Neuropsychology and Electroencephalography in Rural Children at Neurodevelopmental Risk: A Scoping Review.

Children from rural areas face numerous possibilities of neurodevelopmental conditions that may compromise their well-being and optimal development. Neuropsychology and electroencephalography (EEG) have shown strong agreement in detecting correlations between these two variables and suggest an association with specific environmental and social risk factors. The present scoping review aims to describe studies reporting associations between EEG features and cognitive impairment in children from rural or vulnerable environments and describe the main risk factors influencing EEG abnormalities in these children. The method for this purpose was based on a string-based review from PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Web of Science, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted from the outcomes that complied with the selected criteria. In total, 2280 records were identified; however, only 26 were eligible: 15 for qualitative and 11 for quantitative analysis. The findings highlight the significant literature on EEG and its relationship with cognitive impairment from studies in children with epilepsy and malnutrition. In general, there is evidence for the advantages of implementing EEG diagnosis and research techniques in children living under risk conditions. Specific associations between particular EEG features and cognitive impairment are described in the reviewed literature in children. Further research is needed to better describe and integrate the state of the art regarding EEG feature extraction.

Wearables for Stress Management: A Scoping Review.

In recent years, wearable devices have been increasingly used to monitor people's health. This has helped healthcare professionals provide timely interventions to support their patients. In this study, we investigated how wearables help people manage stress. We conducted a scoping review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) standard to address this question. We searched studies in Scopus, IEEE Explore, and Pubmed databases. We included studies reporting user evaluations of wearable-based strategies, reporting their impact on health or usability outcomes. A total of 6259 studies were identified, of which 40 met the inclusion criteria. Based on our findings, we identified that 21 studies report using commercial wearable devices; the most common are smartwatches and smart bands. Thirty-one studies report significant stress reduction using different interventions and interaction modalities. Finally, we identified that the interventions are designed with the following aims: (1) to self-regulate during stress episodes, (2) to support self-regulation therapies for long-term goals, and (3) to provide stress awareness for prevention, consisting of people's ability to recall, recognize and understand their stress.

Validación de la versión breve del “Cociente de empatía” con adolescentes de México / Validation of the short version of the “quotient of empathy” with adolescents from mexico

La empatía es una habilidad que permite la identificación e interpretación de experiencias subjetivas de otros. El objetivo de este estudio fue validar el “Cociente de empatía” (CE) en adolescentes mexicanos a partir de una muestra de 573 estudiantes (350 mujeres y 223 hombres) con una edad media de 14,8 años (DT= 1,96). Se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio, identificando dos factores, uno con 16 ítems asociados a la dimensión afectiva y otro de 13 ítems con la dimensión cognitiva (índices de bondad de ajuste: GFI= 0,984, RMSEA= 0,034 y RMSR= 0,072). Para evaluar el modelo bifactorial obtenido, se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatorio, presentando adecuados índices de ajuste (RMSEA= 0,020, RMSR= 0,045, CFI= 0,998, GFI= 0,988). En la consistencia interna se encontró un coeficiente de correlación ω de McDonald de 0,941 para la dimensión afectiva y 0,772 para la dimensión cognitiva (p< 0,001). La validación de este instrumento de empatía apoyará su uso como herramienta de evaluación en investigación clínica en adolescentes mexicanos. (AU)

Empathy is a skill that enables the identification with and interpretation of others' subjective experiences. The purpose of this study was to validate the Empathy Quotient (EQ) in adolescents in Mexico. A sample of 573 Mexican adolescent students (350 female and 223 male) with an age range of 12-19 years was employed (Mage= 14.8 years, SD= 1.96). An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was carried out which identified two factors, one with 16 items associated with the affective dimension and one with 13 items related to the cognitive dimension (model fit indices: GFI= .984, RMSEA= .034, and RMSR= .072). To evaluate the resultant bifactor model, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed, showing good fit indexes (RMSEA= .020, RMSR= .045, CFI= .998, GFI= .988). Regarding internal consistency, we found a McDonald's ω correlation coefficient of= .941 for the affective dimension and ω= .772 for the cognitive dimension, with p< .001. The validation of this empathy instrument will support its use as a clinical research assessment tool in Mexican adolescents. (AU)

Effects of Socio-Familial Behavior on Sleep Quality Predictive Risk Factors in Individuals under Social Isolation.

Social confinement involves a series of temporary changes in the habits and lifestyles of individuals, severely affecting their regular activities and schedules and substantially modifying socio-familial behavior (SFB) and sleep quality (SQ). There is no literature reporting the effects of SFB changes on SQ during social confinement due to the COVID-19 outbreak. An observational transversal research design, with group comparison and correlation methods, was used to perform the present study. The results were analyzed as follows: (1) An exploratory factor analysis (EFA); (2) A description of the sample was determined by proportions comparisons of sleep habits between the different variables of interest; and (3) A linear regression model was analyzed to explore the predictive association of the negative effects of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic on SFB and SQ. In addition to the global SFB score, two SFB factors were identified as predictors affecting the SQ, SF-Habits, and SF-Emotional scores, suggesting a close balance between daily life activities and sleep health during critical social changes. Furthermore, two main risk factors resulted from the regression analysis: economic concerns and increased alcohol consumption. Therefore, the predictive capacity of economic concerns showed statistical significance in anticipating negative sleep quality scores. Overall, this suggests that sleep quality, economic concerns, schedules, and substance use were associated with the self-perception of coping skills, elucidating the importance of fostering habits related to schedules within the home and ensuring that all family members participate.

Identifying Factors That Predict Behavioral Intention to Stay under Lockdown during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic Using a Structural Equation Model.

Lockdown is considered to be a successful strategy for preventing the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To predict the behavioral intention to stay under lockdown (BIKL), components of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the behavioral indicators of infection were applied. Sampling was conducted between 11 April and 30 May 2020. The objective of the study was to identify factors predictive of BIKL by means of a structural equation model. Method: A correlational and comparative repeated measures study was conducted with a sample of 315 participants from different cities in Mexico. Results: Model indices were χ2 = 505.1, SD = 228, p < 0.001, χ2/SD = 2.2, CFI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.06, and SRMR = 0.06; 47% of BIKL was explained by the variables attitude (ß = 0.71, p < 0.001), subjective norm (ß = 0.14, p = 0.042), and behavioral control (ß = 0.24, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Personal and family work conviction and persuasion are favorable for the maintenance of lockdown, including concepts of civic responsibility, a positive attitude, and a family that supports compliance with lockdown. From a governmental point of view, there is a context that promotes control over the situation and exerts a positive impact on the behavioral intention to stay under lockdown.

Relationship between executive functions and impulsive behavior in adolescents: Comparative study / Relación entre funciones ejecutivas y la conducta impulsiva en adolescentes: Estudio comparativo

Abstract Introduction: Impulsivity can be directly related to maladaptive and disruptive behaviors; specifically, during adolescence, impulsivity is associated with behavioral and social problems, and it has been found that some behavioral difficulties are related to neuropsychological dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for regulating impulse control and executive functions. Objective To compare the relationships among executive functions, particularly inhibitory control, behavioral planning and behavioral flexibility, in adolescents between 13 and 15 years old with and without impulsivity. Method This study was developed using an analytical, comparative design. The sample consisted of 62 participants whose impulsivity was measured using the BIS-11-A Impulsiveness Scale and whose data were compared with normative data from the same sample size. Executive functions were evaluated using the Tower of London test, Modified Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (M-WCST), Trail Making Test (TMT) and Stroop test. Results Young people between 13 and 15 years old who exhibited impulsive behavior showed impairment in the executive functions studied, such as inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and behavioral planning. Discussion and conclusion There is a direct correlation between impulsive behaviors and executive functions during adolescence. The results found here support the development of potential intervention protocols based on executive functioning.

Resumen Introducción La impulsividad puede relacionarse directamente con conductas desadaptativas y disruptivas; en el caso concreto del periodo adolescente, la impulsividad se asocia con problemas conductuales y sociales agregados, se ha encontrado que algunas dificultades en la conducta se relacionan con una disfunción neuropsicológica de la corteza prefrontal, la cual se encarga de regular el control de impulsos y de las funciones ejecutivas. Objetivo Describir la relación entre el funcionamiento ejecutivo, particularmente control inhibitorio, la planeación conductual y la flexibilidad conductual en adolescentes de edades entre 13 y 15 años que presentan un índice de impulsividad contra datos de adolescentes que no presentan impulsividad. Método El estudio se desarrolló mediante un diseño analítico, tipo comparativo. La muestra se compuso de 62 participantes con índice de impulsividad medida a través de la BIS-11-A, muestra que después se comparó con una muestra de igual tamaño procedente de los datos normativos. Se realizó la evaluación de las funciones ejecutivas con prueba Torre de Londres, M-Wisconsin, Trail Making Test y Test Stroop. Resultados Se identificó que los jóvenes de entre 13 y 15 años que muestran conducta impulsiva presentaron también una alteración en las funciones ejecutivas estudiadas, tales como control inhibitorio, flexibilidad cognitiva y planeación conductual. Discusión y conclusión Se identificó que existe una correlación directa entre las conductas impulsivas y las funciones ejecutivas evaluadas en la etapa de la adolescencia. Los resultados encontrados aquí pueden apoyar la construcción de potenciales protocolos de intervención basados en el funcionamiento ejecutivo.

Drug abuse trends in Northwest Mexico: Correlations between drug abuse and cognitive impairment / Estudio de tendencias de consumo de drogas en el noroeste mexicano: correlaciones entre deterioro cognitivo y consumo

Abstract Introduction: Drug abuse screening tests (DAST) are a useful tool in decision making regarding the planning and implementation of drug-related public health policies. In addition, they constitute a rapid way to obtain data on the effects of drug consumption in specific populations. Objective: To describe the correlation between drug abuse (per type of drug) and cognitive dysfunction prevalence based on the information reported in a DAST. Materials and methods: A DAST was administered to 1299 individuals from 5 cities in Baja California, Mexico. In addition, an internal consistency reliability test was conducted to determine the internal consistency level of the instrument. Results: Several correlations between the consumption of different drugs were found. The main associations were found between methamphetamine and marijuana consumption. In addition, a positive correlation between the age at first drug use and cognitive impairment was found. Conclusions: DAST are brief administration instruments that allow obtaining data on drug abuse and drug addiction patterns. In addition, they can be used to identify the interaction between the consumption patterns of different drugs and the possible association between age at first drug use and cognitive dysfunction.

Resumen Introducción. Los cuestionarios sobre consumo de drogas (CSCD) son útiles para tomar decisiones sobre la planeación e implementación de políticas de salud pública relacionadas con el consumo de estas sustancias. Asimismo, constituyen una forma rápida de obtener datos sobre los efectos de dicho consumo en poblaciones específicas. Objetivo. Describir la correlación entre abuso de drogas y la prevalencia de disfunción cognitiva reportada en un cuestionario sobre consumo de drogas. Materiales y métodos. Se aplicó un CSCD a 1 299 individuos de 5 ciudades del estado de Baja California, México. Asimismo, se realizó una prueba de confiabilidad de consistencia interna para determinar el nivel de consistencia interna del instrumento. Resultados. Se encontraron varias correlaciones entre el consumo de distintas drogas: las principales asociaciones se observaron para el consumo de metanfetaminas y marihuana. Además, se observó una correlación positiva entre la edad inicial de consumo y referir deterioro cognitivo. Conclusiones. El CSCD es un instrumento de administración rápida que permite obtener datos sobre el consumo y la adicción a las drogas. Además, es capaz de demostrar la interacción entre los patrones de consumo de distintas drogas, así como la posible relación entre la edad de inicio de consumo y la presencia de disfunción cognitiva.

Association between risky behaviors in adolescents and altered psychophysiological emotional responses / Los adolescentes con conductas de riesgo muestran respuesta psicofisiológica alterada

Abstract Introduction: The psychophysiology of emotional response in adolescence is a crucial factor for understanding risk and deviant behaviors. Objective: To compare specific characteristics of psychophysiological emotional response between risk behavior adolescents and controls. Materials and methods: Characterization of risk behaviors (RB), variations in the heart rate (HR), electromyography (EMG), skin conductance (SC) and temperature during the presentation of visual emotional stimuli. The emotional valence parameters, activation and dominance of such stimuli were qualified as well. Results: Significant differences were found among RB adolescents compared to the non-risk group, as well as signs of major psychophysiological response to emotionally loaded stimuli in RB when compared to the control group. The control group was characterized by initial bradycardia, which was more evident than in the risk behavior group. Conclusions: The control group presented more expressive initial bradycardia in comparison to the RB group. Both groups showed more pronounced cardiac deceleration when experiencing unpleasant stimuli, higher levels in EMG to pleasant stimuli in the RB group, and higher CP indicators for the three types of stimulus. A cohort study is required in order to compare current findings in RB versus physiological emotional response among adolescent groups.

Resumen Introducción. La psicofisiología de la respuesta emocional en la adolescencia es un factor clave en la comprensión de conductas de riesgo y desadaptación. Objetivo. Comparar especificidades de la reacción psicofisiológica emocional entre adolescentes con y sin conductas de riesgo. Materiales y métodos. Las medidas consistieron en la caracterización de conductas de riesgo (CR), variaciones en la frecuencia cardiaca (FC) electromiografía (EMG), conductancia de la piel (CP) y temperatura durante la presentación de estímulos emocionales visuales, así como la calificación en parámetros de valencia emocional, activación y dominancia de dichos estímulos. Resultados. Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los adolescentes con CR comparados con aquellos que no las presentaban: se detectaron signos de mayor reacción psicofisiológica a los estímulos emocionales. Conclusiones. El grupo control se caracterizó por una bradicardia inicial más expresiva en comparación con el grupo con CR, ambos grupos mostraron desaceleración cardíaca más pronunciada ante estímulos desagradables, niveles más altos en EMG ante estímulos agradables en el grupo con RB e indicadores más elevados de CP ante los tres tipos de estímulo. Se requiere un estudio de cohorte a fin de comparar los hallazgos actuales en CR frente a la reacción fisiológica emocional entre los grupos de adolescentes.

Rehabilitación neuropsicológica en un caso de afasia motora aferente / Neuropsychological Rehabilitation in a Case of Afferent Motor Aphasia / Reabilitação neuropsicológica num caso de afasia motora aferente

Objetivo. Las alteraciones derivadas del daño cerebral, como los síndromes afásicos, pueden desencadenar disfunciones en diferentes niveles de la actividad del paciente. La neuropsicología de Luria ha sido la disciplina dedicada a la caracterización funcional y al análisis rehabilitatorio de los síndromes afásicos. Con frecuencia, a este análisis se incorporan datos recogidos con técnicas neurolingüísticas y de neuroimagen (TAC, fMRI). Presentar un método de rehabilitación que, basado en los principios de Luria, demuestre la ventaja de utilizar una evaluación y un programa de rehabilitación relacionados con un diagnóstico para la creación de tratamientos para la afasia motora aferente. Método. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de caso en una paciente de 30 años de edad con reciente evento vascular cerebral, con evaluación pre y postratamiento. La evaluación inicial incluyó el diagnóstico neuropsicológico, para el cual se utilizó una batería de evaluación neuropsicológica para valoración de lenguaje. Durante un periodo de 16 semanas, se aplicó un programa de intervención rehabilitatoria neuropsicológica basado en las dificultades de articulación identificadas durante la evaluación inicial y dividido en un total de cuatro fases, con un objetivo específico cada una. Resultados. Se observó aumento en la habilidad para articular fonemas, disminución en las parafasias literales y un incremento en el lenguaje expresivo verbal del sujeto. Conclusión. La valoración asociada al trastorno de lenguaje específico de afasia motora aferente y el diseño de un tratamiento adecuado a las características de esta alteración ayudaron a corregir las dificultades de punto y modo de articulación observadas en este sujeto, así como a la reorganización de habilidades de pensamiento más complejas.

Objective. Brain-damage derived impairments, such as aphasic syndromes, can result in several levels of dysfunction in the subject's activity, such as aphasic syndromes. Neuropsychology is the discipline which is dedicated to the functional characterization of the rehabilitatory analysis of the aphasic syndromes. Frequently, data obtained with the help of neurolinguistics and neuroimaging techniques (CAT, fIRM) are used in neuropsychology. Using case analysis, to present a rehabilitation method based on Luria's principles which demonstrate the advantage of using an assessment and rehabilitation diagnosis-related program for the creation of treatment in afferent motor aphasia syndromes. Method. To achieve this goal a method of a case study was carried out on a 30 year old patient with a recent vascular cerebral event, with initial assessment and diagnosis, using a neuropsychological assessment battery designed for language evaluation, in individual sessions, and a final assessment over a period of sixteen weeks. A neuropsychological rehabilitation intervention program was designed, based on the articulation impairments identified during the first assessment, divided in a total of four phases, each one with a specific objective. Results. The patient showed an improvement in phoneme articulation skills, also a reduction in literal paraphasic symptoms, and an increase in the verbal expressive language of the subject. Conclusion. The motor afferent language specific assessment, and the design of a suitable treatment for the characteristics of this disorder, helped in the correction of the position and mode articulation difficulties observed in this subject, as well as reorganization of higher complex thinking skills.

Escopo. As alterações derivadas do dano cerebral, como os síndromes afásicos, podem desencadear disfunções em diferentes níveis da atividade do paciente. A neuropsicología de Luria tem sido a disciplina dedicada à funcional e análise reabilitatorio dos síndromes afásicos. Com frequência, a este análise são incorporados dados colhidos com técnicas neurolinguísticas e de neuroimagem. (TAC, fMRI). Apresentar um método de reabilitação baseado nos princípios de Luria que demostra a vantagem de utilizar uma avaliação e um programa de reabilitação relacionado ao diagnóstico para a criação de tratamentos para a afasia motora aferente. Metodologia. Foi levado a cabo um estudo de caso numa paciente de 30 anos de idade com recente evento vascular cerebral com avaliação pre e postratamento. A avaliação inicial incluiu o diagnóstico neuropsicológico, para o que foi utilizada uma bateria de avaliação neuropsicológica para valoração da linguagem. Durante um período de 16 semanas, foi aplicado um programa de intervenção reabilitatória neuropsicológica baseado nas dificuldades de articulação identificadas durante a avaliação inicial, dividido num total de quatro fases com um escopo específico cada uma. Resultados. Foi observado um aumento na habilidade para articular fonemas, diminuição nas parafasias literais e um incremento na linguagem expressiva verbal do sujeito. Conclusão. A valoração associada ao transtorno da linguagem específica de afasia motora aferente e o desenho de um tratamento adequado para as características de esta alteração ajudaram a corrigir as dificuldades de ponto e modo de articulação observadas neste sujeito, assim como a reorganização de habilidades de pensamento mais complexas.