A Delphi survey-based development and validation of cognitive-communication assessment tool for Indian preschoolers

ABSTRACT Purpose To address the need for a standardized assessment tool for assessing cognitive-communication abilities among Indian preschoolers, the current study aimed at describing a Delphi based development and validation process for developing one such tool. The objectives of the research were to conceptualize and construct the tool, validate its content, and assess its feasibility through pilot testing. Methods The study followed a Delphi approach to develop and validate the tool across four phases i.e. conceptualization; construction; content validation; and pilot testing. The first three phases were performed with a panel of six experts including speech-language pathologists and preschool teachers while the pilot testing was done with 20 typically developing preschoolers. A literature review was also conducted with the Delphi rounds to support the developmental process. Results The first two rounds of the Delphi aided in the construction of a culturally and linguistically suitable story-based cognitive-communication assessment tool with the memory (free recall, recognition, and literary recall) and executive function (reasoning, inhibition, and switching) related tasks relevant for preschoolers. The content validation of the tool was continued with the experts till the revisions were satisfactory and yielded an optimum Content Validity Index. The pilot test of the finalized version confirmed its feasibility and appropriateness to assess developmental changes in the cognitive-communication abilities of preschoolers. Conclusion The study describes the Delphi-based conceptualization, construction, content validation, and feasibility check of a tool to assess cognitive-communication skills in preschool children.

Executive and attentional functions in patients with migraine / Funções executivas e atencionais em pacientes com enxaqueca

INTRODUCTION: Migraine is a disease that affects the overall performance of the patient, especially attention and executive functions (EF), with a direct impact on the person's functionality, highlighting the importance of studies in order to minimize its damage. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate if there is a link between migraine and executive and attentional functions. METHODOLOGY: Observational study (44 subjects; 29 migraineurs and 15 non-migraineurs) on attentional and executive functioning changes in migraine. Subjects over 18 years of age were included in the study, regardless of gender, recruited for convenience at CAM FAME, FAME and Centro AMA, primary recruitment centers, following the criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3). The participants underwent neuropsychological tests that estimated executive and attentional functioning. For attention, the Psychological Attention the Assessment Battery (AAB) was used, and for EF, the Five-Digit Test (FDT) was used. Student's t test, ANOVA, Mann-Whitney and/or Kruskal-Wallis U test were used, whose analyzes fixed the type I error at 0.05. RESULTS: All AAB subtests pointed to a reduction in the attentional potential in migraineurs when compared to the control group. The FDT showed lowering in the migraineurs group subjects, when compared with the non- migraineurs group. Multivariate analysis identified a relationship between EF, Attention and migraine (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: migraineurs present a decrease in executive functioning and attentional skills and an increase in execution time when compared to non-migraineurs individuals

INTRODUÇÃO: A enxaqueca é uma doença que afeta o desempenho global do paciente, principalmente a atenção e as funções executivas (FE), com impacto direto na funcionalidade da pessoa, destacando a importância de estudos a fim de minimizar seus danos. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se existe ligação entre enxaqueca e funções executivas e atencionais. METODOLOGIA: Estudo observacional (44 indivíduos; 29 com enxaqueca e 15 sem enxaqueca) sobre alterações de atenção e funcionamento executivo na enxaqueca. Foram incluídos no estudo indivíduos maiores de 18 anos, independente do sexo, recrutados por conveniência no CAM FAME, FAME e Centro AMA, centros primários de recrutamento, seguindo os critérios da Classificação Internacional de Cefaleias (ICHD-3). Os participantes foram submetidos a testes neuropsicológicos que estimaram o funcionamento executivo e atencional. Para atenção foi utilizada a Bateria de Avaliação da Atenção Psicológica (AAB) e para FE foi utilizado o Teste de Cinco Dígitos (FDT). Foram utilizados teste t de Student, ANOVA, Mann-Whitney e/ou teste U de Kruskal-Wallis, cujas análises fixaram o erro tipo I em 0,05. RESULTADOS: Todos os subtestes da AAB apontaram redução do potencial atencional em enxaquecosos quando comparados ao grupo controle. O FDT apresentou redução nos indivíduos do grupo com enxaqueca, quando comparado com o grupo sem enxaqueca. A análise multivariada identificou relação entre FE, Atenção e enxaqueca (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: enxaquecosos apresentam diminuição do funcionamento executivo e das habilidades de atenção e aumento no tempo de execução quando comparados a indivíduos não enxaquecosos

Las funciones ejecutivas: su significado y aplicación clínica / Executive functions: meaning and clinical application

Las funciones ejecutivas generalmente se conceptualizan como un conjunto de procesos generales de control de orden superior que trabajan juntos para dirigir y gestionar las funciones cognitivas, emocionales y conductuales, especialmente durante la resolución activa de problemas. Su disfunción es frecuente de ser detectada como comorbilidad de otros trastornos del neurodesarrollo, causa o efecto? La detección precoz de la disfunción ejecutiva y su abordaje terapéutico temprano, mejora el pronóstico global madurativo en el periodo infantojuvenil. Esta sucinta revisión de las funciones ejecutivas intenta resaltar su importancia para el pediatra y su mirada de los trastornos del neurodesarrollo (AU)

Executive functions are typically understood as a set of general higher-order control processes that collectively direct and manage cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functions, especially during active problem solving. Their dysfunction is often detected as a comorbidity of other neurodevelopmental disorders; cause or effect? Early detection of executive dysfunction and a prompt therapeutic approach improves the overall developmental prognosis in childhood and adolescence. This brief review of executive functions aims to highlight their importance for the pediatrician and his/her view of neurodevelopmental disorder (AU)

Perfil Neurocognitivo de una cohorte de menores de edad con vivencias de maltrato infantil / Neuropsychological profile of a cohort of children victims of child abuse

El maltrato infantil (MI) es un problema multidimensional. El estrés crónico producido por dicho fenómeno afecta el desarrollo cerebral de niños, niñas y adolescentes (NNA), incidiendo negativamente en la evolución de diversos aspectos del desarrollo, condicionando su vida futura. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar el desempeño sociocognitivo de NNA que han vivenciado MI, mediante el análisis de las funciones del neurodesarrollo, evaluado con subpruebas de la NEPSY II. Se analizan funciones ejecutivas y percepción social, bases del razonamiento y adaptación social. Se estudia el desempeño de 14 de NNA pertenecientes a un Programa de la Fundación Súmate, cuya Misión es la recuperación de la escolaridad NNA que han visto alterado el curso de su desarrollo por MI. Los resultados dan cuenta de alteraciones cerebrales asociadas al MI, las que se evidencian en un deficitario desarrollo funcional de las variables estudiadas. Existe grave descenso en los procesos y subprocesos del funcionamiento ejecutivo. En relación con la percepción social, la muestra estudiada presenta un mejor desarrollo, el que desciende a medida que aumenta la edad. Las funciones estudiadas tienen directa relación con el razonamiento cognitivo y desarrollo socio adaptativo, bases sobre las que se estructura el desarrollo académico. Los hallazgos, refuerzan la urgencia de abordar esta sensible realidad desde la práctica médica en la atención primaria y especializada. Los resultados también son de utilidad para orientar el desarrollo de políticas públicas que efectivamente contribuyan al progreso de nuestro país.

Abstract. Child maltreatment (MI) is a multidimensional problem. The chronic stress produced by this phenomenon affects the brain development of children and adolescents (NNA), negatively affecting the evolution of various aspects of development, conditioning their future life. The objective of this study is to analyze the sociocognitive performance of children and adolescents who have experienced IM, through the analysis of the performance of neurodevelopmental functions, evaluated through subtests of the NEPSY II. Executive functions and social perception, reasoning bases and social adaptation are studied. The performance of 14 NNA belonging to a Fundación Súmate Program is studied, whose mission is the recovery of NNA schooling that has seen the course of their development altered by IM. The results show brain alterations associated with MI, evidenced in a deficient functional development of the variables studied. There is a serious decline in the processes and threads of executive functioning. In relation to social perception, the studied sample presents a better development, which decreases as age increases. The functions studied are directly related to cognitive reasoning and socio-adaptive development, based on which academic development is structured. The findings reinforce the urgency of addressing this sensitive reality from medical practice in primary and specialized care. The results are also useful to guide the development of public policies that effectively contribute to the progress of our country.

Funciones ejecutivas y comprensión lectora en estudiantes de educación primaria en Lima - Perú

Las funciones ejecutivas y la comprensión de lectura son temas poco estudiados desde sus elementos asociativos. En particular, la primera variable, desde la educación primaria, no es tema que haya requerido un nivel amplio de profundización. De esta forma, los estudiantes de educación primaria van adquiriendo diversas estrategias a lo largo de su formación por lo que se espera que en el IV ciclo de EBR puedan emplearlas para el desarrollo de diversas capacidades como las de comprender textos. Esta situación ha determinado que se describa la relación entre dos variables de investigación para tomar acción educativa en este grupo de estudio en particular. El alcance correlacional, dentro de lo cuantitativo. Se aplicaron dos instrumentos: una Escala EFECO y una Evaluación de comprensión lectora ACL-4 aplicados a 110 estudiantes de 4to grado de educación primaria. Se concluyó que no existe relación (p ≥ 0,05) entre estas. Esto es estadísticamente significativo con un p-valor = -0,077. En tal sentido, los estudiantes, si bien reciben el aprendizaje de las estrategias de las funciones ejecutivas como parte del desarrollo de las sesiones del docente, estas no tienen relación con el desarrollo de su competencia lectora debido al poco estímulo que reciben.

Executive functions and reading comprehension correspond to topics little studied from their associative elements. In particular, the first variable, from primary education, is not a subject that has required a broad level of deepening. In this way, primary education students acquire various strategies throughout their training, so it is expected that in the IV cycle of EBR they will be able to use them for the development of various capacities such as understanding texts. This situation has determined that the relationship between two research variables be described in order to take educational action in this particular study group. The correlational scope, within the quantitative, has served so that, with the application of two instruments: an EFECO Scale and an ACL-4 Reading Comprehension Assessment applied to 110 students of 4th grade of primary education. It was concluded that there is no relationship (p ≥ 0.05) between them. This is statistically significant with a p-value = -0.077. In this sense, the students, although they receive the learning of the strategies of the executive functions as part of the development of the teacher's sessions, these are not related to the development of their reading competence due to the little encouragement they receive.

As funções executivas e a compreensão leitora correspondem a temas pouco estudados a partir de seus elementos associativos. Em particular, a primeira variável, desde o ensino primário, não é um tema que tenha exigido um nível de aprofundamento alargado. Desta forma, os alunos do ensino básico adquirem várias estratégias ao longo da sua formação, pelo que se espera que no IV ciclo da EBR consigam utilizá-las para o desenvolvimento de várias capacidades como a compreensão de textos. Essa situação determinou que a relação entre duas variáveis de pesquisa fosse descrita para a realização de ações educativas nesse grupo específico de estudo. O escopo correlacional, dentro do quantitativo, serviu para que, com a aplicação de dois instrumentos: uma Escala EFECO e uma Avaliação da Compreensão de Leitura ACL-4 aplicada a 110 alunos da 4ª série do ensino fundamental. Concluiu-se que não há relação (p ≥ 0,05) entre eles. Isso é estatisticamente significativo com um valor p = -0,077. Nesse sentido, os alunos, embora recebam o aprendizado das estratégias das funções executivas como parte do desenvolvimento das sessões do professor, estas não estão relacionadas ao desenvolvimento de sua competência leitora devido ao pouco incentivo que recebem.

Parental Skills and Academic Competences in School Children: The Mediator Role of Executive Functions

Abstract The role of parenting in the development of children's learning constitutes, at present, part of the discussion in the psychoeducational field. Although parental competences (PC) and executive functions (EF) have been investigated by psychology and neuropsychology, their relationship with academic competences remains to be fully studied. The aim of this investigation was to analyze the effect of PC perceived by parents on behavioral EF and performance-based measures of reading and mathematical competences in children. We worked with 131 school children of both sexes, between 9 and 11 years old, and their respective parents. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and structural equation model (SEM) were used. The results indicate that parental skills from the parents' perspective have a significant effect on EF, reading, and mathematical skills. However, the best fit model indicates that EFs mediate the relationship between parenting skills and reading and math skills.

Resumen El rol parental en el desarrollo del aprendizaje de los niños constituye, en el presente, una parte de la discusión en el campo psicoeducativo. Aunque las competencias parentales (PC) y las funciones ejecutivas (EF) han sido investigadas por la psicología y la neuropsicología, su relación con las competencias académicas permanece abierta para ser estudiada a profundidad. El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar el efecto de los PC percibidos por los padres en EF comportamentales y las mediciones basadas en el desempeño de las competencias lectoras y matemáticas en niños. Trabajamos con 131 niños y niñas de colegio, entre 9 y 11 años, y sus padres. Se hizo uso del Análisis Multivarial de Variación (MANOVA) y el modelo de ecuación estructural (SEM). Los resultados indican que las habilidades parentales desde la perspectiva de los padres poseen un efecto significativo en las EF, la lectura y las habilidades matemáticas. De forma que los modelos mejor ajustados indican que las EFs median la relación entre las habilidades parentales, lectoras y matemáticas.

Estandarización de la batería neuropsicológica de funciones ejecutivas y lóbulos frontales BaNFE-2 en muestra paraguaya con esclerosis múltiple tipo recaída remisión

Introducción: la esclerosis múltiple (EM), enfermedad crónica del sistema nervioso (SNC), compromete significativamente la cognición. Su prevalencia en Paraguay es 9,2/100.000 habitantes, 72% con recaída remisión (EMRR) e incidencia de 2-3mujeres/hombre, afecta más a personas en edad productiva, con altos costos económicos y afectivos. Objetivos: caracterizar al paciente con EMRR, evaluar sus funciones ejecutivas (FEs) con BaNFE-2; establecer valores de corte ajustados al país. Metodología: con fundamento en teoría de la neurociencia cognitiva, diseño no experimental, cuantitativo, descriptivo, empírico, retrospectivo y transversal; técnica psicométrica y entrevista neuropsicológica en una muestra por conveniencia de 40 pacientes, 82,5% mujeres y edad 25-55 años (37,78±7,89). Resultados: se reportaron datos demográficos y clínicos, se caracterizaron las escalas de BaNFE-2 cuya consistencia interna resultó significativa. Se obtuvo 52,5% de alteración en la escala prefrontal y 42,5% en FEs; relaciones significativas con escolaridad, discapacidad física (DF), cantidad de brotes y deterioro cognitivo (DC); diferencias significativas por sexo, escolaridad, DF y DC. Se calcularon puntuaciones tipificadas por escolaridad, z<-1 establece el corte entre normalidad y alteración. Conclusión: las pruebas de BaNFE-2 perfilan la afectación del tiempo de ejecución, atención, memoria de trabajo y FEs. Este estudio aporta baremos ajustados al país y abre una novedosa línea de investigación aplicando BaNFE-2 en EM.

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, neurodegenerative, inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that significantly compromises cognitive functions. In Paraguay, it occurs with a prevalence of 9.2/100,000 inhabitants, 72% in the clinical form of relapsing remission (RRMS) and an incidence of 2 to 3 women/men, affecting more people of productive age with high economic and emotional costs. Objectives: To characterize the Paraguayan patient with RRMS, to assess the state of their executive functions (EFs) with the BaNFE-2 battery, and to establish cut-off values adjusted to the country. Methods: Research based on the theory of cognitive neuroscience of non-experimental, quantitative and descriptive design for analytical purposes. It is empirical, retrospective and cross-sectional. The psychometric technique and neuropsychological interview were used in a convenience sample of 40 patients aged 25 to 55 (37.78 ± 7.89) and 82.5% women. Results: Demographic and clinical data of the participants were reported. The BaNFE-2 coded and normalized scales were statistically characterized, the internal consistency of which was significant. 52.5% of the alteration was obtained in the anterior prefrontal scale and 42.5% in FEs; there are significant relationships with schooling, physical disability (PD), number of outbreaks and cognitive impairment (CI); there were also significant differences by sex, education, PD and CI. Standardized scores adjusted for schooling were calculated such that z<-1 establishes the cutoff between normality and abnormality. Conclusion: BaNFE-2 battery tests profile the affectation of execution time, attention, working memory, and FEs. This study provides the adjusted scales for the country and opens a new line of research applying the BaNFE-2 battery in people with MS.

THE IMMEDIATE EFFECT OF TRATAKA ON EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS AMONG ADULTS

Background: There is evidence to suggest that lack of physical activity, a common experience among adults, can negatively impact executive functions such as attention, memory, and decision making. Trataka can improve eye deformity, executive ability, willpower, and relaxation. Trataka may also have a protective effect on the brain, reducing inflammation and the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. The immediate effect of Trataka on executive Aim of the study: Material & methods: function among adults. Forthy healthy Adults to observe the immediate effects of thirty minute trataka regimen for one day. Participants were recruited through convenient sampling and were between the ages of 18-40. The study used a single group pre-post design. After single trataka session Results: showed that 11.59% significant increase (P< 0.05) in total attempted score on DLST. Similarly, there was 11.48% significant increase (P = 0.05). and there was 16.6% increase in (P> 0.05) in wrong attempt scores. After single trataka session it showed that 22.48% significant increase (P< 0.01) in total attempted score on SLCT. Similarly, there was 22.71% significant increase (P = 0.01) in NS. However, there was 70.58% reduction in wrong attempt score which was highly significant (P = 0.001). the available evi Conclusion: dence suggests that the practice of single session trataka has a positive on executive function among adults.

El impacto del TDAH sobre la lectura / The impact of ADHD on reading

Resumen Más allá de la frecuente coexistencia del trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad (TDAH) y el trastorno específico del aprendizaje de la lectura, la presente revisión pretende examinar la evidencia empírica disponible sobre cómo el TDAH impacta negativamente sobre el aprendizaje de la lectura. Los datos existentes apuntan a que la presencia del trastorno (especialmente los síntomas de falta de atención), puede afectar a i) la correcta adquisición de lectura, ya sea de manera directa o a través de su influencia sobre los precursores de la lectura; ii) las propias habilidades de decodificación (precisión y fluidez lectora), tanto de manera directa como indirecta a través de su influencia sobre procesos cognitivos como la distracción o las funciones ejecutivas; y ii) la comprensión lectora, probablemente de manera indirecta por las dificultades eje cutivas y en la memoria de trabajo verbal características del TDAH. Estas conclusiones presentan importantes implicaciones para caracterizar e intervenir mejor sobre las dificultades lectoras en el TDAH, ya sean clínicas o subclínicas.

Abstract Beyond the frequent coexistence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and reading dis order (dyslexia), the present review aims to examine the available empirical evidence on how ADHD negatively impacts on learning to read. Existing data suggest that the presence of the disorder (especially inattention symp toms), may affect i) the correct acquisition of reading, either directly or through its influence on the precursors to reading; ii) decoding skills themselves (reading accuracy and fluency), both directly and indirectly through its influence on cognitive processes such as distractibility or executive functions; and iii) reading comprehension, probably indirectly through the executive and verbal memory difficulties characteristic of ADHD. These findings have important implications for better characterizing and intervening on reading difficulties in ADHD, whether clinical or subclinical.

O Paradigma de Stroop nos estudos brasileiros: uma revisão de escopo / The Stroop Paradigm in Brazilian studies: a scope review / El Paradigma de Stroop en los estudios brasileños: una revisión del alcance

O paradigma do Stroop é amplamente utilizado na avaliação das funções executivas. Este estudo investigou o uso de tarefas baseadas no paradigma de Stroop em estudos nacionais publicados entre 2000 e 2022, por meio de uma revisão de escopo. Buscaram-se estudos empíricos nas bases de dados: Pubmed, Scielo Brazil, LILACS, Pepsic, Index Psi Periódicos, Index-Psi teses, Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações (BDTD) e Portal CAPES de Teses e Dissertações. Do montante inicial de 1448 estudos, 147 foram selecionados (90 teses/dissertações e 57 artigos). A maioria dos artigos foi publicada em revistas de psicologia e psiquiatria, e o controle inibitório foi o constructo mais mencionado como alvo das tarefas. Quatro versões foram identificadas, sendo a mais utilizada o Stroop de cores e palavras clássico (124 estudos). Diferentes escores/índices foram relatados. Houve poucos estudos psicométricos e com normas das tarefas. Versões computadorizas ainda são pouco utilizadas. A revisão colabora para mapeamento das versões utilizadas no âmbito nacional.

The Stroop paradigm is widely used in the executive functions assessment. This study investigated the use of tasks based on the Stroop paradigm in national studies published between 2000 and 2022, by doing a scope review. Empirical studies were selected in the following databases: Pubmed, Scielo Brazil, LILACS, Pepsic, Index Psi Periódicos, Index-Psi teses, Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações (BDTD) and Portal CAPES de Teses e Dissertações. From the initial 1448 studies found, 147 were selected (90 theses/dissertations and 57 articles). Most articles were published in psychology and psychiatry journals, and the construct most targeted by the tasks was inhibitory control. Four versions were identified, and the classic Stroop Color and Word test was the most used one (124 studies). Different scores were reported. There were few psychometric studies and few studies with task norms. Computerized versions are still little used. The review helps to outline the versions used at the national context.

El paradigma de Stroop se usa ampliamente en la evaluación de las funciones ejecutivas. Este estudio investigó el uso de tareas basadas en esto paradigma en estudios nacionales publicados entre 2000 y 2022, haciendo una revisión de alcance. Los estudios empíricos fueron seleccionados en las bases de datos: Pubmed, Scielo Brasil, LILACS, Pepsic, Index Psi Periódicos, Index-Psi teses, Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações (BDTD) y el Portal CAPES de Teses e Dissertações. De los 1448 estudios iniciales encontrados, se seleccionaron 147 (90 tesis / disertaciones y 57 artículos). La mayoría de los artículos se publicaron en revistas de psicología y psiquiatría, y el constructo más citado de las tareas fue el control inhibitorio. Se identificaron cuatro versiones, siendo la prueba clásica Stroop Colores y Palavras la más utilizada (124 estudios). Se informaron diferentes puntuaciones. Hubo pocos estudios psicométricos y pocos estudios con normas de tareas. Las versiones computarizadas todavía se utilizan poco. La revisión ayuda a identificar las versiones utilizadas a nivel nacional.

Self-regulation in youth with bipolar disorder

Objectives: To examine the composition of self-regulation in pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) through the relationship between executive functions, emotion processing, and family environmental factors. Methods: 58 participants (36 with PBD and 22 controls), ages 12-17, were assessed using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), Conners' Continuous Performance Test (CPT-II), Wisconsin Cards Sorting Test (WCST), Computerized Neurocognitive Battery Emotion Recognition Test-Facial Emotion Recognition Test (PENNCNB ER-40), and Expressed Emotion Adjective Checklist Questionnaire (EEAC). Results: Adolescents with PBD displayed significant deficits in all three spheres when compared to the control group. Emotion processing correlated negatively with inhibition and attention, and correlated positively with mental flexibility/working memory. Family environmental factors correlated negatively with mental flexibility/working memory and emotion processing, and positively with attention and inhibition. These correlations indicate that better inhibitory control, attention, and mental flexibility/working memory are associated with greater emotion processing and a fitter family environment. Conclusion: This study is the first to investigate all of the components of self-regulation deficits simultaneously in patients with PBD. Results suggest that self-regulation is essential for a comprehensive perspective of PBD and should be assessed in an integrative and multifaceted way. Understanding that self-regulation is impacted by the abovementioned factors should influence treatment and improve the functional impairments of daily life observed in this population.

Rehabilitation programs of executive functions in young and middle adulthood based on computational systems: a scoping review

Introduction: The use of computational systems has ventured into different healthcare areas, such as rehabilitation and stimulation of cognitive processes. To this date, it is possible to identify some reviews collecting studies on the efficacy and effects of those programs in groups such as older adults, children, and teenagers; there is a lack of academic literature giving an account of young and middle-aged adults. Objective: To identify empirical studies that measured the feasibility and effect of computer-based stimulation and rehabilitation programs for cognitive functions in young and middle-aged adults. Materials and methods: The PRISMA ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) extension was used as a base for a scoping review, as suggested by Cochrane Collaboration. Five databases -Science Direct, Scopus, Springer, PubMed, and Taylor & Francis- were used to trace information. The data registry and synthesis of the results was carried out independently by two reviewers. Results: 896 registries were found between 2015 and 2022, of which 91 met the eligibility principles, which evaluated the effects of programs based on computational systems on executive functions on young and middle-aged adults. Conclusion: Most of the interventions based on computational systems showed to be feasible and had moderate to significant effects on executive functions in young and middle-aged adults.

Introducción: El uso de los sistemas computacionales ha incursionado de forma notable en diferentes áreas de la salud, como la rehabilitación y estimulación de los procesos cognitivos. Si bien a la fecha se pueden identificar algunas revisiones que recopilan estudios sobre la eficacia y efectos de estos programas en grupos como adultos mayores, niños y adolescentes, existe poca literatura orientada a la adultez joven y la adultez media. Objetivo: Identificar estudios empíricos que midieron la viabilidad y el efecto de los programas de estimulación y rehabilitación de las funciones ejecutivas basados en computadora en la población adulta joven y media. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó revisión de alcance basado en la extensión PRISMA ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extensión for Scoping Reviews) sugerido por Cochrane Collaboration. Para el rastreo de información se seleccionaron cinco bases de datos: Science Direct, Scopus, Springer, PubMed y Taylor & Francis. El proceso de registro de datos y la síntesis de los resultados fue realizada por dos revisores de forma independiente. Resultados: Se encontraron 896 registros desde el 2015 al 2022, de los cuales 91 cumplieron los principios de elegibilidad, en los que se evaluaron los efectos de programas basados en sistemas computacionales sobre las funciones ejecutivas en adultos jóvenes y adultos medios. Conclusión: La mayoría de las intervenciones basadas en sistemas computacionales mostraron ser viables y tener efectos favorables de moderados a significativos sobre las funciones ejecutivas de adultos jóvenes y medios.

Sequential production of motor-action verb subtypes in Parkinson's disease patients / Produção sequencial de subtipos de verbos de ação motora em pacientes com doença de parkinson

ABSTRACT Motor-action verbs (MAVs) production and comprehension are compromised in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Objectives: The aim of this study was to characterize the sequential production of three subtypes of MAVs in PD patients: whole body (e.g., run), specific body part (e.g., kick), and instrumental (e.g., saw). This study also aimed to identify the production characteristics for each of the two main phases in fluency performance: selection (initial abundant item production) and retrieval (more paced and scarce production). Methods: This study involved a group of 20 nondemented, on-medication PD patients, with an average age of 66.59 years (standard deviation = 4.13), and a comparison group (CG) of 20 normal elderly individuals, matched by years of education and controlled for cognitive performance and depression. Both groups performed a classical verb fluency task. Sequential word-by-word analyses were conducted. Results: Significant differences were found at the initial production of whole-body MAVs and the overall production of instrumental verbs (both measures were lower in the PD group). A repeated-measures analysis of variance confirmed the linear CG performance and the quadratic PD performance. Conclusions: PD patients present altered production of whole-body and instrumental MAVs. This proposal for the semantic sequential analysis of motor verbs deserves further investigation, as a new methodology for the evaluation of fluency performance in motor-related disease.

RESUMO A produção e a compreensão das ações motoras (MAVs) estão comprometidas em pacientes com doença de Parkinson (DP). Objetivos: Caracterizar a produção sequencial de três subtipos de verbos de MAVs: corpo inteiro (por exemplo, corre), parte corporal específica (por exemplo, chute) e instrumental (por exemplo, serra) em pacientes com DP. Identificar as características de produção para cada uma das duas principais fases em desempenho de fluência: seleção (produção inicial abundante de itens) e recuperação (produção mais acelerada e escassa). Métodos: Um grupo de 20 pacientes com DP não demência, com idade média de 66,59 (desvio padrão — DP= 4,13), e um grupo de comparação (GC) de 20 idosos normais, dísticos com anos de estudo e controle para desempenho cognitivo e depressão. Ambos os grupos realizaram uma tarefa clássica de fluência de verbo. Foram realizadas análises sequenciais palavra por palavra. Resultados: Diferenças significativas foram encontradas na produção inicial de MAVs de corpo inteiro e na produção global de verbos instrumentais (ambas as medidas foram menores no grupo PD). Uma medida repetida na análise de variância (ANOVA) confirmou o desempenho linear de CG e o desempenho quadrático de DP. Conclusões: Os pacientes com DP apresentam produção alterada de MAVs corporais inteiras e instrumentais. Esta proposta para a análise sequencial semântica dos verbos motores merece uma nova investigação, como uma nova metodologia para a avaliação do desempenho da fluência em doenças motoras.

Influence of blood phenylalanine level variations on the development of executive functions and social cognition in children with phenylketonuria

Abstract Objective: To investigate the performance of 27 children with phenylketonuria (PKU) in tests of Executive Functions (EF) and Social Cognition (SC), and their associations with metabolic control inferred by phenylalanine (Phe) levels. Methods: The PKU group was dichotomized according to baseline Phe-levels into; "classical PKU"(n = 14), with Phe-levels above 1200 µmol/L (> 20 mg/dL); and "mild PKU" (n = 13) with Phe-between 360 and 1200 µmol/L (6-20 mg/dL). The neuropsychological assessment focused on the EF and SC subtests of the NEPSY-II battery and intellectual performance. Children were compared to age-matched healthy participants. Results: Participants with PKU presented significantly lower Intellectual Quotient (IQ) compared to controls (p = 0.001). Regarding EF analysis adjusted by age and IQ, significant differences between groups were observed only in the executive attention subtests (p = 0.029). The SC set of variables was significantly different between groups (p = 0.003), as in the affective recognition task (p < 0.001). In the PKU group, the relative variation of Phe-achieved 32.1 ± 21.0%. Relative Phe-variation was correlated only with measures of Working Memory (p < 0.001), Verbal Fluency (p = 0.004), Inhibitory Control (p = 0.035) and Theory of Mind (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Phonological Verbal Fluency, Working Memory, Inhibitory Control, and Theory of Mind were shown to be most vulnerable when there is non-ideal metabolic control. Variations in the level of Phe-may have a selective negative effect on Executive Functions and Social Cognition, but not on intellectual performance.

Teoría de la Mente en pacientes Traumatizados Craneoencefálico

Antecedentes: Uno de los impedimentos más importantes en los traumatismos craneoencefálicos (TEC), revistan en las dificultades de interacción social, la Teoría de la Mente (ToM) es un factor fundamental de la cognición social, que permite una interacción satisfactoria del sujeto. Objetivo: Observar la capacidad de ToM en pacientes TEC moderado o severo, y su relación con dominios neurocognitivos. Método: Pacientes diagnosticados con TEC moderado o severo, evaluados neuropsicológicamente, edad 16 y 45 años, se aplicaron Test de la Mirada (TdlM) e Historias Extrañas (HT). Resultados: Se encontraron correlaciones entre TdlM y HT con memoria y funciones ejecutivas. Pacientes lesionados izquierdos, rinden significativamenie menos en HT. Conclusiones: Pacientes con TEC moderado o grave tienen una disminución de la capacidad de ToM. Existe una relación entre memoria episódica y ToM, podría deberse a que esta última requiere información a experiencias pasadas. Durante la infancia la ToM depende de la memoria episódica, pero cuando ambas se desarrollan adecuadamente, son independientes. Existe una relación entre funciones ejecutivas y ToM. Ambos constructos están vinculados en la infancia, pero luego comienzan a ser más independientes. Sin embargo, la ToM igualmente va a requerir de las funciones ejecutivas.

Background: One of the most important impediments in traumatic brain injuries (TBI), are the difficulties of social and family interaction. The Theory of Mind (ToM) is a fundamental factor of social cognition, which allows a satisfactory interaction of the individual with his environment. Objetive: To observe the ability of ToM in moderate or severe TBI patients, and its relationship with neurocognitive domains. Methods: Outpatients with diagnosis of moderate or severe TBI, evaluated neuropsychologically, age between 16 and 45 years, were applied Eyes Test (ET) and the Hinting task (HT). Results: Correlations were found between ET and HT with memory and executive functions. Injured left, perform significantly less in HT Patients with moderate or severe TBI have a decrease in ToM capacity. Conclusions: There is a relationship between episodic memory and ToM, which could be due to the latter 's need to request information from past experiences through episodic memory. During childhood ToM depends on episodic memory, but when both are achieved and developed properly, they are independent. There is a relationship between executive functions and ToM. Both constructs are linked in childhood, but then they begin to be more independent. However, ToM tasks will also require executive functions.

Perfis comportamentais na perturbação do espetro do autismo e sua relação com o funcionamento executivo e empa tia numa dimensão ecológica1 / Behavioral profiles in autism spectrum disorder and relationship with executive functioning and empathy in an ecological dimension

RESUMO Défices na Comunicação Social e Interação Social (CSIS) e nos Padrões Restritos e Repetitivos de Comportamentos, Interesses ou Atividades (PRRCIA) em crianças com Perturbação do Espetro do Autismo (PEA) são frequentemente explicados por problemas nas funções executivas (FE) e empatia. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar associações entre FE e empatia em 75 crianças com PEA (9,67±1,29), previamente separadas em dois grupos de acordo com a frequência de comportamentos típicos da PEA. Usando o Inventário Comportamental de Avaliação das Funções Executivas - Pais e a Escala de Avaliação da Empatia foram encontradas diferentes associações entre FE e empatia em ambos os grupos. No grupo com baixa frequência de comportamentos, as FE têm maior associação com CSIS (Grupo 1) do que os PRRCIA. O grupo com maior frequência de comportamentos e frequência mais homogênea entre os dois domínios (Grupo 2) apresentou associações mais fortes entre FE e PRRCIA e entre FE e empatia cognitiva. Comportamentos típicos do PEA foram melhor explicados pelas FE do que por empatia. A identificação de dificuldades nos processos neurocognitivos implicados nos comportamentos típicos da PEA poderá levar à maior adequação da intervenção numa perspetiva mais abrangente e, consequentemente, melhorar o funcionamento e comportamento adaptativo da criança no seu dia a dia.

ABSTRACT Deficits in Social Communication and Interaction (SCI) and Restricted and Repetitive Behaviours and Interests (RRBI) in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are frequently explained by problems in executive functions (EF) and empathy. The goal of these study was to analyze associations between EF and empathy in 75 children with ASD (9.67±1.29), previously separated into two groups according to the ASD behaviour frequency. Using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function for parents and the Empathy Assessment Scale, different associations between EF and empathy in both groups were found. In the group with low frequency of behaviours, EF have a greater association with the SCI (Group 1) than RBBI. The group with higher frequency of behaviours and more homogeneous frequency between the two domains (Group 2) presented stronger associations between EF and RBBI, and between EF and cognitive empathy. ASD typical behaviours were better explained by EF rather than empathy. The identification of difficulties in the neurocognitive processes involved in the typical behaviors of ASD may lead to a greater adequacy of the intervention in a broader perspective and, consequently, improve the functioning and adaptive behavior of the child in their daily lives.

A Correlational Study Between Executive Functions and Conditional Discriminations in Children with Autism / Um Estudo Correlacional Entre Funções Executivas e Discriminações Condicionais em Crianças com Autismo

Abstract Neuropsychology is a science that allows tracing the profile of cognitive impairments and preserved skills to design appropriate treatments and educational practices aiming at a better quality of life for the individual. This is basic correlational research, which objective was to verify if the results found in the executive functions in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are predictive of or have some correlation with the performance in conditional discrimination through choice tasks according to the identity matching-to-sample (MTS) model. Correlations revealed significant associations between neuropsychological tests and MTS tasks. Future research may further explore MTS tasks for the assessment and intervention of individuals with ASD.

Resumo A Neuropsicologia é uma ciência que permite traçar o perfil dos comprometimentos cognitivos e habilidades preservadas a fim de delinear tratamentos e práticas educativas adequadas, almejando melhor qualidade de vida do indivíduo. Trata-se de uma pesquisa básica correlacional, cujo objetivo foi verificar se os resultados encontrados nas funções executivas em crianças com Transtorno do Espectro do Autismo (TEA) são preditivas de ou tem alguma correlação com o desempenho em discriminação condicional por meio de tarefas de escolha de acordo com o modelo MTS de identidade. As correlações revelaram associações significativas entre os testes neuropsicológicos e as tarefas de MTS. Pesquisas futuras poderão explorar melhor as tarefas de MTS para avaliação e intervenção de indivíduos com TEA.

Anxiety, sleep habits and executive function during the COVID-19 pandemic through parents' perception: a longitudinal study

Abstract The present study therefore aims to examine trait and state anxiety, sleep habits and executive functioning during 1 year and a half of the COVID-19 pandemic in children and adolescents through the lens of parents. Assessments were conducted at three different times: April 2020 (T1), October 2020 (T2) and October 2021 (T3). The main sample included 953 children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years, and scales were used to assess anxiety (STAIC), sleep habits (BEARS) and executive functioning (BRIEF-2). The results showed that 6 months after the outbreak of the pandemic, state and trait anxiety, sleep disturbances and executive dysfunctions increased significantly. One and a half year later, trait anxiety and sleep disturbances have been maintained, while state anxiety and executive dysfunction have decreased their scores obtaining scores similar to those of April 2020. In conclusion, there has been a further decrease in children and adolescents' mental health since the beginning of the pandemic, and it seems to remain at the present time, such as trait anxiety as a part of the personality.

Relación entre actividad física, rendimiento académico y funciones ejecutivas en adolescentes: una revisión sistemática / Relationship between physical activity, academic performance and executive functions in adolescents: a systematic review / Relação entre atividade física, Rendimento acadêmico e funções executivas em adolescentes: uma revisão sistemática

El objetivo de este estudió fue analizar la producción científica actual sobre el nivel de actividad física, rendimiento académico y funciones ejecutivas, con el fin de relacionar los beneficios del ejercicio con los procesos cognitivos de escolares. Metodología: Para la revisión y selección de artículos, se siguió la metodología de revisión sistemática basada en las declaraciones internacionales PRISMA. Las principales bases de datos utilizadas son; Dimensions, LILAC, PubMed, Scielo, Scopus y Dialnet. Búsqueda de artículos de intervención y de revisión publicados entre 2013 y 2020, con un rango etario de 10 a 18 años y escritos en idioma español. Los resultados indican que los estudios centran sus objetivos en analizar y comparar las relaciones entre las variables AF, RE y FE. Se concluye que existe una influencia positiva de la actividad física sobre las variables de rendimiento académico y funciones ejecutivas, lo que se traduce principalmente en una mejora en matemáticas y/o lectura, en la memoria y la atención.

The objective of this study was to analyze the current scientific production on the level of physical activity, academic performance, and executive functions, in order to relate the benefits of exercise to the cognitive processes of schoolchildren. Methodology: For the review and selection of articles, we followed the systematic review methodology based on the PRISMA international declarations. The main databases used are: Dimensions, LILAC, PubMed, Scielo, Scopus, and Dialnet. The search focused on intervention and review articles published between 2013 and 2020, with an age range of 10 to 18 years old and written in Spanish. The results indicate that the studies focus their objectives on analyzing and comparing the relationships between the FA, AP, and EF variables. It is concluded that there is a positive influence of physical activity on the variables of academic performance and executive functions, which mainly translates into an improvement in mathematics and/or reading, as well as in memory and attention.

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a produção científica atual sobre o nível de atividade física, rendimento acadêmico e funções executivas, a fim de relacionar os benefícios do exercício físico com os processos cognitivos de escolares. Metodologia: para a revisão e seleção dos artigos, seguiu-se a metodologia de revisão sistemática baseada nas declarações internacionais PRISMA. As principais bases de dados utilizadas são: Dimensões, LILAC, PubMed, Scielo, Scopus e Dialnet. Pesquisa de artigos de intervenção e revisão publicados entre 2013 e 2020, com faixa etária de 10 a 18 anos e escritos em espanhol. Os resultados indicam que os estudos focam seus objetivos em analisar e comparar as relações entre as variáveis AF, RE e FE. Conclui-se que existe uma influência positiva da atividade física nas variáveis de desempenho acadêmico e funções executivas, o que se traduz principalmente em melhora em matemática e/ou leitura, em memória e atenção.

La planificación cognitiva en el contexto de la evaluación neuropsicológica e investigación en neurociencia cognitiva: una revisión sistemática / Cognitive planning in the context of neuropsychological assessment and research in cognitive neuroscience: a systematic review

La planificación es definida como la habilidad de desarrollar un plan secuenciado de pasos conductuales para alcanzar una meta y forma parte de un conjunto de funciones cognitivas de alto orden denominadas funciones ejecutivas. Esta función se ve afectada en diversas situaciones de la vida cotidiana y en una variedad de trastornos neuropsiquiátricos (por ej., depresión, ansiedad, déficit atencional, esquizofrenia, etc.). Tanto el diseño de pruebas cognitivas para evaluar planificación en el contexto clínico, como también el diseño de paradigmas experimentales de evaluación de la planificación en el contexto de investigación, continúa siendo un desafío para la neuropsicología clínica y para las neurociencias. En este artículo de revisión sistemática que sigue las direcciones PRISMA, revisamos la teoría e investigación en relación con la evaluación clínica y la investigación de las bases neurobiológicas de la planificación y los aportes a la comprensión de los mecanismos de su implementación. Se reportan medidas metodológicas comunes y se resumen las aproximaciones teóricas que contribuyen en su comprensión. Nuestros hallazgos muestran la implicancia de la corteza prefrontal en el rendimiento en planificación, en particular el área dorsolateral, corteza cingulada anterior y frontopolar. Mayores estudios clínicos, instrumentales y experimentales son necesarios para comprender mejor la planificación en el contexto de una teoría integrativa de las funciones ejecutivas y del rol de la corteza prefrontal.

Planning is defined as the ability to develop a sequenced plan of behavioral steps to achieve a goal and is part of a set of high-order cognitive functions called executive functions. This function is affected in various daily life situations and in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, schizophrenia, etc.). Both the design of cognitive tests to assess planning in the clinical context, as well as the design of experimental paradigms for evaluating planning in research context, continues to be a challenge for clinical neuropsychology and neurosciences. In this PRISMA systematic review article, we review theory and research regarding clinical assessment and research into the neurobiological bases of planning and contributions to understanding the mechanisms of its implementation. Common methodological measures are reported and the theoretical approaches that contribute to their understanding are summarized. Our findings show the involvement of the prefrontal cortex in planning performance, particularly the dorsolateral area, the anterior cingulate cortex, and the frontopolar cortex. Further clinical, instrumental, and experimental studies are needed to better understand planning in the context of an integrative theory of executive functions and the role of the prefrontal cortex.