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Walker FS, Needham-Beck SC, Vine CAJ, Blacker SD, Greenlees I, Sharpe BT, Siddall AG, Maroni T, Ashdown KM, Hinde KL, Elliott E, Rayson M, Knight E, Myers SD. External workload and cognitive performance of a tactical military scenario-based field exercise. BMJ Mil Health 2024:e002672. [PMID: 39032945 DOI: 10.1136/military-2024-002672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Military personnel must manage a multitude of competing physiological and cognitive stressors while maintaining high levels of performance. Quantifying the external workload and cognitive demands of tactical military field exercises closely simulating operational environments, will provide a better understanding of stressors placed on personnel to inform evidence-based interventions. METHODS Thirty-one soldiers completing a dismounted 48 hours tactical field exercise, participated in the study. External workload was quantified using a wrist-worn triaxial accelerometer, with cognitive function (Go-/No-Go, N-back, psychomotor vigilance task and subjective workload ratings (NASA-TLX) assessed pre-exercise, mid-exercise and postexercise. Physical activity was described using Euclidian Norm Minus One (mg), with moderate vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary light physical activity (SLPA) as ≥ or <113 mg, respectively. Changes in general cognitive performance (total accuracy-speed trade-off (ASTO) % change) and function outcome variables (overall mean reaction time, ASTO and number of correct and missed responses) were calculated for each assessment from pre-exercise, to mid-exercise and postexercise. RESULTS For the exercise duration (50:12±02:06 hh:mm) participants spent more time completing SLPA compared with MVPA (1932±234 vs 1074±194 min; p<0.001), equating to 33% of the time spent completing MVPA. Overall cognitive performance decreased over the exercise (pre-to-post: -249). However, the largest decrement was observed pre-to-mid (-168). Perceived mental demand associated with the cognitive assessments significantly increased over the duration of the exercise (pre-: 33; mid-: 38 and post-: 51; χ2 F(2) = 26.7, p = <0.001, W=0.477) which could suggest that participants were able to attenuate a further decline in cognitive performance by investing more effort/mental resources when completing assessments. CONCLUSION The study successfully quantified the physical activity, and subsequent impact on cognitive function, in soldiers completing a 48 hours tactical field exercise. Further research is needed to better understand how physiological stressors interact with cognitive function during military operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faye S Walker
- Centre of Health and Applied Sport and Exercise Research, University of Chichester, Chichester, West Sussex, UK
| | - S C Needham-Beck
- Centre of Health and Applied Sport and Exercise Research, University of Chichester, Chichester, West Sussex, UK
| | - C A J Vine
- Centre of Health and Applied Sport and Exercise Research, University of Chichester, Chichester, West Sussex, UK
| | - S D Blacker
- Centre of Health and Applied Sport and Exercise Research, University of Chichester, Chichester, West Sussex, UK
| | - I Greenlees
- Centre of Health and Applied Sport and Exercise Research, University of Chichester, Chichester, West Sussex, UK
- The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - B T Sharpe
- Centre of Health and Applied Sport and Exercise Research, University of Chichester, Chichester, West Sussex, UK
| | - A G Siddall
- Centre of Health and Applied Sport and Exercise Research, University of Chichester, Chichester, West Sussex, UK
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - T Maroni
- Centre of Health and Applied Sport and Exercise Research, University of Chichester, Chichester, West Sussex, UK
| | - K M Ashdown
- Centre of Health and Applied Sport and Exercise Research, University of Chichester, Chichester, West Sussex, UK
| | - K L Hinde
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - E Elliott
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - M Rayson
- Human Social Science Research Capability (HSSRC), BAE Systems Plc, London, UK
| | - E Knight
- Cervus Defence and Security Ltd, Bristol, UK
| | - S D Myers
- Centre of Health and Applied Sport and Exercise Research, University of Chichester, Chichester, West Sussex, UK
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2
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Buchberger ES, Ngo CT, Peikert A, Brandmaier AM, Werkle-Bergner M. Estimating statistical power for structural equation models in developmental cognitive science: A tutorial in R : Power simulation for SEMs. Behav Res Methods 2024:10.3758/s13428-024-02396-2. [PMID: 38807007 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-024-02396-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Determining the compositional structure and dimensionality of psychological constructs lies at the heart of many research questions in developmental science. Structural equation modeling (SEM) provides a versatile framework for formalizing and estimating the relationships among multiple latent constructs. While the flexibility of SEM can accommodate many complex assumptions on the underlying structure of psychological constructs, it makes a priori estimation of statistical power and required sample size challenging. This difficulty is magnified when comparing non-nested SEMs, which prevents the use of traditional likelihood-ratio tests. Sample size estimates for SEM model fit comparisons typically rely on generic rules of thumb. Such heuristics can be misleading because statistical power in SEM depends on a variety of model properties. Here, we demonstrate a Monte Carlo simulation approach for estimating a priori statistical power for model selection when comparing non-nested models in an SEM framework. We provide a step-by-step guide to this approach based on an example from our memory development research in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa S Buchberger
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Chi T Ngo
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Aaron Peikert
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany
- Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Imaging Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andreas M Brandmaier
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany
- Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychology, MSB Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Werkle-Bergner
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany
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3
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DesRuisseaux LA, Gereau Mora M, Suchy Y. Computerized assessment of executive functioning: Validation of the CNS Vital Signs executive functioning scores in a sample of community-dwelling older adults. Clin Neuropsychol 2024:1-23. [PMID: 38763890 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2024.2354953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Objective: Computerized assessment of cognitive functioning has gained significant popularity over recent years, yet options for clinical assessment of executive functioning (EF) are lacking. One computerized testing platform, CNS Vital Signs (CNS-VS), offers tests designed to measure EF but requires further validation. The goal of the present study was to validate CNS-VS executive scores against standard clinical measures of EF. We also sought to determine whether a modified CNS-VS composite score that included variables purported to measure inhibition, switching, and working memory would outperform the currently available CNS-VS Executive Function Index. Method: A sample of 73 cognitively healthy older adults completed four tests from the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System, the Digit Span subtest from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-fourth edition, and three CNS-VS tasks purported to measure inhibition, switching, and working memory. Results: Performances on the CNS-VS tests were predicted by performances on standard paper-and-pencil measures. Although the currently available CNS-VS Executive Function Index predicted unique variance in a well-validated paper-and-pencil EF composite score, our Modified CNS-VS EF composite accounted for unique variance above and beyond the original CNS-VS Executive Function Index, while the reverse was not true. Conclusions: The present results support the construct validity of CNS-VS EF tests but also suggest that modifications to their current composite scores would improve the prediction of EF performance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yana Suchy
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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4
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Ma J, Tang L, Peng P, Wang T, Gui H, Ren X. Shifting as an executive function separate from updating and inhibition in old age: Behavioral and genetic evidence. Behav Brain Res 2023; 452:114604. [PMID: 37516210 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the organization of executive functions (EFs), specifically working memory updating, prepotent response inhibition, and mental-set shifting in old age, with a particular focus on determining whether the shifting function was behaviorally and genetically separated from the other functions. A total of 248 healthy older Chinese individuals participated, and multiple measures of executive functions were collected. Additionally, measures of fluid intelligence were included to explore the varying relationships between the three executive functions and this higher-order cognitive ability. Furthermore, genetic data were gathered and analyzed to investigate the associations between EFs and six candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) mapped to dopaminergic, serotonergic, or glutamatergic genes. The results indicated that both the three-factor model and the two-factor model, which combined updating and inhibition, demonstrated a good fit. Furthermore, shifting was found to be behaviorally separated from the other two functions, and the correlation between shifting and fluid intelligence was smaller compared to the correlations between updating and inhibition with fluid intelligence. Moreover, the DRD2 SNPs showed significant associations with shifting, rather than with updating and inhibition. These findings provide evidence that shifting is distinct and separate from updating and inhibition, highlighting the diversity of EFs among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Ma
- School of Education, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lixu Tang
- School of Wushu, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Peng Peng
- Department of Special Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Tengfei Wang
- Department of Psychology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongsheng Gui
- Behavioral Health Services and Psychiatry Research, Henry Ford Health, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Michigan State University, USA
| | - Xuezhu Ren
- School of Education, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China.
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5
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Loh Z, Hall EH, Cronin D, Henderson JM. Working memory control predicts fixation duration in scene-viewing. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 87:1143-1154. [PMID: 35879564 PMCID: PMC11129724 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-022-01694-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
When viewing scenes, observers differ in how long they linger at each fixation location and how far they move their eyes between fixations. What factors drive these differences in eye-movement behaviors? Previous work suggests individual differences in working memory capacity may influence fixation durations and saccade amplitudes. In the present study, participants (N = 98) performed two scene-viewing tasks, aesthetic judgment and memorization, while viewing 100 photographs of real-world scenes. Working memory capacity, working memory processing ability, and fluid intelligence were assessed with an operation span task, a memory updating task, and Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices, respectively. Across participants, we found significant effects of task on both fixation durations and saccade amplitudes. At the level of each individual participant, we also found a significant relationship between memory updating task performance and participants' fixation duration distributions. However, we found no effect of fluid intelligence and no effect of working memory capacity on fixation duration or saccade amplitude distributions, inconsistent with previous findings. These results suggest that the ability to flexibly maintain and update working memory is strongly related to fixation duration behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Loh
- Management of Complex Systems Department, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, 95343, USA
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95618, USA
| | - Elizabeth H Hall
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95618, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| | - Deborah Cronin
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95618, USA
- Department of Psychology, Drake University, Des Moines, IA, 50311, USA
| | - John M Henderson
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95618, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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6
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Sambol S, Suleyman E, Scarfo J, Ball M. A true reflection of executive functioning or a representation of task-specific variance? Re-evaluating the unity/diversity framework. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2023; 236:103934. [PMID: 37156119 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.103934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The unity/diversity framework, originally published by Miyake et al. (2000) has become the most cited model of executive functioning. Consequently, when researchers operationalise executive function (EF) they often exclusively assess the three "core" EFs: updating, shifting, and inhibition. However, rather than core EFs representing domain general cognitive abilities, these three EFs may instead represent specific procedural skills from the overlapping methodologies of the tasks selected. In this study, we conducted a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) which showed both the traditional three-factor and nested-factor model from the unity/diversity framework failed to reach satisfactory levels of fit. Subsequently, an exploratory factor analysis supported a three-factor model reflecting: an expanded working memory factor, a combined shifting/inhibition factor representing cognitive flexibility, and a factor comprised solely of the Stroop task. These results demonstrate that working memory remains the most robustly operationalised EF construct, whereas shifting and inhibition may represent task-specific mechanisms of a broader domain-general cognitive flexibility factor. Ultimately, there is little evidence to suggest that updating, shifting, and inhibition encapsulates all core EFs. Further research is needed to develop an ecologically valid model of executive functioning that captures the cognitive abilities associated with real world goal-directed behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stjepan Sambol
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Emra Suleyman
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jessica Scarfo
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michelle Ball
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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7
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Idowu MI, Szameitat AJ. Executive function abilities in cognitively healthy young and older adults-A cross-sectional study. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:976915. [PMID: 36845657 PMCID: PMC9945216 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.976915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A prominent feature of cognitive aging is the decline of executive function (EF) abilities. Numerous studies have reported that older adults perform poorer than younger adults in such tasks. In this cross-sectional study, the effect of age on four EFs, inhibition, shifting, updating, and dual-tasking, was examined in 26 young adults (mean 21.18 years) and 25 older adults (mean 71.56 years) with the utilization of a pair of tasks for each EF. The tasks employed for DT were the Psychological Refractory Period paradigm (PRP) and a modified test for everyday attention, for inhibition the Stroop and Hayling sentence completion test (HSCT), for shifting a task switching paradigm and the trail making test (TMT), and for updating the backward digit span (BDS) task and a n-back paradigm. As all participants performed all tasks, a further aim was to compare the size of the age-related cognitive decline among the four EFs. Age-related decline was observed in all four EFs in one or both of the tasks employed. The results revealed significantly poorer performance in the older adults in the response times (RTs) of the PRP effect, interference score of the Stroop, RT inhibition costs of the HSCT, RT and error-rate shifting costs of the task switching paradigm, and the error-rate updating costs of the n-back paradigm. A comparison between the rates of decline revealed numerical and statistically significant differences between the four EFs, with inhibition showing the greatest decline, followed by shifting, updating, and dual-tasking. Thus, we conclude that with age, these four EFs decline at different rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojitola I. Idowu
- Department of Life Sciences, Division of Psychology, Centre for Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience (CCN), College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andre J. Szameitat
- Department of Life Sciences, Division of Psychology, Centre for Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience (CCN), College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
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8
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Li L, Zhang H, Qi Y, Lei X, Yu X, Liu H. More than visual-spatial skills: The important role of phonological awareness in mathematical abilities among Chinese primary school children. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-04151-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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9
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Rodríguez-Nieto G, Seer C, Sidlauskaite J, Vleugels L, Van Roy A, Hardwick R, Swinnen S. Inhibition, Shifting and Updating: Inter and intra-domain commonalities and differences from an executive functions activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis. Neuroimage 2022; 264:119665. [PMID: 36202157 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Executive functions are higher-order mental processes that support goal-directed behavior. Among these processes, Inhibition, Updating, and Shifting have been considered core executive domains. In this meta-analysis, we comprehensively investigate the neural networks of these executive domains and we synthesize for the first time the neural convergences and divergences among the most frequently used executive paradigms within those domains. A systematic search yielded 1055 published neuroimaging studies (including 26,191 participants in total). Our study revealed that a fronto-parietal network was shared by the three main domains. Furthermore, we executed conjunction analyses among the paradigms of the same domain to extract the core distinctive components of the main executive domains. This approach showed that Inhibition and Shifting are characterized by a strongly lateralized neural activation in the right and left hemisphere, respectively. In addition, both networks overlapped with the Updating network but not with each other. Remarkably, our study detected heterogeneity among the paradigms from the same domain. More specifically, analysis of Inhibition tasks revealed differing activations for Response Inhibition compared to Interference Control paradigms, suggesting that Inhibition encompasses relatively heterogeneous sub-functions. Shifting analyses revealed a bilateral overlap of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task with the Updating network, but this pattern was absent for Rule Switching and Dual Task paradigms. Moreover, our Updating meta-analyses revealed the neural signatures associated with the specific modules of the Working Memory model from Baddeley and Hitch. To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive meta-analysis of executive functions to date. Its paradigm-driven analyses provide a unique contribution to a better understanding of the neural convergences and divergences among executive processes that are relevant for clinical applications, such as cognitive enhancement and neurorehabilitation interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldine Rodríguez-Nieto
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Tervuursevest 101 box 1501, Leuven 3001, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Oude Markt 13, Leuven 5005, Belgium
| | - Caroline Seer
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Tervuursevest 101 box 1501, Leuven 3001, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Oude Markt 13, Leuven 5005, Belgium
| | - Justina Sidlauskaite
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Tervuursevest 101 box 1501, Leuven 3001, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Oude Markt 13, Leuven 5005, Belgium
| | - Lore Vleugels
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Tervuursevest 101 box 1501, Leuven 3001, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Oude Markt 13, Leuven 5005, Belgium; Institute of Neuroscience, UC Louvain, Av. Mounier 54, Bruxelles 1200, Belgium
| | - Anke Van Roy
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Tervuursevest 101 box 1501, Leuven 3001, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Oude Markt 13, Leuven 5005, Belgium
| | - Robert Hardwick
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Tervuursevest 101 box 1501, Leuven 3001, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Oude Markt 13, Leuven 5005, Belgium; Institute of Neuroscience, UC Louvain, Av. Mounier 54, Bruxelles 1200, Belgium
| | - Stephan Swinnen
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Tervuursevest 101 box 1501, Leuven 3001, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Oude Markt 13, Leuven 5005, Belgium.
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10
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Spatial processing rather than logical reasoning was found to be critical for mathematical problem-solving. LEARNING AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lindif.2022.102230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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11
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Serrano PV, Zortea M, Alves RL, Beltrán G, Bavaresco C, Ramalho L, Alves CFDS, Medeiros L, Sanches PRS, Silva DP, Lucena da Silva Torres I, Fregni F, Caumo W. The effect of home-based transcranial direct current stimulation in cognitive performance in fibromyalgia: A randomized, double-blind sham-controlled trial. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:992742. [PMID: 36504629 PMCID: PMC9730884 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.992742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a promising approach to improving fibromyalgia (FM) symptoms, including cognitive impairment. So, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of home-based tDCS in treating cognitive impairment. Besides, we explored if the severity of dysfunction of the Descendant Pain Modulation System (DPMS) predicts the tDCS effect and if its effect is linked to changes in neuroplasticity as measured by the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Methods This randomized, double-blind, parallel, sham-controlled clinical trial, single-center, included 36 women with FM, aged from 30 to 65 years old, assigned 2:1 to receive a-tDCS (n = 24) and s-tDCS (n = 12). The primary outcome was the Trail Making Test's assessment of executive attention, divided attention, working memory (WM), and cognitive flexibility (TMT-B-A). The secondary outcomes were the Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT), the WM by Digits subtest from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III), and quality of life. Twenty-minute daily sessions of home-based tDCS for 4 weeks (total of 20 sessions), 2 mA anodal-left (F3) and cathodal-right (F4) prefrontal stimulation with 35 cm2 carbon electrodes. Results GLM showed a main effect for treatment in the TMT-B-A [Wald χ2 = 6.176; Df = 1; P = 0.03]. The a-tDCS improved cognitive performance. The effect size estimated by Cohen's d at treatment end in the TMT-B-A scores was large [-1.48, confidence interval (CI) 95% = -2.07 to-0.90]. Likewise, the a-tDCS effects compared to s-tDCS improved performance in the WM, verbal and phonemic fluency, and quality-of-life scale. The impact of a-tDCS on the cognitive tests was positively correlated with the reduction in serum BDNF from baseline to treatment end. Besides, the decrease in the serum BDNF was positively associated with improving the quality of life due to FM symptoms. Conclusion These findings revealed that daily treatment with a home-based tDCS device over l-DLPFC compared to sham stimulation over 4 weeks improved the cognitive impairment in FM. The a-tDCS at home was well-tolerated, underlining its potential as an alternative treatment for cognitive dysfunction. Besides, the a-tDCS effect is related to the severity of DPMS dysfunction and changes in neuroplasticity state. Clinical trial registration [www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT03843203].
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Vicuña Serrano
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil,Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maxciel Zortea
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil,Centro Universitário Cesuca, Cachoeirinha, Brazil
| | - Rael Lopes Alves
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil,Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gerardo Beltrán
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil,Institute of Neurosciences of the Universidad Catolica de Cuenca, UCACUE, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Cibely Bavaresco
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Leticia Ramalho
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil,Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Camila Fernanda da Silveira Alves
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil,Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Liciane Medeiros
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil,Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Universidade La Salle, Canoas, Brazil
| | | | - Danton P. Silva
- Laboratory of Biomedical Engineer at HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Iraci Lucena da Silva Torres
- Pain and Palliative Care Service at HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil,Laboratorio de Farmacologia da Dor e Neuromodulação: Investigacoes Pre-clinicas, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil,Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Department of Physics and Rehabilitation, Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Wolnei Caumo
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil,Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil,Pain and Palliative Care Service at HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil,Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Department of Physics and Rehabilitation, Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, United States,Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil,School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil,*Correspondence: Wolnei Caumo,
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12
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Fang S, Zhou X. Form perception speed is critical for the relationship between non-verbal number sense and arithmetic fluency. INTELLIGENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2022.101704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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13
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Gaynor AM, Ahles TA, Ryan E, Schofield E, Li Y, Patel SK, McNeal K, Traina T, Root JC. Initial encoding deficits with intact memory retention in older long-term breast cancer survivors. J Cancer Surviv 2022; 16:940-947. [PMID: 34357556 PMCID: PMC10321572 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-021-01086-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer survivors frequently report significant forgetfulness, but standard neuropsychological tests often fail to detect primary memory deficits. Past research has suggested survivors may misattribute forgetfulness to memory decay rather than impairments in initial encoding, but no studies have tested whether this pattern is evident in older survivors, who are more vulnerable to age-related memory difficulties. We examined whether long-term breast cancer survivors treated in older adulthood demonstrate deficits in initial encoding, as opposed to increased rates of memory decay, relative to non-cancer controls. METHODS Three hundred twenty-eight breast cancer survivors age 60 and above, 5-15 years post-treatment, and 162 age-matched non-cancer controls completed list learning and narrative memory assessments at four time-points over 2 years. Performance on learning trials and delayed recall was analyzed at each time-point to assess group differences in memory encoding, and memory decay was assessed by analyzing changes in performance across delays. RESULTS Univariate ANCOVAs correcting for age and education showed that survivors had worse initial encoding performance across multiple time-points, which were compensated for with multiple learning trials to produce recall performance comparable to controls. There were no significant group differences in memory decay. CONCLUSIONS Older long-term breast cancer survivors exhibit a consistent pattern of initial encoding deficits, but memory retention was comparable to controls. Future research should consider the role of encoding deficits and age-related factors when evaluating cognitive function in older survivors. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Commonly reported memory problems may stem from encoding deficits in older long-term cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Gaynor
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 641 Lexington Ave, 7th Floor, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Tim A Ahles
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 641 Lexington Ave, 7th Floor, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth Ryan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 641 Lexington Ave, 7th Floor, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth Schofield
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 641 Lexington Ave, 7th Floor, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yuelin Li
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 641 Lexington Ave, 7th Floor, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sunita K Patel
- Departments of Population Science and Supportive Care Medicine, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Katrazyna McNeal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 641 Lexington Ave, 7th Floor, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tiffany Traina
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - James C Root
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 641 Lexington Ave, 7th Floor, New York, NY, USA
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14
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Serrano PV, Zortea M, Alves RL, Beltran G, Deliberali CB, Maule A, Torres ILS, Fregni F, Caumo W. Association between descending pain modulatory system and cognitive impairment in fibromyalgia: A cross-sectional exploratory study. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:917554. [PMID: 36248031 PMCID: PMC9559397 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.917554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The successful regulation of sensory input to the central nervous system depends on the descending pain modulatory system (DPMS). For the effective regulation of sensory input to the central nervous system and behavioral responses to pain, the DPMS is required. Its connection to fibromyalgia (FM)-related cognitive dysfunction has not yet been investigated. Therefore, this study tested whether measures of verbal fluency, sustained attention, and short-term and working memory could distinguish FM patients from healthy controls (HC). Additionally, it investigated, using a standardized paradigm, the link between cognitive ability and the function of the DPMS in responders and non-responders to the conditioned pain modulation test (CPM-test). Materials and methods We enrolled 21 HC women and 69 FM patients, all of whom ranged in age from 30 to 65. We employed scores from the Trail Making Test (TMTB-A) (sustained and divided attention), the Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT) (orthographic and semantic fluency), and the Digits subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III) as dependent variables. Results A generalized linear model (GLM) adjusted by educational level revealed significantly lower scores in FM than HC on the Span digits forward, COWAT-orthographic, and TMTB-A. For FM patients, multilevel MANCOVA revealed that the cognitive performance of non-responders compared to responders to CPM-test showed lower adjusted scores in Span digits forward (Partial-η2 = 0.358, P = 0.001), Span digits backward (Partial-η2 = 0.358, P = 0.001), COWAT-orthographic (Partial-η2 = 0.551, P = 0.001), COWAR-semantic (Partial-η2 = 0.355, P = 0.001), and TMTB-A (Partial-η2 = 0.360, P = 0.001). The association between the cognitive tests and the DPMS is moderated by the serum level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Additionally, these cognitive assessments had a positive correlation with antidepressant use and pain threshold. The cognitive assessments, on the other hand, were conversely associated with a life of quality. Conclusion Based on these findings, it can be shown that HC performed substantially better on cognitive exams than FM did. They demonstrated a link between clinical complaints about attention and memory and decreased DPMS effectiveness. Additionally, they demonstrated that the BDNF is a moderating element in a potential relationship between the severity of cognitive impairment and DPMS dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Vicuña Serrano
- Post-graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maxciel Zortea
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Psychology, UNISINOS, São Leopoldo/Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rael Lopes Alves
- Post-graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gerardo Beltran
- Post-graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Institute of Neurosciences, Universidad Catolica de Cuenca (UCACUE), Cuenca, Ecuador
| | | | - Amanda Maule
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Iraci L. S. Torres
- Post-graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratório de Farmacologia da Dor e Neuromodulação: Investigacoes Pre-clinicas, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Department of Physics and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Wolnei Caumo
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratório de Farmacologia da Dor e Neuromodulação: Investigacoes Pre-clinicas, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Pain and Palliative Care Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Wolnei Caumo,
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15
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Yu X, Liu K, Wang Y, Yang X, Yang J. Differential contributions of phonological processing and visual-spatial abilities to four basic arithmetic operations in primary school children. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03688-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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16
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Zhang Y, An N, Chen J, Zhou X, Cui Z. Numerosity sense correlates with fluent mathematical abilities. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2022; 228:103655. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
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17
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Effects of aging on functional connectivity in a neurodegenerative risk cohort: resting state versus task measurement using near-infrared spectroscopy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11262. [PMID: 35788629 PMCID: PMC9253312 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13326-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in functional brain organization are considered to be particularly sensitive to age-related effects and may precede structural cognitive decline. Recent research focuses on aging processes determined by resting state (RS) functional connectivity (FC), but little is known about differences in FC during RS and cognitive task conditions in elderly participants. The purpose of this study is to compare FC within and between the cognitive control (CCN) and dorsal attention network (DAN) at RS and during a cognitive task using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). In a matched, neurodegenerative high-risk cohort comprising early (n = 98; 50–65 y) and late (n = 98; 65–85 y) elder subjects, FC was measured at RS and during performance of the Trail Making Test (TMT) via fNIRS. Both, under RS and task conditions our results revealed a main effect for age, characterized by reduced FC for late elder subjects within the left inferior frontal gyrus. During performance of the TMT, negative correlations of age and FC were confirmed in various regions of the CCN and DAN. For the whole sample, FC of within-region connections was elevated, while FC between regions was decreased at RS. The results confirm a reorganization of functional brain connectivity with increasing age and cognitive demands.
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18
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Zhang Y, Ma Y, Zhou X. The association between non-symbolic number comparison and mathematical abilities depends on fluency. Cogn Process 2022; 23:423-439. [PMID: 35704131 DOI: 10.1007/s10339-022-01098-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies have explored the correlation between non-symbolic number comparison and mathematical abilities in children, but the results have been inconsistent. The underlying mental processing featuring fluency may affect the correlation. The current study tested the fluency hypothesis that non-symbolic number comparison is associated with mathematical fluency in the development of mathematical ability. Non-symbolic number comparison, arithmetic computation, mathematical reasoning, non-symbolic number estimation, symbolic number comparison, and a series of basic cognitive processing tasks, including mental rotation, non-verbal matrix reasoning, and choice reaction time, were administered to 1072 first- to fourth-grade children. The results show that non-symbolic number comparison (measured via numerosity comparison) was the only independent predictor of arithmetic computation in higher grades, even after controlled for age, gender, basic cognitive processing, non-symbolic number estimation (measured via numerosity estimation), and symbolic number comparison (measured via digit comparison). However, it did not correlate with mathematical reasoning in any grade. These findings support the fluency hypothesis for developmental correlation between non-symbolic number comparison and mathematical abilities. That is, non-symbolic number comparison correlates with mathematical ability featuring fluency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyun Zhang
- School of Psychology, Liaoning Normal University, Liaoning, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning and IDG, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ma
- School of Psychology, Liaoning Normal University, Liaoning, China
| | - Xinlin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning and IDG, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China. .,Research Associationion for Brain and Mathematical Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
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19
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Marcusson-Clavertz D, Persson SD, Cardeña E, Terhune DB, Gort C, Kuehner C. The contribution of latent factors of executive functioning to mind wandering: an experience sampling study. Cogn Res Princ Implic 2022; 7:34. [PMID: 35467232 PMCID: PMC9038971 DOI: 10.1186/s41235-022-00383-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that individuals with greater executive resources spend less time mind wandering. Independent strands of research further suggest that this association depends on concentration and a guilty-dysphoric daydreaming style. However, it remains unclear whether this association is specific to particular features of executive functioning or certain operationalizations of mind wandering, including task-unrelated thoughts (TUTs, comprising external distractions and mind wandering) and stimulus-independent and task-unrelated thoughts (SITUTs, comprising mind wandering only). This study sought to clarify these associations by using confirmatory factor analysis to compute latent scores for distinct executive functions based on nine cognitive tasks and relating them to experience sampling reports of mind wandering. We expected that individuals with greater executive control (specifically updating) would show a stronger reduction in SITUTs as momentary concentration and guilty-dysphoric style increase. A bifactor model of the cognitive battery indicated a general factor (common executive functioning) and ancillary factors (updating and shifting). A significant interaction between updating and concentration on mind wandering was observed with mind wandering defined as TUTs, but not as SITUTs (N = 187). A post hoc analysis clarified this discrepancy by showing that as concentration increases, both external distractions and mind wandering decrease more strongly among people with greater updating. Moreover, common executive functioning predicted a more negative slope of guilty-dysphoric style on SITUTs, whereas updating and shifting predicted more positive slopes. The opposite slopes of these executive functions on daily life mind wandering may reflect a stability-flexibility trade-off between goal maintenance and goal replacement abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Marcusson-Clavertz
- Department of Psychology, Linnaeus University, Hus L, Trummenvägen 11, 351 95, Växjö, Sweden. .,CERCAP, Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | | | - Etzel Cardeña
- CERCAP, Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Devin B Terhune
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, UK
| | - Cassandra Gort
- Research Group Longitudinal and Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christine Kuehner
- Research Group Longitudinal and Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
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20
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Cui J, Xiao R, Ma M, Yuan L, Cohen Kodash R, Zhou X. Children skilled in mental abacus show enhanced non-symbolic number sense. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-020-00717-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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21
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Medimorec S, Milin P, Divjak D. Frogs, apples, and sand: Effects of cognitive and demographic factors on letter fluency performance. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-020-00713-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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22
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Effects of attention on arithmetic and reading comprehension in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-02888-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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23
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Wang L, Cao C, Zhou X, Qi C. Spatial abilities associated with open math problem solving. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.3919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University Beijing China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Future Education, Beijing Normal University Beijing China
| | - Chen Cao
- Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences Education, Beijing Institute of Education Beijing China
- Institute of Curriculum and Pedagogy, Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University Beijing China
| | - Xinlin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University Beijing China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Future Education, Beijing Normal University Beijing China
| | - Chunxia Qi
- Institute of Curriculum and Pedagogy, Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University Beijing China
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24
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Friedman NP, Robbins TW. The role of prefrontal cortex in cognitive control and executive function. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:72-89. [PMID: 34408280 PMCID: PMC8617292 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01132-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 326] [Impact Index Per Article: 163.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Concepts of cognitive control (CC) and executive function (EF) are defined in terms of their relationships with goal-directed behavior versus habits and controlled versus automatic processing, and related to the functions of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and related regions and networks. A psychometric approach shows unity and diversity in CC constructs, with 3 components in the most commonly studied constructs: general or common CC and components specific to mental set shifting and working memory updating. These constructs are considered against the cellular and systems neurobiology of PFC and what is known of its functional neuroanatomical or network organization based on lesioning, neurochemical, and neuroimaging approaches across species. CC is also considered in the context of motivation, as "cool" and "hot" forms. Its Common CC component is shown to be distinct from general intelligence (g) and closely related to response inhibition. Impairments in CC are considered as possible causes of psychiatric symptoms and consequences of disorders. The relationships of CC with the general factor of psychopathology (p) and dimensional constructs such as impulsivity in large scale developmental and adult populations are considered, as well as implications for genetic studies and RDoC approaches to psychiatric classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi P Friedman
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience and Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
| | - Trevor W Robbins
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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25
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Kranou-Economidou D, Kambanaros M. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Working Memory Training to Address Language Impairments in Aphasia: A Case Study. Behav Neurol 2021; 2021:9164543. [PMID: 34868389 PMCID: PMC8639281 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9164543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditionally, people with aphasia (PWA) are treated with impairment-based language therapy to improve receptive and expressive language skills. In addition to language deficits, PWA are often affected by some level of working memory (WM) impairments. Both language and working memory impairments combined have a negative impact on PWA's quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the application of intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) combined with computerized WM training will result in near-ransfer effects (i.e., trained WM) and far-transfer effects (i.e., untrained language tasks) and have a positive effect on the quality of life of PWA. METHODS The participant was a 63-year-old Greek-Cypriot male who presented with mild receptive aphasia and short-term memory difficulties. Treatment was carried out using a multiple baseline (MB) design composed of a pretherapy or baseline testing phase, a therapy phase, and a posttherapy/follow-up phase. The treatment program involved iTBS application to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), an area responsible for WM, for 10 consecutive sessions. The participant received a 3-minute iTBS application followed by 30-minute computer-assisted WM training. Outcome measures included a WM screening test, a standardized aphasia test, a nonverbal intelligence test, story-telling speech samples, a procedural discourse task, and a questionnaire addressing quality of life. These measures were performed three times before the treatment, immediately upon completion of the treatment, and once during follow-up testing at 3 months posttreatment. RESULTS We found a beneficial effect of iTBS and WM training on naming, reading, WM, reasoning, narrative, communication efficiency, and quality of life (QoL). Implications for Rehabilitation. Noninvasive brain stimulation combined with computerized WM training may be used in aphasia rehabilitation to improve WM and generalize to language improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Kambanaros
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3036, Cyprus
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26
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He X, Zhou X, Zhao J, Zhang Y. Visual Perception Supports Adults in Numerosity Processing and Arithmetical Performance. Front Psychol 2021; 12:722261. [PMID: 34744887 PMCID: PMC8570262 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.722261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have found a correlation between numerosity processing and arithmetical performance. Visual perception has already been indicated as the shared cognitive mechanism between these two; however, these studies mostly focused on children. It is not clear whether the association between numerosity processing and arithmetical performance still existed following the development of individual arithmetical performance. Consequently, the underlying role of visual perception in numerosity processing and arithmetical performance has not been sufficiently studied in adults. For this study, researchers selected a total of 205 adult participants with an average age of 22years. The adults were administered arithmetic tests, numerosity comparison, and visual figure matching. Mental rotation, choice reaction time, and nonverbal intelligence were used as cognitive covariates. Results showed that numerosity comparison of adults correlated with their arithmetical performance, even after controlling for age and gender differences as well as general cognitive processing. However, after controlled for visual figure matching, the well-established association between numerosity comparison and arithmetic performance disappeared. These results supported the visual perception hypothesis, that visual perception measured by visual figure matching can account for the correlation between numerosity comparison and arithmetic performance. This indicated that even for adult populations, visual perceptual ability was the underlying component of numerosity processing and arithmetic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyao He
- School of Psychology, Liaoning Normal University, Liaoning, China
| | - Xinlin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Siegler Center for Innovative Learning, Advanced Innovation Center for Future Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Zhao
- Dalian Institute of Science and Technology, Liaoning, China
| | - Yiyun Zhang
- School of Psychology, Liaoning Normal University, Liaoning, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Siegler Center for Innovative Learning, Advanced Innovation Center for Future Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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27
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Individual differences in proactive interference in rats (Rattus Norvegicus). Psychon Bull Rev 2021; 29:203-211. [PMID: 34561853 PMCID: PMC8858310 DOI: 10.3758/s13423-021-01998-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Individual differences in behaviors are seen across many species, and investigations have focused on traits linked to aggression, risk taking, emotionality, coping styles, and differences in cognitive systems. The current study investigated whether there were individual differences in proactive interference tasks in rats (Rattus Norvegicus), and tested hypotheses suggesting that these tasks should load onto a single factor and there should be clusters of rats who perform well or poorly on these tasks. The performance of 39 rats was tested across three learning tasks that all involved disengagement from an irrelevant previously learned stimulus to a relevant stimulus: latent inhibition (LI), partial reinforcement extinction effect (PREE), and reversal learning (RL). An exploratory factor analysis revealed the existence of one factor underlying performance. A cluster analysis revealed the existence of sets of rats displaying either weak LI and strong PREE and RL effects, or vice versa. These findings suggest that proactive interference may be based on a single underlying psychological system in rats.
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Abstract
Prior research has demonstrated that the frontal lobes play a critical role in the top-down control of behavior, and damage to the frontal cortex impairs performance on tasks that require executive control [Burgess, P. W., & Stuss, D. T. Fifty years of prefrontal cortex research: Impact on assessment. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 23, 755-767, 2017; Stuss, D. T., & Levine, B. Adult clinical neuropsychology: Lessons from studies of the frontal lobes. Annual Review of Psychology, 53, 401-433, 2002]. Across executive functioning tasks, performance deficits are often quantified as the number of false alarms per total number of nontarget trials. However, most studies of frontal lobe function focus on individual task performance and do not discuss commonalities of errors committed across different tasks. Here, we describe a neurocognitive account that explores the link between deficient frontal lobe function and increased false alarms across an array of experimental tasks from a variety of task domains. We review evidence for heightened false alarms following frontal deficits in episodic long-term memory tests, working memory tasks (e.g., n-back), attentional tasks (e.g., continuous performance tasks), interference control tasks (e.g., recent probes), and inhibitory control tasks (e.g., go/no-go). We examine this relationship via neuroimaging studies, lesion studies, and across age groups and pathologies that impact the pFC, and we propose 11 issues in cognitive processing that can result in false alarms. In our review, some overlapping neural regions were implicated in the regulation of false alarms. Ultimately, however, we find evidence for the fractionation and localization of certain frontal processes related to the commission of specific types of false alarms. We outline avenues for additional research that will enable further delineation of the fractionation of the frontal lobes' regulation of false alarms.
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Seer C, Sidlauskaite J, Lange F, Rodríguez-Nieto G, Swinnen SP. Cognition and action: a latent variable approach to study contributions of executive functions to motor control in older adults. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:15942-15963. [PMID: 34166223 PMCID: PMC8266336 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Aging is associated with profound alterations in motor control that may be exacerbated by age-related executive functioning decline. Executive functions span multiple facets including inhibition (suppressing unwanted response tendencies), shifting (switching between cognitive operations), and updating (managing working memory content). However, comprehensive studies regarding the contributions of single facets of executive functioning to movement control in older adults are still lacking. A battery of nine neuropsychological tasks was administered to n = 92 older adults in order to derive latent factors for inhibition, shifting, and updating by structural equation modeling. A bimanual task was used to assess complex motor control. A sample of n = 26 young adults served as a control group to verify age-related performance differences. In older adults, structural equation models revealed that performance on the most challenging condition of the complex motor task was best predicted by the updating factor and by general executive functioning performance. These data suggest a central role for working memory updating in complex motor performance and contribute to our understanding of how individual differences in executive functioning relate to movement control in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Seer
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium.,KU Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Justina Sidlauskaite
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium.,KU Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Florian Lange
- Behavioral Engineering Research Group, KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Geraldine Rodríguez-Nieto
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium.,KU Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Stephan P Swinnen
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium.,KU Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
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30
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Rieck JR, Baracchini G, Nichol D, Abdi H, Grady CL. Reconfiguration and dedifferentiation of functional networks during cognitive control across the adult lifespan. Neurobiol Aging 2021; 106:80-94. [PMID: 34256190 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Healthy aging is accompanied by reduced cognitive control and widespread alterations in the underlying brain networks; but the extent to which large-scale functional networks in older age show reduced specificity across different domains of cognitive control is unclear. Here we use cov-STATIS (a multi-table multivariate technique) to examine similarity of functional connectivity during different domains of cognitive control-inhibition, initiation, shifting, and working memory-across the adult lifespan. We report two major findings: (1) Functional connectivity patterns during initiation, inhibition, and shifting were more similar in older ages, particularly for control and default networks, a pattern consistent with dedifferentiation of the neural correlates associated with cognitive control; and (2) Networks exhibited age-related reconfiguration such that frontal, default, and dorsal attention networks were more integrated whereas sub-networks of somato-motor system were more segregated in older age. Together these findings offer new evidence for dedifferentiation and reconfiguration of functional connectivity underlying different aspects of cognitive control in normal aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny R Rieck
- Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Giulia Baracchini
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Daniel Nichol
- Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hervé Abdi
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Cheryl L Grady
- Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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31
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Sperl L, Gergeleit T, Cañal-Bruland R. On the role of different subdimensions of inhibition for successful motor skill change. Hum Mov Sci 2021; 77:102801. [PMID: 33910146 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2021.102801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Modifying already automatized movement skills often causes proactive interference resulting in initial performance decrements. Dealing with interference is closely linked to inhibitory functions, since inhibition is needed to suppress automatic, but undesired behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of three different inhibition dimensions for interference control in motor skill change. To this end, 42 participants performed three tests each measuring a different dimension of inhibition: resistance to distractor interference (Eriksen-Flanker Task), resistance to proactive interference (Brown-Peterson Variant) and prepotent response inhibition (Stop-Signal Task). To examine the amount of proactive interference in a motor skill change task, participants were then asked to type a short paragraph as fast and accurately as possible on a regular computer keyboard. After this baseline measure, in order to induce proactive interference, they were confronted with a manipulated keyboard on which the letters S and L were switched. This change led to an immediate performance decline, observable in increased typing times and errors. Results also showed that larger performance decrements were significantly associated with better baseline performance, lower scores on prepotent response inhibition and higher scores on resistance to distractor interference. Besides supporting the idea of inhibition as a multidimensional construct, these findings replicate and confirm recent research indicating that the success in motor skill change is predicted by the ability to suppress prepotent response tendencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sperl
- Department for the Psychology of Human Movement and Sport, Institute of Sports Science, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany.
| | - Thore Gergeleit
- Department for the Psychology of Human Movement and Sport, Institute of Sports Science, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany
| | - Rouwen Cañal-Bruland
- Department for the Psychology of Human Movement and Sport, Institute of Sports Science, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany
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32
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Chinese kindergarteners skilled in mental abacus have advantages in spatial processing and attention. COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cogdev.2021.101046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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33
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Santarnecchi E, Momi D, Mencarelli L, Plessow F, Saxena S, Rossi S, Rossi A, Mathan S, Pascual-Leone A. Overlapping and dissociable brain activations for fluid intelligence and executive functions. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2021; 21:327-346. [PMID: 33900569 PMCID: PMC9094637 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-021-00870-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive enhancement interventions aimed at boosting human fluid intelligence (gf) have targeted executive functions (EFs), such as updating, inhibition, and switching, in the context of transfer-inducing cognitive training. However, even though the link between EFs and gf has been demonstrated at the psychometric level, their neurofunctional overlap has not been quantitatively investigated. Identifying whether and how EFs and gf might share neural activation patterns could provide important insights into the overall hierarchical organization of human higher-order cognition, as well as suggest specific targets for interventions aimed at maximizing cognitive transfer. We present the results of a quantitative meta-analysis of the available fMRI and PET literature on EFs and gf in humans, showing the similarity between gf and (i) the overall global EF network, as well as (ii) specific maps for updating, switching, and inhibition. Results highlight a higher degree of similarity between gf and updating (80% overlap) compared with gf and inhibition (34%), and gf and switching (17%). Moreover, three brain regions activated for both gf and each of the three EFs also were identified, located in the left middle frontal gyrus, left inferior parietal lobule, and anterior cingulate cortex. Finally, resting-state functional connectivity analysis on two independent fMRI datasets showed the preferential behavioural correlation and anatomical overlap between updating and gf. These findings confirm a close link between gf and EFs, with implications for brain stimulation and cognitive training interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliano Santarnecchi
- Berenson-Allen Center for Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Unit of Cognitive Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Davide Momi
- Berenson-Allen Center for Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Unit of Cognitive Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Siena Brain Investigation & Neuromodulation Lab (Si-BIN Lab), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology Section, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Lucia Mencarelli
- Siena Brain Investigation & Neuromodulation Lab (Si-BIN Lab), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology Section, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Franziska Plessow
- Berenson-Allen Center for Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Unit of Cognitive Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sadhvi Saxena
- Berenson-Allen Center for Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Unit of Cognitive Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Simone Rossi
- Siena Brain Investigation & Neuromodulation Lab (Si-BIN Lab), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology Section, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Siena Robotics and Systems Lab (SIRS-Lab), Engineering and Mathematics Department, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Human Physiology Section, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rossi
- Siena Brain Investigation & Neuromodulation Lab (Si-BIN Lab), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology Section, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience Department, University of Siena School of Medicine, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Alvaro Pascual-Leone
- Berenson-Allen Center for Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Unit of Cognitive Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Amunts J, Camilleri JA, Eickhoff SB, Patil KR, Heim S, von Polier GG, Weis S. Comprehensive verbal fluency features predict executive function performance. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6929. [PMID: 33767208 PMCID: PMC7994566 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85981-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Semantic verbal fluency (sVF) tasks are commonly used in clinical diagnostic batteries as well as in a research context. When performing sVF tasks to assess executive functions (EFs) the sum of correctly produced words is the main measure. Although previous research indicates potentially better insights into EF performance by the use of finer grained sVF information, this has not yet been objectively evaluated. To investigate the potential of employing a finer grained sVF feature set to predict EF performance, healthy monolingual German speaking participants (n = 230) were tested with a comprehensive EF test battery and sVF tasks, from which features including sum scores, error types, speech breaks and semantic relatedness were extracted. A machine learning method was applied to predict EF scores from sVF features in previously unseen subjects. To investigate the predictive power of the advanced sVF feature set, we compared it to the commonly used sum score analysis. Results revealed that 8 / 14 EF tests were predicted significantly using the comprehensive sVF feature set, which outperformed sum scores particularly in predicting cognitive flexibility and inhibitory processes. These findings highlight the predictive potential of a comprehensive evaluation of sVF tasks which might be used as diagnostic screening of EFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Amunts
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7 Brain and Behaviour), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Str, 52428, Jülich, Germany.
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich-Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Julia A Camilleri
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7 Brain and Behaviour), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Str, 52428, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich-Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Simon B Eickhoff
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7 Brain and Behaviour), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Str, 52428, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich-Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kaustubh R Patil
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7 Brain and Behaviour), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Str, 52428, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich-Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stefan Heim
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1 Structural and functional organization of the brain), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Str, 52428, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy und Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Georg G von Polier
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7 Brain and Behaviour), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Str, 52428, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Deutschordenstraße 50, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Neuenhofer Weg 21, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Susanne Weis
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7 Brain and Behaviour), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Str, 52428, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich-Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
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35
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Blum L, Rosenbaum D, Röben B, Dehnen K, Maetzler W, Suenkel U, Fallgatter AJ, Ehlis AC, Metzger FG. Age-related deterioration of performance and increase of cortex activity comparing time- versus item-controlled fNIRS measurement. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6766. [PMID: 33762595 PMCID: PMC7991654 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85762-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In our aging society, research into neurodegenerative processes is of great interest. Thereby, cortical activation under different neurocognitive conditions is considered to be a promising predictor. Against this background, the executive functions of a total of 250 healthy older adults (53–84 years) have been investigated using the Trail Making Test (TMT) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy in a block design. We investigated effects of age on the performance and cortical blood oxygenation during the TMT. Since it is assumed that older people may compensate for cognitive deficits by slowing their processing speed, we additionally analyzed the cortical blood oxygenation per solved item. Our results showed a significant decrease in processing speed in older participants compared to middle-aged individuals, however, also lower error rates during TMT part A. On a neurophysiological level, we observed increased cortical blood oxygenation in the older participants when completing the TMT. Finally, with respect to the combined measurement (O2Hb/item), no significantly higher hemodynamic cortical response per item was found within the older participants. The results confirm a deterioration of cognitive performance and an increase of cortical activity with increasing age. The findings are discussed in the light of current research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonore Blum
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - David Rosenbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Röben
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Katja Dehnen
- Institute for General Medicine, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Walter Maetzler
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, ,Kiel, Germany
| | - Ulrike Suenkel
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Andreas J Fallgatter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,LEAD Graduate School and Research Network, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ann-Christine Ehlis
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,LEAD Graduate School and Research Network, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Florian G Metzger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Geriatric Center, University Hospital of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Vitos Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Haina, Haina, Germany
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Integrating Three Characteristics of Executive Function in Non-Demented Aging: Trajectories, Classification, and Biomarker Predictors. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2021; 27:158-171. [PMID: 32772936 PMCID: PMC7873176 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617720000703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE With longitudinal executive function (EF) data from the Victoria Longitudinal Study, we investigated three research goals pertaining to key characteristics of EF in non-demented aging: (a) examining variability in EF longitudinal trajectories, (b) establishing trajectory classes, and (c) identifying biomarker predictors discriminating these classes. METHOD We used a trajectory analyses sample (n = 781; M age = 71.42) for the first and second goals and a prediction analyses sample (n = 570; M age = 70.10) for the third goal. Eight neuropsychological EF measures were used as indicators of three EF dimensions: inhibition, updating, and shifting. Data-driven classification analyses were applied to the full trajectory distribution. Machine learning prediction analyses tested 15 predictors from genetic, functional, lifestyle, mobility, and demographic risk domains. RESULTS First, we observed: (a) significant variability in EF trajectories over a 40-year band of aging and (b) significantly variable patterns of EF decline. Second, a four-class EF trajectory model was observed, characterized with classes differentiated by an algorithm of level and slope information. Third, the highest group class was discriminated from lowest by several prediction factors: more education, more novel cognitive activity, lower pulse pressure, younger age, faster gait, lower body mass index, and better balance. CONCLUSION First, with longitudinal variability in EF aging, the data-driven approach showed that long-term trajectories can be differentiated into separable classes. Second, prediction analyses discriminated class membership by a combination of multiple biomarkers from demographic, lifestyle, functional, and mobility domains of risk for brain and cognitive aging decline.
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Rey-Mermet A, Singh KA, Gignac GE, Brydges CR, Ecker UKH. Interference control in working memory: Evidence for discriminant validity between removal and inhibition tasks. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243053. [PMID: 33264336 PMCID: PMC7710115 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Working memory (WM) is a system for maintenance of and access to a limited number of goal-relevant representations in the service of higher cognition. Because of its limited capacity, WM requires interference-control processes, allowing us to avoid being distracted by irrelevant information. Recent research has proposed two interference-control processes, which are conceptually similar: (1) an active, item-wise removal process assumed to remove no-longer relevant information from WM, and (2) an inhibitory process assumed to suppress the activation of distractors against competing, goal-relevant representations. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which the tasks used to assess removal and inhibition measure the same interference-control construct. Results showed acceptable to good reliabilities for nearly all measures. Similar to previous studies, a structural equation modeling approach identified a reliable latent variable of removal. However, also similar to some previous studies, no latent variable of inhibition could be established. This was the case even when the correlation matrix used to compute the latent variable of inhibition was disattenuated for imperfect reliability. Critically, the individual measures of inhibition were unrelated to the latent variable of removal. These results provide tentative support for the notion that removal is not related to the interference-control processes assessed in inhibition tasks. This suggests that the removal process should be conceptualized as a process independent of the concept of inhibition, as proposed in computational WM models that implement removal as the "unbinding" of a WM item from the context in which it occurred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alodie Rey-Mermet
- Faculty of Psychology, Swiss Distance University Institute, Brig, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, Cognitive Psychology Unit, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Krishneil A. Singh
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Gilles E. Gignac
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Christopher R. Brydges
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- West Coast Metabolomics Center, University of California, Davis, United States of America
| | - Ullrich K. H. Ecker
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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38
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Glisky EL, Alexander GE, Hou M, Kawa K, Woolverton CB, Zigman EK, Nguyen LA, Haws K, Figueredo AJ, Ryan L. Differences between young and older adults in unity and diversity of executive functions. AGING NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2020; 28:829-854. [PMID: 33028159 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2020.1830936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Miyake and colleagues (2000) identified three independent but correlated components of executive function in young adults - set shifting, inhibition, and updating. The present study compared the factor structure in young adults to two groups of older adults (ages 60-73 and 74-98). A three-factor model of shifting, inhibition and updating was confirmed in young adults, but the factors were weakly or uncorrelated. In both older groups, a two-factor solution was indicated, updating/inhibition and shifting, which were moderately correlated in young-older adults, and strongly correlated in the old-older group. A nested factors model in the oldest group revealed a common factor, which loaded on all but one of the tests, and a shifting-specific factor. We concluded that in young adulthood, shifting, updating and inhibition may operate relatively independently. As people age and processing becomes less efficient, they may rely increasingly on general executive control processes, reallocating their limited resources to optimize performance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gene E Alexander
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Mingzhu Hou
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Kevin Kawa
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Erika K Zigman
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Lauren A Nguyen
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Kari Haws
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Lee Ryan
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Wang G, Zhao M, Yang F, Cheng LJ, Lau Y. Game-based brain training for improving cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta-regression. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2020; 92:104260. [PMID: 32980574 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2020.104260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given that increasing aging is associated with a natural decline in cognitive function, identifying effective interventions that can help to prevent cognitive decline in older adults is a research priority. OBJECTIVE To synthesize the best evidence to assess the effectiveness of game-based brain training in improving cognitive function and to evaluate the preferred design features of the intervention. METHODS Twelve databases, trial registries, and gray literature resources were systematically searched for in randomized controlled trials. Meta-analysis and random-effects meta-regression were conducted using Comprehensive Meta-analysis Software 3.0. Overall effect was measured using Hedges's g and determined using Z-statistics. Cochran's Q test and I2 were used to investigate heterogeneity. The Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system was used to assess overall quality of evidence. RESULTS Fifteen trials among 759 older adults were conducted. Meta-analysis revealed that game-based brain training significantly improved processing speed (g = 0.23), selective attention (g = 0.40), and short-term memory (g = 0.35) versus a control group. Our subgroup analyses emphasized that non-time pressure games, multiplayer, computer platform, provider support, sessions ≤ 3 times per week for ≤ 60 min. each comprised a preferable design. Meta-regression identified game design (β = 0.211, p = 0.008) that had statistically significant effects on processing speed. Egger's regression asymmetry test (p = 0.293) suggested no publication bias. CONCLUSIONS Game-based brain training can be considered a supplementary intervention for improving cognitive functions in community-dwelling older adults. Future trials should use well-designed trials with large sample sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Menglu Zhao
- Bachelor of Science, School of Nursing, Qingdao University, China.
| | - Fuguo Yang
- School of Nursing, Qingdao University, China.
| | - Ling Jie Cheng
- Nursing Research Unit, Department of Nursing, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Yishun Health Campus, National Healthcare Group, Singapore.
| | - Ying Lau
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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40
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Mohapatra B, Marshall RS. Performance differences between aphasia and healthy aging on an executive function test battery. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2020; 22:487-497. [PMID: 31786959 DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2019.1691262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Executive function (EF) deficits commonly co-occur with other linguistic and non-linguistic deficits in aphasia. The questions about whether, and to what extent, people with aphasia (PWA) present deficits on different executive functions (EFs) is relatively understudied.Method: In this study, four EFs, set-switching, updating, inhibition, and dual task processing were evaluated in aphasia and healthy groups. Three groups of participants: 30 healthy young, 30 healthy old, and 10 PWA were assessed on four tasks, Colour Trails Test (CTT 1 and 2), Conners' Continuous Performance Test II (CPT II), n-back (1- and 2-back), and divided attention task that tapped into different EFs. In order to examine performance differences on the EF tasks between the participant groups, repeated measures and multivariate analysis of variances with follow-up pairwise comparisons were computed. Pearson product-moment correlations were conducted to evaluate the strength and direction of the association between aphasia severity (on Western Aphasia Battery-Revised) and executive functioning.Result: PWA demonstrated significantly diminished performance on all EF tasks in comparison to healthy groups and differences were distinct on the higher-level complexity tasks such as the 2-back and CTT 2. The healthy older group demonstrated elevated response times on the CTT, CPT II, and divided attention tasks, and decreased sensitivity scores on the CPT II and n-back in comparison to the younger group. Also, aphasia severity correlated with reduced performance on selective EF measures.Conclusion: This study emphasises the importance of investigating EF deficits in PWA and its potential relationship to language behaviour. Understanding EF is critical for comprehension of linguistic and non-linguistic deficits and in planning treatment for PWA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijoyaa Mohapatra
- Department of Communication Disorders, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Rebecca Shisler Marshall
- Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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41
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Amunts J, Camilleri JA, Eickhoff SB, Heim S, Weis S. Executive functions predict verbal fluency scores in healthy participants. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11141. [PMID: 32636406 PMCID: PMC7341845 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65525-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
While there is a clear link between impairments of executive functions (EFs), i.e. cognitive control mechanisms that facilitate goal-directed behavior, and speech problems, it is so far unclear exactly which of the complex subdomains of EFs most strongly contribute to speech performance, as measured by verbal fluency (VF) tasks. Furthermore, the impact of intra-individual variability is largely unknown. This study on healthy participants (n = 235) shows that the use of a relevance vector machine approach allows for the prediction of VF performance from EF scores. Based on a comprehensive set of EF scores, results identified cognitive flexibility and inhibition as well as processing speed as strongest predictors for VF performance, but also highlighted a modulatory influence of fluctuating hormone levels. These findings demonstrate that speech production performance is strongly linked to specific EF subdomains, but they also suggest that inter-individual differences should be taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Amunts
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7 Brain and Behaviour), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Julia A Camilleri
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7 Brain and Behaviour), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Simon B Eickhoff
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7 Brain and Behaviour), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stefan Heim
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1 Structural and functional organization of the brain), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy und Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Susanne Weis
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7 Brain and Behaviour), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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42
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Zhou X, Hu Y, Yuan L, Gu T, Li D. Visual form perception predicts 3-year longitudinal development of mathematical achievement. Cogn Process 2020; 21:521-532. [PMID: 32556792 DOI: 10.1007/s10339-020-00980-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated an association between approximate number system (ANS) acuity and mathematical performance. Studies have also shown that ANS acuity can predict the longitudinal development of mathematical achievement. Visual form perception in the current investigation was proposed to account for the predictive role of ANS acuity in the development of mathematical achievement. One hundred and eighty-eight school children (100 males, 88 females; mean age = 12.2 ± 0.3 years) participated in the study by completing five tests: numerosity comparison, figure matching, mental rotation, nonverbal matrix reasoning, and choice reaction time. Three years later, they took a mathematical achievement test. We assessed whether the early tests predicted mathematical achievement at the later date. Analysis showed that the ANS acuity measured via numerosity comparison significantly predicted mathematical achievement 3 years later, even when controlling for individual differences in mental rotation, nonverbal matrix reasoning, and choice reaction time, as well as age and gender differences. Hierarchical regression and mediation analyses further showed that the longitudinal predictive role of ANS acuity in mathematical achievement was interpreted by visual form perception measured with a figure-matching test. Together, these results indicate that visual form perception may be the underlying cognitive mechanism that links ANS acuity to mathematical achievement in terms of longitudinal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning and IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China. .,Advanced Innovation Center for Future Education and Siegler Center for Innovative Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Yuwei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning and IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Future Education and Siegler Center for Innovative Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Li Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning and IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Future Education and Siegler Center for Innovative Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Tianan Gu
- Institute of Public Administration and Human Resources, Development Research Center of the State Council, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Dawei Li
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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43
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Mansor NS, Chow CM, Halaki M. Cognitive effects of video games in older adults and their moderators: a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression. Aging Ment Health 2020; 24:841-856. [PMID: 30784296 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2019.1574710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The growing interest in preserving cognition through video games in the ageing population is evidenced by its wealth of literature. However, there has been a lack of consensus on video games efficacy and even limited understanding on the factors moderating its effectiveness. The present review sought to evaluate video game effects, relative to no-game control condition, on cognitive functions in older adults. The functions included processing speed, attention, delayed memory, reasoning, and executive functions (inhibition, shifting and updating memory). Personal and methodological moderators were explored to explain the variability in cognitive effects using meta-regression. Through a systematic literature search of online databases, 27 intervention studies were eligible, with a total of 1126 participants, for analysis. Using random-effect models, small but significant training effects were found on updating memory but none were detected in other cognitive functions. The heterogeneity across studies was in general high for all cognitive functions and was partially accounted for, in all cognitive functions except for inhibition and updating, by different moderators such as the proportion of females, outcome measure parameters, training intensity, and game type. The findings highlight limited effects of video games on cognitive functions that were largely influenced by factors related to study design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nor Shuhada Mansor
- Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Institut Perubatan dan Pergigian Termaju, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Malaysia
| | - Chin Moi Chow
- Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Halaki
- Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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44
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Roye S, Castagna PJ, Calamia M, De Vito AN, Lee TH, Greening SG. Relationships between multiple dimensions of executive functioning and resting-state networks in adults. Neuropsychologia 2020; 141:107418. [PMID: 32169318 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2020.107418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The current study sought to examine the functional connectivity of resting state networks (RSNs) as they relate to the individual domains of executive functioning (EF). Based on the Unity and Diversity model (Miyake et al., 2000), EF performance was captured using a three-factor model proposed by Karr et al. (2018), which includes inhibition, shifting, and fluency. Publicly available data was used from the Nathan Kline Institute -Rockland project was used. Of the 722 participants who completed the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS), which was used to measure EF performance, 269 of these individuals completed resting state fMRI scans. First, a confirmatory factory analysis replicated Karr et al. (2018) revealing three components: inhibition, shifting and fluency. Next, RSNs were identified across the sample using an Independent Components Analysis (ICA) and was compared to previously established intrinsic connectivity networks (Laird et al., 2011). Finally, dual regression was used to analyze the relationships between the functional connectivity of RSNs and EF performance, which indicated that RSNs were differentially associated with inhibition and shifting. Better inhibition was related to increased connectivity between the left striatum and the attentional control network. Better shifting performance was related to increased connectivity between the pre- and postcentral gyri and the speech and sensorimotor network. These results highlight individual differences within these RSNs that are unique to the literature, as non-EF confounds are mitigated within the current measurements of EF performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Roye
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States.
| | - Peter J Castagna
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Matthew Calamia
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Alyssa N De Vito
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Tae-Ho Lee
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Steven G Greening
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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45
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Sperl L, Cañal-Bruland R. Interindividual differences in the capability to change automatized movement patterns. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2020; 204:103027. [PMID: 32050121 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2020.103027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
When modifying established, automatized skills, performers often experience proactive interference resulting in initial performance decrements. Notably, individuals seem to differ quite largely with respect to their interference susceptibility. The aim of the present study was to scrutinize the roots of these interindividual differences by examining the role of executive functions, age, baseline performance and gaze behavior applying a motor skill change task. As the ability to deal with proactive interference seems to be particularly linked to inhibitory mechanisms, we also assessed whether the application of a motor restriction which prevents unwanted movements may facilitate inhibition and hence result in less proactive interference. To this end, skilled touch-typists were confronted with a rule change that prohibited the left index finger for subsequent typing which immediately disrupted participants' automatized typing fluency. Regression analyses revealed that the amount of interference was significantly related to age and that the application of a motor restriction tended to predict less proactive interference. Additional correlation analyses revealed that a higher amount of proactive interference was also associated with higher baseline performance and lower prepotent response inhibition abilities. However, none of the remaining executive functions could explain the amount of interference. It follows that individual factors such as age, baseline performance and prepotent response inhibition as well as the physical option to execute a certain movement may play important roles in overcoming proactive interference when changing automatized skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sperl
- Department for the Psychology of Human Movement and Sport, Institute of Sports Science, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany.
| | - Rouwen Cañal-Bruland
- Department for the Psychology of Human Movement and Sport, Institute of Sports Science, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany
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46
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Agelink van Rentergem JA, de Vent NR, Schmand BA, Murre JMJ, Staaks JPC, Huizenga HM. The Factor Structure of Cognitive Functioning in Cognitively Healthy Participants: a Meta-Analysis and Meta-Analysis of Individual Participant Data. Neuropsychol Rev 2020; 30:51-96. [PMID: 32008158 PMCID: PMC7089912 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-019-09423-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Many neuropsychologists are of the opinion that the multitude of cognitive tests may be grouped into a much smaller number of cognitive domains. However, there is little consensus on how many domains exist, what these domains are, nor on which cognitive tests belong to which domain. This incertitude can be solved by factor analysis, provided that the analysis includes a broad range of cognitive tests that have been administered to a very large number of people. In this article, two such factor analyses were performed, each combining multiple studies. However, because it was not possible to obtain complete multivariate data on more than the most common test variables in the field, not all possible domains were examined here. The first analysis was a factor meta-analysis of correlation matrices combining data of 60,398 healthy participants from 52 studies. Several models from the literature were fitted, of which a version based on the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) model was found to describe the correlations better than the others. The second analysis was a factor analysis of the Advanced Neuropsychological Diagnostics Infrastructure (ANDI) database, combining scores of 11,881 participants from 54 Dutch and Belgian studies not included in the first meta-analysis. Again, the model fit was better for the CHC model than for other models. Therefore, we conclude that the CHC model best characterizes both cognitive domains and which test belongs to each domain. Therefore, although originally developed in the intelligence literature, the CHC model deserves more attention in neuropsychology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost A. Agelink van Rentergem
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129B, 1018WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nathalie R. de Vent
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129B, 1018WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ben A. Schmand
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129B, 1018WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Psychology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain and Cognition Center Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap M. J. Murre
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129B, 1018WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janneke P. C. Staaks
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - ANDI Consortium
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hilde M. Huizenga
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129B, 1018WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain and Cognition Center Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Research priority area Yield, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Specifying the domain-general resources that contribute to conceptual construction: Evidence from the child’s acquisition of vitalist biology. Cognition 2020; 195:104090. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cognition.2019.104090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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48
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Gustavson DE, Panizzon MS, Franz CE, Reynolds CA, Corley RP, Hewitt JK, Lyons MJ, Kremen WS, Friedman NP. Integrating verbal fluency with executive functions: Evidence from twin studies in adolescence and middle age. J Exp Psychol Gen 2019; 148:2104-2119. [PMID: 30896200 PMCID: PMC6754807 DOI: 10.1037/xge0000589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The relationship of verbal fluency to executive functions (EFs) remains somewhat unclear. Verbal fluency is sometimes considered an EF ability, but is not often included in the same models as other well-studied EFs (inhibition, shifting, and working memory updating). We examined the associations between verbal fluency and EFs at 2 ages with the unity/diversity model, which includes common and domain-specific EF factors. Participants were 813 adolescent twins from the Colorado Longitudinal Twin Sample (mean age 17 years) and 1,290 middle-aged twins from the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging (mean age 56 years) who completed multiple measures of EFs, verbal fluency, vocabulary, and nonverbal cognitive ability. Results revealed that, in both samples, a General Fluency factor (i.e., comprising both phonemic and semantic fluency measures) was associated with the Common EF factor, but also with variance unique to working memory updating, working memory span, and set-shifting. In adolescents, semantic fluency also had unique associations with shifting beyond its shared variance with phonemic fluency and Common EF. After accounting for EFs and other cognitive abilities, there were unique genetic and environmental influences on the General Fluency and Semantic-Specific latent factors. These results suggest that verbal fluency ability may best be viewed as an amalgamation of general EF variance (i.e., Common EF ability), variance shared with other EFs (e.g., Updating-Specific ability), and multiple sources of unique genetic/environmental variance (i.e., General Fluency and Semantic-Specific abilities). These associations between verbal fluency and EFs generalize to populations that differ in age by approximately 40 years. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
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Schubert AL, Rey-Mermet A. Does process overlap theory replace the issues of general intelligence with the issues of attentional control? JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN MEMORY AND COGNITION 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jarmac.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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50
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Abstract
Objective: Despite its association with increased severity and treatment resistance, relatively little is known about the correlates of early-onset childhood depression. ADHD and executive functioning (EF) are each related to depression. Given their covariation, we tested the independent association of ADHD dimensions (i.e., inattention, hyperactivity) and EF with childhood depression using structural equation modeling to identify potential targets for intervention. Method: Participants were 225 five- to 10-year-old children (68% male) with (n = 117) and without (n = 108) ADHD. Youth completed laboratory assessments of EF, and parent, teacher, and youth reports of depression were gathered. Results: With control of EF and anxiety, across informants, inattention, but not hyperactivity, was positively related to child depression. EF was positively associated with depression according to parent ratings only. Conclusion: We consider the association of inattention and EF with childhood depression, including implications for intervention and prevention from a developmental psychopathology framework.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steve S Lee
- 1 University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) USA
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