Improvements In Cognitive Abilities Research Articles

Intervention modalities for brain fog caused by long-COVID: systematic review of the literature.

Individuals suffering from long-COVID can present with "brain fog", which is characterized by a range of cognitive impairments, such as confusion, short-term memory loss, and difficulty concentrating. To date, several potential interventions for brain fog have been considered. Notably, no systematic review has comprehensively discussed the impact of each intervention type on brain fog symptoms. We included studies on adult (aged > 18years) individuals with proven long- COVID brain-fog symptoms from PubMed, MEDLINE, Central, Scopus, and Embase. A search limit was set for articles published between 01/2020 and 31/12/2023. We excluded studies lacking an objective assessment of brain fog symptoms and patients with preexisting neurological diseases that affected cognition before COVID-19 infection. This review provided relevant information from 17 studies. The rehabilitation studies utilized diverse approaches, leading to a range of outcomes in terms of the effectiveness of the interventions. Six studies described noninvasive brain stimulation, and all showed improvement in cognitive ability. Three studies described hyperbaric oxygen therapy, all of which showed improvements in cognitive assessment tests and brain perfusion. Two studies showed that the use of Palmitoylethanolamide and Luteolin (PEA-LUT) improved cognitive impairment. Noninvasive brain stimulation and hyperbaric oxygen therapy showed promising results in the treatment of brain fog symptoms caused by long-COVID, with improved perfusion and cortical excitability. Furthermore, both rehabilitation strategies and PEA-LUT administration have been associated with improvements in symptoms of brain fog. Future studies should explore combinations of interventions and include longer follow-up periods to assess the long-term effects of these treatments.

Effect of erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus supplementation on cognition: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study

Population aging has led to an increased interest in various dietary supplements in order to preserve cognitive function. The aim of our study was to examine the effects of Hericium erinaceus supplementation (HE) on cognitive function and serum levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Neuropeptide Y (NPY). An 8-week double-blind comparative study involved 33 subjects, randomly assigned to a HE group and a placebo (P) group. Anthropometric measurements and analyses of selected biochemical parameters were performed before and after the intervention. Simultaneously, faecal samples were collected to determine gut microbiota and chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1) levels. Cognitive function was assessed using two non-verbal speed tests. In the HE group, a significant improvement in cognitive ability was observed when the corresponding cognitive scores at baseline, CHI3L1 level, age, and gender were considered. Moreover, in the HE group there was a significant increase in gut microbiota diversity that was positively correlated to NPY levels. The mechanism that could help to explain the results on the relationship between the active ingredients of the H. erinaceus and the cognitive parameters could point to the CHI3L1 activity that may enhance bioavailability of the bioactive ingredients. Supplementing the diet with HE was recognised as a safe and well-tolerated intervention with a neurocognitive benefit.

Efektivitas Model STEAM Berbantuan Media Loose Parts untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Kognitif Anak Usia Dini

This research addresses the issue of the lack of ideal and enjoyable learning for early childhood, which can impact the underdeveloped and suboptimal cognitive abilities of children. The aim of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of using the STEAM model with the assistance of Loose Parts media in improving the cognitive abilities of early childhood. The research method employed is quasi-experimental, with the sampling technique involving all students from TK Pertiwi 08.03 Nalumsari classes B1 and B2. Data analysis involves descriptive analysis and an independent sample t-test. The results indicate that the STEAM model with the assistance of natural Loose Parts media has a positive impact on the cognitive abilities of early childhood. The experimental group, which received learning with this model, showed a significant improvement in cognitive abilities compared to the control group. The t-test statistic yielded a value of t = 15.555 > t-table = 2.030, indicating a significant difference between the two groups. Thus, it can be concluded that the STEAM model with the assistance of natural Loose Parts media is effective in improving the cognitive abilities of early childhood.

Evaluation of the cerebral vascular morphostructural in a model for Alzheimer’s disease after the intervention with physical exercise.

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the world. It is characterized by impaired memory, thinking, orientation, and learning, thus affecting the quality of life of people whosuffer from it. The two pathognomonic hallmarks are the neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, however, the vascular system is also affected, aggravating the symptoms of the disease, being a possible hypothesis of the development of the disease. One of the most widely used animal models to study disease mechanisms is the 3xTg‐AD triple transgenic mouse that contains three mutations associated with familial AD (PS1M146V, APPSWE, and tauP301L). Among the non‐pharmacological treatments is physical exercise, which is a variety of planned, repetitive, and dosed physical activity, proving to be safe as part of the adjuvant treatment of the disease, however, its effect on the vascular system is unknown.MethodA total of 40 ten‐month‐old female mice, 3xTg‐AD (n = 20) and NonTg (n = 20), equally divided into exercise and sedentary groups, were used. An intervention of voluntary physical exercise was carried out for 3 months with a frequency of 5 times a week. Subsequently, memory and learning were evaluated using the Barnes maze test. The vascular morphostructure by anatomical analysis through histological assays using markers for vascular basement membrane (anti‐Collagen IV) and pericytes (anti‐PDGFR‐β), in addition to amyloid deposits. No improvement in cognitive ability was observed, however, exercise promoted the recovery of the vascular system, as well as the reduction of amyloid deposits.ResultNo improvement in cognitive ability was observed, however, exercise promoted the recovery of the vascular system, as well as the reduction of amyloid deposits.ConclusionThe intervention with voluntary physical exercise promotes stability of the vascular system as well as the reduction of amyloid deposits in the symptomatic stages of the disease.

Improvement of cognitive skills in elderly undergoing vestibular rehabilitation

AbstractBackgroundstudies that used vestibular rehabilitation (VR) found improvement in cognitive abilities of spatial memory, visuospatial function, executive functions, attention and a decrease in psychological distress. However, these studies only used cognitive screening tests or did not include comprehensive neuropsychological assessment.Methodlongitudinal, observational, analytical and quasi‐experimental study. The sample consisted of 50 elderly people of both sexes, aged between 60 and 86 years. Elderly people with vestibular dysfunction confirmed by the Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) and Video Head Impulse Test (v‐HIT) tests were included. The Geriatric Depression Scale ‐ short version (GDS‐15) was used to assess psychological distress and cognition was assessed using the Brief Neuropsychological Battery (Neupsilin). Psychological distress and cognition were assessed before and after eight sessions of vestibular rehabilitation according to the Cawthorne and Cooksey method (customized). Pre and post VR variables were detected using the Wilcoxon test. A significance level of 5% was adopted (p< 0.05).Resultafter vestibular rehabilitation, there was improvement in general cognition ‐ Neupsilin (142/145) and its subscales orientation (8/8), attention (12/20), memory (24/26), arithmetic skills (5/7), oral language (20/21), written language (28/29), praxis (12/14.5), executive functions (5/6) and decrease in psychological distress ‐ GDS‐15 (5/3).Conclusionafter vestibular rehabilitation, the elderly showed improvement in general cognition, orientation skills, memory, arithmetic skills, oral and written language, praxis and executive functions. Also note the decrease in psychic suffering.

Feasibility of a novel neurofeedback system: a parallel randomized single-blinded pilot study

Neurocognitive assessment tools have been proposed to optimize, maintain, and improve perceptual-cognitive performance. Here, we investigated the feasibility and efficacy of a novel neurofeedback system, neuroMoon (nM), on cognitive abilities compared with one of the most popular perceptual-cognitive training (PCT) tools both in sports and rehabilitation called NeuroTracker (NT). Thirty-one young athletes performed a comprehensive battery of cognitive tests from the Vienna Test System before and after a 12-session computer-based cognitive training program using nM (n = 11, age 22.6 ± 3.8 years), nM sham (CON, n = 10, age 20.3 ± 1.2 years) or NT (n = 10, age 20.5 ± 1.7 years) device. A series of repeated-measures ANOVA was performed to detect changes in cognitive abilities in response to the training. Participants had faster median reaction time in both the color-naming and word-reading conditions of the Stroop test (all p < 0.005), regardless of group. Regarding the task switching test, statistical analysis indicated faster working time and mean reaction time of the incongruent stimuli, repetition task, and shifting task (all p < 0.005), nevertheless, these changes were also regardless of group. In addition, we found fewer omitted (pre: 17.5 ± 8.3, post: 6.4 ± 1.5, d = 1.311) and more correct (pre: 261.6 ± 36.1, post: 278.6 ± 38.7, d = − 1.020) post-intervention answers in the determination test, regardless of group. Finally, participants in each group performed the digit span backward test with larger post (6.42 ± 1.54) vs. pre (5.55 ± 1.43) scores following the PCT (d = − 0.801). Overall, PCT with nM as compared with NT induced similar results in cognitive abilities suggesting its potential to be used to achieve and maintain better mental performance. However, considering that the sham stimulation also induced similar improvements in cognitive abilities, future studies should clearly determine the cognitive measures that could benefit from NF training.

The Impact of Computer Games on Cognitive Performance in Pupils

This study investigated the effects of changing the computer game that adolescents play on their cognitive abilities, including concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills at a high level of thinking. The study included a group of 38 adolescents aged 12-13. The "source and imitation" game was employed to test concentration, the "Simon-flashing detection" game to assess memory, and mathematical tasks at an advanced level to evaluate problem-solving skills. The findings of the study indicate that children who played Fortnite for 15 minutes experienced a significant increase in their concentration levels by approximately 43.4 % and by 74 % in memory levels after engaging in a session of Solitaire. Furthermore, the study also examined high-order learning skills in solving mathematical questions, particularly focusing on analysis and mathematical insight. The findings suggest that the time required to solve mathematical problems after playing Fortnite decreased by 41.5 % after engaging in a session of Solitaire, indicating enhanced efficiency in solving higher-order problems. The results demonstrated a substantial improvement in cognitive abilities after playing a challenging computer game compared to a violent computer game. This suggests that engaging in thinking and challenging games significantly enhances the subjects' cognitive abilities. The increase in efficiency in solving higher-order mathematical problems may be attributed to the improvements in memory and concentration among children who played intellectually stimulating and challenging computer games. Therefore, it is recommended to reduce adolescents' exposure to violent computer games and increase their exposure to thinking and challenging games to create a balanced gaming experience.

Laminar pattern of adolescent development changes in working memory neuronal activity.

Adolescent development is characterized by an improvement in cognitive abilities, such as working memory. Neurophysiological recordings in a nonhuman primate model of adolescence have revealed changes in neural activity that mirror improvement in behavior, including higher firing rate during the delay intervals of working memory tasks. The laminar distribution of these changes is unknown. By some accounts, persistent activity is more pronounced in superficial layers, so we sought to determine whether changes are most pronounced there. We therefore analyzed neurophysiological recordings from the young and adult stage of male monkeys, at different cortical depths. Superficial layers exhibited an increased baseline firing rate in the adult stage. Unexpectedly, we also detected substantial increases in delay period activity in the middle layers after adolescence, which was confirmed even after excluding penetrations near sulci. Finally, improved discriminability around the saccade period was most evident in the deeper layers. These results reveal the laminar pattern of neural activity maturation that is associated with cognitive improvement.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Structural brain changes are evident during adolescent development particularly in the cortical thickness of the prefrontal cortex, at a time when working memory ability increases markedly. The depth distribution of neurophysiological changes during adolescence is not known. Here, we show that neurophysiological changes are not confined to superficial layers, which have most often been implicated in the maintenance of working memory. Contrary to expectations, substantial changes were evident in intermediate layers of the prefrontal cortex.

Cognitive Fitness of Post-Retirement Employees in Control Room Settings

The increasing number of post-retirement workers in the workforce has become a global trend due to efforts to extend the working period after retirement, which is implemented by many countries considering the rapid aging of their populations. While the presence of post-retirement workers can have positive impacts on personal, company, and government levels, they face challenges in interacting with equipment through interfaces that require heavy reliance on cognitive abilities. Cognitive abilities become more important than physical abilities in multitasking jobs that require a lot of interaction with technology, such as control room jobs. These jobs require a high level of attention, concentration, and decision-making ability, making them highly demanding and challenging. This study aims to determine how post-retirement workers meet job demands in the control room, based on identification of critical cognitive abilities. The method employed in this study is divided into two stages. The first stage involves identifying tasks in the control room based on Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) and identifying critical tasks using risk assessment and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). FGD was conducted on four different types of companies (telecommunication, broadcasting, process industry, and electrical power) that still employ retired workers in the control room jobs. The second stage involves measuring cognitive abilities in 116 individuals aged 56-60 years. The results of CTA indicate there are critical cognitive abilities in control room jobs, such as reasoning, attention, memory, and perception ability. According to the measurement, post-retirement workers (56 - 60 years old) had the problem of improving reasoning, attention, and perceptive ability, despite cognitive capacity measurements remaining in the medium range. In general, post-retirement workers have high memory abilities (above 500), while their abilities in recognition, perception, coordination, and attention are only at 200-400 (a medium level), indicating a decline in cognitive abilities for post-retirement workers. The high memory ability is positive for supporting work in complex systems, while improvement of cognitive abilities is needed for the declining cognitive aspects. Implication of this study were discuss to this paper to consider factors that affect critical cognitive abilities in post-retirement workers when recruiting and training them to work in the control room. &#x0D; &#x0D; Received: 7 May 2023 / Accepted: 28 July 2023 / Published: 5 September 2023

Stem Approach to Recognition of Fractions with Traditional Anglek

This research was conducted to find the easiest solution in mathematics lessons about fraction recognition. With STEM learning which is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, fractional material is integrated into it with traditional engklek (paying) media. Through a qualitative descriptive study with research subjects of 3rd-grade students at Tegalweru Public Elementary School, Dau District, totaling 23 people, the results were obtained by research: (1) development of design skills; (2) development of collaboration and communication skills; (3) improvement of cognitive abilities about fractions; (4) increasing obedience to rules; and (5) developing motor skills.&#x0D; Keywords: traditional games, Engklek, STEM, fraction

Non-pharmacological interventions for cognitive impairment in older adults with heart failure: A systematic review

BackgroundCognitive impairment is a prevalent issue among older adults with heart failure, and non-pharmacological approaches are recommended as the first line of treatment. However, it remains unclear which non-pharmacological interventions are the most effective for achieving optimal cognitive and physical outcomes. The aim of this study is to summarize the available evidence on the impact of non-pharmacological interventions for optimizing cognitive function in older adults with HF. MethodsA systematic research was carried out across multiple databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, and Wanfang Database up until May 2022. Randomized controlled trials that focused on non-pharmacological interventions for older adults with heart failure and cognitive impairment, and evaluated the impact on cognitive function were targeted. The risk bias of the selected articles was analyzed following the Cochrane handbook. Two independent reviewers were responsible for selecting the studies, extracting the data, and assessing their quality. The results were reported in a narrative format. ResultsA total of 11 studies, which involved 1,287 patients, were reviewed and showed an acceptable risk of bias. These studies evaluated various cognitive domains, including global cognition, delayed recall memory, working memory, and verbal memory. Non-pharmacological interventions that included cognitive intervention, cognitive training combined with exercise, exercise training, and self-care management, were shown to have a positive impact on cognitive function, physical performance, and depression levels in older adults with heart failure. One study explored the effects of electrical muscle stimulation therapy, but no significant improvement in cognitive abilities was observed. ConclusionThe available evidence for the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for cognitive impairment in older adults with heart failure is limited, and further research with formal outcome measures and longer follow-up periods is necessary to provide more informed recommendations.

Melanocortin receptor agonist NDP-α-MSH improves cognitive deficits and microgliosis but not amyloidosis in advanced stages of AD progression in 5XFAD and 3xTg mice.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent cause of dementia and still lacks effective therapy. Clinical signs of AD include low levels of endogenous melanocortins (MCs) and previous studies have shown that treatment with MC analogs induces neuroprotection in the early stages of AD. We investigated the neuroprotective role of MCs in two transgenic mouse models of severe AD using 5 and 7 month-old (mo) 5XFAD mice and 9 and 12 mo 3xTg mice. These mice were subjected to a chronic stimulation of MC receptors (MCRs) with MC analogue Nle4-D-Phe7-α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (NDP-α-MSH, 340 μg/kg, i.p.). Mouse behavior and ex-vivo histological and biochemical analyses were performed after 50 days of treatment. Our analysis demonstrated an improvement in cognitive abilities of AD mice at late stage of AD progression. We also showed that these protective effects are associated with decreased levels of hyperphosphorylated Tau but not with Aβ burden, that was unaffected in the hippocampus and in the cortex of AD mice. In addition, an age-dependent NDP effect on glial reactivity was observed only in 3xTg mice whereas a global downregulation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase was selectively observed in 7 mo 5XFAD and 14 mo 3xTg mice. Our results suggest that MCR stimulation by NDP-α-MSH could represent a promising therapeutic strategy in managing cognitive decline also at late stage of AD, whereas the effects on neuroinflammation may be restricted to specific stages of AD progression.

Effect of Early Yoga Practice on Post Stroke Cognitive Impairment.

Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a clinical entity that encompasses all types of cognitive impairment following an index stroke. Yoga has been proven to have a beneficial effect not only on cardiovascular risk factors but also on cognition. Hence, this study explored the PSCI spectrum and assessed the effect of yoga on PSCI. Forty stroke patients were enrolled in each yoga and control arm in this study. After the baseline assessment, control arm was administered standard care (including physiotherapy) while yoga arm received additional yoga intervention. Change in MoCA scores by 2 points in either direction, or FAB scale by 2 points at 6 months was taken as primary outcome, whereas improvement in MRS, CDPSS, CBS, and P300 values were considered as secondary outcomes. Significant improvements were observed in MoCA, FAB, MRS, CPDSS, and CBS scores in both groups after 6 months. However, intergroup comparisons revealed better MoCA (25.5, IQR 22-27) and FAB scores (15.5, IQR 14-17) in yoga group compared to controls (24, IQR20-25.75) and (14, IQR12-15.75). Equivalent improvement was observed in MRS and CBS scores in both groups at 6 months; however, CDPSS score was better in yoga group (p = 0.0008). Both P300 amplitudes and latencies improved in all patients and median P300 amplitudes were significantly better in control group; however, no difference could be appreciated in P300 latencies improvement on intergroup comparisons at follow-up. Study reveals that early yoga intervention in stroke survivors leads to better improvement in cognitive abilities which would further facilitate in early reduction of caregiver burden.

Research on the Basic Theory of Contemporary Pedagogy: From Background to Recent Advances

Research on the basic theory of contemporary pedagogy from background to recent advances is conducted in this paper. The cultural nature of pedagogy means the existence of cultural hegemony in pedagogy, and cultural colonization directly affects the way of speaking and academic trajectory of comparative education scholars. Pedagogical knowledge, as one of the human knowledge categories, has been accompanied by the development of human society, the improvement of cognitive ability and the three major transformations of human knowledge type. The three major transformations of human knowledge have presented different knowledge beliefs, structures and contents, and thus different knowledge forms and paradigms in various historical periods. and paradigms. Hence, this paper gives the novel suggestions regarding the related studies.

Neurovascular decoupling measured with quantitative susceptibility mapping is associated with cognitive decline in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Disturbance of neurovascular coupling (NVC) is suggested to be one potential mechanism in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) associated mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, NVC evidence derived from functional magnetic resonance imaging ignores the relationship of neuronal activity with vascular injury. Twenty-seven T2DM patients without MCI and thirty healthy controls were prospectively enrolled. Brain regions with changed susceptibility detected by quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) were used as seeds for functional connectivity (FC) analysis. NVC coefficients were estimated using combined degree centrality (DC) with susceptibility or cerebral blood flow (CBF). Partial correlations between neuroimaging indicators and cognitive decline were investigated. In T2DM group, higher susceptibility values in right hippocampal gyrus (R.PHG) were found and were negatively correlated with Naming Ability of Montreal Cognitive Assessment. FC increased remarkably between R.PHG and right middle temporal gyrus (R.MTG), right calcarine gyrus (R.CAL). Both NVC coefficients (DC-QSM and DC-CBF) reduced in R.PHG and increased in R.MTG and R.CAL. Both NVC coefficients in R.PHG and R.MTG increased with the improvement of cognitive ability, especially for executive function. These demonstrated that QSM and DC-QSM coefficients can be promising biomarkers for early evaluation of cognitive decline in T2DM patients and help to better understand the mechanism of NVC.

The Neuroprotective Effect of NEUROMIDE, a Compound Bioidentical to Commensal Bacteria Metabolites.

Simple SummaryN-Palmitoyl serinol is a commensal bacterial metabolite that acts as an endocannabinoid CB1 and GPR119 agonist. We investigated the potential of N-Palmitoyl serinol (NEUROIMIDE) to exert its neuroprotective effects via the gut–brain axis. NEUROMIDE improves cell survival and can reduce and even prevent scopolamine-induced memory impairments and passive avoidance disorder while increasing acetylcholine levels. These results suggest that the endocannabinoid system can act via the gut–brain axis.GPR119 is a novel cannabinoid receptor that is primarily expressed in the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract and has beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis exerted through the stimulation of GLP-1 secretion, as demonstrated in the rodent brain. GLP-1 also has important anti-inflammatory effects in chronic inflammatory diseases, including type 1 and 2 diabetes, asthma, psoriasis, and neurodegenerative disorders. Recently, there has been increasing interest in the effect of the gut microbiota on both the gut and the brain. However, few studies have examined how gut microbes affect brain health through the endocannabinoid system. NEUROMIDE is a compound that shares a bioidentical structure with certain commensal bacterial metabolites, acting as a CB1 and GPR119 agonist. In an in vitro system exposed to reactive oxygen species (ROS), pretreatment with NEUROMIDE resulted in a significant increase in cell viability. The ROS-exposed system also showed decreased acetylcholine and an increase in inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, changes that were counteracted in a dose-dependent manner in the NEUROMIDE treatment groups. To measure the effectiveness of NEUROMIDE in an in vivo system, we used scopolamine-treated mice as a neurodegenerative disease model and performed a series of passive avoidance tests to observe and quantify the cognitive impairment of the mice. Mice in the NEUROMIDE treatment group had increased latency time, thus indicating an improvement in their cognitive function. Furthermore, the NEUROMIDE treatment groups showed dose-dependent increases in acetylcholine along with decreases in TNF-α and IL-1β. These experiments demonstrate that NEUROMIDE can potentially be used for neuroprotection and the improvement of cognitive ability.

Longitudinal evidence for differential plasticity of cognitive functions: Mindfulness-based mental training enhances working memory, but not perceptual discrimination, response inhibition, and metacognition.

Recent decades have witnessed an increasing interest in effects of meditation-based interventions on the improvement of cognitive abilities, ranging from perceptual discrimination to metacognition. However, intervention studies face numerous conceptual and methodological challenges, and results are fairly inconsistent. In a large-scale 9-month mental training study, we investigated differential changes in different facets of cognitive functioning after training of three distinct types of mental training modules focusing on attention, socioemotional, and sociocognitive skills. We found enhanced working memory performance specifically after the mindfulness-based attention module, an effect that was positively related to training intensity, but not paralleled by reduced effects of encoding time, memory load, or proactive interference. By contrast, none of the training modules altered perceptual threshold, response inhibition, or metacognition. These findings provide benchmarks for effect-sizes in training-induced change and specify the most promising practice type as well as the underlying processes for improvements in working memory performance. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

How Nature Benefits Mental Health

Abstract. We present an overview of the evidence of how nature benefits mental health, popular theories used to explain the effects, and the development potential of these theories. A large body of evidence highlights the beneficial effects of nature on mental health, with observed outcomes ranging from alleviating the symptoms of psychiatric disorders to improvements in cognitive abilities. The theoretical backbone for these salutary effects of nature consists of a set of models, mainly the attention restoration theory (ART), the stress reduction theory (SRT), and the Biophilia hypothesis. However, these high-level models are only loosely related and lack a pronounced biopsychological basis. While biopsychological measurements have been used widely in recent years, these efforts have not sufficiently been reflected in theories aiming to explain the benefits of nature contact for mental health. This paper seeks to encourage interdisciplinary work and further theory development to guide both research and practice toward strategically green and healthy living conditions.

Con?icted Identities and Art Therapy: Practices and Case Studies in Kolozsvar/Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Introduction. Cluj-Napoca in Transylvania, Romania, has a historically multiethnic population who maintain their language-based cultural identities. In order to harmonize interethnic relations in our multicultural society, art-therapeutical methods depend on the need to establish a sensitive relationship between the cultural horizon of individuals, thus increasing self-confidence, tolerance, resilience.ObjectivesThe objectives are : to develop social skills, which facilitate the social and professional integration of children and adolescents belonging to ethnic groups living together, including those with disabilities.MethodsClinical art therapy have unfolded within interdisciplinary teams: a neuropsychiatry doctor, a psychologist, a pedagogue, a social worker, an art therapist– each one having a specialized role. A medical project was transformed into an artistic project: E xperimenting with complex relationships: shape of the human body – shape of man-made objects and the creation of personal shapes conduct to harmonize interethnic relations in a multicultural place.ResultsFocus on several objectives: - practicing the abilities to express one’s feelings - the consolidation of self-respect and of confidence - the training of empathy - the development of personal problem and conflict solving strategies -the breaking through the emotional blockages - the improvement of cognitive abilities -the release of tension, frustrations, anxieties, stress -the development of social skillsConclusionsBenefits arise from experiences based in artistic creativity: materializing ideas and coping with unexpected outcomes.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Human Dento-Facial Evolution: Cranial Capacity, Facial Expression, Language, Oral Complications and Diseases

Objectives: To review dento-facial evolution based on fossil data, comparative anatomy, developmental biology and genetics. Modern human evolution reveals profound insight into the technical and biological challenges faced by clinicians in daily practice of dentistry. Materials and Methods: An analysis and review of the literature is presented to further explain the evolutionary forces that have shaped hominins. Results: Modern human evolutionary morphological and biological adaptations allowed improvement of cognitive ability, facial expression, smile and language. However, the increased cranial capacity correlates inversely with a decrease in size of the maxillary and mandibular bones, weakening of the muscles and facial shortening, contributing to dento-facial complications. Moreover, the distinctive differences in origin and development of the dento-facial components have further contributed to these maladies. In addition, human lifestyle transition from nomadic to sedentary increased the incidence of oral diseases. Conclusions: Knowledge of human evolutionary patterns can improve the quality of response by clinicians to biological challenges. The limitations in current treatment modalities can be explained, in part, due to the complexity of the life forms that resulted from evolution. Although there are no rules to predict how evolutionary forces will shape modern humans, the evolution of the dento-facial complex reveals profound insight into our connection to other forms of life and nature.