Both VOCs and dampness were significantly related to symptoms. We should take measures to reduce the concentrations of VOCs, dampness and microbial growth in dwellings.

No abstract

Objectives: We tested the hypothesis that performing a rhythmic physical task accompanied by a cognitive task, such as multitask movement music therapy (MMT) involving repetitive rhythmic movement with a musical instrument (the Naruko clapper), may improve pre-frontal cortex (PFC) function and cognitive performance. Method: Forty-five older adult participants with MCI (74.62 § 5.05 years) participated in this randomized, controlled, single-blind intervention trial. 35 were assigned to the MMT group and 10 to the control STT group. Before and after the 12-week exercise program, we administered six physical function tests, the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and measured relative oxyhemoglobin concentrations using 45-multichannel functional near-infrared spectroscopy as a reflection of hemodynamic responses in the PFC. Results: We observed significant improvements in FAB scores only in the MMT group. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the PFC during the exercise was significantly increased in the MMT group compared with the STT group. The CBF increase was significantly correlated among various channels in the MMT group. Conclusions: The MMT program appeared to stimulate the PFC and improve cognitive performance in our older adult participants with MCI, suggesting that the repetitive, rhythmic movements of MMT can activate the prefrontal area in older adults.

We evaluated the effects of inhaled di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) on the onset of puberty and on postpubertal reproductive functions in prepubertal female rats. DEHP was administered by inhalation at doses of 0, 5, and 25 mg/m3 to groups of female rats for 6 h/day, 5 contiguous days/week from postnatal days (PNDs) 22 to 41 and to PND 84. The onset of puberty was determined by daily examination for vaginal opening (VO) and first estrous cycle. Reproductive function was evaluated by observing estrous cyclicity from PNDs 49 to 84. Upon completion of exposure, the rats were sacrificed at PND 42 and PNDs 85-88 during the diestrous stage. DEHP exposure advanced the age of VO and first estrous cycle, and serum cholesterol, luteinizing hormone, and estradiol levels were significantly elevated in the 25-mg/m3 DEHP group. Irregular estrous cycles were observed more frequently in DEHP-exposed rats, and serum cholesterol decreased in DEHP-exposed rats in adulthood; RT-PCR showed that the expression of aromatase mRNA, encoding a rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of testosterone to estradiol, was elevated in the 25-mg/m3 DEHP group. These data suggest that inhaled DEHP may advance the onset of puberty and alter postpubertal reproductive functions.

Hypofrontality is a state of decreased cerebral blood flow in the prefrontal cortex during executive function performance; it is commonly observed in patients with schizophrenia. Cognitive dysfunction, as well as the psychological symptoms of schizophrenia, influences the ability of patients to reintegrate into society. The current study investigated the effects of an interactive sports video game (IVG; Nintendo Wii™ Sports Resort) on frontal lobe function of patients with schizophrenia. A sample of eight patients (6 male and 2 female; mean age = 46.7 years, standard deviation (SD) = 13.7) engaged in an IVG every week for 3 months in a controlled, single-blind, crossover study. Before and after the intervention we examined frontal lobe blood-flow volume using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and assessed functional changes using the Frontal Assessment Battery, Health-Related Quality of Life scale, and behaviorally-assessed physical function tests. fNIRS revealed that prefrontal activity during IVG performance significantly increased in the IVG period compared with the control period. Furthermore, significant correlations between cerebral blood flow changes in different channels were observed during IVG performance. In addition, we observed intervention-related improvement in health-related quality of life following IVG. IVG intervention was associated with increased prefrontal cortex activation and improved health-related quality of life performance in patients with schizophrenia. Patients with chronic schizophrenia are characterized by withdrawal and a lack of social responsiveness or interest in others. Interventions using IVG may provide a useful low-cost rehabilitation method for such patients, without the need for specialized equipment.