Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Drug Use in Healthcare Professionals: A Systematic Review.

Healthcare professionals are exposed to stressful situations that may favor substance use vulnerability. This systematic review aims to synthesize the risk and protective factors associated with use, abuse, and dependence of alcohol, tobacco, psychoactive drugs, and cannabis in healthcare professionals. Following PRISMA recommendations, a systematic search was performed in PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. The search yielded 1523 studies, of which 19 were selected. The identified risk factors were demographic factors (i.e. male gender, and single/divorced marital status), psychopathological factors, social factors, positive attitudes toward drugs, unhealthy lifestyle habits, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the coexistence of the use of several substances. The protective factors were demographic factors (i.e. ethnicity and having dependent children), healthy lifestyle habits, and workplace anti-drug policies (i.e. restriction of tobacco use). These findings highlight the need for preventive actions against drug use in healthcare professionals to improve their health and reduce the possible negative impact on their healthcare practice. Knowledge of modifiable risk and protective factors allows their incorporation as components in preventive actions, and non-modifiable factors (e.g. demographic variables) may contribute to the detection of groups of greater vulnerability to propose selective prevention actions in this population.

Effectiveness of virtual reality-based neuropsychological interventions in improving cognitive functioning in patients with mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Increased prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has led to a need for new neuropsychological intervention tools in this population. This meta-analysis aimed to learn about the efficacy of virtual reality (VR)-based neuropsychological interventions in improving cognitive functioning in patients with MCI. Method: This review followed the recommendations of the PRISMA statement, and it was registered in PROSPERO. The studies examined were collected from the PsycINFO, Web of Science, Pubmed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases. Results: The systematic search yielded 258 articles, of which 13 randomized controlled trials were selected. VR-based neuropsychological interventions had moderate effects on global cognition (g = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.05, 0.56; p = 0.02), small effects on attention (g = 0.27; 95% CI = 0.04, 0.49; p = 0.02), and large effects on executive function (g = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.38, 0.81; p < 0.0001), but non-significant effects on working memory, episodic memory, language, or visuoconstruction. When the length of the intervention was considered, VR-based interventions of 15 or more hours had moderate effects on working memory (g = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.11, 0.99; p = 0.01), and large effects on language (g = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.01, 1.20; p = 0.05) and visuoconstruction (g = 1.13; 95% CI = 0.58, 1.67; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Results suggest that VR-based interventions are beneficial for improving cognitive functioning in patients with MCI, and allow us to make recommendations that could have implications for clinical decision-making in this population.

[Effects of cannabis use on attention and memory in adolescent population: a systematic review.] / Efectos del consumo de cannabis en la atención y la memoria en población adolescente: una revisión sistemática.

OBJECTIVE: Cannabis is an illegal drug whose use has increased in recent years, especially among adolescents. Despite its popularity, its use and abuse brings with it health consequences, being greater if consumption occurs in the adolescent stage, since the brain is in full development. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the effects of cannabis use on cognitive functions of attention and memory in adolescent population. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was carried out in the main search portals (Pubmed, Web of Science, SciELO, Cochrane) referring to the last 10 years, following the PRISMA criteria. The systematic search strategy was carried out in the period from March to May 2021, applying the PICO method and the PEDro scale to guarantee the methodological quality of the included studies. RESULTS: Both attention and memory are affected by cannabis use; however, memory functions improve with abstinence, not being so for attention. Memory deficits are an indicator of therapeutic abandonment of addiction treatment. In relation to psychosocial interventions aimed at improving memory, the contingency management, educational interventions and motivational interviewing have not been shown to be effective on the effects of substances. Working memory training offers positive results, although not clinically significant. Finally, memory deficits are an indicator of therapeutic abandonment of pharmacological treatment for cannabis addiction. Therefore, research is needed aimed both at reducing the side effects of drugs on memory processes and at establishing to what extent memory deficits associated with cannabis use can facilitate therapeutic abandonment. CONCLUSIONS: More research is necessary, considering the dual consumption of cannabis-tobacco and the effects that both substances may have jointly and separately on attention and memory processes.

OBJETIVO: El cannabis es una droga ilegal cuyo consumo se ha visto incrementado en los últimos años, especialmente en población adolescente. A pesar de su popularidad, su uso y abuso trae consigo consecuencias para la salud, siendo mayores si el consumo se produce en la etapa adolescente, ya que el cerebro se encuentra en pleno desarrollo. El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática fue determinar los efectos del consumo de cannabis en las funciones cognitivas de atención y memoria en población adolescente. METODOS: Se llevó a cabo una revisión sistemática de la literatura en los principales portales de búsqueda (Pubmed, Web of Science, SciELO, Cochrane) referida a los últimos diez años, siguiendo los criterios PRISMA. La estrategia de búsqueda sistemática se realizó en el periodo de tiempo comprendido entre los meses de marzo a mayo de 2021, aplicándose el método PICO y la escala PEDro para garantizar la calidad metodológica de los estudios incluidos. RESULTADOS: Tanto la atención como la memoria se ven afectadas por el consumo de cannabis; sin embargo, la memoria mejora su funcionamiento con la abstinencia, no ocurriendo lo mismo con la atención. Los déficits de memoria son un indicador de abandono terapéutico del tratamiento para la adicción. En relación con las intervenciones psicosociales orientadas a la mejora de la memoria, tanto el manejo de contingencias como las intervenciones educativas y la entrevista motivacional no se han mostrado efectivas sobre los efectos de las sustancias. El entrenamiento en la memoria de trabajo ofrece resultados positivos, aunque clínicamente no significativos. Finalmente, los déficits de memoria son un indicador de abandono terapéutico del tratamiento farmacológico para la adicción al cannabis, por lo que se precisa investigación orientada tanto a reducir los efectos secundarios de los fármacos sobre los procesos mnésicos como a establecer en qué medida los déficits de memoria asociados al consumo de cannabis pueden facilitar el abandono terapéutico. CONCLUSIONES: Se precisa mayor investigación, considerando el consumo dual de cannabis-tabaco y los efectos que ambas sustancias pueden tener, conjuntamente y por separado, sobre los procesos de atención y memoria.

Efectos del consumo de cannabis en la atención y la memoria en población adolescente: una revisión sistemática / Effects of cannabis use on attention and memory in adolescent population: a systematic review

FUNDAMENTOS: El cannabis es una droga ilegal cuyo consumo se ha visto incrementado en los últimos años, especialmente en población adolescente. A pesar de su popularidad, su uso y abuso trae consigo consecuencias para la salud, siendo mayores si el consumo se produce en la etapa adolescente, ya que el cerebro se encuentra en pleno desarrollo. El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática fue determinar los efectos del consumo de cannabis en las funciones cognitivas de atención y memoria en población adolescente. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo una revisión sistemática de la literatura en los principales portales de búsqueda (Pubmed, Web of Science, SciELO, Cochrane) referida a los últimos diez años, siguiendo los criterios PRISMA. La estrategia de búsqueda sistemática se realizó en el periodo de tiempo comprendido entre los meses de marzo a mayo de 2021, aplicándose el método PICO y la escala PEDro para garantizar la calidad metodológica de los estudios incluidos. RESULTADOS: Tanto la atención como la memoria se ven afectadas por el consumo de cannabis; sin embargo, la memoria mejora su funcionamiento con la abstinencia, no ocurriendo lo mismo con la atención. Los déficits de memoria son un indicador de abandono terapéutico del tratamiento para la adicción. En relación con las intervenciones psicosociales orientadas a la mejora de la memoria, tanto el manejo de contingencias como las intervenciones educativas y la entrevista motivacional no se han mostrado efectivas sobre los efectos de las sustancias. El entrenamiento en la memoria de trabajo ofrece resultados positivos, aunque clínicamente no significativos.(AU)

BACKGROUND: Cannabis is an illegal drug whose use has increased in recent years, especially among adolescents. Despite its popularity, its use and abuse brings with it health consequences, being greater if consumption occurs in the adolescent stage, since the brain is in full development. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the effects of cannabis use on cognitive functions of attention and memory in adolescent population. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was carried out in the main search portals (Pubmed, Web of Science, SciELO, Cochrane) referring to the last 10 years, following the PRISMA criteria. The systematic search strategy was carried out in the period from March to May 2021, applying the PICO method and the PEDro scale to guarantee the methodological quality of the included studies. RESULTS: Both attention and memory are affected by cannabis use; however, memory functions improve with abstinence, not being so for attention. Memory deficits are an indicator of therapeutic abandonment of addiction treatment. In relation to psychosocial interventions aimed at improving memory, the contingency management, educational interventions and motivational interviewing have not been shown to be effective on the effects of substances. Working memory training offers positive results, although not clinically significant. Finally, memory deficits are an indicator of therapeutic abandonment of pharmacological treatment for cannabis addiction. Therefore, research is needed aimed both at reducing the side effects of drugs on memory processes and at establishing to what extent memory deficits associated with cannabis use can facilitate therapeutic abandonment. CONCLUSIONS: More research is necessary, considering the dual consumption of cannabis-tobacco and the effects that both substances may have jointly and separately on attention and memory processes.(AU)

Síndrome de West y trastorno del espectro del autismo asociado: una propuesta de protocolo de evaluación e intervención neuropsicológica / West syndrome and associated autism spectrum disorder: proposal for a neuropsychological assessment and intervention protocol

Los pacientes con Síndrome de West y Trastorno del Espectro del Autismo (TEA) asociado presentan déficits cognitivos (i.e., alteraciones atencionales, mnésicas, visuoperceptivas, en función ejecutiva y lenguaje) que pueden afectar a su calidad de vida. Tras delimitar el perfil cognitivo de estos pacientes, este estudio pretende diseñar un protocolo de evaluación e intervención neuropsicológica específico, desde un enfoque holístico e integrativo. El programa consta de 48 sesiones planificadas en seis meses, incluyendo sesiones de evaluación neuropsicológica (antes, a mitad y al final de la intervención) y sesiones de intervención focalizadas en los dominios cognitivos afectados, los aspectos socioemocionales y la mejora de la autonomía y funcionalidad. Se espera que el programa propuesto sea eficaz para mejorar el funcionamiento cognitivo y la calidad de vida de esta población, contribuyendo a optimizar la atención sanitaria.(AU)

Patients with West Syndrome and associated Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have cognitive deficits (i.e., attentional, mnestic, visuoperceptive, executive function, and language impairments) that may affect their quality of life. After delimiting the cognitive profile of these patients, this study aims to design a specific neuropsychological assessment and intervention protocol, from a holistic and integrative approach. The program consists of 48 sessions planned over six months, including neuropsychological assessment sessions (before, halfway through, and at the end of the intervention) and intervention sessions focused on the affected cognitive domains, socioemotional aspects, and the improvement of autonomy and functionality. The proposed program is expected to be effective in improving cognitive functioning and quality of life in this population, contributing to optimize health care.(AU)

Optimism as a protective factor against the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic through its effects on perceived stress and infection stress anticipation.

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the recommended social isolation presented a challenge to people's mental health status. Optimism is a psychological factor that plays a key role in the evaluation of stressful situations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating role of perceived stress and Covid-19-related stress anticipation in the relationship between optimism and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Our sample included 1015 participants ranging in age from 18 to 79 years, 80% of whom were Spaniards. At the beginning of the worldwide pandemic, participants were confined to their homes for at least seven days and completed an online survey measuring various sociodemographic and psychological variables. We found an indirect effect of optimism on intrusion and hyperarousal through perceived stress and stress anticipation. In addition, we observed an indirect effect of optimism on avoidance through perceived stress. Finally, the results showed a significant indirect effect of optimism on the total post-traumatic stress symptoms score through perceived stress and stress anticipation. Our results indicate that positive beliefs inherent to optimism are related to less psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Educational level as a protective factor against the influence of depressive symptoms on cognition in older adults: implications for functional independence during a 10-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether the educational level moderates the relationship between baseline depressive symptoms and cognitive functioning at 5- and 10-year follow-ups in older adults, considering the association between cognitive functioning and difficulty with activities of daily living (ADL). DESIGN: Using a prospective design, a path analysis was performed. SETTING: In-home, face-to-face interviews and self-administered questionnaires, within the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project. PARTICIPANTS: In total, 1,461 participants (mean age = 66.62) were followed up from Wave 1 (baseline) to Wave 2 (at 5 years) and Wave 3 (at 10 years). MEASUREMENTS: Depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline. Cognitive functioning and difficulty with ADL were assessed at baseline and at 5 and 10 years. RESULTS: Educational level moderates the relationship between depressive symptoms and cognitive functioning at 5 years (ß = 0.07, SE = 0.03, p = 0.04, Cohen's f2 = 0.02), being depressive symptoms related to poor cognitive functioning only at low educational levels. Cognitive functioning predicts difficulty with ADL at 5 and 10 years (ß = -0.08, SE = 0.03, p = 0.008, Cohen's f2 = 0.01; ß = -0.09, SE = 0.03, p = 0.006, Cohen's f2 = 0.02). The proposed model yielded excellent fit (CFI = 1.00, RMSEA = 0.0001, 90% CI 0.0001-0.03, SRMR = 0.004, and χ2(8) = 7.16, p = 0.52). CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive reserve may act as a protective factor against the effect of depressive symptoms on cognition in older adults, which, in turn, is relevant to their functional independence.

Effects of a single session of SMR neurofeedback training on anxiety and cortisol levels.

OBJECTIVES: According to some studies, a putatively calming effect of EEG neurofeedback training could be useful as a therapeutic tool in psychiatric practice. With the aim of elucidating this possibility, we tested the efficacy of a single session of ↑sensorimotor (SMR)/↓theta neurofeedback training for mood improvement in 32 healthy men, taking into account trainability, independence and interpretability of the results. METHODS: A pre-post design, with the following dependent variables, was applied: (i) psychometric measures of mood with regards to anxiety, depression, and anger (Profile of Mood State, POMS, and State Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI); (ii) biological measures (salivary levels of cortisol); (iii) neurophysiological measures (EEG frequency band power analysis). In accordance with general recommendations for research in neurofeedback, a control group receiving sham neurofeedback was included. RESULTS: Anxiety levels decreased after the real neurofeedback and increased after the sham neurofeedback (P<0.01, size effect 0.9 for comparison between groups). Cortisol decreased after the experiment in both groups, though with significantly more pronounced effects in the desired direction after the real neurofeedback (P<0.04; size effect 0.7). The group receiving real neurofeedback significantly enhanced their SMR band (P<0.004; size effect 0.88), without changes in the theta band. The group receiving sham neurofeedback did not show any EEG changes. CONCLUSIONS: The improvement observed in anxiety was greater in the experimental group than in the sham group, confirmed by both subjective (psychometric) measures and objective (biological) measures. This was demonstrated to be associated with the real neurofeedback, though a nonspecific (placebo) effect likely also contributed.

Enfermedad de moyamoya: aspectos clínicos, neurorradiológicos, neuropsicolológicos y genéticos / Moyamoya disease: clinical, neuroradiological, neuropsychological and genetic perspective

Introducción. La enfermedad de moyamoya (EMM) es una enfermedad cerebrovascular oclusiva caracterizada por estenosis progresiva o la oclusión en la porción terminal de las arterias carótidas internas bilaterales, que afecta tanto a niños como a adultos. Objetivo. Realizar una revisión y actualización sobre la EMM desde una perspectiva clínica, neurorradiológica, neuropsicológica y genética. Desarrollo. En esta patología, que cursa con isquemia o hemorragia cerebral, se desarrolla una red vascular inusual compensatoria (vasos moyamoya) en la base del cerebro en forma de canales colaterales. La EMM puede cursar clínicamente con hemiparesia, disartria, afasia, cefalea, convulsiones, déficits visuales, síncopes o cambios en la personalidad. Neuropsicológicamente, y aun en ausencia de ictus evidentes, los pacientes suelen presentar afectación de la atención, memoria, conducta y funciones ejecutivas. La angiografía y la resonancia magnética de alta resolución han supuesto un avance neurorradiológico hacia una detección precoz de esta enfermedad. Recientemente se ha identificado el RING (really interesting new gene) RNF213, que se considera el factor genético de riesgo más importante conocido hasta ahora en la EMM. Conclusiones. La EMM es una patología rara que afecta de forma predominante a los lóbulos frontales. Los avances genéticos y neurorradiológicos, además de un perfil cognitivo, contribuyen a un diagnóstico y tratamiento tempranos para mejorar la calidad de vida de estos pacientes (AU)

Introduction. Moyamoya disease (MMD) is an occlusive cerebrovascular disease characterized by progressive stenosis or occlusion in the terminal portion of the bilateral internal carotid arteries, affecting both children and adults. Aim. To conduct a review and update on MMD from a clinical, neuroradiological, neuropsychological and genetic perspective. Development. In this pathology, which occurs with ischemia or cerebral hemorrhage, an unusual compensatory vascular network (moyamoya vessels) develops at the base of the brain in the form of collateral channels. MMD can present clinically with hemiparesis, dysarthria, aphasia, headache, seizures, visual deficits, syncopes or changes in personality. At the neuropsychological level, and even in the absence of obvious strokes, patients usually present impairment of attention, memory, behavior and executive functions. High resolution angiography and magnetic resonance imaging have been a neuroradiological advance towards an early detection of this disease. At the genetic level, the RING (really interesting new gene) RNF213 has recently been identified, and it is considered the most important genetic risk factor known up to now in the MMD. Conclusions. MMD is a rare pathology that predominantly affects the frontal lobes. The genetic and neuroradiological advances, in addition to a cognitive profile, contribute to early diagnosis and treatment to improve the quality of life of these patients (AU)

Neuropsicología del trastorno de Tourette: cognición, neuroimagen y creatividad / Neuropsychology of Tourette’s disorder: cognition, neuroimaging and creativity

Introducción. El trastorno de Tourette es el resultado de una disfunción cerebral frontoestriatal que afecta a personas de todas las edades, con un inicio en la primera infancia y continuación en la adolescencia y la adultez. Desarrollo. Este artículo revisa los principales aspectos cognitivos, de neuroimagen funcional y estudios relacionados con la creatividad en un trastorno caracterizado por un exceso de dopamina en el cerebro. Conclusiones. Dada la especial configuración cerebral de estos pacientes, deberían esperarse alteraciones neuropsicológicas, especialmente en las funciones ejecutivas. Sin embargo, los hallazgos son poco concluyentes y están condicionados por factores como la comorbilidad con el trastorno por déficit de atención/hiperactividad y el trastorno obsesivo compulsivo, la edad o variables metodológicas. Por otro lado, los estudios de neuroimagen realizados a lo largo de la última década han podido explicar la sintomatología clínica de pacientes con trastorno de Tourette, con especial relevancia del área motora suplementaria y el giro cingulado anterior. Finalmente, a pesar de no existir una relación lineal entre el exceso de dopamina y la creatividad, la literatura científica destaca una asociación entre el trastorno de Tourette y la creatividad musical, lo que podría traducirse en programas de intervención basados en la música (AU)

Introduction. Tourette’s disorder is the result of fronto-striatal brain dysfunction affecting people of all ages, with a debut in early childhood and continuing into adolescence and adulthood. Development. This article reviews the main cognitive, functional neuroimaging and creativity-related studies in a disorder characterized by an excess of dopamine in the brain. Conclusions. Given the special cerebral configuration of these patients, neuropsychological alterations, especially in executive functions, should be expected. However, the findings are inconclusive and are conditioned by factors such as comorbidity with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, age or methodological variables. On the other hand, the neuroimaging studies carried out over the last decade have been able to explain the clinical symptoms of Tourette’s disorder patients, with special relevance for the supplementary motor area and the anterior cingulate gyrus. Finally, although there is no linear relationship between excess of dopamine and creativity, the scientific literature emphasizes an association between Tourette’s disorder and musical creativity, which could be translated into intervention programs based on music (AU)

Testing the Benefits of Neurofeedback on Selective Attention Measured Through Dichotic Listening.

The electrophysiological changes after a single session of neurofeedback training (↑SMR/↓Theta) and its effects on executive attention during a dichotic listening test with forced attentional procedures were measured in a sample of 20 healthy women. A pre-post moment test double blind design, with the inclusion of a group receiving sham neurofeedback, allowed for minimization of alien influences. The interaction of Moment × Group was significant, indicating an enhancement of SMR band after the real neurofeedback. The dichotic listening scores were correlated with the amplitude of Beta band in baseline conditions. The performance on the forced left attentional condition in dichotic listening was significantly improved and correlated positively with the post-training enhancement of the SMR band. The sham neurofeedback group also improved DL scores, so a clear affirmation about the benefits of neurofeedback training over cognitive performance could not be unambiguously established. It is concluded that the protocol showed a good independence and acceptable trainability in modifying the EEG results, but there was limited interpretability regarding cognitive outcomes.

Deceit and facial expression in children: the enabling role of the "poker face" child and the dependent personality of the detector.

This study presents the relation between the facial expression of a group of children when they told a lie and the accuracy in detecting the lie by a sample of adults. To evaluate the intensity and type of emotional content of the children's faces, we applied an automated method capable of analyzing the facial information from the video recordings (FaceReader 5.0 software). The program classified videos as showing a neutral facial expression or an emotional one. There was a significant higher mean of hits for the emotional than for the neutral videos, and a significant negative correlation between the intensity of the neutral expression and the number of hits from the detectors. The lies expressed with emotional facial expression were more easily recognized by adults than the lies expressed with a "poker face"; thus, the less expressive the child the harder it was to guess. The accuracy of the lie detectors was then correlated with their subclinical traits of personality disorders, to find that participants scoring higher in the dependent personality were significantly better lie detectors. A non-significant tendency for women to discriminate better was also found, whereas men tended to be more suspicious than women when judging the children's veracity. This study is the first to automatically decode the facial information of the lying child and relate these results with personality characteristics of the lie detectors in the context of deceptive behavior research. Implications for forensic psychology were suggested: to explore whether the induction of an emotion in a child during an interview could be useful to evaluate the testimony during legal trials.

Effects of assisted training with neurofeedback on EEG measures, executive function and mood in a healthy sample / Efectos del entrenamiento asistido con neurofeedback sobre el EEG, los procesos de función ejecutiva y el estado de ánimo en una muestra de población normal

The training in neurofeedback (NF) consists of teaching individuals to modify, adjust and enhance their brain activity pattern. The aim of our research was to evaluate the effect of training on cognitive processes, specifically executive function, and mood in a non-clinical sample. A sample of30 female college students were assigned to three groups: HD: right hemisphere(n = 10), HI: left hemisphere (n = 10) and control (n = 10). The dominance pattern of beta and the inhibition of the theta pattern were trained in a single session. Measures of executive function (Iowa GamblingTest) and questionnaires of mood were taken pre and post training. We found that NF training produced significant positive changes in executive performance in the HD group. In the EEG a tendency to improve beta rhythm after the training emerged too. Additionally, significant correlations were found between executive performance and negative mood in relation to theta frequency band. We conclude that the protocol seems effective to enhance some aspects of executive function as well as to decrease theta power improves the negative mood

El entrenamiento en neurofeedback (NF) consiste en enseñar a los individuos a modificar, regular y potenciar su patrón de actividad cerebral. El objetivo de nuestra investigación fue evaluar el efecto del entrenamiento sobre los procesos cognitivos de función ejecutiva y sobre el afecto en una muestra de población normal. Se seleccionó una muestra de 30 mujeres estudiantes universitarias, asignadas a tres grupos: HD: hemisferio derecho (n=10), HI: hemisferio izquierdo (n=10) y control (n=10). Se entrenó durante una sola sesión el predominio del patrón beta y la inhibición del patrón theta y se realizó una evaluación pre y post-entrenamiento de la función ejecutiva (Iowa Gambling Test) y del afecto (cuestionarios PANAS y POMS). Se encontró que el entrenamiento en NF produjo cambios positivos significativos en el rendimiento ejecutivo en el grupo HD. En relación con el EEG, se encontró una tendencia al cambio tras el entrenamiento de ondas beta. Se encontraron correlaciones entre el rendimiento ejecutivo y el afecto negativo, y la banda de frecuencia theta. Se concluye que el protocolo resulta efectivo para potenciar aspectos de la función ejecutiva y que la disminución de ondas theta favorece la disminución del afecto negativo

Physicochemical properties and microbiology of dry-cured loins obtained by partial sodium replacement with potassium, calcium and magnesium.

The partial replacement of sodium chloride by other chloride salts has been proposed as a possible strategy to reduce the sodium content of cured meat products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect brought about by partial replacement of NaCl with KCl, CaCl(2) and MgCl(2) on physicochemical and microbiological parameters of dry-cured pork loin after the curing and drying process. The replacement of around 70% NaCl significantly increased the hardness and chewiness of dry-cured loins but it is possible to obtain low sodium dry-cured loin, up to 45% substitution by potassium (25%), calcium (15%) and magnesium (5%), with no significant effects either on the physicochemical characteristics or the microbial counts compared with the traditional product with the usual amounts of sodium chloride.