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- Methylphenidate and P300 in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysisPublication . Barroso, Beatriz C. R.; Mendonça, Fabiana; Mazer, Prune; Prata, Catarina; Pinto, Joana O.; Mazer, Prune; Pinto, Joana OMethylphenidate (MPH) is a stimulant medicine often used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as it may positively affect behaviour and brain activity. This work aims to systematise the current literature about the effects of MPH on the amplitude of P300 in individuals with ADHD. A systematic review and meta-analysis of empirical studies measuring P300 amplitude and comparing MPH administration to either a pre-MPH condition or healthy controls was conducted, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Our results revealed no overall (n = 13) significant differences between individuals diagnosed with ADHD and medicated with MPH and controls. Although, a moderation analysis by region found differences between both groups on frontal sites. When comparing the pre- and post-effects of MPH on the same individuals (n = 17), it appears that P300 amplitude tends to increase post-administration in central and posterior regions. In this second meta-analysis, a moderation by task revealed a larger effect size for go/no-go. In general, MPH was found to increase P300 amplitude in ADHD, somewhat normalising this aspect of their brain activity. The main limitations of the included studies are the insufficiently explained dosages and the skewness for male participants. Future research directions are discussed.
- Executive function in gambling disorder: A meta-analysis on neuropsychological evidencePublication . Peixoto, Miguel; Dores, Artemisa; Monteiro, Maria; Marques, António; Barbosa, Fernando; Pereira da Silva Marques, António José; Dores, Artemisa; de Faria Távora Moreira Peixoto, MiguelGambling disorder (GD) is associated with defcits in various cognitive functions. Specifcally for executive function (EF), previous fndings are inconsistent, despite defcits being reported for shifting, inhibition, planning, and working memory domains. Although a worse performance in EF measures related to GD severity is often reported, there is a need to clarify current evidence. This study aims to systematically review and perform a meta-analysis to clarify the association between EF defcits and GD. The current study followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses protocols. The meta-analysis used a random efects model and robust variance estimation to analyze the data, using Hedge’s g to report efect sizes. A total of 21 studies were systematically reviewed, of which 17 were included for meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was performed for shifting, inhibition, planning, and verbal fuency. Due to a lower number of studies, working memory data was systematically reviewed, but no meta-analysis was performed. Significant efect sizes were found for shifting and inhibition, indicative of defcits in participants with GD. No signifcant defcits were found for the other EF domains. Working memory results revealed inconsistent evidence, even when divided into verbal and visuospatial modalities. There is enough evidence of defcits in shifting and inhibition in participants with GD. However, better sample characterization should be considered in future studies to better understand the sources of potential heterogeneity. Consideration of gambling severity as a continuous variable could allow for a more detailed analysis of EF alterations across the various degrees of GD.
- General achievement goals orientation scale: factorial analysis in high school studentsPublication . Gomes, Andreia; Azevedo, Ângela Sá; Dias, Paulo César; Guimarães, Teresa; Lima, Isabel; Salgado, Ana; Salgado, Ana IsabelThis paper aims to present the results of the Portuguese adaptation of General Achievement Goal Orientation Scale (GAGOS; McInerney & Yeung, 2000). This instrument has five different motivation scales: Motivation Value, Global Motivation, General Mastery, General Performance and General Social. The work of adaptation consisted in a exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and internal consistency analysis from the data of two samples of 617 and 418 High School students. The results suggest a solution with good psychometric properties, in terms of validity as acceptable fidelity, with differences per gender and relationship with age and education level. The results discussed and suggestions presented.
- Translation and validation of the Portuguese version of the internet severity and activities addiction questionnaire (ISAAQ-10) towards the identification of problematic social media use: A population studyPublication . Dores, Artemisa R.; Antunes, Cátia; Geraldo, Andreia; Carvalho, Irene P.; Marques, António; Pereira, Ilídio; Chamberlain, Samuel R.; Lochner, Christine; Ioannidis, Konstantinos; Dores, Artemisa; Geraldo, Andreia; Pereira da Silva Marques, António JoséProblematic usage of the internet (PUI) refers to a pattern of internet use that results in negative consequences in an individual’s life. It encompasses a broad spectrum of activities, which require assessment in terms of both severity and diversity, for a comprehensive understanding. This study aimed to translate the Internet Severity and Activities Questionnaire (ISAAQ-10) into Portuguese, to analyze its psychometric properties and to explore the validity of the ISAAQ-10 social networking use activity score towards identifying problematic social media use. A snowball sampling method was used, with participants completing an online survey comprising sociodemographic questions and the Portuguese versions of the ISAAQ-10, Internet Addiction Test-10 (IAT-10), Internet Gaming Disorder Scale–Short-Form (IGDS9-SF), and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS). The psychometric analysis included internal reliability testing using Cronbach’s alphas and test-retest reliability, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and convergent validity testing between the ISAAQ-10 and IAT-10. The concurrent validity of the ISAAQ-10 was also examined. A total of 590 young adults (85.1 % female), aged between 18 and 35 years, participated in this study. The ISAAQ-10 presented good internal consistency ( α =0.93), with a test-retest correlation of r = 0.865; 95 % CI: 0.669–0.939. and a unidimensional structure that explained 48.3 % of the total variance. The convergent validity of the ISAAQ-10’s total score was established through a high Pearson’s correlation (r = 0.574; p ≤ .001) with the IAT-10’s total score. Pearson’s correlations between the ISAAQ-10 gaming activity score and the IGDS9-SF (r = 0.873; p < .001), and between the ISAAQ-10 social networking use activity score and the BSMAS (r = 0.670; p < .001), respectively, supported the instrument’s concurrent validity. This work provides support for the Portuguese translation of the ISAAQ-10, which can be employed to identify the severity of problematic usage of the internet in a population sample. It also provides the first validation of the ISAAQ-10 social networking use activity score, which can be employed to identify problematic social media use within a predominately female university student sample. This study further establishes the ISAAQ-10 as a valid and reliable tool for population studies and, specifically, for the identification of problematic social media use.
- Redefining neurocognitive assessment: the essential integration of sensory evaluationPublication . Pinto, Joana O.; Dores, Artemisa Rocha; Peixoto, Bruno; Barbosa, FernandoWe read with interest the recommendations of Leroi et al. (2019) and SENSE-Cog Expert Reference Group of healthcare professionals for the Recognition and Management of Hearing and Vision Impairment in People with Dementia. This group of experts recommends the implementation of flexible and individualized assessments to identify and address concurrent deficits in sensory and cognitive functioning (Leroi et al., 2019). It is also highlighted the lack of standardized, sensitive clinical assessment tools, and evidence-based interventions for addressing simultaneous hearing, vision, and neurocognitive impairment (Leroi et al., 2019). Although sensation can be considered a neurocognitive function (Luria, 1963), Leroi et al. (2019) presented it as a concurrent function with neurocognition, rather than as an intertwined part of it. Other previous studies have followed a similar approach. For instance, research has indicated that sensory impairment appears to increase the risk of Major Neurocognitive Disorders (Brenowitz et al., 2019; Hwang et al., 2020). Furthermore, Leroi et al. (2019) focused primarily on peripheral assessment of hearing and vision, overlooking both peripheral and central evaluations of other senses. Therefore, while we fully support the recommendations provided, we propose expanding them by redefining neurocognitive assessment protocols to: (1) incorporate sensory evaluation beginning in middle age; (2) assess sensory function at both peripheral and central levels; (3) include all senses in the evaluation process; and (4) include tasks targeting multisensory integration.
- The effects of social feedback through the “Like” feature on brain activity: A systematic reviewPublication . Dores, Artemisa Rocha; Peixoto, Miguel; Fernandes, Carina; Marques, António; Barbosa, FernandoProblematic social media (SM) use is a growing concern, particularly among adolescents who are drawn to these platforms for social interactions important to their age group. SM dependence is characterized by excessive, uncontrolled usage that impairs personal, social, and professional aspects. Despite the ongoing debate over recognizing SM addiction as a distinct diagnostic category, the impact of social feedback, particularly through the “like” button, on brain activity remains under scrutiny. Objective: This systematic review aims to study the neural correlates of online social feedback, focusing on the effects of the “like” feedback on brain activity using fMRI and EEG. Methods: The review followed the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA). Results: The review included 11 studies with 504 participants, identifying key brain structures such as the amygdala, ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), and ventral striatum involved in reward processing. Positive feedback (“likes”) activates areas like the nucleus accumbens (NACC), vmPFC, and amygdala, with NACC correlating with increased SM use intensity. Negative feedback activates the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) and left medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Behavioral data indicates that positive feedback influences subsequent social interactions. Conclusions: The review highlights disparities in the literature regarding the neural response to social feedback, emphasizing the need for further research to clarify the roles of sex, personality traits, and the person giving feedback. Overall, understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of SM engagement is essential for developing effective interventions to prevent or address the negative effects of excessive SM use.
- Preventive behaviors among higher education students in response to COVID-19: The role of risk perceptionPublication . Peralta, Catarina; Vieira da Silva, Manuela; Dores, Artemisa Rocha; Silva, Marina Almeida; Pinto, Marta Vasconcelos; Ramos, Delfina; Rodrigues, MatildeIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, higher education institutions adopted a set of measures to ensure safe face-to-face teaching and to control potential outbreaks. However, the effectiveness of the implemented measures is dependent on the behavior of students, who are generally young, often displaced, living with other colleagues, and constantly seeking physical contact, which makes their behavior outside the institution also of particular relevance to controlling the pandemic. An online questionnaire was developed and applied to characterize the behaviors adopted by students inside and outside the higher education institution, as well as risk perception based on the health belief model (HBM) and unrealistic optimism, with the participation of 620 students from three Portuguese higher education institutions. The adoption of safe behaviors is related to a greater perception of the benefits and of the severity of COVID-19. Unrealistic optimism also has a negative impact on preventive behaviors. The behaviors least adopted by students concerning potential exposure to COVID-19 were disinfecting hands and equipment after use, as well as physical distancing from colleagues. With regard to behaviors adopted outside the institution, it was found that students did not avoid physical contact with colleagues and family members. These findings contribute to our understanding of student behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, help institutions understand if the applied strategies were effective or not, and denote the need to reinforce or improve the implemented strategies.
- Contaminação do ar e superfíciesPublication . Afonso, Joana; Vieira Da Silva, ManuelaOs estabelecimentos de panificação e pastelaria são estabelecimentos do sector alimentar com grande influência na alimentação humana visto os seus géneros alimentícios serem a base da alimentação de grande parte da população. Aliando a abrangência em termos de alimentos confeccionados ao maior número de pessoas que recorrem aos seus produtos, é essencial garantir a qualidade destes alimentos.
- Do juveniles who have committed sexual offenses have higher callous-unemotional traits compared to juveniles who have committed general offenses? A systematic review.Publication . Ramião, Eduarda; Geraldo, Andreia; Figueiredo, Patrícia; Barroso, Ricardo; Barbosa, FernandoThe importance of assessing psychopathic traits in juveniles who have committed sexual offenses has been established in individuals who demonstrate a particularly severe and violent pattern of behavior. Additionally, the assessment of these traits in other juveniles might be relevant considering that higher levels of these traits represent an increased probability of the juvenile committing offenses. This study is a systematic review of the literature about the presence of callous-unemotional (CU) traits in juveniles who have committed sexual and non-sexual offenses, in order to ascertain eventual differences between these groups regarding the presence of CU traits. Studies were obtained from multiple databases, with predefined exclusion and inclusion criteria, according to PRISMA-P guidelines. A total of 18 studies were reviewed and included in the final analysis. The 18 studies used measures of CU traits and reported descriptive categories of CU traits in juveniles who have committed general offenses or juveniles who have committed sexual offenses. Meta-analytic procedures such as pooled means, pooled variances, and pooled standard deviations are presented in this study. The main conclusion obtained is that juveniles who have committed general offenses present higher levels of CU traits compared to juveniles who have committed sexual offenses. Although the review highlights limitations in the literature, the identification of these characteristics in different types of juveniles who have committed offenses is important to shed light on the phenomenon and develop interventions better suited to their characteristics. Recommendations for future research are also presented.
- Remote delivered cognitive rehabilitation programs in Acquired Brain Injury: a systematic review of methods and outcomesPublication . Câmara, Joana ; Geraldo, Andreia; Vilar, Manuela ; Fermé, EduardoRemote delivered cognitive rehabilitation programs (r-CRP) are increasingly recognized as alternative and complementary intervention approaches to traditional cognitive rehabilitation (CR) in the context of several neurological conditions, including acquired brain injuries (ABI). This systematic review examines the methodological characteristics of currently available r-CRP for ABI patients and investigates their impact on cognitive and noncognitive outcomes. A systematic search was performed on EBSCOhost, PubMed, and Web of Science, complemented by a manual search. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and the Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines were followed. Out of 1624 studies, a total of 19 studies were included. The results demonstrate that most r-CRP were administered to middle-aged community-dwelling chronic stroke survivors and that there was no consensus regarding assessment and intervention protocols. Moreover, most r-CRP were delivered through information and communication technologies (ICTs), primarily relying on cognitive training (CT) interventions addressing multiple cognitive domains (e.g., attention, memory). These ICT-based CT programs included tasks with low ecological validity, i.e., tasks with limited real-world application (e.g., cancelation tasks with artificial stimuli), and were asynchronous, meaning that participants performed the sessions at their own pace, without real-time monitoring from a therapist. In terms of the impact of r-CRP, class I studies reported mixed and inconsistent results regarding the effect of this mode of delivery on cognitive and noncognitive outcomes of ABI patients while supporting its high feasibility and acceptability among patients. Specific recommendations for future research are provided to improve the methodological quality of clinical studies and establish the evidence base for r-CRP.