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A brain‐computer interface for operating an electric wheelchair (wheelchair BCI) has been studied to support independent living for physically disabled patients. The current wheelchair BCI systems are facing the problem that the wheelchair cannot be moved or rotated to an arbitrary place or direction in a single measurement. To solve this problem, we developed a BCI that uses audiovisual stimuli based on mixed‐reality (MR) and virtual sound sources. During the online analysis, six out of seven participants were able to move or rotate the wheelchair to the target location or direction at a rate higher than the chance level. Thus, our results indicate that audiovisual stimulation with MR and virtual sound sources may be useful for intuitive wheelchair operation. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We proposed a brain‐to‐brain interface (B2BI) that enabled effective control of mouse turning behavior by human mind using an implantable, ultra‐flexible neural probe. The neural probe was capable of writing in neural signals to the mouse brain, with effective electrical stimulation observed at a low current of 5 μA. Additionally, a wireless electroencephalogram (EEG) device was developed for the remote transmission of human brain signals, which were decoded by the canonical correlation analysis (CCA) method with an accuracy rate of up to 98.6%. These results demonstrate the potential of B2BI technology to enable communication and control between humans and animals. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Workers and students are often stressed and distressed by a variety of factors, including work and study. However, support for individual psychological stress is not yet well established. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mindfulness breathing on the mental load of college students using an electroencephalogram (EEG). Methods: Twenty participants were randomly allocated into treatment or control groups, with 10 participants in each group. Mindfulness breathing was applied to participants in the treatment group, while those in the control group received no treatment. The regression equation was evaluated from the EEG, and time series analysis was performed based on autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation. Results: In the After condition after mindfulness breathing exercises in the Mi group, the alpha wave content of the regression equation at eye closure after task performance showed an upward trend, and the autocorrelation coefficient showed repeated upward and downward fluctuations. Conclusion: It was suggested that alpha wave content may increase over time with mindfulness breathing exercises. The EEG after mindfulness breathing exercises was shown not to be constant and to have non-linear characteristics. This suggested that the effects of mindfulness breathing exercises could be evaluated using time series data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sleep on the first night in a sleep laboratory is characterized by a lower sleep quality and frequency of rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (RMMA) than that on the second night in moderate to severe sleep bruxism (SB) patients. Objective: The aims of this study was to clarify the physiological factors contributing to the first night effect on oromotor activity during sleep and investigate whether physiological factors involved in the first night effect differed between rhythmic and non‐rhythmic oromotor activities. Methods: Polysomnographic data collected on two consecutive nights from 15 moderate to severe SB subjects (F 7: M 8; age: 23.2 ± 1.3 [mean ± SD] years) were retrospectively analysed. Sleep variables, RMMA and non‐specific masticatory muscle activity (NSMA) were scored in relation to episode types (i.e. phasic or tonic and cluster or isolated), sleep architecture and transient arousals. The relationships between nightly differences in oromotor and sleep variables were assessed. The distribution of oromotor events, arousals, cortical electroencephalographic power, RR intervals and heart rate variability were examined in relation to sleep cycle changes. These variables were compared between the first and second nights and between RMMA and NSMA. Results: Sleep variables showed a lower sleep quality on Night 1 than on Night 2. In comparisons with Night 1, the RMMA index increased by 18.8% (p <.001, the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test) on Night 2, while the NSMA index decreased by 17.9% (p =.041). Changes in the RMMA index did not correlate with those in sleep variables, while changes in the NSMA index correlated with those in arousal‐related variables (p <.001, Spearman's rank correlation). An increase in the RMMA index on Night 2 was found for the cluster type and stage N1 related to sleep cyclic fluctuations in cortical and cardiac activities. In contrast, the decrease in the NSMA index was associated with increases in the isolated type and the occurrence of stage N2 and wakefulness regardless of the sleep cycle. Conclusion: Discrepancies in first night effect on the occurrence of RMMA and NSMA represent unique sleep‐related processes in the genesis of oromotor phenotypes in SB subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previous study examined the neural effects of extremely low frequency electric field (ELF‐EF) using electroencephalogram (EEG) and heart rate variability (HRV) measurement and revealed that the theta power of EEG increases during 1‐min EF treatment (30 kV and 50 Hz). In the present study, the effects of a longer treatment duration were assessed. EF was applied between two electrodes, one above the head and the other under the feet, for 20 min to 10 healthy men sitting on a chair. Occipital EEG and HRV were measured in the eyes‐open condition. Power spectrum analysis showed that during the EF treatment, the power of alpha and theta rhythms as well as the low frequency component of HRV increased, and the heart rate decreased. These effects did not persist after the end of EF treatment. It is suggested that ELF‐EF treatment alters not only the brain activity but also the autonomic activity reflected in HRV. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioelectric signals such as electromyogram (EMG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) reflect human internal states and intended actions, and have therefore been applied to various types of human–machine interfaces. Such biosignal‐based interfaces are beneficial because they not only allow intuitive control of machines, but can also support persons with disabilities. In this paper, we review the recent studies on human–machine interfaces based on bioelectric signals including EMG and EEG signals. Furthermore, we introduce our recent work on the development of a brain–machine interface for domestic appliance control. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, it was reported that the extent of cortico-cortical functional connections can be estimated by the correlation coefficient based on electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring. We aimed to investigate whether the EEG correlation coefficient change with motor task activation can predict the functional outcomes of hemiparetic stroke patients. Methods: Sixteen post-stroke hemiparetic patients admitted to our rehabilitation ward were studied. On admission, EEG recording to calculate the correlation coefficient was performed at rest and during motor task activation. For the analysis of the EEG data, the program software FOCUS (NIHON KOHDEN, Japan) was used. The motor function of paretic limbs was evaluated with the Fugl–Meyer Assessment (FMA) on admission and 4 weeks after admission. Results: Significant increases in the correlation coefficient with motor task activation were noted in C3-F3 or C4-F4, C3-F7 or C4-F8, and F3-F7 or F4-F8 of the lesional hemisphere. Among them, the rate of the correlation coefficient change in F3-F7 or F4-F8 in the lesional hemisphere was significantly correlated with the rate of the upper-limb FMA score change. Conclusion: The extent of the EEG correlation coefficient change with motor task activation in F3-F7 or F4-F8 of the lesional hemisphere may help predict the motor functional outcomes of hemiparetic upper limbs after stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction direction of Japanese teaching evaluation system based on hybrid teaching mode is to give full feedback to teaching process, diversify evaluation subjects and evaluation methods, and obtain comprehensive and objective evaluation results. Compared with most similar studies, more EEG data of teachers' emotional stress relief and healthy people in Japanese teaching process were collected, and a large number of features were extracted. An experiment of teachers' emotional stress relief recognition in Japanese teaching process based on EEG signal was designed. The feature selection algorithm was used to screen the EEG feature combinations of teachers' emotional stress relief and healthy subjects, and the classification experiment was carried out to verify the difference. Finally, this paper uses the feature selection algorithm of tree model and the random forest model classifier to establish the recognition model of teachers' emotional stress discharge in Japanese teaching process based on EEG signals and achieves the effect of more accurate recognition of teachers' emotional stress discharge in Japanese teaching process. First, the connotation, value, and influencing factors of teachers' emotion management ability are logically integrated and systematically expounded. Second, based on emotional psychology, emotional intelligence theory, psychotherapy theory, and management theory, teachers' emotional management ability is constructed according to the three-dimensional structure theory of intelligence and information processing theory. It is constructed from three dimensions: object dimension (teachers themselves, students, and students), content dimension (positive and negative emotions), and operational dimension (emotional perception, emotional understanding, emotional expression, and emotional regulation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: An early and accurate diagnosis of Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is critical because treatments and prognosis of DLB are different from Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study was carried out in Japan to validate an Electroencephalography (EEG)-derived machine learning algorithm for discriminating DLB from AD which developed based on a database of EEG records from two different European countries. Methods: In a prospective multicenter study, patients with probable DLB or with probable AD were enrolled in a 1:1 ratio. A continuous EEG segment of 150 seconds was recorded, and the EEG data was processed using MC-004, the EEG-based machine learning algorithm, with all clinical information blinded except for age and gender. Results: Eighteen patients with probable DLB and 21 patients with probable AD were the included for the analysis. The performance of MC-004 differentiating probable DLB from probable AD was 72.2% (95% CI 46.5–90.3%) for sensitivity, 85.7% (63.7–97.0%) for specificity, and 79.5% (63.5–90.7%) for accuracy. When limiting to subjects taking ≤5 mg donepezil, the sensitivity was 83.3% (95% CI 51.6–97.9), the specificity 89.5% (66.9–98.7), and the accuracy 87.1% (70.2–96.4). Conclusions: MC-004, the EEG-based machine learning algorithm, was able to discriminate between DLB and AD with fairly high accuracy. MC-004 is a promising biomarker for DLB, and has the potential to improve the detection of DLB in a diagnostic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion (AESD) is a common type of acute encephalopathy in Japan; the condition is clinically characterized by prolonged seizures as the initial neurological symptom, followed by late seizures 4–6 days later. It is difficult to differentiate AESD from prolonged febrile seizures (PFSs). Here, we explored the use of electroencephalography to differentiate AESD from PFSs. We studied the electroencephalograms (EEGs) of children <6 years of age diagnosed with AESD or PFSs; all EEGs were recorded within 48 h of seizure onset (i.e., before the late seizures of AESD). Two pediatric neurologists evaluated all EEGs, focusing on the basic rhythm, slowing during wakefulness/arousal by stimuli, spindles, fast waves, and slowing during sleep. The EEGs of 14 children with AESD and 31 children with PFSs were evaluated. Spindles were more commonly reduced or absent in children with AESD than in those with PFSs (71% vs. 31%, p = 0.021). Fast waves were also more commonly reduced or absent in children with AESD (21% vs. 0%, p = 0.030). The rates of all types of slowing did not differ between children with AESD and those with PFSs, but continuous or frequent slowing during sleep was more common in the former (50% vs. 17%, p = 0.035). EEG findings may usefully differentiate AESD from PFSs. Reduced or absent spindles/fast waves and continuous or frequent slowing during sleep are suggestive of AESD in children with prolonged seizures associated with fever. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The automatic activation of letter-speech sound (L-SS) associations is a vital step in typical reading acquisition. However, the contribution of L-SS integration during nonalphabetic native and alphabetic second language (L2) reading remains unclear. This study explored whether L-SS integration plays a similar role in a nonalphabetic language as in alphabetic languages and its contribution to L2 reading among native Japanese-speaking adults with varying English proficiency. A priming paradigm in Japanese and English was performed by presenting visual letters or symbols, followed by auditory sounds. We compared behavioral and event-related responses elicited by congruent letter-sound pairs, incongruent pairs, and baseline condition (symbol-sound pairs). The behavioral experiment revealed shorter RTs in the congruent condition for Japanese and English tasks, suggesting a facilitation effect of congruency. The ERP experiment results showed an increased early N1 response to Japanese congruent pairs compared to corresponding incongruent stimuli at the left frontotemporal electrodes. Interestingly, advanced English learners exhibited greater activities in bilateral but predominantly right-lateralized frontotemporal regions for the congruent condition within the N1 time window. Moreover, the enhancement of P2 response to congruent pairs was observed in intermediate English learners. These findings indicate that, despite deviations from native language processing, advanced speakers may successfully integrate letters and sounds during English reading, whereas intermediate learners may encounter difficulty in achieving L-SS integration when reading L2. Furthermore, our results suggest that L2 proficiency may affect the level of automaticity in L-SS integration, with the right P2 congruency effect playing a compensatory role for intermediate learners., (© 2024 Massachusetts Institute of Technology.)

The effects of extremely low‐frequency (ELF) electric field (EF) exposure on brain activity remain poorly understood. This study sought to examine the acute effects of EF exposure on brain activity by analyzing electroencephalogram (EEG) basic rhythms. The heart rate variability (HRV) was also measured to evaluate autonomic activity. Using a system that enables measurement under EF exposure, occipital EEG and electrocardiogram signals were recorded in nine healthy male subjects during daytime in eyes‐open and eyes‐closed conditions, with or without EF exposure (applied voltage: 30 kV, 50 Hz for 1 min). The EEG power and frequency‐domain HRV indices were obtained by power spectrum analysis of EEG and the RR interval trend, respectively. Resulting data revealed that the theta power of EEG was significantly greater during EF exposure in eyes‐open and eyes‐closed conditions. Other EEG rhythms and HRV indices were not affected by EF exposure. These findings suggest that exposure to 50‐Hz EF for 1 min altered brain activity by increasing the theta power. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior theory and evidence suggest that native East Asians tend to down-regulate their emotional arousal to negatively valenced experiences through expressive suppression, an emotion regulation technique focused on suppressing one's emotional experience. One proposed explanation for this choice of regulation strategy and its efficacy is rooted in their commitment to the cultural value of interdependence with others. However, prior work has not yet thoroughly supported this hypothesis using in vivo neural correlates of emotion regulation. Here, we utilized an established electroencephalogram (EEG) correlate of emotional arousal, the late positive potential (LPP), to examine whether down-regulation of the LPP in native East Asians might be particularly pronounced for those relatively high in interdependent self-construal. In this study, native Japanese participants attempted to suppress their emotional reaction to unpleasant images during EEG recording. In support of the hypothesis that emotion suppression among native East Asians is influenced by the cultural value of interdependence, there was a significant effect of interdependent self-construal on the LPP. Specifically, those relatively high in interdependent (versus independent) self-construal exhibited a smaller LPP in response to unpleasant pictures when instructed to suppress their emotions versus a passive viewing condition. However, this effect was negligible for those relatively low in interdependent self-construal, suggesting that cultural values impact the in vivo efficacy of different emotion regulation techniques. These results demonstrate the importance of identifying correspondence between self-report measures and in vivo correlates of emotion regulation in cross-cultural research., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Understanding the brain function and how it coordinate the motor activity, means to have a map of brain using a lot of modern technologies which can give us information about the role and functions of different brain areas. Objective: The aim of our study is to explore the brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG) and make the evaluation of differences in brain functions depend on specific sport activity. Methods: We make the study on two lots of athletes from judo (12subjects) and volleyball (11subjects), yrs. 22. All of them have a great sport activity experience and the anthropometric characteristics are similar. For recording the brain activity we use Nihon EEG product. The protocol of the research includes recording of brain activity during muscle contraction and relax of hand flexors. The parameters that we follow up are alpha1, alpha2 and theta waves. The information have been analysed using statistic methods and Pearson coefficient. Judo players present a little bit increase values of theta waves and we observe also a correlation between alpha waves for dominant hemisphere. For the second lot the values of theta waves are highest. Conclusions: Analyse the behaviour of EEG waves could help the trainer and staff for approach the training results in term of build the brain and motor pattern. This is the result of professional approach of training based on neurophysiologic assessment using the brain mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding the brain function and how it coordinate the motor activity, means to have a map of brain using a lot of modern technologies which can give us information about the role and functions of different brain areas. Objective: The aim of our study is to explore the brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG) and make the evaluation of differences in brain functions depend on specific sport activity. Methods: We make the study on two lots of athletes from judo (12subjects) and volleyball (11subjects), yrs. 22. All of them have a great sport activity experience and the anthropometric characteristics are similar. For recording the brain activity we use Nihon EEG product. The protocol of the research includes recording of brain activity during muscle contraction and relax of hand flexors. The parameters that we follow up are alpha1, alpha2 and theta waves. The information have been analysed using statistic methods and Pearson coefficient. Judo players present a little bit increase values of theta waves and we observe also a correlation between alpha waves for dominant hemisphere. For the second lot the values of theta waves are highest. Conclusions: Analyse the behaviour of EEG waves could help the trainer and staff for approach the training results in term of build the brain and motor pattern. This is the result of professional approach of training based on neurophysiologic assessment using the brain mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When an electroencephalogram (EEG) is measured, artifacts due to eye blinks and eye movements contaminate the EEG signal. One of the solutions applied to this problem is independent component analysis (ICA), which can separate the artifact components from EEG data. However, the identification of independent components (ICs) related to artifacts, particularly in the case of multiple noise signals from eye blinks and movements, has not been investigated fully. The purpose of this work is to identify ICs related to eye‐blink and eye‐movement artifacts in EEG data. In the proposed method, an artificial EEG with 28 channels was first created by superimposing eye‐blink and eye‐movement templates, and then ICA was applied to the artificial EEG to obtain ICs. Afterward, feature amounts of kurtosis for each IC and the cross‐correlation coefficient between each IC and the eye‐blink template and eye‐movement template were extracted, and clustering was performed by K‐means clustering. As a result, the most reasonable ICs related to multiple artifacts were identified in comparison with the results of round‐robin ICs. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An emotional event can provoke somatic symptoms as a consequence of brain responses accompanying reactions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). ANS consists of the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system, and their anatomical and physiological mechanisms are different. The aim of this study was to evaluate the time lag between the responses of electroencephalography (EEG) and the parasympathetic nervous system (from electrocardiography; ECG) during emotional recall. EEG and ECG of healthy young adults were simultaneously recorded during the recall of emotionally pleasant and unpleasant audiovisual stimuli, with three repetitions. A time series (TS) of relative power spectra from EEG and a TS of power spectral values in high frequency (HF) of RR intervals in ECG were obtained using fast Fourier transform. The time lag between the TS of EEG and HF was calculated using wavelet cross‐correlation analysis. The results indicated that the cerebral cortex responded earlier than the parasympathetic nervous system to the pleasant stimuli. In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system responded earlier than the cerebral cortex to the unpleasant stimuli. These events constantly appeared in both unfamiliar and familiar situations. This study quantitatively shows that the parasympathetic nervous system quickly and constantly reacts to emotionally unpleasant stimuli. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute encephalopathy (AE) is defined by the Japanese guidelines as the acute disturbance of consciousness (Glasgow coma scale [GCS] score ≤11) that persists for >24 h. We have often encountered, however, cases of prolonged mild disturbance of consciousness (PMDC) with GCS score >11, meaning that they do not fit the guideline definition of AE. The reports of these cases have been relatively sparse, and the nosological position, prognosis, and other characteristics remain unknown. To clarify the characteristics of PMDC we compared cases of PMDC with cases of AE. Methods: This study was a retrospective observational study at a tertiary children's hospital in Japan. We studied children with a diagnosis of AE or PMDC between January 2011 and August 2016. Results: Thirteen cases of PMDC and 19 cases of AE were identified during the study period. PMDC patients more frequently had hyponatremia (P < 0.01), paradoxical arousal response on electroencephalogram (P = 0.010), normal computed tomography (CT; P = 0.025), and normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; P < 0.01) than the AE patients. Sequelae were more frequently observed in AE than in PMDC patients (P = 0.011). Conclusions: PMDC has different characteristics to AE with regard to hyponatremia, paradoxical arousal response, CT or MRI findings, and prognosis. Despite the differences, PMDC might also be regarded as being a milder member of the wide variety of AE and related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between seizure-related features and fatigue levels in children with epilepsy.Methods: All children were classified into three subgroups based on the state of their seizure control: well-controlled epilepsy (WCE; seizure-free), intermediate-controlled epilepsy (ICE; seizure frequency < 1×/month) and uncontrolled epilepsy (UCE; seizure frequency > 1×/month). Participants were asked to rate on a 7-point scale, from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree), how often they felt the ways described by nine items on the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). A higher score is suggestive of greater fatigue.Results: The study participants comprised 58 children with epilepsy and 15 children without seizures, who served as the healthy (non-epilepsy) group. The mean FSS scores of the children with epilepsy were significantly higher than those of the healthy (non-epilepsy) group (4.40 vs. 1.55, respectively; P < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that seizure frequency was the only characteristic significantly associated with fatigue (P < 0.0001). In the three epilepsy subgroups, the mean FSS scores for the WCE, intermediate-controlled epilepsy and UCE groups were 2.30, 3.97 and 6.28, respectively. A higher seizure frequency was associated with more severe fatigue. In particular, children in the UCE group had significantly more severe fatigue than those in the WCE group (P < 0.0001).Conclusions: The results suggest that seizure frequency is also associated with fatigue in children with epilepsy. Improved control of seizures may help reduce fatigue levels and improve the quality of life of children with epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the relationship between length of hair in facial stimuli and latency and amplitude of the P1 and N170 components of event-related potentials during facial perception. Electroencephalography was recorded from 21 Japanese participants (four men, 17 women) who were shown pictures of faces with one of three lengths of hair: long, medium length, or short. In addition, we used both fixed-size and variable-size blocks. In fixed-size blocks, the three types of stimuli were matched to have the same overall size; in variable-size blocks, long hair stimuli were the biggest, medium length hair stimuli were medium sized, and short hair stimuli were the smallest. We analyzed P1 latency and amplitude using two-way (6 x 2) repeated-measures analysis of variance over length of hair and electrode; N170 latency and amplitude were analyzed using three-way (6 x 2 x 2) repeated-measures analysis of variance over length of hair, hemisphere, and electrode. The latency of P1 to faces with short hair in variable-size blocks was significantly longer than that to the other five stimulus types (p < .01 for four of the other types; p = .083 for medium length hair in variable-size blocks). The latency of N170 to faces with long hair in variable-size blocks was significantly shorter than that to faces with medium length hair and short hair in variable-size blocks (p = .026 and p = .086, respectively). These results indicate that length of hair influenced P1 and N170 latency, supporting the notion that length of hair is a significant external facial feature. Because long hair attracted participants' attention, there was early perceptual processing of this feature. In contrast, because short hair did not attract attention, perceptual processing of this feature was late. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinocerebellar ataxia 19/22 (SCA19/22) is a rare type of autosomal dominant SCA that was previously described in 11 families. We report the case of a 30-year-old Japanese man presenting with intellectual disability, early onset cerebellar ataxia, myoclonus, and dystonia without a family history. MRI showed cerebellar atrophy, and electroencephalograms showed paroxysmal sharp waves during hyperventilation and photic stimulation. Trio whole-exome sequencing analysis of DNA samples from the patient and his parents revealed a de novo novel missense mutation (c.1150G>A, p.G384S) in KCND3, the causative gene of SCA19/22, substituting for evolutionally conserved glycine. The mutation was predicted to be functionally deleterious by bioinformatic analysis. Although pure cerebellar ataxia is the most common clinical feature in SCA19/22 families, extracerebellar symptoms including intellectual disability and myoclonus are reported in a limited number of families, suggesting a genotype-phenotype correlation for particular mutations. Although autosomal recessive diseases are more common in patients with early onset sporadic cerebellar ataxia, the present study emphasizes that such a possibility of de novo mutation should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although self-efficacy has been used extensively in the field of nursing (e.g., as an outcome measure of nursing interventions), its underlying nature is poorly understood. Investigation of the relationship between self-efficacy and brain activation will help explain the fundamental nature of self-efficacy. In this study, we compared prefrontal activation measured with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) across 89 undergraduate students categorized into three groups based on their General Self-Efficacy Scale scores: low self-efficacy (n = 59), moderate self-efficacy (n = 17), and high self-efficacy (n = 13). Changes in the hemoglobin levels of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during a verbal fluency task were assessed using two-channel NIRS. Significant differences in the oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) level of the left PFC (LPFC) were observed via analysis of variance. Post hoc Tukey’s test showed a significant difference only between low self-efficacy and moderate self-efficacy groups. We found a medium between-group effect size in the moderate self-efficacy group versus the low self-efficacy group for the changes in oxy-Hb levels of the LPFC (d = .78; 95% confidence interval for effect size [0.22, 1.33]). No significant between-group differences were observed with respect to changes in the oxy-Hb in the right PFC. The results indicate less left prefrontal activation in the low self-efficacy group than in the moderate self-efficacy group. These findings provide evidence to support the fundamental nature of self-efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mahjong is one of the most popular Chinese tile games played in Japan. Mahjong-related seizures (MRS) are rare praxis-induced seizures. We identified three patients with MRS from February 2000 to February 2021. All cases were men, with a middle-age onset, generalized convulsive seizures, and lack of non-provoked, myoclonic, and absence seizures. All patients had no or non-specific neuroimaging or electroencephalogram abnormalities. They did not have features linked to idiopathic generalized epilepsy. All patients were seizure-free after behavioral adjustments, although one patient required anti-seizure medication and avoided long duration games. These changes may help other patients with MRS continue playing Mahjong.

Drug-resistant epilepsy is defined when epileptic seizures are not controlled for over a year despite adequate use of two or more anti-epileptic drugs. Patients with drug-resistant epilepsy should be referred to a specialized epilepsy center without delay. The epilepsy centers provide long-term video-EEG monitoring and epilepsy surgery as essential medical functions. The diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy are reviewed through an interdisciplinary care team approach. A surgical indication is discussed and determined after a comprehensive evaluation of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. The number of epilepsy surgeries performed per population in Japan is approximately 40% of that in the United States. However, the number of epilepsy centers and the number of video-EEGs performed remain low. It is expected to facilitate patients' access to specialized care in Japan.

Gaze-independent brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are a possible communication channel for persons with paralysis. We investigated if it is possible to use auditory stimuli to create a BCI for the Japanese Hiragana syllabary, which has 46 Hiragana characters. Additionally, we investigated if training has an effect on accuracy despite the high amount of different stimuli involved. Able-bodied participants (N = 6) were asked to select 25 syllables (out of fifty possible choices) using a two step procedure: First the consonant (ten choices) and then the vowel (five choices). This was repeated on 3 separate days. Additionally, a person with spinal cord injury (SCI) participated in the experiment. Four out of six healthy participants reached Hiragana syllable accuracies above 70% and the information transfer rate increased from 1.7 bits/min in the first session to 3.2 bits/min in the third session. The accuracy of the participant with SCI increased from 12% (0.2 bits/min) to 56% (2 bits/min) in session three. Reliable selections from a 10 × 5 matrix using auditory stimuli were possible and performance is increased by training. We were able to show that auditory P300 BCIs can be used for communication with up to fifty symbols. This enables the use of the technology of auditory P300 BCIs with a variety of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pacemaker Therapy for Ictal Asystole Background Ictal asystole (IA) is an infrequent complication of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), but one that may cause transient loss of consciousness (T-LOC) similar to reflex syncope (particularly the vasovagal faint). Although IA-triggered T-LOC is relatively rare, its recognition is therapeutically important. However, while the need for anti-epileptic drugs (AeDs) is broadly accepted, cardiac pacing in IA is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the need for cardiac pacing in the follow-up of IA patients being treated with AeDs. Methods and Results Six patients (2 men, mean age of 66 ± 16 years), with documented prolonged asystole on electrocardiogram (ECG) in association with TLE, were followed for an average of 19.7 (range, 2-37) years; a pacemaker had been implanted in 4 of 6 patients, whereas 2 patients underwent long-term ECG monitoring with an implantable loop recorder (ILR). The longest documented IA pause lasted 12.6 ± 6.2 (range: 3.5-20) seconds. All patients were treated with AeDs. During follow-up, after optimization of AeD dosing, none of the patients had T-LOC spells or detected epileptic seizure episodes. During regular device interrogation, there was no evidence of pacing interventions (cumulative ventricular pacing, 0%) in the 4 pacemaker patients, and no symptomatic bradyarrhythmias in the 2 ILR patients. Conclusions AeD therapy was effective to prevent IA in this cohort of TLE patients with prior IA. Consequently, pacemaker implantation is not immediately indicated for IA prevention, but should be reserved for those cases in which there is documented failure of AeD therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel multimodal and bio-inspired approach to biomedical signal processing and classification is presented in the paper. This approach allows for an automatic semantic labeling (interpretation) of sleep apnea events based the proposed data-driven biomedical signal processing and classification. The presented signal processing and classification methods have been already successfully applied to real-time unimodal brainwaves (EEG only) decoding in brain-computer interfaces developed by the author. In the current project the very encouraging results are obtained using multimodal biomedical (brainwaves and peripheral physiological) signals in a unified processing approach allowing for the automatic semantic data description. The results thus support a hypothesis of the data-driven and bio-inspired signal processing approach validity for medical data semantic interpretation based on the sleep apnea events machine-learning-related classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To assess the relation between executive dysfunction (ED) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and resting state functional connectivity evaluated using electroencephalography (EEG) coherence. Methods. Sixty-eight nondemented sporadic PD patients were assessed using the Behavioural Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS) to evaluate executive function. EEG coherence in the left frontoparietal electrode pair (F3-P3) and the right frontoparietal electrode pair (F4-P4) was analyzed in the alpha and theta range. The BADS scores were compared across the coherence groups, and the multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the contribution of confounders. Results. The standardized BADS score was significantly lower in the low F3-P3 coherence group in the alpha range (Mann-Whitney U test, p=0.032), though there was no difference between F4-P4 coherence group in the alpha range, F3-P3, and F4-P4 coherence groups in the theta range and the standardized BADS score. The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed the significant relation between the F3-P3 coherence group in alpha range and age-controlled standardized BADS score (p=0.039, 95% CI = 1.002–1.062). Conclusion. The decrease in resting state functional connectivity between the frontal and parietal cortices especially in the left side is related to ED in PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by the clinical triad of gait disturbance, urinary dysfunction, and cognitive impairment. The aim of the present study was to find specific EEG patterns associated with shunt response in iNPH. Methods Twenty five iNPH patients (10 shunt responders and 15 non-responders) were enrolled in this study. We performed current source density (CSD) analysis in several frequency bands (delta: 2-4Hz, theta: 4-8Hz, alpha: 8-13Hz, beta: 13-30Hz, gamma: 30-60Hz) using exact Low Resolution Brain Electromagnetic Tomography (eLORETA). CSD distribution was compared between shunt responders and non-responders for each frequency band before and after CSF tap test. Results Shunt responders showed increased gamma CSD in the left temporal cortex before CSF tapping relative to non-responders. However, after CSF tapping, shunt response was associated with significantly higher CSDs in several frequency bands, specifically theta, alpha, beta and gamma, involving mainly the frontal and temporal areas. Using eLORETA analysis, we were able to identify cortical oscillatory activity before and after CSF tap test related to clinical recovery due to shunt operation in iNPH. Conclusion Our findings support and extend the results of previous studies examining the effects of CSF tap test and shunt operation in patients with iNPH, possibly indicating electrophysiological features of shunt response in this disease. These findings warrant future studies to use EEG for prediction of shunt response in iNPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Psychostimulants are among the most commonly used pharmacological agents for countering cognitive dysfunction and/or enhancing rehabilitation in persons with brain injury. It was postulated that milnacipran, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, would be effective against cognitive dysfunction in non-depressed persons with brain injury. Methods: Eighteen patients were recruited with at least moderate disability more than 4 months after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and they were randomized to an 8-week, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Cognitive dysfunction was assessed at baseline with the Trail Making Test, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R), the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) and measurement of event-related potentials (ERPs) both before randomization and after an 8-week administration of milnacipran or placebo. Results: N2 and P3 latencies in the milnacipran group were significantly shortened by the intervention. Moreover, the Verbal Intelligence Quotient and Full Intelligence Quotient scores of the WAIS-R and the delayed recall score of the WMS-R were significantly higher than baseline after milnacipran intervention. Conclusion: Milnacipran administration improved ERP measures of attention and information processing in non-depressed persons with brain injury and also improved scores on three sub-scales of standard neuropsychological tests of cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, this intervention merits validation by additional, larger studies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

It has long been assumed that classifier languages lack syntactic distinctions of objects and substances (i.e., count/mass distinction; Allan, 1977; Chierchia, 1998; Krifka, 1995; Lucy, 1992; Quine, 1969). Several linguists, however, claimed that classifier languages also make the syntactic count/mass distinction through the selective use of count classifiers (i.e., sortal classifiers) and mass classifiers (e.g., Cheng & Sybesma, 1998, 1999). The present study examined whether Japanese speakers make a syntactic count/mass distinction using the classifier system. The electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded while Japanese speakers read word pairs (Experiment 1) or sentences (Experiment 2) in which noun–classifier agreement relations were manipulated. We examined event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited by the within-count/mass-category violation (e.g., an object name accompanied by a classifier for other objects) and the across-count/mass-category violation (e.g., an object name accompanied by a classifier for substances). In both experiments, the violation of the noun–classifier agreements elicited the N400, regardless of whether the noun–classifier disagreement was made within or across the ontological object/substance boundary. The across-count/mass-category violation did not recruit a syntactic process in the brain, suggesting that the Japanese classifier system does not highlight the distinction between objects and substances. The results also indicated that the processing of Japanese numeral classifiers is primarily semantic-based. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The question of whether to treat a patient after a first unprovoked seizure is controversial. This prospective study assessed the time to recurrence and risk factors for seizure recurrence after a first unprovoked seizure in children. Methods Participants were recruited between 1 July 1997, and 30 June 2009. Eligible candidates were children between 1 month and 15 years old who presented with their first unprovoked afebrile seizure. After enrollment, recurrence of seizures was investigated. All participants were followed for at least 2 years. Log-rank test was used for bivariate analysis to check associations, and hazard ratios were used to analyze variables and clinical outcome (recurrence) during follow-up. Results Of 73 subjects, 42 (57.5%) experienced recurrence. The overall product-limit estimate of recurrence was 61.9% at 6 months, 85.7% at 1 year, and 95.2% at 2 years after seizure onset, respectively. Incidence of recurrence with partial and generalized seizures was 69.0% and 31.0%, respectively. Children with partial seizures had recurrence significantly more often than those with generalized seizures ( P < 0.001). Recurrent seizures occurred after normal findings on electroencephalogram ( EEG) in 21.4%, after generalized spike-and-wave complexes in 16.7%, and after focal epileptic discharge in 61.9%. Children with focal epileptic discharge had recurrence significantly more often than children with normal EEG findings ( P < 0.001). Conclusion The time to seizure recurrence after first unprovoked seizure may be within 1 year, and particularly within 6 months; and partial seizure and abnormal EEG with focal epileptic discharge may be risk factors for seizure recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim of this study was to determine perinatal factors associated with cerebral palsy ( CP) in infants treated with brain hypothermia ( BHT). Material and Methods We carried out a retrospective review of 23 infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in whom BHT was applied within 6 h after birth. Outcome regarding the presence or absence of CP was assessed at the age of 18 months. Oxygen extraction fraction ( OEF) was measured before, during and after BHT at the jugular sinus. Results Three infants died and 12 developed CP (poor outcome group). The remaining eight infants did not have CP at 18 months old (favorable outcome group). There were no differences in gestational age, birthweight, pH, base deficit, or lactate level between infants with favorable and poor outcomes. Infants with flat trace on electroencephalography on admission were less likely to have favorable outcome (0.0% [0/8] vs 53% [8/15], respectively, P = 0.02), while those with Apgar score at 10 min ≥5 (57% [8/14] vs 0.0% [0/9], P = 0.007) or ≥6 (70% [7/10] vs 7.7% [1/13], P = 0.002), OEF ≥ 13.3% during BHT (64% [7/11] vs 8.3% [1/12], P = 0.009), and OEF ≥ 18.5% after BHT (73% [8/11] vs 0.0% [0/12], P = 0.002) were more likely to have favorable outcome compared with those with counterpart characteristics. Conclusion Infants with an Apgar score at 10 min ≥5, activity on electroencephalography on admission, and higher OEF during and after BHT were likely to have a favorable outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is a severe medical condition and heterogeneous disorder defined by different seizure types and diverse etiologies. NCSE occurs commonly in the elderly and is potentially misdiagnosed as a psychiatric disorder. Current treatment options for NCSE are still unsatisfactory. Case presentation We report a case of NCSE in a 55-year-old epileptic male patient with a history of infectious encephalitis, disinhibitory behavior, and a suspected diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia. Add-on levetiracetam (LEV) to carbamazepine treatment improved clinical manifestations and abnormal electroencephalographic discharge. Conclusion With disinhibitory behavior in the elderly, the possibility of NCSE should be considered. Moreover, LEV may be an effective and well-tolerated pharmacotherapy for elderly NCSE patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a three years old girl with kawasaki disease. It includes information on the physical examination results including cervical lymphadenopathy, conjunctival injection, and red lips. It also includes information on the occurrence of acute encephalopathy and ancreatitis.

Objectives. It has been reported that disturbance in sensory and motor function may induce sensorimotor incongruence and produce pain, discomfort and other sensations in healthy volunteers. One study suggested that sensorimotor incongruent information to healthy subjects results in increased neuronal activity in the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex; however, this study did not take into consideration the discomfort induced by sensorimotor incongruence. The present study attempted to characterize intracortical electrical activities for sensorimotor incongruence in the frequency domain. In our study, electroencephalogram (EEG) cortical sources were compared between sensorimotor congruence and sensorimotor incongruence. In addition, high and no discomfort subgroups were compared during sensorimotor incongruence.Methods. Eighteen healthy female subjects participated in this study. Subjects were then asked to flex/extend both arms in a congruent/incongruent manner while viewing a whiteboard/mirror. EEG was performed to determine the cortical activation during sensorimotor congruence and incongruence.Results. Alpha band activity in the right posterior parietal cortex during sensorimotor incongruence was significantly lower than that of sensorimotor congruence. The source activities induced in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) beta band activity and the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) alpha band activity significantly decreased in the high-discomfort vs the no-discomfort subgroup.Conclusion. The present findings suggest that the ACC and PCC are more activated in the high-discomfort subgroup than in the no-discomfort subgroup during sensorimotor incongruence. This method may evaluate the effectiveness of new medication therapy and/or rehabilitation by assessing the difference in the neuronal activity of chronic patients before and after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim The aim of the study was to examine the presence of psychological and mental health problems in patients with thalidomide embryopathy in Japan in order to develop and build future support systems. Methods The present study examined the presence/absence of electroencephalographic abnormalities, intellectual/cognitive functions, and mental health problems in 22 participants (nine men, 13 women) with thalidomide embryopathy. Participants completed the electroencephalograph instrument. Participants were also assessed using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III; the Autism-Spectrum Quotient; the General Health Questionnaire-28, and the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Results The results suggest the following: (i) electroencephalographic abnormality observed in several thalidomide embryopathy participants is unlikely to be the direct result of thalidomide; (ii) the cognitive functions of working memory and processing speed are lower in thalidomide embryopathy patients than in healthy individuals; and (iii) 40.9% of the thalidomide embryopathy participants have possible mental disorders, with more mental problems observed than in healthy individuals. Conclusions Deterioration of mental health in patients with thalidomide embryopathy is indicated. Anxiety, insomnia, and physical symptoms were especially remarkable and may have resulted in restriction of social activities. Therefore, careful examination and active support of patients' psychological and mental problems is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study attempted to clarify the long-term course of Dravet syndrome ( DS). Methods Sixty-four patients diagnosed with DS (44 with typical DS, and 20 with atypical DS) were studied. The long-term outcomes of clinical seizures, electroencephalographic findings, neuropsychological findings, and social situation were analyzed. The follow-up period ranged from 11 to 34 years 5 months (median 24 years). Results At the last visit, the ages ranged from 19 years to 45 years (median 30 years). Fifty-nine patients continued to have generalized tonic-clonic seizures ( GTCS). Status epilepticus and unilateral seizures were not observed and myoclonic seizures, atypical absence seizures, and photosensitive seizures were resolved in most patients. The frequency of complex partial seizures was equally low, with five patients at presentation and six patients at the last visit, respectively. Five patients achieved seizure remission (seizure-free for 1 year or longer). Only 1 of 44 patients with typical DS had seizure remission, whereas 4 of 20 patients with atypical DS remitted, with a statistically significant difference between the two phenotypes (p = 0.03). Intellectual disability was found in all patients; especially, severe intellectual disability was prevalent. Patients with atypical DS tended to have milder intellectual disability compared to those with typical DS (p = 0.0283). Occipital alpha rhythm in the basic activity was associated with milder intellectual disability (p = 0.0085). The freedom from seizures correlated with appearance of occipital alpha rhythms (p = 0.0008) and disappearance of epileptic discharges (p = 0.0004). Two patients with GTCS died. Mutations of the neuronal voltage-gated sodium channel alpha subunit type 1 gene were detected at a high frequency (33 of 36 patients examined). Seizure remission was found only in the missense mutation group. Significance The long-term seizure and intellectual outcomes are extremely poor in patients with typical DS compared to those with atypical DS. Epilepsy phenotype may influence long-term course of DS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background During the A/H1N1 pandemic, patients suffered from impaired consciousness. They were suspected of or diagnosed as having influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) in an emergency situation. Their symptoms resembled those of a recently described 'unique clinical group', which were reported to have a favorable prognosis. Methods We retrospectively examined 46 patients and divided them into two groups. Group IC contained the 26 patients with persisting impaired consciousness. The remainder of the patients were categorized into group R, consisting of patients with only neurological symptoms without impaired consciousness. Results Male predominance (22 male/four female) was noted in group IC. Patient age ranged from 5 to 12 years old (mean ± SD, 7.7 ± 2.3 years). Impaired consciousness such as delirious behavior or mild reduction of consciousness lasted continuously or intermittently from 5 min to 2.5 days. On electroencephalogram, semi-rhythmic high-voltage slow waves in the parieto-occipital regions and diffuse high-voltage slow waves were observed in eight and in two patients, respectively. In group R, there was no gender predominance. Patient age ranged from 1 to 9 years old (mean ± SD, 4.1 ± 2.5 years). All group R patients were clinically diagnosed with febrile seizure. Conclusions Some of the characteristics in group IC resembled those of the unique clinical group, and are part of a continuous clinical spectrum. Some patients may have favorable outcome without specific treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The prognosis for severe fetal growth restriction ( FGR) with severe oligohydramnios before 26 weeks' gestation ( WG) is currently poor; furthermore, its management is controversial. We report the innovative new management of FGR, such as therapeutic amnioinfusion and tocolysis. Material and Methods For FGR and severe oligohydramnios before 26 WG complicated with absent or reversed umbilical artery end-diastolic flow velocity and/or deceleration by ultrasonography, we performed transabdominal amnioinfusion with tocolysis. Cases with multiple anomalies were excluded. Survival rate and long-term prognosis were analyzed. Results Among 570 FGR cases, 18 were included in the study. Mean diagnosis and delivery were at 22.6 ± 2.0 and 28.7 ± 3.3 WG. Median birthweight was 625 g (−4.2 standard deviation). Final survival rate was 11/13 (85%). There were five fetal deaths. In seven cases, oligohydramnios improved. Growth was detected in 10/18 fetuses. Furthermore, 8/8 decelerations, 4/12 cases of reversed umbilical artery end-diastolic flow velocity, 7/14 cases of brain-sparing effect, and 6/13 venous Doppler abnormalities were improved. When we detected umbilical cord compression, 8/10 cases were rescued. Eleven infants were followed up for an average of 5 years; one case of cerebral palsy with normal development and 10 cases with intact motor functions without major neurological handicap were confirmed. Conclusions In cases of extremely severe FGR before 26 WG with oligohydramnios and circulatory failure, amnioinfusion might be a promising, innovative tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To treat sleep bruxism ( SB), symptomatic therapy using stabilisation splints ( SS) is frequently used. However, their effects on psychological stress and sleep quality have not yet been examined fully. The objective of this study was to clarify the effects of SS use on psychological stress and sleep quality. The subjects (11 men, 12 women) were healthy volunteers. A crossover design was used. Sleep measurements were performed for three consecutive days or longer without (baseline) or with an SS or palatal splint ( PS), and data for the final day were evaluated. We measured masseter muscle activity during sleep using portable electromyography to evaluate SB. Furthermore, to compare psychological stress before and after sleep, assessments were made based on STAI- JYZ and the measurement of salivary chromogranin A. To compare each parameter among the three groups (baseline, SS and PS), Friedman's and Dunn's tests were used. From the results of the baseline measurements, eight subjects were identified as high group and 15 as low group. Among the high group, a marked decrease in the number of bruxism events per hour and an increase in the difference in the total STAI Y-1 scores were observed in the SS group compared with those at baseline ( P < 0·05). No significant difference was observed in sleep stages. SS use may be effective in reducing the number of SB events, while it may increase psychological stress levels, and SS use did not apparently influence sleep stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present retrospective study was analysis of clinical, radiological, and electrophysiological characteristics of the non-lesional late-onset epilepsy (NLLOE) in the elderly Japanese patients, and comparison of the seizure outcomes in this population with regard to presence of comorbid dementia. The study cohort comprised 89 consecutive patients with NLLOE aged ≥ 65 years. In 49 cases (55%), NLLOE manifested with a single type of seizure. Focal impaired awareness seizures (FIAS) were encountered most often (in 69 patients; 78%). Ten patients (11%) had a history of the status epilepticus. Comorbid dementia was diagnosed in 31 patients (35%). Localized or diffuse white matter hyperintensity was the most common imaging finding (66 cases). Epileptiform discharges in the temporal area represented the most frequent abnormality on interictal EEG (24 cases). Seizure-free status for ≥ 12 months was attained in 46 out of 64 patients (72%), who were followed for ≥ 12 months (range, 12 - 110 months), and 42 of them received monotherapy, mainly with levetiracetam (21 patients), carbamazepine (10 patients), or lacosamide (8 patients). In comparison to their counterparts, the rate of seizure-free status for ≥ 12 months was significantly lower in patients with comorbid dementia (81% vs. 52%; P = 0.0205). In conclusion, the NLLOE among Japanese patients aged ≥ 65 years has variable presenting characteristics, and comorbid dementia is diagnosed in one-third of cases. Seizure-free status for ≥ 12 months may be attained in more than two-thirds of treated patients, but comorbid dementia is associated with significantly worse response to antiseizure therapy., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives To examine whether the diagnosis method of neuronal dysfunction ( DIMENSION), a new electroencephalogram ( EEG) analysis method, reflected pathological changes in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease ( AD), we conducted a comparative study of cerebrospinal fluid markers and single-photon emission computed tomography. Methods Subjects cincluded 32 patients in the early stages of AD with a Mini-Mental State Examination score ≥24 (14 men, 18 women; mean age, 77.3 ± 9.2 years). Cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected from AD patients, and cerebrospinal fluid levels of phosphorylated tau protein (p-tau) 181 and amyloid β ( Aβ) 42 were measured with sandwich ELISA. EEG recordings were performed for 5 min with the subjects awake in a resting state with their eyes closed. Then, the mean value of the EEG alpha dipolarity ( Dα) and the standard deviation of the EEG alpha dipolarity ( Dσ) were calculated with DIMENSION. Single-photon emission computed tomography analyses were also performed for comparison with DIMENSION measures. Results Patients with parietal hypoperfusion had significantly increasing p-tau181, decreasing Dα, and increasing Dσ. In addition, there was a negative correlation between Dα and p-tau181, p-tau181/ Aβ42, and a positive correlation between Dσ and p-tau181/ Aβ42. Conclusion Dα and Dσ were related to cerebral hypoperfusion and p-tau181/ Aβ42. DIMENSION was able to detect changes in the early-stage Alzheimer's brain, suggesting that it is possibility as a useful examination for early-stage AD with a difficult discrimination in clinical conditions. Moreover, EEG measurement is a quick and easy diagnostic test and is useful for repeated examinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evoked potentials to taste stimulations were discussed. New our technique of objective measurement of gustatory function by an evoked potential technique will be introduced. As a result, introduction of taste solution on the tongue innervated by facial nerve in normal subjects resulted in positive responses. Absence of taste solution did not resulted in the positive response. In case with unilateral; facial nerve palsy, introduction of taste solution on the affected side did not resulted in the positive responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Purpose: To examine the incidence and clinical features of epileptic seizures in Japanese patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO). Methods: We reviewed medical records of all patients who visited the Neurology Clinic in Utano National Hospital between January and December, 2009, and enrolled 63 MS patients who fulfilled the McDonald criteria (2005) (mean age, 41.1 years) and 31 NMO patients who fulfilled the Wingerchuk criteria (2006) (mean age, 44.6 years). Patients with a history of epileptic seizures were selected and their clinical features were obtained. Results: Four MS patients (6.3%; 2 men and 2 women; mean age, 32.5 years) and 4 NMO patients (12.9%; 4 women; mean age, 36.0 years) had epileptic seizures. Disease onset age of MS patients with seizures was significantly younger than those without seizures by 13.1 years, and Expanded Disability Status Scale of NMO patient with seizures was significantly higher than those without seizures by 2.2. All 8 patients showed brain lesions on magnetic resonance imaging and 2 MS patients had tumefactive demyelinating lesions. Electroencephalography showed interictal epileptiform discharges in 5 patients. Seizure types of 6 patients were recognized as partial seizures based on clinical semiology. All patients responded to antiepileptic therapy well. In both MS and NMO, there were both seizures with and without concurrent relapse. Conclusions: Similar to MS, NMO patients possibly have higher risk to develop epileptic seizures than general population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The flowers and leaves of Hemerocallis fulva var. sempervirens, Akinowauregusa in Japanese, were eaten to cure insomnia in Okinawa, Japan. We found that H. fulva var. sempervirens contained oxypinnatanine, a unique derivative of glutamic acid or glutamine with a furfuryl group isolated from only a few plants. In this study, we demonstrated by electroencephalographic analyses that an oral administration of oxypinnatanine (5, 15 and 30 mg/kg) to mice at light-off time increased non-rapid eye movement (non- REM, NREM) sleep in a dose-dependent manner. During the 3-h period after the administration, oxypinnatanine (30 mg/kg) increased the total time of NREM sleep by 84%, by increasing the number of stage transitions from wakefulness to NREM sleep by 76% and the number of NREM sleep bouts twofold, and by decreasing the mean episode duration of wakefulness by 54% without changing the mean episode duration of NREM sleep, the amount of rapid eye movement sleep or rebound insomnia after the induction of NREM sleep. Therefore, oxypinnatanine is an effective sleep-promoting substance of H. fulva var. sempervirens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the emotion perception process based on hospitality expertise. Forty subjects were divided into the OMOTENASHI group working at inns considered to represent the spirit of hospitality, OMOTENASHI in Japan, and CONTROL group without experience in the hospitality industry. We presented neutral, happy, and angry faces to investigate P100 and N170 by these faces, and psychophysical changes by the favor rating test to evaluate emotional perception. In the favor rating test, the score was significantly smaller (less favorable) in OMOTENASHI than in CONTROL. Regarding event-related potential components, the maximum amplitude of P100 was significantly larger for a neutral face at the right occipital electrode in OMOTENASHI than in CONTROL, and it was significantly larger for an angry face at both occipital electrodes in OMOTENASHI than in CONTROL. However, the peak latency and maximum amplitude of N170 were not significantly different between OMOTENASHI and CONTROL at both temporal electrodes for each emotion condition. Differences on the favor rating test and P100 in OMOTENASHI suggested that workers at inns may more quickly notice and be more sensitive to the facial emotion of guests due to hospitality training, and/or that hospitality expertise may increase attention to emotion by top-down and/or bottom-up processing., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Objectives: The effects of Okada Purifying Therapy (OPT), a form of subtle energy (biofield) therapy that originated in Japan, were investigated. Electroencephalograms and the Profile of Mood States scores were measured using a crossover design during OPT and placebo sessions. Participants: Nineteen (19) healthy Japanese adults (mean age±standard deviation: 40.8±11.2 years; 10 females) with no previous experience of biofield therapy participated in this study. Methods: Each session lasted 15 minutes. A single-blind, randomized design with a protocol consisting of regular cycles with eyes open followed by eyes closed was used. The power spectral value was calculated in θ (4.0-7.9 Hz), α (8.0-12.9 Hz), and β (13.0-29.9 Hz) frequency ranges. Results: The power spectral value of the α band at Fp1, Fp2, F7, Fz, F8, C3, Cz, C4, and Pz increased significantly in the OPT session compared with the placebo session. Mood state was improved after both sessions, and no significant difference was found between the two sessions. Conclusions: OPT was more effective in increasing α waves in the frontal and central cortex than a placebo treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]