Evaluation Of Functions Research Articles

Simultaneous surrogate modeling and dimension reduction using unsupervised learning. Application to parametric wing shape optimization

This paper presents a machine-learning-based approach that enables simultaneous surrogate modeling and dimension reduction and applies it to aerodynamic parametric shape optimization. Aerodynamic shape optimization is a crucial process in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy. It involves iteratively improving the properties of a system by evaluating an objective function and driving its minimization or maximization using an optimization algorithm. However, the evaluation of aerodynamic objective functions requires computationally expensive operations, such as solving complex fluid dynamics equations and calculating performance metrics like lift and drag coefficients. This computational cost becomes particularly burdensome when derivative-free optimization algorithms need to evaluate numerous samples per iteration. Additionally, when the design space dimension is high, the efficiency and effectiveness of the optimization process decrease. To address these challenges, the paper proposes combining surrogate modeling and dimension reduction. Surrogate modeling constructs a reduced order model that approximates the coefficients of interest in a cost-effective manner, while dimension reduction identifies the most relevant design space dimensions using techniques like Proper Orthogonal Decomposition. The paper suggests an integrative approach that employs Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Unsupervised Learning, specifically AutoEncoder networks, to simultaneously build a surrogate model and reduce the problem dimension. This technique is applied to optimize the shape of an airplane wing aerofoil under trans-sonic flight conditions. The wing shape is parameterized using Free Form Deformation (FFD). The paper demonstrates that the suggested approach enables rapid and effective shape optimization.

Sublimation of pyridine derivatives: fundamental aspects and application for two-component crystal screening.

The saturated vapour pressures of five heterocyclic compounds containing the pyridine fragment, namely, three isomers of aminopyridine (2-aminopyridine (2AmPy), 3-aminopyridine (3AmPy), and 4-aminopyridine (4AmPy)); 3-hydroxypyridine (3OHPy) and 2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine (ImPy), were measured at appropriate temperature intervals using a transpiration (inert gas flow) method. The standard molar enthalpies, entropies, and Gibbs energies of sublimation for all the studied substances were determined. Among the compounds studied, the largest value of ΔH298sub was observed for ImPy. The influence of substitution and the effects of hydrogen bonds in the crystal lattices on sublimation parameters are discussed herein. The reliable dependences relating ΔG298sub to Tfus and ΔH298sub to ΔG298sub were plotted. A comparative analysis of several calculation schemes for the estimation of sublimation enthalpy and Gibbs free energy was carried out. Thermodynamic parameters obtained in this study were applied for the evaluation of cocrystallisation thermodynamic functions for two-component crystals (virtual screening) on the basis of the studied substituted pyridines.

Evaluation of Renal Functions in Patients with Genitourinary System Tuberculosis Involving the Kidney/Ureter: Single Center Experience

Evaluation of Renal Functions in Patients with Genitourinary System Tuberculosis Involving the Kidney/Ureter: Single Center Experience

Exosomal miR-4645-5p from hypoxic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells facilitates diabetic wound healing by restoring keratinocyte autophagy.

Refractory diabetic wounds are a common occurrence in patients with diabetes and epidermis-specific macroautophagy/autophagy impairment has been implicated in their pathogenesis. Therefore, identifying and developing treatment strategies capable of normalizing epidermis-specific macroautophagy/autophagy could facilitate diabetic wound healing. The study aims to investigate the potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (BMSC-exos) from hypoxic conditions as a treatment to normalize epidermis-specific autophagy for diabetic wound healing. We compared the effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-sourced exosomes (BMSC-Exos) from hypoxic conditions to those of BMSC in normoxic conditions (noBMSC-Exos). Our studies involved morphometric assessment of the exosomes, identification of the microRNA (miRNA) responsible for the effects, evaluation of keratinocyte functions and examination of effects of the exosomes on several molecules involved in the autophagy pathway such as microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta, beclin 1, sequestosome 1, autophagy-related 5 and autophagy-related 5. The experiments used human BMSCs from the American Type Culture Collection, an in vivo mouse model of diabetes (db/db) to assess wound healing, as well as the human keratinocyte HaCaT cell line. In the methodology, the authors utilized an array of approaches that included electron microscopy, small interfering RNA (siRNA) studies, RNA in situ hybridization, quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), the isolation, sequencing and differential expression of miRNAs, as well as the use of miR-4645-5p-specific knockdown with an inhibitor. Hypoxia affected the release of exosomes from hypoxic BMSCs (hy-BMSCs) and influenced the size and morphology of the exosomes. Moreover, hyBMSC-Exo treatment markedly improved keratinocyte function, including keratinocyte autophagy, proliferation and migration. miRNA microarray and bioinformatics analysis showed that the target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs were mainly enriched in 'autophagy' and 'process utilizing autophagic mechanism' in the 'biological process' category and miR-4645-5p as a major contributor to the pro-autophagy effect of hyBMSC-Exos. Moreover, mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase 2 (MAPKAPK2) was identified as a potential target of exosomal miR-4645-5p; this was confirmed using a dual luciferase assay. Exosomal miR-4645-5p mediates the inactivation of the MAPKAPK2-induced AKT kinase group (comprising AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3), which in turn suppresses AKT-mTORC1 signaling, thereby facilitating miR-4645-5p-mediated autophagy. Overall, the results of this study showed that hyBMSC-Exo-mediated transfer of miR-4645-5p inactivated MAPKAPK2-induced AKT-mTORC1 signaling in keratinocytes, which activated keratinocyte autophagy, proliferation and migration, resulting in diabetic wound healing in mice. Collectively, the findings could aid in the development of a novel therapeutic strategy for diabetic wounds.

Spatial memory and learning: investigating the role of dynamic visual acuity.

The vestibular system's contribution to spatial learning and memory abilities may be clarified using the virtual Morris Water Maze Task (vMWMT). This is important because of the connections between the vestibular system and the hippocampus area. However, there is ongoing debate over the role of the vestibular system in developing spatial abilities. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA) across three planes and spatial abilities. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 healthy adults aged 18 to 55 with normal stress levels and mental health and no neurological, audiological, or vestibular complaints. The Trail-Making Test (TMT) Forms A and B for the assessment of executive functions, the DVA test battery for the evaluation of visual motor functions, and the Virtual Morris Water Maze Test (vMWMT) for the assessment of spatial learning and spatial memory were performed. All participants also underwent the Benton Face Recognition Test (BFRT) and Digit Symbol Substitution Tests (DSST) to assess their relation with spatial memory. DVA values in horizontal (H-DVA), vertical (V-DVA), and sagittal (S-DVA) planes ranged from (-0.26) to 0.36 logMAR, (-0.20) to 0.36 logMAR, and (-0.28) to 0.33 logMAR, respectively. The latency of three planes of DVA was affected by vMWMT (Horizontal, Vertical, and Sagittal; Estimate: 22.733, 18.787, 13.341, respectively p < 0.001). Moreover, a moderately significant correlation was also found, with a value of 0.571 between the Virtual MWM test and BFRT and a value of 0.539 between the DSST (p < 0.001). Spatial abilities in healthy adults were significantly influenced by dynamic visual functions across horizontal, vertical, and sagittal planes. These findings are expected to trigger essential discussions about the mechanisms that connect the vestibular-visual system to the hippocampus. The original vMWMT protocol is likely to serve as a model for future studies utilizing this technology.

Evaluation of right ventricle functions in acute pulmonary thromboembolism using tissue doppler imaging

Aims: Right ventricular (RV) systolic and diastolic functions are impaired in a significant proportion of patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). In these cases, knowledge of RV function is of great importance both in the diagnosis and in the choice of treatment. Our aim was to evaluate RV systolic and diastolic functions by standard pulse Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in normotensive patients with PTE without hemodynamic disturbances. Methods: A total of 48 subjects, including 28 acute PTE patients (14 M, 14 F) with a mean age of 41 ± 13 years and 20 healthy subjects (10 M, 10 F) with a mean age of 40 ± 9 years, were included in our study. At the level of the tricuspid and mitral valve cusps, pulse Doppler echocardiography evaluated diastolic filling parameters. With the TDI technique, the diastolic function of the RV lateral wall and septum were analyzed in segments in the apical four-cavity image. Diastolic early and late velocities (e', a'), e'/a' ratio, e'dt, isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT), systolic velocity (s'), and systolic duration (s' duration) were evaluated by TDI. Results: Among the RV standard Doppler parameters, a significant decrease in E velocity and E/A ratio and a significant increase in A velocity were observed compared to the control group (p=0.042; p=0.002; p=0.001, respectively). A non-significant prolongation in E’dt was detected. RV ejection fraction was significantly lower in PTE patients compared to the control group (51.1% vs. 69.7%) (p=0.001). TDI was used to look at the RV systolic function, and it was found that all segments had higher systolic (Sa-m) velocities than the control group. However, systolic velocities in patients with DHB in the RV were found to be lower in the annular regions and RV-free wall. Increased s' velocities were observed in annular regions and RV-free walls. However, no statistical significance was found in s' velocity values. Conclusion: RV systolic and diastolic functions may be impaired in normotensive patients with PTE without hemodynamic disturbances.

Deep learning-based forecasting modeling of micro gas turbine performance projection: An experimental approach

Performance forecasting of aeroengines is crucial for achieving better operational efficiency, ensuring safety, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impact in the aviation industry. It enables engineers and researchers to make informed decisions, leading to advancements in technology and the overall evolution of aviation. This study is focused on the effects of flight conditions on the performance of a turbojet, which in consequence affects the environmental aspect of operation. By investigating the relationships between aeroengine efficiency and performance indicators such as thrust, shaft speed, and exhaust gas temperature (EGT), and flight characteristics expressed in terms of environmental and operational conditions, the study seeks to elucidate these connections. The article's significance lies in its successful application of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks to predict thrust, shaft speed, and EGT variations in turbojet engines under varying flight conditions. Experimental data from a turbojet test bench is processed with deep learning, specifically LSTM recurrent neural networks that are developed based on Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB). The model inputs are free stream air speed, compressor inlet pressure, combustor inlet temperature, combustor inlet pressure, turbine inlet temperature, turbine inlet pressure, nozzle inlet pressure and fuel flow, and the outputs are thrust, shaft speed and EGT. Predicted thrust closely aligns with actual thrust values, though with minor discrepancies. Shaft speed predictions exhibit a similar trend, while EGT predictions showcase a comparable pattern with slight variations. Despite the prediction errors, a thorough evaluation of median values, box plots, and probability density functions confirms that the models effectively capture available information, though discrepancies may arise from measurement inaccuracies and initial engine conditions. These results show that it is possible to accurately predict turbojet performance using LSTM recurrent neural network. This research paves the way for enhanced aeroengine performance prediction, particularly in scenarios requiring off-board or high-performance applications.

Effect of apigenin on dynamin-related protein 1 in type 1 diabetic rats with cardiovascular complications

Background and ObjectiveCardiovascular complications cause increased mortality rates among diabetics. The molecular mechanisms of aberrant mitochondrial dynamics in diabetes mellitus (DM) are not fully understood. Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) is thought to be a major regulator of mitochondrial fission. There is lack of studies that examined the relationship between apigenin and Drp1 expression in DM. Thus, the current study aimed to explore the expression of Drp1 in diabetic rats with cardiovascular complications, as well as to appraise the role of apigenin in modulating this expression. MethodsTwenty-eight adult male albino Wister rats were randomly and equally allocated into four groups: naive, streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic control and two apigenin-injected diabetic groups (early and late). Body weight, heart weight, blood pressure and ECG were recorded. Evaluation of blood glucose level, lipid profile and cardiac functions were measured. Determination of Drp1 mRNA expression, and histological examination of cardiac tissues from the four groups were performed. ResultsDiabetic control rats developed decrease of body weight, increase of blood pressure, deterioration of the normal ECG pattern and upregulation of Drp1 mRNA expression in cardiac tissues. There was a significant correlation between the relative expression of Drp1 and all examined parameters. Apigenin-injection improved fasting blood glucose, lipid profile and cardiac function indicators (i.e., ECG parameters, CK-MB and troponin) as well as the cardiac histological structure. The decrease of Drp1 expression was more evident with early than with late apigenin-injection, however, without statistical significance. ConclusionsIncreased level of Drp1 expression in diabetic rats may be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiovascular complications. The changes that occurred in response to apigenin injection highlight its potential ameliorative effect on the diabetic cardiovascular complications and pave the route for further investigations.

Efficient and Parallel Implementation of Real and Complex Response Functions Employing the Second-Order Algebraic-Diagrammatic Construction Scheme for the Polarization Propagator.

We present the implementation of an efficient matrix-folded formalism for the evaluation of complex response functions and the calculation of transition properties at the level of the second-order algebraic-diagrammatic construction (ADC(2)) scheme. The underlying algorithms, in combination with the adopted hybrid MPI/OpenMP parallelization strategy, enabled calculations of the UV/vis spectra of a guanine oligomer series ranging up to 1032 contracted basis functions, thereby utilizing vast computational resources from up to 32,768 CPU cores. Further analysis of the convergence behavior of the involved iterative subspace algorithms revealed the superiority of a frequency-separated treatment of response equations even for a large spectral window, including 101 frequencies. We demonstrate the applicability to general quantum mechanical operators by the first reported electronic circular dichroism spectrum calculated with a complex polarization propagator approach at the ADC(2) level of theory.

The importance of forests in the environment

The importance of forests in the environment

Scarless Excision of Second Branchial Cleft Cyst via Retroauricular Hairline Incision.

Second branchial cleft cyst (2nd BCC) is treated by complete excision. Conventional transcervical skin incision on the lesion may leave a prominent scar in the cosmetically sensitive area. The retroauricular hairline incision (RAHI) approach may maintain neurological, mobility, and cosmetic functions of the neck and face after excision. This study evaluated the clinical outcomes and disease control of scarless surgery via RAHI in 57 consecutive patients with 2nd BCC. The patients received the prospective evaluation of postoperative neurological, subjective pain, swallowing, neck motion, and cosmetic functions. Postoperative complications, subjective satisfaction, and recurrence were also assessed in each patient. Excision was performed in all cases without injury to the facial nerve or other neurological complications and conversion to other incisions or approaches with a median operation time of 44min. Complications were minimal, without dysphagia, neurological deficits, or limited neck motion. Postoperative incision scars in the postauricular and hairline region were commonly invisible. Subjective satisfaction with the scar and facial deformity was high after surgery. No patients had a recurrence for a median follow-up of 66months. The RAHI approach for 2nd BCC has excellent cosmetic, functional, and disease control outcomes. This can be safely applied to the treatment of 2nd BCC. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Functions in Hypertensive Diabetic Patients by Speckle Tracking Imaging and its Correlation with Brain

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Functions in Hypertensive Diabetic Patients by Speckle Tracking Imaging and its Correlation with Brain

Evaluation of an automatic continuous high-lift system in a flight simulator study with airline pilots

AbstractIn the INTELWI LuFo research project, TU Berlin is investigating an automatic, continuously operating high-lift system for passenger aircraft. Today’s commercial aircraft operate the high-lift systems in fixed steps. Typically, five fixed steps result from the different requirements for take-off and landing. For each flap position, there is a speed of best glide. Since aircraft decelerate during landing, they usually fly outside the optimum point. This is improved by a continuous flap system, as it continuously adjusts the flap position depending on the current flight condition. Flight simulation studies allow modelling and evaluation of new flight control functions at an early stage of development. This paper evaluates the flight simulator study for the assessment of the Automatic Continuous Moving Slat/Flap System with a focus on the pilots’ assessment. Ten airline pilots took part in the study in the SEPHIR flight simulator at TU Berlin. The approach scenarios vary with regard to the energy content of the approach since the high-lift system influences the energy management. The evaluation is based on questionnaires answered by the pilots after each approach. The participating pilots particularly emphasised the reduction of the workload and the pleasant integration of the continuous flap function into the existing cockpit procedures. According to the participating pilots, there is potential for improvement and further scenarios to investigate the functions behaviour in the event of failures in systems that affect flap operation.

Instant diagnosis of dementia in older patients who were admitted with forgetfulness to a single geriatric memory clinic

AbstractBackgroundAging is a process associated with progressive and predictable changes that can cause many diseases. As in other systems, structural changes occur in the brain, behavior, and cognitive functions with age. Older people often complain about the decrease in cognitive skills, especially in the memory area and forgetfulness is one of the most common cognitive complaints. In this study, we evaluated the diagnosis of major and minor cognitive impairment in older people who were admitted with forgetfulness to our clinicMethodThis cross‐sectional study, retrospectively desgned, was conducted between January 2018 and January 2022 on a total of 1440 participants who applied to the Geriatrics department with the complaint of forgetfulness, without any acute health problems and with a complete geriatric assessment, including activities of daily living, evaluation of cognitive functions and mood, and blood tests. Dementia diagnosis was made according to the DSM‐V and related specific diagnostic criteria. All demented patients had brain imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, if possible.ResultThe mean age and female frequency were higher in patients with major and minor cognitive impairment while estimated glomerular filtration, folate, and TSH levels were lower. The prevalence of major and minor cognitive impairment was 7.70% and 21.30% respectively. Most of the 3 major neurocognitive impairment diagnoses were Alzheimer’s Disease (7.40%), dementia with Lewy body (3.50%), and Parkinson’s Disease Dementia (1.70%).ConclusionConsidering the risk of dementia in older adults, evaluating the memory complaints has of great importance. This study shows that the majority of the older adults who applied with the complaint of forgetfulness do not have dementia. It is remarkable that the rate of major and minor cognitive impairment was too high to be ruled out in our study population.

Evaluation of Cognitive Function in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Comparison with Age-Matched Controls: A Prospective Study

Abstract Introduction: A relative deficiency in insulin production, chronic hyperglycemia, abnormalities in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance are all the symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The brain is one of many organ systems that is negatively impacted, increasing the likelihood of cognitive decline. Aim: Evaluation of cognitive functions in patients with T2DM and comparison with aged-matched controls. Methodology: Fifty T2DM patients as well as 50 age-matched controls were subjected to Adden Brooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE-III). The examination assesses attention, orientation, memory, language, fluency, visual perception, and visuospatial skills. It comprises tests of memory (7-item analysis), letter fluency, clock drawing, and memory recall. The optimal ACE-III cutoff scores to detect mild cognitive impairment and dementia are 88/89 (sensitivity 0.77 and specificity 0.92) and 75/76 (sensitivity 0.82 and specificity 0.90), respectively. The comparison of scores of patients and controls was done using the appropriate statistical tests (SPSS version 25). Statistical Analysis Used: Unpaired t-test, Chi-square test, and Pearson correlation coefficient test. Results: The mean ± standard deviation ACE-III scores of T2DM patients and controls were 81.48 ± 12.426 and 86.2 ± 10.447, respectively; the difference between them was not statistically significant. There was a decrease in attention, memory, fluency, and visuospatial ability in cases as compared to controls, but the difference was not statistically significant. Dementia was observed in 30% of cases and 20% of controls. Mild cognitive impairment was similar in both groups. Weak association was seen between the number of drugs prescribed and duration of disease with ACE-III scores. Conclusion: We find a negative association of cognitive function and T2DM.

Evaluation of gliovascular functions of AQP4 readthrough isoforms.

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is a water channel protein that links the astrocytic endfeet to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and regulates water and potassium homeostasis in the brain, as well as the glymphatic clearance of waste products that would otherwise potentiate neurological diseases. Recently, translational readthrough was shown to generate a C-terminally extended variant of AQP4, known as AQP4x, which preferentially localizes around the BBB through interaction with the scaffolding protein α-syntrophin, and loss of AQP4x disrupts waste clearance from the brain. To investigate the function of AQP4x, we generated a novel AQP4 mouse line (AllX) to increase relative levels of the readthrough variant above the ~15% of AQP4 in the brain of wild-type (WT) mice. We validated the line and assessed characteristics that are affected by the presence of AQP4x, including AQP4 and α-syntrophin localization, integrity of the BBB, and neurovascular coupling. We compared AllXHom and AllXHet mice to WT and to previously characterized AQP4 NoXHet and NoXHom mice, which cannot produce AQP4x. An increased dose of AQP4x enhanced perivascular localization of α-syntrophin and AQP4, while total protein expression of the two was unchanged. However, at 100% readthrough, AQP4x localization and the formation of higher order complexes were disrupted. Electron microscopy showed that overall blood vessel morphology was unchanged except for an increased proportion of endothelial cells with budding vesicles in NoXHom mice, which may correspond to a leakier BBB or altered efflux that was identified in NoX mice using MRI. These data demonstrate that AQP4x plays a small but measurable role in maintaining BBB integrity as well as recruiting structural and functional support proteins to the blood vessel. This also establishes a new set of genetic tools for quantitatively modulating AQP4x levels.

On the Evaluation of Higher-Harmonic-Current Responses for High-Field Spectroscopies in Disordered Superconductors

We discuss a formalism that allows for the calculation of a higher-harmonic-current response to a strong applied electric field for disordered superconducting systems described on the basis of tight-binding models with on- and/or intersite interactions. The theory is based on an expansion of the density matrix in powers of the field amplitudes, where we solve the equation of motion for the individual components. This allows the evaluation of higher-order response functions on significantly larger lattices than one can achieve with a previously used approach, which is based on a direct temporal integration of the equation of motion for the complete density matrix. In the case of small lattices, where both methods can be applied by including also the contribution of collective modes, we demonstrate the agreement of the corresponding results.

SURG-40. AWAKE CRANIOTOMY IN A MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRY. CHALLENGES AND TECHNICAL NUANCES

Abstract OBJECTIVES Describe the first experience in this technically challenging procedure RESULTS on morbidity INTRODUCTION Awake craniotomy allows for maximal safe resection and lower incidence of adverse events. Nonetheless, it represents a technical challenge. METHODS We enroll forty patients, 18 women, and 22 men. Due to the lack of a navigation system, craniometrics points became paramount to craniotomy planning. Ultrasound is used to compensate for brain shift and confirm the tumor's exact location. We engaged in cortical and subcortical mapping and clinical evaluation of motor and sensory functions. Linguistic tests were applied. The first 24 hours are in the ICU, and an MRI is obtained. RESULTS The mean age was 51, and the mean Karfnosky scale was 80. The median size was 12 cm3. Locations were: Thirteen precentral gyri. Ten insular cortex. Eight cingulate gyri. Six supplementary motor gyri Two Supramarginal gyri. One paracentral lobe tumor. Four patients had obese morbidity, three had depression, and two had a midline displacement treated with steroids. Intraoperative, we encountered three seizures managed with cold saline, two speech arrest, and one transient hand motor deficit. Post-op adverse events were one central facial paralysis, one upper limb, and one lower limb paresthesias; all improved after 72 hours. The median length of stay is 48 hours. The median extent of resection is 93%. The mean KPS was 80 at discharge. We undertook a median of 18 months follow-up. 38 Glioblastomas(GMB) and 2 Low-Grade Gliomas(LGG) were found. The standard oncology treatment was Temozolomide and stereotaxic radiosurgery(SRS). The median time from surgery to SRS was 4.3 months. The median SRS marginal and maximal dose were 15Gy and 26Gy. The median overall survival(OS) was sixteen months, and the Progression-free survival(PFS) was ten months. CONCLUSION An awake craniotomy without the navigation system is possible; however, careful planning is essential.

Attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity: comparative analysis of executive functions between genres based on neurofeedback training

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder that presents a characteristic pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. ADHD directly affects Executive Functions (EF), responsible for regulating social behavior and cognitive skills. In the clinical context, the symptoms can present themselves in unique ways in each patient. Therefore, we can use different approaches to evaluate these symptoms. This article aims to analyze, through the evaluation of executive functions performed through psychological tests and neurofeedback, how ADHD symptoms are presented in males and females. Psychological tests Digit Span, Corsi Cubes, Verbal Fluency and Five Digit Test (FDT) were used. In addition, a neurofeedback game that adapts the Stroop test in an interactive application was applied through a Brain-Computer Interface. A tool developed was tested with 21 children, 11 with a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD and to 10 without the presence of this disorder. Through statistical analysis, we come to establish promises. The results of the neurofeedback analysis met what is expected in the literature, which demonstrate that patients with ADHD have a greater number of slow waves and less beta waves in the prefrontal cortex or, which indicate low stimulation of the central nervous system.

2 The Vietnamese Montreal Cognitive Assessment: An Evaluation of Construct Validity and Recommended Cut-off for Cognitive Impairment after TBI

Objective:Cognitive screening tools such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) play an essential role in the clinical evaluation of neuropsychological functions. Despite the extensive investigations of the MoCA in English speaking countries as well as emerging adaptation work in a few Asian cultures, evidence base for the utility of the Vietnamese MoCA (MoCA-V) is lacking. This has posed a huge challenge for current and future clinical practice in Vietnam, as the country continues to assume a large burden of brain-related disorders. This study examined the construct validity of the MoCA-V and identified a cut-off score for the determination of cognitive impairment in a prevalent neurological condition in Vietnam - traumatic brain injury (TBI).Participants and Methods:Participants included 129 neurologically healthy individuals and 80 patients with moderate-to-severe TBI. All participants completed the MoCA-V, along with other common neurocognitive measures such as the Trail Making Test (TMT) Parts A and B, Vietnamese Verbal Fluency Test, and Digit Span.Results:Pearson’s correlations revealed significant, moderate correlations between performance on the MoCA-V subdomains and more comprehensive cognitive measures. Performance on the MoCA-V Attention domain was correlated with both Digit Span Forward, r(110) = .453, p &lt; .001] and Digit Span Backward, r(110) = .303, p = .001; performance on the MoCA Language domain was correlated with the Vietnamese Verbal Fluency Test, r(107) = .334, p &lt; .001; and performance on the MoCA Executive Function domain was correlated with the TMT-B, r(108) = -.479, p = .022. Performance on the MoCA-V was also associated with age, r(127) = -.659, p &lt; .001, and education, r(127) = .769, p &lt; .001, consistent with the general effects of age and education in cognitive abilities. Finally, a cut-off score of 22.5 was identified for the detection of cognitive impairment in Vietnamese people with TBI (AUC = 0.811; 95% CI = .75-.87, p &lt; .001).Conclusions:This study provides the first evidence for the construct validity and clinical utility of the MoCA-V. Future research is necessary to cross-validate study findings among other clinical populations. Lessons learned from neuropsychological test translation and adaptation process will be discussed, particularly in the development of the administration materials and test instructions (e.g., considerations for individuals with limited formal education, influences of colonialism in the development of test stimuli).