Cognitive Deficiencies Research Articles

Engeletin ameliorates sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment by activating PPAR-gamma in neonatal mice.

Sevoflurane (SEV) is a commonly used anesthetic in pediatric surgery. Recent studies reported that repeated use of SEV contributes to cognitive impairment. Engeletin has been discovered to exert anti-inflammatory effects in various diseases. However, the detailed roles and mechanisms of engeletin in SEV-induced cognitive dysfunction of neonatal mice remain unclear. In this study, C57BL/6 neonatal mice were randomly divided into Ctrl, SEV, SEV + Engeletin (10 mg /kg), SEV + Engeletin (20 mg/kg), and SEV + Engeletin (40 mg/kg) groups. The Morris water maze (MWM) test suggested that engeletin treatment significantly improved SEV-induced cognitive impairment in neonatal mice. Employing ELISA and Nissl staining analysis, engeletin reduced neuroinflammation and loss of nerve cells caused by SEV, respectively. The treatment of engeletin dramatically suppressed the activation of microglia and apoptosis induced by SEV in the hippocampus of neonatal mice. Furthermore, the inhibition of PPAR-γ obviously reversed the abovementioned effects of engeletin in the hippocampus of newborn mice. In conclusion, this study verified that engeletin notably ameliorated SEV-induced cognitive deficiencies in neonatal mice at least partially by mediating the expression of PPAR-γ.

JNK Activation in Alzheimer’s Disease Is Driven by Amyloid β and Is Associated with Tau Pathology

c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 (JNK3) is suggested to play a key role in neurodegenerative disorders, especially in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, it remains unclear whether JNK or amyloid β (Aβ) appears first in the disease onset. Postmortem brain tissues from four dementia subtypes of patients (frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, and AD) were used to measure activated JNK (pJNK) and Aβ levels. pJNK expression is significantly increased in AD; however, similar pJNK expression was found in other dementias. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation, co-localization, and direct interaction between pJNK expression and Aβ levels in AD. Significant increased levels of pJNK were also found in Tg2576 mice, a model of AD. In this line, Aβ42 intracerebroventricular injection in wild-type mice was able to induce a significant elevation of pJNK levels. JNK3 overexpression, achieved by intrahippocampal injection of an adeno-associated viral vector expressing this protein, was enough to induce cognitive deficiencies and precipitate Tau aberrant misfolding in Tg2576 mice without accelerating amyloid pathology. JNK3 overexpression may therefore be triggered by increased Aβ. The latter, together with subsequent involvement of Tau pathology, may be underlying cognitive alterations in early stages of AD.

On closed-loop brain stimulation systems for improving the quality of life of patients with neurological disorders.

Emerging brain technologies have significantly transformed human life in recent decades. For instance, the closed-loop brain-computer interface (BCI) is an advanced software-hardware system that interprets electrical signals from neurons, allowing communication with and control of the environment. The system then transmits these signals as controlled commands and provides feedback to the brain to execute specific tasks. This paper analyzes and presents the latest research on closed-loop BCI that utilizes electric/magnetic stimulation, optogenetic, and sonogenetic techniques. These techniques have demonstrated great potential in improving the quality of life for patients suffering from neurodegenerative or psychiatric diseases. We provide a comprehensive and systematic review of research on the modalities of closed-loop BCI in recent decades. To achieve this, the authors used a set of defined criteria to shortlist studies from well-known research databases into categories of brain stimulation techniques. These categories include deep brain stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct-current stimulation, transcranial alternating-current stimulation, and optogenetics. These techniques have been useful in treating a wide range of disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, dementia, and depression. In total, 76 studies were shortlisted and analyzed to illustrate how closed-loop BCI can considerably improve, enhance, and restore specific brain functions. The analysis revealed that literature in the area has not adequately covered closed-loop BCI in the context of cognitive neural prosthetics and implanted neural devices. However, the authors demonstrate that the applications of closed-loop BCI are highly beneficial, and the technology is continually evolving to improve the lives of individuals with various ailments, including those with sensory-motor issues or cognitive deficiencies. By utilizing emerging techniques of stimulation, closed-loop BCI can safely improve patients' cognitive and affective skills, resulting in better healthcare outcomes.

Antarctic Krill Oil Exhibited Synergistic Effects with Nobiletin and Theanine on Regulating Ligand-Specific Receptor-Mediated Transcytosis in Blood-Brain Barrier by Inhibiting Alkaline Phosphatase in SAMP8 Mice.

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairment is related to the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is dependent not only on tight junction but also on transcytosis of brain endothelial cells (BECs) in the BBB. Aging induces the decrease of ligand-specific receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT) and the increase of non-specific caveolar transcytosis in BECs, which lead to the entry into parenchyma of neurotoxic proteins and the smaller therapeutic index in central nervous system drug delivery, further provoking neurodegenerative disease. A previous study suggests that sea-derived Antarctic krill oil (AKO) exhibits synergistic effects with land-derived nobiletin (NOB) and theanine (THE) on ameliorating memory and cognitive deficiency in SAMP8 mice. However, it is still unclear whether BBB change is involved. Hence, the effects of AKO combined with NOB and THE on aging-induced BBB impairment, including tight junction between BECs, ligand-specific RMT, and non-specific caveolar transcytosis in BECs, are investigated. The results suggest that AKO exhibits synergistic effects with NOB and THE on regulating ligand-specific RMT in BBB by inhibiting alkaline phosphatase (ALPL). The study provides a potential strategy candidate or targeted dietary patterns to prevent and treat AD by improving the BBB function.

APPswe /PS1ΔE9 mice exhibit low oxygen saturation and alterations of erythrocytes preceding the neuropathology and cognitive deficiency during Alzheimer's disease.

The molecular mechanism underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathologies remains unclear. The brain is extremely sensitive to oxygen deprivation, and brief interruptions in oxygen supply may lead to permanent brain damage. The objective here was to access the red blood cell (RBC) physiological alterations and the changes in blood oxygen saturation of an AD model as well as to explore the possible mechanism underlying these pathologies. We used female APPswe /PS1ΔE9 mice as AD models. Data were collected at the age of 3, 6, and 9 months. In addition to examining classic features of AD, namely cognitive deficiency and Aβ depositions, 24 h blood oxygen saturation was monitored by Plus oximeters in real time. In addition, RBC physiological parameters were measured by blood cell counter using peripheral blood from the epicanthal veins. Furthermore, in the mechanism investigations, the expression of phosphorylated band 3 protein was examined by a series of Western blot analyses, and the levels of soluble Aβ40 and Aβ42 on the membrane of RBCs were determined by ELISA. Our results showed that the blood oxygen saturation in the AD mice was significantly reduced as early as at 3 months of age, preceding the neuropathological changes and cognitive impairments. Meanwhile, the expression of phosphorylated band 3 protein and levels of soluble Aβ40 and Aβ42 were all elevated in the erythrocytes of the AD mice. APPswe /PS1ΔE9 mice exhibited decreased oxygen saturation together with reduced RBC counts and hemoglobin concentrations at the early stage, which may aid in the development of predictive markers for AD diagnosis. The increased expression of band 3 protein and elevated Aβ40 and Aβ42 levels may contribute to the deformation of RBCs and, in turn, cause the subsequent AD development.

Cannabis and cognitive deficiency: a descriptive study

IntroductionCannabis is the most widely used illicit drug; 3.8% of the world’s population consumes cannabis on a regular basis. Cannabis use–associated alterations in the domain of cognition have been extensively studied.ObjectivesTo research memory deficiency in the young consumers of cannabis in Tunisia.MethodsThis is a transversal descriptive study conducted during two months (January and February 2022). The research involved about 137 participants aged between 18 and 35 years old, exhaustively recruited amid emergency patients of Mahdia Hospital regardless of the reason for their health care seeking. The patients were declared as consumers of cannabis and accepted to be part of this study. Therefore, Data were collected on a pre-determined data sheet that included various information (age, sex, lifestyle, personal and family psychiatric history, age when first used cannabis and the rate of cannabis use …).Principally, a Functional Impact Assessment (ERF: French abbreviation for échelle d’évaluation des Répercussions Fonctionnelles ) scale was used to assess and review working memory.ResultsIn our study population, there was a noticeable male predominance of 71%. Hence, the age structure ranged between 18 years old and 35 years old. Among the latters, 65.9% were single, and 29.7% experienced school failure. In this sample, 23.2% had a psychiatric history like depression, bipolarity, etc. The average age of the first use of cannabis was between 18 and 25 years old in 70% of cases.Besides, a high percentage of association of other substances was found among cannabis users as follows: use of alcohol 72.5%, tobacco 74.6%, ecstasy 41.3%, and cocaine 25.4%. First and foremost, the use of cannabis was considered as a means of indulgence for 66.7% of the study population, as an anxiolytic for 26.8%, and as a sedative for 23.9%.Additionally, the effect of cannabis use on working memory deficiency according to the functional impact assessment scale was: no deficiency in 19% of cannabis users, minimal in 34%, mild in 32%, moderate in 9%, fairly severe in 4%, very severe in 1%, and extreme in 1% of cases.More importantly, the percentage of consumers with significant memory deficiency (moderate to extreme) was 15%.ConclusionsThe assumption of the effect of cannabis on memory and cognitive deficiency remains controversial and leads us to suggest further in-depth study of this subject.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Celastrus paniculatus oil ameliorates NF-KB mediated neuroinflammation and synaptic plasticity in the scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment rat model.

Traditionally, Celastrus paniculatus Willd. (CP) oil has been utilized as a tranquilizer and memory enhancer. The present study investigated the neuropharmacological activity and efficacy of CP oil in ameliorating scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in rats. Cognitive deficiency was induced in rats by administration of scopolamine (2mg/kg intraperitoneal injection) for a period of 15 days. Donepezil served as a reference drug and CP oil was tested as both preventive and curative treatments. Animals' behaviour was assessed through the Morris water maze (MWM), novel object preference (NOR), and conditioned avoidance (CA) tests. Oxidative stress parameters, bioamine concentration (dopamine, noradrenaline, and 5-hydroxytryptamine), nerve growth factor (NGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-кB), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) were estimated. Synaptophysin immunohistochemistry was performed. Our results showed that CP oil ameliorated behavioural deficits. It reduced latency to find a hidden platform in MWM. Reduced novel object exploration time and discrimination index (p < 0.05) in the NOR. Reduced step-down latency and normalized conditioned avoidance response (p < 0.001) in the CA test. CP oil increased dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione, and catalase levels. It decreased malondialdehyde (MDA), acetylcholinesterase activity, IL-6, NF-кB (P < 0.001), TNFα, and NGF levels. Treatment showed approximate typical reactivity to synaptophysin. Our data is suggestive that CP oil treatment improves behavioural test outcomes, increases biogenic amine concentration, and decreases acetylcholinesterase activity, and neuroinflammatory biomarkers. It also restores synaptic plasticity. It thus improves cognitive functions against scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats by improving cholinergic function.

Diagnosis and treatment of Wilson disease: An update

Wilson’s illness is an autosomal dominant impairment of copper metabolism that results from the lack of or dysfunction of a copper-transporting P-type ATPase, which is expressed on chromosome 13. This ATPase is a component of the trans-Golgi network and is carried by hepatocytes. It transports copper into the secretory route where it is combined with ceruloplasmin and excreted as bile. Affected people gradually develop copper accumulation in the liver since the only pathway for copper excretion in physiological settings is through biliary clearance. Hepatocytes experience cell death when their storage capacity is exceeded, which causes hemolysis, copper leakage into the plasma, and tissue deposition. Children might experience rapid liver failure, silent cirrhosis, or chronic hepatitis. Among the neuropsychiatric symptoms induced by copper overload in the central nervous system that are frequently seen in young people are dystonia, tremors, temperamental disorders, and cognitive deficiencies. Test results showing lower ceruloplasmin levels in serum, elevated urine copper concentration, and elevated intrahepatic copper percentage indicate Wilson’s illness. Because there are more than 100 distinct mutations and most people are compound heterozygotes, molecular genetic analysis is difficult. Copper treatment with penicillamine is a successful therapy for the vast number of patients, and liver transplantation is beneficial in situations of chronic liver failure. The molecular genetic causes of Wilson’s disease have shed new light on the mechanisms governing cellular copper homeostasis.

Exploration of the Core Pathways and Potential Targets of Luteolin Treatment on Late-Onset Depression Based on Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteomics

Cognitive deficiency is one of the fundamental characteristics of late-onset depression (LOD). Luteolin (LUT) possesses antidepressant, anti-aging, and neuroprotective properties, which can dramatically enhance cognition. The altered composition of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is involved in neuronal plasticity and neurogenesis, directly reflects the physio-pathological status of the central nervous system. It is not well known whether the effect of LUT on LOD is in association with a changed CSF composition. Therefore, this study first established a rat model of LOD and then tested the therapeutic effects of LUT using several behavioral approaches. A gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to evaluate the CSF proteomics data for KEGG pathway enrichment and Gene Ontology annotation. We combined network pharmacology and differentially expressed proteins to screen for key GSEA-KEGG pathways as well as potential targets for LUT therapy for LOD. Molecular docking was adopted to verify the affinity and binding activity of LUT to these potential targets. The outcomes demonstrated that LUT improved the cognitive and depression-like behaviors in LOD rats. LUT may exert therapeutic effects on LOD through the axon guidance pathway. Five axon guidance molecules-EFNA5, EPHB4, EPHA4, SEMA7A, and NTNG-as well as UNC5B, L1CAM, and DCC, may be candidates for the LUT treatment of LOD.

Astrocyte-derived exosomal lncRNA 4933431K23Rik modulates microglial phenotype and improves post-traumatic recovery via SMAD7 regulation

Astrocyte-microglial interaction plays a crucial role in brain injury-associated neuroinflammation. Our previous data illustrated that astrocytes secrete microRNA, leading to anti-inflammatory effects on microglia. Long non-coding RNAs participate in neuroinflammation regulation after traumatic brain injury. However, the effect of astrocytes on microglial phenotype via long non-coding RNAs and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. We used long non-coding RNA sequencing on murine astrocytes and found that exosomal long non-coding RNA 4933431K23Rik attenuated traumatic brain injury-induced microglial activation invitro and invivo and ameliorated cognitive function deficiency. Furthermore, microRNA and messenger RNA sequencing together with binding prediction illustrated that exosomal long non-coding RNA 4933431K23Rik up-regulates E2F7 and TFAP2C expression by sponging miR-10a-5p. Additionally, E2F7 and TFAP2C, as transcription factors, regulated microglial Smad7 expression. Using Cx3cr1-Smad7 overexpression of adeno-associated virus, microglia specifically overexpressed Smad7 in the attenuation of neuroinflammation, resulting in less cognitive deficiency after traumatic brain injury. Mechanically, overexpressed Smad7 physically binds to IκBα and inhibits its ubiquitination, preventing NF-κB signaling activation. The Smad7 activator asiaticoside alleviates neuroinflammation and protects neuronal function in traumatic brain injury mice. This study revealed that an exosomal long non-coding RNA from astrocytes attenuates microglial activation after traumatic brain injury by up-regulating Smad7, providing a potential therapeutic target.

Effects of Scrophularia buergeriana Extract (Brainon®) on Aging-Induced Memory Impairment in SAMP8 Mice

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a worldwide problem. Currently, there are no effective drugs for AD treatment. Scrophularia buergeriana Miquel (SB) is a traditional herbal medicine used in Korea to treat various diseases. Our previous studies have shown that ethanol extract of SB roots (SBE, Brainon®) exhibits potent anti-amnesic effects in Aβ1-42- or scopolamine-treated memory impairment mice model and neuroprotective effects in a glutamate-induced SH-SY5Y cell model. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of Brainon® and its mechanism of action in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice. Brainon® (30 or 100 mg/kg/day) was orally treated to six-month-old SAMP8 mice for 12 weeks. Results revealed that Brainon® administration effectually ameliorated cognitive deficits in Y-maze and passive avoidance tests. Following the completion of behavioral testing, western blotting was performed using the cerebral cortex. Results revealed that Brainon® suppressed Aβ1-42 accumulation, Tau hyperphosphorylation, oxidative stress, and inflammation and alleviated apoptosis in SAMP8 mice. Brainon® also promoted synaptic function by downregulating the expression of AChE and upregulating the expression of p-CREB/CREB and BDNF. Furthermore, Brainon® restored SAMP8-reduced expression of ChAT and -dephosphorylated of ERK and also decreased AChE expression in the hippocampus. Furthermore, Brainon® alleviated AD progression by promoting mitophagy/autophagy to maintain normal cellular function as a novel finding of this study. Our data suggest that Brainon® can remarkably improve cognitive deficiency with the potential to be utilized in functional food for improving brain health.

Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Use Patterns and Steroid Use Disorders in a Sample of Male Gym Visitors

Introduction: The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) and other image- and performance-enhancing drugs is a growing public health concern. AAS use is associated with various physical and mental harms, including cardiovascular risks, cognitive deficiencies, and dependence. The aim of this study was to determine whether patterns of AAS use and other variables are associated with the presence of an AAS use disorder (AASUD). Methods: An online survey was completed by 103 male AAS consumers visiting gyms. The association of different patterns of AAS consumption (cycling vs. continuous forms of AAS use), psychoactive substance use, mental health disorders, and sociodemographic variables with moderate-severe AASUD (fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ≥4 criteria) was investigated. The associations between duration of AAS use and the AAS dose with moderate-severe AASUD were investigated using logistic regression analysis with moderate-severe AASUD as the dependent variable. Results: Moderate-severe AASUD was present in 25 (24.3%) of the participants. AAS consumers meeting criteria for moderate-severe AASUD, compared to those that did not, in the last 12 months reported a longer duration of AAS use (in weeks), a higher average AAS dose (mg/week), and a greater number of AAS side effects. Duration of AAS use and the AAS dose were the only independent predictors, with an increase of 3.4% in the probability of moderate-severe AASUD with every week increase of the duration of AAS use in the last year (p < 0.05) and an increase in moderate-severe AASUD of 0.1% with every 10 mg increase in the average AAS dose per week (p < 0.05), respectively. Conclusion: Our findings show that moderate-severe AASUD is relatively frequent among male AAS consumers and is positively associated with the duration and average dose of AAS use in the last 12 months.

Early MS Identification Using Non-linear Functional Connectivity and Graph-theoretic Measures of Cognitive Task-fMRI Data.

Functional neuroimaging has developed a fundamental ground for understanding the physical basis of the brain. Recent studies have extracted invaluable information from the underlying substrate of the brain. However, cognitive deficiency has insufficiently been assessed by researchers in multiple sclerosis (MS). Therefore, extracting the brain network differences among relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients and healthy controls as biomarkers of cognitive task functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data and evaluating such biomarkers using machine learning were the aims of this study. In order to activate cognitive functions of the brain, blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) data were collected throughout the application of a cognitive task. Accordingly, a nonlinear-based brain network was established using kernel mutual information based on the automated anatomical labeling atlas (AAL). Subsequently, a statistical test was carried out to determine the variation in brain network measures between the two groups on binary adjacency matrices. We also found the prominent graph features by merging the Wilcoxon rank-sum test with the Fisher score as a hybrid feature selection method. The results of the classification performance measures showed that the construction of a brain network using a new nonlinear connectivity measure in task-fMRI performs better than the linear connectivity measures in terms of classification. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test also demonstrated a superior result for clinical applications. We believe that non-linear connectivity measures, like KMI, outperform linear connectivity measures, like correlation coefficient in finding the biomarkers of MS disease according to classification performance metrics. The performance of some brain regions (the hippocampus, parahippocampus, cuneus, pallidum, and two segments of the cerebellum) is different between healthy and MS people.Non-linear connectivity measures, such as Kernel mutual information, perform better than linear connectivity measures, such as correlation coefficient, in finding the biomarkers of MS disease. Multiple sclerosis (MS) can disrupt the function of the central nervous system. The function of brain network is impaired in these patients. In this study, we evaluated the change in brain network based on a non-linear connectivity measure using cognitive task-based fMRI data between MS patients and healthy controls. We used Kernel mutual information (KMI) and designed a graph network based on the results of connectivity analysis. The the paced auditory serial addition test was used to activate cognitive functions of the brain. The classification was employed for the results using different decision tree -based technique and support vector machine. KMI can be considered a valid measure of connectivity over linear measures, like the correlation coefficient. KMI does not have the drawbacks of mutual information technique. However, further studies should be implemented on brain data of MS patients to draw more definite conclusions.

Reconnecting Learning: An Educational Alternative For Dyscalculia Children In Elementary School

A math teacher uses a remedial education intervention to help one student with a counting dyscalculia problem. Dyscalculia is a catchy term for a variety of problems with math that affect learning and performance. The author of this study created this new theory-driven intervention with the aim of identifying primary school teachers using reconnect learning to help students with the potential to experience dyscalculia learn to count and in this case the ability to count to 10 which will be seen to achieve the learning goal. which is desired. the author used a qualitative approach to identify elementary school teachers using reconnective learning to help students with the potential to experience dyscalculia learn to count. Interviews, class observations, and introspective diaries all contributed to the data set. The author conducted the research, which was conducted at a public elementary school in Gresik, East Java, Indonesia, conducted in Grade 1 with a total of 20 students. After initial screening using the Indonesian Dyscalculia instrument. Students with dyscalculia have learning problems in mathematics that are characterized by underlying difficulties with numerical representation and processing. They can have problems with basic arithmetic such as counting and recognizing numbers. Helping students with Dyscalculia succeed in mathematics through early treatment is a promising area of research. A shortage of instructional scaffolding that helps Dyscalculia students organize their learning process while also addressing cognitive deficiencies and arithmetic competency gaps remains. Pseudonym Mrs. Sinta (elementary school math teacher) and Riki (a student potentially at risk of Dyscalculia) are involved in the current investigation. The results showed that the recommended interventions helped students become more proficient in calculations. Since most of the literature on remedial interventions for students with disabilities key significance to education is the focus of this research, an approach that shifts the emphasis from instructional tactics (devices, tools, interactions) to students' cognitive skills, an intervention that shows promise for helping students who are at risk of falling behind. in cognitive numbers. This study provides a solution to the posed question by showing how primary school teacher might use Reconnecting Learning to aid kids at risk for dyscalculia in their pursuit of numeric literacy. Mrs. Sinta (a pseudonym) is an elementary school teacher who employs the Reconnecting Learning paradigm in her own education. Success in learning to count to ten was shown to be one of Reconnecting Learning's intended outcomes.

Facilitating Digital Empowerment for Intelligent Cares in Mountain Region

Intellectual disability and dementia are age-dependent terms for a cognitive impair occurring during developmental age and in adulthood, respectively. Intellectually disabled people like any other people may develop dementia in adulthood. Thus, clinicians should learn to differentiate dementia-indicating signs from intellectual disability related cognitive deficiencies for an early diagnosis and treatment onwards. In intellectual disability, intellectual and adaptive skills of an individual are two standard deviations below the expected age-matched population, and dementia is characterized by a progressive cognitive decline. The cause of both disorders can be genetic, acquired or multifactorial. An increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in Down syndrome is well known unlike the development of dementia in other intellectual disability syndromes. This commentary discusses 1) how the dementia indicating signs present in intellectually disabled persons, 2) why it is important to distinguish dementia (and its causes) from intellectual disability and 3) why it is important to know the etiology of intellectual disability.

Insights of Dementia in Persons with Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability and dementia are age-dependent terms for a cognitive impair occurring during developmental age and in adulthood, respectively. Intellectually disabled people like any other people may develop dementia in adulthood. Thus, clinicians should learn to differentiate dementia-indicating signs from intellectual disability related cognitive deficiencies for an early diagnosis and treatment onwards. In intellectual disability, intellectual and adaptive skills of an individual are two standard deviations below the expected age-matched population, and dementia is characterized by a progressive cognitive decline. The cause of both disorders can be genetic, acquired or multifactorial. An increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in Down syndrome is well known unlike the development of dementia in other intellectual disability syndromes. This commentary discusses 1) how the dementia indicating signs present in intellectually disabled persons, 2) why it is important to distinguish dementia (and its causes) from intellectual disability and 3) why it is important to know the etiology of intellectual disability.

Confusion of Alcohol Craving With Food Hunger in Alcohol-Dependent Individuals Entering In-Patient Drug Treatment.

To identify the distinguishing characteristics of alcohol dependent patients who confuse alcohol cravings with pre-meal hunger. Data were collected at interview on sociodemographic status, clinical status and anthropometry in 179 patients (163 men and 16 women) undergoing in-patient treatment for alcohol dependence. A comparison of the patient subgroups studied showed that patients who did not confuse, and those who did confuse, alcohol craving with pre-meal hunger differed significantly in terms of alcohol craving scale scores (9 vs. 4 points). Patients confusing alcohol cravings with pre-meal hunger were more likely to recognize that experiencing severe pre-meal hunger can cause relapse (67.9 vs. 22.8%) and that not being able to distinguish between the sensations under study also increases the risk of breaking abstinence (75.0% vs. 50.4%). This was independent of severity of dependence and intensity of recent alcohol consumption. Alcohol-dependent persons who confuse alcohol craving with pre-meal hunger differ from those who do not confuse these hunger pangs in terms of feeling stronger alcohol craving and more frequent occurrence of symptoms accompanying the feeling of alcohol craving during pre-meal hunger. At the start of treatment for alcohol withdrawal, alcohol-dependent individuals who report confusing alcohol cravings with pre-meal hunger are less confident of maintaining abstinence. This is relevant to treatment. The role of possible confounders (depressive symptoms, cognitive and educational deficiency) could not be elucidated definitively.

Optical coherence tomography and angiography in Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders.

The aims of this study were to analyze retinal and choroidal changes on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-Angiography (OCT-A) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and compare them to other forms of major dementia. We also aimed to analyze the correlation between clinical severity of global cognitive deficiency assessed by the mini-mental state exam (MMSE) score and OCT/OCT-A parameters. Retrospective cross-sectional evaluative study of AD, and age-and gender-matched patients with other dementias. Fundus examination, OCT and OCT-A were compared. Ninety-one eyes of AD patients and 53 eyes of patients with other dementias were included. Retinal deposits were found in 6.59% of AD cases. OCT highlighted the presence of hyperreflective deposits and localized areas of outer retina and ellipsoid zone disruption, respectively in 20.87% and 15.38% of AD cases. Hyperreflective foci were noted within inner retinal layers in 4.39% of AD cases. Quantitative analysis revealed a thicker nasal retinal nerve fiber layer (p = 0.001) and ganglion cell complex in superior (p = 0.011) and temporal quadrants (p = 0.009) in eyes of AD patients, compared to other dementias. OCT-A showed a significantly higher fractal dimension of both superficial and deep capillary plexus (p = 0.005), with lower choriocapillaris density (p = 0.003) in AD patients. Structural OCT could highlight the presence of hyperreflective deposits in AD, probably reflecting beta-amyloid deposits, associated to outer retinal disruptions. Quantitative OCT analysis showed structural differences between AD patients and other dementias, and combined OCT-A could identify microvascular changes in AD patients representing new potential differential diagnosis criteria.

Comparison of Cognitive and Emotional Deficiencies Between Parents of Children with Special Needs and Parents of Typically Developing Children

Purpose: Parenting a child with special needs poses unique challenges that can significantly impact the cognitive and emotional well-being of parents. This study aims to compare cognitive and emotional deficiencies between parents of children with special needs and parents of typically developing children to understand the extent of these challenges and inform targeted interventions. Methodology: This descriptive, causal-comparative study included 120 parents, divided into two groups: 60 parents of children with special needs and 60 parents of typically developing children, all from Kashan, Iran. Participants completed the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ) and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS). Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using ANOVA to compare cognitive and emotional deficiencies between the groups. Findings: The study found that parents of children with special needs had significantly higher levels of cognitive deficiencies, including distraction, memory-related problems, inadvertent errors, and failure to recall names, compared to parents of typically developing children. Additionally, these parents exhibited greater emotional deficiencies, such as difficulty identifying and describing feelings and externally oriented thinking. Conclusion: Parents of children with special needs experience substantial cognitive and emotional challenges, likely due to the increased caregiving demands and chronic stress. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, such as emotional regulation training and enhanced social support, to improve the well-being of these parents and their ability to care for their children effectively.

Indicators for achieving a sustainable urban environment (Al-Qadisiyah district / Tikrit city)

There is no doubt that the application of sustainability has become a necessary topic in various scales, especially in the urban environment scale and we can consider sustainability as a successful solution to many problems that occurred in cities due to the growth and development of these cities, and it embodies.one of the most prominent forms of creativity in the field of urban planning, since many cities were in good conditions, and at the present time it is required to restore vitality to them and achieve the highest rate of comfort for the population and work to make these cities closer to sustainability, and this requires the availability of elected indicators This is done by first knowing what sustainability is, then finding special indicators in this field that serve as selected criteria that help in evaluating the urban environment, to know the extent to which urban space responds to achieving sustainability, by identifying the strengths and weaknesses in the performance of this space in relation to sustainability. Thus, the research is based on a problem that is summarized in (the cognitive deficiency in identifying effective indicators to reach urban sustainability), and we aim to identify effective indicators in achieving sustainability in the urban environment and how these indicators work, and we assume in the research (that the indicators that were found from the urban environment work together and in a coherent manner as effective and represent criteria in achieving sustainability in the urban environment). After studying and identifying the concept of sustainability in the urban environment, four main indicators were found to achieve this sustainability, which are (urban density, urban diversity, urban design for pedestrians and accessibility). These indicators were applied to the study area, which is the Al-Qadisiyah district in the city of Tikrit to identify the level of performance of the urban environment for the area and how to raise the level of this performance to achieve sustainability.