Sensory Effects Research Articles

Regional Sensorimotor Effects of Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation: Preliminary Results From an Experimental Study.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of different spinal manipulation (SM) techniques and target segments on a specific dermatome and myotome, when compared with a remote spinal cord segment that served as a control location. Twenty-nine healthy volunteers were randomized to receive instrumental (Activator IV, Activator Methods International Ltd) or manual SM at the C6, C1, and T4 vertebral segments in 3 independent sessions. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and muscle strength were examined at the C6 (test) and L4 (control) dermatomes and myotomes, at baseline and after intervention. Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyze changes over time and interindividual variability. Pressure pain thresholds significantly increased at both proximal and distal C6 dermatome locations (P < .05), irrespective of the technique and segment of application (P > .2). No significant changes were observed at the L4 dermatome. Muscle strength remained unchanged throughout the study. Multilevel modeling revealed significant associations between increased PPTs along the C6 dermatome (P < .001), whereas the combination of technique and target segment predicted PPT increases at the proximal C6 dermatome. These findings support regional, rather than segmental mechanisms underlying the sensory effects of SM. Specifically, significant increases in PPTs along the C6 dermatome suggest localized effects on pain sensitivity, which may depend on the target spinal region. Further investigation is needed to better understand these regional changes of SM and their potential clinical implications.

Effects of sildenafil on gas exchange, ventilatory, and sensory responses to exercise in subjects with mild-to-moderate COPD: A randomized cross-over trial

Excess exercise ventilation (high ventilation (V̇E)/carbon dioxide output (V̇CO2)) contributes significantly to dyspnea and exercise intolerance since the earlier stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A selective pulmonary vasodilator (inhaled nitric oxide) has shown to increase exercise tolerance secondary to lower V̇E/V̇CO2 and dyspnea in this patient population. We aimed to assess whether a clinically more practical option - oral sildenafil - would be associated with similar beneficial effects. In a randomized, placebo-controlled study, twenty-four patients with mild-to-moderate COPD completed, on different days, two incremental cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) one hour after sildenafil or placebo. Eleven healthy participants performed a CPET in a non-interventional visit for comparative purposes with patients when receiving placebo. Patients (FEV1= 69.4 ± 13.5 % predicted) showed higher ventilatory demands (V̇E/V̇CO2), worse pulmonary gas exchange, and higher dyspnea during exercise compared to controls (FEV1= 98.3 ±11.6 % predicted). Contrary to our expectations, however, sildenafil (50 mg; N= 15) did not change exertional V̇E/V̇CO2, dead space/tidal volume ratio, operating lung volumes, dyspnea, or exercise tolerance compared to placebo (P>0.05). Due to the lack of significant beneficial effects, nine additional patients were trialed with a higher dose (100 mg). Similarly, active intervention was not associated with positive physiological or sensory effects. In conclusion, acute oral sildenafil (50 or 100 mg) failed to improve gas exchange efficiency or excess exercise ventilation in patients with predominantly moderate COPD. The current study does not endorse a therapeutic role for sildenafil to mitigate exertional dyspnea in this specific patient subpopulation.Clinical trial registry: https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-4qhkf4Web of Science Researcher ID: O-7665–2019

Clinical effects of different types of flaps selected according to local conditions in the treatment of diabetic foot defects

BackgroundThe repair of diabetic foot defects (DFD) is a major challenge in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in clinical efficacy of different flap techniques in repairing DFD wounds, and to compare the difference in clinical efficacy of anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALTP) in repairing DFD and non-DFD.MethodsThis study is a retrospective clinical study of different types of flap reconstruction in patients with DFD admitted to our hospital from January 2010 to December 2021. A total of 40 patients with DFD and 43 patients with non-DFD were included in this study. Detailed preoperative basic information, intraoperative details, postoperative complications and long-term follow-up results were collected.ResultThe comorbidities, wound infection and wound duration of DFD group were more serious than those of non-DFD group. In addition, the incidence of complications was higher in DFD group, the wound healing time was longer, the aesthetic evaluation, the functional recovery rate of ankle joint and the sensory recovery effect of flaps were worse.ConclusionIn this study, it is concluded that different flap techniques can obtain better clinical efficacy in repairing DFD wounds. Compared with non-DFD wounds, the postoperative risk of DFD wounds using free ALTP flaps is higher, but the risk can be reduced by reasonable preoperative vascular examination. Free flap can deal with various irregular wounds and provide more options for clinical repair.Level of evidenceIII, Case–control study.

Extending More than One Week the Shelf Life of Fresh-Cut Lettuce Using Vinegar Enriched in Bioactive Compounds Encapsulated in α-Cyclodextrins.

Fresh-cut salads are highly appreciated by consumers due to their healthy and convenient nature. Fresh-cut (FC) lettuce is one of the best-selling FC products due to its freshness and low preparation time for salads. However, FC lettuce is very perishable and, in addition, has been recently associated with severe foodborne illness alerts. Alternative natural sanitizing treatments to conventional sodium hypochlorite are needed. The antimicrobial activity of vinegar has been well-known since ancient times. In addition, bioactive compounds from plant byproducts are widely recognized for their antioxidant properties. This work aimed to evaluate the use of a novel and encapsulated vinegar powder enriched with bioactive compounds from fruit byproducts with high antimicrobial and antioxidant properties to preserve the physicochemical (titratable acidity, total soluble solids, weight loss, and color), microbial (psychrophiles, enterobacteria, lactic-acid bacteria, molds, and yeasts), and sensory quality of FC lettuce at 4 °C for up to 10 days. Small to no differences were observed in terms of physicochemical quality (≈0.1% titratable acidity; 2.3-3.3% total soluble solids; <1% weight loss) in comparison to control samples through storage. Vinegar treatments reduced by 2-4 log CFU g-1 the microbial loads after 10 days. In addition, a synergistic sensory antibrowning effect (greener and less yellowish appearance, showing -a* and -b*) between organic acids and the released polyphenols from the encapsulated plant byproduct extracts was observed. Hence, the enriched encapsulated vinegar represents an effective green alternative to conventional sanitizers to maintain the quality of FC lettuce through storage time.

No evidence for goal priming or sensory specific satiety effects following exposure to ambient food odours

Sensory-specific satiety describes a decline in hedonic value of the taste of a food as it is consumed, relative to a non-consumed food – the pudding tummy phenomenon. Incentive motivation towards consumed foods has also been shown to decline. Interestingly, several studies report that brief exposure to food odours can also produce a sensory-specific satiety effect, in the absence of consumption, selectively reducing hedonic ratings and subsequent high calorie food choices. Yet, other studies report goal-priming effects of ambient odours, in which brief implicit exposure increases the hedonic value of odour congruent food options. The present study aimed to determine whether exposure to ambient food odours would enhance or reduce incentive motivation for associated foods. Participants completed either an ambient odour (N = 38) or food consumption (N = 40) task. In both, participants were randomly assigned to an indulgent (chocolate) or non-indulgent (orange) food group and completed two blocks of a cross-modality matching grip-force task. One block was completed immediately before, the other immediately after, odour exposure/food consumption. A grip-force transducer measured effort exerted “to win” briefly presented (33 or 200ms) visual images of these foods, relative to control stimuli. In both studies, participants exerted greater effort to win the food items than control images. While neither satiety nor priming effects were found following ambient odour exposure, a classic sensory-specific satiety effect was found in the food consumption study. That is, force exerted for chocolate images declined significantly following chocolate consumption, in the absence of any decline in motivation for orange stimuli. While differences in odour exposure findings could be explained by factors such as concentration, timing, and nature of exposure, questions remain about the robustness of previously reported odour induced satiety and priming effects.

Dry-Cured Sausages “Salchichón” Manufactured with a Valorized Ingredient from Red Grape Pomace (Var. Tempranillo)

The inclusion of an ingredient made from red grape pomace (RGP) var. Tempranillo was evaluated for the preservation of a traditional dry-cured sausages (salchichón). The pomace was valorized through thermal blanching (103 °C for 1 min) and hydrostatic high-pressure treatment (600 MPa/5 min) before the addition to salchichón. Four formulations of salchichón were evaluated, including a negative control (NC—without red grape pomace or synthetic additives), positive control (PC—with ascorbic acid and nitrites), low level (LL—0.5%), and high level (HL—1%) of RGP. Physicochemical, microbiological, and sensorial effects were analyzed. RGP reduced the final pH of salchichón and favored the growth of lactic acid bacteria at similar levels as PC. The addition of ascorbic acid and nitrites resulted in a final product with a redder and less yellow color than the other formulations. This cured color was not reached with the addition of RGP. However, its inclusion slightly reduced lipid and protein oxidation in salchichón. PC showed high levels of sulfur and terpene levels in a volatile profile, although at a sensory level, only differences in spicy taste were not noticed by panelists. The incorporation of the ingredient could enable the substitution of nitrites with valorized red grape pomace in sausages, although the desirable color achieved with nitrifying salts was not fully attained.

Comparative Efficacy of Intrathecal Hyperbaric Levobupivacaine With Fentanyl Versus Hyperbaric Bupivacaine With Fentanyl in Elective Cesarean Section.

Background In parturient posted for elective cesarean sections, a widely used local anesthetic in the subarachnoid blockade is racemic hyperbaric bupivacaine. Hyperbaric levobupivacaine, the pure S (-) isomer of bupivacaine, was introduced and has since become more widely used in India because of its short duration of motor blockade and reduced risks of neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. This study aimed to compare the characteristics of sensory and motor blockade and side effects of equivalent doses of hyperbaric bupivacaine and levobupivacaine with opioid additive fentanyl in order to extend the duration of analgesia during elective cesarean births. Methodology A total of 130 women classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class I and II who are undergoing elective cesarean sections were enrolled in this randomized, prospective, double-blind comparative study after providing written informed consent. They were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group LF, which included 65 women, obtained 25 mcg (0.5 ml) of fentanyl and 10 mg (2 ml) of hyperbaric levobupivacaine, or Group BF, which included 65 women, received 25 mcg (0.5 ml) of fentanyl and 10 mg (2 ml) of hyperbaric bupivacaine. Pinprick, cold swab, and the Bromage scale are used to assess the characteristics of sensory and motor blockade; hemodynamic alterations and adverse effects are also observed. Results The levobupivacaine group, consisting of 65 participants aged between 21 and 29 years, exhibited fewer side effects and significantly shorter durations of sensory and motor block compared to the bupivacaine group. In both groups, hemodynamic stability is comparable. Levobupivacaine provides analgesia for a significantly shorter period compared to bupivacaine. Conclusions In cesarean procedures, intrathecal hyperbaric levobupivacaine and fentanyl can be effective alternatives to hyperbaric bupivacaine and fentanyl due to their ability to maintain hemodynamic stability while providing adequate sensory and motor blockade.

From Conventional to Craft Beer: Perception, Source, and Production of Beer Color-A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis.

Beer is a popular beverage consumed globally, and studies have emphasized the benefits of moderate consumption as well as its sensory effects on consumers. Color is a crucial sensory attribute, being the first aspect a consumer notices when assessing a beer's quality. This review seeks to offer detailed insights into how brewing methods, raw materials, and the chemical diversity of beer influence the production of beer color. The chemical mechanisms responsible for color development and how consumers and color systems perceive the color of beer were assessed. A systematic review following the PRISMA methodology, coupled with a bibliometric analysis, was performed using (Rayyan 2022) and (VOSviewer 1.6.20) software to assess and evaluate the scientific research retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. The findings highlight the significant roles of malt types, heat brewing processes, control of chemical parameters, and innovative brewing techniques in conventional beer color production. Novel chromophores like perlolyrine, pyrrolothiazolate, and furpenthiazinate are thought to affect Pilsen-style beers, along with melanoidins, Strecker aldehydes, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in conventional beers. In craft beers, such as fruit- or herb-based beers, flavonoids like anthocyanins, along with other natural pigments and synthetic colorants, are identified as the primary sources of color. However, studies related to the influence of chromophores like perlolyrine, pyrrolothiazolate, and furpenthiazinate on beer color are scarce, and emerging additives, such as pigments from microorganisms, spices, exotic herbs, and leaves of plants, on craft beer offer insights for future research.

Social and auditory experience shapes forebrain responsiveness in zebra finches before the sensitive period of vocal learning.

Early-life experiences with signals used in communication are instrumental in shaping an animal's social interactions. In songbirds, which use vocalizations for guiding social interactions and mate choice, recent studies show that sensory effects on development occur earlier than previously expected, even in embryos and nestlings. Here, we explore the neural dynamics underlying experience-dependent song categorization in young birds prior to the traditionally studied sensitive period of vocal learning that begins around 3 weeks post-hatch. We raised zebra finches either with their biological parents, cross-fostered by Bengalese finches beginning at embryonic day 9, or by only the non-singing mother from 2 days post-hatch. Then, 1-5 days after fledging, we conducted behavioral experiments and extracellular recordings in the auditory forebrain to test responses to zebra finch and Bengalese finch songs. Auditory forebrain neurons in cross-fostered and isolate birds showed increases in firing rate and decreases in responsiveness and selectivity. In cross-fostered birds, decreases in responsiveness and selectivity relative to white noise were specific to conspecific song stimuli, which paralleled behavioral attentiveness to conspecific songs in those same birds. This study shows that auditory and social experience can already impact song 'type' processing in the brains of nestlings, and that brain changes at this age can portend the effects of natal experience in adults.

Application of sensory and motor training in AIDET communication mode in patients after knee arthroplasty.

Patients with knee arthroplasty often have problems such as slow recovery of knee function, which may cause negative emotions and affect their postoperative rehabilitation. The application of sensory and motor training in the Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Evaluation, Thank You (AIDET) communication mode in patients after knee arthroplasty can provide reference for the selection of postoperative rehabilitation training measures. To explore the sensory and motor training effects in AIDET communication mode on knee function recovery and resilience of patients after knee arthroplasty. One hundred patients who underwent knee arthroplasty at our hospital between January 2022 and January 2024 were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n = 50) received routine rehabilitation training. In the observation group (n = 50), the AIDET communication mode was used to perform sensory and motor training, in addition to routine rehabilitation training. The rehabilitation training was administered for 8 weeks. After surgery, knee function, balance ability, walking ability, proprioception, and resilience were compared between the two groups. The New York Hospital for Special Surgery knee scores of the observation group at the time of discharge and 8 weeks after intervention were (65.23 ± 6.84, 84.53 ± 5.27), which was higher than those of the control group (61.03 ± 7.15, 74.92 ± 6.52) (P < 0.05). The balance ability of the observation group at the time of discharge and 8 weeks after the intervention was higher than that of the control group, the time of time up to go test was shorter than that of the control group, and proprioceptive function was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The resilience level in the observation group after the intervention was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Sensory and motor training in AIDET communication mode promotes knee function recovery of patients after knee arthroplasty, improves their limb walking ability and balance function, and increases their resilience level.

Medical hypnosis mitigates laboratory dyspnoea in healthy humans: a randomised, controlled experimental trial.

Dyspnoea persisting despite treatments of underlying causes requires symptomatic approaches. Medical hypnosis could provide relief without the untoward effects of pharmacological approaches. We addressed this question through experimentally induced dyspnoea in healthy humans (inspiratory threshold loading (excessive inspiratory effort) and carbon dioxide stimulation (air hunger)). 20 volunteers (10 women, aged 21-40 years) were studied on four separate days. The order of the visits was randomised in two steps: firstly, the "inspiratory threshold loading first" versus "carbon dioxide first" group (n=10 in each group); secondly, the "medical hypnosis first" versus "visual distraction first" subgroup (n=5 in each subgroup). Each visit comprised three 5-min periods (reference, intervention, washout) during which participants used visual analogue scales (VAS) to rate the sensory and affective dimensions of dyspnoea, and after which they completed the Multidimensional Dyspnea Profile. Medical hypnosis reduced both dimensions of dyspnoea significantly more than visual distraction (inspiratory threshold loading: sensory reduction after 5 min 34% of full VAS versus 8% (p=0.0042), affective reduction 17.6% versus 2.4% (p=0.044); carbon dioxide: sensory reduction after 5 min 36.9% versus 3% (p=0.0015), affective reduction 29.1% versus 8.7% (p=0.0023)). The Multidimensional Dyspnea Profile showed more marked sensory effects during inspiratory threshold loading and more marked affective effects during carbon dioxide stimulation. Medical hypnosis was more effective than visual distraction at attenuating the sensory and affective dimensions of experimentally induced dyspnoea. This provides a strong rationale for clinical studies of hypnosis in persistent dyspnoea patients.

Effect of different nitrogen source and Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain on volatile sulfur compounds and their sensory effects in chardonnay wine

Three commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains with low, medium, and high H2S-producing capacity were chosen to investigate the effect of yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) levels and composition on volatile compounds in a chemically defined medium, specifically high, medium, and low initial YAN levels with varying proportions of DAP or sulfur-containing amino acids (cysteine and methionine). The results revealed that the initial YAN containing a larger proportion of diammonium phosphate resulted in a higher YAN consumption rate during the early stages of fermentation. The yeast strain had a greater effect on the volatiles than the YAN level and composition. Keeping the total YAN constant, a higher proportion of sulfur-containing amino acids resulted in a considerably higher production of 3-methylthiopropanol. The sensory impact of three key volatile sulfur compounds was investigated in a Chardonnay wine matrix, indicating that 3-methylthiopropanol at subthreshold or greater concentrations was effective in enhancing the cantaloupe aroma.

Within-subject comparison of near-death and psychedelic experiences: acute and enduring effects.

Mystical-like states of consciousness may arise through means such as psychedelic substances, but may also occur unexpectedly during near-death experiences (NDEs). So far, research studies comparing experiences induced by serotonergic psychedelics and NDEs, along with their enduring effects, have employed between-subject designs, limiting direct comparisons. We present results from an online survey exploring the phenomenology, attribution of reality, psychological insights, and enduring effects of NDEs and psychedelic experiences (PEs) in individuals who have experienced both at some point during their lifetime. We used frequentist and Bayesian analyses to determine significant differences and overlaps (evidence for null hypotheses) between the two. Thirty-one adults reported having experienced both an NDE (i.e. NDE-C scale total score ≥27/80) and a PE (intake of lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin/mushrooms, ayahuasca, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, or mescaline). Results revealed areas of overlap between both experiences for phenomenology, attribution of reality, psychological insights, and enduring effects. A finer-grained analysis of the phenomenology revealed a significant overlap in mystical-like effects, while low-level phenomena (sensory effects) were significantly different, with NDEs displaying higher scores of disembodiment and PEs higher scores of visual imagery. This suggests psychedelics as a useful model for studying mystical-like effects induced by NDEs, while highlighting distinctions in sensory experiences.

Assessing Usefulness, Ease of Use and Recognition Performance of Semi-Automatic Mulsemedia Authoring

Mulsemedia (Multiple Sensorial Media) authoring poses a considerable challenge as authors navigate the intricate task of identifying moments to activate sensory effects within multimedia content. A novel proposal is to integrate content recognition algorithms that use machine learning (ML) into authoring tools to alleviate the authoring effort. As author subjectivity is very important, it is imperative to allow users to define which sensory effects should be automatically extracted. This paper conducts a twofold evaluation of the proposed semi-automatic authoring. The first is from a user perspective within the STEVE 2.0 mulsemedia authoring tool, employing the Goal-Question-Metric (GQM) methodology and a user feedback questionnaire. Our user evaluation indicates that users perceive the semi-automatic authoring approach as a positive enhancement to the authoring process. The second evaluation targets sensory effect recognition using two different content recognition modules, quantifying their automatic recognition capabilities against manual authoring. Metrics such as precision, recall, and F1 scores provide insights into the strengths and nuances of each module. Differences in label assignments underscore the need for ML module result combination methodologies. These evaluations contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of sensory effect recognition modules in enhancing mulsemedia content authoring.

Insights from 25 years of onabotulinumtoxinA in migraine - mechanisms and management.

OnabotulinumtoxinA (BTX-A) was first linked to beneficial effects in migraine 25 years ago and was approved by the FDA for preventive treatment of chronic migraine in 2010. The treatment has since had a major impact on the well-being of people with chronic migraine. The clinical development programme for BTX-A and research since its approval have provided insights into the neuromodulatory sensory effect of BTX-A, how it can control chronic migraine despite its peripheral action, and the underlying biology of migraine as a disease. In this Review, we consider the impact that BTX-A has had on the management of chronic migraine and on the research field. We discuss the insights provided by clinical research, encompassing the clinical trials and subsequent real-world evidence, and the mechanistic insights provided by preclinical and translational research. We also provide an overview of future directions of research in the field BTX-A in migraine and the clinical translation of this research.

The Impact of the Inoculation of Different Pied de Cuve on the Chemical and Organoleptic Profiles of Wines.

Controlling the microorganisms involved in alcoholic fermentation during wine production can be achieved by adding a small quantity of spontaneously fermenting must to freshly crushed grapes, a technique known as pied de cuve (PdC). This method not only serves as an inoculation starter but also enhances the microbial footprint unique to each wine region. Recent studies have confirmed that wines inoculated with PdC exhibit efficient fermentation kinetics comparable to those inoculated with commercial strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, further research is required to draw robust conclusions about the chemical and sensory impacts of PdC-inoculated wines. In this study, we examined the chemical and sensory effects of the PdC technique across three different harvests: Muscat of Alexandria (Spain, harvests 2022 and 2023) and Sauvignon Blanc (Chile, harvest 2023). Each PdC was prepared using various stressors (sulfur dioxide, ethanol, and temperature). Our findings revealed that wines produced with PdC exhibited similar fermentation kinetics and sensory profiles to those inoculated with commercial strains. Notably, PdC fermentations resulted in lower concentrations of acetic acid compared to both the commercial strain and spontaneous fermentations. The sensory analysis indicated that PdC wines significantly differed from those made with commercial strains, with PdC wines displaying more pronounced tropical notes. These results suggest that the PdC technique, particularly when using specific stressors, can maintain desirable fermentation characteristics while enhancing certain sensory attributes, offering a viable alternative to traditional inoculation methods.

Investigating User Feedback for Learning Space Design in Primary Schools of Shandong Province, China

A well-designed learning environment is crucial for enhancing both the physical and mental health of students, which in turn improves their learning outcomes. However, many classrooms in China, particularly in rural areas, were constructed and designed several decades ago, so it is essential to redesign these learning spaces to align with the requirements of 21st Century education. This study aims to develop the stimulation, individuality, and naturalness (SIN) theoretical framework for identifying the learning environment of current classroom by examining the full range of sensory effects experienced by individuals. This study conducted qualitative interviews with 72 students and 18 class teachers to explore major issues with their existing learning spaces in four primary schools in Shandong Province of China. The results show that high temperatures and poor air quality are frequently raised by respondents, which directly impact students’ learning experience. This finding confirms naturalness likely underpins human comfort. Teachers and students felt that the classroom should be improved from the aspects of crowded space, imperceptible decoration, congestion and monotonous layouts. The study emphasised the important factors that designers and policymakers should consider to promote a comfortable, efficient, and healthy learning environment.

Force reflections of auditory and tactile action-effect weighting in motor planning

Most voluntary actions have only few goals, which provides considerable freedom in the selection of action parameters. Recent studies showed that task-irrelevant aspects of the task context influence the motor parameters of the actions in a way which seems to reflect the relative importance of these aspects within the underlying action representation. The present study investigated how the intensity of auditory action-effects affected force exertion patterns in a self-paced action production task. Participants applied force impulses with their index finger on a force-sensitive resistor every three seconds. In four separate conditions, force impulses elicited no sound, or elicited tones with 69, 59 or 49 dB intensity. The results showed that participants applied more force when tone intensity was lower, and when tones were absent. These force differences were also present in the first 60 ms following tone onset, implying that these reflected differences in motor planning. The results are compatible with the notion that actions are represented in terms of their sensory effects, which are weighted differently—presumably to maintain an optimal level of overall auditory and tactile stimulation in the present case. These results hint at the potential usefulness of motor parameters as readouts of action intentions.

Audiovisual integration and sensory dominance effects in older adults with subjective cognitive decline: Enhanced redundant effects and stronger fusion illusion susceptibility.

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) refers to individuals' perceived decline in memory and/or other cognitive abilities relative to their previous level of performance. Sensory decline is one of the main manifestations of decline in older adults with SCD. The efficient integration of visual and auditory information, known as audiovisual integration, is a crucial perceptual process. This study aims to evaluate audiovisual integration in older adults with SCD. We adopted the audiovisual detection task, the Colavita task, and the Sound-Induced Flash Illusion (SIFI) task to evaluate the audiovisual integration by examining both redundant and illusory effects. Older adults diagnosed with SCD (N=50, mean age=67.8 years) and a control group of non-SCD older adults (N=51, mean age=66.5 years) were recruited. All participants took part in the three aforementioned experiments. The outcomes showed that a redundant effect occurred in both SCD and non-SCD older adults, with SCD older adults gaining more benefits in audiovisual detection task. Moreover, an equivalent amount of the visual dominance effect was observed among both SCD and non-SCD older adults in Colavita task. In addition, older adults with SCD perceived an equal fission illusion but a bigger fusion illusion compared with non-SCD older adults in SIFI task. Overall, older adults with SCD exhibit increased audiovisual redundant effects and stronger fusion illusion susceptibility compared to non-SCD older adults. Besides, visual dominance was observed in both groups via the Colavita task, with no significant difference between non-SCD and SCD older adults. These findings implied that audiovisual integration might offer a potential way for the identification of SCD.

Wood and Mint Aroma Interactions During Spirit Oak Cask Maturation: A Sensory Case Study

ABSTRACTThe aroma of fine matured spirits is typically complex, resulting from numerous reactions occurring during the production process and some developing during maturation in oak casks. The refreshing sensation brought by mint notes was often expected, even after years of maturation. The main challenge lies in achieving an aromatic balance characterised by the seamless integration of woody aromas while maintaining the initial distillate's freshness. The present study examines the sensory effects associated with the interactions between wood, mint and cold sensations in spirits. Nine spirit model solutions were prepared, representing different combinations of terpene ketones (imparting mint aroma) and wood compounds, each at three concentration levels. The quantitative composition of mint compounds simulated varying degrees of mintiness in the distillate (low, medium and high), while the concentrations of wood compounds mimicked three maturation periods (short, intermediate and long term) in wooden casks. Samples were sensorily analysed by discriminative (triangle test) and rate‐all‐that‐apply (RATA) methodologies. An increase in woody intensity was notably perceived in samples with a low‐mint profile and containing wood compounds associated with medium and long‐term maturation. However, no significant sensory differences were observed in mint and cold perception between model solutions regardless of the simulated maturation conditions, indicating a limited influence of the studied wood compounds on the sensation of freshness in spirits due to competitive perceptual interactions with terpene ketones.