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Burmistrov DE, Gudkov SV, Franceschi C, Vedunova MV. Sex as a Determinant of Age-Related Changes in the Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7122. [PMID: 39000227 PMCID: PMC11241365 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The notion of notable anatomical, biochemical, and behavioral distinctions within male and female brains has been a contentious topic of interest within the scientific community over several decades. Advancements in neuroimaging and molecular biological techniques have increasingly elucidated common mechanisms characterizing brain aging while also revealing disparities between sexes in these processes. Variations in cognitive functions; susceptibility to and progression of neurodegenerative conditions, notably Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases; and notable disparities in life expectancy between sexes, underscore the significance of evaluating aging within the framework of gender differences. This comprehensive review surveys contemporary literature on the restructuring of brain structures and fundamental processes unfolding in the aging brain at cellular and molecular levels, with a focus on gender distinctions. Additionally, the review delves into age-related cognitive alterations, exploring factors influencing the acceleration or deceleration of aging, with particular attention to estrogen's hormonal support of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitriy E. Burmistrov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilova St., 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Sergey V. Gudkov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilova St., 119991 Moscow, Russia;
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Maria V. Vedunova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
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2
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Rahman MS, Harrison E, Biggs H, Seikus C, Elliott P, Breen G, Kingston N, Bradley JR, Hill SM, Tom BDM, Chinnery PF. Dynamics of cognitive variability with age and its genetic underpinning in NIHR BioResource Genes and Cognition cohort participants. Nat Med 2024; 30:1739-1748. [PMID: 38745010 PMCID: PMC11186791 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-02960-5] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
A leading explanation for translational failure in neurodegenerative disease is that new drugs are evaluated late in the disease course when clinical features have become irreversible. Here, to address this gap, we cognitively profiled 21,051 people aged 17-85 years as part of the Genes and Cognition cohort within the National Institute for Health and Care Research BioResource across England. We describe the cohort, present cognitive trajectories and show the potential utility. Surprisingly, when studied at scale, the APOE genotype had negligible impact on cognitive performance. Different cognitive domains had distinct genetic architectures, with one indicating brain region-specific activation of microglia and another with glycogen metabolism. Thus, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning cognition are distinct from dementia risk loci, presenting different targets to slow down age-related cognitive decline. Participants can now be recalled stratified by genotype and cognitive phenotype for natural history and interventional studies of neurodegenerative and other disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Shafiqur Rahman
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emma Harrison
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research BioResource, Cambridge, UK
| | - Heather Biggs
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research BioResource, Cambridge, UK
| | - Chloe Seikus
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research BioResource, Cambridge, UK
| | - Paul Elliott
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London School of Public Health, London, UK
| | - Gerome Breen
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- UK National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health, South London and Maudsley Hospital, London, UK
| | - Nathalie Kingston
- National Institute for Health and Care Research BioResource, Cambridge, UK
- Dept of Haematology, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - John R Bradley
- National Institute for Health and Care Research BioResource, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Steven M Hill
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cancer Research UK National Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Brian D M Tom
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Patrick F Chinnery
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- National Institute for Health and Care Research BioResource, Cambridge, UK.
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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3
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Elnes M, Hansen JE, Lervåg A, Hatlevik OE, Reikerås EKL. Verbal and non-verbal skills in early childhood: dimensionality, developmental trajectories, and gender differences. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1330334. [PMID: 38708013 PMCID: PMC11066225 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1330334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examines the dimensionality of and relationships between two subscales from the British Ability Scales - Third Edition, measuring verbal (expressive vocabulary) and non-verbal (reasoning) cognitive skills for toddlers (age three) and preschoolers (age five), in a Norwegian context across genders. Descriptive statistics revealed item selection criteria that included specific items within each subscale. Subsequently, Confirmatory Factor Analysis established the subscales' dimensionality (Naming Vocabulary and Picture Similarities; N = 1094) and confirmed measurement invariance across genders. Further, the relationships between the verbal and non-verbal factors were investigated using correlation analysis and Structural Equation Modeling. The findings revealed that the verbal factor at age three strongly predicted the verbal factor at age five and significantly influenced the non-verbal factor at age five. The non-verbal factor at age three exhibited a moderate predictive relationship with the non-verbal factor at age five, and did not significantly predict the verbal factor at age five. In terms of gender differences, girls showed higher scores on the verbal factor at age three, and a stronger correlation between the non-verbal factor at age three and the verbal factor at age five. In summary, this research provides valuable insights into cognitive skill measurement and development in a Norwegian context and highlights possible variations across gender. The study's findings, limitations, and implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Elnes
- Department of Primary and Secondary Teacher Education, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Joakim Evensen Hansen
- Norwegian Centre for Reading Education and Research, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Arne Lervåg
- Department of Education, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- CREATE – Center for Research on Equality in Education, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ove Edvard Hatlevik
- Department of Primary and Secondary Teacher Education, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elin Kirsti Lie Reikerås
- Department of Early Childhood Education, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
- FILIORUM-Centre for Research in Early Childhood Education, Stavanger, Norway
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Warren A. The relationship between gender differences in dietary habits, neuroinflammation, and Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1395825. [PMID: 38694261 PMCID: PMC11061392 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1395825] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurocognitive decline is one of the foremost dire issues in medicine today. The mechanisms by which dementia pathogenesis ensues are complicated and multifactorial, particularly in the case of Alzheimer's disease (AD). One irrefutable, yet unexplained factor is the gender disparity in AD, in which women are disproportionately affected by AD, both in the rate and severity of the disease. Examining the multifaceted contributing causes along with unique gender dynamics in modifiable risk factors, such as diet, may lend some insight into why this disparity exists and potential paths forward. The aim of this brief narrative review is to summarize the current literature of gender differences in dietary habits and how they may relate to neuroinflammatory states that contribute to AD pathogenesis. As such, the interplay between diet, hormones, and inflammation will be discussed, along with potential interventions to inform care practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Warren
- The Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
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Gené-Sampedro A, Alonso F, Gene-Morales J, Monteiro PL, Useche SA. Could driving help us to "see better"? A comparative assessment of saccadic efficiency, visual speed, and attention. BMC Ophthalmol 2024; 24:90. [PMID: 38413901 PMCID: PMC10900731 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03349-1] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed at comparing drivers' and non-drivers' results in the Adult Developmental Eye Movement with Distractors test (ADEMd) and the Useful Field of View test (UFOV). METHODS One hundred and twenty Spaniards (mean age 50.90 ± 17.32 years) without eye disease voluntarily participated in this cross-sectional descriptive study. Participants in a single experimental session completed a questionnaire on sociodemographic, health, eyesight, and driving information. They also performed the ADEMd and UFOV tests randomly following standardized protocols. The ADEMd is a visual-verbal test that measures saccadic efficiency and visual attention. Brown-Forsythe (B-F) tests with Games-Howell post-hoc adjustments were conducted to assess differences between groups. Groups were formed according to sex, age (young adults, adults, and older adults), and driver/non-driver for further analysis. Additionally, associations between dependent variables were assessed through Spearman's correlations. RESULTS Drivers obtained significantly better results in the ADEMd compared with non-drivers. Non-significant differences between drivers and non-drivers were encountered in the UFOV. Additionally, significant differences were observed between sexes and age groups. It is worth highlighting that non-driver's age significantly correlated with worse ADEMd performance (rho = .637 to .716). This correlation was non-significant in drivers. Similarly, reading hours significantly correlated with better ADEMd performance in non-drivers (rho = - .291 to - .363), but not in drivers. The only significant correlations between ADEMd and UFOV tests were found in drivers (rho = .307 to .410). CONCLUSION Considering all the discussed results, it could be hypothesized that the driving task promotes abilities, such as oculomotor and cognitive function, which are relevant for the performance in the ADEMd. However, this hypothesis is based on correlational outcomes and further studies should causally assess this possible relation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Gené-Sampedro
- Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety (INTRAS), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Optics and Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Alonso
- Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety (INTRAS), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 21, Valencia, 46010, Spain
| | - Javier Gene-Morales
- Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety (INTRAS), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Prevention and Health in Exercise and Sport (PHES) research group, Department of Physical Education of Sports, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pedro Lourenço Monteiro
- Department of Physics, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
- CICS (Health Sciences Research Centre), University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Sergio A Useche
- Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety (INTRAS), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 21, Valencia, 46010, Spain.
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Zeidan RS, McElroy T, Rathor L, Martenson MS, Lin Y, Mankowski RT. Sex differences in frailty among older adults. Exp Gerontol 2023; 184:112333. [PMID: 37993077 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2023.112333] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
By definition, aging is a natural, gradual and continuous process. On the other hand, frailty reflects the increase in vulnerability to stressors and shortens the time without disease (health span) while longevity refers to the length of life (lifespan). The average life expectancy has significantly increased during the last few decades. A longer lifespan has been accompanied by an increase in frailty and decreased independence in older adults, with major differences existing between men and women. For example, women tend to live longer than men but also experience higher rates of frailty and disability. Sex differences prevent optimization of lifestyle interventions and therapies to effectively prevent frailty. Sex differences in frailty and aging are rooted in a complex interplay between uncontrollable (genetic, epigenetic, physiological), and controllable factors (psychosocial and lifestyle factors). Thus, understanding the underlying causes of sex differences in frailty and aging is essential for developing personalized interventions to promote healthy aging and improve quality of life in older men and women. In this review, we have discussed the key contributors and knowledge gaps related to sex differences in aging and frailty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rola S Zeidan
- Department of Physiology and Aging, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America; Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America.
| | - Taylor McElroy
- Department of Physiology and Aging, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America; Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America.
| | - Laxmi Rathor
- Department of Physiology and Aging, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America.
| | - Matthew S Martenson
- Department of Physiology and Aging, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America.
| | - Yi Lin
- Department of Physiology and Aging, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America.
| | - Robert T Mankowski
- Department of Physiology and Aging, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America.
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Kulkarni AP, Hwang G, Cook CJ, Mohanty R, Guliani A, Nair VA, Bendlin BB, Meyerand E, Prabhakaran V. Genetic and environmental influence on resting state networks in young male and female adults: a cartographer mapping study. Hum Brain Mapp 2023; 44:5238-5293. [PMID: 36537283 PMCID: PMC10543121 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25947] [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: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We propose a unique, minimal assumption, approach based on variance analyses (compared with standard approaches) to investigate genetic influence on individual differences on the functional connectivity of the brain using 65 monozygotic and 65 dizygotic healthy young adult twin pairs' low-frequency oscillation resting state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data from the Human Connectome Project. Overall, we found high number of genetically-influenced functional (GIF) connections involving posterior to posterior brain regions (occipital/temporal/parietal) implicated in low-level processes such as vision, perception, motion, categorization, dorsal/ventral stream visuospatial, and long-term memory processes, as well as high number across midline brain regions (cingulate) implicated in attentional processes, and emotional responses to pain. We found low number of GIF connections involving anterior to anterior/posterior brain regions (frontofrontal > frontoparietal, frontotemporal, frontooccipital) implicated in high-level processes such as working memory, reasoning, emotional judgment, language, and action planning. We found very low number of GIF connections involving subcortical/noncortical networks such as basal ganglia, thalamus, brainstem, and cerebellum. In terms of sex-specific individual differences, individual differences in males were more genetically influenced while individual differences in females were more environmentally influenced in terms of the interplay of interactions of Task positive networks (brain regions involved in various task-oriented processes and attending to and interacting with environment), extended Default Mode Network (a central brain hub for various processes such as internal monitoring, rumination, and evaluation of self and others), primary sensorimotor systems (vision, audition, somatosensory, and motor systems), and subcortical/noncortical networks. There were >8.5-19.1 times more GIF connections in males than females. These preliminary (young adult cohort-specific) findings suggest that individual differences in the resting state brain may be more genetically influenced in males and more environmentally influenced in females; furthermore, standard approaches may suggest that it is more substantially nonadditive genetics, rather than additive genetics, which contribute to the differences in sex-specific individual differences based on this young adult (male and female) specific cohort. Finally, considering the preliminary cohort-specific results, based on standard approaches, environmental influences on individual differences may be substantially greater than that of genetics, for either sex, frontally and brain-wide. [Correction added on 10 May 2023, after first online publication: added: functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Added: individual differences in, twice. Added statement between furthermore … based on standard approaches.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Arman P. Kulkarni
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Gyujoon Hwang
- Department of Medical PhysicsUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Cole J. Cook
- Department of Medical PhysicsUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Rosaleena Mohanty
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and SocietyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Akhil Guliani
- Department of Computer ScienceUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Veena A. Nair
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Barbara B. Bendlin
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Elizabeth Meyerand
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
- Department of Medical PhysicsUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Vivek Prabhakaran
- Department of Medical PhysicsUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
- Department of Computer ScienceUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
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Zhou C, Zhan L, He P, Yuan J, Zha Y. Associations of sarcopenic obesity vs either sarcopenia or obesity alone with cognitive impairment risk in patients requiring maintenance hemodialysis. Nutr Clin Pract 2023; 38:1115-1123. [PMID: 37525570 DOI: 10.1002/ncp.11044] [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: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between sarcopenic obesity (SO) and cognitive impairment (CI) risk in patients requiring maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) is not known. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of SO in MHD patients. Furthermore, we would explore and compare the associations between SO, sarcopenia, and obesity with CI risk in this population. METHODS A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted. Data from 2743 adult MHD patients were recorded. SO was defined as the co-occurrence of sarcopenia and obesity. Cognitive function was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Multiple logistic regression models, stratified analyses, and interactive analyses were conducted. RESULTS 21.58% of the participants met the criteria for SO. The overall prevalence of CI was 23.3% in our study. Participants in the SO group had the highest CI prevalence (34.6%). The association between SO and CI was weakened but remained statistically significant after adjusting for age, sex, and educational status (odds ratio, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.11-1.96). However, associations between sarcopenia, obesity, and CI disappeared after adjusting for these variables. The additional adjustment did not attenuate the significant association between SO and CI. Subgroup analyses and interactive analyses showed that the associations were similar across subgroups (P > 0.05 for interaction for all). CONCLUSIONS SO and CI are highly prevalent in MHD patients. Participants with SO are at significantly higher risk of CI than those with sarcopenia or obesity alone. Furthermore, this association is consistent across different subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaomin Zhou
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guizhou Provincial Institute of Nephritic and Urinary Disease, Guiyang, China
- Medical College of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Lin Zhan
- Central Laboratory of Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - PignHong He
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guizhou Provincial Institute of Nephritic and Urinary Disease, Guiyang, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guizhou Provincial Institute of Nephritic and Urinary Disease, Guiyang, China
| | - Yan Zha
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guizhou Provincial Institute of Nephritic and Urinary Disease, Guiyang, China
- Medical College of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
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Staudt J, Kok T, de Haan HA, Walvoort SJW, Egger JIM. Neurocognitive Recovery in Abstinent Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder: A Scoping Review for Associated Factors. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:2039-2054. [PMID: 37790802 PMCID: PMC10544223 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s424017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Studies have reported inconsistent results regarding the extent to which neurocognitive recovery occurs in abstinent patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). In addition to abstinence, other factors may have influenced this process and contributed to the inconsistencies. This review examines the factors investigated in this regard and describes the possible influence of each factor based on the evidence collected. Methodology PubMed was systematically searched for articles published between January 2000 and July 2023. Longitudinal humane studies investigating neurocognitive recovery in abstinent adult AUD patients were included. Studies with a cross-sectional design were excluded, as were studies that did not classify AUD according to the DSM-IV or 5 criteria, only examined binge use, did not report neuropsychological outcomes or duration of abstinence, or where neurological disorders were present. Results Sixteen categories of factors were distinguished from 31 full-text articles. Consistent patterns were found, indicating an association between neurocognitive recovery and the "smoking" and 'brain volume" factors. Consistent patterns were also found indicating that there is no relationship with "quantities of alcohol used" and "education level." A similar consistent pattern was also found for "polysubstance use", "gender" and "verbal reading", but the number of studies is considered limited. The association with "age" is studied frequently but with inconsistent findings. The remaining eight factors were regarded as understudied. Conclusion The clearest patterns emerging from the evidence are a predominantly negative influence of smoking on neurocognitive recovery, associations between changes in brain area volume and neurocognitive recovery, and no association between neurocognitive recovery and the amount of alcohol consumed, as measured by self-report, nor with educational attainment. Future research on the understudied factors and factors with inconsistent evidence is needed, preferably through longitudinal designs with multiple assessment periods starting after at least two weeks of abstinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Staudt
- Tactus Addiction Treatment, Deventer, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Tim Kok
- Tactus Addiction Treatment, Deventer, the Netherlands
| | - Hein A de Haan
- Tactus Addiction Treatment, Deventer, the Netherlands
- Nijmegen Institute for Scientist Practitioners in Addiction, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jos I M Egger
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Centre of Excellence for Korsakoff and Alcohol Related Cognitive Disorders, Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, the Netherlands
- Centre of Excellence for Neuropsychiatry, Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, the Netherlands
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10
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Dhamala E, Rong Ooi LQ, Chen J, Ricard JA, Berkeley E, Chopra S, Qu Y, Zhang XH, Lawhead C, Yeo BTT, Holmes AJ. Brain-Based Predictions of Psychiatric Illness-Linked Behaviors Across the Sexes. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:479-491. [PMID: 37031778 PMCID: PMC10524434 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individual differences in functional brain connectivity can be used to predict both the presence of psychiatric illness and variability in associated behaviors. However, despite evidence for sex differences in functional network connectivity and in the prevalence, presentation, and trajectory of psychiatric illnesses, the extent to which disorder-relevant aspects of network connectivity are shared or unique across the sexes remains to be determined. METHODS In this work, we used predictive modeling approaches to evaluate whether shared or unique functional connectivity correlates underlie the expression of psychiatric illness-linked behaviors in males and females in data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (N = 5260; 2571 females). RESULTS We demonstrate that functional connectivity profiles predict individual differences in externalizing behaviors in males and females but predict internalizing behaviors only in females. Furthermore, models trained to predict externalizing behaviors in males generalize to predict internalizing behaviors in females, and models trained to predict internalizing behaviors in females generalize to predict externalizing behaviors in males. Finally, the neurobiological correlates of many behaviors are largely shared within and across sexes: functional connections within and between heteromodal association networks, including default, limbic, control, and dorsal attention networks, are associated with internalizing and externalizing behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings suggest that shared neurobiological patterns may manifest as distinct behaviors across the sexes. Based on these results, we recommend that both clinicians and researchers carefully consider how sex may influence the presentation of psychiatric illnesses, especially those along the internalizing-externalizing spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvisha Dhamala
- Institute of Behavioral Science, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York; Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut; Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut.
| | - Leon Qi Rong Ooi
- Centre for Sleep and Cognition and Centre for Translational Magnetic Resonance Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore; N.1 Institute for Health & Institute for Digital Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jianzhong Chen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore; N.1 Institute for Health & Institute for Digital Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jocelyn A Ricard
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Sidhant Chopra
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Yueyue Qu
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Xi-Han Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Connor Lawhead
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - B T Thomas Yeo
- Centre for Sleep and Cognition and Centre for Translational Magnetic Resonance Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore; N.1 Institute for Health & Institute for Digital Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | - Avram J Holmes
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut; Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut; Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Psychiatry, Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey.
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Eliot L, Beery AK, Jacobs EG, LeBlanc HF, Maney DL, McCarthy MM. Why and How to Account for Sex and Gender in Brain and Behavioral Research. J Neurosci 2023; 43:6344-6356. [PMID: 37704386 PMCID: PMC10500996 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0020-23.2023] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Long overlooked in neuroscience research, sex and gender are increasingly included as key variables potentially impacting all levels of neurobehavioral analysis. Still, many neuroscientists do not understand the difference between the terms "sex" and "gender," the complexity and nuance of each, or how to best include them as variables in research designs. This TechSights article outlines rationales for considering the influence of sex and gender across taxa, and provides technical guidance for strengthening the rigor and reproducibility of such analyses. This guidance includes the use of appropriate statistical methods for comparing groups as well as controls for key covariates of sex (e.g., total intracranial volume) and gender (e.g., income, caregiver stress, bias). We also recommend approaches for interpreting and communicating sex- and gender-related findings about the brain, which have often been misconstrued by neuroscientists and the lay public alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Eliot
- Stanson Toshok Center for Brain Function and Repair, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, North Chicago, Illinois 60064
| | - Annaliese K Beery
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720
| | - Emily G Jacobs
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California-Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106
| | - Hannah F LeBlanc
- Division of the Humanities & Social Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125
| | - Donna L Maney
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Margaret M McCarthy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
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12
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Wu CY, Hsieh HH, Huang SM, Chiu SC, Peng SL. Brain alterations in ovariohysterectomized rats revealed by diffusion tensor imaging. Neuroreport 2023; 34:649-654. [PMID: 37506310 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Women undergoing hysterectomy with oophorectomy have an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. However, postoperative neuroimaging data on pathogenic processes in the brain are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effect of ovariohysterectomy on brain integrity in rat model using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) technique for the first time. METHODS We enrolled 13 rats each in the control and ovariohysterectomy groups. Rats in the ovariohysterectomy group underwent the ovariohysterectomy at 7 weeks of age, and all rats underwent DTI scans at 9 weeks of age. The DTI-derived parameters, such as fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity, were compared between the control and ovariohysterectomy groups. RESULTS Compared to the control group, the ovariohysterectomy group showed significantly lower fractional anisotropy in various brain regions, including the corpus callosum, bilateral striatum, and bilateral cortex (all P < 0.05), suggesting neuronal injury in ovariohysterectomized rats. Mean diffusivity did not differ significantly between groups (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Rats undergoing ovariohysterectomy had lower fractional anisotropy compared to control in widespread brain regions, suggesting neuronal injury and demyelination. Therefore, neuroimaging should be performed to monitor brain alterations in women after hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yi Wu
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei Branch, Taipei
| | - Hsin-Hua Hsieh
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei Branch, Taipei
| | - Sheng-Min Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli
| | - Shao-Chieh Chiu
- Center for Advanced Molecular Imaging and Translation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Lei Peng
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Science
- Neuroscience and Brain Disease Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Hashida K, Lee J, Furutani TM, Tsushima W, Tamura K. TEST-RETEST RELIABILITY AND RELIABLE CHANGE INDEX OF MOBILE APPLICATION NEUROCOGNITIVE TEST AMONG MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES. J Athl Train 2023; 2023:0. [PMID: 37459377 PMCID: PMC10895400 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-0018.23] [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: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT A mobile application neurocognitive assessment has been used in place of equipment intensive computerized neurocognitive assessment protocol. A previous study reported high to very high test-retest reliability of neurocognitive assessment using the mobile application in healthy adults, but no studies have examined test-retest reliability, reliable change indices (RCIs), and sex effect in middle school and high school populations when conducted 1 year apart. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability and RCIs of baseline data collected at 2-time points approximately 1 year apart using a mobile application neurocognitive rest in middle school and high school athletes. The secondary purpose of the study was to investigate the sex difference in neurocognitive measures. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Institutional. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS 172 middle school and high school healthy student-athletes (mean age=13.78±1.59 years old). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Mobile application neurocognitive rest scores (reaction time, impulse control, inspection, and memory). RESULTS The result from the study demonstrated that neurocognitive measures had low test-retest reliability across a 1-year time period in middle and high school settings. Upon retesting, reaction time and inspection time improved significantly in both middle and high school athletes, and impulse control showed significant improvement in middle school athletes. More athletes in middle school showed more RCI improvements compared to high school athletes. While both males and females demonstrated improvements in neurocognitive measures throughout adolescence, males outperformed females on reaction time and impulse control. CONCLUSIONS Findings from the study indicate unacceptably low test-retest reliability of a mobile application neurocognitive test most likely due to cognitive development occurring throughout adolescence. Additionally, significant RCIs were noted. These naturally occurring improvements due to cognitive development could mask the post-concussion deficits. The findings warrant consideration of age and sex on the neurocognitive performance of middle and high school athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumiko Hashida
- *Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science College of Education, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu
| | - JongSoo Lee
- ‡ Department of Mathematical Science, Kennedy College of Sciences, University of Massachusetts
| | - Troy M Furutani
- *Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science College of Education, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu
- †Hawaii Concussion Awareness and Management Program, College of Education, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu
| | - William Tsushima
- §Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Straub Medical Center, Honolulu
| | - Kaori Tamura
- *Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science College of Education, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu
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Maina R, He J, Abubakar A, Perez-Garcia M, Kumar M, Wicherts JM. The effects of height-for-age and HIV on cognitive development of school-aged children in Nairobi, Kenya: a structural equation modelling analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1171851. [PMID: 37415707 PMCID: PMC10321405 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1171851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Empirical evidence indicates that both HIV infection and stunting impede cognitive functions of school-going children. However, there is less evidence on how these two risk factors amplify each other's negative effects. This study aimed to examine the direct effects of stunting on cognitive outcomes and the extent to which stunting (partially) mediates the effects of HIV, age, and gender on cognitive outcomes. Methodology We applied structural equation modelling to cross-sectional data from 328 children living with HIV and 260 children living without HIV aged 6-14 years from Nairobi, Kenya to test the mediating effect of stunting and predictive effects of HIV, age, and gender on cognitive latent variables flexibility, fluency, reasoning, and verbal memory. Results The model predicting the cognitive outcomes fitted well (RMSEA = 0.041, CFI = 0.966, χ2 = 154.29, DF = 77, p < 0.001). Height-for-age (a continuous indicator of stunting) predicted fluency (β = 0.14) and reasoning (β = 0.16). HIV predicted height-for-age (β = -0.24) and showed direct effects on reasoning (β = -0.66), fluency (β = -0.34), flexibility (β = 0.26), and verbal memory (β = -0.22), highlighting that the effect of HIV on cognitive variables was partly mediated by height-for-age. Conclusion In this study, we found evidence that stunting partly explains the effects of HIV on cognitive outcomes. The model suggests there is urgency to develop targeted preventative and rehabilitative nutritional interventions for school children with HIV as part of a comprehensive set of interventions to improve cognitive functioning in this high-risk group of children. Being infected or having been born to a mother who is HIV positive poses a risk to normal child development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Maina
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
- Brain and Mind Institute, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jia He
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - Amina Abubakar
- Neurosciences Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Miguel Perez-Garcia
- Mind, Brain and Behaviour Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Manasi Kumar
- Brain and Mind Institute, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jelte M. Wicherts
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
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Fang X, Tang C, Zhang H, Border JJ, Liu Y, Shin SM, Yu H, Roman RJ, Fan F. Longitudinal characterization of cerebral hemodynamics in the TgF344-AD rat model of Alzheimer's disease. GeroScience 2023; 45:1471-1490. [PMID: 36933144 PMCID: PMC10400494 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00773-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a global healthcare crisis. The TgF344-AD rat is an AD model exhibiting age-dependent AD pathological hallmarks. We confirmed that AD rats developed cognitive deficits at 6 months without alteration of any other major biophysical parameters. We longitudinally characterized cerebral hemodynamics in AD rats at 3, 4, 6, and 14 months. The myogenic responses of the cerebral arteries and arterioles were impaired at 4 months of age in the AD rats. Consistent with the ex vivo results, the AD rat exhibited poor autoregulation of surface and deep cortical cerebral blood flow 2 months preceding cognitive decline. The dysfunction of cerebral hemodynamics in AD is exacerbated with age associated with reduced cerebral perfusion. Further, abolished cell contractility contributes to cerebral hemodynamics imbalance in AD. This may be attributed to enhanced ROS production, reduced mitochondrial respiration and ATP production, and disrupted actin cytoskeleton in cerebral vascular contractile cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Fang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Chengyun Tang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1462 Laney Walker Blvd, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Huawei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Jane J Border
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Yedan Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Seung Min Shin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Hongwei Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Richard J Roman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Fan Fan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1462 Laney Walker Blvd, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
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Townsend SAM, Marcotte K, Brisebois A, Smidarle AD, Schneider F, Loureiro F, Soder RB, Franco ADR, Marrone LCP, Hübner LC. Neuroanatomical correlates of macrostructural receptive abilities in narrative discourse in unilateral left hemisphere stroke: A behavioural and voxel-based morphometry study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2023; 58:826-847. [PMID: 36448625 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12825] [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: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about story retelling and comprehension abilities in groups with lower levels of education and socio-economic status (SES). A growing body of evidence suggests the role of an extended network supporting narrative comprehension, but few studies have been conducted in clinical populations, even less in developing countries. AIMS To extend our knowledge of the impact of a stroke on macrostructural aspects of discourse processes, namely main and complementary information, in individuals with middle-low to low SES and low levels of education. Relationships were tested between the performance in story retell and comprehension and reading and writing habits (RWH). Also, the associations between retelling and comprehension measures and their structural grey matter (GM) correlates were explored. METHODS & PROCEDURES A total of 17 adults with unilateral left hemisphere (LH) chronic ischaemic stroke without the presence of significant aphasia and 10 matched (age, education and SES) healthy controls (HC) participated in the study. Retell and comprehension tasks were performed after listening or reading narrative stories. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was conducted on a subgroup of nine individuals with LH stroke and the 10 matched controls using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). OUTCOMES & RESULTS Retelling and comprehension abilities were not significantly different between LH and HC, nonetheless quantitively lower in LH. Exploratory correlations showed that retelling and comprehension abilities in both written and auditory modalities were correlated with naming abilities. At the neural level, written comprehension positively correlated with GM density of the LH, including areas in the temporal pole, superior and middle temporal gyrus as well as the orbitofrontal cortex, precentral and postcentral gyri. Auditory narrative comprehension was associated with GM density of the lingual gyrus in the right hemisphere. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS The present results suggest that retelling and comprehension of auditory and written narratives are relatively well-preserved in individuals with a LH stroke without significant aphasia, but poorer than in HC. The findings replicate previous studies conducted in groups with higher levels of education and SES both at the behavioural and neural levels. Considering that naming seems to be associated with narrative retell and comprehension in individuals with lower SES and education, this research provides evidence on the importance of pursuing further studies including larger samples with and without aphasia as well as with various SES and education levels. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on this subject Story retell and comprehension of auditory and written discourse have been shown to be affected after stroke, but most studies have been conducted on individuals with middle to high SES and high educational levels. What this paper adds to existing knowledge The study reports on narrative retell and comprehension in both auditory and written modalities in groups of HC and individuals with LH brain damage, with low-to-middle SES and lower levels of education. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? This study highlights the importance of taking into consideration the sociodemographic and RWH of patients when assessing discourse retell and comprehension in both auditory and written modalities. It also underlines the importance of including patients without significant aphasia following LH stroke to look at the effect of both stroke and aphasia on narrative comprehension and story retelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrine Amaral Martins Townsend
- School of Humanities (Linguistics Department), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- University of Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC), Postdoctoral Program in Linguistics-Santa Cruz do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Karine Marcotte
- Centre de recherche du Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- École d'orthophonie et d'audiologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Amelie Brisebois
- Centre de recherche du Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- École d'orthophonie et d'audiologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Anderson Dick Smidarle
- School of Humanities (Linguistics Department), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Schneider
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS-Ibirubá), Bento Goncalves, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Loureiro
- Institut of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Bernardi Soder
- Brain Institute (InsCer), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Alexandre da Rosa Franco
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Biomedical Imaging and Neuromodulation, The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
- Center for the Developing Brain, Child Mind Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Luiz Carlos Porcello Marrone
- Brain Institute (InsCer), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Neurology Center, Hospital São Lucas at Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Medicine School, Luteran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Morphology Sciences Department, ICBS, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Lilian Cristine Hübner
- School of Humanities (Linguistics Department), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Federal Capital, Brasília, Brazil
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Abstract
There is now a significant body of literature concerning sex/gender differences in the human brain. This chapter will critically review and synthesise key findings from several studies that have investigated sex/gender differences in structural and functional lateralisation and connectivity. We argue that while small, relative sex/gender differences reliably exist in lateralisation and connectivity, there is considerable overlap between the sexes. Some inconsistencies exist, however, and this is likely due to considerable variability in the methodologies, tasks, measures, and sample compositions between studies. Moreover, research to date is limited in its consideration of sex/gender-related factors, such as sex hormones and gender roles, that can explain inter-and inter-individual differences in brain and behaviour better than sex/gender alone. We conclude that conceptualising the brain as 'sexually dimorphic' is incorrect, and the terms 'male brain' and 'female brain' should be avoided in the neuroscientific literature. However, this does not necessarily mean that sex/gender differences in the brain are trivial. Future research involving sex/gender should adopt a biopsychosocial approach whenever possible, to ensure that non-binary psychological, biological, and environmental/social factors related to sex/gender, and their interactions, are routinely accounted for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Hodgetts
- School of Psychology, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, UK
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Stites SD, Cao H, James R, Harkins K, Coykendall C, Flatt JD. A systematic review of measures of gender and biological sex: Exploring candidates for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) research. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 15:e12359. [PMID: 36845632 PMCID: PMC9943901 DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Background Gender and biological sex are social and structural determinants of health and umbrella concepts encompassing many distinct attributes. This systematic review summarizes measures of gender and biological sex published in the biomedical literature. The goal was to identify measures that may be useful to researchers studying Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease related dementias (AD/ADRD). Methods A search of PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO (ProQuest platform) databases from 2000 to 2021 identified 1454 articles, which were then screened by five independent reviewers. Measures of gender and biological sex are summarized according to theoretical commitments and psychometric properties. Results Twenty-nine measures were identified that assessed gender-related constructs, and 4 were identified that assessed biological factors. Self-report instruments characterized aspects of gender, such as gender stereotypes, norms, and ideologies. One measure was developed with a focus on older adults (65+ years). Discussion We offer recommendations to guide measurement of gender in AD/ADRD research, including how the use of specific existing measures may help advance AD/ADRD research. The lack of gender measures for older adults limits AD/ADRD research. New measures may be needed to address lifespan and generational differences in gender factors. Highlights A review of articles identifies 29 measures of gender in biomedical research.Gender is captured using multidimensional, self-reported concepts.One measure was developed with a focus on older adults (65+).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shana D. Stites
- Department of PsychiatryPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Hannah Cao
- School of Social Policy and PracticeUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Richard James
- University of Pennsylvania LibrariesPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Kristin Harkins
- Division of Geriatric MedicineDepartment of MedicinePerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Cameron Coykendall
- Division of Geriatric MedicineDepartment of MedicinePerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Jason D. Flatt
- Department of Social and Behavioral HealthSchool of Public HealthUniversity of NevadaLas VegasNevadaUSA
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Hirnstein M, Stuebs J, Moè A, Hausmann M. Sex/Gender Differences in Verbal Fluency and Verbal-Episodic Memory: A Meta-Analysis. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2023; 18:67-90. [PMID: 35867343 PMCID: PMC9896545 DOI: 10.1177/17456916221082116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Women are thought to fare better in verbal abilities, especially in verbal-fluency and verbal-memory tasks. However, the last meta-analysis on sex/gender differences in verbal fluency dates from 1988. Although verbal memory has only recently been investigated meta-analytically, a comprehensive meta-analysis is lacking that focuses on verbal memory as it is typically assessed, for example, in neuropsychological settings. On the basis of 496 effect sizes and 355,173 participants, in the current meta-analysis, we found that women/girls outperformed men/boys in phonemic fluency (ds = 0.12-0.13) but not in semantic fluency (ds = 0.01-0.02), for which the sex/gender difference appeared to be category-dependent. Women/girls also outperformed men/boys in recall (d = 0.28) and recognition (ds = 0.12-0.17). Although effect sizes are small, the female advantage was relatively stable over the past 50 years and across lifetime. Published articles reported stronger female advantages than unpublished studies, and first authors reported better performance for members of their own sex/gender. We conclude that a small female advantage in phonemic fluency, recall, and recognition exists and is partly subject to publication bias. Considerable variance suggests further contributing factors, such as participants' language and country/region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Hirnstein
- Department of Biological and Medical
Psychology, University of Bergen
| | - Josephine Stuebs
- Department of Biological and Medical
Psychology, University of Bergen
- Department of Neuropsychology and
Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University
- Institute of Clinical Medicine,
University of Oslo
| | - Angelica Moè
- Department of General Psychology,
University of Padua
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20
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Mental disorders at the beginning of adolescence: Prevalence estimates in a sample aged 11-14 years. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2022; 4:100348. [PMID: 36545674 PMCID: PMC9761382 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2022.100348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aims to provide a deeper insight into mental disorders in early adolescence. We report prevalence rates (mental health problems, depressive symptoms, eating disorders, NSSI, STBs) to be used in future studies and clinical ventures. We also expected to find gender differences, with girls being be more affected than boys are. Study design 877 adolescents (M = 12.43, SD = 0.65) from seven German high schools completed a series of questionnaires assessing their mental health (SDQ, PHQ-9, SEED, DSHI-9, Paykel Suicide Scale, FAS III). Methods We calculated cut-off-based prevalence estimates for mental health issues for the whole sample and compared estimates between genders. Results 12.5% of the sample reported general mental health problems. The estimated prevalence of depressive symptoms lay at of 11.5%. Additionally, 12.1% and 1.3% of the participants displayed relevant symptoms of anorexia or bulimia nervosa, respectively. A total of 10.8% reported engaging in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) at least once in their lifetime, of whom 5.6% reported repetitive NSSI. 30.1% of the participants described suicidal thoughts, 9.9% suicide plans, and 3.5% at least one suicide attempt. Girls were generally more affected than boys, except for bulimia nervosa, suicidal behavior, and partly NSSI. Conclusion Our findings corroborate the established relevance of early adolescence for the development of mental health problems and suggest that a substantial proportion of young adolescents suffer from such problems early on. Considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and reported negative mental health consequences, the current findings underline the importance of preventive interventions to avoid the manifestation of mental disorders during adolescence.
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Cattaneo G, Pachón-García C, Roca A, Alviarez-Schulze V, Opisso E, García-Molina A, Bartrés-Faz D, Pascual-Leone A, Tormos-Muñoz JM, Solana-Sánchez J. "Guttmann Cognitest" ®, preliminary validation of a digital solution to test cognitive performance. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:987891. [PMID: 36408102 PMCID: PMC9669647 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.987891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Thanks to technological advances, the administration of cognitive assessments via digital solutions continues to increase, both in research and clinical practice. "Guttmann Cognitest"°ledR is a digital solution for cognitive assessment which includes seven computerized tasks designed to assess main cognitive functions requiring approximately 20 min to be completed. The purpose of the present study was to validate it against standard and more extensive in-person neuropsychological assessments in the context of the Barcelona Brain Health Initiative (BBHI) cohort study. We studied 274 participants of the BBHI (126 women, mean age = 56.14, age range 44-69), who underwent an extensive in-person assessment, including a classical paper-and-pencil neuropsychological assessment and a cognitive assessment via the "Guttmann Cognitest"°ledR. Principal component analysis indicated that "Guttmann Cognitest"°ledR measures four main cognitive domains and convergent validity analysis demonstrated that cognitive performance was associated with gold standard paper and pencil tests. Results also showed an expected negative correlation with age, a relation with educational level as well as a gender effect. Regression-based norming equations for the sample tested are also reported. Performing a cognitive assessment with this digital solution is feasible and potentially useful to gather information about cognitive functioning in large samples and experimental settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Cattaneo
- Institut Guttmann, Institut Universitari de Neurorehabilitació adscrit a la UAB, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Fundació Institut d’Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Catherine Pachón-García
- Institut Guttmann, Institut Universitari de Neurorehabilitació adscrit a la UAB, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Fundació Institut d’Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Roca
- Institut Guttmann, Institut Universitari de Neurorehabilitació adscrit a la UAB, Barcelona, Spain
- Fundació Institut d’Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Medicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vanessa Alviarez-Schulze
- Departament de Medicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Departamento de Ciencias del Comportamiento, Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Metropolitana, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Eloy Opisso
- Institut Guttmann, Institut Universitari de Neurorehabilitació adscrit a la UAB, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Fundació Institut d’Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto García-Molina
- Institut Guttmann, Institut Universitari de Neurorehabilitació adscrit a la UAB, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Fundació Institut d’Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Bartrés-Faz
- Institut Guttmann, Institut Universitari de Neurorehabilitació adscrit a la UAB, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Medicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alvaro Pascual-Leone
- Institut Guttmann, Institut Universitari de Neurorehabilitació adscrit a la UAB, Barcelona, Spain
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA, United States
- Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Josep M. Tormos-Muñoz
- Institut Guttmann, Institut Universitari de Neurorehabilitació adscrit a la UAB, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Fundació Institut d’Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Solana-Sánchez
- Institut Guttmann, Institut Universitari de Neurorehabilitació adscrit a la UAB, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Fundació Institut d’Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Barcelona, Spain
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22
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Dhamala E, Ooi LQR, Chen J, Kong R, Anderson KM, Chin R, Yeo BTT, Holmes AJ. Proportional intracranial volume correction differentially biases behavioral predictions across neuroanatomical features, sexes, and development. Neuroimage 2022; 260:119485. [PMID: 35843514 PMCID: PMC9425854 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Individual differences in brain anatomy can be used to predict variations in cognitive ability. Most studies to date have focused on broad population-level trends, but the extent to which the observed predictive features are shared across sexes and age groups remains to be established. While it is standard practice to account for intracranial volume (ICV) using proportion correction in both regional and whole-brain morphometric analyses, in the context of brain-behavior predictions the possible differential impact of ICV correction on anatomical features and subgroups within the population has yet to be systematically investigated. In this work, we evaluate the effect of proportional ICV correction on sex-independent and sex-specific predictive models of individual cognitive abilities across multiple anatomical properties (surface area, gray matter volume, and cortical thickness) in healthy young adults (Human Connectome Project; n = 1013, 548 females) and typically developing children (Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study; n = 1823, 979 females). We demonstrate that ICV correction generally reduces predictive accuracies derived from surface area and gray matter volume, while increasing predictive accuracies based on cortical thickness in both adults and children. Furthermore, the extent to which predictive models generalize across sexes and age groups depends on ICV correction: models based on surface area and gray matter volume are more generalizable without ICV correction, while models based on cortical thickness are more generalizable with ICV correction. Finally, the observed neuroanatomical features predictive of cognitive abilities are unique across age groups regardless of ICV correction, but whether they are shared or unique across sexes (within age groups) depends on ICV correction. These findings highlight the importance of considering individual differences in ICV, and show that proportional ICV correction does not remove the effects of cranial volume from anatomical measurements and can introduce ICV bias where previously there was none. ICV correction choices affect not just the strength of the relationships captured, but also the conclusions drawn regarding the neuroanatomical features that underlie those relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvisha Dhamala
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, United States; Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, United States.
| | - Leon Qi Rong Ooi
- Centre for Sleep & Cognition & Centre for Translational Magnetic Resonance Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore; N.1 Institute for Health & Institute for Digital Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme (ISEP), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jianzhong Chen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore; N.1 Institute for Health & Institute for Digital Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme (ISEP), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ru Kong
- Centre for Sleep & Cognition & Centre for Translational Magnetic Resonance Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme (ISEP), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kevin M Anderson
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, United States
| | - Rowena Chin
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, United States
| | - B T Thomas Yeo
- Centre for Sleep & Cognition & Centre for Translational Magnetic Resonance Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore; N.1 Institute for Health & Institute for Digital Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme (ISEP), National University of Singapore, Singapore; Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Avram J Holmes
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, United States; Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, United States; Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, United States.
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23
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Stereotypes and self-reports about spatial cognition: Impact of gender and age. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03827-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractCognitive stereotypes with regard to gender are prevalent, especially with regard to spatial cognition. However, literature suggests that age, rather than gender has more impact on objective spatial performance. The aim of this study was to create a detailed picture of the extent and direction of stereotypes held in general population. Individual differences in terms of age and gender, as well as age group identification and gender identification were studied in relation to the stereotypes held. In addition, self-reported performance was also considered, to compare stereotype beliefs to beliefs concerning one’s own performance. An online questionnaire was filled out by a large and heterogeneous sample of Dutch participants (N = 980). Results indicate that gender stereotypes concerning spatial abilities are clearly prevalent and held most strongly by male and young individuals. Stereotype beliefs were very similar to the patterns found for self-reported performance for gender, even though this is not supported by findings concerning objective performance. Stereotypes concerning age were largely absent. These findings indicate that the presence of stereotype beliefs and the individual differences in how strong such beliefs are should be considered in educational and clinical settings where spatial performance is evaluated.
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24
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Schreiber WB, Robinson-Drummer PA. Opportunities to Discuss Diversity-Related Topics in Neuroscience Courses. JOURNAL OF UNDERGRADUATE NEUROSCIENCE EDUCATION : JUNE : A PUBLICATION OF FUN, FACULTY FOR UNDERGRADUATE NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 20:A361-A375. [PMID: 39036724 PMCID: PMC11256382 DOI: 10.59390/aoin4016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Diversity is a foundational topic in psychology, and APA recommends that diversity is covered across the psychology curriculum. Neuroscience courses face challenges with incorporating diversity-related topics owing to the historical lack of neuroscience research that focuses on diversity and the restricted range of diversity-related topics that neuroscience is typically associated with (i.e., health and disability status). This may limit students' learning of neuroscience's contributions towards understanding diversity. We review some specific examples of diversity-related topics that can be incorporated into neuroscience courses. These examples have been selected to include topics across the three major content domains of neuroscience (cellular/molecular, neuroanatomy/systems, and cognitive/behavioral), as well as across multiple diversity-related topics. Neuroscience instructors can use these examples to incorporate greater coverage of diversity-related topics within their courses and/or as points of inspiration for their own curricular additions. Providing systematic coverage of diversity-related topics in neuroscience courses highlights the ways neuroscience advances our understanding of human diversity and contributes to the educational objectives of psychology and neuroscience programs.
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25
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Pallier PN, Ferrara M, Romagnolo F, Ferretti MT, Soreq H, Cerase A. Chromosomal and environmental contributions to sex differences in the vulnerability to neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders: Implications for therapeutic interventions. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 219:102353. [PMID: 36100191 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders affect men and women differently. Multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, anxiety disorders, depression, meningiomas and late-onset schizophrenia affect women more frequently than men. By contrast, Parkinson's disease, autism spectrum condition, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Tourette's syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and early-onset schizophrenia are more prevalent in men. Women have been historically under-recruited or excluded from clinical trials, and most basic research uses male rodent cells or animals as disease models, rarely studying both sexes and factoring sex as a potential source of variation, resulting in a poor understanding of the underlying biological reasons for sex and gender differences in the development of such diseases. Putative pathophysiological contributors include hormones and epigenetics regulators but additional biological and non-biological influences may be at play. We review here the evidence for the underpinning role of the sex chromosome complement, X chromosome inactivation, and environmental and epigenetic regulators in sex differences in the vulnerability to brain disease. We conclude that there is a pressing need for a better understanding of the genetic, epigenetic and environmental mechanisms sustaining sex differences in such diseases, which is critical for developing a precision medicine approach based on sex-tailored prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick N Pallier
- Blizard Institute, Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK.
| | - Maria Ferrara
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Women's Brain Project (WBP), Switzerland
| | - Francesca Romagnolo
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Hermona Soreq
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center of Brain Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
| | - Andrea Cerase
- EMBL-Rome, Via Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo, RM, Italy; Blizard Institute, Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; Department of Biology, University of Pisa, SS12 Abetone e Brennero 4, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
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26
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Yang M, Cui Y, Xue M, Forster MT, Lang X, Xiu M, Li Z, Zhang X. Sexual dimorphism in the relationship between Forkhead-Box P2 and BMI with cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:920352. [PMID: 35992594 PMCID: PMC9381810 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.920352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXP2, cognitive deficits, and schizophrenia are associated with neurodegenerative pathophyisiology. Mounting evidence suggests that body mass index (BMI) and FOXP2 may contribute to cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. However, the sex difference in the contribution of FOXP2 and BMI, as well as their potential interaction with cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, have not been investigated. A total of 867 schizophrenia patients and 402 controls were recruited. Cognitive function was assessed using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). The polymorphism rs10447760 of the FOXP2 gene was genotyped. Male schizophrenia patients had superior language performance compared to female patients (F = 17.83; pBonferroni < 0.0001). BMI was positively associated with language scores in male patients with schizophrenia (ß = 0.60, t = 3.30, p = 0.001), as well as in patients with schizophrenia who carried the FOXP2 rs10447760 CC genotype (ß = 0.53, t = 3.16, p = 0.002). Interestingly, this association was only found in male patients with schizophrenia who also carried the FOXP2 rs10447760 CC genotype (ß = 0.63, t = 3.44, p = 0.001). Our study reveals a sex difference in the language deficits of schizophrenia patients and shows sexual dimorphism in the contribution of FOXP2, BMI, and their interaction to cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Yang
- The Fourth Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Cui
- Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao, China
| | - Mei Xue
- Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao, China
| | - Mattew T. Forster
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Xiaoe Lang
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital/First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Meihong Xiu
- Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zezhi Li Meihong Xiu Xiangyang Zhang
| | - Zezhi Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine of Mental Disorders, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zezhi Li Meihong Xiu Xiangyang Zhang
| | - Xiangyang Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zezhi Li Meihong Xiu Xiangyang Zhang
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27
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The development and validation of a positive and negative outcome expectation scale for re-donation among blood donors. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03370-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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28
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Sander P, de la Fuente J. Modelling students’ academic confidence, personality and academic emotions. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-020-00957-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe research presented here is founded on the Big Five trait approach to personality which has been shown to be related to academic success, students’ academic confidence or self-efficacy and the emotions related to academic achievement.To explore whether Personality characteristics would be differentially associated with Academic Confidence and both would jointly predict Academic Emotions.A bespoke online platform was used to survey undergraduate students in two Spanish universities. The data was used to assess bivariate correlation and to build Structural Equation Models.A total of 1398 undergraduate students studying Psychology, Primary Education, or Educational Psychology degree programmes completed the validated Spanish version of the Academic Behavioural Confidence scale. Of those, 636 also completed a validated Spanish language scale to assess Personality along the Big Five dimensions and 551 of the 1398 students complete a validated Spanish language scale to assess Academic Emotions. A total of 527 students completed all three scales.The correlations showed that the student Personality traits of Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion and Agreeableness were significantly and positively related to their Academic Confidence whilst Neuroticism was negatively correlated with the degree of Academic Confidence. Similarly student Academic Confidence correlated positively with positive Academic Emotions and negatively with negative Academic Emotions. Structural Equation Modelling resulted in a model of excellent fit that linked the personality traits of Conscientiousness and Neuroticism with overall Academic Confidence and Academic Emotion scores. The methodological issues around the findings along with the implications for undergraduate learning and teaching are discussed.
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29
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Kim H, Enrione EB, Narayanan V, Li T, Campa A. Associations of Vitamin B6 Intake and Plasma Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate with Plasma Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in US Older Adults: Findings from NHANES 2003-2004. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14112336. [PMID: 35684138 PMCID: PMC9182930 DOI: 10.3390/nu14112336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous evidence suggests a potential dual impact of aging and vitamin B6 (B6) deficiency on polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolism; gender may influence PUFA biosynthesis. Perturbation of PUFA compositions during B6 deficiency could be linked to age-related health outcomes. However, little is known about the interrelationships between vitamin B6, PUFA, and gender in the older population. Therefore, we investigated whether gender-specific associations of B6 intake and plasma pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP) concentration, respectively, with plasma PUFA concentrations and ratios (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), arachidonic acid (AA), EPA + DHA, EPA/AA, and (EPA + DHA)/AA) existed in older adults. We further examined the relationships of adequate B6 status (PLP ≥ 20 nmol/L) with high (above median) plasma PUFA relative to deficient B6 status. This cross-sectional study analyzed 461 participants aged ≥60 years from NHANES 2003−2004. Nutrient intakes were assessed using two 24-h recalls and supplement questionnaires. PLP and PUFA concentrations were measured. Multivariate linear regression assessed the association of B6 intake and PLP with PUFA; multivariate logistic regression evaluated the relationship of adequate B6 status with high plasma PUFA, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and dietary factors; physical activity; smoking; alcohol; medication; and BMI. There were interactions between gender and B6 intake on EPA (P-interaction = 0.008) and AA (P-interaction = 0.004) only, whereas no interaction existed between gender and PLP on PUFA. PLP was directly associated with EPA (β = 0.181, P = 0.002), DHA (β = 0.109, P = 0.005), EPA + DHA (β = 0.14, P = 0.002), EPA/AA (β = 0.186, P = 0.004), and (EPA + DHA)/AA (β = 0.13, P = 0.026). The odds of having high plasma EPA (adjusted (a) OR: 2.03, P = 0.049) and EPA/AA (aOR: 3.83, P < 0.0001) were greater in those with adequate B6 status compared to those with deficient B6 status. In conclusion, in US older adults, a higher PLP level was associated with a greater level of EPA, DHA, EPA + DHA, EPA/AA, and (EPA + DHA)/AA. Adequate B6 status was associated with high EPA and EPA/AA status. These findings suggest that sufficient vitamin B6 status may positively influence PUFA metabolism in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyojung Kim
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (E.B.E.); (V.N.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Evelyn B. Enrione
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (E.B.E.); (V.N.); (A.C.)
| | - Vijaya Narayanan
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (E.B.E.); (V.N.); (A.C.)
| | - Tan Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA;
| | - Adriana Campa
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (E.B.E.); (V.N.); (A.C.)
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30
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Ang SF, Low S, Ng TP, Tan CS, Ang K, Lim Z, Tang WE, Subramaniam T, Sum CF, Lim SC. Ethnic-Specific Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factor PAX4 R192H Is Associated with Attention-Specific Cognitive Impairment in Chinese with Type 2 Diabetes. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 88:241-249. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-220036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been shown to increase the risks of cognitive decline and dementia. Paired box gene 4 (PAX4), a transcription factor for beta cell development and function, has recently been implicated in pathways intersecting Alzheimer’s disease and T2DM. Objective: In this report, we evaluated the association of the ethnic-specific PAX4 R192H variant, a T2DM risk factor for East Asians which contributes to earlier diabetes onset, and cognitive function of Chinese T2DM patients. Methods: 590 Chinese patients aged 45–86 from the SMART2D study were genotyped for PAX4 R192H variation using Illumina OmniExpress-24 Array. The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) which had been validated in the Singapore population was administered to assess five cognitive domains: immediate memory, visuospatial/constructional, language, attention, and delayed memory. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the association of the R192H risk allele and cognitive domains. Results: Patients with two PAX4 R192H risk alleles showed significantly lower attention index score (β= –8.46, 95% CI [–13.71, –3.21], p = 0.002) than patients with wild-type alleles after adjusting for age, gender, diabetes onset age, HbA1c, body-mass index, renal function, lipid profiles, systolic blood pressure, metformin usage, smoking history, education level, Geriatric Depression Scale score, and presence of APOE ɛ4 allele. Conclusion: Ethnic-specific R192H variation in PAX4 is associated with attention-specific cognitive impairment in Chinese with T2DM. Pending further validation studies, determining PAX4 R192H genotype may be helpful for early risk assessment of early-onset T2DM and cognitive impairment to improve diabetes care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Fen Ang
- Clinical Research Unit, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH), Singapore
| | - Serena Low
- Clinical Research Unit, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH), Singapore
| | - Tze Pin Ng
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Gerontology Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Clara S.H. Tan
- Clinical Research Unit, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH), Singapore
| | - Keven Ang
- Clinical Research Unit, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH), Singapore
| | - Ziliang Lim
- National Healthcare Group Polyclinics (NHGP), Singapore
| | - Wern Ee Tang
- National Healthcare Group Polyclinics (NHGP), Singapore
| | | | - Chee Fang Sum
- Diabetes Centre, Admiralty Medical Centre (AdMC) c/o Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore
| | - Su Chi Lim
- Clinical Research Unit, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH), Singapore
- Diabetes Centre, Admiralty Medical Centre (AdMC) c/o Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore
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31
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Dhamala E, Jamison KW, Jaywant A, Kuceyeski A. Shared functional connections within and between cortical networks predict cognitive abilities in adult males and females. Hum Brain Mapp 2022; 43:1087-1102. [PMID: 34811849 PMCID: PMC8764478 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A thorough understanding of sex-independent and sex-specific neurobiological features that underlie cognitive abilities in healthy individuals is essential for the study of neurological illnesses in which males and females differentially experience and exhibit cognitive impairment. Here, we evaluate sex-independent and sex-specific relationships between functional connectivity and individual cognitive abilities in 392 healthy young adults (196 males) from the Human Connectome Project. First, we establish that sex-independent models comparably predict crystallised abilities in males and females, but only successfully predict fluid abilities in males. Second, we demonstrate sex-specific models comparably predict crystallised abilities within and between sexes, and generally fail to predict fluid abilities in either sex. Third, we reveal that largely overlapping connections between visual, dorsal attention, ventral attention, and temporal parietal networks are associated with better performance on crystallised and fluid cognitive tests in males and females, while connections within visual, somatomotor, and temporal parietal networks are associated with poorer performance. Together, our findings suggest that shared neurobiological features of the functional connectome underlie crystallised and fluid abilities across the sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvisha Dhamala
- Department of RadiologyWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Present address:
Department of PsychologyYale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Keith W. Jamison
- Department of RadiologyWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Abhishek Jaywant
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Weill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- NewYork‐Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Amy Kuceyeski
- Department of RadiologyWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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32
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Wind J, Horst F, Rizzi N, John A, Kurti T, Schöllhorn WI. Sex-Specific Brain Responses to Imaginary Dance but Not Physical Dance: An Electroencephalography Study of Functional Connectivity and Electrical Brain Activity. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 15:731881. [PMID: 34975427 PMCID: PMC8715740 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.731881] [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: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, most neurophysiological dance research has been conducted exclusively with female participants in observational studies (i.e., participants observe or imagine a dance choreography). In this regard, the sex-specific acute neurophysiological effect of physically executed dance can be considered a widely unexplored field of research. This study examines the acute impact of a modern jazz dance choreography on brain activity and functional connectivity using electroencephalography (EEG). In a within-subject design, 11 female and 11 male participants were examined under four test conditions: physically dancing the choreography with and without music and imagining the choreography with and without music. Prior to the EEG measurements, the participants acquired the choreography over 3 weeks with one session per week. Subsequently, the participants conducted all four test conditions in a randomized order on a single day, with the EEG measurements taken before and after each condition. Differences between the male and female participants were established in brain activity and functional connectivity analyses under the condition of imagined dance without music. No statistical differences between sexes were found in the other three conditions (physically executed dance with and without music as well as imagined dance with music). Physically dancing and music seem to have sex-independent effects on the human brain. However, thinking of dance without music seems to be rather sex-specific. The results point to a promising approach to decipher sex-specific differences in the use of dance or music. This approach could further be used to achieve a more group-specific or even more individualized and situationally adapted use of dance interventions, e.g., in the context of sports, physical education, or therapy. The extent to which the identified differences are due to culturally specific attitudes in the sex-specific contact with dance and music needs to be clarified in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Wind
- Department of Training and Movement Science, Institute of Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Fabian Horst
- Department of Training and Movement Science, Institute of Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nikolas Rizzi
- Department of Training and Movement Science, Institute of Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Alexander John
- Department of Training and Movement Science, Institute of Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tamara Kurti
- Department of Training and Movement Science, Institute of Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Wolfgang I Schöllhorn
- Department of Training and Movement Science, Institute of Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Solé B, Varo C, Torrent C, Montejo L, Jiménez E, Bonnin CDM, Clougher D, Verdolini N, Amoretti S, Piazza F, Borràs R, Pomarol-Clotet E, Sáiz PA, García-Portilla MP, Vieta E, Martínez-Arán A. Sex differences in neurocognitive and psychosocial functioning in bipolar disorder. J Affect Disord 2022; 296:208-215. [PMID: 34610515 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.09.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex differences influence the clinical characteristics and course of illness of bipolar disorder (BD). OBJECTIVE Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the role of sex differences in neurocognitive performance and psychosocial functioning in a large sample of euthymic patients suffering from BD. METHODS The sample included 462 individuals, 347 patients with BD (148 males and 199 females) and 115 healthy controls (HC) (45 males and 70 females). Performance on a comprehensive neuropsychological battery assessing six cognitive domains and psychosocial functioning was compared between groups using linear mixed models, with sex and group as main effects, group by sex interactions and center as a random effect. RESULTS Males performed better than females in working memory (p < 0.001), whereas females outperformed males in the verbal learning (p = 0.03) and memory recognition (p = 0.03) tasks. No significant group by sex interactions were detected in cognitive performance. There were no overall sex differences or group by sex interactions in psychosocial functioning. LIMITATIONS Lack of assessment of visuo-spatial working memory. CONCLUSIONS There were no overall sex differences in neurocognition and psychosocial functioning. However, small sex differences in some measures of working memory and verbal memory were found. Individual differences of each patient, including sex perspective, should be considered in order to perform a tailored intervention plan adjusted to specific needs in the context of personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brisa Solé
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clinic, Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Cristina Varo
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clinic, Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Carla Torrent
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clinic, Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Laura Montejo
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clinic, Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Esther Jiménez
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clinic, Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Caterina Del Mar Bonnin
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clinic, Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Derek Clougher
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clinic, Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Norma Verdolini
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clinic, Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Silvia Amoretti
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clinic, Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Catalonia, Spain; Barcelona Clinic Schizophrenia Unit, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions, Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Flavia Piazza
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Roger Borràs
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Spain
| | - Edith Pomarol-Clotet
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain, Mental Health Research Networking Center (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar A Sáiz
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Oviedo, CIBERSAM, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Servicio de Salud del Principado de Asturias (SESPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Maria P García-Portilla
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Oviedo, CIBERSAM, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Servicio de Salud del Principado de Asturias (SESPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Eduard Vieta
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clinic, Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Anabel Martínez-Arán
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clinic, Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Catalonia, Spain
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Jansen P, Hoja S, Jost L. Are There Gender Differences in Executive Functions in Musicians and Non-Musicians? JOURNAL OF INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1027/1614-0001/a000350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Abstract. Until now, better performance in executive functions (EF) in musicians compared to non-musicians has not been investigated in relation to possible gender differences. For that, it is the main goal of this study to investigate possible gender differences in executive functions. Sixty-three musicians and 64 non-musicians, 63 men and 64 women respectively, completed tests of (a) cognitive processing speed (ZVT), (b) working memory (2-Back Task), (c) inhibition (Flanker Task), and (d) cognitive flexibility (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, WCST). Results showed a significantly better performance for the target accuracy in the working memory task for musicians compared to non-musicians but not in the other tasks of executive functions. Furthermore, women demonstrated a better performance than men for the target accuracy in the 2-Back Task. However, only cognitive processing speed predicted working memory performance but not the group affiliation or gender. This study revealed that gender differences in executive functions are less likely to appear also in a trained sub-group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Jansen
- Faculty of Human Science, University of Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Hoja
- Faculty of Human Science, University of Regensburg, Germany
| | - Leonardo Jost
- Faculty of Human Science, University of Regensburg, Germany
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Rahe M, Jansen P. Sex differences in mental rotation: the role of stereotyped material, perceived performance and extrinsic spatial ability. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/20445911.2021.2011896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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36
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Stites SD, Cao H, Harkins K, Flatt JD. Measuring Sex and Gender in Aging and Alzheimer's Research: Results of a National Survey. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 77:1005-1016. [PMID: 34865028 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Differences between men and women are common in published research on aging and Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). What do these differences mean? To answer this, rigorous measurement is needed. We investigated current methods for measuring sex/gender in aging and AD/ADRD cohort studies. METHOD An online survey was sent to NIA-funded Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) (n=38) and investigator-initiated cohort studies (n=38) to assess practices around enrollment of men and women and measurement of sex and gender. RESULTS The response rate was 65.8% (n=50). All enrolled men and all but two investigator-initiated studies enrolled women. Most cohorts (43/50) had no documented definitions for categories of "men" or "women". Over 85% of cohorts relied solely on self-report questions to capture sex/gender data (n=43/50). Issues with administration were also identified (n=7). DISCUSSION Our findings identify gaps in current approaches used to measure sex and gender in aging and AD/ADRD research. We discuss opportunities to bridge these gaps and advance measurement of sex and gender in aging and AD/ADRD research. Changes are needed to ensure inclusion and representation of sociocultural diversity in research samples, and consistency in data collection in aging and AD/ADRD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shana D Stites
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Hannah Cao
- School of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kristin Harkins
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jason D Flatt
- Social and Behavioral Health Program, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV
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Zhvania MG, Japaridze N, Tizabi Y, Lomidze N, Pochkhidze N, Lordkipanidze T. Age-related cognitive decline in rats is sex and context dependent. Neurosci Lett 2021; 765:136262. [PMID: 34560192 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136262] [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: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Previously, we had observed age-related cognitive decline in male rats compared to adolescent and adult rats. This was shown in both a multi-branched maze test (MBM), as well as in the Morris water maze test (MWM). In the present study, we compared the behavior of similar age groups in both male and female rats using the same paradigms. The results confirmed the increase in errors and time spent in MBM in aged male rats compared to other age groups. However, no such differences were observed in female rats. In the acquisition phase of MWM, aged male rats did not differ significantly from the other two groups in terms of time spent in quadrants, whereas aged female rats spent significantly more time in quadrants compared to the other 2 age groups. Aged male rats also travelled significantly more than the other 2 age groups during the acquisition phase, whereas no such differences were observed in female rats. In both short term (30 min post acquisition) and long term (24 h after acquisition) retrieval phases of MWM, significant gender-related differences were also observed in all age groups. These findings suggest gender- and context-dependent alterations in cognitive functions during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mzia G Zhvania
- School of Natural Sciences and Medicine, Ilia State University, 3/5 K/Cholokashvili Avenue, 0162 Tbilisi, Georgia; Department of Neuron Ultrastructure and Nanoarchitecture, Ivane Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine, 14 Gotua Street, 9160 Tbilisi, Georgia.
| | - Nadezhda Japaridze
- Department of Neuron Ultrastructure and Nanoarchitecture, Ivane Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine, 14 Gotua Street, 9160 Tbilisi, Georgia; School of Medicine, New Vision University, 1A Evgeni Mikeladze Street, 0159 Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Yousef Tizabi
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nino Lomidze
- School of Natural Sciences and Medicine, Ilia State University, 3/5 K/Cholokashvili Avenue, 0162 Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Nino Pochkhidze
- School of Natural Sciences and Medicine, Ilia State University, 3/5 K/Cholokashvili Avenue, 0162 Tbilisi, Georgia; Department of Neuron Ultrastructure and Nanoarchitecture, Ivane Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine, 14 Gotua Street, 9160 Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Tamar Lordkipanidze
- School of Natural Sciences and Medicine, Ilia State University, 3/5 K/Cholokashvili Avenue, 0162 Tbilisi, Georgia; Department of Neuron Ultrastructure and Nanoarchitecture, Ivane Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine, 14 Gotua Street, 9160 Tbilisi, Georgia
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38
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Riva D. Sex and gender difference in cognitive and behavioral studies in developmental age: An introduction. J Neurosci Res 2021; 101:543-552. [PMID: 34687075 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This paper introduces a special issue focused on sex and gender (s/g) cognitive/behavioral differences at developmental ages providing an overview of this multifaceted and debated topic. It will provide a description of the biological systems that are strongly interconnected to generate s/g differences, that is, genetic determinants, sex hormones, differences in brain structure, organization, and/or function, inherited or modifiable under environmental pressures. Developmental studies are rare. Some addressed whether s/g differences in cognitive/behavioral characteristics are evident early in life and are consistent throughout development, entailing that s/g differences can follow the evolving steps in girls and boys in different domains. The data are far from being homogeneous and consistent about s/g difference in language, social skills, and visuo/spatial abilities. The differences are small, often with overlapping performances, similar to what is seen in adulthood. Given that several variables and the interactions between them are implicated, further longitudinal studies adopting adequate assessment tools, very large size multicultural samples stratified in different, well-sized and precise age groups, considering biological and sociocultural variables, are needed. Due to the complexity of the issue, there is still the need to support and adopt an s/g difference approach also in cognitive and behavioral studies at developmental ages. Finally, these studies have not only scientific importance and relevant cultural, anthropological, and social implications, but are also useful for pedagogical programming as well as for the study of the different susceptibility to develop CNS diseases and consequently to promote different therapies and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Riva
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy.,Fondazione Pierfranco e Luisa Mariani, Milano, Italy.,Fondazione Together To Go, Milano, Italy
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Lee LC, Su MT, Huang HY, Cho YC, Yeh TK, Chang CY. Association of CaMK2A and MeCP2 signaling pathways with cognitive ability in adolescents. Mol Brain 2021; 14:152. [PMID: 34607601 PMCID: PMC8491411 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00858-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The glutamatergic signaling pathway is involved in molecular learning and human cognitive ability. Specific single variants (SNVs, formerly single-nucleotide polymorphisms) in the genes encoding N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor subunits have been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders by altering glutamate transmission. However, these variants associated with cognition and mental activity have rarely been explored in healthy adolescents. In this study, we screened for SNVs in the glutamatergic signaling pathway to identify genetic variants associated with cognitive ability. We found that SNVs in the subunits of ionotropic glutamate receptors, including GRIA1, GRIN1, GRIN2B, GRIN2C, GRIN3A, GRIN3B, and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIα (CaMK2A) are associated with cognitive function. Plasma CaMK2A level was correlated positively with the cognitive ability of Taiwanese senior high school students. We demonstrated that elevating CaMK2A increased its autophosphorylation at T286 and increased the expression of its downstream targets, including GluA1 and phosphor- GluA1 in vivo. Additionally, methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2), a downstream target of CaMK2A, was found to activate the expression of CaMK2A, suggesting that MeCP2 and CaMK2A can form a positive feedback loop. In summary, two members of the glutamatergic signaling pathway, CaMK2A and MeCP2, are implicated in the cognitive ability of adolescents; thus, altering the expression of CaMK2A may affect cognitive ability in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ching Lee
- Science Education Center and Graduate Institute of Science Education, National Taiwan Normal University, No. 88, Sec. 4, Ting-Chou Rd., Taipei, 11677, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ming-Tsan Su
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Ying Huang
- Science Education Center and Graduate Institute of Science Education, National Taiwan Normal University, No. 88, Sec. 4, Ting-Chou Rd., Taipei, 11677, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ying-Chun Cho
- Science Education Center and Graduate Institute of Science Education, National Taiwan Normal University, No. 88, Sec. 4, Ting-Chou Rd., Taipei, 11677, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ting-Kuang Yeh
- Science Education Center and Graduate Institute of Science Education, National Taiwan Normal University, No. 88, Sec. 4, Ting-Chou Rd., Taipei, 11677, Taiwan, Republic of China. .,Institute of Marine Environment Science and Technology, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Earth Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chun-Yen Chang
- Science Education Center and Graduate Institute of Science Education, National Taiwan Normal University, No. 88, Sec. 4, Ting-Chou Rd., Taipei, 11677, Taiwan, Republic of China. .,Department of Earth Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Lindert J, Paul KC, Lachman ME, Ritz B, Seeman TE. Depression-, Anxiety-, and Anger and Cognitive Functions: Findings From a Longitudinal Prospective Study. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:665742. [PMID: 34421666 PMCID: PMC8377351 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.665742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Determinants of changes in cognitive function during aging are not well-understood. We aimed to estimate the effects of depression-, anxiety- and anger symptoms on cognition and on cognition changes, especially on changes in episodic memory (EM) and executive functioning (EF). Methods: We analyze data from the Mid-Life in the Midlife in the United States Biomarker study at two time points including n = 710 women, and n = 542 men (1996/1997) at the first assessment and n = 669 women, and n = 514 men at the second assessment (2013/2014). To assess cognition we used the Brief Test of Adult Cognition (BTACT). To measure depression-, anxiety- and anger symptoms we used the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire (MASQ), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI). We used repeated models analyses to explore changes in cognition, and repeated measures linear mixed-effects models to investigate depression, anxiety and anger effects on cognition. All analyses were adjusted for potential confounders (cognition at baseline, age, education, income). Results: At the first assessment, women had significantly better episodic memory functioning than men; men in the oldest age group had significant better executive functioning. At the second assessment, more education, and white ethnicity were associated with less negative changes on episodic memory and executive functioning. Depression- and anger symptoms were associated with declines in episodic memory among women; anxiety symptoms were associated with declines in episodic memory and executive functioning in both gender in men (EF: β: -0.02, (95% CI: -0.03, -0.01; EM: β -0.02 (-0.02, 95% CI: -0.03, -0.01) and in women (EF: β -0.01, 95% CI: -0.02, -0.0004; EM: β -0.013, 95% CI: -0.03, -0.001). Conclusions: Depression-, anxiety- and anger symptoms were associated with changes in episodic memory and executive functioning. Further longitudinal studies are critical in populations in more countries to better understand the impact of depression, anxiety and anger symptoms on cognition changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jutta Lindert
- Department of Health and Social Work, University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer, Emden, Germany
- Women's Research Center at Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, United States
| | - Kimberley C. Paul
- Department of Epidemiology, Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Margie E. Lachman
- The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, United States
| | - Beate Ritz
- Department of Epidemiology, Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Teresa E. Seeman
- The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, United States
- Division of Geriatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Siegel ALM, Eich TS. Age, Sex, and Inhibitory Control: Identifying A Specific Impairment in Memorial, But Not Perceptual Inhibition in Older Women. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 76:2013-2022. [PMID: 34232279 PMCID: PMC8599043 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Declines in the ability to inhibit information, and the consequences to memory of unsuccessful inhibition, have been frequently reported to increase with age. However, few studies have investigated whether sex moderates such effects. Here, we examined whether inhibitory ability may vary as a function of age and sex, and the interaction between these two factors. Method 202 older (mean age = 69.40 years) and younger (mean age =30.59 years) participants who had equivalent educational attainment and self-reported health completed 2 tasks that varied only in the time point at which inhibition should occur: either prior to, or after, encoding. Results While we did not find evidence for age or sex differences in inhibitory processes when information needed to be inhibited prior to encoding, when encoded information being actively held in working memory needed to be suppressed, we found that older women were particularly impaired relative to both younger women and men of either age group. Discussion These results provide further support for the presence of memorial inhibitory deficits in older age, but add nuance by implicating biological sex as an important mediator in this relationship, with it more difficult for older women to inhibit what was once relevant in memory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Teal S Eich
- The Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California
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42
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Buyanova IS, Arsalidou M. Cerebral White Matter Myelination and Relations to Age, Gender, and Cognition: A Selective Review. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:662031. [PMID: 34295229 PMCID: PMC8290169 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.662031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
White matter makes up about fifty percent of the human brain. Maturation of white matter accompanies biological development and undergoes the most dramatic changes during childhood and adolescence. Despite the advances in neuroimaging techniques, controversy concerning spatial, and temporal patterns of myelination, as well as the degree to which the microstructural characteristics of white matter can vary in a healthy brain as a function of age, gender and cognitive abilities still exists. In a selective review we describe methods of assessing myelination and evaluate effects of age and gender in nine major fiber tracts, highlighting their role in higher-order cognitive functions. Our findings suggests that myelination indices vary by age, fiber tract, and hemisphere. Effects of gender were also identified, although some attribute differences to methodological factors or social and learning opportunities. Findings point to further directions of research that will improve our understanding of the complex myelination-behavior relation across development that may have implications for educational and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina S. Buyanova
- Neuropsy Lab, HSE University, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Language and Brain, HSE University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marie Arsalidou
- Neuropsy Lab, HSE University, Moscow, Russia
- Cognitive Centre, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Rafael A, Sousa L, Martins S, Fernandes L. Cognitive Impairment in Grandparents: A Systematic Review. Psychiatry Investig 2021; 18:593-602. [PMID: 34340272 PMCID: PMC8328831 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2021.0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between grandparenting and the cognitive impairment in older persons. METHODS The protocol was submitted to the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), registration number: CRD42018105849. Authors conducted a systematic review, following "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses" (PRISMA) recommendations. Electronic databases were accessed through august 2018: PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and EBSCOhost. Selection of records and quality appraisal were made by two reviewers, independently. RESULTS A total of 178 records was found, after removing duplicates. From those, 17 were considered eligible for integral text reading and eight were included: five original studies, one classic review and two editorials. From the five original studies included, four suggested a positive effect on cognition resulting from grandparenting and one suggested that there was no evidence for a causal effect. Though the boundary was not consensual, some studies suggested that a higher frequency of grandparenting has a negative impact on cognition. CONCLUSION Overall, studies suggested a trend towards a positive effect of grandchild care on grandparents' cognition. However, there was a significant heterogeneity between methodologies and a significant risk of bias which can hamper conclusions, indicating the need for further and more robust research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Rafael
- Faculty of Medicine of Porto University, Porto, Portugal.,Unidade de Saúde Familar Arco do Prado, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Lídia Sousa
- Faculty of Medicine of Porto University, Porto, Portugal.,Centro Hospitalar Póvoa de Varzim, Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal.,Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Faculty of Medicine of Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sónia Martins
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Faculty of Medicine of Porto University, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine of Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lia Fernandes
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine of Porto University, Porto, Portugal.,GeriMHealth of Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Faculty of Medicine of Porto University, Porto, Portugal.,Psychiatry Service, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
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44
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Kurth F, Gaser C, Luders E. Development of sex differences in the human brain. Cogn Neurosci 2021; 12:155-162. [PMID: 32902364 PMCID: PMC8510853 DOI: 10.1080/17588928.2020.1800617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences in brain anatomy have been described from early childhood through late adulthood, but without any clear consensus among studies. Here, we applied a machine learning approach to estimate 'Brain Sex' using a continuous (rather than binary) classifier in 162 boys and 185 girls aged between 5 and 18 years. Changes in the estimated sex differences over time at different age groups were subsequently calculated using a sliding window approach. We hypothesized that males and females would differ in brain structure already during childhood, but that these differences will become even more pronounced with increasing age, particularly during adolescence. Overall, the classifier achieved a good performance, with an accuracy of 80.4% and an AUC of 0.897 across all age groups. Assessing changes in the estimated sex with age revealed a growing difference between the sexes with increasing age. That is, the very large effect size of d = 1.2 which was already evident during childhood increased even further from age 11 onward, and eventually reached an effect size of d = 1.6 at age 17. Altogether these findings suggest a systematic sex difference in brain structure already during childhood, and a subsequent increase of this difference during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Kurth
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Christian Gaser
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Eileen Luders
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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Abstract
A recent meta-analysis found no support for the popular theory that superior visuospatial ability in males is attributable to their relatively greater hemispheric asymmetry of neural functions. However, the issue of whether differences in hemispheric laterality could account for differences in visual perception between the sexes has not been systematically investigated. Visual search is an ideal task for such an investigation, as target-position can be systematically varied across the visual field allowing for a detailed analysis of how performance varies with visual field and eccentricity. We recruited 539 undergraduate participants (150 male) and administered a visual search task that required them to identify the presence of a uniquely-oriented triangle amongst distractors. Crucially, target location was systematically varied over the visual field across trials. Males displayed both superior accuracy and shorter reaction time when targets were presented in the left visual field, whilst sex differences systematically diminished when the target was located further rightward. These behavioural results are in line with the notion that greater hemispheric asymmetry in males influences task performance to a varying extent across the visual field, and illustrates the importance of considering task parameters and the influence of sex in behavioural research.
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46
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Arafa A, Eshak ES, Shirai K, Iso H, Kondo K. Engaging in musical activities and the risk of dementia in older adults: A longitudinal study from the Japan gerontological evaluation study. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21:451-457. [PMID: 33825305 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM Leisure cognitive activities are suggested to reduce the risk of dementia. Herein, we aimed to investigate the prospective association between engaging in different musical activities and the risk of dementia among Japanese older adults. METHODS Longitudinal data of 52 601 participants aged ≥65 years from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study were analyzed. Musical activities in the form of playing a musical instrument, practicing karaoke and choir or folk singing were assessed using a questionnaire, while dementia was diagnosed using the standardized dementia scale of the long-term care insurance system. The Cox regression was used to obtain the hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident dementia according to engagement in musical activities. RESULTS Compared with engaging in no musical activities at all, the hazard ratios engaging in one and more than one musical activity, after 5.8 years of a median follow-up period, were 0.94 (95% CI 0.82-1.07) and 0.59 (95% CI 0.32-1.10) in men versus 0.79 (95% CI 0.69-0.90) and 0.89 (95% CI 0.63-1.26) in women, respectively. Playing a musical instrument and practicing karaoke, compared with no musical activities at all, were associated with a faintly decreased risk of dementia in men and a significantly decreased risk of dementia in women; hazard ratios 0.70 (95% CI 0.45-1.02) and 0.90 (95% CI 0.79, 1.04) in men versus 0.75 (95% CI 0.58-0.98) and 0.77 (95% CI 0.68-0.89) in women, respectively. CONCLUSION Engaging in musical activities, especially playing a musical instrument and practicing karaoke, was associated with a reduced risk of dementia among Japanese older women. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 451-457.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Arafa
- Public Health, Department of Social Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Ehab S Eshak
- Public Health, Department of Social Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt
| | - Kokoro Shirai
- Public Health, Department of Social Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Iso
- Public Health, Department of Social Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Katsunori Kondo
- Department of Social Preventive Medical Sciences, Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.,Department of Gerontological Evaluation, Center for Gerontology and Social Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi, Japan
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Ambhore NS, Kalidhindi RSR, Sathish V. Sex-Steroid Signaling in Lung Diseases and Inflammation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1303:243-273. [PMID: 33788197 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-63046-1_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Sex/gender difference exists in the physiology of multiple organs. Recent epidemiological reports suggest the influence of sex-steroids in modulating a wide variety of disease conditions. Sex-based discrepancies have been reported in pulmonary physiology and various chronic inflammatory responses associated with lung diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and rare lung diseases. Notably, emerging clinical evidence suggests that several respiratory diseases affect women to a greater degree, with increased severity and prevalence than men. Although sex-specific differences in various lung diseases are evident, such differences are inherent to sex-steroids, which are major biological variables in men and women who play a central role to control these differences. The focus of this chapter is to comprehend the sex-steroid biology in inflammatory lung diseases and to understand the mechanistic role of sex-steroids signaling in regulating these diseases. Exploring the roles of sex-steroid signaling in the regulation of lung diseases and inflammation is crucial for the development of novel and effective therapy. Overall, we will illustrate the importance of differential sex-steroid signaling in lung diseases and their possible clinical implications for the development of complementary and alternative medicine to treat lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilesh Sudhakar Ambhore
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Professions, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | | | - Venkatachalem Sathish
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Professions, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA.
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Martinat M, Rossitto M, Di Miceli M, Layé S. Perinatal Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Brain Development, Role in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Nutrients 2021; 13:1185. [PMID: 33918517 PMCID: PMC8065891 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential fatty acids that are provided by dietary intake. Growing evidence suggests that n-3 and n-6 PUFAs are paramount for brain functions. They constitute crucial elements of cellular membranes, especially in the brain. They are the precursors of several metabolites with different effects on inflammation and neuron outgrowth. Overall, long-chain PUFAs accumulate in the offspring brain during the embryonic and post-natal periods. In this review, we discuss how they accumulate in the developing brain, considering the maternal dietary supply, the polymorphisms of genes involved in their metabolism, and the differences linked to gender. We also report the mechanisms linking their bioavailability in the developing brain, their transfer from the mother to the embryo through the placenta, and their role in brain development. In addition, data on the potential role of altered bioavailability of long-chain n-3 PUFAs in the etiologies of neurodevelopmental diseases, such as autism, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia, are reviewed.
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49
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Alshammari TK. Sexual dimorphism in pre-clinical studies of depression. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 105:110120. [PMID: 33002519 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110120] [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] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Although there is a sex bias in the pathological mechanisms exhibited by brain disorders, investigation of the female brain in biomedical science has long been neglected. Use of the male model has generally been the preferred option as the female animal model exhibits both biological variability and hormonal fluctuations. Existing studies that compare behavioral and/or molecular alterations in animal models of brain diseases are generally underrepresented, and most utilize the male model. Nevertheless, in recent years there has been a trend toward the increased inclusion of females in brain studies. However, current knowledge regarding sex-based differences in depression and stress-related disorders is limited. This can be improved by reviewing preclinical studies that highlight sex differences in depression. This paper therefore presents a review of sex-based preclinical studies of depression. These shed light on the discrepancies between males and females regarding the biological mechanisms that underpin mechanistic alterations in the diseased brain. This review also highlights the conclusions drawn by preclinical studies to advance our understanding of mood disorders, encouraging researchers to promote ways of investigating and managing sexually dimorphic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahani K Alshammari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pharmacy College, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia; Prince Naïf Bin Abdul-Aziz Health Research Center, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia.
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50
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Dhingra I, Zhang S, Zhornitsky S, Wang W, Le TM, Li CSR. Sex differences in neural responses to reward and the influences of individual reward and punishment sensitivity. BMC Neurosci 2021; 22:12. [PMID: 33639845 PMCID: PMC7913329 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-021-00618-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men and women show differences in sensitivity to reward and punishment, which may impact behavior in health and disease. However, the neural bases of these sex differences remain under-investigated. Here, by combining functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and a variant of the Monetary Incentive Delay Task (MIDT), we examined sex differences in the neural responses to wins and losses and how individual reward and punishment sensitivity modulates these regional activities. METHODS Thirty-sex men and 27 women participated in the fMRI study. We assessed sensitivity to punishment (SP) and sensitivity to reward (SR) with the Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire (SPSRQ). In the MIDT, participants pressed a button to collect reward ($1, 1¢, or nil), with the reaction time window titrated across trials so participants achieved a success rate of approximately 67%. We processed the Imaging data with published routines and evaluated the results with a corrected threshold. RESULTS Women showed higher SP score than men and men showed higher SR score than women. Men relative to women showed higher response to the receipt of dollar or cent reward in bilateral orbitofrontal and visual cortex. Men as compared to women also showed higher response to dollar loss in bilateral orbitofrontal cortex. Further, in whole-brain regressions, women relative to men demonstrated more significant modulation by SP in the neural responses to wins and larger wins, and the sex differences were confirmed by slope tests. CONCLUSIONS Together, men showed higher SR and neural sensitivity to both wins, large or small, and losses than women. Individual differences in SP were associated with diminished neural responses to wins and larger wins in women only. These findings highlight how men and women may differ in reward-related brain activations in the MIDT and add to the imaging literature of sex differences in cognitive and affective functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isha Dhingra
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Simon Zhornitsky
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Wuyi Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Thang M Le
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Chiang-Shan R Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Connecticut Mental Health Center S112, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT, 06519-1109, USA.
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