Attention Deficiency Research Articles

Cognitive assessment in multiple sclerosis patients: electrophysiological and subjective studies

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a persistent inflammatory condition affecting the central nervous system, often associated with cognitive impairment. This impairment frequently presents itself as deficiencies in short-term memory, attention, and information processing speed. This research was designed to investigate P300 in patients with MS and its correlation with their cognitive function and their state of fatigue and depression. This work included two groups: the control group (20 subjects) and the study group (30 MS patients). Evaluation encompassed clinical history, audiological assessment, the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), the fatigue severity scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, Addenbrooke’s cognitive examination, and P300 component of event-related potentials (ERPs).ResultsThe study group exhibited varying degrees of fatigue and depression. The scores of Addenbrooke’s cognitive evaluation were reduced in the MS group. The MS group exhibited a considerably prolonged P300 latency compared to the control group.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the effectiveness of P300 in assessing cognitive function in persons diagnosed with MS.

An encoder–decoder architecture with Fourier attention for chaotic time series multi-step prediction

Multi-step prediction of chaotic time series has been a challenging problem. An encoder–decoder architecture based on novel Fourier attention was proposed, called FGNet, applied to chaotic time series multi-step prediction. Two perspectives were carefully re-considered in modeling, one was the integrated use of frequency and temporal domain information, the other was the fusion of channel information and series information. The encoder was a self-attention architecture with Fourier attention module for capturing dynamic information in time series. Correspondingly, the decoder used the Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) module with identity mapping, and the decoder was used to model the representation based on temporal dependency. For the interpretability deficiency of Fourier attention in FNet, which was proposed by google, a novel Fourier attention module was proposed. Specifically, the frequency domain features were extracted using Fourier transform, series and channel features were integrated capture through channel swapping coupling. Then these features were fused in the frequency domain space to enhance feature representation and their interpretability is achieved through inverse Fourier transform. Simulated data (Mackey–Glass system and Lorenz) and real data (sunspot time series) were used to verify that FGNet proposed achieves pleasantly surprising multi-step prediction performance in practice.

İlk Gençlik Çağı Romanlarında Özel Gereksinimli Karakterlerin İncelenmesi

Introduction: Juvenile books are useful tools to increase young people's knowledge and sensitivity about individuals with special needs. In particular, the books that are structured in a qualified way and that appeal to the world of young people will be useful in establishing healthy communication bridges between individuals with typical development and individuals with special needs. For this reason, it is important to identify qualified books on individuals with special needs. In this research, we examined the books that include individuals with special needs as characters in terms of their structure, depiction, and developmental characteristics. Method: The study utilized document analysis model, one of the qualitative research methods, in which we examined the characters with special needs according to various criteria. We evaluated thirty-eight books in the study. While identifying the books, we sought that they appealed to juvenile and included at least one character with special needs. We analyzed the books with the content analysis technique. Results: Results showed eleven different disability types in the 38 books. Of these, 10 were visual impairment, 11 were physical disabilities, six were hearing impairment, six were intellectual disability, six were autism spectrum disorder (ASD), five were cerebral palsy, three were speech and language disorders, three were gifted, one was specific learning disability, one was attention deficiency and hyperactivity disorder, one was a physical disorder. In 33 books, characters had positive depictions; 33 characters had dynamic characteristics, and all of the books had realistic fiction except two. Discussion: The results of the study differ from the studies in the literature in terms of the variety of special needs of the characters. In terms of the reality of the fictions, the results overlap with the studies in the literature. The rate of dynamic characters in the books that are the subject of this research is higher than past studies. The results regarding the relationship between the characters with special needs and their peers are also consistent with the results of the studies on the topic.

Neuropsychological profile of Mexican paediatric patients with pharmacoresistant focal epilepsy

At least 20% of paediatric patients with epilepsy present resistance to multiple anti-crisis drugs in trials, which has a negative impact on their neuropsychological state, quality of life and prognosis; it is therefore necessary to document their neuropsychological profile in order to improve the clinical approach to them. To describe the neuropsychological profile (cognitive, academic, behavioural, emotional, adaptive, sleep disturbances and quality of life) of paediatric patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy in the frontal, temporal and occipital lobes, and to compare performance between patients with frontal and temporal foci, and to assess the link between the duration of the condition, the frequency of seizures and the amount of anti-crisis drugs and the neuropsychological profile. The neuropsychological profile of 19 paediatric patients with a diagnosis of pharmacoresistant epilepsy with a mean age of 10.89 years was evaluated. 57.9% of the 19 patients were men. 63.2% presented frontal focus; 26.3% presented temporal focus; and 10.5% presented occipital focus. Deficiencies in attention, comprehension, verbal memory, working memory and processing speed, in addition to adaptive difficulties were observed. When the patients with frontal and temporal focus were compared, the former were found to present greater deficits in planning, while the patients with temporal focus presented more severe symptoms of anxiety. Patients with a longer disease duration were found to present greater impairment to their intelligence quotient and adaptive behavioural skills. Pharmacoresistant epilepsy in paediatric patients affects intelligence quotient and adaptive skills, as well as attention, memory and executive functions, and neuropsychological intervention programmes must therefore be implemented to improve these patients' quality of life.

Sleep Quality and its Predictors among Undergraduate Medical Students of a Teaching Institute in Telangana, South India: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background: Medical students are vulnerable to sleep disturbances as they navigate life through academic stress, long on-call duties, emotional challenges, and exhaustion. Insufficient sleep negatively affects cognitive functions and fine motor skills, leading to deficiencies in attention, increased drowsiness while driving, propensity for risk-taking behavior, heightened risk of depression, impaired interpersonal relationships, and the potential to impact learning technical aspects of curriculum as well as delivering quality patient care. Objectives: The objective of this study was to measure the sleep quality and its determining factors among undergraduate medical students of a teaching institute in Telangana, South India. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 401 undergraduate medical students. A semi-structured questionnaire including the sociodemographic details, medical history, and screen time, followed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) which assesses the time of quality sleep, frequency of troubled sleep, etc., over the last 1 month was used. The quality of sleep score of >5 indicates poor sleep quality. Results: The mean age was 20.41 years (standard deviation [SD] =2.08). Known comorbidities were present among 17 (4.2%), and 13 (3.2%) had psychiatric conditions. Poor sleep quality was present among 70% of medical undergraduates. The mean global PSQI score was 6.22 (SD = 2.9). The factors found significantly associated with poor sleep quality were academic stress (P = 0.009; odds ratio [OR] = 2.154 [CI = 1.250–3.713]), headache and self-medication (P = 0.008; OR = 1.868 [CI = 1.178–2.964]), and nighttime screen use (P < 0.001; OR = 18.12 [CI = 5.48–59.87]). Conclusion: Sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality is a major concern among medical undergraduates. It is important to have a proper sleep–wake routine and maintain good sleep hygiene. This includes reducing the use of screens before bedtime and addressing any underlying health conditions, including mental health issues, to improve sleep quality and overall well-being.

An Examination of the Relationship Between Exposure to Bisphenol A and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents.

Exposure to environmental toxic agents in the prenatal and/or postnatal periods may play in the acquired development of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in groups with genetic risks. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used industrial chemical with neurotoxic effects. This study examined the relationship between exposure to BPA and clinical ADHD. This cross-sectional, case-controlled clinical study compared 45 drug-naive children and adolescents with ADHD and 30 healthy controls in terms of serum BPA levels. Psychiatric comorbidities in the ADHD group were determined using the "Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for school-aged children, lifetime version." The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was also administered to all participants. Serum BPA levels were significantly higher in the ADHD group than in the healthy control group. In addition, significant, weak positive correlation was found between BPA levels and CBCL attention and CBCL total problem scores. Our results show that BPA may be an environmental toxic agent with a potential role in the etiology of ADHD and particularly attention deficiency. Preventive interventions can be developed if this can be confirmed with longitudinal studies and repeated measurements.

Prenatal cannabinoid exposure: why expecting individuals should take a pregnancy pause from using cannabinoid products.

Cannabinoid use in all populations is increasing as legalization across the United States continues. Concerningly, there is a lack of caution provided by medical providers to pregnant individuals as to the impact the use of cannabinoids could have on the developing fetus. Research continues in both the preclinical and clinical areas, and is severely needed, as the potency of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, has increased dramatically since the initial studies were completed. Thus far, clinical studies raise compelling evidence for short term memory deficits, impulse control issues, and attention deficiencies following prenatal cannabinoid exposure (PCE). These changes may be mediated through epigenetic modifications that not only impact the current offspring but could carry forward to future generations. While additional studies are needed, a pregnancy pause from cannabinoid products should be strongly recommended by providers to ensure the optimal health and well-being of our future generations.

Genetic Variations and Altered Blood mRNA Level of Circadian Genes and BDNF as Risk Factors of Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment Among Eastern Indians.

Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a clinical outcome in around 30% of post-stroke survivors. BDNF is a major gene in this regard. It is regulated by circadian rhythm. The circadian genes are correlated with stroke timings at molecular level. However, studies suggesting the role of these on susceptibility to PSCI are limited. We aim here to determine: (a) genetic risk variants in circadian clock genes, BDNF and (b) dysregulation in expression level of CLOCK, BMAL1, and BDNF that may be associated with PSCI. BDNF (rs6265G/A, rs56164415C/T), CLOCK (rs1801260T/C, rs4580704G/C), and CRY2 (rs2292912C/G) genes variants were genotyped among 119 post-stroke survivors and 292 controls from Eastern part of India. In addition, we analyzed their gene expression in Peripheral blood Mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 15 PSCI cases and 12 controls. The mRNA data for BDNF was further validated by its plasma level through ELISA (n = 38). Among the studied variants, only rs4580704/CLOCK showed an overall association with PSCI (P = 0.001) and lower Bengali Mini-Mental State Examination (BMSE) score. Its 'C' allele showed a correlation with attention deficiency. The language and memory impairments showed association with rs6265/BDNF, while the 'CC' genotype of rs2292912/CRY2 negatively influenced language and executive function. A significant decrease in gene expression for CLOCK and BDNF in PBMC (influenced by specific genotypes) of PSCI patients was observed than controls. Unlike Pro-BDNF, plasma-level mBDNF was also lower in them. Our results suggest the genetic variants in CLOCK, CRY2, and BDNF as risk factors for PSCI among eastern Indians. At the same time, a lowering expression of CLOCK and BDNF genes in PSCI patients than controls describes their transcriptional dysregulation as underlying mechanism for post-stroke cognitive decline.

Implementasi Layanan Pendidikan Inklusif Untuk Anak Berkebutuhan ADHD di PAUD Terpadu Fly Free

This study discusses the implementation of inclusive education services for children with special needs ADHD (Attention Deficiency Hyperactivity Disorder) at the Fly Free Integrated PAUD. This research is a qualitative research using a case study approach. Data collection techniques using the results of observation, interviews and documentation. While data analysis uses the Mills and Hubberman analysis model which includes data reduction, data presentation and verification. The benefit of this research is to find out how inclusive education services are in the Fly Free Integrated PAUD. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a group of children with special needs who experience or find difficulties in brain development, hyperactive movement, impulses and difficulty concentrating. There are several things that are needed by children with special needs ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), one of which is school education that implements inclusive education.

Hyperkinetic disorder and attention deficiency and hyperactivity syndrome in adults

Introduction. Hyperkinetic disorder (HR) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are traditionally regarded as a pathology of childhood, but the frequency of its detection among the adult population is high. GR and ADHD has a significant impact on professional, educational activities and social and domestic relationships.The purpose of the work was to systematize the current data in the field of research on hyperkinetic disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults.Materials and methods Full-text publications of metaanalyses from 2017 to 2022 were searched in the PubMed electronic search engine for full-text keyword matches. The criterion for not including a publication in this review was a study conducted on a sample of individuals under 18 years of age. A total of 154 unique references were checked, of which 70 articles were included in the review.Results and discussion. ADHD is a polyethiological disorder. ADHD symptoms can be associated with other pathological conditions, which can influence the pathogenetic and clinical picture. A number of authors consider ADHD symptoms in terms of adaptation to the modern information environment. Positive aspects of ADHD are pointed out: the ability to be creative, the ability to find non-standard, original solutions, an increased capacity for empathy. In a number of modern works, persons with ADHD have an increased ability to “hyperfocus” on activities relevant to the individual, although not all researchers adhere to this opinion.Conclusion. The clinical essence of ADHD is its dysontogenetic nature. The range of etiological factors, both external and internal, that can lead to the development of ADHD symptoms is quite wide, and the likelihood of comorbid conditions is extremely high. Not all of the classifications and diagnostic criteria aimed at identifying ADHD symptoms in individuals under 18 years of age can be applied to adult patients, which shifts the epidemiological indicators toward a reduction of the disorder in the adult population.

Cognitive correlates of maritime pilots’ human errors

Human factors are one of the most important factors affecting safety performance in the changing maritime environment, yet maritime pilots’ human errors have not been sufficiently investigated from a psycho-cognitive perspective although they are central to the safe passage of vessels in challenging waterways. Since human error is associated with cognitive functioning, this study aimed to explore cognitive correlates of maritime pilots’ human error history through a causal-comparative design using ex post facto human error data. Thus, based on a sample size calculation, 72 Iranian male maritime pilots were recruited and their performance was assessed by six Vienna Test System tests (working memory [CORSI], focused attention [WAFF], divided attention [WAFG], situational awareness [MR], planning [TOL-F], and time and movement anticipation [ZBA]). Finally, pilots with and without a history of human error were compared based on their performance in cognitive tests using independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Findings showed that pilots without a history of human error scored significantly higher on working memory, situational awareness, and divided attention (sig = 0.003, 0.002, and 0.028 respectively; P ≤ 0.05). Therefore, as maritime pilots are required to retain and process different arrays of information from different sources, working memory and divided attention deficiency would negatively impact their performance. Situational awareness deficiency was also observed to be associated with pilots’ unsafe behaviors. Overall, these findings demonstrate the cognitive relevance of human error in pilotage and can be consulted for enhancing maritime safety and strategic decision-making on personnel recruitment and development.

Early Detection of Attention Deficiency Using ML

Early Detection of Attention Deficiency Using ML

Deficiency of object-based attention specific to the gaze cue is independent of top-down attentional strategies.

This study investigated whether modes of attentional selection (location-based or object-based) are modulated by the cue type, specifically social cues such as eye gaze and pointing fingers, or by a non-social cue, such as an arrow. Earlier studies have demonstrated that the object-based attention effect was found only with arrow cues when presenting a spatial cue at either end of a rectangle: gaze cues did not yield object-based facilitation. We examined whether this deficiency of object-based attention is generalized to social cues such as pointing fingers. We measured the reaction times to the target at each cued location, an opposite side of a cued location in the same object, or the location in a different object equidistant from the cued location for each cue. Results indicated that only the gaze cue weakened the object-based attention effect, even under the condition of participants' voluntary extension of their attentional focus. The pointing cue induced sufficient object-based facilitation, as did the arrow cue. These results suggest that the deficiency of object-based attention was observed only for the gaze cue, and that it would be caused by a factor that is unique to the gaze cue, which narrows the attentional focus.

National trends and projection of chronic kidney disease incidence according to etiology from 1990 to 2030 in Iran: a Bayesian age-period-cohort modeling study.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem worldwide. Predicting CKD incidence rates and case numbers at the national and global levels is vital for planning CKD prevention programs. Data on CKD incidence rates and case numbers in Iran from 1990 to 2019 were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease online database. The average annual percentage change was computed to determine the temporal trends in CKD age-standardized incidence rates from 1990 to 2019. A Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to predict the CKD incidence rate and case numbers through 2030. Nationally, CKD cases increased from 97,300 in 1990 to 315,500 in 2019. The age-specific CKD incidence rate increased from 168.52 per 100,000 to 382.98 per 100,000 during the same period. Between 2020 and 2030, the number of CKD cases is projected to rise to 423,300. The age-specific CKD incidence rate is projected to increase to 469.04 in 2030 (95% credible interval, 399.20 to 538.87). In all age groups and etiological categories, the CKD incidence rate is forecasted to increase by 2030. CKD case numbers and incidence rates are anticipated to increase in Iran through 2030. The high level of CKD incidence in people with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and glomerulonephritis, as well as in older people, suggests a deficiency of attention to these populations in current prevention plans and highlights their importance in future programs for the national control of CKD.

Students’ perceptions of smartphone use: Institutional policies in Assam, India

Many educational institutions lack well-defined, targeted policies to address problems relating to student smartphone use on campus. In this study, we analyse the patterns of student smartphone use on academic campuses and propose a range of policy measures to address the problems arising from such use. Our research, which draws on primary data collected through a field survey in Assam, India, is one of very few studies in the field to focus on northeast India. Inspired by the literature review, which revealed empirical findings on student smartphone use behaviour, we create and evaluate four policy alternatives: a complete ban on smartphones in educational institutions, the use of student smartphones with proper training, the use of specific smartphones with/without particular applications, and the development of learning platforms and study materials to regulate student smartphone use. Our results show that students who use smartphones prioritise ‘information collection’, although the information they collect may not relate to their studies. We argue that the best policy would be to reduce attention deficiencies by allowing students to use smartphones on campus but not in classrooms. In addition, both teachers and students should receive necessary training on effective smartphone use to exchange academic information.

The Importance and Training of Executive Functions among Children and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Executive function is a set of higher-order cognitive processes in which people control their thoughts and behaviors to accomplish goals. This paper explores whether executive functions are similar important for children and children with autism spectrum disorder, and whether existing training methods are efficient. Executive function is important for children because they can use the function to improve their academic and social performance. When children lack executive functions, they are vulnerable to mental disorders including the autism spectrum disorder. To reduce the risk of mental disorders, children should be provided with executive function training, which usually includes behavioral, movement-based and mindfulness training methods. Behavioral training can effectively help children with attention deficiency. Movement-based training is supposed to strengthen children’s muscles, in particular the brain development, and enhance children’s inhibitory control and attention. Mindfulness training aims at removing judgmental experiences at a given moment in terms of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. It can reduce stress and anxiety, as well as improve children’s cognitive control. Executive functions are more rampant among preschool children. Children with autism spectrum disorder need executive function training as it can improve their working memory, cognitive flexibility and response inhibition. However, executive function training can be highly individualized and require qualified trainers, and traditional executive function training methods may lack effectiveness, which requires future research to continue to develop and focus on advanced technologies to improve the effectiveness of executive function training. This paper can provide some reference for follow-up research.

Pilot study to explore poor visual searching capabilities in children with ADHD: a tablet-based computerized test battery study

Aim: The frequent visual attention deficiency reported in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) could represent a relevant biomarker but robust estimates of such cognitive impairment in clinical populations remained challenging. To assess visual attention impairment in children ADHD using a new design tablet-based computerized test battery which allowed objective recording of visual search performances. Methods: Forty-nine children with ADHD and their IQ- and age-matched typically developmental (TD) children were enrolled in the study. Visual attention abilities were estimated by using the computerized modified barrage test developed by Metrisquare. We analyzed the time spent to achieve the whole battery and, the errors and omissions done by each child during each of the three sub-tasks. Results: We observed a significant association between the load of sustained attention requested to perform a sub-task and the numbers of errors and omissions made by the children whatever the group considered. During the most stringent sub-task in term of visual attention engagement, children with ADHD displayed more significant errors and omissions when compared to IQ- and age-matched controls. This effect was not mediated by the time spent to perform the task since we did not report any significant difference between groups. Conclusion: The different performance of the most stringent sub-task observed in children with ADHD could be due to their deficient neural activity in frontal areas responsible of visual endogenous attention needed for difficult visual searching tasks. This cognitive battery could be a useful instrument to estimate visual attention impairment in children with ADHD. HIGHLIGHTS We assessed if a new design tablet-based computerized test battery would allow objective recording of visual search performances. We observed that children with ADHD made significantly more errors and omissions with respect to age-, sex- matched controls during the most stringent sub-task in terms of visual attention engagement The tablet-based computerized test battery could be a promising tool to objectively estimate abnormal attention search impairment in ADHD.

Diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment of attention deficiency syndrome

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the dominant form of cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions in childhood, the disease has a chronic course and manifests in adolescents and adults in 50-80% of cases. An adequate diagnosis is the testing of parents and teachers using the Conners questionnaire in two stages, the second is mandatory after 6 months to confirm the persistence of symptoms over time. The pathogenesis is based on violations of mediation of dopamine and norepinephrine in the fronto-striate-thalamic system, responsible for the function of constant attention, caused by molecular genetic mechanisms. Atomoxetine (Cognitera) in combination with pedagogical and psychological methods of correction seems to be an adequate drug for many months of use, taking into account international and Russian experience of use.

Examining the Relationship Between Preventable Psychiatric Problems and Child Extremity Fractures

Objective: Extremity fractures (EF) are among the most common causes of admission to hospitals in children. We aimed to evaluate children treated for EFs by comparing them with the control group from a psychiatric perspective. Method: Thirty-six children aged between 3 and 17 years who administered to the Orthopedics and Traumatology clinic due to EF were included in the study. 36 children of similar age and gender with the study group were included as the control group. A child psychiatrist evaluated all children included in the study. A psychiatric diagnosis interview was conducted. The parents filled out the Conner’s Parent Rating Scale-Revised Short Form (CPRS-R:S). Results: Of the cases in the patient group, 66.7% were male. The ratio of rural residents in the patient group was higher compared to the control group. The most common fracture location was lower extremity (55.6%). The most common cause of the fracture was falling (52.8%). In the patient group, the ratio of the children who had previously experienced fracture was 36.1%. Psychopathology was detected to be at a higher level in the patient group. The most common was Attention Deficiency and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Children in the patient group scored higher on the CPRS-R:S than the control group. Conclusion: Children with EF exhibited more impulsive and hyperactive behaviours than controls and had more psychopathology. For this reason, it is essential to evaluate children who apply due to fracture in terms of psychopathology.

The effect of background sounds on mind wandering.

Mind wandering (MW) reflects a situation in which the cognitive system is detached from the main task and involved with inner thoughts. It has been well document that music and other background sounds can have positive effects on number of cognitive functioning. In addition, other body of literature suggests that background sounds might have specifically positive effect on individuals with more attention deficiencies. Hence, the current study examines the effect of background sounds on MW. In two experiments, the effect of background sounds: music (Experiment 1) or an alerting tone (Experiment 2) while performing sustained attention tasks was examined among typical development participants with different severity of attention deficiency. Background sounds were found to reduce MW especially in individuals with more ADHD symptoms. This was further discussed in the context of several theories, and it was suggested that background sound might be used as a tool for MW reduction.