Cognitive Screening in HTLV-1 Infected People Using a Self-Perceived Memory Score and Auditory P300

Background: The HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is the most common neurological manifestation associated with Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus type-1 (HTLV-1) infection. Although cognitive impairment has been highlighted in the spectrum of HTLV-1 neurological manifestations, it may go unnoticed in those who do not spontaneously report it. We aimed at evaluating the applicability of a self-perceived memory score (SMS) and the cognitive event-related potential (P300) for the early detection of cognitive impairment in HTLV-1-infected people. Methods: The SMS was measured by a 0-10 visual analog scale combined with a sad-happy faces rating scale. The higher the number, the better was the SMS. The P300 was obtained through an oddball paradigm with a mental counting task. The participants were 15(21,4%) individuals with HAM/TSP, 20(28,6%) HTLV-1-asymptomatic carriers, and 35(50%) seronegative controls. Results: SMS (p<0.001) and P300 latency (p<0.001) got progressively worse from asymptomatic to HAM/TSP. A SMS <7.2 points and a P300 latency >369.0 milliseconds were considered as altered result and indicated cognitive impairment. The HAM/TSP group showed the highest prevalence of altered P300 (80%) and SMS (87%). Interestingly, the asymptomatic group also presented significant higher prevalence of altered SMS (60%) and P300 (35%) when compared to controls (<10%). The frequency of cognitive impairment was 16 times higher in the asymptomatic group and 69 times higher in the HAM/TSP group when compared to controls. Conclusion: The use of SMS in the medical consultation was a useful and easy-to-apply method to screen HTLV-1 infected subjects for everyday memory complaints.

Evidence for an Interaction Between NEDD4 and Childhood Trauma on Clinical Characters of Schizophrenia With Family History of Psychosis

Background: Neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated 4 (NEDD4) polymorphisms and childhood trauma (CT) are associated with schizophrenia. However, whether NEDD4 interacts with CT on symptoms of schizophrenia remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the gene–environment interaction effect.Methods: We recruited 289 schizophrenia patients and 487 controls and genotyped rs2303579, rs3088077, rs7162435, rs11550869, and rs62043855 in their NEDD4 gene.Results: We found significant differences in the rs2303579 and rs3088077 between the two groups. Patients with the rs2303579 CC genotype had higher scores compared with other genotype (P = 0.026) in the test of positive schizophrenia syndrome scores, whereas patients with the rs3088077 TT (P = 0.037) and rs7162435 CC genotypes (P = 0.009) had higher scores compared with the other genotypes in the test of excitement factor. Patients with a family history of psychosis (FH+) reported higher negative scores (P = 0.012) than those without. Patients exposed to physical abuse (PA) reported a lower language learning and memory score (P = 0.017) and working memory score (P = 0.047) than those not. Patients exposed to sexual abuse (SA) reported a lower reasoning and problem-solving skills score (P = 0.025); those exposed to emotional neglect (EN) reported a lower social cognition score (P = 0.044); and those exposed to physical neglect reported a lower social cognition score (P = 0.036) but higher visual learning and memory score (P = 0.032). Rs3088077 could interact with EN to increase risk for schizophrenia. Optimal model rs62043855 × EA, rs3088077 × rs7162435 × rs11550869 × SA × EN and rs2303579 × rs7162435 × rs11550869 × rs62043855 × EA × PA could explain positive symptom, excitement symptom and working memory, respectively, in FH+ group.Conclusion: The study highlighted that the combined interaction of NEDD4 and CT may be associated with symptoms of schizophrenia especially for those with FH+.

THE EFFECT OF HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING (HIIT) ON SHORT-TERM MEMORY AMONG MEDICAL STUDENT OF DIPONEGORO UNIVERSITY

Background: High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is an aerobic exercise consisting of high intensity of physical exercise interspersed with low intensity of physical exercise. HIIT has been known that can improve cognitive function. Medical students has low physical activity that can affect on cognitive function including short-term memory. Short-term memory is important in learning process which can affect on academic performance. Objective: To determine the effect of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on an individual’s short-term memory. Methods: This study used quasi experimental pretest and posttest design. The research subjects were 29 female students of the Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University with the average age of 19-22 years with normal BMI, divided in 2 groups. Experimental group (n=14) was instructed to do 6 weeks of HIIT (3 times a week) and control group (n=15) was instructed to not to do any exercises. Short-term memory was measured with Scenery Picture Memory Test (SPMT). The significance of the data was analyzed with paired sample t-test and independent sample t-test. Results : A significant increase (p<0.001) in memory score before and after HIIT, from 18.07±1.49 to 20.21±1.37. The posttest memory score of HIIT group (20.21±1.37) was significantly (p=0.034) higher than the control group (18.67±2.23). Meanwhile, the memory score at the pretest between the 2 groups was no significant differences (p=0.621). Conclusion: HIIT can improves short-term memory.Keywords: High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Short-term Memory, Scenery Picture Memory Test (SPMT).

Tablet vs book learning: Impact on memory, attention and learning skills

Objectives : Textbooks are the major source of instruction, yet many Lebanese schools have partially introduced electronic devices, and have discreetly started to rely on them. Given the reported discrepancies between textbooks and tablets learning in international literature, it is essential to conduct a Lebanese study that compares both entities. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to assess the impact of tablet use at school on memory, attention and learning abilities among Lebanese children. Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted between January and May 2019, enrolled 566 students aged of 11-13 years. Three schools were chosen conveniently for this study, one of them uses the Tablet and text books for students’ learning whereas the second one uses text books exclusively. Students were randomly chosen from the list given by the school administration. Results : Textbook learning was significantly associated with lower episodic memory score (better episodic memory) and lower visual memory score (better visual memory), lower attention score (better attention), lower processing speed score (better processing speed), lower mathematic skills score (better mathematic skills) compared to tablets and textbook learning. Conclusion : Learning is evolving to another level and forever changing. Many studies should be conducted in order to understand the importance of merging new and old techniques to ensure that the next generations are receiving what can positively affect their cognitive skills and their performance.

Experimental Investigation Examining the Effects of Acute Exercise on Implicit Memory Function

Emerging work suggests that acute exercise can enhance explicit memory function. Minimal research, however, has examined whether acute exercise is associated with implicit memory, which was the purpose of this study. Three separate experimental studies were computed (N = 120; Mean age = 21). In Experiment 1, participants were randomly assigned to either a moderate-intensity bout of acute exercise (15-minute) or engaged in a seated control task (15-minute), followed by the completion of a word-fragmentation implicit memory task. Experiment 2 replicated Experiment 1, but instead employed a higher-intensity exercise protocol. For Experiment 3, participants were randomly assigned to either a moderate-intensity bout of acute exercise (15-minute) or engaged in a seated control task (15-minute), followed by the completion of a real world, 3-dimensional implicit memory task. For Experiment 1, the exercise and control groups, respectively, had an implicit memory score of 7.0 (0.5) and 7.5 (0.6) (t(38) = 0.67, p = .51). For Experiment 2, the exercise and control groups, respectively, had an implicit memory score of 6.9 (1.9) and 7.8 (2.4) (t(38) = 1.27, p = .21). These findings suggest that exercise, and the intensity of exercise, does not alter implicit memory from a word fragmentation task. For Experiment 3, the exercise and control groups, respectively, had a discrimination implicit memory index score of 0.48 (0.18) and 0.29 (0.32) (t(38) = 2.16, p = .03). In conclusion, acute exercise does not influence a commonly used laboratory-based assessment of implicit memory but may enhance real world-related implicit memory function.

Hippocampus Mediates the Effect of Emotional Support on Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Background Despite strong evidence that emotional support has a protective effect on cognitive decline, the neural basis for how an individual’s emotional support is associated with cognition is unknown. We investigated if the hippocampus mediates the relationship between emotional support and cognition in older adults. Method Four hundred and ten nondemented Korean older adults were classified into two groups according to their Medical Outcomes Study–Social Support Survey emotional support scores: the poor emotional support (score ≤ 25th percentile of entire sample) and normal emotional support (score &gt; 25th percentile of entire sample) groups. Cognitive function was assessed using the Verbal Memory Score and Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Packet Neuropsychological Assessment Battery total score (CERAD-TS). Left and right hippocampal volume were obtained using 3T T1-weighted magnetic resonance images. Mediation analyses were conducted. Results In the association of emotional support with Verbal Memory Score, left hippocampal volume played a mediating role (indirect effect = 0.40, SE = 0.21, bias-corrected 95% confidence interval = 0.04, 0.86). In the association of emotional support with CERAD-TS, both left (indirect effect = 0.82, SE = 0.45, bias-corrected 95% confidence interval = 0.09, 1.83) and right (indirect effect = 0.51, SE = 0.32, bias-corrected 95% confidence interval = 0.02, 1.24) HPVs played mediating roles. Conclusions The hippocampus may mediate the association between emotional support and cognition. Higher levels of emotional support may be associated with better verbal memory and global cognition via larger HPV.

Effects of sevoflurane and desflurane on early cognitive changes after thyroid surgery: interim results

The study is being conducted at the 1st Department of Anaesthesiology, the Centre of Abdominal Surgery, the Centre of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Management of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos. Background. These are primary results of a randomized double-blinded study comparing postoperative changes in cognitive functions and the effect of desflurane and sevoflurane on these changes. Materials and methods. The study includes patients of ≥40 years of age undergoing elective thyroid surgery under general anaesthesia. Patients were randomly allocated to either sevoflurane or desflurane group. Cognitive testing (memory, attention, and reasoning tasks) was performed a day before surgery and repeated 24 hours postoperatively. A decrease of 20% in the postoperative score was considered as postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Results. At present 38 patients are included in the study. Median decrease in the postoperative score was 2.7% (IQR 16.7). The incidence of POCD was 2.6%. Significantly decreased memory scores were observed in 15.8% of patients. Both study groups were comparable based on demography, duration of anaesthesia, intraoperative opioids, postoperative pain, and satisfaction. No difference was found in the cognitive score comparing sevoflurane and desflurane groups, except for memory tasks where the sevoflurane group performed worse (p = 0.01). The age or the duration of anaesthesia did not affect postoperative scores. Postoperative satisfaction negatively correlated with the memory score (r = –0.35, p = 0.03). Postoperative satisfaction correlated with the reasoning score (r = –0.55; p < 0.01) and the total score (r = –0.42; p = 0.03) in the sevoflurane group. Likewise, temperature in the sevoflurane group correlated with the memory score (r = –0.58; p = 0.02). Conclusions. The desflurane group performs better in memory tasks, but no such advantage is found in the total cognitive score. In contrast to the age or anaesthesia duration, intraoperative temperature and postoperative satisfaction may affect postoperative cognitive performance.

THE ASSOCIATION OF HISTORY OF CONCUSSION WITH BASELINE SCORES ON THE SPORT CONCUSSION ASSESSMENT TOOL (SCAT5) IN HIGH SCHOOL RUGBY PLAYERS

Background: The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) is a standardized instrument designed to assist with the clinical and sideline assessment of concussion. Following the 5th International Conference on Concussion in Sport in 2016, the SCAT5 was released. Compared to the previous version (SCAT3), the SCAT5 includes more detailed instructions regarding the symptom checklist and a 10-word list in the immediate memory section to diminish ceiling effects. This study aims to examine the association between having a previous history of concussion and SCAT5 scores in high school rugby players. A second objective is to provide reference values for healthy rugby players for the SCAT5, including typical scores on immediate memory using the 10-word list. Methods: High school rugby players (ages 15-18) from Calgary, Alberta participating in the 2018 high school rugby season (n=388, male=212, female=176) were recruited to a cohort study and asked to complete a baseline SCAT5 assessment administered by trained research assistants at the beginning of the playing season. Outcome measures included baseline symptom evaluation (/22 symptoms)], self-reported rating of percentage of normal (100% perfectly normal) felt at time of testing, immediate memory score using a 10-word list [/30)], digits backward (/4), delayed word memory (/10), and modified Balance Error Scoring System [BESS (/30)]. Players also completed a preseason demographic questionnaire, which assessed their history of concussion. Results: A total of 237/388 (61.08%) rugby players reported no history of concussion (NC) and 151/388 (38.92%) reported at least 1 previous concussion (PC). Ninety of the 212 males (42.45%) and 61 of the 176 females (34.66%) reported a history of previous concussion. Median SCAT5 symptom score was 6 (range; 0-21) for NC and 7 (0-22) for PC groups. At the time of baseline testing, only 30.51% of NC players and 21.85% of PC players reported feeling 100% of normal. Median total scores on the immediate memory score (/30) were 21 (range; 9-28) for NC and 21 (range; 9-29) for PC. Median total score on digits backward (/4) was 3 (range; 0-4) and the delayed memory score (/10) was 7 (range; 0-20), for both NC and PC groups. Median total errors made on the BESS were 4 (range; 0-20) for NC players and 5 (range; 0-17) for PC players. Conclusions: Players with and without a previous history of concussion obtained similar scores on all components of the SCAT5 at baseline. Many high school rugby players did not report feeling 100% of normal during typical baseline testing sessions. The addition of the 10-word list option in the immediate and delayed memory section reduces the likelihood of a ceiling effect. This study informs the use and interpretation of the SCAT5 in high school rugby players.

Performance of college athletes on the 10-item word list of SCAT5

ObjectivesThe Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-5 (SCAT5) was published in 2017; however, normative performance within the college athlete population on the optional 10-item word list has not been described. This study reports normative values for immediate memory trials, total immediate memory score and delayed recall of the 10-item word list.MethodsThe SCAT5 was administered as part of the preparticipation medical testing to 514 collegiate student-athletes, aged 17–23 (M=19.65,SD=1.40; 64% male) prior to the 2017–2018 athletic season.ResultsOn the SCAT5’s optional 10-item word list, with a total possible immediate memory score of 30, participants recalled an average of 20.57 (SD=3.22) words over three learning trials, with an average for trial 3 of 8.13 (SD=1.32). The average delayed memory score was 6.59 (SD=1.85). Small but significant demographic comparisons were found. Women scored higher on both immediate and delayed recall, non-native speakers scored higher on delayed recall, and Black/African-American athletes scored lower than White athletes on immediate, and lower than White and Hispanic/Latino athletes on delayed recall.ConclusionThe 10-item word list on the SCAT5 eliminates the ceiling effect observed on the five-item word list of the SCAT3, therefore, increasing its clinical utility in the diagnosis of sports-related concussions. Significant demographic differences suggest use of category-specific norms for sex, native language and race/ethnicity.

PENGARUH STATUS GIZI DAN STATUS ANEMIA TERHADAP DAYA INGAT SESAAT SISWA DI SDN PASANGGRAHAN 1 KABUPATEN PURWAKARTA

<p>ABSTRACT</p><p>The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between nutritional status and anemia status on short term memory among Elementary School Children of SDN Pasanggrahan 1, District of Purwakarta. Cross-sectional study design was used in this study. Fifty children from this elementary school were selected by purposive sampling, but only thirty nine children that fulfilled the requirements. Short term memory tests used in this study were done by giving several words to be learned by children and then retrieved. Pearson and Spearman correlation was used to analyze correlation between social economic, anemia and nutritional status with short term memory. Linear regression was used to analyze effects of children characteristics, physical activity, consumption, anemia and nutritional status on short term memory. The result showed that average score of short term memory in the morning was higher than score in the afternoon. Nutritional status had positive correlation with short term memory score in the afternoon (p&lt;0.1) and nutritional knowledge had positive correlation with short term memory score in the morning and afternoon (p&lt;0.1). Short term memory were effected by nutritional knowledge, nutritional, and anemia status.</p><p>Key words: anemia, nutritional status, school-aged children, short term memory</p><p>ABSTRAK</p><p>Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis hubungan antara status gizi dan status anemia dengan daya ingat sesaat siswa di SDN Pasanggrahan 1, Kabupaten Purwakarta. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain cross-sectional. Subjek dipilih secara purposive dari 50 siswa, namun setelah dilakukan cleaning data, hanya 39 siswa yang termasuk dalam penelitian ini. Uji daya ingat yang digunakan yaitu dengan memberikan daftar kata-kata untuk dipelajari kemudian meretrieve-nya. Hubungan antara variabel sosial ekonomi, status anemia, dan status gizi dengan daya ingat sesaat dianalisis dengan korelasi Pearson. Regresi linear digunakan untuk menganalisis pengaruh dari karakteristik subjek, aktivitas fisik, asupan gizi, status anemia, dan status gizi terhadap daya ingat sesaat. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa rata-rata skor daya ingat pada pagi hari lebih tinggi dibandingkan skor daya ingat pada siang hari. Status gizi berhubungan positif dengan daya ingat siang (p&lt;0.1), serta pengetahuan gizi berhubungan positif dengan daya ingat pagi dan siang (p&lt;0.1). Faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi daya ingat sesaat yaitu pengetahuan gizi, status gizi, dan status anemia. Semakin baik skor pengetahuan gizi dan status gizi, maka semakin baik pula skor daya ingat sesaat.</p><p>Kata kunci: anak usia sekolah, anemia, daya ingat sesaat, status gizi</p>