Low blood concentration of alcohol enhances activity related to stopping failure in the right inferior frontal cortex.

This study investigated the effects of low doses of alcohol, which are acceptable for driving a car, on inhibitory control and neural processing using the stop-signal task (SST) in 17 healthy right-handed social drinkers. The study employed simultaneous functional magnetic resonance imaging and electromyography (EMG) recordings to assess behavioral and neural responses under conditions of low-dose alcohol (breath-alcohol concentration of 0.15 mg/L) and placebo. The results demonstrated that even a small amount of alcohol consumption prolonged Go reaction times in the SST and modified stopping behavior, as evidenced by a decrease in the frequency and magnitude of partial response EMG that did not result in button pressing during successful inhibitory control. Furthermore, alcohol intake enhanced neural activity during failed inhibitory responses in the right inferior frontal cortex, suggesting its potential role in behavioral adaptation following stop-signal failure. These findings suggest that even low levels of alcohol consumption within legal driving limits can greatly impact both the cognitive performance and brain activity involved in inhibiting responses. This research provides important evidence on the neurobehavioral effects of low-dose alcohol consumption, with implications for understanding the biological basis of impaired motor control and decision-making and potentially informing legal guidelines on alcohol consumption.

Development of the differential detection reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification method for Barley yellow mosaic virus or Japanese soil-borne wheat mosaic virus from barley.

A differential detection reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (DD-RT-LAMP) method was developed to detect either Barley yellow mosaic virus (BaYMV) or Japanese soil-borne wheat mosaic virus (JSBWMV) simultaneously. Both primer sets, which recognized either BaYMV or JSBWMV genomic RNA, amplified DNA more efficiently at 65°C using an isothermal DNA amplification and fluorescence detection device. Furthermore, these primer sets showed unique annealing curves. The peak annealing temperatures of BaYMV and JSBWMV amplification products using specific primer sets were 86.9°C-87.7°C and 84.5°C-85.0°C, respectively, and were clearly distinguishable during an annealing step following the isothermal amplification, monitored using a fluorescence detection device. In the field samples of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) tested, BaYMV or JSBWMV were detected by DD-RT-LAMP, and the detection results of DD-RT-LAMP were correspondent with the results of reverse transcription-PCR.

The two-row malting barley cultivar 'New Sachiho Golden' with null lipoxygenase-1 improves flavor stability in beer and was developed by marker-assisted selection.

Lipoxygenase-1 (LOX-1) null 'New Sachiho Golden' is a two-row malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivar released in 2015 that was developed at the Tochigi Prefectural Agricultural Experimental Station by backcross breeding using the high-yield leading cultivar 'Sachiho Golden' as a recurrent parent and the LOX-1 null mutant 'Daikei LM1' as a non-recurrent parent. To develop 'New Sachiho Golden' we used a simple LOX activity assay and marker-assisted selection. This is the first LOX-1 null malting barley cultivar in Japan that is resistant to barley yellow mosaic virus (types I-III). Agronomic characteristics and malting qualities of 'New Sachiho Golden' were similar to those of 'Sachiho Golden', except that 'New Sachiho Golden' had no LOX activity in ungerminated grains and had clearly lower LOX activity during malting than 'Sachiho Golden'. The concentrations of a trans-2-nonenal (T2N) precursor in wort and beer made from 'New Sachiho Golden' were significantly lower than in those made from 'Sachiho Golden', both before and after storage.

Modulation of alpha activity in the parieto-occipital area by distractors during a visuospatial working memory task: a magnetoencephalographic study.

Oscillatory brain activity is known to play an essential role in information processing in working memory. Recent studies have indicated that alpha activity (8-13 Hz) in the parieto-occipital area is strongly modulated in working memory tasks. However, the function of alpha activity in working memory is open to several interpretations, such that alpha activity may be a direct neural correlate of information processing in working memory or may reflect disengagement from information processing in other brain areas. To examine the functional contribution of alpha activity to visuospatial working memory, we introduced visuospatial distractors during a delay period and examined neural activity from the whole brain using magnetoencephalography. The strength of event-related alpha activity was estimated using the temporal spectral evolution (TSE) method. The results were as follows: (1) an increase of alpha activity during the delay period as indicated by elevated TSE curves was observed in parieto-occipital sensors in both the working memory task and a control task that did not require working memory; and (2) an increase of alpha activity during the delay period was not observed when distractors were presented, although TSE curves were constructed only from correct trials. These results indicate that the increase of alpha activity is not directly related to information processing in working memory but rather reflects the disengagement of attention from the visuospatial input.

Cultured fibroblasts of the Okinawa rail present delayed innate immune response compared to that of chicken.

The Okinawa rail is endemic to Okinawa Island and is categorized as an endangered animal. In this study, we focused on innate immunity because it is the first line of host defense. In particular, signals recognizing foreign RNA (e.g., viruses) are important for host defense because they activate the host immune system. The retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptor (RLR) families (RIG-I, MDA5, and LGP2) are sensors that activate innate immunity. Therefore, we analyzed these functions in the Okinawa rail using genomic and cellular analyses of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts can be obtained from dead individuals, allowing these cells to be obtained from dead individuals, which is particularly useful for endangered species. The MDA5 gene of Okinawa rail was sequenced using the Sanger method following PCR amplification and extraction of the amplified sequence from agarose gel. Additionally, mRNA expression analysis of cultured fibroblasts exposed to poly I:C was done. The MDA5 gene was found to be a mutated nonfunctional gene in the Okinawa rail. The mRNA expression rates of inflammatory cytokine genes type I IFN, and Mx1 were slower in Okinawa rail than in chicken cultured fibroblasts. Similar to the mRNA expression results, cell number and live cell ratio also slowly decreased in the Okinawa rail compared with chicken cultured fibroblasts, indicating that the innate immune reaction differs between chicken and the Okinawa rail. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first experimental evaluation of the loss of function of the Okinawa rail innate immune genes. In conclusion, our results provide a basis for conservation strategies for the endangered Okinawa rail.

Leptospirosis with multiple organ dysfunction in a mongoose-scat-detection dog infected with Leptospira interrogans serogroup Hebdomadis, Okinawa, Japan.

A 2-year-old male mongoose-scat-detection dog was diagnosed with leptospirosis by urine PCR. The patient developed acute renal failure, hepatic dysfunction, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Treatment with antibiotics was administered, including ampicillin and doxycycline, and supportive care management was provided. Seroconversion against serogroup Hebdomadis was observed on day 8. The leptospiral gene flaB was detected only in urine collected on day 1, from which Leptospira interrogans ST329 was identified by multilocus sequence typing using seven housekeeping genes. L. interrogans serogroup Hebdomadis ST329 has been isolated from mongooses and humans in Okinawa, Japan. This patient received early treatment with antibiotics, which may have contributed to the early recovery of renal function and removal of L. interrogans from kidney tissue.

Induced pluripotent stem cells of endangered avian species.

The number of endangered avian-related species increase in Japan recently. The application of new technologies, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), may contribute to the recovery of the decreasing numbers of endangered animals and conservation of genetic resources. We established novel iPSCs from three endangered avian species (Okinawa rail, Japanese ptarmigan, and Blakiston's fish owl) with seven reprogramming factors (M3O, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc, Nanog, Lin28, and Klf2). The iPSCs are pluripotency markers and express pluripotency-related genes and differentiated into three germ layers in vivo and in vitro. These three endangered avian iPSCs displayed different cellular characteristics even though the same reprogramming factors use. Japanese ptarmigan-derived iPSCs have different biological characteristics from those observed in other avian-derived iPSCs. Japanese ptarmigan iPSCs contributed to chimeras part in chicken embryos. To the best of our knowledge, our findings provide the first evidence of the potential value of iPSCs as a resource for endangered avian species conservation.

Increased cortical hyperexcitability and exaggerated myoclonus with aging in benign adult familial myoclonus epilepsy.

The clinical implications of enlarged early cortical components of somatosensory evoked potentials in benign adult familial myoclonus epilepsy remain unknown. Somatosensory evoked potentials following electrical stimulation of the median nerve at the wrist were studied in 16 patients with a clinical diagnosis of benign adult familial myoclonus epilepsy (7 men and 9 women; mean age, 51 ± 18 years) and 19 age-matched apparently healthy control subjects (11 men and 8 women; mean age, 49 ± 18 years). Giant somatosensory evoked potentials were observed in 13 of the 16 patients. P25 and N35 amplitudes in the patient group were 11.4 ± 6.1 and 19.2 ± 11.5 µV, respectively, and both were significantly larger compared with those in control subjects (P = 0.008 for P25 and P < 0.0001 for N35). There was a significant positive relationship between age at somatosensory evoked potential examination and N20, P25, and N35 amplitudes, both in the patient and in the control groups (P < 0.05). The linear regression gradient of the N35 amplitude with respect to age was significantly larger in the patient group than in the control group (P = 0.04). Furthermore, regression analysis showed a significant positive relationship between the myoclonus rating scale and age at time of somatosensory evoked potential examination (R = 0.645, P = 0.007). Somatosensory evoked potential amplitude increased with age in patients with benign adult familial myoclonus epilepsy to a greater extent than in the control subjects, which suggests a progressive increase in cortical excitability based on progressive pathophysiology in benign adult familial myoclonus epilepsy.

T-cell lymphoma in a wild Okinawa rail (Gallirallus okinawae).

The Okinawa rail (Gallirallus okinawae) is an endangered species that inhabits the northern part of Okinawa Main Island in southern Japan. A wild Okinawa rail was rescued from a road in Kunigami Village in Okinawa in October 2009. The bird subsequently died and underwent necropsy. Tumors were found in the liver, spleen and part of the small intestine. Microscopically, lymphoid neoplasm was confirmed in these tissues. The tumor cells were mainly positive for CD3 and CD8α by immunohistochemistry. No Marek's disease virus genes were detected by PCR of a liver tumor. This is the first report of T-cell lymphoma in the Okinawa rail.

The Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Dual-Task Interference Depend on the Dual-Task Content.

Recently, some studies revealed that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) reduces dual-task interference. Since there are countless combinations of dual-tasks, it remains unclear whether stable effects by tDCS can be observed on dual-task interference. An aim of the present study was to investigate whether the effects of tDCS on dual-task interference change depend on the dual-task content. We adopted two combinations of dual-tasks, i.e., a word task while performing a tandem task (word-tandem dual-task) and a classic Stroop task while performing a tandem task (Stroop-tandem dual-task). We expected that the Stroop task would recruit the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and require involvement of executive function to greater extent than the word task. Subsequently, we hypothesized that anodal tDCS over the DLPFC would improve executive function and result in more effective reduction of dual-task interference in the Stroop-tandem dual-task than in the word-tandem dual-task. Anodal or cathodal tDCS was applied over the DLPFC or the supplementary motor area using a constant current of 2.0 mA for 20 min. According to our results, dual-task interference and the task performances of each task under the single-task condition were not changed after applying any settings of tDCS. However, anodal tDCS over the left DLPFC significantly improved the word task performance immediately after tDCS under the dual-task condition. Our findings suggested that the effect of anodal tDCS over the left DLPFC varies on the task performance under the dual-task condition was changed depending on the dual-task content.

Antifungal drugs-low-susceptibility in Aspergillus flavus isolated from a captively reared Okinawa rail (Hypotaenidia okinawae).

A four-month old female Okinawa rail (Hypotaenidia okinawae) presented with respiratory distress. Despite antifungal treatment with voriconazole (VRZ), micafungin (MCF), and itraconazole (ITZ), respiratory distress did not improve and the bird died 167 days after initiating treatment. Necropsy revealed multifocal pyogranulomatous necrotic nodular lesions with numerous whitish-green fungal hyphae in the left air sac. Aspergillus flavus was isolated from the left air sac lesion. Antifungal susceptibility tests indicated that the isolate showed low susceptibility to amphotericin B (AMB), fluconazole (FLZ), VRZ and MCF.

Appraisal of definition of baseline length for somatosensory evoked magnetic fields.

BACKGROUND: The baseline (BL) segment in the prestimulus period is generally assigned as a reference of evoked activities. However, an experimenter empirically defines its length in each condition. So far, the criterion for the length of a BL segment has not been established. NEW METHOD: We evaluated the effect of the length of the BL segment by recording somatosensory evoked magnetic fields (SEFs) under fixed stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA). For the evaluation of the length of the BL segment in the prestimulus period, five proportions in relation to SOA were used as the BL segment. In addition, we adopted other two types of BL segment which were the single data point measured from the value of stimulus onset (BL0) and the mean value of the whole raw data throughout the recording (DC mean). We investigated the influence of the BL segments on SEFs by utilizing two indicators: normalized N20 m amplitudes and estimated locations of corresponding equivalent current dipoles (ECDs). RESULTS: Both indicators did not show any significant differences, based on the factor of BL segments, in any SOA conditions. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD: The BL0 had by far the largest variation in the ECD locations.Therefore, utilizing stimulus onset as the BL segment should be avoided. In addition, considering that other BL segments provided comparable values by the two indicators, the DC mean can reasonably be adopted. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that utilizing the DC mean could be employed as the BL segment.

[Non-invasive investigation of human brain function].

The idea that each brain function is undertaken by a small part of focal brain was established in 19th century. Since then, trials to reveal an individual function in each area have been continued. Although intraoperative electric stimulation/suppression has been considered to be the most secure way of exploration of brain function, this method has several limitations due to its invasive nature. On the other hand, recent advancement of explorative measure with high sensitivity has enabled measurement of physical phenomenon accompanied with change of brain function from outside of the skull. These methods can be applied to normal subjects using their capability of repetitive and multiple measurements and have provided new findings. Combination of several techniques knowing characteristics and limitation of each method will provide new insight into the brain.

Region-dependent bidirectional plasticity in M1 following quadripulse transcranial magnetic stimulation in the inferior parietal cortex.

BACKGROUND: The ability to manipulate the excitability of the network between the inferior parietal lobule (IPL) and primary motor cortex (M1) may have clinical value. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possibility of inducing long-lasting changes in M1 excitability by applying quadripulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (QPS) to the IPL, and to ascertain stimulus condition- and site-dependent differences in the effects. METHODS: QPS was applied to M1, the primary somatosensory cortex (S1), the supramarginal gyrus (SMG) and angular gyrus (AG) IPL areas, with the inter-stimulus interval (ISI) in the train of pulses set to either 5 ms (QPS-5) or 50 ms (QPS-50). QPS was repeated at 0.2 Hz for 30 min, or not presented (sham condition). Excitability changes in the target site were examined by means of single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). RESULTS: QPS-5 and QPS-50 at M1 increased and decreased M1 excitability, respectively. QPS at S1 induced no obvious change in M1 excitability. However, QPS at the SMG induced mainly suppressive effects in M1 for at least 30 min, regardless of the ISI length. Both QPS ISIs at the AG yielded significantly different MEP compared to those at the SMG. Thus, the direction of the plastic effect of QPS differed depending on the site, even under the same stimulation conditions. CONCLUSIONS: QPS at the IPL produced long-lasting changes in M1 excitability, which differed depending on the precise stimulation site within the IPL. These results raise the possibility of noninvasive induction of functional plasticity in M1 via input from the IPL.

Retained absolute pitch after selective amygdalohippocampectomy.

This study assessed the pre-operative chronic condition and effect of epilepsy surgery in a 21-year-old Japanese woman with drug-resistant right temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). For this patient, it was crucially important to preserve language and her music capabilities, including absolute pitch (AP), which is found in the general population at less than 0.1%. The patient became seizure free, and her AP capability was preserved after selective amygdalohippocampectomy in the non-dominant right hemisphere. Most of the neuropsychological test (WAIS-III and WMS-R) scores remained in the normal range, except for low scores in verbal memory and markedly improved attention/concentration index. The patient's pre- and postoperative brain function related to language and music capabilities were investigated using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) based on two language tasks and a music task (listening to melodies). While task performance was similar in pre- and postoperative examinations, her brain activation patterns markedly differed. The most striking difference was during the music task: areas with significant activation existed in the bilateral frontal and temporal lobes before surgery, whereas postoperative activation was confined to a very limited region in the left angular gyrus. The authors speculate that the surgery triggered some change in functional organization in the brain, which contributed to preserving her capabilities.

Correction: Establishment of immortalized primary cell from the critically endangered Bonin flying fox (Pteropus pselaphon).

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221364.].

A mirror reflection of a hand modulates stimulus-induced 20-Hz activity.

Mirror therapy is one of the promising rehabilitation therapeutic interventions but the neural basis of the therapeutic effect remains unknown. It has been reported that the 20-Hz rhythmic activity is induced in the primary motor cortex after median nerve stimulation and the amount of the induced activity is decreased when the primary motor cortex is activated. In the present study, to elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying mirror therapy, we investigated whether the mirror reflection of a hand holding a pencil modulates the stimulus-induced 20-Hz activity. Neuromagnetic brain activities were recorded from 11 healthy right-handed subjects while they were viewing their hand holding a pencil or its mirror reflection. The right median nerve was stimulated and the stimulus-induced 20-Hz activity over the left rolandic cortex dominantly innervating right-hand movements was quantified. The stimulus-induced 20-Hz activity was strongly suppressed when subjects viewed the right hand holding a pencil or the mirror reflection of the left hand looking like the right hand holding a pencil, compared with when subjects viewed the left hand holding a pencil or the mirror reflection of the right hand looking like the left hand holding a pencil. These results suggest that the human left primary motor cortex is strongly activated when the subjects view not only the right hand holding a pencil but also the mirror reflection of the left hand looking like the right hand holding a pencil. This may be one of the neural mechanisms responsible for the therapeutic effect of mirror therapy.

Preliminary studies on developing a nested PCR assay for molecular diagnosis and identification of nematode (Heterakis isolonche) and trematode (Glaphyrostomum sp.) in Okinawa rail (Gallirallus okinawae).

To investigate and detect internal parasites in Okinawa rail (Gallirallus okinawae), a novel nested polymerase chain reaction with high level of sensitivity and specificity was developed. Specific PCR primers that target partial DNA sequences of mitochondrial Cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene were designed to differentiate between nematode (Heterakis isolonche) and trematode (Glaphyrostomum sp.) found in the intestine of Okinawa rail. Nested PCR assay was established based on primers design and applied to seven fecal samples from road killed birds containing nematode and/or trematode eggs. The results indicated this new nested PCR protocol was available for the identification of parasites and of value to clinical application.

Ring-alkyl connecting group effect on mesogenic properties of p-carborane derivatives and their hydrocarbon analogues.

The effect of the phenyl-alkyl connecting group on mesogenic properties of several series of isostructural compounds containing p-carborane (A and B), bicyclo[2.2.2]octane (C), and benzene (D) was investigated using thermal and optical methods. Results demonstrated that mesophase stability in the series containing A-D follows the order (Alk)CH2CH2- < (Alk)OOC- < (Alk)CH2O- < (Alk)COO-. Surprisingly, the connecting groups (Alk)CH2CH2- and (Alk)OOC- destabilize the mesophase significantly stronger for carboranes (A and B) than for carbocyclic derivatives (C and D). Analysis indicates that this effect may have quadrupolar and conformational origin.

Effects of propofol on IPSCs in CA1 and dentate gyrus cells of rat hippocampus: Propofol effects on hippocampal cells' IPSCs.

Propofol (2, 6-diisopropylphenol) is one of the most popular intravenous anesthetic agents. In this study, we compared the effects of propofol on inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) induced by single and paired electrical stimulations in CA1 pyramidal cells (CA1-PCs) and dentate gyrus granule cells (DG-GCs) in rat hippocampal slices using the whole cell patch-clamp technique. In the absence of propofol, the amplitude of evoked IPSC by single stimulation and decay time constants were stable in both CA1-PCs and DG-GCs for 30 min. Propofol (1 µM and 10 µM) increased both IPSC amplitude in CA1-PCs, but not in DG-GCs. Further, using a paired pulse stimulation protocol, the ratio of IPSC amplitudes (the second response: A2/the first response: A1) was increased by propofol in CA1, but not in DG-GCs. These results suggest that propofol selectively affects IPSCs in CA1-PCs, which is similar to previously reported actions of benzodiazepines.