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Background: Interventions to prevent or attenuate cognitive decline and dementia in older adults are becoming increasingly important. Recently, cognitive training exercise can be via computer or mobile technology for independent or home use. Recent meta-analysis has reported that Computerized Cognitive Training (CCT) is effective at enhancing cognitive function in healthy older and Alzheimer's disease adults, although little is known about individual characteristics of each computerized program. Objective: We developed a new CCT named Brain Training Based on Everyday Living (BTEL) to enhance cognitive capacity for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). We aim to evaluate the efficacy of the BTEL among cognitively healthy old individuals and to explore its concurrent validity and construct concept. Methods: We conducted a double-blind study where 106 individuals aged 65 years and older (intervened = 53, control = 53) worked on the active and placebo tasks three times a week over three months (clinical trial: UMIN000048730). The main results were examined using ANCOVA and calculating correlation coefficients. Results: We found no effect on total score of the three tests; however, there was significant effect for the BTEL on: recognition in MMSE, and immediate recall in HDSR. The tasks are associated with prefrontal cortex. In addition, correlations indicated that each BTEL domain had some validity as a cognitive assessment tool. Different from previous CCT, we determined the neuropsychological characteristics of specific cognitive tasks of the BTEL to a certain degree. Conclusions: We found modest efficacy of the BTEL in cognitively healthy old individuals and confirmed its concurrent validity and the conceptual construct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The [Na.sup.+]/[I.sup.-] symporter (NIS) is the plasma membrane protein that catalyzes active [I.sup.-] transport in the thyroid, the first step in thyroid hormone biogenesis. The cDNA encoding NIS was recently cloned in our laboratory and a secondary structure model proposed, suggesting that NIS is an intrinsic membrane protein (618 amino acids; [approximately equal to]65.2 kDa predicted molecular mass) with 12 putative transmembrane domains. Here we report the generation of a site-directed polyclonal anti-COOH terminus NIS antibody (Ab) that immunoreacts with a [approximately equal to]87 kDa-polypeptide present in membrane fractions from a rat thyroid cell line (FRTL-5). The model-predicted cytosolic-side location of the COOH terminus was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence experiments using anti-COOH terminus NIS Ab in permeabilized FRTL-5 cells. Immunoreactivity was competitively blocked by the presence of excess synthetic peptide. Treatment of membrane fractions from FRTL-5 cells, Xenopus laevis oocytes, and COS cells expressing NIS with peptidyl N-glycanase F converted the [approximately equal to]87 kDa-polypeptide into a [approximately equal to]50 kDa-species, the same relative molecular weight exhibited by NIS expressed in E. coli. Anti-NIS Ab immunoprecipitated both the NIS precursor molecule ([approximately equal to]56 kDa) and the mature [approximately equal to]87 kDa form. Furthermore, a direct correlation between circulating levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone and NIS expression in vivo was demonstrated.

Introduction: Previous studies indicate that professional identity formation (PIF), the formation of a self-identity with the internalised values and norms of professionalism, may influence self-regulated learning (SRL). However, it remains unclear whether a PIF-oriented intervention can improve SRL in clinical education. The aim of this study was to explore whether a PIForiented mentoring platform improves SRL in a clinical clerkship. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted. Forty-one students in a community-based clinical clerkship (CBCC) used a PIF-oriented mentoring platform. They articulated the values and norms of professionalism in a professional identity essay, elaborated on future professional self-image, and reflected on their current compared to future selves. They made a study plan while referring to PIF-based self-reflection and completed it. The control group of 41 students completed CBCC without the PIForiented mentoring platform. Changes in SRL between the two groups were quantitatively compared using the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire. We explore how PIF elements in the platform affected SRL by qualitative analysis of questionnaire and interview data. Results: A moderate improvement in intrinsic goal orientation (p = 0.005, ε² = 0.096) and a mild improvement in critical thinking (p = 0.041, ε² = 0.051) were observed in the PIF-oriented platform group. Qualitative analysis revealed that the PIF-oriented platform fostered professional responsibility as a key to expanding learning goals. Gaining authentic knowledge professionally fostered critical thinking, and students began to elaborate knowledge in line with professional task processes. Conclusion: A PIF-oriented mentoring platform helped students improve SRL during a clinical clerkship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide proposes that suicide occurs in the presence of three factors: perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and acquired capability for suicide. The Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ) was developed to assess the first two factors, and the Acquired Capability for Suicide Scale (ACSS) was developed for the third. Our study presented here developed and evaluated Japanese versions of the INQ and ACSS, and determined the best ones for Japanese samples. In Study 1 ,we asked 189 university undergraduates to evaluate each scale’s clarity. In Study 2, 812 undergraduates were asked about the INQ, the ACSS, and validity items, and 225 undergraduates participated in a second survey approximately one-month from the initial survey for test-retest reliability. In Study 3,104 psychiatric patients completed the INQ and ACSS and were asked about suicidal ideation and suicidal attempt. Content, structural, generalizability, and external validity results showed that each version of the INQ and ACSS demonstrated acceptable validity. Our comprehensive evaluation provides evidence that INQ-10/FNQ-15, and ACSS-5/ACSS-FAD can yield reliable data from Japaneselanguage population samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]