A B S T R A C TResearch suggests that white noise may facilitate auditory working memory performance via stochastic resonance. Stochastic resonance is quantified by plotting cognitive performance as a function of noise intensity. The plot would appear as an inverted U-curve, that is, a moderate noise is beneficial for performance whereas too low and too much noise attenuates performance. However, knowledge about the optimal signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) needed for stochastic resonance to occur in the brain, particularly in the neural network of auditory working memory, is limited and demand further investigation. In the present study, we extended previous works on the impact of white noise on auditory working memory performance by including multiple background noise levels to map out the inverted U-curve for the stochastic resonance. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), twenty healthy young adults performed a word-based backward recall span task under four signal-to-noise ratio conditions: 15, 10, 5, and 0-dB SNR. Group results show significant behavioral improvement and increased activation in frontal cortices, primary auditory cortices, and anterior cingulate cortex in all noise conditions, except at 0-dB SNR, which decreases activation and performance. When plotted as a function of signal-to-noise ratio, behavioral and fMRI data exhibited a noise-benefit inverted U-shaped curve. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was found between the activity of the right superior frontal gyrus (SFG) and performance in 5-dB SNR. The predicted phenomenon of SR on auditory working memory performance is confirmed. Findings from this study suggest that the optimal signal-to-noise ratio to enhance auditory working memory performance is within 10 to 5-dB SNR and that the right SFG may be a strategic structure involved in enhancement of auditory working memory performance.
BackgroundThe auditory and prefrontal cortex supports auditory working memory processing. Many neuroimaging studies have shown hemispheric lateralization of auditory working memory brain regions in the presence of background noise, but few studies have focused on the lateralization of these regions during stochastic resonance.PurposeTo investigate the effects of stochastic resonance on lateralization of auditory working memory regions, and also to examine the brain‐behavior relationship during stochastic resonance.Study TypeCross‐sectional.Population/SubjectsForty healthy young adults (18–24 years old).Field Strength/Sequence3.0T, T1, and T2*‐weighted imaging.AssessmentThe auditory working memory performance was assessed using a backward recall task. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to measure brain activity during task performance. Functional MRI data were analyzed using SPM12 and WFU PickAtlas.Statistical TestsOne‐way independent analyses of variance (ANOVA) were conducted on the behavioral and functional data to examine the main effect of noise level on performance (P < 0.01) and brain activity (P < 0.0042). Hemispheric lateralization was determined by calculating the laterality index. A paired samples t‐test was performed to compare brain activity between hemispheres (P < 0.05). Pearson's correlation analysis and simple linear regression (P < 0.0042) were used to examine the relationship between brain activity and behavioral performance.ResultsPerformance was significantly enhanced during the 50 and 55 dB sound pressure level (SPL) conditions via the stochastic resonance mechanism [F(1,195) = 49.17, P < 0.001]. Activity of the right superior frontal gyrus in the 55 dB SPL condition was significantly positively correlated with performance (R2 = 0.681, P < 0.001).Data ConclusionOur findings demonstrate changes in the lateralization of auditory working memory regions during stochastic resonance and suggest that the right superior frontal gyrus may be a strategic structure involved in the enhancement of auditory working memory performance.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 4J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1821–1828.
The recent novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has led health care providers to shift rapidly from on-site consultation towards teleconsultation. However, knowledge about patient satisfaction with teleconsultation, particularly for mental health care, is limited and demands further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate patient satisfaction with teleconsultation in mental health care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also aimed to identify the leading contributing factors to patient satisfaction with teleconsultation. A convenience sampling method was employed. An online survey was conducted between June 8 and August 3, 2020. A 14-item questionnaire was used to assess the patient's level of satisfaction in four domains of satisfaction. A total of 106 questionnaires were received. Respondents reported a high level of satisfaction with teleconsultation. The convenience of not having to travel to the health center for consultation was the leading contributing factor to patient satisfaction with teleconsultation. However, patients reported that they were least satisfied with teleconsultation because they could not express their feelings deeply to the provider. The current study provides preliminary evidence that teleconsultation may be a satisfactory mode of communication during the COVID-19 pandemic for mental health care in Malaysia. Most importantly, consultation in mental health care should carry on to be performed remotely to prevent the spread of infectious disease. Future research is warranted to provide a better understanding of other factors contributing to patient satisfaction with teleconsultation and ways to improve them.
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