1
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Zhang Y, Paik SS, Kim IB. Changes in Retinal Structure and Function in Mice Exposed to Flickering Blue Light: Electroretinographic and Optical Coherence Tomographic Analyses. Exp Neurobiol 2024; 33:152-164. [PMID: 38993082 PMCID: PMC11247282 DOI: 10.5607/en24011] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The harmful effects of blue light on the retina and health issues attributed to flickering light have been researched extensively. However, reports on the effects of flickering blue light at a frequency in the visible range on the retina are limited. This study aimed to non-invasively investigate the structural and functional changes in mice retinas following exposure to flickering blue light. BALB/c mice were subjected to non-flickering and flickering blue light, and changes in the retinal function and structure were assessed using electroretinography (ERG) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), respectively. Retinal damage progression was monitored on days 3, 7, 14, and 42 following light exposure. Significant reductions in scotopic and photopic ERG responses were observed on day 3 (p<0.05). On day 7, the non-flickering and flickering groups demonstrated different functional changes: the flickering group showed further ERG response reduction, while the non-flickering group showed no reduction or slight improvement that was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). A similar trend lasted by day 14. On day 42, however, the difference between the non-flickering and flickering groups was significant, which was corroborated by the normalized amplitudes at 0, 0.5, and 1 log cd s/m2 (p<0.05). Quantitative and qualitative SD-OCT assays revealed more severe and progressive retinal damage in the flickering group throughout the study. Flickering blue light causes more persistent and severe retinal damage than non-flickering blue light and may be a risk factor for retinal degeneration even at frequencies as low as 20 Hz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Sun-Sook Paik
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
- Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - In-Beom Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
- Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
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2
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Venevtseva YL, Melnikov AK, Nesterova SA. [Sleep and fine motor skills: the influence of sex and level of physical activity]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2024; 124:33-38. [PMID: 38934664 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202412405233] [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] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the influence of sleep quality on psychophysiological testing results and autonomic state in university students of both sexes with different habitual physical activity level. MATERIAL AND METHODS One hundred and twenty-four 6th year medical students (88 women and 36 men) and 80 sport science students (42 women and 38 men) underwent a comprehensive psychophysiological study, including 7 tests: simple motor reaction, choice reaction, reaction under conditions of interference, reaction to a moving object, critical fusion frequency, as well as static and dynamic (by profile) dexterity tests. Autonomic status was assessed using heart rate variability, sleep quality and alertness were assessed based on self-report, and in athletes, using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire (PSQI). RESULTS In the male athletes' group with morning chronotype the sleep quality was better than in medical students. Only female medical students demonstrated a deterioration in praxis with an increase in the severity of evening features in the chronotype and a decrease in self-assessment of sleep quality. Increased sleepiness in the first half hour after awakening significantly reduced the quality of performance of psychometric tests in all subjects. The most informative was critical fusion frequency, which was lower in girls with «poor» sleep, as well as the reaction to a moving object. In addition, sympathetic drive was increased in female medical students with poor self-rated sleep quality. CONCLUSION A decrease in the quality of sleep in students causes fine motor impairment, mediated by sex, the level of habitual physical activity and circadian chronotype.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Kh Melnikov
- Medical institute Tula State University, Tula, Russia
| | - S A Nesterova
- Medical institute Tula State University, Tula, Russia
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3
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Mankowska ND, Sharma RI, Grzywinska M, Marcinkowska AB, Kot J, Winklewski PJ. Comment on Muth et al. Assessing Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency: Which Confounders? A Narrative Review. Medicina 2023, 59, 800. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1668. [PMID: 37763787 PMCID: PMC10537310 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
We first want to thank the authors of the excellent review for their contributions to summarizing the confounders associated with critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFF) [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia D Mankowska
- Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Neurophysiology, Neuropsychology and Neuroinformatics, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Rita I Sharma
- Department of Neurophysiology, Neuropsychology and Neuroinformatics, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
- National Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine in Gdynia, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Grzywinska
- Neuroinformatics and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Department of Neurophysiology, Neuropsychology and Neuroinformatics, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Anna B Marcinkowska
- Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Neurophysiology, Neuropsychology and Neuroinformatics, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
- 2nd Department of Radiology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Jacek Kot
- National Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine in Gdynia, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Pawel J Winklewski
- Department of Neurophysiology, Neuropsychology and Neuroinformatics, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
- 2nd Department of Radiology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
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4
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Aul C, Brau JM, Sugarman A, DeGutis JM, Germine LT, Esterman M, McGlinchey RE, Fortenbaugh FC. The functional relevance of visuospatial processing speed across the lifespan. Cogn Res Princ Implic 2023; 8:51. [PMID: 37542181 PMCID: PMC10403489 DOI: 10.1186/s41235-023-00504-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Visuospatial processing speed underlies several cognitive functions critical for successful completion of everyday tasks, including driving and walking. While it is widely accepted that visuospatial processing speed peaks in early adulthood, performance across the lifespan remains incompletely characterized. Additionally, there remains a lack of paradigms available to assess visuospatial processing speed in unsupervised web-based testing environments. To address these gaps, we developed a novel visuospatial processing speed (VIPS) task adapted from two tests sensitive to visuospatial processing speed declines in older adults, the Useful Field of View paradigm and the PERformance CEntered Portable Test. The VIPS task requires participants to make a central orientation discrimination and complete a simultaneous peripheral visual search task. Data were collected from 86 in-lab volunteers (18-30 years) to compare performance to traditional neuropsychological measures. Consistent with previous literature, performance on the novel VIPS task significantly correlated with measures of selective attention, executive functioning, visual speed, and working memory. An additional 4395 volunteers (12-62 years) were recruited on TestMyBrain.org to establish lifespan trajectories of visuospatial processing speed and associations with functional disability. VIPS task performance peaked in the early 20's, and steadily decreased such that thresholds doubled in 60-year-olds relative to 20-year-olds (817 ms vs. 412 ms). VIPS task performance significantly correlated with self-reported cognitive functioning deficits broadly across the lifespan but was specifically related to mobility issues in middle-age. These findings have important implications for early detection of cognitive decline and provide insights into potential early intervention targets for younger and middle-aged adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Aul
- Boston Attention and Learning Laboratory (BALLAB), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julia M Brau
- Boston Attention and Learning Laboratory (BALLAB), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Sugarman
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph M DeGutis
- Boston Attention and Learning Laboratory (BALLAB), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura T Germine
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute for Technology in Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Michael Esterman
- Boston Attention and Learning Laboratory (BALLAB), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Regina E McGlinchey
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Francesca C Fortenbaugh
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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5
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Muth T, Schipke JD, Brebeck AK, Dreyer S. Assessing Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency: Which Confounders? A Narrative Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59040800. [PMID: 37109758 PMCID: PMC10141404 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59040800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
The critical flicker fusion frequency (cFFF) refers to the frequency at which a regularly recurring change of light stimuli is perceived as steady. The cFFF threshold is often assessed in clinics to evaluate the temporal characteristics of the visual system, making it a common test for eye diseases. Additionally, it serves as a helpful diagnostic tool for various neurological and internal diseases. In the field of diving/hyperbaric medicine, cFFF has been utilized to determine alertness and cognitive functions. Changes in the cFFF threshold have been linked to the influence of increased respiratory gas partial pressures, although there exist inconsistent results regarding this effect. Moreover, the use of flicker devices has produced mixed outcomes in previous studies. This narrative review aims to explore confounding factors that may affect the accuracy of cFFF threshold measurements, particularly in open-field studies. We identify five broad categories of such factors, including (1) participant characteristics, (2) optical factors, (3) smoking/drug use, (4) environmental aspects, and (5) breathing gases and partial pressures. We also discuss the application of cFFF measurements in the field of diving and hyperbaric medicine. In addition, we provide recommendations for interpreting changes in the cFFF threshold and how they are reported in research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Muth
- Institute of Occupational, Social, Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jochen D Schipke
- Research Group Experimental Surgery, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Sven Dreyer
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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6
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Xu G, Fu J, Qi H, Li L, Chen W, Gao Y, Ma T, Ye Z, Li Z. The theory of critical flicker fusion frequency and its application in cataracts. ADVANCES IN OPHTHALMOLOGY PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2023; 3:29-32. [PMID: 37846427 PMCID: PMC10577820 DOI: 10.1016/j.aopr.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Due to media opacity, it is usually difficult to accurately evaluate the postoperative visual acuity in cataracts patients. As a small and portable tool, the critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF) device reflects the temporal resolution of visual function and has been widely used in clinical research. However, poor understanding of the technique and equipment limitations have restricted its clinical application in China. Main text There was a decrease in the CFF value in various ophthalmic diseases, indicating that the CFF is sensitive to detect visual functional changes. A number of studies have shown that the CFF test can accurately distinguish patients with simple cataracts from those with cataracts combined with fundus disease, and, as a visual test, it can more accurately predict postoperative visual acuity without being affected by media opacity. This study comprehensive reviews the basic principles of CFF and its application in ophthalmology, especially in cataracts. Conclusions As one of the tools for dynamic visual function detection, the CFF test could help doctors to assess the possible presence of fundus disease in cataracts patients, especially in eyes with dense cataracts, and more precisely provide a reasonable visual prognosis than other available visual tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangcan Xu
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center, The Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Junxia Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haolan Qi
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center, The Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Linyu Li
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center, The Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wenqian Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center, The Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center, The Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tianju Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center, The Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zi Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center, The Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
- The Chinese People's Liberation Army Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaohui Li
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center, The Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
- The Chinese People's Liberation Army Medical School, Beijing, China
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7
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Eckert MA, Iuricich F, Harris KC, Hamlett ED, Vazey EM, Aston-Jones G. Locus coeruleus and dorsal cingulate morphology contributions to slowed processing speed. Neuropsychologia 2023; 179:108449. [PMID: 36528219 PMCID: PMC9906468 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2022.108449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Slowed information processing speed is a defining feature of cognitive aging. Nucleus locus coeruleus (LC) and medial prefrontal regions are targets for understanding slowed processing speed because these brain regions influence neural and behavioral response latencies through their roles in optimizing task performance. Although structural measures of medial prefrontal cortex have been consistently related to processing speed, it is unclear if 1) declines in LC structure underlie this association because of reciprocal connections between LC and medial prefrontal cortex, or 2) if LC declines provide a separate explanation for age-related changes in processing speed. LC and medial prefrontal structural measures were predicted to explain age-dependent individual differences in processing speed in a cross-sectional sample of 43 adults (19-79 years; 63% female). Higher turbo-spin echo LC contrast, based on a persistent homology measure, and greater dorsal cingulate cortical thickness were significantly and each uniquely related to faster processing speed. However, only dorsal cingulate cortical thickness appeared to statistically mediate age-related differences in processing speed. The results suggest that individual differences in cognitive processing speed can be attributed, in part, to structural variation in nucleus LC and medial prefrontal cortex, with the latter key to understanding why older adults exhibit slowed processing speed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Eckert
- Hearing Research Program, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, MSC 550, Charleston, S.C., 29425-5500, USA.
| | - Federico Iuricich
- Visual Computing Division, School of Computing, Clemson University, Clemson, S.C., 29634, USA
| | - Kelly C Harris
- Hearing Research Program, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, MSC 550, Charleston, S.C., 29425-5500, USA
| | - Eric D Hamlett
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, S.C., 29425-5500, USA
| | - Elena M Vazey
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003-9297, USA
| | - Gary Aston-Jones
- Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University/Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
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8
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Neuropsychological and Neurophysiological Mechanisms behind Flickering Light Stimulus Processing. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11121720. [PMID: 36552230 PMCID: PMC9774938 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this review is to summarise current knowledge about flickering light and the underlying processes that occur during its processing in the brain. Despite the growing interest in the topic of flickering light, its clinical applications are still not well understood. Studies using EEG indicate an appearing synchronisation of brain wave frequencies with the frequency of flickering light, and hopefully, it could be used in memory therapy, among other applications. Some researchers have focused on using the flicker test as an indicator of arousal, which may be useful in clinical studies if the background for such a relationship is described. Since flicker testing has a risk of inducing epileptic seizures, however, every effort must be made to avoid high-risk combinations, which include, for example, red-blue light flashing at 15 Hz. Future research should focus on the usage of neuroimaging methods to describe the specific neuropsychological and neurophysiological processes occurring in the brain during the processing of flickering light so that its clinical utility can be preliminarily determined and randomised clinical trials can be initiated to test existing reports.
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9
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Stasiak K, Zyskowska M, Głowinkowska I, Kowalczuk K, Lewkowicz R. Influence of night vision goggles with white and green phosphor screens on selected parameters of the eye and fatigue. ERGONOMICS 2022; 65:999-1014. [PMID: 34787060 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2021.2008019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In modern aviation, in particular in the military context, increasingly many aviation tasks are performed at night. To improve the safety of night flights, night vision goggles (NVGs) are commonly used. This study aimed to examine whether changes in ophthalmic parameters during NVGs use vary depending on phosphor screen type (green or white coded as P43 and P45 respectively). Thirteen participants were studied during a 2-h visual task in a night vision laboratory. Before and after NVGs use, we examined visual acuity, pachymetry, critical flicker-frequency thresholds, stereoscopic and contrast vision. During the use of NVGs, visual acuity, intra-ocular pressure and eye refraction were measured. We found no difference in visual performance between NVGs with green and white phosphor screens; however, NVGs use in general may lead to subjective eye fatigue, neck pain and headaches associated with the time of wearing and the weight of the helmet with additional equipment attached. Practitioner summary Night vision goggles (NVGs), widely used to improve the safety of night flights, were examined according to the applied type of the phosphor screen. There was no difference in visual performance between a white and green phosphor screens; however, NVGs and helmet manufacturers should strive to design these devices to be as lightweight as possible. Abbreviations: ANOVA: analysis of variance; CCT: central corneal thickness; CFF: critical flicker frequency; CNS: central nervous system; CS: contrast sensitivity; FOV: field-of-view; I2: image intensifier; IOP: intra-ocular pressure; NVGs: night vision goggles; SV: stereoscopic vision; VA: visual acuity; VAS: visual analog scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Stasiak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Zyskowska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ilona Głowinkowska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kowalczuk
- Simulator Study and Aeromedical Training Division, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Lewkowicz
- Simulator Study and Aeromedical Training Division, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
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10
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Mankowska ND, Marcinkowska AB, Waskow M, Sharma RI, Kot J, Winklewski PJ. Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency: A Narrative Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:1096. [PMID: 34684133 PMCID: PMC8537539 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57101096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This review presents the current knowledge of the usage of critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF) in human and animal model studies. CFF has a wide application in different fields, especially as an indicator of cortical arousal and visual processing. In medicine, CFF may be helpful for diagnostic purposes, for example in epilepsy or minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Given the environmental studies and a limited number of other methods, it is applicable in diving and hyperbaric medicine. Current research also shows the relationship between CFF and other electrophysiological methods, such as electroencephalography. The human eye can detect flicker at 50-90 Hz but reports are showing the possibility to distinguish between steady and modulated light up to 500 Hz. Future research with the use of CFF is needed to better understand its utility and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia D. Mankowska
- Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Department of Human Physiology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Anna B. Marcinkowska
- Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Department of Human Physiology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland;
- 2nd Department of Radiology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland;
- Institute of Health Sciences, Pomeranian University in Slupsk, 76-200 Slupsk, Poland;
| | - Monika Waskow
- Institute of Health Sciences, Pomeranian University in Slupsk, 76-200 Slupsk, Poland;
| | - Rita I. Sharma
- Department of Human Physiology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland;
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Jacek Kot
- National Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine in Gdynia, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Pawel J. Winklewski
- 2nd Department of Radiology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland;
- Institute of Health Sciences, Pomeranian University in Slupsk, 76-200 Slupsk, Poland;
- Department of Human Physiology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland;
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11
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Maldonado T, Orr JM, Goen JRM, Bernard JA. Age Differences in the Subcomponents of Executive Functioning. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 75:e31-e55. [PMID: 31943092 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Across the life span, deficits in executive functioning (EF) are associated with poor behavioral control and failure to achieve goals. Though EF is often discussed as one broad construct, a prominent model of EF suggests that it is composed of three subdomains: inhibition, set shifting, and updating. These subdomains are seen in both younger (YA) and older adults (OA), with performance deficits across subdomains in OA. Therefore, our goal was to investigate whether subdomains of EF might be differentially affected by age, and how these differences may relate to broader global age differences in EF. METHODS To assess these age differences, we conducted a meta-analysis at multiple levels, including task level, subdomain level, and of global EF. Based on previous work, we hypothesized that there would be overall differences in EF in OA. RESULTS Using 1,268 effect sizes from 401 articles, we found overall differences in EF with age. Results suggested that differences in performance are not uniform, such that variability in age effects emerged at the task level, and updating was not as affected by age as other subdomains. DISCUSSION These findings advance our understanding of age differences in EF, and stand to inform early detection of EF decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ted Maldonado
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station
| | - Joseph M Orr
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station.,Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station
| | - James R M Goen
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station
| | - Jessica A Bernard
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station.,Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station
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12
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Prabu Kumar A, Omprakash A, Kuppusamy M, K.N. M, B.W.C. S, P.V. V, Ramaswamy P. How does cognitive function measured by the reaction time and critical flicker fusion frequency correlate with the academic performance of students? BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2020; 20:507. [PMID: 33317499 PMCID: PMC7734712 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-020-02416-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reaction time (RT) is "the time taken for the appearance of rapid voluntary reaction by an individual following a stimulus, either auditory or visual" and the Critical Flickering Fusion Frequency (CFFF) is "the rate at which successively presented light stimuli appear to be steady and continuous". RT and CFFF are commonly used for the assessment of cognitive functions that are known to influence academic performance. However, data about the exact correlation between these are scarce, particularly in India. This research aimed to study the association between visual RT (VRT), auditory RT (ART) and CFFF and their impact on the academic performance of undergraduate students. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted on 700 students of Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at a private medical university in South India, during the period from 2015 to 2017. The VRT, ART and CFFF were evaluated, and the best out of three subsequent attempts was recorded. The mean score (in percentage) of the three best marks out of the five internal assessments for the course during each academic year was considered for analysis. The association between the different cognitive tests and the average academic performance was analysed. RESULTS Female students had faster VRT (n = 345, mean = 243.97, SD = 83.87) than male students (n = 273, mean = 274.86, SD = 96.97) (p = 0.001). VRT and ART had a moderate negative correlation with academic performance (for ART, r = - 0.42, p < 0.001; for VRT; r = - 0.40, p < 0.001). CFFF had a very weak positive correlation with academic performance (r = 0.19, p = 0.01). The only independent predictors of academic performance were RT and gender (Adjusted R2 = 0.11). CONCLUSION Although there is a correlation between CFFF and cognitive function, our study showed only a weak correlation between CFFF and academic performance. Female students had faster RTs, and gender was an independent predictor of academic performance. Rather, students with faster RTs appear to have an advantage in academic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Prabu Kumar
- Present Address: Medical Education Unit, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
- Department of Physiology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India
| | - Abirami Omprakash
- Department of Physiology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India
| | - Maheshkumar Kuppusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Government Yoga and Naturopathy Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India
| | - Maruthy K.N.
- Department of Physiology, Narayana Medical College, Nellore, India
| | - Sathiyasekaran B.W.C.
- Department of Community Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India
| | - Vijayaraghavan P.V.
- Department of Orthopaedics, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India
| | - Padmavathi Ramaswamy
- Department of Physiology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India
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13
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Hammond BR, Buch J. Individual differences in visual function. Exp Eye Res 2020; 199:108186. [PMID: 32781197 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A significant proportion of research on the visual system focuses on general principles that apply to samples and/or populations. Many questions, however, are more suited to the specific characteristics of an individual. The visual system, like most systems of the body, is extremely variable with respect to function and susceptibility to disease. Understanding this variation is an important avenue to better measurement, disease prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Billy R Hammond
- Vision Sciences Laboratory, Behavioral and Brain Sciences Program, Department of Psychology, The University of Georgia, United States.
| | - John Buch
- Johnson and Johnson Vision Care, Inc, United States
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14
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Saint SE, Hammond BR, Khan NA, Hillman CH, Renzi-Hammond LM. Temporal vision is related to cognitive function in preadolescent children. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-CHILD 2019; 10:319-326. [PMID: 31846584 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2019.1699096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The relation between visual processing speed (critical flicker fusion thresholds [CFF] and psychomotor reaction time) and higher-level cognitive function was assessed using a cross-sectional sample (n = 51) of 7 to 13-year-old preadolescent children. Data on visual processing speed (CFF and psychomotor reaction time) and cognitive function (Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Cognitive Abilities) were collected. Woodcock-Johnson III composite standard scores (brief intellectual ability [BIA], cognitive efficiency, processing speed, and executive processes) were calculated to control for age in the cognitive variables. CFF was related to cognitive efficiency, r(46) = 0.26, p = 0.036, and executive processes, r(44) = 0.25, p = 0.05, and showed a trend toward relating to processing speed, r(46) = 0.19, p = 0.09. Both psychomotor reaction time measures (fixed and variable) were related to executive processes and global intelligence (BIA) such that higher cognitive scores were associated with shorter reaction times, rs ranged from -0.25 to -0.29, ps < 0.05. In addition, fixed reaction time was related to cognitive efficiency, r(47) = -0.26, p < 0.05. The small nature of many of these relations suggests that visual processing speed is only one of many possible influences on the higher cognitive function of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Saint
- Institute of Gerontology, Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, College of Public Health, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Department of Psychology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Billy R Hammond
- Department of Psychology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Naiman A Khan
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Charles H Hillman
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA.,Departments of Psychology and Physical Therapy, Movement, & Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lisa M Renzi-Hammond
- Institute of Gerontology, Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, College of Public Health, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Department of Psychology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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15
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De Bels D, Pierrakos C, Bruneteau A, Reul F, Crevecoeur Q, Marrone N, Vissenaeken D, Borgers G, Balestra C, Honoré PM, Theunissen S. Variation of Cognitive Function During a Short Stay at Hypobaric Hypoxia Chamber (Altitude: 3842 M). Front Physiol 2019; 10:806. [PMID: 31316394 PMCID: PMC6611417 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To observe the effects of a fast-acute ascent to high altitude on brain cognitive function and transcranial doppler parameters in order to understand the physiological countermeasures of hypoxia. Methods 17 high-altitude-naïve male subjects (mean age was 26.3 ± 8.1 years) participated in the study. We measured Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency (CFFF), blood oxygen saturation, Psychology Experiment Building (PEBL) including three tests (Modified Math Processing Task, Perceptual Vigilance Task, and Time Estimation Task), as well as Cerebral Blood Flow index (CBFi), mean cerebral artery Systolic and diastolic velocities, Cerebral Pulsatility index (CPi), and heart Rate. All were measured at sea level, at least 1 h after arrival at the hypobaric hypoxia equivalent of 3842 m and 1 h after return to sea level. Results Under acute exposure to hypobaric hypoxic conditions, significant decrease in CFFF [42.1 ± 1 vs. 43.5 ± 1.7 Hz at sea level (asl), p < 0.01], CBFi (611 ± 51 vs. 665 ± 71 asl, p < 0.01) and blood oxygen saturation (83 ± 4% vs. 98 ± 1% asl, p < 0.001) as compared to pre-ascent values were observed. Physiological countermeasures to hypoxia could be involved as there was no significant change in neuropsychometric tests, Systolic and Diastolic velocities and CPi. A significant increase in Heart Rate (81 ± 15 bpm vs. 66 ± 15 bpm asl, p < 0.001) was observed. All parameters returned to their basal values 1 h after regaining sea level. Conclusion Hypoxia results in a decrease in CFFF, CBFi and oxygen saturation and in an increase in heart rate. As it decreased, Cerebral Blood Flow index does not seem to be the physiological measurement of choice to hypoxia explaining the maintenance of cognitive performance after acute exposure to hypobaric hypoxia and requires further investigation. Cerebral oxygen delivery and extraction could be one of the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- D De Bels
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Brugmann University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium.,Unit of Oxygen Study, Translational Research Laboratory, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Laboratory of Integrative Physiology, Haute Ecole Bruxelles-Brabant, Brussels, Belgium
| | - C Pierrakos
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Brugmann University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium.,Unit of Oxygen Study, Translational Research Laboratory, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Bruneteau
- Laboratory of Integrative Physiology, Haute Ecole Bruxelles-Brabant, Brussels, Belgium
| | - F Reul
- Faculty of Medicine, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Q Crevecoeur
- Laboratory of Integrative Physiology, Haute Ecole Bruxelles-Brabant, Brussels, Belgium
| | - N Marrone
- Laboratory of Integrative Physiology, Haute Ecole Bruxelles-Brabant, Brussels, Belgium
| | - D Vissenaeken
- Hypobaric Chamber, Queen Astrid Military Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - G Borgers
- Hypobaric Chamber, Queen Astrid Military Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - C Balestra
- Laboratory of Integrative Physiology, Haute Ecole Bruxelles-Brabant, Brussels, Belgium
| | - P M Honoré
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Brugmann University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - S Theunissen
- Laboratory of Integrative Physiology, Haute Ecole Bruxelles-Brabant, Brussels, Belgium
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16
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Lafère P, Hemelryck W, Germonpré P, Matity L, Guerrero F, Balestra C. Early detection of diving-related cognitive impairment of different nitrogen-oxygen gas mixtures using critical flicker fusion frequency. Diving Hyperb Med 2019; 49:119-126. [PMID: 31177518 DOI: 10.28920/dhm49.2.119-126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cognitive impairment related to inert gas narcosis (IGN) is a threat to diving safety and operations at depth that might be reduced by using enriched air nitrox (EANx) mixtures. Using critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFF), a possible early detection of cognitive abilities/cerebral arousal impairment when breathing different oxygen (O2) fractions was investigated. METHODS Eight male volunteers performed, in random order, two dry chamber dives breathing either air or EANx40 (40% O₂-60% nitrogen) for 20 minutes (min) at 0.4 MPa. Cognition and arousal were assessed before the dive; upon arrival at 0.4 MPa; after 15 min exposure at 0.4 MPa; on surfacing and 30 min post-dive using behavioural computer-based testing psychology experiment building language (PEBL) and by CFFF while continuously recording brain oxygenation with near-infrared spectroscopy. RESULTS In both breathing conditions, CFFF and PEBL demonstrated a significant inverse correlation (Pearson r of -0.90, P < 0.0001), improved cognitive abilities/cerebral arousal occurred upon arrival at 0.4 MPa followed by a progressive deterioration. Initial brain activation was associated with a significant increase in oxyhaemoglobin (HbO2) and a simultaneous decrease of deoxyhaemoglobin (HHb). The magnitude of the changes was significantly greater under EANx (P = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS Since changes were not related to haemodynamic variables, HbO₂ and HHb values indicate a significant, O₂-dependent activation in the prefrontal cortex. Owing to the correlation with some tests from the PEBL, CFFF could be a convenient measure of cognitive performance/ability in extreme environments, likely under the direct influence of oxygen partial pressure, a potent modulator of IGN symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Lafère
- DAN Europe Research Division, Roseto, Italy.,Laboratoire ORPHY, EA 4324, UFR sciences et techniques, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France.,Environmental, Occupational, Ageing (Integrative) Physiology Laboratory, Haute Ecole Bruxelles-Brabant (HE2B), Brussels, Belgium.,Corresponding author: Pierre Lafère, Laboratoire ORPHY, EA 4324, UFR sciences et techniques, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, 6 Avenue Le Gorgeu - CS 93837, 29238 Brest Cedex 3, France,
| | - Walter Hemelryck
- DAN Europe Research Division, Roseto, Italy.,Environmental, Occupational, Ageing (Integrative) Physiology Laboratory, Haute Ecole Bruxelles-Brabant (HE2B), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Germonpré
- DAN Europe Research Division, Roseto, Italy.,Centre for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Military Hospital 'Queen Astrid', Brussels
| | | | - François Guerrero
- DAN Europe Research Division, Roseto, Italy.,Laboratoire ORPHY, EA 4324, UFR sciences et techniques, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
| | - Costantino Balestra
- DAN Europe Research Division, Roseto, Italy.,Environmental, Occupational, Ageing (Integrative) Physiology Laboratory, Haute Ecole Bruxelles-Brabant (HE2B), Brussels, Belgium.,Anatomical Research and Clinical Studies (ARCS), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (V.U.B.), Brussels.,Anatomical Research Training and Education (ARTE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (V.U.B.).,Motor Sciences, Université Libre De Bruxelles (U.L.B.), Brussels
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17
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Assessment of Cognitive Aging Using an SSVEP-Based Brain–Computer Interface System. BIG DATA AND COGNITIVE COMPUTING 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/bdcc3020029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive deterioration caused by illness or aging often occurs before symptoms arise, and its timely diagnosis is crucial to reducing its medical, personal, and societal impacts. Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) stimulate and analyze key cerebral rhythms, enabling reliable cognitive assessment that can accelerate diagnosis. The BCI system presented analyzes steady-state visually evoked potentials (SSVEPs) elicited in subjects of varying age to detect cognitive aging, predict its magnitude, and identify its relationship with SSVEP features (band power and frequency detection accuracy), which were hypothesized to indicate cognitive decline due to aging. The BCI system was tested with subjects of varying age to assess its ability to detect aging-induced cognitive deterioration. Rectangular stimuli flickering at theta, alpha, and beta frequencies were presented to subjects, and frontal and occipital Electroencephalographic (EEG) responses were recorded. These were processed to calculate detection accuracy for each subject and calculate SSVEP band power. A neural network was trained using the features to predict cognitive age. The results showed potential cognitive deterioration through age-related variations in SSVEP features. Frequency detection accuracy declined after age group 20–40, and band power declined throughout all age groups. SSVEPs generated at theta and alpha frequencies, especially 7.5 Hz, were the best indicators of cognitive deterioration. Here, frequency detection accuracy consistently declined after age group 20–40 from an average of 96.64% to 69.23%. The presented system can be used as an effective diagnosis tool for age-related cognitive decline.
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18
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Ceravolo SA, Hammond BR, Oliver W, Clementz B, Miller LS, Renzi-Hammond LM. Dietary Carotenoids Lutein and Zeaxanthin Change Brain Activation in Older Adult Participants: A Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Mol Nutr Food Res 2019; 63:e1801051. [PMID: 30950580 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201801051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP) can be used to test the topological response of cortical neurons. Studies have shown that a lutein (L) preferentially accumulates within cortical tissue. L, zeaxanthin (Z), and their isomers can be measured directly in retina (macular pigment optical density, MPOD), and retinal L+Z correlate highly with L+Z levels in cortical visual processing areas. The purpose of this study was to determine the relation between MPOD and SSVEP signal power, cross-sectionally and after supplementation with L+Z. METHODS AND RESULTS SSVEP to three different driving frequencies of stimulation (5, 10, and 16.6 Hz) were obtained for community-dwelling older adults, at baseline and after 12 months of supplementation with either 12 mg L+Z or placebo. Power was quantified at the driving frequencies. Non-specific activation was quantified within the 10-15 Hz band. MPOD was measured psychophysically. Subjects with low MPOD had reduced power at 16.6 Hz and reduced non-specific activation, compared with subjects with high MPOD. Supplementation significantly improved signal power at 5 and 10 Hz. CONCLUSION Past research suggests that L+Z can improve visual memory, visual processing speeds, etc. One possible mechanism for that improvement may be improving signal-to-noise ratio throughout the vision system.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Anna Ceravolo
- Vision Sciences Laboratory, Behavioral and Brain Sciences Program, Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.,Athens Community Council on Aging, Athens, GA, 30601, USA
| | - Billy R Hammond
- Vision Sciences Laboratory, Behavioral and Brain Sciences Program, Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.,Human Biofactors Laboratory, Institute of Gerontology, Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - William Oliver
- Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Behavioral and Brain Sciences Program, Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Brett Clementz
- Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Behavioral and Brain Sciences Program, Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - L Stephen Miller
- Neuropsychology and Memory Assessment Laboratory, Clinical Psychology Program, Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Lisa M Renzi-Hammond
- Vision Sciences Laboratory, Behavioral and Brain Sciences Program, Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.,Human Biofactors Laboratory, Institute of Gerontology, Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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19
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Nieto M, Romero D, Ros L, Zabala C, Martínez M, Ricarte JJ, Serrano JP, Latorre JM. Differences in Coping Strategies Between Young and Older Adults: The Role of Executive Functions. Int J Aging Hum Dev 2019; 90:28-49. [DOI: 10.1177/0091415018822040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Executive functions (EFs) have been identified as processes in the ability to select and apply adaptive strategies for coping with stress. This study compares executive functioning, short-term memory, and coping in a sample of young and older adults with no prior diagnosis of depression and with normal cognitive function ( N = 216). The study collected measures of depression, EFs, short-term memory, and coping. Young participants scored higher than older adults on EFs and short-term memory. Moreover, in young adults, there was a prevalence of avoidance coping strategies. Scores on depressive symptomatology were found to be related to avoidant coping strategies. Older adults with higher score on inhibition used less avoidant coping. Thus, it seems that executive deficits might contribute to depression, as they affect processes for coping with stress. This finding may have implications for the role of EFs and coping in psychological well-being and successful adaptation of individuals to stressful situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Nieto
- Department of Psychology, University of Castilla–La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
- Applied Cognitive Psychology Unit, University of Castilla–La Mancha, Faculty of Medicine, Albacete, Spain
| | - Dulce Romero
- Occupational Therapy Division, University of Granada, Spain
| | - Laura Ros
- Department of Psychology, University of Castilla–La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
- Applied Cognitive Psychology Unit, University of Castilla–La Mancha, Faculty of Medicine, Albacete, Spain
| | - Carmen Zabala
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, University of Castilla–La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | - Manuela Martínez
- Department of Psychology, University of Castilla–La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | - Jorge J. Ricarte
- Department of Psychology, University of Castilla–La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
- Applied Cognitive Psychology Unit, University of Castilla–La Mancha, Faculty of Medicine, Albacete, Spain
| | - Juan P. Serrano
- Department of Psychology, University of Castilla–La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
- Applied Cognitive Psychology Unit, University of Castilla–La Mancha, Faculty of Medicine, Albacete, Spain
| | - Jose M. Latorre
- Department of Psychology, University of Castilla–La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
- Applied Cognitive Psychology Unit, University of Castilla–La Mancha, Faculty of Medicine, Albacete, Spain
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Miller MG, Hanson N, Tennyck J, Plantz K. A Comparison of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Volumes on Cognitive Performance. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s41465-018-0107-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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21
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Rocco M, Pelaia P, Di Benedetto P, Conte G, Maggi L, Fiorelli S, Mercieri M, Balestra C, De Blasi RA. Inert gas narcosis in scuba diving, different gases different reactions. Eur J Appl Physiol 2018; 119:247-255. [PMID: 30350155 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-018-4020-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Underwater divers face several potential neurological hazards when breathing compressed gas mixtures including nitrogen narcosis which can impact diver's safety. Various human studies have clearly demonstrated brain impairment due to nitrogen narcosis in divers at 4 ATA using critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFF) as a cortical performance indicator. However, recently some authors have proposed a probable adaptive phenomenon during repetitive exposure to high nitrogen pressure in rats, where they found a reversal effect on dopamine release. METHODS Sixty experienced divers breathing Air, Trimix or Heliox, were studied during an open water dive to a depth of 6 ATA with a square profile testing CFFF measurement before (T0), during the dive upon arriving at the bottom (6 ATA) (T1), 20 min of bottom time (T2), and at 5 m (1.5 ATA) (T3). RESULTS CFFF results showed a slight increase in alertness and arousal during the deep dive regardless of the gas mixture breathed. The percent change in CFFF values at T1 and T2 differed among the three groups being lower in the air group than in the other groups. All CFFF values returned to basal values 5 min before the final ascent at 5 m (T3), but the Trimix measurements were still slightly better than those at T0. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight that nitrogen and oxygen alone and in combination can produce neuronal excitability or depression in a dose-related response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Rocco
- Department of Surgical and Medical Science and Translational Medicine, Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
| | - P Pelaia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Università Politecnica delle Marche Torrette, Ancona, Italy
| | - P Di Benedetto
- Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria Sant'Andrea, Rome, Italy
| | - G Conte
- Department of Informatics Engineering, University Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - L Maggi
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Università Campus Biomedico, Rome, Italy
| | - S Fiorelli
- Department of Surgical and Medical Science and Translational Medicine, Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - M Mercieri
- Department of Surgical and Medical Science and Translational Medicine, Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - C Balestra
- Environmental, Occupational and Ageing (Integrative) Physiology Lab, Haute Ecole Bruxelles-Brabant (HE2B), Brussels, Belgium
| | - R A De Blasi
- Department of Surgical and Medical Science and Translational Medicine, Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Mewborn CM, Lindbergh CA, Robinson TL, Gogniat MA, Terry DP, Jean KR, Hammond BR, Renzi-Hammond LM, Miller LS. Lutein and Zeaxanthin Are Positively Associated with Visual-Spatial Functioning in Older Adults: An fMRI Study. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10040458. [PMID: 29642425 PMCID: PMC5946243 DOI: 10.3390/nu10040458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) are two xanthophyll carotenoids that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Previous work has demonstrated their importance for eye health and preventing diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. An emerging literature base has also demonstrated the importance of L and Z in cognition, neural structure, and neural efficiency. The present study aimed to better understand the mechanisms by which L and Z relate to cognition, in particular, visual–spatial processing and decision-making in older adults. We hypothesized that markers of higher levels of L and Z would be associated with better neural efficiency during a visual–spatial processing task. L and Z were assessed via standard measurement of blood serum and retinal concentrations. Visual–spatial processing and decision-making were assessed via a judgment of line orientation task (JLO) completed during a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan. The results demonstrated that individuals with higher concentrations of L and Z showed a decreased blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) signal during task performance (i.e., “neural efficiency”) in key areas associated with visual–spatial perception, processing, decision-making, and motor coordination, including the lateral occipital cortex, occipital pole, superior and middle temporal gyri, superior parietal lobule, superior and middle frontal gyri, and pre- and post-central gyri. To our knowledge, this is the first investigation of the relationship of L and Z to visual–spatial processing at a neural level using in vivo methodology. Our findings suggest that L and Z may impact brain health and cognition in older adults by enhancing neurobiological efficiency in a variety of regions that support visual perception and decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cutter A Lindbergh
- Department of Psychology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Talia L Robinson
- Department of Psychology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Marissa A Gogniat
- Department of Psychology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Douglas P Terry
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Kharine R Jean
- Department of Psychology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | | | - Lisa M Renzi-Hammond
- Department of Psychology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
- Institute of Gerontology, Department of Health Promotions and Behavior, College of Public Health, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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Sobhanian MJ, Agarwal R, Meltzer E, Kildebeck E, Frohman BS, Frohman AN, Galetta SL, Saidha S, White O, Villoslada P, Paul F, Petzold A, Rennaker RL, Martinez-Lapiscina EH, Balcer LJ, Kardon R, Frohman EM, Frohman TC. Identification and treatment of the visual processing asymmetry in MS patients with optic neuritis: The Pulfrich phenomenon. J Neurol Sci 2018; 387:60-69. [PMID: 29571874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2018.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Pulfrich phenomenon (PF) is the illusory perception that an object moving linearly along a 2-D plane appears to instead follow an elliptical 3-D trajectory, a consequence of inter-eye asymmetry in the timing of visual object identification in the visual cortex; with optic neuritis as a common etiology. OBJECTIVE We have designed an objective method to identify the presence and magnitude of the PF, in conjunction with a cooresponding strategy by which to abolish the effect; with monocular application of neutral density filters to the less affected fellow eye, in patients with MS and a history of optic neuropathy (e.g. related to acute optic neuritis or subclinical optic neuropathy). METHODS Twenty-three MS patients with a history of acute unilateral or bilateral optic neuritis, and ten healthy control subjects (HC) were recruited to participate in a pilot study to assess our strategy. Subjects were asked to indicate whether a linearly moving pendulum ball followed a linear 2-D path versus an illusory 3-D elliptical object-motion trajectory, by reporting the ball's approximation to one of nine horizontally-oriented colored wires that were positioned parallel to one another and horizontal to the linear pendulum path. Perceived motion of the bob that moved along wires behind or in front (along the 'Z' plane) of the middle reference wire indicated an illusory elliptical trajectory of ball motion consistent with the PF. RESULTS When the neutral density filter titration was applied to the fellow eye the severity of the PF decreased, eventually being fully abolished in all but one patient. The magnitude of neutral density filtering required correlated to the severity of the patient's initial PF magnitude (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS We ascertained the magnitude of the visual illusion associated with the PF, and the corresponding magnitude of neutral density filtering necessary to abolish it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Millad J Sobhanian
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
| | - Rohit Agarwal
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
| | - Ethan Meltzer
- Partner's Neurology Residency Training Program, Massachusettes General & Brigham & Women's Hospitals, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Eric Kildebeck
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA; The Center for Engineering Innovation, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Benjamin S Frohman
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
| | - Ashley N Frohman
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
| | - Steven L Galetta
- The Department of Neurology, Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; The Department of Ophthalmology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shiv Saidha
- The Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Owen White
- Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Pablo Villoslada
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; University of California at San Francisco, USA
| | - Friedemann Paul
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center and Clinical and Experimental, Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Department of Neurology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Axel Petzold
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, City Road, London, UK; The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK; Neuro-ophthalmology Expertise Centre VUmc, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Robert L Rennaker
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA; Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | | | - Laura J Balcer
- The Department of Neurology, Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; The Department of Ophthalmology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Randy Kardon
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Iowa, USA; Center for Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Elliot M Frohman
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA; School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA; Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Teresa C Frohman
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA; School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA; Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA.
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Saint SE, Hammond BR, O’Brien KJ, Frick JE. Developmental trends in infant temporal processing speed. Vision Res 2017; 138:71-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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25
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Critical flicker fusion frequency in demyelinating and ischemic optic neuropathies. Int Ophthalmol 2017; 38:1069-1077. [DOI: 10.1007/s10792-017-0561-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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