Memory Performance Research Articles

Paired single-cell RNA sequencing and T cell receptor sequencing reveals both pro- and anti-inflammatory roles of T cells in patients with calcific aortic valve disease

Abstract Background Calcified aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a chronic unresolvable inflammatory disorder that affects 25% of adults over 65 years old, leading to aortic stenosis, heart failure, and death [1]. Since the molecular mechanisms of its pathogenesis are not well understood, therapies to treat root causes of the disease remain to be developed, with valve replacement as the major intervention strategy currently. Increasing evidence indicates that substantial T cells infiltrate in the aortic valve during calcification, and clonal expanded CD8+ T cells have been identified in the calcificed aortic valve by bulk T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire sequencing [2]. Purpose To decipher T cell heterogenity and understand the precise mechanisms of T cell subsets involving CAVD progression as a basis for novel therapeutic targets. Methods In Cohort 1, we collected aortic valves from CAVD (n=3) and healthy (n=2) patients for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). In Cohort 2, we performed paired scRNA-seq and TCR sequencing (scTCR-seq) on aortic valves obtained from CAVD (n=3) and healthy (n=3) patients to evaluate both gene expression and clonality. Pathway enrichment analysis and cell-cell interaction analysis elucidated the function of T cells in the calcificied valves. Immunohistochemistry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting were recruited to verify the key findings. Results scRNA-seq demonstrated a conversion from anti-inflammatory regulatory T (Treg) cells towards pro-inflammatory T helper 17 (Th17) cells in the calcificied aortic valve. Paired scRNA-seq and scTCR-seq revealed CAVD-related signaling pathways (osteoclast differentiation, NOD-like receptor signaling pathways, IL-17 signaling pathways) significantly upregulated in highly expanded CD8+ T cells in the calcified valve, with upregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators such as IFNG, CCL4 and CCL5, suggesting pro-inflammation functions in clonally expanded T cells. Moreover, we characterized tissue-resident memory T cells, which resembled similar transcriptome and TCR clonality as exhausted T cells in calcified valves. These cells up-regulated anti-inflammation-related transcriptomes but their cellular fraction decreased in calcified valves, implying anti-inflammatory functions of these tissue-resident memory and exhausted T cells. Conclusion This study elucidates transcriptomic and immune profiling of T cells in the calcified aortic valve, therefore shedding light on the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying aortic valve calcification from the novel perspective of tissue-specific T lymphocytes, providing promising targets for immune checkpoint-based therapeutic interventions.

Social-semantic knowledge in frontotemporal dementia and after anterior temporal lobe resection

Abstract Degraded semantic memory is a prominent feature of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). It is classically associated with semantic dementia and anterior temporal lobe (ATL) atrophy, but semantic knowledge can also be compromised in behavioural-variant FTD (bvFTD). Motivated by understanding behavioural change in FTD, recent research has focused selectively on social-semantic knowledge, with proposals that the right ATL is specialised for social concepts. Previous studies have assessed very different types of social concepts and have not compared performance to that on matched non-social concepts. Consequently, it remains unclear to what extent various social concepts are (i) concurrently impaired in FTD, (ii) distinct from general semantic memory and (iii) differentially supported by the left and right ATL. This study assessed multiple aspects of social-semantic knowledge and general conceptual knowledge across cohorts with ATL-damage arising from either neurodegeneration or resection. We assembled a test battery measuring knowledge of multiple types of social concept. Performance was compared to non-social general conceptual knowledge, measured using the Cambridge Semantic Memory Test Battery and other matched non-social-semantic tests. Our transdiagnostic approach included bvFTD, semantic dementia and “mixed” intermediate cases to capture the FTD clinical spectrum, as well as age-matched healthy controls. People with unilateral left or right ATL resection for temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) were also recruited to assess how selective damage to the left or right ATL impacts social- and non-social-semantic knowledge. Social- and non-social-semantic deficits were severe and highly correlated in FTD. Much milder impairments were found after unilateral ATL resection, with no left vs. right differences in social-semantic knowledge or general semantic processing, and with only naming showing a greater deficit following left vs. right damage. A principal component analysis of all behavioural measures in the FTD cohort extracted three components, interpreted as capturing: (1) FTD severity, (2) semantic memory and (3) executive function. Social and non-social measures both loaded heavily on the same semantic memory component, and scores on this factor were uniquely associated with bilateral ATL grey matter volume but not with the degree of ATL asymmetry. Together, these findings demonstrate that both social- and non-social-semantic knowledge degrade in FTD (semantic dementia and bvFTD) following bilateral ATL atrophy. We propose that social-semantic knowledge is part of a broader conceptual system underpinned by a bilaterally-implemented, functionally-unitary semantic hub in the ATLs. Our results also highlight the value of a transdiagnostic approach for investigating the neuroanatomical underpinnings of cognitive deficits in FTD.

Multidomain cognitive improvement in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Abstract Background Cognitive impairment is prevalent in one third of patients with symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis scheduled for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). How TAVI affects cognitive functioning in these patients remains unknown. Purpose The CAPITA study (CArdiac outPut, cerebral blood flow and cognition In patients with severe aortic valve stenosis undergoing Transcatheter Aortic valve implantation) assessed the effects of TAVI on cerebral lesions and cognitive functioning. Methods CAPITA is a prospective study of cerebral and cognitive outcomes in 148 patients undergoing TAVI. One day before and three months after TAVI, patients underwent a standardized multidomain neuropsychological assessment, and simultaneous brain magnetic resonance imaging. The primary outcome was change in global cognitive functioning as measured with z-scores. Also, we assessed the cognitive subdomains of attention/psychomotor speed, memory, language, and executive functioning. Z-scores for each cognitive domain were constructed as: (test score - mean baseline score) / standard deviation. Global cognitive function was calculated as the mean from the four domain scores. Results Mean age was 80.5±5.7 years, 43% was female and median STS-PROM (Society for Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk for 30-day Mortality) was 2.0% (IQR 1.4%-2.9%). MoCA scores improved from 23.3±3.7 to 24.4±3.3, (p<0.001) and MMSE scores from 26.4±2.6 to 26.9±2.4 (p=0.01). There was an overall increase in global cognitive z-scores (0.02±0.52 to 0.15±0.48, p<0.001). Cognitive domains of memory (0.03±0.77 to 0.18±0.80, p=0.003) and language (-0.07±1.07 to 0.20±0.80, p=0.02) significantly improved, whereas executive function (0.01±0.70 to 0.06±0.76, p=0.42) and attention (0.10±0.69 to 0.17±0.69, p=0.06) did not significantly change. Quality of life on the visual analogue scale improved from 66.4±15.9 to 72.9±12.8, (p<0.001). Patients in the lowest tertile of baseline cognitive functioning (i.e., those with worst baseline cognitive functioning), had the largest increase in cognitive functioning, compared with patients in the intermediate or highest tertile of baseline cognitive functioning (0.30±0.55 vs 0.09±0.27 vs 0.01±0.16, p=0.002). Patients with >0.5 SD decline in cognitive functioning (12%), had a higher volume of new white matter hyperintensities on follow-up MRI than patients with stable or improved cognitive functioning (1.26±2.96, vs 0.29±0.45 vs 0.31±0.91 mL, p=0.06). Conclusions In 148 patients who underwent TAVI, there was an overall improvement in cognitive functioning at three months follow-up. This improvement was consistent through different cognitive domains and most prominent in patient with lowest baseline cognitive functioning.Change in cognitive functionin

Examining the Measurement Equivalence of Alzheimer Disease Research Centers' Neuropsychological Test Battery (Version 3) Between Singapore and US Samples.

Standardization of neuropsychological tests is crucial for consistency in cognitive assessment, as well as for validity and comparability of results across different populations. We examined the applicability and measurement equivalence of the Alzheimer Disease Research Centers' Neuropsychological Test Battery (version 3) (ADRC-NTB3) in Singapore. The ADRC-NTB3 was administered to 978 older persons with normal cognition in Singapore. To provide comparison between Singapore and US samples, a US sample with similar profile was retrieved from the National Alzheimer Coordinating Center (NACC) database. Scores were compared with 1853 participants with similar profile from the United States. Score-difference between the populations was computed using multiple linear regression (adjusted for covariates), with equivalent score considered present when 90% CI of the score-difference fell within the predefined margin of equivalence. Tasks assessing for memory, processing speed, and executive functioning showed equivalence in scores between US and Singapore samples (adjusted-score difference=-0.94 to 0.09). Singapore sample performed marginally better on the visuospatial task (adjusted-score difference=0.50), but poorer on the language task (adjusted-score difference=-3.22). Nonequivalence of visuospatial and language tasks, which may increase potential misinterpretation of cognitive profiles and misdiagnosis, are related to educational and cultural differences. This highlights the need for different normative data for more accurate diagnostic accuracy as well as research priorities.

Lifestyle factors associated with episodic memory in middle-aged and older adults: evidence from a 9-year longitudinal study

BackgroundEpisodic memory naturally deteriorates with age, and its deficits are widely recognized as the most significant feature and the most sensitive indicator of cognitive decline. It has been suggested that adopting a healthy lifestyle can play a protective role in preserving episodic memory. This study aimed to systematically examine the relationship between lifestyle factors (social activities, leisure activities, physical activities, internet use, smoking, alcohol drinking, and sleep quality) and episodic memory in middle-aged and older adults.MethodsThe current study included 10,392 participants from the Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey. A linear mixed model was used to explore the associations between lifestyle factors and episodic memory performance and the age- and sex-specific effects of the association.ResultsLow-frequency alcohol drinking, higher engagement in social, leisure, and physical activities, increased internet use, and improved sleep quality were associated with better episodic memory performance in middle-aged and older adults. Stratified analyses demonstrated that internet use significantly correlated with episodic memory performance in middle-aged adults but not in older adults. On the other hand, sleep quality showed a significant association with episodic memory performance in women but not in men.ConclusionsThis study highlights the association between various lifestyle factors and episodic memory performance, with variations observed based on age and sex. Adopting healthy lifestyle factors can have positive effects on episodic memory in middle-aged adults, emphasizing the importance of adhering to healthy lifestyles from middle age onwards to counteract episodic memory decline.

A VOx based optoelectronic memristor for application in visual perception

Abstract While biological vision systems excel at in-memory processing with low power consumption, traditional silicon-based vision chips struggle with high energy demands. This gap motivates the exploration of alternative materials for artificial intelligence applications. This paper presents a VOx-based optoelectronic synaptic memristive device. The proposed artificial synaptic device ITO/VOx /Pt mimics biological functions such as potentiation (P), depression (D), long-term memory (LTM), short-term memory (STM), and paired-pulse facilitation (PPF). The PPF index, standing at 105%, suggests a favorable pattern in short-term memory function. The device served as synapses within a spiking neural network (SNN) showing an achievable pattern classification accuracy of 88.68%, highlighting the potential of the VOx synaptic device for pattern classification tasks. The proposed VOx-based synaptic devices could be a promising platform for efficient pattern recognition and visual perception applications.

Challenges for Family Caregivers of Persons With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Qualitative Longitudinal Study.

Family caregivers of persons with mild cognitive impairment attempt to understand the behavioural and functional changes exhibited by their relative. However, how caregivers respond to initial changes and changes over time has not been explored. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experience of family caregivers responding to changes in their relative's memory, behaviours, and physical functions over 2 years. Eleven family caregivers of a relative with mild cognitive impairment were purposively recruited from neurological clinics in Taiwan. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted within 6-months of referral; three follow-ups were conducted at 6-month intervals. Content analysis of 41 transcribed audio-recorded interviews revealed the longitudinal changes in their relative with cognitive impairment was made caregiving challenging. Three themes described the challenges: (1) Changes related to their relative's cognitive impairment, which included increases in mood fluctuations, erratic behaviours, and reductions in physical abilities; (2) changes in their relative's comorbidities, which included adapting to new symptoms and treatments for a chronic disease, monitoring medication adherence and drug interactions; and (3) changes in caregiver burden, which increased levels of stress, uncertainty, and anxiety resulting in greater role strain. Caregiving became more challenging with time, especially caregivers whose relative developed dementia during the study period. These findings offer insight into the trajectory of the experience of family caregivers attempting to understand changes in cognition, behaviours, and physical functions for their relative with mild cognitive impairment over 2 years, which could help mental healthcare providers develop support services to reduce caregiver role strain.

Comparative analysis of the impact of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and burst transcranial magnetic stimulation at different frequencies on memory function and neuronal excitability of mice

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a non-invasive neuroregulatory technique has been applied in the clinical treatment of neurological and psychiatric diseases. However, the stimulation effects and neural regulatory mechanisms of TMS with different frequencies and modes are not yet clear. This article explores the effects of different frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (bTMS) on memory function and neuronal excitability in mice from the perspective of neuroelectrophysiology. In this experiment, 42 Kunming mice aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into pseudo stimulation group and stimulation groups. The stimulation group included rTMS stimulation groups with different frequencies (1, 5, 10 Hz), and bTMS stimulation groups with different frequencies (1, 5, 10 Hz). Among them, the stimulation group received continuous stimulation for 14 days. After the stimulation, the mice underwent new object recognition and platform jumping experiment to test their memory ability. Subsequently, brain slice patch clamp experiment was conducted to analyze the excitability of granulosa cells in the dentate gyrus (DG) of mice. The results showed that compared with the pseudo stimulation group, high-frequency (5, 10 Hz) rTMS and bTMS could improve the memory ability and neuronal excitability of mice, while low-frequency (1 Hz) rTMS and bTMS have no significant effect. For the two stimulation modes at the same frequency, their effects on memory function and neuronal excitability of mice have no significant difference. The results of this study suggest that high-frequency TMS can improve memory function in mice by increasing the excitability of hippocampal DG granule neurons. This article provides experimental and theoretical basis for the mechanism research and clinical application of TMS in improving cognitive function.

Inflammatory Cytokines and Cognition in Alzheimer's Disease and Its Prodrome.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between blood levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and cognitive impairments among elderly individuals. Peripheral concentration of TNF-α and IL-6 were measured in all subjects. To assess individual cognitive function, the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (CERAD-NP) was used, and standardized scores (z-scores) were calculated for each test. Cytokine levels were compared between the diagnostic groups, and correlations between blood inflammatory factor levels and z-scores were analyzed. The 37 participants included 8 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), 15 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 14 cognitively healthy controls. TNF-α and IL-6 levels were higher in patients with AD than in healthy controls. TNF-α levels were higher in the AD group than in the MCI group. However, after adjusting for age, the associations between diagnosis and TNF-α and IL-6 were not significant. The higher the plasma IL-6 level, the lower the z-scores on the Boston Naming Test, Word List Learning, Word List Recognition, and Constructional Recall. The higher the serum TNF-α level, the lower the z-scores on the Word List Learning and Constructional Recall. Negative correlation between serum TNF-α level and the z-score on Word List Learning remained significant when age was adjusted. The difference in the blood levels of TNF-α and IL-6 between the diagnostic groups may be associated with aging. However, elevated TNF-α levels were associated with worse immediate memory performance, even after adjusting for age.

Subjective memory complaints and the effect of a multidomain lifestyle intervention on cognition - the FINGER trial.

Older people reporting subjective memory complaints (SMCs) may have greater risk of cognitive decline. Multidomain lifestyle interventions are a promising strategy for the prevention of cognitive decline. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of SMCs affects the efficacy of a 2-year multidomain lifestyle intervention on cognition. This study is part of the Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) project. Participants (a sub-sample of 568 individuals, baseline age 60 to 77 years) were randomized (1:1) to receive a 2-year multidomain lifestyle intervention group including dietary advice, exercise, cognitive training, and vascular risk management, or regular health advice control group. Cognitive performance was assessed at baseline and at 1- and 2-year visits, using a neuropsychological test battery, including tests assessing memory, executive functions, and processing speed. Participants rated the frequency of SMCs using the Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire. Having more retrospective SMCs was linked to a less favorable cognitive trajectory over 2 years. The difference between the intervention and control groups in annual change in tested memory performance was 0.077 (95 % CI 0.008-0.146) among those reporting more retrospective SMCs and -0.011 (-0.074-0.053) among those with less SMCs; interaction effect p=0.019. No other interactions between SMCs and intervention allocation were observed. A lifestyle intervention may be beneficial for older adults with and without SMCs. Persons having more retrospective SMCs may benefit more from the intervention regarding memory functioning.

Enhanced performance of flexible BiFeO3 ferroelectric memory with Mica substrate via SrTiO3 buffer layer

BiFeO3 (BFO) application in flexible wearable devices is garnering interest because of its unique ferroelectric and magnetic properties. However, the integration of high-quality BFO films onto flexible substrates presents significant technical challenges. Here, we successfully fabricated high-quality BFO films on mica substrates by using pulsed laser deposition, and report the fatigue characteristics of BFO films on flexible substrates for the first time. The results demonstrated that, after 108 bipolar switching cycles, the polarization only degraded by 0.28%, indicating superior fatigue characteristics compared to previously reported BFO films. Additionally, the device ferroelectric properties remained largely unchanged, with a bending radius of 3.5 mm. The fabricated flexible Pt/BFO/La0.65Sr0.35MnO3(LSMO)/SrTiO3(STO)/mica non-volatile memory devices exhibited mechanical flexibility and fatigue resistance. These findings not only highlight the potential of flexible BFO films for wearable electronic devices and flexible memory devices, they also provide valuable insight for the future development of high-performance flexible ferroelectric materials.

Functional diversities within neurons and astrocytes in the adult rat auditory cortex revealed by single-nucleus RNA sequencing

The mammalian cerebral cortex is composed of a rich diversity of cell types. Sensory cortical cells are organized into networks that rely on their functional diversity to ultimately carry out a variety of sophisticated cognitive functions for perception, learning, and memory. The auditory cortex (AC) has been most extensively studied for its experience-dependent effects, including for perceptual learning and associative memory. Here, we used single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) in the AC of the adult rat to investigate the breadth of transcriptionally diverse cell types that likely support the role of AC in experience-dependent functions. A variety of unique excitatory and inhibitory neuron subtypes were identified that harbor unique transcriptional profiles of genes with putative relevance for the adaptive neuroplasticity of cortical microcircuits. In addition, we report for the first time a diversity of astrocytes in AC that may represent functionally unique subtypes, including those that could integrate experience-dependent adult neuroplasticity at cortical synapses. Together, these results pave the way for building models of how cortical neurons work in concert with astrocytes to fulfill dynamic and experience-dependent cognitive functions.

A Comparative Analysis of Neurocognitive Function in Community- and Hospital-Based Patients With Schizophrenia.

The study compared differences in various neurocognitive characteristics across treatment modalities among schizophrenia patients recruited in one city between July 2020 and June 2023 who were on regular medication. Of the 151 participants, 113 were included in the analysis. Participants were divided into community-based and hospital-based groups, and their demographics and clinical characteristics, including insight, quality of life, positive and negative symptoms, and personal and social functioning, were examined. In addition, several aspects of cognition were assessed using neurocognitive assessments such as the Trail Making Test (TMT), Stroop test, and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). After adjusting for age differences between groups, the final analysis included data from 42 participants in the community-based group and 33 participants in the hospital-based group. Hospital-based group participants completed Stroop-W more rapidly, excelled in Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test recall and recognition, and incurred fewer TMT Part B (TMT-B) and Stroop-C errors. Additionally, they outperformed in WCST total, non-persistent errors, and categories completed. Contrastingly, community-based group participants showed superior outcomes in WCST persistent responses and errors, suggesting specific neurocognitive strengths. We found differences in neurocognitive characteristics between the two groups. These differences were consistent across a range of cognitive domains, including attention, visual discrimination, memory, and executive functioning. Further large-scale study is needed to generalize cognitive characteristics across treatment modalities.

The role of variable retrieval in effective learning

Current research on memory indicates that learning is most effective when it involves spaced retrieval practice of study materials. Here, we investigated whether the benefits of both retrieval practice and spacing can be further boosted when variability is introduced across practice sessions. Across six experiments, participants learned translations of foreign vocabulary, with foreign words embedded in contextual sentences hinting at the meaning of these words. These sentences were then either kept constant or varied from one learning cycle to another. Whenever repeated practice took the form of retrieval from long-term memory with contextual sentences serving as cues (with or without feedback after retrieval attempts), variable sentences led to better learning of the meanings of the embedded foreign words than constant sentences. The benefits of variable retrieval were observed both immediately after study and after a 24-h delay, and they were larger when retrieval practice was spaced rather than massed. However, these benefits were not appreciated by the learners who judged learning to be more effective with constant rather than variable cues. This metacognitive illusion, misaligning the effectiveness of learning and its appraisal by learners, was confirmed in the seventh experiment which focused on learning lecture content. Thus, while spaced retrieval practice employing variable cues clearly produces robust benefits for memory performance, such benefits may be severely underappreciated by the learners.

Cognitive Impairments Related to COMT and Neuregulin 1 Phenotypes as Transdiagnostic Markers in Schizophrenia Spectrum Patients

Background: Research on the interaction between antipsychotic treatment and cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) is extensive, yet the role of genetic polymorphisms in catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and neuregulin 1 (NRG1) remains underexplored. Methods: This study evaluates the impact of COMT (rs4680) and NRG1 (rs3924999 and rs35753505) polymorphisms on cognitive functions in SSD patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted with fifty-four patients, assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the CNS Vital Signs battery. Results: Significant cognitive function differences were observed across SSD diagnostic categories (p < 0.001). The NRG1 rs35753505 TT genotype was significantly associated with better verbal memory performance compared to the CC genotype (p = 0.03), while no significant differences were observed for other genotypes. The NRG1 rs3924999 AA genotype showed superior reasoning performance compared to AG and GG genotypes (p = 0.01), with AG and GG associated with lower scores (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). Additionally, the COMT Val158Met genotype significantly influenced processing speed, with patients at the first episode of psychosis showing higher scores than chronic patients (p = 0.01). Conclusions: These findings suggest that NRG1 and COMT polymorphisms may influence cognitive domains in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, potentially informing personalized treatment and cognitive rehabilitation strategies.

Digital Storytelling for People With Cognitive Impairment Using Available Mobile Apps: Systematic Search in App Stores and Content Analysis.

Growing evidence suggests cognitive and social health benefits can be derived from digital storytelling for older adults with cognitive impairment. Digital storytelling apps offer the potential to serve as an on-demand, easy-to-access platform for enhancing cognitive abilities and promoting social well-being. Yet, despite the increasing quantity of such apps being available on the market, there is a gap in research investigating their quality. This app review aims to assess the digital storytelling apps available in the Chinese market and evaluate them in accordance with the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). The goal was to identify key features and evaluate the overall quality in the context of cognitively impaired users. A systematic search was conducted in both the Google Play store (Google LLC) and iTunes store (Apple Inc), using English and Chinese keywords. Apps were chosen according to specific criteria that included features, including (but not limited to) memory capture, story saving, cue-based reminiscing, and the ability to share stories or memories with others. The MARS was used by 3 individual researchers to independently assess app quality across several domains, such as engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information quality, for both Android and iOS apps. From an initial screening of 297 apps, only 9 (3%) met the criteria for detailed evaluation using MARS. The reviewed apps featured capture memory, save, reminisce, and share functions, which are critical in supporting cognitive functions and enhancing user engagement. The analysis revealed patterns in platform diversity and geographical distribution of developers, with apps available on both iOS and Android. Memoirs of Life and Memorize: Diaries, Memories, Notes, Ideas, Timelines, Categories (Fair Apps Mobile) had the highest mean MARS scores of 3.35, indicating strong engagement, functionality, and information quality, while the lowest score was 2.33. The overall mean score across all apps was only 3.03 (SD 0.60), highlighting significant variation, particularly in information quality. User feedback also showed considerable variability, ranging from 0 comments for apps such as Grand Storyteller (VarIT Inc) and PWI Storyteller (Project World Impact, LLC) to as many as 5361 comments for FamilySearch, which received extensive positive reviews. This wide range of user feedback underscores the importance of continuous improvement and user-centered design, particularly in enhancing information quality and content accuracy. The systematic search and evaluation highlight the diverse capabilities yet variable quality of digital storytelling apps available within the Chinese market, reflecting user experiences, satisfaction levels, and efficacy in supporting cognitively impaired users. While some apps excel in engagement and functionality, others need significant improvements in information quality and user interface design to better serve those with cognitive impairments. Future research is recommended to investigate regional limitations and features that would result in more inclusive and effective digital storytelling apps.

Study While You Sleep: Using Targeted Memory Reactivation as an Independent Research Project for Undergraduates.

Newly acquired information is stabilized into long-term memory through the process of consolidation. Memories are not static; rather, they are constantly updated via reactivation, and this reactivation occurs preferentially during Slow-Wave Sleep (SWS, also referred to as N3 in humans). Here we present a scalable neuroscience research investigation of memory reactivation using low-cost electroencephalogram (EEG) recording hardware and open-source software, for students and educators across the K-12 and higher education spectrum. The investigation uses a method called targeted memory reactivation (TMR), whereby auditory cues that were previously associated with learning are re-presented during sleep, triggering the recall of stored memories and (through this) strengthening these memories. We demonstrated the efficacy of this technique on seven healthy human subjects (ages 19-35). The subjects learned to play a spatial memory game on an app where they associated pictures (e.g., a clock) with locations on a grid while they listened to picture-appropriate sounds (e.g., "tic-toc"); next, they took a nap while undergoing EEG recordings. During SWS, half of the sounds from the game were replayed by the app, while half were substituted with non-learned sounds. Subjects then played the memory game again after waking. Results showed that spatial recall was improved more for cued than uncued memories, demonstrating the benefits of memory replay during sleep and suggesting that one may intervene in this process to boost recall of specific memories. This research investigation takes advantage of the importance of sleep for memory consolidation and demonstrates improved memory performance by cueing sounds during SWS.

Dynamic Analysis and FPGA Implementation of Fractional-Order Hopfield Networks with Memristive Synapse

Memristors have become important components in artificial synapses due to their ability to emulate the information transmission and memory functions of biological synapses. Unlike their biological counterparts, which adjust synaptic weights, memristor-based artificial synapses operate by altering conductance or resistance, making them useful for enhancing the processing capacity and storage capabilities of neural networks. When integrated into systems like Hopfield neural networks, memristors enable the study of complex dynamic behaviors, such as chaos and multistability. Moreover, fractional calculus is significant for their ability to model memory effects, enabling more accurate simulations of complex systems. Fractional-order Hopfield networks, in particular, exhibit chaotic and multistable behaviors not found in integer-order models. By combining memristors with fractional-order Hopfield neural networks, these systems offer the possibility of investigating different dynamic phenomena in artificial neural networks. This study investigates the dynamical behavior of a fractional-order Hopfield neural network (HNN) incorporating a memristor with a piecewise segment function in one of its synapses, highlighting the impact of fractional-order derivatives and memristive synapses on the stability, robustness, and dynamic complexity of the system. Using a network of four neurons as a case study, it is demonstrated that the memristive fractional-order HNN exhibits multistability, coexisting chaotic attractors, and coexisting limit cycles. Through spectral entropy analysis, the regions in the initial condition space that display varying degrees of complexity are mapped, highlighting those areas where the chaotic series approach a pseudo-random sequence of numbers. Finally, the proposed fractional-order memristive HNN is implemented on a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), demonstrating the feasibility of real-time hardware realization.

Cross-cultural linguistic adaptation and development of three alternate forms of the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test to the Brazilian context: The role of word familiarity

In spite of its importance, studies presenting detailed development procedures of alternate forms of verbal memory paradigms remains limited and unclear in terms of word selection criteria, while failing to consider word familiarity factors, despite its crucial role on episodic memory retrieval and encoding mechanisms. The present study aims to present the cross-cultural linguistic adaptation and development procedures of alternate forms of the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test to the Brazilian context (FCSRT) based on word familiarity. After translation and backtranslation procedures, 231 new words were gathered and underwent a step-by-step familiarity analysis. Initially, overall familiarity feel of each word was assessed through the Familiarity Form (FF) during phase 1, and exposure frequency to words were later assessed through the Familiarity Questionnaire (FQ) completed by healthy controls during phase 2 with the remaining words considered ambiguous in terms of familiarity. Three alternate forms of the FCRST were then developed and assessed in terms of familiarity by the FQ during phase 3, and later administered in healthy control groups during phase 4. Repeated measures analysis revealed no significant differences in terms of familiarity and memory performance among the developed forms. Limitations are discussed, and recommendations are offered for future studies.

Cognition in Schizophrenia: Exploring the Dynamics of Improvement and the Influencing Determinants

Background: Cognitive impairments are fundamental characteristics of schizophrenia, significantly impacting the overall functioning of individuals with the disorder. However, the trajectory of cognitive deficits and the factors influencing their changes over the course of treatment remain poorly understood. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the changes in cognitive status of patients with schizophrenia and the factors that influence these changes following hospitalization and treatment. Methods: The study utilized a longitudinal design, enrolling thirty hospitalized patients (15 males and 15 females) from the psychiatric inpatient unit of a general educational hospital. Cognitive assessments were conducted upon admission and discharge. A Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) model was used to analyze the data, accounting for demographic and clinical variables such as age, gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), family history, and smoking status. Results: The findings revealed a reduction in cognitive deficits following hospitalization and treatment. Significant improvements were observed in verbal memory, working memory, and executive function. However, older patients showed poorer performance in motor speed, verbal fluency, and symbol coding compared to younger patients. Male patients and smokers demonstrated lower cognitive functioning, particularly in verbal fluency, symbol coding, and executive function. Conclusions: This study highlighted the positive effect of comprehensive inpatient treatment on reducing cognitive impairments in individuals with schizophrenia. While improvements were noted in several cognitive domains, the persistence of certain deficits, particularly in relation to demographic factors (age, gender, and smoking status), underscores the need for further research and tailored cognitive rehabilitation interventions. A personalized, multidimensional approach to managing cognitive deficits in schizophrenia could lead to better functional outcomes and enhance the quality of life for affected individuals.