Spatiotemporal dynamics of electrocorticographic high gamma activity during overt and covert word repetition

Language is one of the defining abilities of humans. Many studies have characterized the neural correlates of different aspects of language processing. However, the imaging techniques typically used in these studies were limited in either their temporal or spatial resolution. Electrocorticographic (ECoG) recordings from the surface of the brain combine high spatial with high temporal resolution and thus could be a valuable tool for the study of neural correlates of language function. In this study, we defined the spatiotemporal dynamics of ECoG activity during a word repetition task in nine human subjects. ECoG was recorded while each subject overtly or covertly repeated words that were presented either visually or auditorily. ECoG amplitudes in the high gamma (HG) band confidently tracked neural changes associated with stimulus presentation and with the subject's verbal response. Overt word production was primarily associated with HG changes in the superior and middle parts of temporal lobe, Wernicke's area, the supramarginal gyrus, Broca's area, premotor cortex (PMC), primary motor cortex. Covert word production was primarily associated with HG changes in superior temporal lobe and the supramarginal gyrus. Acoustic processing from both auditory stimuli as well as the subject's own voice resulted in HG power changes in superior temporal lobe and Wernicke's area. In summary, this study represents a comprehensive characterization of overt and covert speech using electrophysiological imaging with high spatial and temporal resolution. It thereby complements the findings of previous neuroimaging studies of language and thus further adds to current understanding of word processing in humans.     

Antiviral biflavonoids from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Radix Wikstroemiae</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Liaogewanggen</Emphasis>)

Background  

Radix Wikstroemiae is a common Chinese herbal medicine. The ethyl acetate fraction of the ethanolic extract of W. indica possesses potent in vitro antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This study aims to identify the antiviral components of the active fraction.     

Group treatments for sensitive health care problems: a randomised controlled trial of group versus individual physiotherapy sessions for female urinary incontinence

Background  

The aim was to compare effectiveness of group versus individual sessions of physiotherapy in terms of symptoms, quality of life, and costs, and to investigate the effect of patient preference on uptake and outcome of treatment.     

Feeling trapped and being torn: Physicians' narratives about ethical dilemmas in hemodialysis care that evoke a troubled conscience

Background  

This study is part of a major study about difficulties in communicating ethical problems within and among professional groups working in hemodialysis care. Describing experiences of ethically difficult situations that induce a troubled conscience may raise consciousness about ethical problems and thereby open the way to further reflection.     

Association between genetic variants in key vitamin-D-pathway genes and external apical root resorption linked to orthodontic treatment

This study evaluated the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in vitamin-D-related genes and the amount of external apical root resorption linked to orthodontic treatment. One hundred and forty-three individuals were assessed. The amount of external apical root resorption of upper central incisors (EARR_inc) and lower first molars (EARR_mol) were evaluated in radiographs. Seven SNPs were genotyped across four genes including the vitamin D receptor [VDR], group-specific component [GC], cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily B member 1 [CYP27B1], and cytochrome P450 family 24 subfamily A member 1 [CYP24A1]. Linear regressions were implemented to determine allele-effects on external apical root resorption. Individuals carrying the AA genotype in VDR rs2228570 had a 21% higher EARR_mol than those having AG and GG genotypes (95% CI: 1.03,1.40). EARR_mol in heterozygous rs2228570, was 12% lower than for homozygotes (95%CI: 0.78,0.99). Participants with the CCG haplotype (rs1544410-rs7975232-rs731236) in VDR had an EARR_mol 16% lower than those who did not carry this haplotype. Regarding CYP27B1 rs4646536, EARR_inc in participants who had at least one G allele was 42% lower than for homozygotes AA (95%CI: 0.37,0.93). Although these results did not remain significant after multiple testing adjustment, potential associations may still be suggested. Further replication studies are needed to confirm or refute these findings.