive correlation between the number of acute symptoms and processing speed in the incongruent condition of the Stroop task were found. No differences between groups in Sniffin’s stick olfactory test was found. Overall, our study revealed cognitive impairment in PCD patients similar to those in major depressive disorder.

This research explores the predictive capabilities of autonomous driving systems by integrating human factor considerations within the context of safety-critical events. Recognizing the significance of human behaviors in influencing driving dynamics, the study employs advanced modeling techniques to enhance the accuracy of predictions in scenarios that demand heightened safety measures. Traditional rule-based systems and monotonic logic often fall short in addressing the complexities of safety-critical events. To overcome these limitations, the research proposes the application of non-monotonic logic, allowing for flexible and adaptive reasoning that accommodates exceptions and context-specific information.The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating individual differences among drivers, such as risk-taking tendencies, reaction times, decision-making processes, and driving styles. By considering these human factors, the research aims to develop realistic and accurate autonomous driving models that capture the nuances of real-world driving scenarios, especially in safety-critical situations. The predictive model takes into account both internal and external factors, enabling the autonomous system to anticipate and respond effectively to unforeseen events.The primary goal is to provide autonomous vehicles with the capability to make plausible inferences, handle conflicting data, and adapt their behavior in real-time during safety-critical events. The proposed model integrates personalized cognitive agents for each driver, incorporating their unique preferences, characteristics, and needs. This personalized approach aims to optimize the safety and efficiency of autonomous driving, contributing to the ongoing evolution of intelligent transportation systems.In conclusion, this research contributes to advancing the field of autonomous driving by introducing a predictive model that leverages human factor considerations to enhance safety in safety-critical events. The incorporation of non-monotonic logic and individualized cognitive agents signifies a comprehensive approach to address the challenges associated with predicting autonomous driving behavior, paving the way for safer and more reliable autonomous vehicles in dynamic and unpredictable environments.

(1) Workplace nutrition interventions have garnered attention as a pivotal component of employee well-being and organizational productivity. However, the effectiveness of various intervention types remains inconclusive. This review aims to systematically evaluate the efficacy of cognitive, behavioral, and mixed nutrition interventions in the workplace, considering the nuances of intervention design, setting, and target demographics. (2) A comprehensive umbrella review was conducted, categorizing existing literature into person-oriented and environmental strategies. This review was prepared in line with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for umbrella reviews and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses reporting standard. (3) The analysis revealed a lack of definitive evidence supporting the universal effectiveness of any single intervention type. Nonetheless, behavioral and mixed interventions demonstrated more favorable outcomes compared to purely cognitive strategies. Factors such as intervention design, workplace setting, and target group characteristics were identified as significant determinants of intervention success. (4) The review emphasizes the imperative for additional investigations that utilize evidence-based approaches to formulate sound guidelines for efficacious nutrition interventions in occupational settings. This review functions as a foundational framework for guiding both scholarly research and the pragmatic execution of nutrition programs in the workplace.

This comprehensive review delves into the cognitive neuroscience of hypnosis and variations in hypnotizability by examining research employing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and electroencephalography (EEG) methods. Key focus areas include functional brain imaging correlations in hypnosis, EEG band oscillations as indicators of hypnotic states, alterations in EEG functional connectivity during hypnosis and wakefulness, drawing critical conclusions, and suggesting future research directions. The reviewed functional connectivity findings support the notion that disruptions in the functional integration between different components of the executive control network during hypnosis may correspond to altered subjective appraisals of the agency during the hypnotic response, as per dissociated and cold control theories of hypnosis. Building upon existing EEG results, a promising exploration avenue involves investigating how frontal lobes' integrated functioning with other cortical regions influences hypnosis and individual differences in hypnotizability during both waking and hypnotic states. Future studies investigating the effects of hypnosis on brain function should prioritize examining distinctive activation patterns across various neural networks. A practical approach entails simultaneously analyzing the causal relationships in functional connectivity linked to cognitive, physiological, and behavioral responses.

We aim to examine how happiness modifies and mediates the impact of physical activity and nu-trition on cognitive function among 699 seniors aged 60 and above in Shanghai, China. Linear regression models were used to validate the effects of nutrition and exercise on cognitive function, and to test their interaction effects with happiness. When the interactions were significant, strati-fied analyses in sub-groups were conducted. Mediation effects of happiness were examined using two-step causal mediation models. We confirmed that better nutrition (p < 0.001) and exercise (p = 0.009) were significantly associated with less cognitive decline. Furthermore, the effects of nu-trition and exercise on cognitive decline were significant in the unhappy (happiness < 20) (p <0.001) and younger (age < 74) sub-groups (p = 0.015). Happiness partially mediated 11.5% of the negative association of cognitive decline with nutrition (p = 0.015) and 23.0% of that with exercise (p = 0.017). This study suggests that happiness moderates and also partially mediates the effects of exercise and nutrition on cognitive status. The beneficial effects of exercise and nutrition were stronger in less happy or younger seniors. Future intervention studies are required to confirm this path relationship.

Considering bitemark evidence, forensic dentists must give testimony that could have catastrophic consequences. A bitemark is often the only physical evidence on a body, and odontologists' testimony should be powerful and simple to understand. Given that perpetrators may be executed or imprisoned for life, a defective bitemark analysis is comparable to dentists' most crucial clinical decisions regarding diagnosis. Bias affects human bitemark analysis, and forensic dentists must examine its invisible impacts to avoid making mistakes. The aim of this study was to explore the potential of different types of bias in bitemark analysis and methods during analysis by conducting a scoping review. The majority of the 14 articles that were taken into consideration were published in 2019. USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands published the most articles. 36% of the publications addressed contextual bias, while 57% acknowledged cognitive bias. Preventive measures have been recommended to address bias in bitemark analysis. These consist of limiting the availability of unrelated data during the research, employing several comparison samples for a more impartial assessment, and repeating the analysis while being blind to past findings. These preventative measures reduce cognitive and contextual bias and improve bitemark analysis in forensic investigations.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) may progress to severe forms of dementia, so therapy is needed to maintain cognitive abilities. The neural circuitry for oculomotor control is closely linked to that which controls cognitive behavior. In this study, we tested whether training the oculomotor system with gaze-controlled video games could improve cognitive behavior in MCI patients. Patients played a simple game for a month while a control group played the same game using a mouse. Cognitive improvement was assessed using the MoCA screening test and CANTAB. We also measured eye pupil and vergence responses in an oddball paradigm. The results showed an increased score on the MoCA test specifically for the visuospatial domain and on the Rapid Visual Information Processing test of the CANTAB battery. Pupil responses also increased to target stimuli. Patients in the control group did not show significant improvements. This pilot study provides evidence for the potential cognitive benefits of gaze-controlled gaming in MCI patients.

This research addresses the strategic issue of why key decision-makers fail to foresee potential extreme ‘black swan’ events. Following a review of the literature, a conceptual framework is developed that identifies two types of organisational blindness that are reflected in Tetlock’s hedgehog cognitive thinking style, being the oversimplification of uncertainty (e.g., inductive biases) and an unquestioned, top-down, reference narrative. This framework is tested using a case study approach and qualitative analysis of secondary data sources available from the Royal Commission of Inquiry and other published reports following the 2010 methane explosion at the Pike River Coal Ltd’s mine (Pike) in New Zealand, that killed 29 miners and caused the loss of all funds invested. The results indicate that the combined effect of both blindness’s meant that Pike’s collective intelligence was limited, and for the three key decision-makers at the Pike River mine, some type of extreme ‘black swan’ event was apparently inevitable. This research provides theoretical and practical contributions to the analysis of business and public policy decision-making under uncertainty.

Traumatic events, especially massive trauma resulting from catastrophic incidents, wars, or severe abuse, can elicit significant neuropsychological alterations, with profound implications for cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. This mini review delineates the primary neural changes post-trauma and underscores the importance of timely neuropsychological and clinical interventions. Specific brain regions, including the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, undergo physiological changes that can lead to memory impairments, attention deficits, and emotional disturbances. PTSD, a commonly diagnosed condition post-trauma, exemplifies the intricate relationship between trauma and memory processing. Furthermore, the concept of neuroplasticity, the brain's inherent ability to adapt and rewire, offers hope for recovery. Current clinical interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and biofeedback, leverage this neuroplastic potential to foster healing. The review underscores the vital importance of early intervention to mitigate long term neuropsychological impacts, emphasizing the role of timely and targeted clinical interventions. The synthesis of this knowledge is crucial for clinicians, allowing for informed therapeutic approaches that holistically address both the physiological and psychological dimensions of trauma.

Background: This study investigates cognitive function changes in severe carotid stenosis patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid stenting (CAS), across two decades. Methods: We compared cognitive function within 30 days post-procedure in 267 patients (first 100 each for CEA and CAS in two periods: 2008–2012 and 2018–2022) at a single institution. Assessments used Adenbrooke's Cognitive Examination–Revised (ACE-R), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Speech Fluency Test (SFT), and Clock Drawing Test (CDT), conducted before and 30 ± 2 days after surgery. Results: Patients (mean age 67.2 years, 70%+ carotid stenosis) exhibited different cognitive changes over the periods. In 2008–2012, significant declines in MMSE (CEA, p = 0.049) and CDT (CAS, p = 0.015) were noted among asymptomatic patients. Conversely, in 2018–2022, improvements were observed in ACE-R and MMSE for both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients undergoing CEA and CAS. Conclusion: Over a decade, advancements in interventional techniques and patient management have reduced cognitive decline risks in asymptomatic carotid stenosis patients, also improving cognitive functions in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.

(1) Background: Environmental and public health research has given considerable attention to the impact of air quality on brain health, with systematic reviews widespread. No literature review has been done for cognitive frailty – a multidimensional syndrome combining physical frailty and cognitive impairment and their apparent co-dependence, linked to increased vulnerability and adverse health outcomes, including dementia. Instead, cognitive decline and frailty is implicitly explored through research on air quality and comorbid cognitive and physical decline in elderly populations. (2) Methods: A scoping review was conducted to explore the need for a systematic review. Combining Arksey and O’Malley [1] and PRISMA-ScR checklist [2], a scoping review of SCOPUS using ‘cogniti*’ + ‘resilience’ + ‘air quality’ or ‘cogniti*’ + ‘ageing’ + ‘air quality’ resulted in N=2503 articles, screened and reduced using inclusion and exclusion criteria, to N=16 articles. (3) Results: Air quality appears to be a critical risk factor for cognitive decline, even at air quality levels below WHO targets. Moderate long-term ambient air pollution appears linked to increased risk of cognitive frailty, suggesting earlier and more active interventions to protect older people. There are varied effects on cognition across the life course, with both emotional and functional impacts. Effects may be more detrimental to elderly people with existing conditions, including economic and health inequalities. Generalisation of results is limited due to the absence of a dose-response, variations in methods, controlling for comorbid effects, and variance across studies. (4) Conclusions: The findings support the need for more research and a more extensive summary of the literature.

Post-stroke depressive disorders (PSD) and post-stroke cognitive impairments (PCI) are frequent consequences of ischemic stroke (IS). The study was focused on exploring possible associations between relative volumes of cortical and limbic brain structures during the acute period of IS, and changes in biochemical indices of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal, sympathoadrenal medullary and inflammatory systems, with the development of PSD or PCI after mild or moderate IS. Patients developing PSD later on had significantly smaller relative volumes of the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and temporal pole versus patients without depressive symptoms. PCI development was associated with significantly smaller volumes of temporal pole and supramarginal gyrus versus patients without cognitive changes. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed higher likelihood of developing PSD in patients with smaller temporal pole volume (β0=10.9; β=-4.27; p=0.04) and increased salivary α-amylase activity (β0=-3.55; β=2.68e-05; p=0.02,). PCI likelihood was higher in patients with smaller supramarginal gyrus volume (β0=3.41; β=-0.99; p=0.047), smaller temporal pole volume (β0=3.41; β=-3.12; p=0. 06), and increased hair cortisol concentration at admission (index of accumulated stress load within a month before IS; β0=3.41; β=-0.05; p=0.08). The data support the hypothesis suggesting predisposition to PSD and PCI and multi hit scenarios of their pathogenesis with IS providing a final hit.

Abstract: This study presents a methodological framework for AD and MCI diagnosis using radiomic analysis of 18FDG-PET imaging and conducts non-invasive predictions and in-depth analysis of AD and MCI and the associated small number of regions and features. Our methodology follows a structured process commencing with data preprocessing and labeling, facilitating segmentation through FastSurfer, a tool that efficiently segments the brain into 95 ROIs using the DKT-atlas. Subsequently, Feature extraction was carried out using PyRadiomics, calculating 120 features for each of the 95 ROIs (11,400 per image). These extracted features form the foundation of our radiomics analysis, primarily for early diagnostic purposes. In the feature selection phase, we explored a set of eight commonly employed techniques, including ANOVA, PCA, and LASSO, originating from the four main categories, namely filtered, embedded, wrapper, and hybrid methods, to identify a pertinent subset of features. Our evaluation assessed the performance of nine classification methods, such as GradientBoosting, RandomForest, and GaussianNB, in conjunction with eight feature selection techniques. The choice of feature selection method and classifiers was predicated on their ability to achieve the best area under the ROC curve with independent data. For all three predictions AD vs. CN, AD vs. MCI, and CN vs. MCI the Random Forest (RF) classifier with LASSO feature selection demonstrated the highest accuracy with an AUC of 0.976 for AD vs CN, AUC=0.917 for AD vs MCI, and AUC=0.877 for MCI vs CN. In conclusion, our RAB-PET platform enables efficient AD and MCI diagnosis from FDG-PET images using a radiomics pipeline. It also offers a general hardware and software tool for the investigation of other brain disorders.

Knowledge is a property that measures the degree of awareness of an agent about a target in an environment. The goal in conventional intelligent and cognitive agent development is to build agents that can be trained to gain knowledge about a target. The definition and operations of this knowledge associated to the agent is not clear, whereas these are required for developing a reliable, scalable and flexible agent. In this paper, we provide a concise theoretical framework for the description and quantification of the knowledge property needed for an efficient design of cognitive and rational intelligent agents. We relate the quantification scheme to the epistemological description of knowledge and present many illustrative examples on the usefulness of the quantification scheme.

Blood biomarkers represent a promising future for studying cognitive impairment, particularly in Alzheimer's Disease (AD), as they offer a non-invasive alternative to cerebrospinal fluid tests and have potential as population screening tools. However, the relationships between these biomarkers and specific cognitive functions, as well as their utility in predicting longitudinal cognitive decline, are not yet fully understood. This descriptive review surveys the literature from 2018 to 2023, focusing on the associations between Amyloid-β, Total Tau, Phosphorylated Tau (p-tau), Neurofilament Light (Nfl), and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) with cognition. The reviewed studies are heterogeneous, varying in design and population (mixed, cognitively impaired, or unimpaired), and show results that are sometimes conflicting. Generally, cognition positively correlates with Aβ levels, especially when evaluated through the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio. In contrast, Tau, Nfl, and GFAP levels typically show a negative correlation with cognitive performance. While p-tau measures tend to show stronger associations with cognitive functions than other biomarkers, no single blood marker has emerged as predominantly associated with a specific cognitive domain. These findings add to our understanding of the complex relationship between blood biomarkers and cognitive performance and underscore their potential utility in clinical evaluations of cognition.

This paper argues that popular misrepresentation of the nature of AI has important consequences concerning how it should be regulated. Viewing AI as something that exists in itself, rather than as a set of cognitive technologies whose characteristics – physical, cognitive, and systemic – are quite different from ours (and at times from each other) leads to inefficient approaches to regulation. It limits our ability to anticipate the consequences of its foreseeable developments and social diffusion. It undermines attempts to protect ourselves from the social and political dangers it presents. After a short introduction, section 2 retraces rapidly the history of the idea that intelligence is essentially a quality, one that AI shares with human intelligence and that this resemblance trumps the differences that exist between artificial and natural cognitive systems. Section 3 reviews two approaches to the dangers of AI that reflect the illusion that AI exists in itself. Section 4 turns to the proper understanding of regulations and what is their main goal and purpose. Section 5 analyses three central characteristics of artificial cognitive systems which section six compares with corresponding characteristics of natural cognitive systems. Finally, section 7 draws some conclusions regarding how we should regulate artificial intelligence.

Cognitive reserve is the adaptability of cognitive processes in the face of brain aging and pathology. This study aimed to validate the Arabic version of the Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire (CRIq) in a healthy Lebanese sample. CRIq assesses cognitive reserve through three domains: education, working activity, and leisure time. Statistical measures, including descriptive and regression analysis along with structural equation modeling, were utilized to investigate the convergent and discriminant validity of CRIq, incorporating fluid intelligence (Gf) and measures of cognitive function, long-term memory encoding and retrieval (Glr), and processing speed (Gs). Results from 174 participants revealed that the activities assessed by CRIq-Arabic were comparable to the original CRIq study, with slight cultural differences. The internal consistency of CRIq-Arabic was good (Cronbach's α = 0.88), indicating reliability. Convergent validity was confirmed, with moderate to high loadings on the cognitive reserve latent construct. Discriminant validity was supported as correlations between cognitive reserve variables and non-target constructs (Gf, Glr, Gs) were less than 1. The findings provide an initial psychometric validation of the CRIq-Arabic. Further research in clinical samples is needed to enhance its utility in neuropsychological practice.

Collaborative robots (cobots) have largely replaced conventional industrial robots in today’s workplaces, particularly in manufacturing setups due to their improved performance and intelligent design. In the framework of Industry 5.0, humans are working alongside cobots to accomplish the required level of automation. However, human-robot interaction has brought up concerns regarding human factors (HF) and ergonomics. A human worker may experience cognitive stress as a result of cobots' irresponsive nature in unpredictably occurring situations, which adversely affects productivity. Therefore, there is a necessity to measure stress to enhance a human worker’s performance in a human-robot collaborative environment. In this study, factory workers’ mental workload has been assessed using physiological, behavioural, and subjective measures. Electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) signals have been collected to acquire brain signals and track hemodynamic activity, respectively. The effect of task complexity, cobot’s movement speed, and cobot’s payload capacity on the mental stress of a human worker have been observed, for a task designed in the context of a smart factory. Task complexity and cobot’s speed have proved to be more impactful. As physiological measures are unbiased and more authentic means to estimate stress, eventually, they may replace the other conventional measures if they prove to correlate with the results of traditional ones. Here, regression and artificial neural networks (ANN) have been utilised to determine the correlation between physiological data and subjective and behavioural measures. Regression has performed better for most of the targets and the best correlation (rsq-adj = 0.654146) has been achieved for predicting missed beeps, behavioural measure, using a combination of multiple EEG and fNIRS predictors. The k-nearest neighbours (KNN) algorithm has been used to evaluate the accuracy of correlation between traditional measures and physiological variables, with highest accuracy of 77.8% achieved for missed beeps as the target. Results show that physiological measures can be more insightful and have the tendency to replace other biased parameters.

miRNA regulatory axes in blood of MCI patients, which includes lncRNA-SNHG16, lncRNA-H19 and lncRNA-NEAT1. Microarray investigations have demonstrated modifications in the expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) in blood of patients with MCI compared with control samples. This is the first study to explore lncRNA profiles in Mild Cognitive Impairment blood. Our study proposes RNAs targets involved in molecular pathways connected to the pathogenesis of MCI.

Women are at higher risk of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) after menopause when the estrous cycle becomes irregular and begins to taper off. Numerous studies have shown that estrogen deficiency, especially estradiol (E2), has been shown to play a key role in this phenomenon. Recently, a novel polymeric drug, hyaluronic acid-17β-Estradiol conjugate (HA-E2), has been developed which has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), facilitate a longer E2 release profile and lower risk of estrogen supplement related side effects. In this study, we used an ovariohysterectomy (OHE) rat model of postmenopausal cognitive deficits and explore whether HA-E2 treatment can improve the cholinergic septo-hippocampal innervation system, synaptic transmission in the hippocampal pyramidal neuron and cognitive impairment. Our results show that OHE rats after HA-E2 administration have increased expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the medial septal nucleus (MS nucleus) and the hippocampus, increased spine density in hippocampal pyramidal neurons, and improved spatial learning and memory. Therefore, HA-E2 has great potential as a new novel class of drugs for estrogen-deficiency-induced cognitive impairment and AD.

With the widespread Application of Virtual Reality (VR) in education, optimizing foreign language learning in VR has become a focal point of research. This paper introduces a comprehensive theoretical framework (VR-CCL) based on constructivism and cognitive load theory to enhance foreign language learning in VR. Through a literature review, we explore the applications of VR in education, foreign language learning theories, and prior works on technology-assisted language learning. We further detail the three main components of the VR-CCL framework and validate its effectiveness through two case studies: Duolingo VR and Rosetta Stone VR. Finally, we discuss the strengths and limitations of the framework and its implications for educators and developers.

Machine Learning techniques can be used to identify whether deficits in cognitive functions contribute to antisocial and aggressive behavior. This paper initially presents the results of tests conducted on delinquent and non-delinquent youths to assess their cognitive functions. The dataset extracted from these assessments, consisting of 37 predictor variables and one target. was used to train three algorithms that aim to predict whether the data corresponds to that of a young offender or a non-offending youth. Prior to this, statistical tests were conducted on the data to identify characteristics that exhibited significant differences in order to select the most relevant features and optimize the prediction results. Additionally, other feature selection methods, such as Boruta, RFE, and Filter, were applied, and their effects on the accuracy of each of the three machine learning models used (SVM, RF, and KNN) were compared. 80% of the data were utilized for training, while the remaining 20% were used for validation. The best result was achieved by the K-NN model trained with 19 features selected by the Boruta method, followed by the SVM model trained with 24 features selected by the filter method.

This study assessed the acute effects of oral methylliberine (DynamineTM) supplementation on cognitive function and indices of well-being. This was a double-blind, randomized, within-subject crossover trial. 25 healthy men and women (33.5±10.7yr, 172.7±8.6cm, 73.3±11.0kg) underwent pretesting before ingesting methylliberine (100mg) or placebo (PLA) for 3 days. On the fourth day participants were tested before their 4th dose (baseline) and every hour post-ingestion for 3 hours. After a one-week washout period, participants repeated testing with the alternate investigational product. The testing battery consisted of vitals, Stroop test and Trail Making Test-B, and visual analog scales that assessed various indices of well-being. Mixed factorial ANOVA with repeated measures were used to assess all variables. There were significant (p≤0.050) interactions in concentration, motivation, and mood. Methylliberine improved concentration 1- and 3-hours, motivation 3 hours, and mood 1-, 2-, and 3 hours (p≤0.050). Methylliberine improved energy, sustained energy, and mood in all participants to a greater extent than PLA at 1-hour and 3-hours relative to baseline (p≤0.050). PLA improved motivation at 1- and 2-hours and mood at 2-hours (p≤0.050). Methylliberine improved concentration, well-being, and the ability to tolerate stress to a greater extent than PLA at 3-hours relative to baseline (p≤0.050). Women observed elevations in sustained energy 1- and 3-hours (p≤0.050) in methylliberine vs. PLA. Methylliberine had negligible influence on cognitive function, vitals (p>0.050), and no adverse events were reported. Methylliberine significantly improved subjective feelings of energy, concentration, motivation, and mood, but not cognitive function. PLA improved motivation and mood at hours 1 and 2, while methylliberine sustained benefits for longer. Methylliberine also improved concentration, well-being, and the ability to tolerate stress to a greater degree than PLA while having no detrimental effects on vital signs. Methylliberine also seems to have a positive impact on sustained energy in women.

In this paper, we critically examine the burgeoning role of advanced computational methodologies in deciphering the complex tapestry of farm animal behaviors and emotions. Leveraging digital imaging and artificial intelligence, we unearth nuanced behavioral patterns and micro-expressions, offering predictive insights into animal emotional states. Sound vocalization analysis, often overlooked, emerges as a pivotal tool, decoding intricate communicative nuances and emotional undertones. Cognitive tests, including mirror and bias assessments, challenge long-standing perceptions, revealing surprising depths of animal self-awareness and cognitive sophistication. However, the paper also underscores the imperative of integrating these tools with a profound understanding of animal psyche, ensuring technology serves as an enhancer, not a replacement, of traditional observational methods. This research not only highlights the transformative potential of cognitive computing in animal welfare but also calls for a judicious application, ensuring technology augments, not undermines, the intrinsic value of human-animal interactions and understanding.

The software design of autonomous vehicles (AVs) incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) characteristics to enhance their safety and overall driving performance. Central to vehicle’s operation is the ability to reason effectively in complex and uncertain environments. However, traditional logical systems, such as monotonic logic, often struggle to handle the inherent uncertainties and exceptions encountered in real-world scenarios. This paper proposes the utilization of non-monotonic logic in order to enhance the reasoning capabilities of autonomous vehicles. By incorporating non-monotonic reasoning, vehicles can navigate intricate traffic scenarios, make plausible inferences, and adapt their decisions when faced with conflicting information. This research aims to provide a comprehensive review of non-monotonic logic's application in autonomous vehicles, highlighting its advantages over traditional logical systems and its potential impact on safety and performance. Additionally, through this research, we seek to contribute to the advancement of autonomous driving technology by enhancing the reasoning capabilities of vehicles in various scenarios, such as car- following related to critical safety events. The personalized cognitive agent is proposed in driving behavior to consider particularly in their assumptions of homogeneous drivers. The personalized cognitive agent is incorporating heterogeneous driving behaviors, based on individual user preferences, characteristics, and needs. Driving behavior is a complex interplay of various factors, encompassing both human and external elements. Human factors, including age, experience, and gender, contribute significantly to how individuals navigate the roads. These factors influence decisions, reactions, and risk-taking tendencies on the part of drivers. Additionally, external factors such as weather conditions further compound this intricate dynamic, requiring drivers to adapt their behavior to the prevailing environment. The goal of a personalized cognitive agent is to provide tailored and customized experiences to cognitive vehicles, taking into account the unique requirements and individual preferences of occupants inside autonomous vehicles.

The association between depressive symptomatology and cognitive decline has been examined using the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), however, concerns have been raised about this self-report measure. Here, we examined how the CES-D total score from the 14- and 10-item versions compared to the 20-item version in predicting progression to cognitive decline from a cognitively unimpaired baseline. Data from 1,054 participants were analysed using ordinal logistic regression, alongside moderator and receiver-operating characteristics curve analyses. All baseline total scores significantly predicted progression to cognitive decline. The 14-item version was better than the 20-item version in predicting consensus diagnosis, as shown by their AICs, while also showing the highest accuracy when discriminating between participants by diagnosis at last visit. We did not find sex to moderate the relationship between CES-D score and cognitive decline. Current findings suggest the 10- and 14-item versions of the CES-D are comparable to the 20-item version, and that the 14-item version may be better at predicting longitudinal consensus diagnosis compared to the 20-item version.

The flour milling industry, a vital component of global food production, is undergoing a transformative phase driven by the integration of smart devices and advanced technologies. This transition promises improved efficiency, quality, and sustainability in flour production. Accurate estimation of protein, moisture and ash content in wheat grains and flour is of paramount importance due to their direct impact on product quality and compliance with industry standards. This paper explores the application of Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as a non-destructive, efficient, and cost-effective method for measuring the aforementioned essential parameters in wheat and flour, by investigating the effectiveness of a low-cost handle NIR spectrometer. Furthermore, a novel approach using Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs) is proposed to estimate protein, moisture and ash content in grain seeds and flour, marking the first known application of FCMs in this context. Our study includes an experimental setup that assesses different types of wheat seeds and flour samples and evaluates three NIR pre-processing techniques to enhance parameter estimation accuracy. The results indicate that low-cost NIR equipment can contribute to the estimation of the under-study parameters.

Microbes are the most prevalent and widely-distributed life form on planet Earth. They are also cognitive organisms with memory and superior problem-solving skills that use quantum phase transitions during their remarkably-effective gathering and dissemination of information. This narrative review explores the biological ramifications of human holobionts physically embodying the human microbiome and connecting to the Internet of Microbes (IOM) beyond our body. Within the review, we consider: 1) the ways in which our microbial co-partners exerted control over our ancestors and continue to influence our current human generation, 2) how they mold virtually every key aspect of our life and even remain with our body in death and 3) how inward-looking contemplative tools such as meditation and embodied cognition provide an ideal opportunity to connect to the microbial information super highway and tap the full range of human holobiont capacities.

According to the cognitive radio (CR) paradigm, the efficient use of the radio spectrum is achieved by performing four main functions: spectral perception, spectral mobility, decision-making, and cooperation. In this work, a multivariable algorithm that considers geographic mobility (GM) is presented. The decision-making process includes a feedback mechanism for the dynamic selection of reservation channels in a wireless network with cognitive capabilities. Geographic mobility plays a crucial role in how radio takes advantage of its environment; however, it has been scarcely explored in the literature. In the present work, geographic mobility tests were carried out involving the interaction of CR and primary users (PU), where a measurement of the latency time of the proposed algorithm called: Algorithm for Decision-Making with Geographic Mobility (ATDeMoGeo) was evaluated and compared with other algorithms such as: Dijkstra's Algorithm, Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP), Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchical Process (FAHP) and Decision-Making Algorithm with Modified Dijkstra (ATDDiM). It was found that the proposed algorithm is robust and that it considerably reduces the latency time to accurately determine the best communication channels, thanks to the decision-making function implemented to establish which channels the CRs can occupy. For the selection of the best reserve channels, a series of criteria were considered, such as: signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR), bandwidth (BW), probability of channel availability (AP), estimated channel time of availability (ETA) using the random waypoint mobility model (RWPM). These criteria are evaluated for two types of service, i.e., real time (RT) and best effort (BE). For the evaluation and validation of the ATDeMoGeo algorithm, a network with cognitive characteristics in NS-3 was simulated. The simulation scenarios consisted of a base station (BS) with mobile CRs and PUs. Based on the previous criteria, i.e., BW, SINR, AP and ETA, the BS assesses the spectrum occupancy information obtained by the CRs. The results show that the proposed algorithm can be used without problem for the proposed scenarios with higher speed and accuracy for the selection of better communication channels.

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a common brain dysfunction following sepsis that often results in severe cognitive and neurological sequelae and increases the mortality rate in patients with sepsis. Microglia are resident macrophages in the brain that play essential roles in the pathological and physiological processes of SAE. Depending on the nature of the stimulus, microglia can adopt two polarization states (M1/M2), which correspond to altered microglial morphology, gene expression, and function. Therefore, we systematically described the pathogenesis, morphology, function, and phenotype of microglial activation in SAE. We demonstrated that microglia are closely related to occurrence and development of SAE and concomitant cognitive impairement. Finally, we outlined some potential therapeutic approaches that can prime microglia and neuroinflammation towards the beneficial restorative microglial phenotype in SAE.

Cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), which may occur in various severities, represents one of the commonest and most disabling non-motor manifestations during the course of the disease, causing a negative impact on patients’ quality of life. Eventually, it becomes a burden for the family members and/or the caregivers of patients, as it progresses to PD dementia. Current pharmacological treatments for cognitive impairment in PD exhibit partial efficacy, while novel effective therapeutic strategies are required. Accumulating preclinical and clinical evidence shows that several agents may provide beneficial effects on patients with PD and cognitive impairment, including ceftriaxone, ambroxol, intranasal insulin, nilotinib, atomoxetine, mevidalen, blarcamesine, prasinezumab, SYN120, ENT-01, NYX-458, GRF6021, fosgonimeton, INT-777, Neuropeptide S, silibinin, osmotin, cordycepin, huperzine A, fibroblast growth factor 21, Poloxamer 188, ginsenoside Rb1, thioredoxin-1, tangeretin, istradefylline, and Eugenia uniflora. Potential underlying mechanisms include the inhibition of a-synuclein aggregation, improvement of mitochondrial function, regulation of synaptic plasticity, impact on gut-brain axis, modulation of neuroinflammation, upregulation of neurotrophic factors, as well as cholinergic, dopaminergic, serotoninergic and norepinephrine neurotransmission. In this overview, we aim to cover the clinical aspects of PD associated cognitive impairment, highlighting recent evidence on emerging treatment approaches that are currently under investigation at a preclinical and clinical level.

Background: Physical activity (PA) has paramount importance for achieving good health and an active lifestyle among university students. Quality physical education (QPE) program ensures the attainment of sustainability in PA. Motivation can be considered a critical factor in promoting PA in students. However, motivation alone cannot bring inclusivity unless quality aspects are not being incorporated thoughtfully into physical education (PE) programs. Aims: As such this study aimed at examining three research questions: i) do the motive of PA participation can be enhanced through the quality provision of PE programs in university settings ii) does the quality provision of PE help promote sustainable PA among adolescents? and iii) whether or not this carry-over process is influenced by gender. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited N = 610 (male = 467) & female = 143) university students. Students who studied PE as one of their course subjects were only included in this study. They participated in > 27 different sports and had a mean age of 20.76 (SD = 3.47) years and a mean of 4.70 (SD = 4.93) years of athletic experience. Descriptive (mean, SD) statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and regression analysis were used to meet the objectives. To examine the variables’ differences in gender, data were then computed using a 2 (Gender) by 2 (Type of Sport: Individual vs. Team) MANCOVA, with the covariate being age. Results: The factors provided sound reliability scores and highlighted positive correlations between QPE and exercise needs satisfaction. However, the factors lacked establishing correlations with PA. The perceived competence for exercise needs satisfaction reported differences in sexes, with the male being scored higher. Furthermore, QPE did not show any significant differences in gender. In comparison to females, males showed higher mean scores in the PA. Conclusion: The provision of QPE is identified as a pivotal factor in determining the competence of exercise satisfaction among students. QPE provision was adequate in the university, however, it could not promote PA among females as expected.

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the spinal cord is used to restore locomotion and body weight support in patients with severe motor disorders. We studied effects of this non-invasive stimulation on postural control in healthy subjects. Stimulation at the L1-L2 vertebrae was performed to activate the extensor muscles of the lower limbs. Because postural regulation depends on the cognitive style, the effects of the stimulation were analyzed separately in field-dependent (FD) and field-independent (FI) participants. During the study young adults (N=16, half FD and half FI participants, all right dominant leg) stood on a force platform in a soundproof chamber with their eyes closed. Stimulation was applied in the midline between the L1-L2 vertebrae or over the left or right dorsal roots of the spinal cord; under control condition there was no stimulation. Stimulation destabilized posture in healthy subjects, whereas patients with movement disorders usually showed an improvement in postural control. In FD participants, left dorsal root and midline stimulation increased several postural parameters by up to 30%. Dorsal root stimulation on the side of the supporting leg reduced postural control, while stimulation on the side of the dominant leg did not. No significant changes were observed in the FI participants.

The epistemology of the traditional risk assessment examined has a taxonomy based upon deterministic, behaviouristic and compatibilist methodologies which are likely driven by neo-liberal market related requirements for bigger, faster cheaper wind-turbines. Analysis of available risk assessments suggested that there is no conscious effort to deceive the reader although the intended audience is unclear. The language, and scoring mechanisms utilized indicates the presence of conformity bias, confirmation bias, and numerical inconsistency leading to data ossification. By reverse engineering risk assessment content, Pragmatic and Social Psychological aspects can be investigated, and the adequacy of the document can be evaluated using evidence-based models.

Despite the proliferation of Blockchain Metaverse projects, the inclusion of physically disabled individuals in the Metaverse remains distant, with limited standards and regulations in place. However, the article proposes a concept of the Metaverse that leverages emerging technologies, such as Virtual and Augmented Reality, and the Internet of Things, to enable greater engagement of disabled creatives. This approach aims to enhance inclusiveness in the Metaverse landscape. Based on the findings, the paper concludes that the active involvement of physically disabled individuals in the design and development of Metaverse platforms is crucial for promoting inclusivity. The proposed framework for accessibility and inclusiveness in Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed realities of decentralised Metaverses provides a basis for the meaningful participation of disabled creatives. The article emphasises the importance of addressing the mechanisms for art production by individuals with disabilities in the emerging Metaverse landscape. Additionally, it highlights the need for further research and collaboration to establish standards and regulations that facilitate the inclusion of physically disabled individuals in Metaverse projects.

This paper addresses the problem of non-cooperative spectrum sensing in very low signal noise ratio (SNR) conditions. In our approach, detecting an unoccupied bandwidth consists to detect the presence or absence of a communication signal on this bandwidth. Major well known communication signals may contain hidden periodicities, we use the Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA) to reveal the hidden periodicities. RQA is very sensitive to a reliable estimation of the phase space dimension m or the time delay τ. In view of the limitations of algorithms proposed in the literature, we have proposed a new algorithm to estimate simultaneously the optimal values of m and τ. The new proposed optimal values allow the states reconstruction of the observed signal and then the estimation of the distance matrix. This distance matrix has particular properties which we have exploited to propose the Recurrence Analysis based Detector (RAD). RAD can detect a communication signal in a very low SNR condition. Using Receiver Operating Characteristic curves, our experimental results corroborate the robustness of our proposed algorithm comparing to classical widely used algorithms.

Background: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is one of the most serious side effects of cancer that negatively impact the quality of life of cancer patients and survivors. There is evidence of CRCI in Hodgkin lymphoma patients (HL); however, there is a lack of studies examining the presence of cognitive deficits before starting any treatment in HL patients. Methods: Forty patients (N=40) newly diagnosed with HL (with no previous cancer diagnoses) and 40 healthy controls (N=40) matched for age, sex, education, and premorbid intellect completed the neuropsychological battery and subjective and objective measures of affective distress and quality of life. Results: The results showed impairment in three out of six cognitive domains: verbal memory and learning, speed of processing/ psychomotor speed, and abstraction/executive functions in the HL patients before the initiation of any treatment. Speed of processing/psychomotor speed domain negatively correlated with depression. Conclusion: Impairment in verbal memory and learning and abstraction/executive functions domains in HL patients seems to occur before the initiation of treatment independently of anxiety, depression, or physical symptoms. This suggests that HL itself may cause cognitive deficits in these cognitive domains. However, the underlying causes of CRCI still remain unclear.

A reduced ability to work with information contained in a text is usually registered in low-achieving students. One important internal factor influencing reading comprehension concerns the child’s executive functioning. The current study investigated whether the domain-specific intervention ExeFun-READ targeting language abilities related to reading comprehension and executive functioning in primary school children would be effective in improving their scholastic performance in their reading domain and executive functioning. ExeFun-READ is designed to address the relations between domain-specific versus thinking-skill-oriented (domain-general) instruction. A child’s active learning is focused on semantic, phonetic, morphological and syntactical comprehension of linguistic material. In total, 151 students attending grade four from seven elementary schools took part in the project. The study concerned a pretest-intervention-posttest experimental design with three conditions: the experimental condition, an active, and a passive control group. To assess the children’s level of EF, the Delis–Kaplan Executive Function System test battery was used; to assess children’s language ability in reading domain, the Cognitive Abilities Test (the verbal battery, Thorndike &amp; Hagan, 1986 [1]), was used. In the current study, the intervention led to improved language abilities related to reading comprehension, but in terms of executive functioning the improvement only extended to switching fluency. Regarding the effects of the ExeFun-READ intervention on children’s reading abilities, specified as language abilities related to reading comprehension, significant improvements were found in vocabulary, completion of sentences, and classification of terms in the group of children that received the ExeFun-READ intervention.

Background: Alzheimer's disease causes great changes, with the prefrontal cortex be-ing frequently damaged zones, affecting physical and cognitive behavioural and compromising autonomy and quality of life. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of feedback-based tech-nology on the improvement of physical-cognitive capacities in Alzheimer. Methods: Forty pa-tients with Alzheimer were recruited from the Santa Elena Alzheimer's Association, Seville, of which 15 ended up being pilot participants, divided randomly into controls (8) and experi-mental (7). They were evaluated with: Cognitive Mini-Examination Scale, Oddball Test and At-tention Network, Berg Scale, Tinetti, Timed up and Go and Geriatric Deterioration Scale. The experimental group was treated with feedback-based technology under the supervision of physiotherapists, during 16 thirty-minute sessions, twice a week. The control group performed their usual care. Result: A significant improvement was observed in the experimental group (Cognitive Mini-Examination and Tinetti). In the group of control, a worsening of physical and motor skills was evidenced because of the degenerative disease. Discussion/Conclusion: This treatment could be a strategy to keep the patient in early stages for longer, and improve quali-ty of life delaying dependency. It creates intergenerational bonds and use at home to promote treatment adherence.

As education continues to evolve in response to technological advancements, the concept of Education 5.0 has gained prominence. However, it is crucial to critically analyze the limitations and challenges of this model. This article presents a comprehensive examination of Education 5.0, identifies its drawbacks, and proposes a vision for Education 6.0. Through insightful case studies and discussions, this article aims to provide a nuanced perspective on the future of education.

Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health disorders worldwide. Internet-Delivered Cogni-tive Behaviour Therapy (ICBT) can reduce barriers to care for broad cross sections of the population. How-ever, People of Diverse Ethnocultural Backgrounds (PDEGs) other than White/Caucasian underutilize mental health services and are underrepresented in clinical trials of psychological interventions. To address this research gap, we adapted an evidence-based ICBT program for PDEGs. The current pilot study explores the effectiveness, satisfaction, and engagement in the adapted ICBT by PDEGs (N=41) when benchmarked against a sample of PDEGs (N=134) drawn from a previous non-adapted version of the ICBT program. Inntent-to-treat analyses showed that the adapted ICBT program is effective in reducing anxiety and de-pression symptoms among PDEGs. Large within-group pre-to-post-treatment Cohen’s effect sizes of d = 1.23, 95% CI [0.68, 1.77] and d = 1.24, 95% CI [0.69, 1.79] were found for depression and anxiety, respectively. Further, 81.8% of the PDEGs who received the adapted ICBT program reported high overall satisfaction, 90.9 % reported increased confidence in managing symptoms, and 70.7% of participants completed the ma-jority of the psychoeducational lessons in the ICBT program. No statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes, engagement, and satisfaction were found between the pilot study and benchmark sample. Future directions for ICBT research with PDEGs are described.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is when brain function declines. It is a transition stage between normal aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may be an underlying symptom of AD. Improper use of test instruments or imperfect test methods in clinical practice often leads to variations in test results. In addition, there may be resistance from the subject if he/she has to undergo multiple screening tests simultaneously. Therefore, the objective of this study was to use virtual reality to create an image testing scenario that integrates Mini-Cog, Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ), Mini-mental Status Examination (MMSE), Saint Louis University Mental Status Examination (SLUMS), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), and Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI), and combine fuzzy logic control (FLC) technology to develop an MCI forecasting system. There were 24 middle-aged to older adults aged 50 to 65 years who participated in the evaluation experiment. The results showed that the MCI forecasting system developed in this study is highly correlated with the traditional screening tests, including Mini-Cog, SPMSQ, MMSE, SLUMS, and CASI. The forecasting system can provide an integrated reference score for testers in making judgments. In addition, the distribution of the System Usability Scale (SUS) evaluation scores for the MCI forecasting system revealed that 87.5% were grade C (good to use) or above, and 29.2% were grade B (extremely good to use) or above. The forecasting system receives positive feedback from the subjects.

Very poor oral health, common among older adults, is associated with cognitive decline.This study aimed to investigate the association between denture use, chewing ability, and cognitive function in Korean middle-aged adults using samples representing middle-aged people at the national level. This longitudinal study included 9,998 middle-aged adults via Korea Longitudinal Study of Aging 7th special survey data. Denture use, chewing ability, health-related factors, and general characteristics were assessed by the Computer Assisted Personal Interview. After controlling general characteristics using a generalized estimating equation model, the association of denture use and MMSE scores with chewing ability of those with or without dentures and MMSE scores were analysed. Twenty-four percent of participants wore dentures among them, 35.1% complained of difficulty chewing when wearing dentures. Among participants who did not wear dentures, 16.4% complained of difficulty chewing. MMSE scores were lower among denture-wearers than non-denture wearers (β = -0.026, p < 0.001). In both groups, MMSE scores decreased with chewing difficulty and were significantly reduced among non-denture wearers (p < 0.05). Chewing ability was closely associated with cognitive function. Given the negative effect of difficulty chewing on cognitive function, maintaining chewing ability should be of great concern.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a persistent inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is an enzyme crucial in the communication process of B cells, which have a significant impact on the development of MS. Recently, BTK inhibitors have emerged as a promising treatment strategy for MS due to their ability to modulate the immune system. In this study, an extensive literature search was performed utilizing multiple databases, such as PubMed, Embase, and Scopus to examine the potential use of BTK inhibitors in managing cognitive disorders experienced by individuals with MS. We found that BTK inhibitors targeting microglia offer potential advantages for managing neurodegeneration associated with cognitive impairments in MS patients by slowing down degeneration processes effectively. Their ability to impact microglial function and penetrate the CNS positions them as promising candidates for improving cognitive function. This study suggests that BTK inhibitors provide new possibilities for managing inflammatory and neurodegenerative phases of MS through their effects on microglia activation pathways. Further research and clinical trials are necessary to fully explore their efficacy in treating MS while addressing barriers related to cognitive impairment.

Ageing may be characterized by progressive loss of cognitive function as well as decrease in physical activities, in addition to change in appearance. Previously, we reported that intracerebroventricular transplantation of a human neural stem cell (NSC) line (F3) over-expressing choline acetyltransferase (F3.ChAT) gene, an enzyme responsible for acetylcholine synthesis, markedly improved cognitive function and physical activity of aged animals by enhancing acetylcholine and growth factors (GFs) and neurotrophic factors (NFs). In the present study, 10-month-old F344 rats were intravenously transplanted with F3 or F3.ChAT NSCs (1 x 106 cells) once a month to 21st month of age when the cumulative mortality reached 20%, and physical activity and learning/memory function were investigated, in addition to the analyses of brain acetylcholine concentration, and cholinergic and dopaminergic system restoration. Neuroprotective and neuroregenerative activities of stem cells were also confirmed by analyzing oxidative damages, neuronal skeletal protein, angiogenesis, brain and muscle weights, and proliferating host stem cells. Stem cells markedly improved both the cognitive (passive avoidance and water-maze performances) and physical (locomotor and rota-rod activities) functions, in parallel with the elevation of acetylcholine levels in cerebrospinal fluid and in muscles, in which F3.ChAT cells were superior to F3 parental cells. Stem cell transplantation down-regulated CCL11, leading to restoration of microtubule-associated protein 2 as well as functional markers of cholinergic and dopaminergic systems, and preserved brain and muscular capillaries, recovering muscle mass. In addition, stem cells enhanced antioxidative capacity, attenuating oxidative damage of multiple organs including muscles and the brain. The results indicate that NSCs over-expressing ChAT gene improve cognitive function and physical activity of ageing animals by protecting and recovering functions of multiple organs including cholinergic and dopaminergic systems as well as muscles from oxidative injuries through secretion of acetylcholine and GFs/NFs, increased antioxidant elements, and enhanced blood flow.

The time when a patient has mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an important period for delaying the onset of dementia and has been the main target of dementia prevention research in recent years. The purpose of this study was to investigate the dietary intake and dietary patterns of MCI patients in Taiwan. In total, 40 subjects were enrolled in this cross-sectional study that was conducted from July 2019 to September 2021 at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Results of the clinical dementia rating (CDR) and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) were obtained from medical records. Participants were divided into two groups: a healthy group (MMSE ≥ 26 points, CDR=0) and an MCI group (MMSE ≥ 26 points, CDR=0.5). Results indicated that the MCI group had significantly higher copper and lower low-fat meat intake compared to the healthy group. Furthermore, the high MIND (Mediterranean-dietary approaches to stop hypertension intervention for neurodegenerative delay) diet score represented a lower risk of MCI. After adjusting for age and gender in the multivariate regression analysis, calcium and fruit intake levels were positively associated with the MMSE. In conclusion, the prevalence of MCI was closely associated with dietary intake, such as copper and calcium, as well as dietary patterns, particularly the MIND diet.

The objective of this research is to propose archetypes of accessible design with a neuroarchitec-ture approach for the design of initial level educational centers, in Peru, especially in areas of ur-ban growth, many children do not manage to access initial education, there is even school drop-out. . At this educational level, with an increase of 4.4% in recent years, the process of developing mental abilities such as memory, perception, thinking, reactions, attention, language, among oth-ers, is of the utmost importance. in the first years of life. As a methodology, sensory design strate-gies were applied, likewise through instruments such as interviews, observation, photographic taking and measurement carried out during the field visit for the analysis of the space-child in-teraction and spatial stimuli, supported by digital tools (Autocad, Google Earth, Andrés Marsh). As results, accessible design archetypes were obtained based on neuroarchitecture based on 10 spatial indicators (Lighting; Green area; roofs; shape; size; distribution; accessibility; scale; colors; materiality). In conclusion, the provision of adequate spaces that provide exploratory facilities greatly contributes to cognitive development in early childhood. The environment where these cognitive activities take place needs to be conditioned to allow children to develop, bond and ap-propriate the space.

This systematic review examines the potential of digital language learning in contributing to students' cognitive gains. The study reviews existing research on the relationship between digital language learning and cognitive benefits, with a focus on enhanced problem-solving skills, memory, and multitasking ability. The findings indicate that higher levels of digital competences correlate positively with language proficiency outcomes, suggesting that participants with greater digital skills achieve better language learning outcomes. Digital technologies offer interactive and engaging methods of learning, which can positively impact retention and understanding. However, the study also acknowledges the limitations of digital foreign language learning, such as the lack of face-to-face interaction and the need for high motivation and discipline. The research questions explored in this study are: (1) Does digital language learning contribute to cognitive gains in foreign language education? and (2) What are the pedagogical implications for cognitive improvement in digital foreign language education? The study employs the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) methodology to identify and analyze relevant research articles. The results of the review suggest that working with printed texts may be more effective for cognitive gains compared to electronic texts. Additionally, implementing more senses through digital language education appears to be beneficial for cognitive gains. The article concludes by discussing the implications of these findings and the need for further research in this area.

To investigate effects of probiotics on cognitive function and regulation of cortisol and IL-1β in adolescents with depression. All 180 participants were randomly assigned into study group(treated by probiotics combined with sertraline hydrochloride) and control group(treated by sertraline hydrochloride). The repetitive Neuropsychological State Test (RBANS) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) were administered in MDD patients. The levels of serum cortisol and IL-1β were detected by ELISA kit. Except speech function, immediate memory, visual span, attention function, delayed memory and RBANS in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The cortisol and interleukin1β in the study group were significantly downregulated than those in the control group. Except speech function, cortisol level was negatively correlated with RBANS total score and other factors in the study group. Interleukin-1β was negatively correlated with the total score of RBANS and each factor score. Cortisol and interleukin-1β were predictors of RBANS total score, which explained 46.80% of the variance. Cortisol had significant predictive effects on attention function and delayed memory, and interleukin-1β had significant predictive effects on visual span and speech function. It could concluded that probiotics can improve cognitive function in adolescents with depression by regulating cortisol and IL-1β levels.

In order to monitor the diversity of terrestrial biomes, the Earth Exploration Satellite Services demand a high data rate for downlink transmissions while sharing their frequency spectrum with, and suffering interferences from, cellular Base Stations. Both highlight the dilemmas of spectral efficiency (bps/Hz) and spectral coexistence. Our research aims to mitigate interference on low orbit satellite downlinks using Cognitive Radio (CR) and Adaptive MODulation and CODing (MODCOD) techniques. To fulfill this: 1) we present CR approaches to enhance spectrum exploitation. Next, 2) we detail Adaptive MODCOD (ACM) technique to increase RF power and spectral efficiencies. Then, 3) we suggest the solution by combining 1) and 2). Afterwards, 4) we analyze it by monitoring the signal to interference plus noise ratio and the CR/MODCOD strategy. Finally, 5) we provide case studies to demonstrate the strategy’s effectiveness through the practical operation of satellite services, and 6) we conduct a bench test of the communication system.

To date, no scientific study has found evidence of an afterlife, and the mechanism of consciousness is two of the most challenging questions. Here, I show a hypothesis for consciousness and the probability of an afterlife through three simple thought experiments and theoretical evidence. More studies are needed to understand the mechanism precisely. I found that consciousness can be discussed based on a new theory. Here, I hypothesize that when a person or animal dies, the selection of a new nervous system's characteristic of a new life might depend on the characteristics of the final evolved yet unknown particle. Here, I suggest that the positive or adverse evolution of the said particle depends on the natural evolution of the materialistic brain's cognition, including intelligence. The fittest intellectuals, those who have a higher potential scan mind virus, may survive happier and help more for others to improve psychological well-being. Here, I suggest that when a brain dies, the two microparticles might emit at infinite speed from the dead brain and simultaneously bond with a naturally select suitable zygote or early nervous system somewhere in the universe/s, forming a new life with the impact of new nurture.

(1) Background. Cognitive impairment in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has been studied in relation to some clinical variables (e.g., motor disability and disease duration) and lifestyle fac-tors such as Cognitive Reserve (CR). However, only very few studies have considered the interac-tion of clinical variables and cognitive reserve in preserving the integrity of the neuropsychologi-cal profile. In this paper, we hypothesised that a higher level of CR might predict good cognitive efficiency by modulating the clinical outcome of the disease. (2) Methods. A sample of 100 partic-ipants with MS (age range 30-74), was recruited and assessed remotely with a questionnaire to measure CR and a cognitive screening test. Data were analysed through Generalized Additive Models. (3) Results. We found that the model analysing the interaction between CR and disease duration, and between CR and motor disability was able to explain a significant percentage of cognitive performance. In particular, higher levels of CR predicted better cognitive performance despite long disease duration, unless the motor disability was severe. (4) Conclusion. This study highlights the crucial role of CR in modulating cognitive efficiency in people with MS.

Introduction: The primary objective of researchers in the biology of ageing is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the ageing process while developing practical solutions that can enhance the quality of life for older individuals. This involves a continuous effort to bridge the gap between fundamental biological research and its real-world applications. Purpose: In this narrative review, we attempt to link research findings concerning the hormetic relationship between neurons and germ cells, and translate these findings into clinically relevant concepts. Methods: We conducted a literature search using PubMed, Embase, PLOS, Digital Commons Network, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library from 2000 to 2023, analyzing studies dealing with the relationship between hormetic, cognitive, and reproductive aspects of human ageing. Results: The process of hormesis serves as a bridge between the biology of neuron-germ cell interactions on one hand, and the clinical relevance of these interactions on the other. Details concerning these processes are discussed here, emphasizing new research which strengthens the overall concept. Conclusions: This review presents a scientifically and clinically relevant argument, claiming that maintaining a cognitively active lifestyle may decrease age-related degeneration, and improve overall health in ageing.

Judo is a popular Japanese martial art and an Olympic sport. Recently, an increasing interest has been observed in the application of judo as a multicomponent exercise, with a growing body of evidence showing that multicomponent exercise improves physical and cognitive performance in older adults. Therefore, this review highlights the benefits of judo training in preventing physical and cognitive decline in older adults. Specifically, first, this review outlines the basic characteristics of judo (philosophy, match, and training). Next, previous studies investigating the effects of judo training on physical and cognitive aspects of older adults are reviewed. Thereafter, the brain mechanisms underlying the effects of judo training in improving physical and cognitive performance are discussed. Throughout this review, judo training demonstrated some positive effects on physical (gait and balance, among others) and cognitive (memory and executive function) function in older adults. These positive effects are attributed to a variety of changes in the brain (e.g., increased neurotrophic factor expression and increased cerebral blood flow, among others), that affect different brain regions and networks both functionally and structurally. From these findings, this review concludes that judo training can be an effective way to maintain and prevent physical and cognitive decline in older adults.

Although instructional feedback plays an essential role in regulating learning and improving performance, few studies have systematically investigated the needs of teachers and students for instructional feedback system or developed designs and experiments, especially at the high school level. To address this research need, the present study investigated the needs of selected students and teachers in a high school in Hubei Province, China, and designed and developed a diagnostic visual feedback system for an experimental study with 125 students from a 10th-grade biology class in the same high school. The results showed that this diagnostic visual feedback report improved student performance (ES=0.37) and that functions such as misconception location, knowledge diagnosis, and knowledge alert were well received by students. These findings have multiple implications for facilitating the design and development of diagnostic visual feedback system.