Human Cognitive Functions Research Articles

Effects of Cocoa-Derived Polyphenols on Cognitive Function in Humans. Systematic Review and Analysis of Methodological Aspects.

The effects of cocoa-derived polyphenols on cognitive functions have been analyzed through numerous studies using different interventions (doses, vehicles, time frame, cognition tests, and characteristics of participants) which may hamper the interpretation and comparison of findings across investigations. Thus, a systematic review was conducted to analyze the effects of cocoa-derived polyphenols intake on human cognition and discuss the methodological aspects that may contribute to the heterogeneity of findings. Randomized clinical trials evaluating the effect of cocoa polyphenols on cognitive function in healthy subjects were selected according to selection criteria. Twelve studies were selected. Quality was assessed according to the Cochrane risk for bias tool. The most common risk for bias was the lack of information about the sequence generation process. Effects on cognitive function were observed after consumption of 50mg/day of (-)-epicatechin and in studies using a component-matched placebo and cocoa as the polyphenol vehicle given to healthy adults (18-50years). Memory (n = 5) and executive function (n = 4) showed the most significant effects with medium and large effect sizes after intake of intermediate doses of cocoa flavanols (500-750mg/day). Overall, this set of studies suggest a positive effect of cocoa polyphenols on memory and executive function. However, the available evidence is very diverse and future studies may address the identified sources of variation to strengthen current evidence on this promising field.

Human Brain Imbued Higher Brain Centre Activated Robot

Brain Computer Interface (BCI) Systems give venue for human brain to communicate with an external device via a non-physiological path. It replaces the use of nerves and muscles of the human brain with a combination of hardware and software, which translates electrophysiological signals into physical actions. It differs from neuro-modulation in that it allows for bidirectional information flow. These are often directed at researching, mapping, assisting, augmenting, or repairing human cognitive or sensory motor function. From initial demonstrations of electroencephalography-based spelling and single-neuron based device control, researchers have gone on to use electroencephalographic, intra-cortical, electro-corticographic and other brain signals for increasingly complex control of cursors, robotic arms, prosthetics, wheelchairs, and other devices related to rehabilitation engineering. Automated devices obviously can acquire intelligence and may also work similarly or differently to tackle wide range of tasks. But there is no automated robotic device available which is having enough intelligence to replicate itself. Generally the brain signal is received by electrodes placed on the scalp and is converted into programmed codes and then translated into commands that can control an output device, such as a spelling program, a motorized wheelchair, or a prosthetic limb. Feedback from the device can enable the user to modify their brain signals in order to maintain the performance of the automated device in a much more efficient manner. If those decoded codes (signals) coming from the subjects’ brain could be applied as inbuilt program of an artificial intelligence robot, then that robot might behave in a way as the subject with respect to his/her brain function. This paper has the objective to design and develop a higher brain centre activated robot that is still not available.

Synaptic development of layer V pyramidal neurons in the prenatal human prefrontal neocortex: a Neurolucida-aided Golgi study.

The prefrontal neocortex is involved in many high cognitive functions in humans. Deficits in neuronal and neurocircuitry development in this part of the cerebrum have been associated with various neuropsychiatric disorders in adolescents and adults. There are currently little available data regarding prenatal dendrite and spine formation on projecting neurons in the human prefrontal neocortex. Previous studies have demonstrated that Golgi silver staining can identify neurons in the frontal lobe and visual cortex in human embryos. In the present study, five fetal brains, at 19, 20, 26, 35, and 38 gestational weeks, were obtained via the body donation program at Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, China. Golgi-stained pyramidal neurons in layer V of Brodmann area 46 in fetuses were quantitatively analyzed using the Neurolucida morphometry system. Results revealed that somal size, total dendritic length, and branching points of these neurons increased from 26 to 38 gestational weeks. There was also a large increase in dendritic spines from 35 to 38 gestational weeks. These findings indicate that, in the human prefrontal neocortex, dendritic growth in layer V pyramidal neurons occurs rapidly during the third trimester of gestation. The use of human fetal brain tissue was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, China (approval No. 2011-045) on April 5, 2011.

Креативтік ойлауды дамытудағы когнитивтік функциялардың өзара байланысы

In the article, the need for the development of cognitive abilities is discussed in accordance with modern needs in order to form creative personality. The authors consider such cognitive functions as perception, sensation, attention, memory, imagination, speech, which play an important role in the formation of creative thinking. Today, a decrease in cognitive functions in humans is a barrier to the development of creative thinking. The purpose of this article is to analyze the causes of cognitive decline, to order recommendations for addressing these causes and the development of cognitive abilities. The relationship between thinking and cognitive functions has been explained, reflecting the activity of the brain as a unified holistic structure. The sides of cognitive functions such as implicitness, relevance, selectivity and dependency have been highlighted. The idea of teaching pupils and students in educational institutions not only to the subject, but to the ability to listen, remember, concentrate and solve problems is put forward.

Нейронаука в поисках смыслов: мозг как барокко?

The paper discusses current neurophysiological approach to higher cognitive functions in humans and tries to show its fundamental errors. It illustrates how important forethought and a philosophical foundation for interdisciplinary re­search is regarding the processes of brain and mind mechanisms. Unification of the efforts of various scientific domains provides qualitatively new knowledge. Hypernets and cognitoms being the top of human evolution can not be studied by multiplicating similar data revealed in other species. Brain and mind should be studied by interconnections of natural sciences, arts and humanities. Cognitive sciences will never experience sharp paradigmatic increase without looking at the problem from a different perspective – in the context of the products of the human genius. Human mind is not a Turing machine, and its principles are not based on stimulus-reaction scheme. Rather is demonstrates the principles of Barocco: it extracts faces and objects, revealing specific and unusual features, in is not linear and stable. The brain is not just processing information – rather it creates it. It is wrong to study neuronets to understand the mind.

Citicoline Improves Human Vigilance and Visual Working Memory: The Role of Neuronal Activation and Oxidative Stress.

Introduction:Psychomotor performance task is used to assess the arousal and cognitive functions of the central nervous system. Alternatively, human visual working memory reflects the capability of the individual’s short-term memory. Psycho-mental stimuli are linked to the stimulation of Malondialdehyde (MDA) formations. Citicoline is a nootropic nucleotide agent with a favorable effect on the augmentation of human memory and cognitive function. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of citicoline on human vigilance, visual working memory, and oxidative stress using healthy volunteers.Methods:40 healthy volunteers were enrolled and divided into two groups: group A: 20 volunteers received 500mg/day starch capsule for two weeks and group B: 20 volunteers received 500mg/day citicoline capsule for two weeks. Human vigilance, visual working memory, and oxidative stress markers of each volunteer were assessed before and after citicoline and placebo intake. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS regarding P<0.05 as statistically significant.Results:Placebo had no significant effect on human vigilance and visual working memory after two weeks of therapy (P>0.05), whereas citicoline improved most variables of psychomotor performances and working memory (P<0.01). Placebo significantly increased serum MDA levels from 19.44±2.11 to 29.66±3.28 nmol/mL (P=0.0001), while citicoline significantly decreased MDA serum levels from 19.11±2.66 to 15.63±1.33 nmol/mL (P=0.0001).Conclusion:Citicoline improves human psychomotor vigilance, arousal, and visual working memory with significant amelioration of oxidative stress compared with placebo.

New Horizons for Molecular Genetics Diagnostic and Research in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heritable, heterogeneous, and complex pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder (PND) characterized by distinctive abnormalities of human cognitive functions, social interaction, and speech development.Nowadays, several genetic changes including chromosome abnormalities, genetic variations, transcriptional epigenetics, and noncoding RNA have been identified in ASD. However, the association between these genetic modifications and ASDs has not been confirmed yet.The aim of this review is to summarize the key findings in ASD from genetic viewpoint that have been identified from the last few decades of genetic and molecular research.

Особливості застосування метода заміщувального онтогенезу в роботі з дітьми з розладами аутистичного спектру

The article is devoted to the study of features of the application of the method of replacement ontogenesis in work with children with autism spectrum disorders. The article describes the content of the concepts «autism», «method of replacement ontogenesis», also analyzed the views of Ukrainian and foreign scientists about the problem of applying neuropsychological approach in working with children with autism spectrum disorders, considered the positive aspects of the method of replacement ontogenesis. The features of the three-level system of the method of replacement ontogenesis have been analyzed. Performance of tasks facing the method of replacement ontogenesis is possible when applying a complex of specially selected exercises, which are oriented to optimization of the operation of the basic sensorimotor level, which is the basis of human cognitive functions. Theoretical conclusions can be interesting for specialists in the field of correction pedagogy and special psychology.

Effects of Collagen Hydrolysates on Human Brain Structure and Cognitive Function: A Pilot Clinical Study

This study investigated the effects of collagen hydrolysates (CH) on language cognitive function and brain structure. In this open-label study, 5 g CH was administered once a day for 4 weeks to 30 healthy participants aged 49–63 years. The primary outcome measures were the brain healthcare quotients based on gray matter volume (GM-BHQ) and fractional anisotropy (FA-BHQ). The secondary outcome measures were changes in scores between week 0 and week 4 for word list memory (WLM) and standard verbal paired associate learning (S-PA) tests as well as changes in the physical, mental, and role/social component summary scores of the Short Form-36(SF-36) quality of life instrument. CH ingestion resulted in significant improvements in FA-BHQ (p = 0.0095), a measure of brain structure, as well in scores for the WLM (p = 0.0046) and S-PA (p = 0.0007) tests, which measure cognitive function. There were moderate correlations between the change in WLM score and the change in GM-BHQ (r = 0.4448; Spearman’s rank correlation) and between the change in S-PA score and the change in FA-BHQ (r = 0.4645). Daily ingestion of CH changed brain structure and improved language cognitive function.

Artificial intelligence approaches to predicting and detecting cognitive decline in older adults: A conceptual review

Preserving cognition and mental capacity is critical to aging with autonomy. Early detection of pathological cognitive decline facilitates the greatest impact of restorative or preventative treatments. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare is the use of computational algorithms that mimic human cognitive functions to analyze complex medical data. AI technologies like machine learning (ML) support the integration of biological, psychological, and social factors when approaching diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of disease. This paper serves to acquaint clinicians and other stakeholders with the use, benefits, and limitations of AI for predicting, diagnosing, and classifying mild and major neurocognitive impairments, by providing a conceptual overview of this topic with emphasis on the features explored and AI techniques employed. We present studies that fell into six categories of features used for these purposes: (1) sociodemographics; (2) clinical and psychometric assessments; (3) neuroimaging and neurophysiology; (4) electronic health records and claims; (5) novel assessments (e.g., sensors for digital data); and (6) genomics/other omics. For each category we provide examples of AI approaches, including supervised and unsupervised ML, deep learning, and natural language processing. AI technology, still nascent in healthcare, has great potential to transform the way we diagnose and treat patients with neurocognitive disorders.

The effect of hyper-buoyancy floatation (HBF), a model of simulated microgravity, on sleep and cognitive function in humans

The effect of hyper-buoyancy floatation (HBF), a model of simulated microgravity, on sleep and cognitive function in humans

Microbiota impacts on chronic inflammation and metabolic syndrome - related cognitive dysfunction.

Cognitive dysfunction, one of the major concerns of increased life expectancy, is prevalent in patients with metabolic disorders. Added to the inflammation in the context of aging (inflammaging), low-grade chronic inflammation (metaflammation) accompanies metabolic diseases. Peripheral and central inflammation underlie metabolic syndrome - related cognitive dysfunction. The gut microbiota is increasingly recognized to be linked to both inflammaging and metaflammation in parallel to the pathophysiology of obesity, type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. Microbiota composition, diversity and diverse metabolites have been related to different metabolic features and cognitive traits. The study of different mouse models has contributed to identify characteristic microbiota profiles and shifts in the microbial gene richness in association with cognitive function. Diet, exercise and prebiotics, probiotics or symbiotics significantly influence cognition and changes in the microbiota. Few studies have analyzed the gut microbiota composition in association with cognitive function in humans. Impaired attention, mental flexibility and executive function have been observed in association with a microbiota ecosystem in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Nevertheless, the evidence in humans is still scarce and not causal relationships may be inferred, so larger and long-term studies are required to gain insight into the possible role of microbiota in human cognition.

Human-specific mutations in VMAT1 confer functional changes and multi-directional evolution in the regulation of monoamine circuits

BackgroundNeurochemicals like serotonin and dopamine play crucial roles in human cognitive and emotional functions. Vesicular monoamine transporter 1 (VMAT1) transports monoamine neurotransmitters, and its variant (136Thr) is associated with various psychopathological symptoms and reduced monoamine uptake relative to 136Ile. We previously showed that two human-specific amino acid substitutions (Glu130Gly and Asn136Thr/Ile) of VMAT1 were subject to positive natural selection. However, the potential functional alterations caused by these substitutions (Glu130Gly and Asn136Thr) remain unclear. To assess functional changes in VMAT1 from an evolutionary perspective, we reconstructed ancestral residues and examined the role of these substitutions in monoamine uptake in vitro using fluorescent false neurotransmitters (FFN), which are newly developed substances used to quantitatively assay VMATs.ResultsImmunoblotting confirmed that all the transfected YFP-VMAT1 variants are properly expressed in HEK293T cells at comparable levels, and no significant difference was seen in the density and the size of vesicles among them. Our fluorescent assays revealed a significant difference in FFN206 uptake among VMAT1 variants: 130Glu/136Asn, 130Glu/136Thr, and 130Gly/136Ile showed significantly higher levels of FFN206 uptake than 130Gly/136Asn and 130Gly/136Thr, indicating that both 130Glu and 136Ile led to increased neurotransmitter uptake, for which 136Thr and 136Asn were comparable by contrast.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that monoamine uptake by VMAT1 initially declined (from 130Glu/136Asn to 130Gly/136Thr) in human evolution, possibly resulting in higher susceptibility to the external environment of our ancestors.

Definitions: Machine learning, deep leerning and AI understanding

AbstractAim: AI is the use of algorithms and software to mimic human cognitive function. AI is the ability for computer algorithms to approximate conclusions without direct human input. A brief description of big data and the 4V’s of big data and its use in healthcare will be given during this lecture. This lecture aims to explain the basic definition in artificial intelligence techniques which have been found useful in the medial applications. The three categories of AI devices, mainly the classical machine learning techniques, the deep learning techniques and the natural language processing (NLP) methods will be reviewed.

The genome-wide risk alleles for psychiatric disorders at 3p21.1 show convergent effects on mRNA expression, cognitive function, and mushroom dendritic spine.

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (BPD) are believed to share clinical features, etiological factors, and disease pathologies (such as impaired cognitive functions and dendritic spine pathology). Meanwhile, there is growing evidence of shared genetic risk between schizophrenia and BPD, despite that our knowledge of the functional risk variations and biological mechanisms is still limited. Here, we conduct summary data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) analyses through combining the statistical data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of both schizophrenia and BPD and multiple expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) datasets of the human brain dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) tissues. These integrative investigations identify a lead risk locus at the chromosome 3p21.1 region, which contains numerous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in varied linkage disequilibrium (LD) and encompasses more than 20 genes. Further analyses suggest that many SNPs at 3p21.1 are significantly associated with both schizophrenia and BPD, and even depression, and the psychiatric risk alleles at 3p21.1 are correlated with mRNA expression of multiple genes such as NEK4, GNL3, and PBRM1. We also identify a 335-bp functional Alu polymorphism rs71052682 in significant LD with the psychiatric GWAS risk SNP rs2251219, and confirm the regulatory effects of this Alu polymorphism on transcription activities. We then explore the involvement of the 3p21.1 locus in the common clinical features and etiology of these illnesses. We reveal that psychiatric risk alleles at 3p21.1 in low-to-high LD consistently predict worse cognitive functions in humans, and manipulating the gene expression (NEK4, GNL3, and PBRM1) linked with higher genetic risk could reduce the density of mushroom dendritic spines in rat primary cortical neurons, mirroring the spine pathology in the prefrontal cortex of psychiatric patients. Our results find that, although the risk alleles at 3p21.1 are in low-to-moderate LD spanning a large genomic area, their underlying biological mechanisms in psychiatric disorders likely converge. These results provide essential insights into the neural mechanisms underlying the chromosome 3p21.1 risk locus in the shared pathological and etiological features of both schizophrenia and BPD.

Anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse and cognitive impairment: Testosterone IMPAIRS biconditional task performance in male rats

Our goal is to understand the consequences of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse on cognitive function, using rats as a model. There is relatively little research on how AAS abuse impacts cognition. In the present study, rats were tested for their ability to use contextual information to guide decision-making in biconditional discrimination. The Stroop task is a classic human test for contextual decision-making. In rodents, biconditional discrimination challenges subjects to use contextual cues in the operant chamber to resolve the correct lever response when auditory and visual cues are incongruent. The hypothesis is that chronic high-dose testosterone impairs biconditional discrimination. Rats were trained in 24 trials/day over 14 days, in alternating sessions with each environment. On a flat floor with houselight illuminated, auditory cues (clicker vs tone) signified the active lever. On a barred floor with no light, visual cues from 2 stimulus lights (constant vs blinking) identified the active lever. Rats treated chronically with testosterone (7.5 mg/kg) were unimpaired in task acquisition, and all rats learned to select the correct lever in response to auditory or visual cues. During extinction, controls made significantly more correct than incorrect responses in congruent trials (p < 0.05 by paired t-test), but testosterone-treated rats failed to show a similar preference. This was reflected by significant interactions of drug x cue agreement (F1,18 = 5.21, p < 0.05) and drug x cue agreement x response accuracy (F1,18 = 8.95, p < 0.05). These results suggest that testosterone impairs cognitive flexibility, and demonstrates potential for AAS abuse to impair cognitive function in humans.

Group representative brain connectivity model of episodic encoding using large fMRI dataset

Episodic memory is autobiographical memory crucial to human cognitive function. Brain connectivity modeling is an essential tool for describing brain function of interest. While a large body of research has focused on analyzing functional brain connectivity, most studies has focused on a connectivity of an individual. Brain connectivity studies are usually based on functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) which often involved many subjects. Only a few researches have focused on group level connectivity. We employ a framework called Tigramite to estimate causal interaction and model episodic memory connectivity on Human Connectome Project (HCP) BOLD data. Regions of interest are identified by performing fMRI univariate group subtraction analysis on working memory task-fMRI data using subsequent memory test paradigm. From each resulting individual connectivity graphs, we construct a group representative graph by performing median aggregation on each corresponding edges and nodes of each individual graphs. However, there is no established method to measure a quality of the group representative graph. So, we propose the use of Levenshtein distance as a measurement to validate the group representative graph if it represents general characteristics of each individual graphs in the population.

Applications of Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Fatigue, Sleep Deprivation, and Social Cognition.

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an optical diffusion technique that allows the non-invasive imaging of cortical activity. During the last two decades, rapid technical and methodological advances have made fNIRS a powerful tool to investigate the cerebral correlates of human performance and cognitive functions, including fatigue, sleep deprivation and social cognition. Despite intrinsic limitations such as restricted brain depth and spatial resolution, its applicability, low cost, ecological validity, and tolerance to movements make fNIRS advantageous for scientific research and clinical applications. It can be viewed as a valid and promising brain imaging approach to investigate applied societal problems (e.g., safety, children development, sport science) and complement other neuroimaging techniques. The intrinsic power of fNIRS measurements for the study of social cognition is magnified when applied to the hyperscanning paradigm (i.e., measuring activity in two or more brains simultaneously). Besides consolidating existing findings, future fNIRS research should focus on methodological advances (e.g., artefacts correction, connectivity approaches) and standardization of analysis pipelines, and expand currently used paradigms in more naturalistic but controlled settings.

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

Artificial intelligence is to reduce human cognitive functions. It is bringing an approach to healthcare, powdered by increasing the availability of healthcare data and rapid progress of analyst techniques. We can survey the current status of Artificial intelligence applications in healthcare and discuss its future uses. It is the most transformative technology of the 21th century. Healthcare has been identified as an early candidate to be revolutized by artificial intelligence technologies. This article aims for providing an early stage contribution with the decision making capacities of artificial intelligence technologies. The possible ethical and legally complex backdrop of the existing framework. I will conclude the present structures are largely fit to deal with the challenge of artificial intelligence are present will discuss clearly about the artificial intelligence contribution to the present health care. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning can assist with proactive patient care, reduced future risk and streamlined work processes.&#x0D; Keywords: Artificial intelligence, machine learning, clinical decision support.

Psychological distress as a risk factor for dementia after the 2004 Niigata–Chuetsu earthquake in Japan

BackgroundA large earthquake can cause extreme stress and may adversely affect cognitive function in humans. We aimed to examine a possible association between psychological distress and incident dementia after the 2004 Niigata-Chuetsu earthquake in Japan. MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study followed participants for 10–12 years. Subjects were 6,012 residents in 2005, 5,424 in 2006, and 5,687 in 2007 (age ≥40 years) living in Ojiya city who participated in the annual health check examinations after the 2004 Niigata-Chuetsu earthquake. Psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and individuals with a K10 score ≥10 were considered to have psychological distress. Incident dementia cases were identified from a long-term care insurance database of the local government during the follow-up period. We evaluated hazard ratios (HRs) of psychological distress for incident dementia in each year, unadjusted and adjusted for covariates, including sex, age, occupation, BMI, and property damage of residential area. ResultsThe average age of the subjects was 64.6 years in 2005, 64.6 in 2006, and 65.2 in 2007. Adjusted HRs were significantly higher (HR = 1.20–1.66) in the psychological distress group than in the reference group in each year. In particular, adjusted HR was high (HR = 2.89) in those with psychological distress in all three years (2005–2007). ConclusionPsychological distress, especially persistent distress, is a risk factor for incident dementia in victims of large disasters.