bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non‐invasive brain stimulation of motor cortex induces embodiment when integrated with virtual reality feedback
Authors: Bassolino M. , Franza M. , Bello Ruiz J. , Pinardi M. , Schmidlin T. , Stephan M.A. , Solcà M. , Serino A. , Blanke O. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPrevious evidence highlighted the multisensory‐motor origin of embodiment – that is, the experience of having a body and of being in control of it – and the possibility of experimentally manipulating it. For instance, an illusory feeling of embodiment towards a fake hand can be triggered by providing synchronous visuo‐tactile stimulation to the hand of participants and to a fake hand or by asking participants to move their hand and observe a fake hand moving accordingly (rubber hand illusion). Here, we tested whether it is possible to manipulate embodiment not through stimulation of the participant's hand, but by directly tapping into the brain's hand representation via non‐invasive brain stimulation. To this aim, we combined transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), to activate the hand corticospinal representation, with virtual reality (VR), to provide matching (as contrasted to non‐matching) visual feedback, mimicking involuntary hand movements evoked by TMS. We show that the illusory embodiment occurred when TMS pulses were temporally matched with VR feedback, but not when TMS was administered outside primary motor cortex, (over the vertex) or when stimulating motor cortex at a lower intensity (that did not activate peripheral muscles). Behavioural (questionnaires) and neurophysiological (motor‐evoked‐potentials, TMS‐evoked‐movements) measures further indicated that embodiment was not explained by stimulation per se, but depended on the temporal coherence between TMS‐induced activation of hand corticospinal representation and the virtual bodily feedback. This reveals that non‐invasive brain stimulation may replace the application of external tactile hand cues and motor components related to volition, planning and anticipation.
Beta‐gamma burst stimulations of the inferior olive induce high‐frequency oscillations in the deep cerebellar nuclei
Authors: Cheron Julian , Cheron Guy 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe cerebellum displays various sorts of rhythmic activities covering both low‐ and high‐frequency oscillations. These cerebellar high‐frequency oscillations were observed in the cerebellar cortex. Here, we hypothesised that not only is the cerebellar cortex a generator of high‐frequency oscillations but also that the deep cerebellar nuclei may also play a similar role. Thus, we analysed local field potentials and single‐unit activities in the deep cerebellar nuclei before, during and after electric stimulation in the inferior olive of awake mice. A high‐frequency oscillation of 350 Hz triggered by the stimulation of the inferior olive, within the beta‐gamma range, was observed in the deep cerebellar nuclei. The amplitude and frequency of the oscillation were independent of the frequency of stimulation. This oscillation emerged during the period of stimulation and persisted after the end of the stimulation. The oscillation coincided with the inhibition of deep cerebellar neurons. As the inhibition of the deep cerebellar nuclei is related to inhibitory inputs from Purkinje cells, we speculate that the oscillation represents the unmasking of the synchronous activation of another subtype of deep cerebellar neuronal subtype, devoid of GABA receptors and under the direct control of the climbing fibres from the inferior olive. Still, the mechanism sustaining this oscillation remains to be deciphered. Our study sheds new light on the role of the olivo‐cerebellar loop as the final output control of the intercerebellar circuitry.
Mosaicism of de novo pathogenic SCN1A variants in epilepsy is a frequent phenomenon that correlates with variable phenotypes
Authors: de Lange Iris M. , Koudijs Marco J. , van 't Slot Ruben , Gunning Boudewijn , Sonsma Anja C. M. , van Gemert Lisette J. J. M. , Mulder Flip , Carbo Ellen C. , van Kempen Marjan J. A. , Verbeek Nienke E. , Nijman Isaac J. , Ernst Robert F. , Savelberg Sanne M. C. , Knoers Nine V. A. M. , Brilstra Eva H. , Koeleman Bobby P. C. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryObjectivePhenotypes caused by de novo SCN1A pathogenic variants are very variable, ranging from severely affected patients with Dravet syndrome to much milder genetic epilepsy febrile seizures plus cases. The most important determinant of disease severity is the type of variant, with variants that cause a complete loss of function of the SCN1A protein (α‐subunit of the neuronal sodium channel Nav1.1) being detected almost exclusively in Dravet syndrome patients. However, even within Dravet syndrome disease severity ranges greatly, and consequently other disease modifiers must exist. A better prediction of disease severity is very much needed in daily practice to improve counseling, stressing the importance of identifying modifying factors in this patient group. We evaluated 128 participants with de novo, pathogenic SCN1A variants to investigate whether mosaicism, caused by postzygotic mutation, is a major modifier in SCN1A‐related epilepsy.MethodsMosaicism was investigated by reanalysis of the pathogenic SCN1A variants using single molecule molecular inversion probes and next generation sequencing with high coverage. Allelic ratios of pathogenic variants were used to determine whether mosaicism was likely. Selected mosaic variants were confirmed by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of different tissues. Developmental outcome was classified based on available data on intelligence quotient and school functioning/education.ResultsMosaicism was present for 7.5% of de novo pathogenic SCN1A variants in symptomatic patients. Mosaic participants were less severely affected than nonmosaic participants if only participants with truncating variants are considered (distribution of developmental outcome scores, Mann‐Whitney U, P = .023).SignificancePostzygotic mutation is a common phenomenon in SCN1A‐related epilepsies. Participants with mosaicism have on average milder phenotypes, suggesting that mosaicism can be a major modifier of SCN1A‐related diseases. Detection of mosaicism has important implications for genetic counseling and can be achieved by deep sequencing of unique reads.
Atopic dermatitis in diverse racial and ethnic groups—Variations in epidemiology, genetics, clinical presentation and treatment
Authors: Kaufman Bridget P. , Guttman‐Yassky Emma , Alexis Andrew F. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects diverse ethnic groups with varying prevalence. Despite a predominance of studies in individuals of European ancestry, AD has been found to occur more frequently in Asian and Black individuals than Whites. Therefore, an understanding of the unique clinical features of AD in diverse ethnic groups, as well as the differences in genetic polymorphisms that influence susceptibility to AD and response to current therapies, is paramount for management of an increasingly diverse patient population. In this article, we review key nuances in the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation and treatment of AD in non‐White ethnic groups, which are largely underappreciated in the literature. We highlight the need for studies evaluating the tissue molecular and cellular phenotypes of AD in non‐White patients, as well as greater inclusion of minority groups in clinical trials, to develop targeted treatments for a multi‐ethnic population.
Antagonistic effects of growing season and autumn temperatures on the timing of leaf coloration in winter deciduous trees
Authors: Liu Guohua , Chen Xiaoqiu , Zhang Qinghua , Lang Weiguang , Delpierre Nicolas 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAutumn phenology remains a relatively neglected aspect in climate change research, which hinders an accurate assessment of the global carbon cycle and its sensitivity to climate change. Leaf coloration, a key indicator of the growing season end, is thought to be triggered mainly by high or low temperature and drought. However, how the control of leaf coloration is split between temperature and drought is not known for many species. Moreover, whether growing season and autumn temperatures interact in influencing the timing of leaf coloration is not clear. Here, we revealed major climate drivers of leaf coloration dates and their interactions using 154 phenological datasets for four winter deciduous tree species at 89 stations, and the corresponding daily mean/minimum air temperature and precipitation data across China's temperate zone from 1981 to 2012. Results show that temperature is more decisive than drought in causing leaf coloration, and the growing season mean temperature plays a more important role than the autumn mean minimum temperature. Higher growing season temperature and lower autumn minimum temperature would induce earlier leaf coloration date. Moreover, the mean temperature over the growing season correlates positively with the autumn minimum temperature. This implies that growing season mean temperature may offset the requirement of autumn minimum temperature in triggering leaf coloration. Our findings deepen the understanding of leaf coloration mechanisms in winter deciduous trees and suggest that leaf life‐span control depended on growing season mean temperature and autumn low temperature control and their interaction are major environmental cues. In the context of climate change, whether leaf coloration date advances or is delayed may depend on intensity of the offset effect of growing season temperature on autumn low temperature.
Prevalence of neuropathic pain and sensory alterations after dental implant placement in a university‐based oral surgery department: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Vázquez‐Delgado Eduardo , Viaplana‐Gutiérrez Marta , Figueiredo Rui , Renton Tara , Gay‐Escoda Cosme , Valmaseda‐Castellón Eduard 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and the clinical features of patients with neuropathic pain and sensory alterations after dental implant placement.BackgroundLiterature is very scarce concerning the prevalence of neuropathic pain after dental implant placement.Patients and MethodsA retrospective cohort study was made in patients submitted to dental implant placement in the Dental Hospital of the University of Barcelona. A descriptive analysis of the data was made, and the 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated for the prevalences.ResultsThe study sample was composed of 1156 subjects of whom, 1012 patients (3743 dental implants) met the study inclusion criteria. Four hundred and seventeen patients (41.2%) were male and 595 (58.8%) were female, with a mean age of 60.7 years (range 16‐90 years). Three patients were diagnosed as having painful post‐traumatic trigeminal neuropathy (PPTN), which corresponds to a prevalence of 0.3% (95% CI: 0%‐0.6%). Additionally, 5 patients (0.5%; 95% CI: 0%‐1.07%) presented trigeminal neuropathy without pain (TNWP). The combined prevalence of both disorders was 0.8% (95% CI: 0.02%‐1.3%). All patients with PPTN and TNWP were 60 years old or older, with a total combined prevalence of 1.48% (95% CI: 0.46%‐2.5%) in this age group. Additionally, the prevalence in this age group for women was 1.85% (95%CI: 0.38%‐3.31%).ConclusionsNeuropathic pain after dental implant placement is very infrequent (0.3%) in a University Oral Surgery department. However, the presence of trigeminal neuropathies can be slightly higher and can affect up to 0.5% of patients. Older female patients seem to be more prone to this rare and disabling complication.
Primordial odontogenic tumour: report of two cases
Authors: Almazyad Asma , Li Chia‐Cheng , Tapia Roberto O C , Robertson Javier P , Collette David , Woo Sook‐Bin 
Published: February 2018

AimsPrimordial odontogenic tumour (POT) is a rare mixed odontogenic neoplasm that is composed of primitive ectomesenchyme resembling dental papilla, surfaced by odontogenic epithelium resembling inner enamel epithelium, without hard tissue formation. Most reported cases have presented in the posterior mandible as a well‐demarcated radiolucency associated with an unerupted tooth in the first two decades of life. The aim of this report is to describe the clinicopathological features of two more cases of POT.Methods and resultsEach presented as an asymptomatic well‐delineated radiolucency in the mandible in a 15‐year‐old female and an 18‐year‐old male, respectively. Both tumours were composed of a proliferation of plump spindle and stellate cells in delicately collagenous and myxoid stroma, surfaced by columnar‐squamous epithelial cells with reverse nuclear polarisation at the tumour periphery. In one case, the formation of abortive tooth germ‐like structures was noted. This has not been reported previously and supports the hypothesis of the primordial nature of this tumour. Both patients showed no recurrence at 3‐ and 20‐month follow‐up, respectively.ConclusionThis report describes two additional cases of POT for a total of 11 cases reported in the English language literature.
Primary peri‐anal adenocarcinoma of intestinal type – a new proposed entity
Authors: Gill Pelvender S , Wong Newton A C S 
Published: February 2018

AimsThe currently recognised subtypes of anal canal/peri‐anal adenocarcinoma are those arising from low rectal mucosa or columnar cuff, fistula‐related tumours and anal gland carcinoma. This report presents two examples of a hitherto undescribed subtype of peri‐anal adenocarcinoma with an intestinal phenotype.Methods and resultsA 74‐year‐old man had a peri‐anal tumour locally excised, whereas a 73‐year‐old female underwent an abdominoperineal resection for peri‐anal Paget's disease with an underlying carcinoma. Neither patient had a history of perineal fistulae, Crohn's disease or previous gastrointestinal neoplasia, and neither showed clinical, radiological or endoscopic evidence of another abdominal or pelvic tumour. Both resection specimens contained adenocarcinoma, which were similar in demonstrating an intestinal morphology and CDX2 immunopositivity. The man has shown a disease‐free outcome thus far, but the woman has suffered with nodal and pelvic recurrence within a few months of surgery.ConclusionsThe name ‘primary peri‐anal adenocarcinoma of intestinal type’ is proposed for this previously unrecognised subtype of perineal neoplasia. Awareness of its distinct existence – by recognising its intestinal morphology and immunophenotype while excluding metastasis from the intestinal tract – should help to collate data to determine its specific prognosis and to formulate its best management.
Basal cell carcinoma induced by therapeutic radiation for tinea capitis—clinicopathological study
Authors: Oshinsky Shlomit , Baum Sharon , Huszar Monica , Debby Assaf , Barzilai Aviv 
Published: February 2018

AimsAn increased prevalence of aggressive histological subtypes, such as micronodular and morpheaform, has been seen, irrespective of the clinical course, in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) following irradiation for tinea capitis. The aim of this study was to assess the histopathological features of BCCs among patients irradiated for tinea capitis and correlate them with the clinical course.Methods and resultsThe medical records and BCC biopsy specimens of individuals who were previously irradiated for tinea capitis were reviewed. Demographic data and clinical characteristics were retrieved. Biopsy specimens were evaluated for histological subtype classification and additional histopathological features. A telephone survey was conducted to assess the clinical behaviour of the tumours. Thirty‐one patients (17 male; 14 female) were included. The average age at time of first biopsy was 56 years. The total number of lesions was 185, with 80% of subjects showing multiple lesions. The nodular subtype was the most prevalent, followed by superficial, micronodular and mixed tumours. One‐third of the BCCs could be classified as aggressive histologically. Stromal fibroplasia and melanin deposits were common. There was no mortality related to BCC. None of the 17 patients who completed the survey had evidence of local invasiveness or metastases.ConclusionsBCCs following radiation therapy for tinea capitis show unique histological characteristics related to aggressive behaviour. These aggressive features did not reflect the clinical behaviour in the current cohort.
Hepatic elastin content is predictive of adverse outcome in advanced fibrotic liver disease
Authors: Kendall Timothy J , Dolman Grace E , Duff Catherine M , Paish Emma C , Zaitoun Abed , Irving William , Fallowfield Jonathan A , Guha Indra N 
Published: February 2018

AimsThe aim of this study was to determine if elastin content in needle core native liver biopsies was predictive of clinical outcome in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus‐related chronic liver disease.Methods and resultsElastin contents in liver biopsies were determined by image analysis, technically validated in an independent centre, and correlated with outcome in patients with advanced (Ishak stage ≥5) chronic hepatitis C virus‐related chronic liver disease. Elastin was robustly quantified in an operator‐independent and laboratory‐independent manner, with very strong correlation of elastin staining measured with two methods of image classification (rs = 0.873, P < 0.00001). Elastin content (but not absolute scar content or Ishak stage) was predictive for future clinical outcomes. In a cohort of patients without sustained virological response, the median hepatic elastin content was 3.4%, and 17 patients (57%) progressed to a liver‐related clinical outcome; 11 of the 15 patients (73%) with a hepatic elastin content of >3.4% progressed to a clinical outcome, as compared with only six of 15 (40%) with an elastin content of <3.4%. The difference in time to outcome was significant.ConclusionsWe describe a simple and reproducible method for elastin quantification in liver biopsies that provides potentially valuable prognostic information to inform clinical management.
Microstructure evolution and performance improvement of TiN‐based cermets with carbon addition
Authors: Wu Yuxue , Xiong Huiwen , Zeng Wenmiao , Yuan Yue , Gan Xueping 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this work, TiN‐based cermets with excellent performance and uniform microstructure were successfully manufactured by conventional vacuum sintering with 0‐5 wt% carbon addition at 1500°C. Influence of carbon addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of cermets was investigated by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X‐Ray diffraction, electron probe microanalysis, and mechanical tests. The results showed that small amount of carbon helped to improve significantly the wettability between TiN and Ni/Co, leading to well‐distributed structure and perfect core‐rim phases. As the carbon content increased from 0 to 5 wt%, mechanical properties of cermets increased initially, displayed a maximum and then decreased. For the experimental conditions considered, the cermets with 3 wt% carbon addition revealed best mechanical properties. The relative density, the transverse rupture strength, fracture toughness, and Rockwell hardness of the cermets were 99.78%, 1836 MPa, 14.7 MPa m1/2, and 88, respectively.
Financial literacy and high‐cost borrowing: Exploring the mechanism
Authors: Pak Tae‐Young 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRecent studies have suggested that financial literacy is an important determinant of informed borrowing decisions. Despite the evidence that financially literate consumers are less likely to use alternative financial services, the mechanism through which financial literacy discourages demand for alternative financial services has yet to be fully understood. The previous studies proposed several explanations, such as the ability to undertake complex financial calculations and understand contract terms, to link financial literacy to savvy credit choices. This study evaluates the validity of this argument by examining whether or not financial knowledge plays a greater role in borrowing decisions where consumers are forced to rely on financial knowledge. It is assumed that consumers in an information‐sparse environment have a greater incentive to utilize financial knowledge to infer the hidden cost of borrowing contracts. To test this argument, this study examines the extent to which information availability moderates the negative impact of financial knowledge on rent‐to‐own transactions. Information content is captured by state‐level disclosure mandates for rental contracts, given that consumer in a loosely regulated state are exposed to less pricing information. The results illustrate that limited information strengthens the negative association between financial knowledge and rent‐to‐own transactions. This confirms the previous arguments that consumers are active thinkers who refer to financial knowledge to estimate the overall cost of borrowing.
Current practice for genetic counselling by nurses: An integrative review
Authors: Barr Jennieffer A. , Tsai Lily P. , Welch Anthony , Faradz Sultana M.H. , Lane‐Krebs Katrina , Howie Virginia , Hillman Wendy 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimTo examine current practice of genetic counselling by nurses.BackgroundRecent debate argues that genetic counselling is a specialist advanced practice role, whilst others argue it is the role of all nurses. Current evidence is required to determine if genetic counselling could be included in all nurses' scope of practice.DesignIntegrative literature review.Data SourcesA search of electronic databases (CINHAL, Medline, PubMed, Scopus), and reference lists published between January 2012 and March 2017, was undertaken.Review MethodsStudies were critically appraised for methodological quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. Data from each study were extracted and categorized according to their primary findings.ResultsThe inclusion criteria were met in 10 studies. Main findings were identified: role of genetic counselling, current knowledge, need for further education, and client satisfaction with nurse genetic counsellors.ConclusionThis paper concludes that some nurses do engage in genetic counselling, but how they engage is not consistent, nor is there consensus about what should be the scope of practice. Further investigation into credentialing, role recognition support and education for nurse genetic counselling are strongly recommended. As nurses are widely available, nurses can make a significant contribution to supporting those affected by genetic problems.
The lymphoid cell network in the skin
Authors: Tikoo Shweta , Jain Rohit , Kurz Angela RM , Weninger Wolfgang 
Published: February 2018

AbstractCutaneous immunity represents a crucial component of the mammalian immune response. The presence of a large array of commensal microorganisms along with a myriad of environmental stresses necessitates constant immuno‐surveillance of the tissue. To achieve a perfect balance between immune‐tolerance and immune‐activation, the skin harbors strategically localized immune cell populations that modulate these responses. To maintain homeostasis, innate and adaptive immune cells assimilate microenvironmental cues and coordinate cellular and molecular functions in a spatiotemporal manner. The role of lymphoid cells in cutaneous immunity is gaining much appreciation due to their important roles in regulating skin health and pathology. In this review, we aim to highlight the recent advances in the field of cutaneous lymphoid biology.