Overt orienting of spatial attention and corticospinal excitability during action observation are unrelated

Observing moving body parts can automatically activate topographically corresponding motor representations in the primary motor cortex (M1), the so-called direct matching. Novel neurophysiological findings from social contexts are nonetheless proving that this process is not automatic as previously thought. The motor system can flexibly shift from imitative to incongruent motor preparation, when requested by a social gesture. In the present study we aim to bring an increase in the literature by assessing whether and how diverting overt spatial attention might affect motor preparation in contexts requiring interactive responses from the onlooker. Experiment 1 shows that overt attention-although anchored to an observed biological movement-can be captured by a target object as soon as a social request for it becomes evident. Experiment 2 reveals that the appearance of a short-lasting red dot in the contralateral space can divert attention from the target, but not from the biological movement. Nevertheless, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over M1 combined with electromyography (EMG) recordings (Experiment 3) indicates that attentional interference reduces corticospinal excitability related to the observed movement, but not motor preparation for a complementary action on the target. This work provides evidence that social motor preparation is impermeable to attentional interference and that a double dissociation is present between overt orienting of spatial attention and neurophysiological markers of action observation

Reach-To-Grasp Movements: A Multimodal Techniques Study

The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between corticospinal activity, kinematics, and electromyography (EMG) associated with the execution of precision and whole-hand grasps (WHGs). To this end, motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), EMG, and 3-D motion capture data have been simultaneously recorded during the planning and the execution of prehensile actions toward either a small or a large object. Differences in the considered measures were expected to distinguish between the two types of grasping actions both in terms of action preparation and execution. The results indicate that the index finger (FDI) and the little finger (ADM) muscles showed different activation patterns during grasping execution, but only the FDI appeared to distinguish between the two types of actions during motor preparation. Kinematics analysis showed that precision grips differed from WHGs in terms of displayed fingers distance when shaping before object\u2019s contact, and in terms of timing and velocity patterns. Moreover, significant correlations suggest a relationship between the muscular activation and the temporal aspects concerned with the index finger\u2019s extension during whole-hand actions. Overall, the present data seem to suggest a crucial role played by index finger as an early \u201cmarker\u201d of differential motor preparation for different types of grasps and as a \u201cnavigator\u201d in guiding whole-hand prehensile actions. Aside from the novelty of the methodological approach characterizing the present study, the data provide new insights regarding the level of crosstalk among different levels concerned with the neuro-behavioral organization of reach-to-grasp movements

Tailored Brushing Method (TBM): an innovative simple protocol to improve the oral care

Background. The objective of this study is to describe and assess the effectiveness and acceptability of a modern tailored protocol of oral hygiene, based on the concordance between professionals and patients, and based on the proper choice of best tools for oral hygiene regardless of the technique used. This new method has been called Tailored Brushing Method (TBM). Material and methods. Two groups of adult patients (n=200) were involved in this research, according to specific inclusion criteria. Test group followed the indications of the new Tailored Brushing Method, while control group was involved in a standard protocol of oral hygiene with the suggestions of a brushing technique and the typical approach based on the compliance. Plaque Index, bleeding on Probing index and patients' acceptability of the methods (Visual Analog Scale) were assessed at different time points. Descriptive and statistical analyses were performed. Results and conclusions. Test group had statistically lower Plaque Index and Bleeding on Probing after 30 days, in comparison with control group. Test group expressed a better acceptance of the new tailored method. This research suggests to use a tailored approach to oral hygiene, overcoming the need of patient's compliance, often affected by bias such as alteration of the protocols and wrong brushing maneuvers

Look at Me: Early Gaze Engagement Enhances Corticospinal Excitability During Action Observation

Direct gaze is a powerful social cue able to capture the onlooker's attention. Beside gaze, head and limb movements as well can provide relevant sources of information for social interaction. This study investigated the joint role of direct gaze and hand gestures on onlookers corticospinal excitability (CE). In two experiments we manipulated the temporal and spatial aspects of observed gaze and hand behavior to assess their role in affecting motor preparation. To do this, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on the primary motor cortex (M1) coupled with electromyography (EMG) recording was used in two experiments. In the crucial manipulation, we showed to participants four video clips of an actor who initially displayed eye contact while starting a social request gesture, and then completed the action while directing his gaze toward a salient object for the interaction. This way, the observed gaze potentially expressed the intention to interact. Eye tracking data confirmed that gaze manipulation was effective in drawing observers' attention to the actor's hand gesture. In the attempt to reveal possible time-locked modulations, we tracked CE at the onset and offset of the request gesture. Neurophysiological results showed an early CE modulation when the actor was about to start the request gesture looking straight to the participants, compared to when his gaze was averted from the gesture. This effect was time-locked to the kinematics of the actor's arm movement. Overall, data from the two experiments seem to indicate that the joint contribution of direct gaze and precocious kinematic information, gained while a request gesture is on the verge of beginning, increases the subjective experience of involvement and allows observers to prepare for an appropriate social interaction. On the contrary, the separation of gaze cues and body kinematics can have adverse effects on social motor preparation. CE is highly susceptible to biological cues, such as averted gaze, which is able to automatically capture and divert observer's attention. This point to the existence of heuristics based on early action and gaze cues that would allow observers to interact appropriately

EXAMINING THE FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE IT INNOVATION PROCESS

Although there is a considerable literature about the factors that affect the innovation process, little is known concerning the factors that affect the IT innovation process. Thus, this exploratory study drawns upon theories such as: Woodman´s model, Bandura´s self-efficacy theory, the goal orientation theory, Vroom´s expectancy theory and the theory of trying to propose an integrative understanding of the factors that influence the IT innovation process. Theoretical predictions were empirically tested via a field study of 88 potential innovators. Results provide strong support for the research model. Theoretical implications for IT innovation process research are discussed

Frecuencia de prediabetes en familiares de primer grado de pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2

La prediabetes es el estado metabólico caracterizado por hiperglicemia de entre 100 a 125 mg/dL, cuya identificación precoz es importante porque se ha demostrado, que al intervenir sobre los estilos de vida de estos pacientes es posible evitar su progresión hacia diabetes o retrasarla. Siendo una estrategia eficiente para lidiar con la epidemia de Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2. Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de prediabetes en individuos con antecedente de ser hijos de padre, madre o ambos con diagnóstico de Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2, al ser considerados un grupo de riesgo para el desarrollo de la enfermedad. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal, con una fase analítica. Para el mismo se identificaron a los pacientes con diagnóstico de Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 que se encontraran recibiendo tratamiento médico en el Hospital I La Esperanza– EsSalud en el periodo diciembre 2016 a febrero del 2017 y formaran parte de la Unidad Preventiva del Adulto, posteriormente se identificó a 71 familiares de primera línea de estos que cumplieran con los criterios de selección. Resultados: Se identificó a 26 sujetos con prediabetes, representando una prevalencia de 36.6%. De estos, 15 (21.1%) fueron de sexo femenino y 11 (15.4%) fueron de sexo masculino; se realizó la prueba de Chi cuadrado obteniendo como resultado ,000 y –p de ,99. Según grupo etáreo 10 (14.1%) individuos se encontraban entre los 18 a 40 años, 8 (11.3%) entre 41 a 59 y 8 (11.3%) eran mayores a 60 años; se aplicó la prueba de Chi cuadrado con 5,65 y –p de ,06 de resultados. Según IMC 3 (4.2%) sujetos tenían IMC normal, 22 (31.0%) sobrepeso y 1 (1.4%) obesidad; se aplicó la prueba de Chi cuadrado obteniendo 22,17 y –p de ,00 como resultados. Según el índice cintura cadera 16 (22.5%) sujetos tenían valores superiores a lo normal de acuerdo a su sexo y los 10 (14.1%) restantes estaban en rangos de normalidad; se aplicó la prueba de Chi cuadrado con 10,97 y –p de ,001 como resultados. Según el familiar con diagnóstico de DM2, en 16 (22.5%) de los sujetos era la madre, en 6 (8,4%) era el padre y en 4 (5.6%) eran ambos; se aplicó la prueba de Chi cuadrado con 10,03 y –p de ,007 como resultados. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de prediabetes en familiares de primer grado de pacientes con DM2 fue del 36.6%. Se encontró que las variables IMC, índice cintura cadera y antecedente familiar se relacionan con prediabetes; mientras que las variables sexo y grupo etáreo no lo hacen.Prediabetes is a metabolic state characterized by hyperglycemia between 100 to 125 mg / dL, whose importance has been shown by intervening on lifestyles of these patients it’s possibility to prevent their progression to diabetes or delay it. The detection and treatment of prediabetes in risk groups is an efficient strategy to deal with the Diabetes Mellitus type 2 epidemic. Objective: To determine the frequency of prediabetes in individuals with a history of being first degree relatives of patients with diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus type 2, being considered a risk group for the development of the disease. Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with an analytical phase. Patients with diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes who were receiving medical treatment at Hospital I La Esperanza- EsSalud between December 2016 to February 2017 and were part of the Adult Preventive Unit were identified for this study. Later, 71 first degree relatives of those that completes de selection criteria were identified. Results:26 individuals with prediabetes were identified, representing a prevalence of 36.6%. Of these, 15 (21.1%) were female and 11 (15.4%) were male; The Chi square test was performed, obtaining as a result, 000 and -p of, 99. According to age group 10 (14.1%) individuals were between 18 to 40 years, 8 (11.3%) between 41 to 59 and 8 (11.3%) were older than 60 years; Chi square test was applied with 5.65 and -p of ,06 of results. According to BMI 3 (4.2%) subjects had normal BMI, 22 (31.0%) were overweight and 1 (1.4%) were obese; Chi square test was applied obtaining 22,17 and -p de, 00 as results. According to the waist hip index, 16 (22.5%) subjects had values above normal according to their sex and the remaining 10 (14.1%) were in normal ranges; Chi square test was applied with 10.97 and -p of ,001 as results. According to the relative diagnosed with DM2, at 16 (22.5%) of the subjects were the mother, 6 (8.4%) were the father and 4 (5.6%) were both; The Chi square test was applied with 10.03 and -p of, 007 as results. Conclusions: The prevalence of prediabetes in first-degree relatives of patients with DM2 was 36.6%. We found that the variables BMI, hip waist index and family history are related to prediabetes. While the variables gender and age group do not

La Sombra de la Azucena, Poemario

-Poeta uruguaya. Los poemas que presentamos pertenecen al poemario La sombra de la azucena

Sex differences in body ownership in adults with autism spectrum disorder

A strong male prevalence has been observed in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) since its definition, but the behavioral manifestations of sex disparity have yet to be clarified. Here, we investigate sex differences in the perception of the Numbness Illusion (NI), a procedure based on a tactile conflict, in adults with ASD and with typical development. We aim to assess if women and men with ASD perceive NI-dependent body ownership differently and whether sex differences emerge in individuals with typical development. To elicit the NI, participants pressed their right-hand palm against the confederate\u2019s hand and stroked with the thumb and the index finger of their left hand the joined index fingers in a synchronous or asynchronous way. Results reveal that women with ASD present a reversed and atypical pattern for the NI compared to men with ASD and a group of matched controls. In particular, women with ASD report a stronger illusion than men with ASD, that is more evident in the asynchronous conditions. In the asynchronous condition, women in the ASD group report stronger NI as compared to women and men in the Control group, whereas men with ASD only to men in the Control group. In the typical sample, the NI emerges only in the synchronous condition and no sex difference is observed. We discuss our results in terms of potential advantage of women in sociality and sensory information processing that might lead women with ASD to use different modalities to solve the illusion compared to men with ASD. In sum, these outcomes describe sex differences in individuals with ASD in the domain of illusory perception. This may be used in the future to support the characterization of the female phenotype of autism

Two-Timescale Joint Precoding Design and RIS Optimization for User Tracking in Near-Field MIMO Systems

In this paper, we propose a novel framework that aims to jointly design the reflection coefficients of multiple RISs and the precoding strategy of a single BS to optimize the self-tracking of the position and the velocity of a single multi-antenna UE that moves either in the far- or near-field region. Differently from the literature, and to keep the overall complexity affordable, we assume that RIS optimization is performed less frequently than localization and precoding adaptation. The proposed procedure leads to minimize the inverse of the received power in the UE position uncertainty area between two subsequent optimization steps. The optimal RIS and precoder strategy are compared with the classical beam-focusing strategy and with a scheme that maximizes the communication rate. It is shown that if the RISs are optimized for communications, their configuration is suboptimal when used for tracking purposes. Numerical results show that in typical indoor environments with only one BS and a few RISs operating on millimeter waves, high location accuracy in the range of less than half a meter can be achieved