The effective connectivity can reveal the causal relationships between nodes of the Default Mode Network (DMN), which may reveal any impairment to the network following moderate traumatic brain injury (MTBI). Eight sub-acute MTBI patients and eight controls were recruited for this study. The results indicated that effective connectivity (EC) within MTBI group was higher in number and strength compared to the controls. Moreover, the network hubs within DMN are associated with increased connection strength in MTBI group. The ECs in MTBI are also largely influenced by top-down backward connections. In conclusion, the network reorganization within the DMN reflects the effect of MTBI and may subsequently impair other brain functions. This knowledge can be used to correctly identify the patient for appropriate trauma management.

This study tested the effects of Ajwa dates supplementation on stress-induced changes to mood and cognitive functions in healthy young adults. 20 young adults were selected to receive seven dates per day for six weeks. Subjects completed measures of mood (POMS and DASS-21 questionnaires), and cognitive functions (simple reaction time, Stroop, n-back tests) before and after six weeks of supplementation: following an acute stressor task (Trier Social Stress test). Analysis of coronary risk and renal profiles were also done before and after six weeks of supplementation. Parameters related to mood including tension subscale in POMS, and stress subscale in DASS-21 significantly improved from baseline to week six. Significant improvements were also observed in the mean reaction time of Stroop, 1-back and 2-back tests after week six. There were no changes in coronary risk and renal profile after six weeks of supplementation. Our findings indicate that Ajwa dates supplementation has the potential to alleviate stress-induced changes in mood and cognitive functions in healthy young adults without adverse effect on renal functions.