Oral contraceptives in the central nervous system: Basic pharmacology, methodological considerations, and current state of the field.

Millions of women around the world use combined oral contraceptives (OCs), yet surprisingly little is known about their central nervous system (CNS) effects. This article provides a short overview of the basic pharmacology of OCs, emphasizing features that may be relevant to understanding their effects in the CNS. Historical and recent findings from studies of cognitive function, mood, and negative affect (depressive changes under OC use) are then reviewed. We also present data from an archival dataset from our own laboratory in which we explore dysphoric changes in women using four generations of contraceptive progestins. Current data in the field are consistent with a modest effect of OC use on CNS variables, but conclusions based on current findings must be made very cautiously because of multiple methodological issues in many published studies to date, and inconsistencies in the findings. Directions for future research over the next 10 years are suggested. (150 words).

Comparative susceptibility of children and adults to neurological effects of inhaled manganese: A review of the published literature.

BACKGROUND: Manganese (Mn) is neurotoxic in adults and children. Current assessments are based on the more extensive adult epidemiological data, but the potential for greater childhood susceptibility remains a concern. To better understand potential lifestage-based variations, we compared susceptibilities to neurotoxicity in children and adults using Mn biomarker data. METHODS: We developed a literature search strategy based on a Population, Exposures, Comparators, and Outcomes statement focusing on inhalation exposures and neurological outcomes in humans. Screening was performed using DistillerSR. Hair biomarker studies were selected for evaluation because studies with air measurements were unavailable or considered inadequate for children. Studies were paired based on concordant Mn source, biomarker, and outcome. Comparisons were made based on reported dose-response slopes (children vs. adults). Study evaluation was conducted to understand the confidence in our comparisons. RESULTS: We identified five studies evaluating seven pairings of hair Mn and neurological outcomes (cognition and motor effects) in children and adults matched on sources of environmental Mn inhalation exposure. Two Brazilian studies of children and one of adults reported intelligent quotient (IQ) effects; effects in both comparisons were stronger in children (1.21 to 2.03-fold difference). In paired analyses of children and adults from the United States, children exhibited both stronger and weaker effects compared to adults (0.37 to 1.75-fold differences) on postural sway metrics. CONCLUSION: There is limited information on the comparative susceptibility of children and adults to inhaled Mn. We report that children may be 0.37 to 2.03 times as susceptible as adults to neurotoxic effects of Mn, thereby providing a quantitative estimate for some aspects of lifestage variation. Due to the limited number of paired studies available in the literature, this quantitative estimate should be interpreted with caution. Our analyses do not account for other sources of inter-individual variation. Additional studies of Mn-exposed children with direct air concentration measurements would improve the evidence base.

Unlocking the Full Potential of SGLT2 Inhibitors: Expanding Applications beyond Glycemic Control.

The number of diabetic patients has risen dramatically in recent decades, owing mostly to the rising incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Several oral antidiabetic medications are used for the treatment of T2DM including, α-glucosidases inhibitors, biguanides, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, GLP-1 receptor agonists, PPAR-γ agonists, DDP4 inhibitors, and SGLT2 inhibitors. In this review we focus on the possible effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on different body systems. Beyond the diabetic state, SGLT2 inhibitors have revealed a demonstrable ability to ameliorate cardiac remodeling, enhance myocardial function, and lower heart failure mortality. Additionally, SGLT2 inhibitors can modify adipocytes and their production of cytokines, such as adipokines and adiponectin, which enhances insulin sensitivity and delays diabetes onset. On the other hand, SGLT2 inhibitors have been linked to decreased total hip bone mineral deposition and increased hip bone resorption in T2DM patients. More data are needed to evaluate the role of SGLT2 inhibitors on cancer. Finally, the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on neuroprotection appear to be both direct and indirect, according to scientific investigations utilizing various experimental models. SGLT2 inhibitors improve vascular tone, elasticity, and contractility by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin signaling pathways, and endothelial cell proliferation. They also improve brain function, synaptic plasticity, acetylcholinesterase activity, and reduce amyloid plaque formation, as well as regulation of the mTOR pathway in the brain, which reduces brain damage and cognitive decline.

Microglia as Therapeutic Target for Radiation-Induced Brain Injury.

Radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI) after radiotherapy has become an increasingly important factor affecting the prognosis of patients with head and neck tumor. With the delivery of high doses of radiation to brain tissue, microglia rapidly transit to a pro-inflammatory phenotype, upregulate phagocytic machinery, and reduce the release of neurotrophic factors. Persistently activated microglia mediate the progression of chronic neuroinflammation, which may inhibit brain neurogenesis leading to the occurrence of neurocognitive disorders at the advanced stage of RIBI. Fully understanding the microglial pathophysiology and cellular and molecular mechanisms after irradiation may facilitate the development of novel therapy by targeting microglia to prevent RIBI and subsequent neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Optimal Avapritinib Treatment Strategies for Patients with Metastatic or Unresectable Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Avapritinib, a novel inhibitor of KIT/PDGFRA, is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of adults with PDGFRA exon 18-mutant unresectable or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (U/M GISTs). We assessed the safety of avapritinib and provide evidence-based guidance on management of avapritinib-associated adverse events (AEs), including cognitive effects and intracranial bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a post hoc analysis of data from a two-part, single-arm dose escalation/expansion phase I study (NAVIGATOR; NCT02508532) in patients with U/M GISTs treated with oral avapritinib 30-600 mg once daily. The primary endpoints were safety and tolerability; the impact of dose modification (interruption and/or reduction) on progression-free survival (PFS) was a secondary endpoint. Efficacy analyses were limited to patients who started avapritinib at 300 mg (approved dose). RESULTS: Of 250 patients enrolled in the study, 74.0% presented with KIT mutation and 24.8% presented with PDGFRA exon 18-mutation; 66.8% started avapritinib at 300 mg. The most common treatment-related AEs (any grade) were nausea (59.2%), fatigue (50.0%), periorbital edema (42.0%), anemia (39.2%), diarrhea (36.0%), vomiting (36.0%), and increased lacrimation (30.8%). No treatment-related deaths occurred. Among 167 patients starting on 300 mg avapritinib, all-cause cognitive effects rate (grade 1-2) was 37.0% in all patients and 52.0% in patients ≥65 years. Cognitive effects improved to a lower grade more quickly with dose modification (1.3-3.1 weeks) than without (4.9-7.6 weeks). Median PFS was 11.4 months with dose modification and 7.2 months without. CONCLUSION: Tolerability-guided dose modification of avapritinib is an effective strategy for managing AEs in patients with GISTs. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Early recognition of adverse events and tailored dose modification appear to be effective approaches for managing treatment-related adverse events and maintaining patients on avapritinib. Dose reduction does not appear to result in reduced efficacy. Patients' cognitive function should be assessed at baseline and monitored carefully throughout treatment with avapritinib for the onset of cognitive adverse events. Dose interruption is recommended at the first sign of any cognitive effect, including grade 1 events.

School and sports participation post-transplant.

Pediatric recipients of life-saving organ transplants are living longer, with improved graft and overall survivals. After successful transplant, children are encouraged to return to "normal life," with school attendance and participation in age-appropriate physical activities. This transition may cause stress to the recipients, parents, teachers, and other participating caregivers and staff. Planning for school reentry and assuring education for and open lines of communication with the school staff can help alleviate some of this discomfort and ease the process for the patient and the family. Cardiovascular disease has emerged as the leading cause of death in survivors of pediatric transplantation and is contributed to by modifiable risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and the MS. Physical activity is a proven tool in decreasing surrogate markers of this risk. Sports participation is an important way to promote an enjoyment of physical activity that can ideally persist into adulthood, but conflicting advice and opinions exist regarding type and participation in physical activity. Moreover, specific recommendations are likely not applicable to all recipients, as certain degrees of rehabilitation may be needed depending on degree and length of illness. In general, a program of rehabilitation and increased physical activity has been shown to be safe and effective for most pediatric transplant recipients. Focusing on optimizing the "normal" childhood activities of going to school and participating in sports can improve the physical, social, cognitive, and mental health outcomes of this population after transplant and should be prioritized.

Long-Term Effects of Ionizing Radiation on the Hippocampus: Linking Effects of the Sonic Hedgehog Pathway Activation with Radiation Response.

Radiation therapy represents one of the primary treatment modalities for primary and metastatic brain tumors. Although recent advances in radiation techniques, that allow the delivery of higher radiation doses to the target volume, reduce the toxicity to normal tissues, long-term neurocognitive decline is still a detrimental factor significantly affecting quality of life, particularly in pediatric patients. This imposes the need for the development of prevention strategies. Based on recent evidence, showing that manipulation of the Shh pathway carries therapeutic potential for brain repair and functional recovery after injury, here we evaluate how radiation-induced hippocampal alterations are modulated by the constitutive activation of the Shh signaling pathway in Patched 1 heterozygous mice (Ptch1+/-). Our results show, for the first time, an overall protective effect of constitutive Shh pathway activation on hippocampal radiation injury. This activation, through modulation of the proneural gene network, leads to a long-term reduction of hippocampal deficits in the stem cell and new neuron compartments and to the mitigation of radio-induced astrogliosis, despite some behavioral alterations still being detected in Ptch1+/- mice. A better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms responsible for the neural decline following irradiation is essential for identifying prevention measures to contain the harmful consequences of irradiation. Our data have important translational implications as they suggest a role for Shh pathway manipulation to provide the therapeutic possibility of improving brain repair and functional recovery after radio-induced injury.

Considering abuse liability and neurocognitive effects of cannabis and cannabis-derived products when assessing analgesic efficacy: a comprehensive review of randomized-controlled studies.

Background: Pain is the most frequent indication for which medical cannabis treatment is sought.Objectives: The clinical potential of cannabis and cannabis-derived products (CDPs) relies on their efficacy to treat an indication and potential adverse effects that impact outcomes, including abuse liability and neurocognitive effects. To ascertain the extent to which these effects impact therapeutic utility, studies investigating cannabis and CDPs for pain were reviewed for analgesic efficacy and assessments of abuse liability and neurocognitive effects.Methods: A comprehensive review of placebo-controlled studies investigating cannabis and CDP analgesia was performed. Methods and findings related to adverse effects, abuse liability, and neurocognitive effects were extracted.Results: Thirty-eight studies were reviewed; 29 assessed cannabis and CDPs for chronic pain, 1 for acute pain, and 8 used experimental pain tests. Most studies ascertained adverse effects through self-report (N = 27). Fewer studies specifically probed abuse liability (N = 7) and cognitive and psychomotor effects (N = 12). Many studies related to chronic and experimental pain (N = 18 and N = 5, respectively) found cannabis and CDPs to reduce pain. Overall, adverse effects were mild to moderate, and dose-related. Studies investigating the impact of cannabis and CDPs on abuse liability and neurocognitive endpoints were mostly limited to inhaled administration and confirmed dose-related effects.Conclusion: Few studies investigating cannabis and CDP analgesia assess abuse liability and cognitive endpoints, adverse effects that impact the long-term clinical utility of these drugs. Future studies should include these measures to optimize research and clinical care related to cannabis-based therapeutics.

An integrated approach to study the molecular aspects of regulatory peptides biological mechanism.

An integrated methodological approach to study the molecular aspects of short regulatory neuropeptides biological mechanism is proposed. The complex research is based on radioligand-receptor method of analysis and covers such points of peptides molecular activity as: specific binding of peptides to brain cells plasmatic membranes, formation of tissue specific synacton, influence of peptides (as allosteric modulators) on functionality of different neuroreceptors as well as delayed in time effects of peptides on receptor-binding activity of well-known neuroreceptor systems. Radiolabeled ligands in such complex study are the one of the best and precision instruments to uncover the molecular mechanism of multiple and multitarget biological effects of regulatory peptides. In this issue we used heptapeptide Semax as a model regulatory peptide, [3 H]Ach and [3 H]GABA as an effector molecules, and the rat model of stress-induced memory and behavior impairment as a morbid state. We showed the ability of Semax to modulate in a dose-dependent manner [3 H]Ach and [3 H]GABA specific binding to some of its corresponding receptors as well as to affect the number of [3 H]GABA specific binding places on rat neurons plasmatic membranes after complex stress exposure.

The 1,3,5-Triazine Derivatives as Innovative Chemical Family of 5-HT6 Serotonin Receptor Agents with Therapeutic Perspectives for Cognitive Impairment.

Among serotonin receptors, the 5-HT6 subtype is the most controversial and the least known in the field of molecular mechanisms. The 5-HT6R ligands can be pivotal for innovative treatment of cognitive impairment, but none has reached pharmacological market, predominantly, due to insufficient "druglikeness" properties. Recently, 1,3,5-triazine-piperazine derivatives were identified as a new chemical family of potent 5-HT6R ligands. For the most active triazine 5-HT6R agents found (1-4), a wider binding profile and comprehensive in vitro evaluation of their drug-like parameters as well as behavioral studies and an influence on body mass in vivo were investigated within this work. Results indicated the most promising pharmacological/druglikeness profiles for 4-((1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine (3) and 4-((2-isopropyl-5-methylphenoxy)methyl)-6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine (4), which displayed a significant procognitive action and specific anxiolytic-like effects in the behavioral tests in vivo together with satisfied pharmaceutical and safety profiles in vitro. The thymol derivative (4) seems to be of higher importance as a new lead candidate, due to the innovative, non-indole and non-sulfone structure with the best 5-HT6R binding properties.

Acute effects of theanine, caffeine and theanine-caffeine combination on attention.

OBJECTIVE: l-theanine is a constituent of tea which is claimed to enhance cognitive functions. We aimed to determine whether theanine and theanine-caffeine combination have acute positive effects on cognitive and neurophysiological measures of attention, compared to caffeine (a positive control) and a placebo in healthy individuals. DESIGN: In a placebo-controlled, five-way crossover trial in 20 healthy male volunteers, we compared the effects of l-theanine (200 mg), caffeine (160 mg), their combination, black tea (one cup) and a placebo (distilled water) on cognitive (simple [SVRT] and recognition visual reaction time [RVRT]) and neurophysiological (event-related potentials [ERPs]) measures of attention. We also recorded visual (VEPs) and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) to examine any effects of treatments on peripheral visual and motor conduction, respectively. RESULTS: Mean RVRT was significantly improved by theanine (P = 0.019), caffeine (P = 0.043), and theanine-caffeine combination (P = 0.001), but not by tea (P = 0.429) or placebo (P = 0.822). VEP or MEP latencies or SVRT did not show significant inter-treatment differences. Theanine (P = 0.001) and caffeine (P = 0.001) elicited significantly larger mean peak-to-peak N2-P300 ERP amplitudes than the placebo, whereas theanine-caffeine combination elicited a significantly larger mean N2-P300 amplitude than placebo (P < 0.001), theanine (P = 0.029) or caffeine (P = 0.005). No significant theanine × caffeine interaction was observed for RVRT or N2-P300 amplitude. DISCUSSION: A dose of theanine equivalent of eight cups of back tea improves cognitive and neurophysiological measures of selective attention, to a degree that is comparable with that of caffeine. Theanine and caffeine seem to have additive effects on attention in high doses.

Weighing the Evidence: A Systematic Review on Long-Term Neurocognitive Effects of Cannabis Use in Abstinent Adolescents and Adults.

Findings on neurocognitive effects of sustained cannabis use are heterogeneous. Previous work has rarely taken time of abstinence into account. In this review, we focus on understanding sustained effects of cannabis, which begin when clinical symptoms of the drug have worn off after at least 14 days. We conducted a search between 2004 and 2015 and found 38 studies with such a prolonged abstinence phase. Study-design quality in terms of evidence-based medicine is similar among studies. Studies found some attention or concentration deficits in cannabis users (CU). There is evidence that chronic CU might experience sustained deficits in memory function. Findings are mixed regarding impairments in inhibition, impulsivity and decision making for CU, but there is a trend towards worse performance. Three out of four studies found evidence that motor function remains impaired even after a time of abstinence, while no impairments in visual spatial functioning can be concluded. Functional imaging demonstrates clear differences in activation patterns between CU and controls especially in hippocampal, prefrontal and cerebellar areas. Structural differences are found in cortical areas, especially the orbitofrontal region and the hippocampus. Twenty studies (57 %) reported data on outcome effects, leading to an overall effect size of r mean = .378 (CI 95 % = [.342; .453]). Heavy use is found to be more consistently associated with effects in diverse domains than early age of onset. Questions of causality-in view of scarce longitudinal studies, especially those targeting co-occurring psychiatric disorders-are discussed.

Does exposure to environmental radiofrequency electromagnetic fields cause cognitive and behavioral effects in 10-year-old boys?

The relationship between exposure to electromagnetic fields from non-ionizing radiation and adverse human health effects remains controversial. We aimed to explore the association of environmental radiofrequency-electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) exposure with neurobehavioral function of children. A subsample of 123 boys belonging to the Environment and Childhood cohort from Granada (Spain), recruited at birth from 2000 through 2002, were evaluated at the age of 9-11 years. Spot electric field measurements within the 100 kHz to 6 GHz frequency range, expressed as both root mean-square (S(RMS) and maximum power density (S(MAX)) magnitudes, were performed in the immediate surrounds of childrens dwellings. Neurocognitive and behavioral functions were assessed with a comprehensive battery of tests. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were used, adjusting for potential confounders. All measurements were lower than reference guideline limits, with median S(RMS) and S(MAX) values of 285.94 and 2759.68 µW/m(2), respectively. Most of the cognitive and behavioral parameters did not show any effect, but children living in higher RF exposure areas (above median S(RMS) levels) had lower scores for verbal expression/comprehension and higher scores for internalizing and total problems, and obsessive-compulsive and post-traumatic stress disorders, in comparison to those living in areas with lower exposure. These associations were stronger when S(MAX) values were considered. Although some of our results may suggest that low-level environmental RF-EMF exposure has a negative impact on cognitive and/or behavior development in children; given limitations in the study design and that the majority of neurobehavioral functioning tasks were not affected, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn.

A Meta-Analysis on the Effectiveness of Gratitude Promotion Programs for South Korean College Students.

This study delves into the importance and consequences of gratitude promotion programs for South Korean college students. It uses meta-analyses to evaluate the effects of such programs on this demographic, shedding light on their significance and implications. To that end, we selected 11 papers in which 683 persons participated as study subjects, analyzing them using the PRISMA methodology. We observed an overall effect size of 0.6671, categorized as above medium. The effect sizes of the sub-areas were cognitive (d = 1.37), emotional (d = 0.60), and behavioral (d = 0.77), with the cognitive area exhibiting the largest effect size. When categorized by program type, the effect size (d = 0.85) for the program involving gratitude practice and gratitude recording surpassed the effect size (d = 0.77) of the programs where participants solely engaged in gratitude recording. According to program execution durations, the largest effect size (d = 1.61) appeared in the group that executed the program for the longest period of at least 16 weeks. This study highlights the areas where gratitude promotion programs for college students prove to be most effective. These findings offer valuable insights for tailoring and developing gratitude promotion programs in the future.

Second language learning in older adults modulates Stroop task performance and brain activation.

Introduction: Numerous studies have highlighted cognitive benefits in lifelong bilinguals during aging, manifesting as superior performance on cognitive tasks compared to monolingual counterparts. Yet, the cognitive impacts of acquiring a new language in older adulthood remain unexplored. In this study, we assessed both behavioral and fMRI responses during a Stroop task in older adults, pre- and post language-learning intervention. Methods: A group of 41 participants (age:60-80) from a predominantly monolingual environment underwent a four-month online language course, selecting a new language of their preference. This intervention mandated engagement for 90 minutes a day, five days a week. Daily tracking was employed to monitor progress and retention. All participants completed a color-word Stroop task inside the scanner before and after the language instruction period. Results: We found that performance on the Stroop task, as evidenced by accuracy and reaction time, improved following the language learning intervention. With the neuroimaging data, we observed significant differences in activity between congruent and incongruent trials in key regions in the prefrontal and parietal cortex. These results are consistent with previous reports using the Stroop paradigm. We also found that the amount of time participants spent with the language learning program was related to differential activity in these brain areas. Specifically, we found that people who spent more time with the language learning program showed a greater increase in differential activity between congruent and incongruent trials after the intervention relative to before. Discussion: Future research is needed to determine the optimal parameters for language learning as an effective cognitive intervention for aging populations. We propose that with sufficient engagement, language learning can enhance specific domains of cognition such as the executive functions. These results extend the understanding of cognitive reserve and its augmentation through targeted interventions, setting a foundation for future investigations.

Alectinib vs. Lorlatinib in the Front-Line Setting for ALK-Rearranged Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): A Deep Dive into the Main Differences across ALEX and CROWN Phase 3 Trials.

Various next-generation ALK TKIs are available as first-line options for ALK-positive NSCLC, with alectinib and lorlatinib being commonly preferred. However, no direct comparison between them has been conducted, making it impossible to pick a winner. We performed an analytic, 'non-comparative' assessment of the two phase 3 pivotal clinical trials showing superiority of alectinib (ALEX) and lorlatinib (CROWN) in comparison to crizotinib. Overall, the two studies were very similar in the study design and patient characteristics, with the exception of the selection and evaluation of brain metastases. PFS hazard ratios numerically favored lorlatinib, both according to the investigator and to BICR. Notably, the 3-year PFS rate was numerically higher with lorlatinib (64%) than with alectinib (46.4%). Despite similar response rates and overall intracranial response, the rate of complete intracranial response was higher with lorlatinib, with a cumulative incidence risk of CNS disease progression at 12 months of 9.4% with alectinib and 2.8% with lorlatinib. The peculiar toxicities of lorlatinib were related to lipidic profile alterations, peripheral oedema and cognitive effects, with no impact on cardiovascular risk nor impairment in quality of life versus crizotinib. Furthermore, the rate of permanent treatment discontinuation due to adverse events was numerically higher with alectinib (26%) than with lorlatinib (7%). In conclusion, despite the immature OS data for both drugs, the efficacy of lorlatinib appears higher than alectinib while maintaining a manageable toxicity profile.

Adverse cognitive effects of glucocorticoids: A systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: Glucocorticoids as a drug class are widely used in the treatment of many conditions including more recently as one of the mainstay treatments for the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The physiological adverse effects are well described. However, less is known and understood about the potentially deleterious neuro-cognitive effects of this class of medication. METHODS: We carried out a systematic review of the literature using two separate search strategies. The first focussed on the rates of reporting of adverse cognitive effects of glucocorticoid use in randomised controlled trials. The second looked at those studies focussing directly on adverse cognitive effects associated with the use of glucocorticoids. MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library was searched for randomised controlled trials utilising glucocorticoids as a part of a treatment regimen. Additionally, these databases were also used to search for articles looking directly at the adverse cognitive effects of glucocorticoids. RESULTS: Of the forty-three RCTs included as a part of the first search strategy, only one (2.3%) included specific documentation pertaining to cognitive side effects. As a part of the twenty studies included in the second search strategy, eleven of the included studies (55%) were able to demonstrate a correlation between glucocorticoid use and decreased cognition. Most studies within this strategy showed that GCs predominately affected hippocampus-dependent functions such as memory, while sparing executive function and attention. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the data reporting of adverse clinical effects of glucocorticoid use is poor in recent RCTs. Given the demonstrable effect on predominately hippocampal-dependent cognitive functions evident within the literature, more thorough documentation is needed within clinical research to fully appreciate the potentially widespread nature of these effects.

Interrelationship Between Intelligence Quotient and Space Maintainers Among Children: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study.

Introduction Intelligence quotient (IQ) is an indicator to measure a child's cognitive ability to learn or understand and to deal with new situations with their logical and analytical skills. Children with better IQ exhibit increased cooperation when undergoing dental treatments, leading to a positive attitude toward dental care. The primary aim of the study was to assess the interrelationship between the IQ of children, space maintainer therapy, and the behavior of children aged 6-10 years. Materials and methods A total of 104 children were divided into two groups: group 1 included children undergoing space maintainer therapy and group 2 included children who did not undergo space maintainer therapy. Their IQ scores were assessed using Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices and behavior and the Frankl behavior rating scale. The data were analyzed by SPSS Version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Independent t-tests were used to evaluate the differences between IQ and children with space maintainers, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to assess the differences between behavior and space maintainers. Results The mean age of the participants was approximately 8.28 years. The mean IQ score of the group of children undergoing the space maintainer therapy was 90.69 ± 7.65 and that of the control group was 105.59±10.71. Based on the Frankl behavior rating scale, the mean score in the space maintainer group was 35.44 and that of the control group was 69.56. There was a significant association between IQ, behavior, and the presence of space maintainers. Conclusion The group of children undergoing space maintainer therapy demonstrated comparatively lesser IQ, and the majority of children exhibited negative behavior. Also, children wearing space maintainers had undergone one or multiple extractions, which is traumatic for children and may lead to them likely exhibiting a negative behavior than children in the control group. Hence, it may be concluded that intelligence, behavior, and space maintainers are all significantly associated with each other.

Scarcity mindset among schoolteachers: how resource scarcity negatively impacts teachers' cognition and behaviors.

A recent line of research investigates the negative cognitive effects - known as the scarcity mindset - that arise when people face a lack of resources. We expand on this research and show that these cognitive effects are present among Swedish schoolteachers facing a scarcity of time and social resources at work. From an initial interview study we developed novel survey scales to measure teachers' subjective assessments of available resources and the extent of their scarcity mindset. We then related resource scarcity of time and social resources to the scarcity mindset using structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis in a survey study with a sample of Swedish schoolteachers. This research provides valuable insights for addressing resource constrained work environments in schools and contributes to the broader psychological research on cognitive effects resulting from resource scarcity.

Cognitive, imaging, and psychiatric changes associated with chronic toluene use: case report and literature review.

Inhalant misuse and inhalant use disorder are global public health concern that impacts adolescents but can occur throughout life. Toluene is the most commonly misused inhalant. Toluene use leads to significant neuroanatomic, cognitive, and psychiatric deficits. The purpose of this study was to review and summarize the effects of toluene and present a case of a middle-aged patient with an inhalant use disorder. A literature review was conducted to evaluate imaging, neurocognitive, and psychiatric consequences of toluene misuse. The common imaging findings amongst those who misuse toluene were cerebral and cerebellar atrophy, ventricular dilation, loss of gray-white matter differentiation, corpus callosum thinning, and diffuse white matter changes. Concerning cognition, toluene misusers were shown to have deficits in intelligence, attention, memory, visuospatial function, and complex cognition. In addition, toluene users also commonly presented with apathy, flat affect, hallucinations, delusions, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The neuroanatomical, neurocognitive, and psychiatric effects of toluene misuse are profound. These deficits can make inhalant use disorder difficult to treat. Therefore, evidence-based treatments that recognize and address these domain-specific neurocognitive deficits are needed.