Span Test Research Articles

The Role of Hearing Aids in Improving Dual-Task Gait Performance in Older Adults With Presbycusis: A Cognitive and Motor Analysis.

Cognitive decline is a common challenge faced by older individuals with presbycusis; their performance on dual-task (DT) activities is generally lower compared to those without hearing loss. However, the influence of hearing aids on nonauditory cognitive decline in this population remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the effect of hearing aids on nonauditory DT performance in older adults with presbycusis. This study included older people with presbycusis who used hearing aids (P&HA group), those with presbycusis who did not use hearing aids (PoHA group), and a control group of healthy adults. Forward and backward digit span tests and timed up and go test (TUG) were administered to all individuals. TUG and motor and cognitive (forward and backward digit span) tasks were applied simultaneously to evaluate the participants' DT performance. The study comprised 60 individuals with presbycusis (19 females, 41 males; mean age: 73.23±6.49years) and 30 healthy adults (15 females, 15 males; mean age: 35.93±8.57years). Healthy adults performed better than the P&HA and PoHA groups in all the administered tests (p<0.05). There was a moderate negative relationship between the severity of hearing loss and the forward and backward digit span test performances (p<0.05). The P&HA group performed better than the PoHA group on the DT cognitive forward and backward digit span tests. The use of hearing aids and their proper fitting are important not only for improving communication skills and reducing listening effort but also for supporting nonauditory cognitive functions, minimizing the risk of falls during DT activities, and enhancing the overall quality of life.

Comparative effects of cognitive and instability resistance training versus instability resistance training on balance and cognition in elderly women

This study investigates the effects of integrated instability resistance training and cognitive training (IRCT) versus isolated instability resistance training (IRT) on balance, gait, muscle strength, and cognitive functions in elderly women.This randomized controlled trial included 36 participants, with 18 in the IRCT group and 18 in the IRT group. The sample size was estimated to achieve a statistical power of 0.95 with a large effect size (0.40; n = 12 each group). The closed-eye single-leg stand test was measured for static balance, the closed-eye stepping test, and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) were measured for dynamic balance. Dual-task balance was assessed by combining the TUGT with cognitive tasks (TUGT-C) and motor tasks (TUGT-M). Gait performance was evaluated using a gait function system. Lower limb muscle strength was measured with the 30-Second Chair Stand Test. Cognitive function was assessed through the Trail Making Test (TMT), Digit Span Test (DST), Stroop Color and Word Test (Stroop), and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Results IRCT group showed better improvements in both cognitive (p < 0.001) and motor (p = 0.812 for baseline; p < 0.001 for post-intervention) dual-task abilities, IRCT also experienced better enhancement in certain cognitive functions, particularly in the TMT (p = 0.001) and DSST (p = 0.022) compared to the IRT group. Both groups demonstrated enhancements in walking abilities as shown on selective markers of the gait performance test (p < 0.05) and leg muscle strength via 30-Second Chair (p < 0.001 for time main effect). These results suggest that combining cognitive exercises with physical training more effectively addresses the complex challenges associated with aging in women. The study highlights the potential of comprehensive training approaches in boosting health and quality of life for the elderly, with implications for developing tailored exercise programs focused on reducing fall risks and enhancing quality of life in this population.

Directionality and Individual Differences in Consecutive Interpreting

This study aims to examine the students’ consecutive interpreting in English and Turkish. This study was carried out with 32 senior students who are native Turkish speakers at the Department of English Translation and Interpreting. The students were required to render the speeches chosen from the EU Speech Repository, a speech bank for interpreting studies, in the En-Tr and Tr-En directions, respectively. The students were audio-recorded. In addition, students’ working memory (WM) capacities were determined by conducting digit span and word span tests, and attention levels were determined by conducting monolingual and bilingual Stroop test. The data was assessed with the overall assessment score of consecutive interpreting performance, total duration, pauses, linguistic errors, participants’ individual differences (WM and attention level), and directionality. The recordings were transcribed and assessed by two experts. A detailed error analysis was performed using MAXQDA Analytics Pro Academic. Students with higher WM levels also have better performance in the En-Tr direction, yet this is not observed in the Tr-En. This can be explained by the fact that students have more difficulty and spend more time interpreting to L2 due to their language proficiency in translation (such as lack of vocabulary, difficulties related to structure, etc.). There was no significant relationship between students' attention skills and interpreting performance. Differences were also observed in the errors and strategies used by students depending on directionality. It is expected that this study will contribute to understanding the consecutive interpreting process, revealing the main difficulties, and thereby contributing to interpreter training.

A systematic analysis of neurologic manifestations of Long COVID in Nigeria.

Long COVID, also called post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) affects millions of people in the world. The neurologic manifestations of PASC (Neuro-PASC) are among the most debilitating but they are largely unreported in Africa. We sought to compare the demographics, symptoms and cognitive profile of post-hospitalization Neuro-PASC (PNP) and non-hospitalized Neuro-PASC (NNP) patients in Nigeria. In this cross-sectional study performed at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, 106/2319 (4.6%) SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals contacted via telephone reported Neuro-PASC symptoms with a higher frequency in PNP than in NNP individuals ((23/200 (11.5%) vs. 83/2119 (3.9%), p = < 0.0001). The predominant neurologic symptoms at any time during the disease course were difficulty remembering / brain fog (63/106; 59.4%), fatigue (59/106; 55.7%), sleep problems (34/106; 32%), headache (33/106; 31%), paresthesia (12/106; 11.3%), and myalgia (10/106; 9.4%). Of 66 participants with Neuro-PASC who underwent in-person neurological evaluation and cognitive screening, all had normal scores on the Intervention for Dementia in Elderly Africans cognition screen, while 11/65 (16.9%) that completed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment had results consistent with mild cognitive impairment (3/16 PNP (18.8%) and 8/49 NNP (16.3%); p = 1.0). Finally, 47/66 (71.2%) had digit span test scores consistent with mild cognitive dysfunction (12/16 PNP (75%) and 35/50 (70%) NNP; p = 1.0). Our findings reveal the previously unrecognized occurrence of Neuro-PASC among COVID-19 survivors in Nigeria and highlight the need for improved screening and diagnosis of Neuro-PASC in our population. Development of cognitive support services for persons suffering from Neuro-PASC in Nigeria is warranted.

Large-scale structural covariance networks changes relate to executive function deficit in betel quid-dependent chewers.

Previous studies demonstrate deficits in executive function for betel quid-dependent (BQD) patients. Large-scale structural covariance network (SCN) based on gray matter (GM) morphometry may be able to explore the neural mechanism of executive dysfunction in BQD individuals. This study aims to identify spatial covariance patterns of GM volume and to investigate their association with executive dysfunction in BQD individuals. Sixty-four BQD individuals and 48 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent T1-weighted structural MRI examination and executive function assessments, including the Backward Digit Span (BDS) test and Stroop Color and Word (SCW) test. Seventy SCNs based on GM volume covariance patterns were defined using independent component analysis. An SCN-based classifier was constructed to differentiate between BQD and HC individuals. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to evaluate the performance of the SCN-based classifier. Linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between SCN network indices and executive function indices. Six SCNs had higher classifications for differentiating between BQD and HC individuals. The area under the ROC curve of the SCN-based classifier was 0.812 in the training set and 0.771 in the testing set. Furthermore, linear regression analyses demonstrated that the network indices in the thalamus were associated with BDS scores adjusted for age, sex, and education. Large-scale SCNs could provide potential imaging markers for differentiating BQD and HC groups. The loss of network index in the thalamus was associated with working memory, indicating that SCNs could reveal executive dysfunction in BQD individuals.

Association of glymphatic system dysfunction with cognitive impairment in temporal lobe epilepsy.

To explore the relationship between glymphatic dysfunction and cognitive impairment in unilateral temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). This study retrospectively included 38 patients with unilateral TLE and 26 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs). The diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index, choroid plexus volume (CPV), and cognitive assessment were obtained for each participant. Neuropsychological test batteries included Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Minimum Mental State Examination, Arithmetic Test (AT), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Digit Span Test (DST), Boston Naming Test, Block design, Phonological Fluency Test (PFT), and Semantic Verbal Fluency (SVF). Compared to HCs, TLE patients had lower scores of MoCA, AT, DSST, DST, Block design, PFT and SVF (all p < 0.05) and lower values of mean DTI-ALPS index (1.491 ± 0.142 vs. 1.642 ± 0.123, p < 0.001). Significantly lower DTI-ALPS index values were observed in the ipsilateral hemisphere than in the contralateral hemisphere (1.466 ± 0.129 vs. 1.517 ± 0.175, p = 0.013) for patients with unilateral TLE. Correlation analyses found that SVF performance was significantly or borderline significantly associated with glymphatic function (FDR-corrected p < 0.05 for all DTI-ALPS index and FDR-corrected p = 0.057 for CPV) in TLE patients. Linear regression analyses showed that increased CPV and decreased DTI-ALPS index were independent risk factors for semantic fluency impairment (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, mediation analyses found the mediator role of the mean DTI-ALPS index in the relationship between choroid plexus enlargement and semantic fluency impairment (indirect effect: β = -0.182, 95%CI = -0.486 to -0.037). These findings reveal the important role of the DTI-ALPS index and CPV in SVF performance in unilateral TLE. Decreased DTI-ALPS index and increased CPV are the independent risk factors for semantic fluency impairment. The DTI-ALPS index may fully mediate the relationship between CP enlargement and SVF performance. These insights provide a radiological foundation for further investigations into the mechanism of the glymphatic system in TLE pathophysiology.

Effect of moderate-intensity aquatic treadmill exercise on cognitive function and cerebral blood flow for healthy older adults

To compare the effect of moderate-intensity aquatic treadmill exercise (ATM) on cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cognitive function in healthy older adults to that of moderate-intensity land-based treadmill exercise (LTM). This randomized controlled trial study was conducted between May 2023 and Oct 2023. Twenty-eight participants aged 60–80 were randomly assigned to either ATM group (N = 14) or LTM group (N = 14). Cognitive function and cerebral blood flow were assessed before and after the exercise. The outcome measures used in this study were the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) and the Digit Span Test (DST) to assess cognitive performance, and the mean middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAvmean) to evaluate CBF. A mixed effects model was used to analyze the within-group and between-group differences in cognitive function and CBF outcomes pre-to-post treadmill by SPSS. The DSST demonstrated a statistically significant improvement within both the ATM [β ± SE: −13.643 ± 2.407, 95 % CI: −18.749, −8.537] and LTM [β ± SE: −19.25 ± 3.66, 95 % CI: −26.424, −12.076] groups, indicating clinical significance in both groups. Both ATM and LTM groups exhibited post-exercise improvements within their respective groups for forward Digit Span Test (FDST) [ATM β ± SE: −0.143 ± 0.362, 95 % CI: −0.92, 0.634; LTM β ± SE: −0.286 ± 0.37, 95 % CI: −1.078, 0.506] and backward Digit Span Test (BDST) (ATM β ± SE: −1.741 ± 5.377, 95 % CI: −13.27, 9.792; LTM β ± SE: −6.729 ± 5.370, 95 % CI: −4.788, 18.24). In terms of MCAvmean, there is a higher improvement of CBF in ATM group [β ± SE: −138.669 ± 67.9217, 95 % CI: −288.164, 10.826] than LTM group [β ± SE: −9.305 ± 70.076, 95 % CI: −153.617, 135.007]. Hence, a single bout of moderate-intensity ATM and LTM can enhance cognitive function and CBF in healthy older adults, suggesting their potential as preventive strategies against age-related declines.

Neuropsychological Correlates of Clinical Progression in Subjective Cognitive Decline.

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

Analysis of the status quo and clinical influencing factors of the social cognitive impairment in deficit schizophrenia.

Due to the high heterogeneity of schizophrenia, the factors influencing social cognitive impairment are controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the social cognitive dysfunction of deficit schizophrenia (DS), and to explore its clinical impact on the clinical characteristics and neurocognitive function assessment results. This study involved 100 DS patients, 100 non-deficit schizophrenia (NDS) patients, and 100 healthy controls (HC). Social cognitive functions were assessed using the Eye Complex Emotion Discrimination Task (ECEDT), Game of Dice Task (GDT), and Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), while neurocognitive functions were examined using the Clock Drawing Task (CDT), the Verbal Fluency Task (VFT), Digit Span Test (DST), Stroop Color-word Test (SCWT), and Trail Making Test (TMT). We analyzed the differences in cognitive function among the three groups of patients and the correlation between cognitive function assessment results and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores. Comparison of neurocognitive functions among the three groups through CDT, VFT, DST, SCWT, and TMT revealed that in the values of these tests in the DS group differed significantly from those of the NDS and HC groups. However, the DSB of the NDS group was lower and the TMT results were significantly higher than those of the HC group. In the DS group, ECEDT emotion recognition was positively correlated with stroop colors and stroop interference; the score of gender recognition was positively correlated with VFT, DSF, and SCWT, and TMT-B; the total time spent was positively correlated with TMT; The GDT risky option was negatively correlated with VFT, DST, stroop word, and stroop interference; the negative feedback utilization was negatively correlated with PANSS-Negative; TMT was positively correlated with VFT; IGT was positively correlated with CDT, VFT, DST, and SCWT, but it was negatively correlated with PANSS-Negative and TMT, with statistically significant. There are significant social cognitive impairments in the perception of social information, judgment and resolution of social problems in deficit schizophrenia, which are closely related to negative symptoms and multidimensional neurocognitive dysfunction such as attention, learning, memory, brain information processing speed, cognitive flexibility, and functional executive power.

Effect of tDCS combined with virtual reality for post-stroke cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial study protocol

BackgroundPost-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) not only increases patient mortality and disability, but also adversely affects motor function and the ability to perform routine daily activities. Current therapeutic approaches for, PSCI lack specificity, primarily relying on and medication and traditional cognitive therapy supplemented by a limited array of tools. Both transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and virtual reality (VR) training have demonstrated efficacy in improving cognitive performance among PSCI patients. Previous findings across various conditions suggest that implementing a therapeutic protocol combining tDCS and VR (tDCS - VR) may yield superior in isolation. Despite this, to our knowledge, no clinical investigation combining tDCS and VR for PSCI rehabilitation has been conducted. Thus, the purpose of this study is to explore the effects of tDCS - VR on PSCI rehabilitation.MethodsThis 4-week, single-center randomized clinical trial protocol will recruit 200 patients who were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Group A (tDCS + VR), Group B (tDCS + sham VR), Group C (sham tDCS + VR), Group D (sham tDCS + sham VR). All four groups will receive conventional cognitive rehabilitation training. The primary outcome measurement utilizes the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Secondary outcome measures include the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Frontal Assessment Battery, Clock Drawing Test, Digital Span Test, Logic Memory Test, and Modified Barthel Index. Additionally, S-YYZ-01 apparatus for diagnosis and treating language disorders assesses subjects’ speech function. Pre- and post-four-week intervention assessments are conducted for all outcome measures. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is employed to observe changes in oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO), deoxy-hemoglobin (HbR), and total hemoglobin (HbT) in the cerebral cortex.DiscussionOur hypothesis posits that the tDCS - VR therapy, in opposed to individual tDCS or VR interventions, could enhance cognitive function, speech ability and daily living skills in PSCI patients while concurrently augmenting frontal cortical activity. This randomized study aims to provide a robust theoretical foundation supported by scientific evidence for the practical implementation of the tDCS - VR combination as a secure and efficient PSCI rehabilitation approach.Trial registrationChictr.org.cn Identifier: ChiCTR2300070580. Registered on 17th April 2023.

Which factors in China? A pre-registered report

We evaluate the ability of the asset pricing models of Liu, Stambaugh and Yuan (2019) and Fama and French (2018) to price Chinese stocks. Our model comparisons are conducted using spanning tests following Barillas and Shanken (2017) and maximum squared Sharpe ratios following Barillas, Kan, Robotti and Shanken (2020). We will first examine the models of Liu et al. (2019) and Fama and French (2018) in isolation. Next, we will conduct horse race tests between the models. The superior model will be determined based on spanning regressions and a comparison of the maximum squared Sharpe ratios derived from the model's factors.

Predicting the effectiveness of binaural beats on working memory.

Working memory is vital for short-term information processing. Binaural beats can enhance working memory by improving attention and memory consolidation through neural synchronization. However, individual differences in cognitive and neuronal functioning affect effectiveness of binaural beats, necessitating personalized approaches. This study aimed to develop a machine learning model to predict binaural beats's effectiveness on working memory using electroencephalography. Sixty healthy participants underwent a 5-min electroencephalography recording, an initial working memory evaluation, 15 min of binaural beats stimulation, and a subsequent working memory evaluation using digit span tests of increasing difficulty. Recall accuracy and response times were measured. Differential scores from pre-evaluation and post-evaluation labeled participants as active or inactive to binaural beats stimulation. electroencephalography data, recorded using 14 electrodes, provided brain activity estimates across theta, alpha, beta, and gamma frequency bands, resulting in 56 features (14 channels × 4 bands) for the machine learning model. Several classifiers were tested to identify the most effective model. The weighted K-nearest neighbors model achieved the highest accuracy (90.0%) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (92.24%). Frontal and parietal electroencephalography channels in theta and alpha bands were crucial for classification. This study's findings offer significant clinical insights, enabling informed interventions and preventing resource inefficiency.

Pet Attachment and Maintenance of Physical and Cognitive Function in Community-Residing Older Adults: Evidence From the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA)

ABSTRACT Pet ownership is associated with reduced deterioration in physical and cognitive function as older adults age. To date, little research focuses on whether the degree of attachment to the pet is related to the rate of deterioration in these functions. We examined the relationship of pet, dog, and cat attachment to changes in physical and cognitive function among 214 pet-owning, generally healthy, community-dwelling adults aged 50–100 years (M = 68.0, SD = 7.8) from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA). Pet attachment was assessed using the pet ownership module administered during a regularly scheduled BLSA visit. Physical and cognitive assessments were administered every 1–4 years over 1–13 years (M = 7.5, SD = 3.6), including 400-meter walk time, usual and rapid-gait speed, Health ABC Physical Performance Battery, SF-12 Physical Component Score, California Verbal Learning (Immediate, Short, Long recall), Benton Visual Retention, Trail-Making (Trails A, B, B-A), Digit Span, Boston Naming (Naming), and Digit Symbol Substitution (Digit Symbol) Tests. In linear mixed models, controlling for age and comorbidities, greater pet attachment was associated with slower deterioration in physical performance (p = 0.009), usual-gait speed (p < 0.001), rapid-gait speed (p = 0.002), and executive function (Trails B: p = 0.005 and Trails B-A: p < 0.001), and faster deterioration in long-term recall (p < 0.001). Among dog owners (n = 121), a higher attachment was associated with slower deterioration in attention (Trails A: p = 0.046) and faster deterioration in short- (p = 0.025) and long-term (p = 0.019) recall. Among cat owners (n = 100), higher attachment was associated with a slower decline in physical wellbeing (p = 0.035). We provide important longitudinal evidence that pet attachment is differentially associated with the rate of decline in function older adults experience as they age and that attachment to different types of pets may have a different relationship to rates of decline. Potential explanations for these differences are proposed.

Video Game Skills across Diverse Genres and Cognitive Functioning in Early Adulthood: Verbal and Visuospatial Short-Term and Working Memory, Hand-Eye Coordination, and Empathy.

The cognitive and affective impacts of video games are subjects of ongoing debate, with recent research recognizing their potential benefits. This study employs the Gaming Skill Questionnaire (GSQ) to evaluate participants' gaming skills across six genres and overall proficiency. A total of 88 individuals aged 20-40 participated, completing assessments of empathy and six cognitive abilities: verbal short-term memory, verbal working memory, visuospatial short-term memory, visuospatial working memory, psychomotor speed (hand-eye coordination), and attention. Participants' cognitive abilities were examined using the Digit Span Test, Corsi Block Test, and Deary-Liewald Reaction Time Task, while empathy was assessed using the Empathy Quotient Questionnaire. Findings indicate that higher levels of videogaming proficiency are linked to improvements in visuospatial short-term and working memory, psychomotor speed, and attention. Specific genres enhanced particular skills: RPGs were positively associated with both verbal working memory and visuospatial short-term memory, but were negatively associated with empathy; action games improved psychomotor speed and attention; and puzzle games showed a positive relationship with visuospatial working memory. These results add to ongoing research on the cognitive and affective effects of video games, suggesting their potential to enhance specific cognitive functions. They also highlight the complex relationship between video games and empathy. Future research should explore the long-term impacts and genre-specific effects.

Relationships Between Hearing Status, Cognitive Abilities, and Reliance on Visual and Contextual Cues

Objectives: Visual and contextual cues facilitate speech recognition in suboptimal listening conditions (e.g., background noise, hearing loss, hearing aid signal processing). Moreover, successful speech recognition in challenging listening conditions is linked to cognitive abilities such as working memory and fluid intelligence. However, it is unclear which cognitive abilities facilitate the use of visual and contextual cues in individuals with normal hearing and hearing aid users. The first aim was to investigate whether individuals with hearing aid users rely on visual and contextual cues to a higher degree than individuals with normal hearing in a speech-in-noise recognition task. The second aim was to investigate whether working memory and fluid intelligence are associated with the use of visual and contextual cues in these groups. Design: Groups of participants with normal hearing and hearing aid users with bilateral, symmetrical mild to severe sensorineural hearing loss were included (n = 169 per group). The Samuelsson and Rönnberg task was administered to measure speech recognition in speech-shaped noise. The task consists of an equal number of sentences administered in the auditory and audiovisual modalities, as well as without and with contextual cues (visually presented word preceding the sentence, e.g.,: “Restaurant”). The signal to noise ratio was individually set to 1 dB below the level obtained for 50% correct speech recognition in the hearing-in-noise test administered in the auditory modality. The Reading Span test was used to measure working memory capacity and the Raven test was used to measure fluid intelligence. The data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects modeling. Results: Both groups exhibited significantly higher speech recognition performance when visual and contextual cues were available. Although the hearing aid users performed significantly worse compared to those with normal hearing in the auditory modality, both groups reached similar performance levels in the audiovisual modality. In addition, a significant positive relationship was found between the Raven test score and speech recognition performance only for the hearing aid users in the audiovisual modality. There was no significant relationship between Reading Span test score and performance. Conclusions: Both participants with normal hearing and hearing aid users benefitted from contextual cues, regardless of cognitive abilities. The hearing aid users relied on visual cues to compensate for the perceptual difficulties, reaching a similar performance level as the participants with normal hearing when visual cues were available, despite worse performance in the auditory modality. It is important to note that the hearing aid users who had higher fluid intelligence were able to capitalize on visual cues more successfully than those with poorer fluid intelligence, resulting in better speech-in-noise recognition performance.

Investigation of the biological activity and toxicity of bioactive silver nanoparticles synthesized via Vitex agnus-castus seed extract on honey bees.

In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) coated with bioactive molecules were synthesized via Vitex agnus-castus L. (VAC) seed extract (VAC/AgNPs). The synthesized VAC/AgNPs were characterized by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) ultraviolet-visible region spectroscopy (UV-Vis). The hydrodynamic size and surface charge analysis of the particles were measured with a Zeta sizer. The results of UV-Vis and Zeta analysis revealed that AgNPs were synthesized, the size distribution was nanoscale, and the solution was stable. The effects of the synthesized VAC/AgNPs and aqueous extract of VAC seeds on honeybees were investigated by means of lifespan test and histopathological analysis. It was determined that both VAC seed extract and VAC/AgNPs were non-toxic to honeybees at certain doses, positively affected their life span and contributed to their longevity in the life span test. Furthermore, no adverse effects were detected in terms of intestinal health in histopathological examinations. Therefore, VAC/AgNPs are considered to be a promising bioactive agent for honeybees.

The Effect of Metacognitive Intervention on the Listening Performance and Metacognitive Awareness of High- and Low-Working Memory Capacity EFL Learners.

EFL listening comprehension has been a stark challenge for language learners, but little is known about the combined effect of individual differences, such as working memory capacity, and metacognitive intervention. Thus, the present experimental study investigates the effect of metacognitive intervention on the listening performance and metacognitive awareness of high- and low-WMC EFL learners. For this purpose, Oxford Placement Tests were distributed among 120 male Iranian EFL learners, of which 94 were identified as intermediate. Then, backward visual digit span tests were administered to measure their working memory capacity. Based on the median of all scores, 80 learners were selected and randomly assigned to two experimental groups and two control groups each with 20 participants. Next, their performance on the International English Language Testing System and the Metacognitive Awareness Listening Questionnaire was measured before and after the 8-session metacognitive intervention. Results showed that high-WMC experimental learners had a higher gain with a large effect size in terms of listening performance compared with all the other groups. In addition, the experimental group learners reported the significantly higher use of the metacognitive strategies with a moderate effect size. Interestingly, low-WMC learners' listening performance and metacognitive awareness also improved as a result of the intervention. Our findings bear pedagogical significance in that individual differences in WMC should be considered more in both EFL language classes and the future line of research involving the metacognitive intervention.

Eight brain structures mediate the age-related alterations of the working memory: forward and backward digit span tasks.

Working memory (WM) as one of the executive functions is an essential neurocognitive ability for daily life. Findings have suggested that aging is often associated with working memory and neural decline, but the brain structures and resting-state brain networks that mediate age-related differences in WM remain unclear. A sample consisting of 252 healthy participants in the age range of 20 to 70years was used. Several cognitive tasks, including the n-back task and the forward and backward digit span tests were used. Also, resting-state functional imaging, as well as structural imaging using a 3T MRI scanner, were performed, resulting in 85 gray matter volumes and five resting-state networks, namely the anterior and posterior default mode, the right and left executive control, and the salience networks. Also, mediation analyses were used to investigate the role of gray matter volumes and resting-state networks in the relationship between age and WM. Behaviorally, aging was associated with decreased performance in the digit span task. Also, aging was associated with a decreased gray matter volume in 80 brain regions, and with a decreased activity in the anterior default mode network, executive control, and salience networks. Importantly, the path analysis showed that the GMV of the medial orbitofrontal, precentral, parieto-occipital, amygdala, middle occipital, posterior cingulate, and thalamus areas mediated the age-related differences in the forward digit span task, and the GMV of superior temporal gyrus mediated the age-related differences in the backward digit span task. This study identified the brain structures mediating the relationship between age and working memory, and we hope that our research provides an opportunity for early detection of individuals at risk of age-related memory decline.

Association between glymphatic dysfunction and neurocognitive decline in patients with frontal lobe epilepsy.

The glymphatic system is essential for the maintenance of brain homeostasis. It may be impaired in patients with epilepsy, but its association with neurocognitive function remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the association between changes in the glymphatic system and neurocognitive function in individuals diagnosed with frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE). This retrospective case-control research engaged a group of patients with FLE and age-, sex-, and education-matched healthy volunteers. All participants were subjected to extensive neurocognitive assessments, complemented by structural and diffusion-weighted imaging. The "diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space" (DTI-ALPS) index was computed to ascertain differences in glymphatic system function between the groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to explore associations between DTI-ALPS, clinical characteristics in patients with FLE, and the neurocognitive test outcomes for both groups. Twenty-five patients [mean age ± standard deviation (SD): 26.28±8.12 years, 10 females] with FLE and 22 healthy control (HC) participants (average age ± SD: 25.86±6.15 years, 11 females) were included. The average ALPS-index in FLE group was significantly lower than that in HC group (1.387±0.127 vs. 1.468±0.114, P=0.026). Further, significant neurocognitive difference was noted in Trail Making Test (TMT), Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT), Digit Span Test (DST) and similarity test (ST) between the two groups. ALPS-index scores exhibited a negative correlation with disease duration in patients with FLE (r=-0.415, P=0.039), and positive correlations with the Forward Digit Span Test (FDST, r=0.399, P=0.005) and Similarity Test (ST, r=0.395, P=0.006) in both groups. After adjusting for potential confounders, DTI-ALPS maintained a significant independent association with FDST and ST. The findings of the current study suggest a possible association between impairment in glymphatic function and FLE. Furthermore, results indicate that glymphatic dysfunction, as assessed via DTI-ALPS index, appears to be related to neurocognitive decline in FLE.

Efficacy of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background &amp; Objective: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating condition characterized by a myriad of neurologic deficits. The prevalence rate of Cognitive impairment (CI) ranges from 40 to 60 percent among community-dwelling individuals with MS. Cholinergic dysfunction is one of the different mechanisms proposed to cause CI, supporting the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) in certain conditions. The study aims to determine the safety and efficacy of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in multiple sclerosis patients with cognitive impairment through a review of randomized clinical trials. Methods: Using the updated PRISMA guidelines, we searched MEDLINE by PubMed, Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ClinicalTrials. gov website, Google Scholar, and HERDIN Database for relevant studies until November 15, 2022. Results: A total of 73 records were identified and five studies were included in the analysis. Pooled evidence shows that AchEIs (donepezil 10 mg/day or rivastigmine 10 mg/day for 12 to 14 weeks) did not significantly improve Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) score for information processing and sustained attention and the Selective Reminding Test (SRT) score for verbal memory. Another study using the Weschler Memory Scale (WMS) also did not show significant improvement in their scores. However, a recent trial that used the Everyday memory questionnaire (EMQ), prospective and retrospective memory questionnaire (PRMQ), and the Digit span test (DST) showed significant difference between pre- and post-intervention mean scores in the donepezil group (p&lt;0.001). The physical and mental health scores of the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life questionnaires (MSQOL) significantly improved in MS patients receiving donepezil. Both donepezil and rivastigmine were associated with non-serious adverse events. Conclusion: The use of AchEIs among MS patients does not significantly improve objective measures of cognition but has positive impact on subjective scales of cognition (EMQ and PRMQ). AchEIs were shown to improve patients’ quality of life. AchEIs are safe and well tolerated among MS patients.