Cognitive Domains Research Articles

Association of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults

ABSTRACT Objective Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play a crucial role in maintaining and improving cognitive function and brain health. The aim of this study was to assess the association between omega-3 PUFA intake and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults in Saudi Arabia. Methods Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The frequency and quantity of omega-3 PUFA intake were assessed using an omega-3 food frequency questionnaire. Results A total of 175 participants were recruited for this study. Participants in the lowest omega-3 PUFA tertile group scored significantly lower in the visuospatial/executive and attention cognitive domains (p < 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, the higher intake of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) was significantly associated with higher scores in the visuospatial/executive domain (p = 0.02) and the higher intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was significantly associated with higher scores in the attention domain (p = 0.04). The participants who did not consume walnuts showed a significant lower MoCA score than those who did (p = 0.005). No significant differences were found with other omega-3 PUFA sources. Conclusion Higher intake of omega-3 PUFAs was positively associated with visuospatial/executive and attention cognitive functions in middle-aged and older adults.

Developing Conceptual Framework for Life Skills: The Employability Requisite in the Hospitality Industry

New generation needs fundamental life skills in order to achieve their full potential. Life skills also known as psychosocial competencies are considered essential for employability, social inclusion, and individual growth. This study has a twofold objective, firstly it makes a distinction between the terms skills, life skills, soft skills and competencies as these terms often overlap in the literature reviewed; secondly, the study also explores whether life skills are required by graduates for employability in the hotel/hospitality industry. A critical review of the extant literature on soft skills, employability skills, competencies and employer’s expectations with an emphasis on soft skills, from different sources, was conducted. A psychosocial competency framework was established. It was determined that the three domains of psychosocial competencies – the personal, social and cognitive domains impact job performance. Finally, a framework for life skills for employability was conceptualized for the hotel industry. This study contributes to the existing knowledge by developing a strong foundation of life skills. Individuals will be able to develop employability skills needed for the job. The study also gives the scope for an academia – industry interface for developing a life skills customer centric curriculum as it is a futuristic requirement for enhancing employability. Key Words: Life skills, Soft skills, Competencies, Employability, Hotel Industry, Conceptual frame work.

Early regional cerebral gray matter damage predicts long-term cognitive impairment phenotypes in multiple sclerosis: a 20-year study

Abstract Despite gray matter atrophy in cortical and subcortical regions has been related to cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis, only a few studies evaluated its predictive value for alterations in the long-term. We aimed to determine early predictors of cognitive status after 20 years of multiple sclerosis. In this longitudinal retrospective study, participants underwent a 1.5T MRI scanning at diagnosis (T0) and after two years (T2), which included the evaluation of regional gray matter volume loss patterns. All individuals with multiple sclerosis underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment at the end of the study and were classified considering their global and specific cognitive domains status (memory, attention/information processing speed, executive functioning). Clinical and MRI characteristics were assessed as predictors of long-term cognitive impairment. Analysis of covariance, t-test, unadjusted and adjusted (for age, sex, disease duration, volume of white matter lesions, volume of cortical lesions) logistic regression were conducted. 175 people with multiple sclerosis (mean±SD age at the end of study = 47.7±9.4 years; 118 females) clinically followed for 20 years from onset (mean±SD = 19.9±5.1) were evaluated. At the end of the study, 81 (47%) were classified as cognitively impaired: 38 as mildly impaired (22%), and 43 as severely impaired (25%). In particular, 46 were impaired in memory (27%), 66 were impaired in attention/information processing speed (38%), and 71 were impaired in executive functioning (41%). Regression models identified precuneus (adjusted odds ratio = 3.37; P &amp;lt; 0.001), insula (adjusted odds ratio = 2.33; P = 0.036), parahippocampal gyrus (adjusted odds ratio = 2.07; P &amp;lt; 0.001), and cingulate (adjusted odds ratio = 1.81; P = 0.009) as the most associated regions with global cognitive impairment and domains-specific cognitive alterations after a mean of 20 years of multiple sclerosis, after adjusting for demographic and clinical variables as well as for focal white matter and gray matter damage. Early gray matter volume loss of specific cortical and deep gray matter regions predicts global and domain cognitive alterations after 20 years from multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

“3 + X D” structured report in radiology standardized resident training: Can it meet high-level teaching objectives?

PurposeTo evaluate the impact of the innovative “3 + X D” structured report (SR) designed based on Bloom’s taxonomy on the learning outcomes of radiology residents during standardized training. MethodsThis is a prospective study that recruited 120 radiology residents from our hospital between 2020 and 2022. Randomly selected 60 residents from the 2020 grade to constituted the control group, and randomly selected 60 residents from the 2021 grade to formed the experimental group. The former group was trained utilizing the Free-text Reports (FTR) template, while the latter group received training with the “3 + X D” structured reports (SR) template. The learning outcomes of both groups was evaluated utilizing both objective and subjective measures. Objective assessments encompassed examinations of theoretical knowledge, diagnostic skills, and total scores, aligning with the cognitive domains of remembering, understanding, applying, and analyzing as outlined by Bloom’s Taxonomy. Subjective assessments, on the other hand, comprised survey questionnaires administered to residents and feedback from clinical instructors, which correlated with the higher-order cognitive level of analyzing, evaluating, and creating within Bloom’s Taxonomy. ResultsOn 60 residents (mean age, 24.15 years ± 2.11[SD]; 25 male) from control group, and 60 residents (mean age, 24.58 years ± 1.88 [SD]; 27 male) from experimental group. Following the training, significant improvements were observed in the theoretical knowledge, diagnostic skills, and total scores for both groups (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher diagnostic skills and total scores compared to the control group (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was observed in the theoretical knowledge exam between the two groups (p = 0.236). The questionnaire used for subjective assessments had good reliability (Cronbach α was 0.826) and acceptable validity (The KMO was 0.692). Additionally, the survey questionnaires indicated that the experimental group rated higher than the control group in terms of cultivating imaging thinking ability, diagnostic confidence, diagnostic speed, and the convenience of the templates (p < 0.001). Clinicians’ feedback scores for the experimental group markedly surpassed those for the control group (p < 0.05). ConclusionsUtilizing the “3 + X D” SR template grounded in Bloom’s taxonomy for training, the professional competency of radiology residents, particularly their diagnostic skills, saw a marked enhancement, successfully meeting the higher-level educational objectives. Consequently, the “3 + X D” SR template is highly recommended for the standardized training of radiology residents.

Impact of Cognitive and Psychological Functions in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To compare the cognitive functions and trait anxiety in patients diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) to those of matched healthy controls (HCs). In addition, the study aims to investigate the correlations among cognitive functions, anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QOL) in this clinical population. The sample included RRMS patients (n = 21) and an equal number of age-, education-, and sex-matched HCs. Participants were assessed on the Indian version of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV, auditory and visual learning and memory, and visual-spatial construction and memory. RRMS patients were also assessed for levels of anxiety, depression, and their QOL. Comparative analyses between RRMS patients and HCs were carried out for neuropsychological assessments. Correlations among cognitive functions, anxiety, depression, and QOL in RRMS patients were examined. RRMS patients showed significant deficits across various cognitive domains, including processing speed and verbal learning, compared to HCs (P < 0.05). In addition, they reported higher levels of trait anxiety compared to HCs (P < 0.01), along with moderate state anxiety and mild depression. A significant correlation among anxiety, depression, and QOL was observed in RRMS patients. This study highlights significant cognitive impairments and psychological distress experienced by RRMS individuals, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive care addressing both cognitive impairments and psychological distress to enhance QOL.

Cognition in (pre)symptomatic Dutch-type hereditary and sporadic cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a main cause of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly. We investigated specific cognitive profiles, cognitive function in the stage before intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and the association between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) burden in CAA because data on these topics are limited. We included Dutch-type hereditary CAA (D-CAA) mutation carriers with and without ICH, patients with sporadic CAA (sCAA), and age-matched controls. Cognition was measured with a standardized test battery. Linear regression was performed to assess the association between MRI-cSVD burden and cognition. D-CAA ICH- mutation carriers exhibited poorer global cognition and executive function compared to age-matched controls. Patients with sCAA performed worse across all cognitive domains compared to D-CAA ICH+ mutation carriers and age-matched controls. MRI-cSVD burden is associated with decreased processing speed. CAA is associated with dysfunction in multiple cognitive domains, even before ICH, with increased MRI-cSVD burden being associated with slower processing speed. Cognitive dysfunction is present in early disease stages of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) before the occurrence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). Presymptomatic Dutch-type CAA (D-CAA) mutation carriers show worse cognition than age-matched controls. More early awareness of cognitive dysfunction in CAA before first sICH is needed. Increased cerebral small vessel disease CAA-burden on magnetic resonance imaging is linked to a decrease in processing speed.

Exploring learners’ attitudes towards meme consumption and their implications for classroom use

ABSTRACT This study tries to ascertain the attitudes of tertiary learners’ internet meme consumption and its potential for pedagogical implications. Internet memes, as multifaceted cultural artefacts, have become pervasive in contemporary digital communication, influencing societal discourse and online interactions. Despite their prevalence, research on learners’ everyday experiences and attitudes towards memes in educational settings is a rarity. This research therefore aims to examine the affective and cognitive attitudes of undergraduate students towards internet meme culture. Utilising a cross-sectional survey design, data was collected from 119 second-year undergraduate students at St. Joseph's College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli, India. The questionnaire focused on measuring both affective and cognitive appeal towards meme consumption. The analysis revealed that memes as an educational tool have a positive impact on the affective and cognitive domains in a classroom setting.

Recurrent acute kidney injury is associated with delayed language development in infants with Congenital Heart Disease.

Neurodevelopmental delay is common in children who undergo surgery for Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) in infancy. Cardiac surgery associated acute kidney injury (CS-AKI) occurs frequently in the paediatric cardiac Intensive care unit (ICU). Cardiac surgery associated acute kidney injury (CS-AKI) is associated with worse neurodevelopmental scores and delay in cognitive, language, and motor domains in children with CHD. No known data exist regarding the association of CS-AKI and motor and language subscales. In this study, we explored the relationship between CS-AKI and receptive and expressive language, as well as gross and fine motor delay. This was a single centre retrospective observational cohort study. Children who underwent surgery for CHD and developed recurrent CS-AKI in the first year of life who had follow-up neurodevelopmental testing using the Bayley Scale of Infant Development Version III were included. Neurodevelopmental delay subscales assessed included: receptive and expressive language, fine and motor skills. The study cohort included 203 children. Recurrent CS-AKI was significantly associated with lower scores in receptive and expressive language, as well as fine and gross motor on unadjusted analyses. On adjusted analyses, recurrent CS-AKI was significantly associated with severe receptive language delay. The independent association of recurrent CS-AKI with severe language delay in children who undergo surgery for CHD in infancy is novel. Our findings may contribute to the understanding of language impairment in this population. Further studies are required to better understand this relationship and any potentially modifiable factors.

Advances in VNS efficiency and mechanisms of action on cognitive functions.

This systematic review aims to comprehensively analyze the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in enhancing cognitive functions and its therapeutic potential for various cognitive impairments. The review focuses on the impact of VNS on emotional processing, executive functions, learning, memory, and its clinical applications in conditions such as epilepsy, depression, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurological disorders. A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) was conducted using the keywords "vagus nerve stimulation," "cognitive enhancement," "emotional processing," "executive function," "learning and memory," "epilepsy," "depression," "Alzheimer's disease," "neurological disorders," "attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder," "sleep disorders," and "long COVID." The inclusion criteria encompassed controlled trials, longitudinal studies, and meta-analyses published in English between 2000 and July 2024. A comprehensive review of 100 articles highlighted the cognitive effects of Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS). Studies show that VNS, especially through transcutaneous auricular VNS (taVNS), enhances emotional recognition, particularly for facial expressions, and improves selective attention under high cognitive demands. Additionally, VNS enhances learning and memory, including associative memory and spatial working memory tasks. In clinical applications, VNS exhibits promising benefits for improving cognitive functions in treatment-resistant epilepsy, depression, and Alzheimer's disease. VNS represents a promising therapeutic approach for enhancing cognitive function across diverse patient populations. The reviewed evidence highlights its efficacy in modulating cognitive domains in healthy individuals and improving cognition in neurological conditions. However, the comparative effectiveness of different VNS modalities and the differential effects of online versus offline VNS on cognitive psychology require further investigation. Future research should focus on optimizing VNS protocols and elucidating specific cognitive domains that benefit most from VNS interventions. This ongoing exploration is essential for maximizing the therapeutic potential of VNS in clinical practice.

The development of intrinsic capacity measures for longitudinal research: The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam

BackgroundThe World Health Organization has introduced the construct of intrinsic capacity (IC) as an important component of healthy ageing and overall well-being in older adults The present study aimed to develop domain-specific and composite IC scores and to validate these scores by examining their longitudinal relation with functioning. MethodsWe used prospective data on participants aged 57 to over 90 years, with a 10-year follow-up, from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, an ongoing cohort study of older Dutch men and women Using a formative, stepwise approach, we identified indicators across the different domains of IC, i.e. vitality, sensory, cognition, psychology, and locomotion, using a combination of unidimensional factor analyses and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Next, domain-specific and composite IC scores were generated, and the construct validity (score across age groups) and criterion validity (relationship with change in functional limitations) were assessed. ResultsThe multiple unidimensional factor analyses and PLS-SEM identified a total of 18 indicators, covering the five domains of IC. The mean composite IC score was 70.9 (SD = 0.9) in men and 69.7 (0.8) in women. The domain-specific and composite IC scores all showed good construct validity, with known-group validation results indicating age-related declines. A higher composite IC score was associated with less functional limitations over time (B = 0.20, 95%CI [0.19, 0.22]). ConclusionThe developed domain-specific IC scores and the composite IC score effectively discriminated age-related declines in IC. Additionally, the composite IC score was longitudinally associated with functional limitations. By creating this comprehensive and reliable tool for tracking IC, we aim to provide valuable insights into the dynamics of ageing and support more effective strategies for promoting health and well-being throughout later life. These scores establish a foundation for future research to track longitudinal changes across various IC domains and relate these changes to key age-related outcomes.

A multi-smart agent-based training environment for enhancing 3D graphics production and design thinking skills among elementary computer teachers

This study introduces a multi-smart agent-based training environment aimed at enhancing the production of 3D graphics and fostering design-thinking skills among primary-stage computer teachers. This environment offers a collaborative and interactive learning experience using intelligent agents represented as animated characters. The research evaluates the effectiveness of this innovative training approach through experimental groups, demonstrating significant improvements in the cognitive and psychomotor domains of 3D graphics production skills and in developing design thinking. The results underscore the potential of smart agent technology in educational settings, offering a dynamic platform for teacher professional development by integrating modern technological tools and creative problem-solving methodologies. This study pioneers using multi-smart agent environments in primary education, providing a novel framework that significantly enhances educators' skills and prepares them for future technological advancements in teaching.

The Role of Hypertension in Cognitive Dysfunction

Cognitive impairment and subsequent dementia are considered significant health challenges. In patients with established dementia, it is argued that hypertension is the main risk factor for small vessel ischemic disease and additional cortical white matter lesions. Cognitive domains and impairments associated with hypertension include learning, memory, attention, abstract reasoning, mental flexibility, psychomotor skills, and executive function. It is uncontrolled hypertension in midlife—but not late life—that is associated with worse cognitive impairment. Advanced imaging techniques confirm the effect of uncontrolled hypertension in developing dementia. Functional changes in the arterial system and an increase in arterial stiffness could be involved in the onset of dementia. In most studies, it is argued that better blood pressure control and duration of antihypertensive medication are associated with the incidence of dementia. In this review, the available data on the relationship between cognitive dysfunction and hypertension are examined.

Neuropsychological Correlates of Clinical Progression in Subjective Cognitive Decline.

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) refers to self-reported cognitive decline in individuals with normal performance on standardized cognitive tests. Understanding the factors predicting progression from SCD to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is crucial, as approximately 14% of SCD cases progress to dementia and about 27% develop MCI over four years. This study aims to identify neuropsychological predictors of progression from SCD to MCI, focusing on cognitive domains assessed through neuropsychological tests. This retrospective study at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital analyzed a cohort of 107 patients diagnosed with SCD through comprehensive assessment. Patients underwent annual neuropsychological testing, including the Digit Span Test, Boston Naming Test, Rey Complex Figure Test, Seoul Verbal Learning Test, and Stroop Test. Annually, these patients underwent neuropsychological tests over a 5-year period; 24 progressed to MCI per NIA-AA criteria. Key predictors of MCI progression included age, ischemic heart disease, and scores from the forward digit span, delayed recall, and Boston naming tests. Lower scores in delayed recall and Boston naming tests significantly correlated with a higher risk of MCI (p < 0.001). These findings suggest a need for targeted management of memory and language functions to monitor disease progression effectively.

Assessing the Speed–Accuracy Tradeoff in Psychological Testing Using Experimental Manipulations

The speed–accuracy tradeoff (SAT), where increased response speed often leads to decreased accuracy, is well established in experimental psychology. However, its implications for psychological assessments, especially in high-stakes settings, remain less understood. This study presents an experimental approach to investigate the SAT within a high-stakes spatial ability assessment. By manipulating instructions in a within-subjects design to induce speed variations in a large sample ( N = 1,305) of applicants for an air traffic controller training program, we demonstrate the feasibility of manipulating working speed. Our findings confirm the presence of the SAT for most participants, suggesting that traditional ability scores may not fully reflect performance in high-stakes assessments. Importantly, we observed individual differences in the SAT, challenging the assumption of uniform SAT functions across test takers. These results highlight the complexity of interpreting high-stakes assessment outcomes and the influence of test conditions on performance dynamics. This study offers a valuable addition to the methodological toolkit for assessing the intraindividual relationship between speed and accuracy in psychological testing (including SAT research), providing a controlled approach while acknowledging the need to address potential confounders. Future research may apply this method across various cognitive domains, populations, and testing contexts to deepen our understanding of the SAT’s broader implications for psychological measurement.

Meningkatan Hasil Belajar PAKBP Melalui Pembelajaran PBL pada Materi Aku Pribadi yang Unik Kelas IV SDS Dakwatul Islam

This research is conducted with the aim of improving the learning outcomes of students by using the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model for the students in grade IV Phase B of SDS DAKWATUL ISLAM in the academic year 2023/2024." The learning outcomes referred to in this research include abilities in the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains. The type of research conducted is classroom action research (CAR)." The research design uses the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model. The subjects of this study are the students in Grade IV Phase B of SDS DAKWATUL ISLAM, which consists of 7 students." The object of the research is the learning outcomes of the students. Data collection techniques utilize both test and non-test methods." The conclusion drawn from this research is that using the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method can effectively support the learning process, enabling the learning objectives to be achieved successfully."

Research Progress on the Mechanisms of Protocatechuic Acid in the Treatment of Cognitive Impairment

Cognitive impairment (CI) is a type of mental health disorder that mainly affects cognitive abilities, such as learning, memory, perception, and problem-solving. Currently, in clinical practice, the treatment of cognitive impairment mainly focuses on the application of cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists; however, there is no specific and effective drug yet. Procatechuic acid (PCA) possesses various functions, including antibacterial, antiasthmatic, and expectorant effects. In recent years, it has received growing attention in the cognitive domain. Therefore, by summarizing the mechanisms of action of procatechuic acid in the treatment of cognitive impairment in this paper, it is found that procatechuic acid has multiple effects, such as regulating the expression of neuroprotective factors, inhibiting cell apoptosis, promoting the autophagy-lysosome pathway, suppressing oxidative stress damage, inhibiting inflammatory responses, improving synaptic plasticity dysfunction, inhibiting Aβ deposition, reducing APP hydrolysis, enhancing the cholinergic system, and inhibiting the excitotoxicity of neuronal cells. The involved signaling pathways include activating Pi3K-akt-mTor and inhibiting JNK, P38 MAPK, P38-ERK-JNK, SIRT1, and NF-κB/p53, etc. This paper aims to present the latest progress in research on procatechuic acid, including aspects such as its chemical properties, sources, pharmacokinetics, mechanisms for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Early region-specific impact of adjuvant radiation therapy on cognition and quality of life in adult patients with primary brain tumors.

While treatments for primary brain tumors increase survival, they have cognitive sequelae. Neurocognition's anatomical distribution makes it susceptible to brain damage. This study aims to evaluate the contribution of radiotherapy on short-term cognitive impairment. Using a prospective database of cognitive rehabilitation in adults operated on for primary brain tumors, a retrospective sub-analysis of the contribution of radiotherapy was performed. Thirty-four subdivisions of 12 neurocognitive regions were delineated in 48 irradiated patients and 30 non-irradiated patients. In the first group, the correlation between radiation dose and deterioration was evaluated. In all patients, the impact of tumor and surgical changes on dysfunction was calculated and compared with dose-dependent response. The correlation between cognitive status and radiation dose is especially strong and significant in the left hemisphere and in specific subdivisions such as the posterior hippocampus or the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, with the left prevailing over posterior dominance. Memory is the most affected domain 1month after radiotherapy, as attention is three months later. The hippocampus is involved in various cognitive domains in addition to memory. The prefrontal subregions and the genu of the corpus callosum are more affected by the relationship with disease and surgical changes than by radiation exposure. Patients ongoing a course of radiotherapy do not benefit from concurrent cognitive rehabilitation. There is a correlation between the dose of radiation received by several encephalic regions and degree of short-term domain-specific cognition decline, considering other factors of risk and cognitive rehabilitation.

Using network analysis to provide evidence for brain health as a unified construct relevant to aging with HIV.

Brain health is a dynamic state involving cognitive, emotional, and motor domains. Measuring brain health is a challenge owing to the uncertainty as to whether it is one or many constructs. This study aimed to contribute evidence for brain health as a unified construct by estimating the strength of relationships between and among patient-reported items related to the brain health construct in a population with brain vulnerability owing to HIV. Data for this cross-sectional analysis came from a Canadian cohort of people aging with HIV. The sample included 710 men recruited between 2014 and 2016 from five Canadian cities. A network analysis was conducted with 30 items selected from the brain-related domains of fatigue, cognition, depression, sleep, anxiety, and motivation. Node centrality measures were used to determine the most critical items in the network. The network showed small-world properties, that is, most nodes can be reached from other nodes with few hops," indicating strong connectivity. The most central symptoms were "How much do you enjoy life?" and "How often do you have negative feelings?". The small-world properties of the network structure indicate that brain health items are interconnected and may be influenced by shared underlying factors. The centrality indices suggest that items related to enjoyment of life and negative feelings may be particularly important for understanding brain health in this population. Future research should aim to replicate these findings in larger and more diverse samples to confirm their robustness and generalizability.

Mapping and modeling the semantic space of math concepts

Mathematics is an underexplored domain of human cognition. While many studies have focused on subsets of math concepts such as numbers, fractions, or geometric shapes, few have ventured beyond these elementary domains. Here, we attempted to map out the full space of math concepts and to answer two specific questions: can distributed semantic models, such a GloVe, provide a satisfactory fit to human semantic judgements in mathematics? And how does this fit vary with education? We first analyzed all of the French and English Wikipedia pages with math contents, and used a semi-automatic procedure to extract the 1000 most frequent math terms in both languages. In a second step, we collected extensive behavioral judgements of familiarity and semantic similarity between them. About half of the variance in human similarity judgements was explained by vector embeddings that attempt to capture latent semantic structures based on cooccurence statistics. Participants' self-reported level of education modulated familiarity and similarity, allowing us to create a partial hierarchy among high-level math concepts. Our results converge onto the proposal of a map of math space, organized as a database of math terms with information about their frequency, familiarity, grade of acquisition, and entanglement with other concepts.

No Sex-based Differences in Self-reported Empathy between Patients with Schizophrenia and Control Subjects.

Schizophrenia, one of the most disabling disorders worldwide, is characterized by impaired empathy, which appears to be more common in women. This study aimed to compare empathy levels between control subjects and patients with schizophrenia by sex. We compared sixty-two patients with schizophrenia and 166 control subjects. All participants completed the Empathy Quotient (EQ) questionnaire. A multivariate analysis of variance model was performed with the EQ as the outcome criterion, and group and sex as fixed factors to test for interaction effects. Overall, patients obtained lower scores in the cognitive, emotional reactivity and social skills domains of empathy (p < 0.001). No differences between men and women were found and no interaction effect was identified between sex and group (schizophrenia vs. control) (p > 0.05). This study adds to the evidence on differences in social cognition between people with and without a mental illness such as schizophrenia. It also identifies the absence of sex differences between men and women, observed in both the group of patients and control subjects, which warrants further exploration.