Preventive effect of one-session brief focused attention meditation on state fatigue: Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging study.

INTRODUCTION: The extended practice of meditation may reduce the influence of state fatigue by changing neurocognitive processing. However, little is known about the preventive effects of one-session brief focused attention meditation (FAM) on state fatigue in healthy participants or its potential neural mechanisms. This study examined the preventive effects of one-session brief FAM on state fatigue and its neural correlates using resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI) measurements. METHODS: We randomly divided 56 meditation-naïve participants into FAM and control groups. After the first rsfMRI scan, each group performed a 10-minute each condition while wearing a functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) device for assessing brain activity. Subsequently, following a second rsfMRI scan, the participants completed a fatigue-inducing task (a Go/NoGo task) for 60 min. We evaluated the temporal changes in the Go/NoGo task performance of participants as an indicator of state fatigue. We then calculated changes in the resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the rsfMRI from before to after each condition and compared them between groups. We also evaluated neural correlates between the changes in rsFC and state fatigue. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The fNIRS measurements indicated differences in brain activity during each condition between the FAM and control groups, showing decreased medial prefrontal cortex activity and decreased functional connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex and middle frontal gyrus. The control group exhibited a decrement in Go/NoGo task performance over time, whereas the FAM group did not. These results, thus, suggested that FAM could prevent state fatigue. Compared with the control group, the rsFC analysis revealed a significant increase in the connectivity between the left dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and right superior parietal lobule in the FAM group, suggesting a modification of attention regulation by cognitive effort. In the control group, increased connectivity was observed between the bilateral posterior cingulate cortex and left inferior occipital gyrus, which might be associated with poor attention regulation and reduced higher-order cognitive function. Additionally, the change in the rsFC of the control group was related to state fatigue. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that one session of 10-minute FAM could prevent behavioral state fatigue by employing cognitive effort to modify attention regulation as well as suppressing poor attention regulation and reduced higher-order cognitive function.

New rat model of spinal cord infarction with long-lasting functional disabilities generated by intraspinal injection of endothelin-1.

BACKGROUND: The current method for generating an animal model of spinal cord (SC) infarction is highly invasive and permits only short-term observation, typically limited to 28 days. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to establish a rat model characterised by long-term survival and enduring SC dysfunction by inducing selective ischaemic SC damage. METHODS: In 8-week-old male Wistar rats, a convection-enhanced delivery technique was applied to selectively deliver endothelin-1 (ET-1) to the anterior horn of the SC at the Th13 level, leading to SC infarction. The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor score was assessed for 56 days. The SC was examined by a laser tissue blood flowmeter, MRI, immunohistochemistry, triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, Western blots and TUNEL staining. RESULTS: The puncture method was used to bilaterally inject 0.7 µL ET-1 (2.5 mg/mL) from the lateral SC into the anterior horns (40° angle, 1.5 mm depth) near the posterior root origin. Animals survived until day 56 and the BBB score was stably maintained (5.5±1.0 at day 14 and 6.2±1.0 at day 56). Rats with BBB scores ≤1 on day 1 showed stable scores of 5-6 after day 14 until day 56 while rats with BBB scores >1 on day 1 exhibited only minor dysfunction with BBB scores >12 after day 14. TTC staining, immunostaining and TUNEL staining revealed selective ischaemia and neuronal cell death in the anterior horn. T2-weighted MR images showed increasing signal intensity at the SC infarction site over time. Western blots revealed apoptosis and subsequent inflammation in SC tissue after ET-1 administration. CONCLUSIONS: Selective delivery of ET-1 into the SC allows for more precise localisation of the infarcted area at the targeted site and generates a rat SC infarction model with stable neurological dysfunction lasting 56 days.

Perceiving humanness across ages: neural correlates and behavioral patterns.

Humanness perception, which attributes fundamental and unique human characteristics to other objects or people, has significant consequences for people's interactions. Notably, the failure to perceive humanness in older adults can lead to prejudice. This study investigates the effect of a target's age on humanness perception in terms of two dimensions: agency (the ability to act and do) and experience (the ability to feel and sense). We also examined brain activity using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner in order to understand the underlying neural mechanisms. Healthy university students viewed the facial images of older and younger individuals and judged the humanness of each individual in terms of agency and experience while inside the MRI scanner. The results indicated that older adults were rated higher on experience, and no difference was found in ratings for agency between younger and older face images. Analysis of brain imaging data indicated that positive functional connectivity between the ventral and dorsal regions of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) was greater when judging the humanness of younger faces than older faces. We also found that the negative functional connectivity between the left inferior frontal gyrus and postcentral gyrus was greater when judging the humanness of older faces as compared to that of younger faces. Although the current study did not show distinct brain activities related to humanness perception, it suggests the possibility that different brain connectivities are related to humanness perception regarding targets belonging to different age groups.

Predicting conversational satisfaction of face-to-face conversation through interpersonal similarity in resting-state functional connectivity.

When conversing with an unacquainted person, if it goes well, we can obtain much satisfaction (referred to as conversational satisfaction). Can we predict how satisfied dyads will be with face-to-face conversation? To this end, we employed interpersonal similarity in whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC), measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging before dyadic conversation. We investigated whether conversational satisfaction could be predicted from interpersonal similarity in RSFC using multivariate pattern analysis. Consequently, prediction was successful, suggesting that interpersonal similarity in RSFC is an effective neural biomarker predicting how much face-to-face conversation goes well. Furthermore, regression coefficients from predictive models suggest that both interpersonal similarity and dissimilarity contribute to good interpersonal relationships in terms of brain activity. The present study provides the potential of an interpersonal similarity approach using RSFC for understanding the foundations of human relationships and new neuroscientific insight into whether success in human interactions is predetermined.

Enhanced memory and hippocampal connectivity in humans 2 days after brief resistance exercise.

INTRODUCTION: Exercise has significant health benefits and can enhance learning. A single bout of high-intensity resistance training may be sufficient to improve memory. This study aimed to assess memory enhancement by a single bout of high-intensity resistance training and to examine the neural underpinnings using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: Sixty young adults (34 men and 26 women), divided into the training and control groups, participated. The first session included verbal memory recall tests (cued- and free-recall), resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI), and a single-bout high-intensity resistance training for the training group. Two days later, they underwent post-intervention memory tests and rs-fMRI. The study design was 2 groups × 2 sessions for memory tests, and within training group comparisons for rs-fMRI. RESULTS: Compared to the control group without resistance training, the training group showed higher cued-recall performance 2 days after the brief resistance training (training: +0.27, control: -0.13, interaction: p = .01), and their free-recall scores were associated with enhanced left posterior hippocampal connectivity (r = .64, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that brief high-intensity resistance exercise/strength training could enhance memory without repeated exercising. The quick effect of resistance training on memory and hippocampal connectivity could be revealed. A focused and one-shot exercise may be sufficient to enhance memory performance and neural plasticity in a few days.

Effects of pain associated with orthodontic tooth movement on tactile sensation of periodontal ligaments.

OBJECTIVES: Pain associated with orthodontic tooth movement reportedly reduces periodontal ligament tactile sensation. However, the mechanism associated with the central nervous system remains unclear. This study was conducted by measuring somatosensory evoked magnetic fields (SEFs) during mechanical stimulation of teeth as they were being moved by separator elastics. Findings clarified the effects of pain on periodontal ligament tactile sensation during orthodontic tooth movement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using magnetoencephalography, SEFs were measured during the application of mechanical stimuli to the mandibular right first molars of 23 right-handed healthy participants (0 h). Separator elastics were subsequently inserted into the mesial and distal interdental portions of the mandibular right first molars. The same mechanical stimuli were applied again 24 h later while the SEFs were measured (24 h). After each SEF measurements, pain was also evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). RESULTS: The VAS values were significantly higher at 24 h than at 0 h (p < 0.05). No significant difference in the peak latencies was found between those obtained at 0 h and 24 h, but the intensities around 40.0 ms in the contralateral hemisphere were significantly lower at 24 h than at 0 h (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Pain associated with orthodontic tooth movement might suppress periodontal ligament tactile sensation in the primary somatosensory cortex. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Pain associated with orthodontic tooth movement might affect periodontal ligament sensation, consequently causing discomfort during occlusion.

Benefits of Wasabi Supplements with 6-MSITC (6-Methylsulfinyl Hexyl Isothiocyanate) on Memory Functioning in Healthy Adults Aged 60 Years and Older: Evidence from a Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive functions decline with age. Declined cognitive functions negatively affect daily behaviors. Previous studies showed the positive effect of spices and herbs on cognition. In this study, we investigated the positive impact of wasabi, which is a traditional Japanese spice, on cognitive functions. The main bioactive compound of wasabi is 6-MSITC (6 methylsulfinyl hexyl isothiocyanate), which has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. Anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories have an important role in cognitive health. Therefore, 6-MSITC is expected to have positive effects on cognitive function. Previous studies showed the beneficial effects on cognitive functions in middle-aged adults. However, it is unclear that 6-MSITC has a positive effect on cognitive functions in healthy older adults aged 60 years and over. Here, we investigated whether 12 weeks' 6-MSITC intervention enhances cognitive performance in older adults using a double-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT). METHODS: Seventy-two older adults were randomly assigned to 6-MSITC or placebo groups. Participants were asked to take a supplement (6-MSITC or a placebo) for 12 weeks. We checked a wide range of cognitive performances (e.g., executive function, episodic memory, processing speed, working memory, and attention) at the pre- and post-intervention periods. RESULTS: The 6-MSITC group showed a significant improvement in working and episodic memory performances compared to the placebo group. However, we did not find any significant improvements in other cognitive domains. DISCUSSION: This study firstly demonstrates scientific evidence that 6-MSITC may enhance working memory and episodic memory in older adults. We discuss the potential mechanism for improving cognitive functions after 6-MSITC intake.

Language MEG predicts postoperative verbal memory change in left mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify whether preoperative language magnetoencephalography (MEG) predicts postoperative verbal memory (VM) changes in left mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (LMTLE). METHODS: We reviewed 18 right-handed patients with LMTLE who underwent anterior temporal lobectomy or selective amygdala hippocampectomy, 12 with (HS+) and 6 without hippocampal sclerosis (HS-). Patients underwent neuropsychological assessment before and after surgery. MEG was measured with an auditory verbal learning task in patients preoperatively and in 15 right-handed controls. Dynamic statistical parametric mapping (dSPM) was used for source imaging of task-related activity. Language laterality index (LI) was calculated by z-score of dSPM in language-related regions. LI in the region of HS+ and HS- was compared to controls. The correlation between LI and postoperative VM change was assessed in HS+ and HS-. RESULTS: Preoperative LI in supramarginal gyrus showed greater right-shifted lateralization in both HS+ and HS- than in controls. Right-shifted LI in supramarginal gyrus was correlated with postoperative VM increase in HS+ (p = 0.019), but not in HS-. CONCLUSIONS: Right-shifted language lateralization in dSPM of MEG signals may predict favorable VM outcome in HS+ of LMTLE. SIGNIFICANCE: Findings warrant further investigation of the relation between regional language laterality index and postoperative verbal memory changes.

Neural representation of a one-week delay in remembering information after production and self-generated elaboration encoding strategy.

Many studies have confirmed the memory enhancement effect of production, generation and elaboration which can be effective after only one encoding. It is also known that greater memory enhancement effects can be obtained by combining multiple memory strategies during encoding. This study aimed to investigate whether the combination of production and self-generated elaboration enhances memory performance compared with production or generation alone. A total of 23 undergraduate and graduate students participated in this study. In the functional magnetic resonance imaging analysis, we explored the neural representation of remembering information after production and self-generated elaboration strategy. We set four encoding strategy conditions: (1) Read Silent (read without production), (2) Read Aloud (only production), (3) Add Silent (self-generated elaboration without production), (4) Add Aloud (production and self-generated elaboration). The retrieval performance and brain activity while retrieving the learned sentences after a one-week delay were examined. The behavioral results showed that the highest memory performance was for sentences encoded in Add Aloud. The interaction between production and self-generated elaboration was statistically significant. These results suggest that the memory enhancement effect of combining production and self-generated elaboration is not a simple addition nor synergistic facilitation effect. The imaging results showed that the following areas were related to the retrieval of the target encoded in the add aloud condition: the area related to integration of internal and external information (precuneus), area related to information rich stimuli (lateral occipital lobe), area related to self-involvement and inference of others' feelings (MPFC), area related to seen imagery (retrosplenial region) and area related to adjustment of movement (cerebellum). These results suggest that with an encoding strategy that combines production and self-generated elaboration, integrated auditory input of vocalizations and generated images, visual images of the scene, self-relevance, inference of other's feeling, movement by moving mouth are stored with the target and enhanced memory performance of AA.

Right amygdala and caudate activation patterns predict implicit attitudes toward people with autism spectrum disorders and physical disabilities, respectively.

Attitudes toward people with disabilities tend to be negative, regardless of the visibility of the disorder traits. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience stigmatization that is rooted in negative attitudes or prejudice toward them because of their social awkwardness. The neural underpinnings of attitudes toward people with disabilities remain unclear. In this study, we focused on implicit attitudes toward people with ASD and physical disabilities, which are more visible than ASD, and investigated whether implicit attitudes were predicted by using neural activity with multivoxel pattern analysis (MVPA) in the prejudice network. Thirty-six, right-handed, Japanese, university students without disabilities participated. Two implicit association tests (IAT) toward people with ASD and physical disabilities revealed negative implicit attitudes. In the MRI scanner, participants performed a one-back task by using the same picture sets of IATs to examine their neural responses toward people with ASD and physical disabilities. According to the MVPA results, activation patterns of the right amygdala and right caudate significantly predicted implicit attitudes toward people with ASD and physical disabilities, respectively. These results suggest that implicit attitudes toward ASD and physical disabilities can be predicted by using neural signals from different regions within the prejudice network.

Effects of adult education on cognitive function and risk of dementia in older adults: a longitudinal analysis.

Introduction: Mid/late-life cognitive activities are associated with a lower rate of subsequent cognitive decline and lower subsequent dementia risk over time. Methods: In this study, we investigated the association between adult education class participation and subsequent cognitive decline and dementia risk over time after adjusting for baseline cognitive function and genetic risk of dementia, correcting for several potential confounding variables, using a large prospective cohort data of participants from the UK Biobank study followed from 2006 to 2010. Results: The results revealed that participation in adult education classes at baseline was associated with greater subsequent retention of fluid intelligence score. Cox proportional hazard models revealed that subjects who participated in adult education classes showed a significantly lower risk of incident dementia 5 years after baseline compared with those that did not at baseline. Discussion: In this study, we show that participation in adult education classes preceded greater retention of subsequent fluid intelligence and a lower risk of developing dementia after 5 years: this association did not change after adjusting for cognitive function at baseline or genetic predisposition to dementia. Accordingly, participation in such classes could reduce the risk of developing dementia.

The effects of palatinose on attention and cerebral blood flow in healthy adults: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study.

OBJECTIVE: The primary energy source for the brain is glucose, and a continuous supply is required for the brain to work longer. This study aimed to verify the effects of palatinose on attention and cerebral blood flow in healthy adults. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study included 64 healthy Japanese adults. Participants performed the Digit Vigilance Task (DVT) 60 min pre-ingestion (14:00) and 0 (15:00), 60 (16:00), 120 (17:00), and 180 (18:00) min after ingestion of 10 g of either palatinose or glucose. Cerebral blood flow was measured using a wearable 2CH functional near-infrared spectrometer (fNIRS) during each DVT. The participants underwent the Uchida-Kraepelin (UK) test between each DVT to control for fatigue. RESULTS: DVT reaction times with palatinose intake were significantly shorter than those with glucose intake at 16:00, 17:00, and 18:00 (p = 0.0015, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). The change in cerebral blood flow as a function of total hemoglobin level was significantly higher in the palatinose group than in the glucose group (p = 0.018). Regarding the post-UK mood questionnaire, "physically fatigued" and "annoyed" were significantly lower in the palatinose intake group compared to the glucose intake group at 17:00 (p = 0.0445 and p = 0.0318, respectively). Furthermore, "physically fatigued" was significantly lower, and "seriously" was higher in the palatinose intake compared to the glucose intake group at 18:00 (p = 0.00652 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that 10 g of palatinose has favorable effects on attention and cerebral blood flow. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN000046182.

Structural alterations in the amygdala and impaired social incentive learning in a mouse model of a genetic variant associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Copy number variants (CNVs) are robustly associated with psychiatric disorders and their dimensions and changes in brain structures and behavior. However, as CNVs contain many genes, the precise gene-phenotype relationship remains unclear. Although various volumetric alterations in the brains of 22q11.2 CNV carriers have been identified in humans and mouse models, it is unknown how the genes in the 22q11.2 region individually contribute to structural alterations and associated mental illnesses and their dimensions. Our previous studies have identified Tbx1, a T-box family transcription factor encoded in 22q11.2 CNV, as a driver gene for social interaction and communication, spatial and working memory, and cognitive flexibility. However, it remains unclear how TBX1 impacts the volumes of various brain regions and their functionally linked behavioral dimensions. In this study, we used volumetric magnetic resonance imaging analysis to comprehensively evaluate brain region volumes in congenic Tbx1 heterozygous mice. Our data show that the volumes of anterior and posterior portions of the amygdaloid complex and its surrounding cortical regions were reduced in Tbx1 heterozygous mice. Moreover, we examined the behavioral consequences of an altered volume of the amygdala. Tbx1 heterozygous mice were impaired for their ability to detect the incentive value of a social partner in a task that depends on the amygdala. Our findings identify the structural basis for a specific social dimension associated with loss-of-function variants of TBX1 and 22q11.2 CNV.

Structural alterations in the amygdala and impaired social incentive learning in a mouse model of a genetic variant associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Copy number variants (CNVs) are robustly associated with psychiatric disorders and their dimensions and changes in brain structures and behavior. However, as CNVs contain many genes, the precise gene-phenotype relationship remains unclear. Although various volumetric alterations in the brains of 22q11.2 CNV carriers have been identified in humans and mouse models, it is unknown how the genes in the 22q11.2 region individually contribute to structural alterations and associated mental illnesses and their dimensions. Our previous studies have identified Tbx1, a T-box family transcription factor encoded in 22q11.2 CNV, as a driver gene for social interaction and communication, spatial and working memory, and cognitive flexibility. However, it remains unclear how TBX1 impacts the volumes of various brain regions and their functionally linked behavioral dimensions. In this study, we used volumetric magnetic resonance imaging analysis to comprehensively evaluate brain region volumes in congenic Tbx1 heterozygous mice. Our data show that the volumes of anterior and posterior portions of the amygdaloid complex and its surrounding cortical regions were reduced in Tbx1 heterozygous mice. Moreover, we examined the behavioral consequences of an altered volume of the amygdala. Tbx1 heterozygous mice were impaired for their ability to detect the incentive value of a social partner in a task that depends on the amygdala. Our findings identify the structural basis for a specific social dimension associated with loss-of-function variants of TBX1 and 22q11.2 CNV.

Social-coalitional trait is related to coping capacity with mortality threat: association with leadership and a reduced parietal response to mortality salience.

Introduction: Coping with mortality threat, a psychological threat unique to humans and distinct from general emotional distress, is traditionally characterized by immediate suppression and prolonged worldview defense within the framework of the influential terror management theory (TMT). Views regarding the personality-trait concepts for this coping capacity diverge: some favor a broad definition based on general psychological attitudes (e.g., hardiness), while others prefer a narrow definition linked to interpersonal attitudes related to social coalition (e.g., attachment style and self-transcendence). Methods: Using functional MRI, we presented healthy older participants with death-related words and explored correlations between the neural responses to mortality threat and the factor scores of the Power to Live questionnaire, which measures eight resilience-related psychobehavioral traits. Results: We observed a significant association between the factor score and a neural response only for leadership; individuals with a high leadership score exhibited reduced neural response to mortality salience in the right inferior parietal lobule. Discussion: Within the TMT framework, our findings align with the concept of the immediate suppression of death-thought accessibility associated with a secure attachment style, a trait conceptually linked to leadership. These findings highlight the unique role for the narrowly defined social-coalitional trait during the immediate stage of the coping process with mortality salience, in contrast to the broadly defined resilience-related personality traits associated with a prolonged worldview defense process. The deterioration of this coping process could constitute a distinct aspect of psychopathology, separate from dysfunction in general emotion regulation.

Motivational decline and proactive response under thermal environmental stress are related to emotion- and problem-focused coping, respectively: Questionnaire construction and fMRI study.

Despite the diversity of human behavioral and psychological responses to environmental thermal stress, the major dimensions of these responses have not been formulated. Accordingly, the relevance of these responses to a framework of coping with stress (i.e., emotion- and problem-focused) and the neural correlates are unexplored. In this study, we first developed a multidimensional inventory for such responses using social surveys and a factor analysis, and then examined the neural correlates of each dimension using a functional magnetic resonance imaging; we manipulated the ambient temperature between uncomfortably hot and cold, and the correlations between the inventory factor scores and discomfort-related neural responses were examined. We identified three factors to construct the inventory: motivational decline, proactive response, and an active behavior, which appeared to reflect inefficient emotion-focused coping, efficient problem-focused coping, and positive appreciation of extreme environmental temperatures, respectively, under environmental thermal stress. Motivational decline score was positively associated with common neural response to thermal stress in the frontal and temporoparietal regions, implicated in emotion regulation, while proactive response score negatively with the neural responses related to subjective discomfort in the medial and lateral parietal cortices, implicated in problem-solving. We thus demonstrated that two of three major dimensions of individual variation in response to and coping with environmental thermal stress conform to an influential two-dimensional framework of stress coping. The current three-dimensional model may expand the frontiers of meteorological human science in both basic and application domains.

Brain Activation and Functional Connectivity of Reappraisal and Acceptance for Anxious Events.

Despite the significant health consequences of anxiety, the neural basis of regulation for personal anxious events is not well understood. We examined brain activity and functional connectivity during cognitive emotion regulation strategies (reappraisal and acceptance) for personal anxious events. Functional MRI (fMRI) data were obtained while 35 college students were thinking about (the control condition), reappraising, or accepting their own anxiety-provoking situations. Although reappraisal and acceptance decreased anxiety, no statistically significant differences were observed in the brain activation levels between cognitive emotion regulation strategies and the control condition. However, acceptance decreased activation in the posterior cingulate cortex and precuneus more than reappraisal. Moreover, functional connectivity with the amygdala and ventral anterior insula distinguished the emotion regulation strategies for anxiety. Reappraisal showed stronger negative functional connectivity with the amygdala and cognitive control regions than other strategies. In addition, reappraisal had negative functional coupling between the ventral anterior insula and temporal pole compared with acceptance. In contrast, acceptance showed stronger positive functional coupling between the ventral anterior insula and precentral and postcentral gyrus compared with the control condition. Our findings contribute to the understanding of emotion regulation processes by revealing the brain activity and functional connectivity patterns in reappraisal and acceptance for personal anxious events.

Beneficial Effects of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Therapy on Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Animal Models.

Right ventricular failure (RVF) is a leading cause of death in patients with pulmonary hypertension; however, effective treatment remains to be developed. We have developed low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy for cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we demonstrated that the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in RVF patients was downregulated and that eNOS expression and its downstream pathway were ameliorated through eNOS activation in 2 animal models of RVF. These results indicate that eNOS is an important therapeutic target of RVF, for which low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy is a promising therapy for patients with RVF.

Possibility of additive effects by the presentation of visual information related to distractor sounds on the contra-sound effects of the N100m responses.

Auditory-evoked responses can be affected by different types of contralateral sounds or by attention modulation. The present study examined the additive effects of presenting visual information about contralateral sounds as distractions during dichotic listening tasks on the contralateral effects of N100m responses in the auditory-evoked cortex in 16 subjects (12 males and 4 females). In magnetoencephalography, a tone-burst of 500 ms duration at a frequency of 1000 Hz was played to the left ear at a level of 70 dB as a stimulus to elicit the N100m response, and a movie clip was used as a distractor stimulus under audio-only, visual-only, and audio-visual conditions. Subjects were instructed to pay attention to the left ear and press the response button each time they heard a tone-burst stimulus in their left ear. The results suggest that the presentation of visual information related to the contralateral sound, which worked as a distractor, significantly suppressed the amplitude of the N100m response compared with only the contralateral sound condition. In contrast, the presentation of visual information related to contralateral sound did not affect the latency of the N100m response. These results suggest that the integration of contralateral sounds and related movies may have resulted in a more perceptually loaded stimulus and reduced the intensity of attention to tone-bursts. Our findings suggest that selective attention and saliency mechanisms may have cross-modal effects on other modes of perception.

Supplementation with Flaxseed Oil Rich in Alpha-Linolenic Acid Improves Verbal Fluency in Healthy Older Adults.

The effects of docosahexaenoic acid supplements on cognitive function have long been demonstrated, but the effects of alpha-linolenic acid, a precursor of docosahexaenoic acid, have not been fully tested. The search for functional foods that delay cognitive decline in the older adults is considered a very important area from a preventive perspective. The aim of this study was to conduct an exploratory evaluation of alpha-linolenic acid on various cognitive functions in healthy older subjects. Sixty healthy older adults aged 65 to 80 years, living in Miyagi prefecture, without cognitive impairment or depression, were included in the randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Study subjects were randomly divided into two groups and received either 3.7 g/day of flaxseed oil containing 2.2 g of alpha-linolenic acid, or an isocaloric placebo (corn oil) containing 0.04 g of alpha-linolenic acid for 12 weeks. The primary endpoints were six cognitive functions closely related to everyday life: attention and concentration, executive function, perceptual reasoning, working memory, processing speed and memory function. After 12 weeks of intake, changes in verbal fluency scores on the frontal assessment battery at bedside, a neuropsychological test assessing executive function, in which participants are asked to answer as many words as possible in Japanese, were significantly greater in the intervention group (0.30 ± 0.53) than in the control group (0.03 ± 0.49, p < 0.05). All other cognitive test scores were not significantly different between the groups. In conclusion, daily consumption of flaxseed oil containing 2.2 g alpha-linolenic acid improved cognitive function, specifically verbal fluency, despite the age-related decline, in healthy individuals with no cognitive abnormalities. Further validation studies focusing on the effects of alpha-linolenic acid on verbal fluency and executive function in older adults are needed, as verbal fluency is a predictor of Alzheimer's disease development, important for cognitive health.