Anterior Area Research Articles

Is hip capsule morphology associated with hip pain in patients without another structural correlate?

The goals of this study were (i) to assess the association between hip capsule morphology and pain in patients without any other MRI abnormalities that would correlate with pain and (ii) to investigate whether hip capsule morphology in hip pain patients is different from that of controls. In this study, 76 adults with hip pain who did not show any structural abnormalities on MRI and 46 asymptomatic volunteers were included. Manual segmentation of the anterior and posterior hip capsules was performed. Total and mean anterior hip capsule area, posterior capsule area, anterior-to-posterior capsule area ratio, and medial-to-lateral area ratio in the anterior capsule were quantified. Differences between the pain and control groups were evaluated using logistic regression models. Patients with hip pain showed a significantly lower anterior-to-posterior area ratio as compared with the control group (p = 0.002). The pain group's posterior hip capsule area was significantly larger than that of controls (p = 0.001). Additionally, the ratio between the medial and lateral sections of the anterior capsule was significantly lower in the pain group (p = 0.004). Patients with hip pain are more likely to have thicker posterior capsules and a lower ratio of the anterior-to-posterior capsule area and thinner medial anterior capsules with a lower ratio of the medial-to-lateral anterior hip capsule compartment, compared with controls. During MRI evaluations of patients with hip pain, morphology of the hip capsule should be assessed. This study aims to be a foundation for future analyses to identify thresholds distinguishing normal from abnormal hip capsule measurements. • Even with modern image modalities such as MRI, one of the biggest challenges in handling hip pain patients is finding a structural link for their pain. • Hip capsule morphologies that correlated with hip pain showed a larger posterior hip capsule area and a lower anterior-to-posterior capsule area ratio, as well as a smaller medial anterior capsule area with a lower medial-to-lateral anterior hip capsule ratio. • The hip capsule morphology is correlated with hip pain in patients who do not show other morphology abnormalities in MRI and should get more attention in clinical practice.

Evaluation of Palatal Thickness for the Placement of MARPE Device among a Cohort of Iraqi-Kurdish Population: A Retrospective CBCT Study.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare palatal thickness in adults for the placement of mini-implants for miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) appliances using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a sample of Iraqi-Kurdish people. CBCT scans from 68 Kurdish patients, aged between 18 and 30 years, were assessed retrospectively. Of these, 37 were males and 31 were females. The measurements were performed at 3 mm from the mid-palatal suture. T-zone was selected for the anterior points, at the level of the palatal cusps of 2nd premolars, and the posterior point at the level of mesio-palatal cusps of 1st molars bilaterally. Palatal thickness of males and females bilaterally, as well as anterior and posterior areas, were measured and compared. An independent t-test was applied for comparison for normally distributed data, and the Mann-Whitney test was utilized for nonnormally distributed data. Additionally, Bonferroni correction was implemented for p-value adjustment. The mean palatal thickness at the anterior area was 6.06 mm for males, 6.17 mm for females on the right side, 5.94 mm for males, and 5.99 mm for females on the left side. The mean palatal thickness at the posterior area was almost the same for both genders (4.40 mm for males and 4.44 mm for females) on the right side, 4.35 mm for males, and 4.54 mm for females on the left side. Statistically, no significant difference was recorded between males and females, as well as right and left sides in both anterior and posterior regions; however, a very highly statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was recorded when comparing total thickness, including both hard and soft tissue, between anterior and posterior regions. CBCT proves a highly effective modality in assessing palatal thickness and suggesting ideal locations for orthodontic mini-screw placement. Our examination of palatal thickness in a sample of Iraqi-Kurdish individuals revealed no statistical difference between genders or sides, but significant variations were noted between anterior and posterior thicknesses. Comprehensive clinical and pre-expansion CBCT evaluations are crucial for precisely determining the optimal placement of MARPE devices in each patient, ensuring successful outcomes.

Distribution characteristics of gastric mucosal colonizing microorganisms in different glandular regions of Bactrian camels and their relationship with local mucosal immunity.

Bactrian camels inhabiting desert and semi-desert regions of China are valuable animal models for studying adaptation to desert environments and heat stress. In this study, 16S rRNA technology was employed to investigate the distribution characteristics and differences of mucosal microorganisms in the anterior gland area, posterior gland area, third gland area, cardia gland area, gastric fundic gland area and pyloric gland area of 5-peak adult healthy Bactrian camels. We aimed to explore the possible reasons for the observed microbial distribution from the aspects of histological structure and mucosal immunity. Bacteroides and Fibrobacteria accounted for 59.54% and 3.22% in the gland area, respectively, and 52.37% and 1.49% in the wrinkled stomach gland area, respectively. The gland area showed higher abundance of Bacteroides and Fibrobacteria than the wrinkled stomach gland area. Additionally, the anterior gland area, posterior gland area, third gland area, and cardia gland area of Bactrian camels mainly secreted acidic mucus, while the gastric fundic gland area mainly secreted neutral mucus and the pyloric region mainly secreted a mixture of acidic and neutral mucus. The results of immunohistochemistry techniques demonstrated that the number of IgA+ cells in the anterior glandular area, posterior glandular area, third glandular area, and cardia gland area was significantly higher than that in the fundic and pyloric gland area (p < 0.05), and the difference in IgA+ between the fundic and pyloric gland area was not significant (p > 0.05). The study revealed a large number of bacteria that can digest and degrade cellulose on the mucosa of the gastric gland area of Bactrian camels. The distribution of IgA+ cells, the structure of the mucosal tissue in the glandular region, and the composition of the mucus secreted on its surface may have a crucial influence on microbial fixation and differential distribution.

The Anterior Notch Area for 3 Types of Notch Geometry, an Individualized Approach for Choosing the ACL Graft Size.

Background: The intercondylar notch (ICN) is an important element of knee morphometry, in close relation to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). To find the average are of the anterior notch in each ICN specific shape (A-, W-, or U-shape). Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were independently analyzed by two experts, one orthopedic surgeon and one imaging physician. In all cases, the following measurements were done according to the existing definitions: ICN type, aICN area. Results: 65 cases (A-35.4%, W-26.2%, U-38,5%) were included in study; A and W notch types have smaller aICN areas, while U-type notch has bigger aICN area. Conclusion: The anterior intercondylar notch area varies significantly for each specific shape (A-, W, or U-shape), and does not corelates with height. This needs to be considered during ACL reconstruction, when choosing graft size.

Digital planning of the anterior sector for changing defective resin veneers to lithium disilicate. Case report

The esthetic problem of defective resin restorations in the anterior sector leads to psychological, esthetic, functional and periodontal soft tissue problems. Smile design is a current issue in restorative dentistry, the search for beauty is what motivates us to obtain an esthetically pleasing smile. The present clinical case reports a 34-year-old female patient, with no medical history, where defective resin veneers were observed in the anterosuperior sector, where lithium disilicate veneers were planned. The objective of this clinical case study was to determine the esthetic results with digital planning in the anterior area with lithium disilicate veneers. This research reveals that lithium disilicate veneers offer remarkable esthetic results, improving dental appearance in a versatile and long-lasting manner, which positively impacts patients' self-image and confidence. Digital anterior planning for changes from defective resin veneers to lithium disilicate is a highly promising strategy in esthetic dentistry. The combination of digital technology and the use of lithium disilicate offers outstanding esthetic and functional results, with greater preservation of tooth tissue and increased patient satisfaction

Installation of dental implants in distracted anterior alveolar bone

Purpose This study was planned to evaluate the success of dental implants installed in distracted alveolar bone using extra-osseous vertical distractor. Patients and methods This is a prospective noncontrolled clinical study that was carried out on eight patients with age range from 20 to 50 years old who complained from vertical alveolar defect in anterior area and underwent vertical alveolar distraction osteogenesis using extra-osseous distractor device followed by implant installation. Results Clinically there was a significant increase in vertical height of alveolar bone after distraction at P value of 0.007. Radiographically, by cone-beam computed tomography there was a significant increase in alveolar bone height and implants installed in distracted anterior alveolar bone were successful. Conclusion Alveolar distraction osteogenesis was a predictable method for restoring alveolar ridge height prior to implant placement. Distraction osteogenesis is ideally suited for recreating missing tissues in the anterior esthetic zone. The bone gain reached at the end of distraction appears to be lasting.

Mitral valvuloplasty using real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography.

This study aimed to investigate the structure of the mitral valve in patients undergoing mitral valvuloplasty (MVP) using real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT-3D-TEE). The main objective was to study the relationship between intraoperative annuloplasty ring size and mitral valve structure dimensions, with a focus on exploring the application value of RT-3D-TEE in MVP. A total of 28 patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR), who underwent MVP between February and September 2022, as well as 12 normal control cases, were enrolled in this study. The MV annulus and leaflets were quantitatively analyzed using MVN software. The DMR group exhibited significantly greater dimensions in various parameters of the mitral valve, including the anterolateral-to-posteromedial diameter (DAlPm ), anterior-to-posterior diameter (DAP ), annulus height (HA ), three-dimensional annulus circumference (CA3D ), two-dimensional annulus area (AA2D ), anterior leaflet area (Aant ), posterior leaflet area (Apost ), anterior leaflet length (Lant ), posterior leaflet length (Lpost ), and tenting volume (Vtent ) compared to the control group. Real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography provides valuable insights into the morphological structure of the mitral valve and lesion location. It can aid in surgical decision-making, validate the success of MVP, and potentially reduce mortality and complications associated with mitral valve repair procedures.

Evaluation of Failure Rate for Cortical Dental Implants Placed in the Mandibular Anterior Region: A Systematic Review

Introduction: To enhance the success of dental implants, it is crucial to understand the factors contributing to implant failure. Practitioners should carefully evaluate the relevance and impact of critical risk factors associated with the mandibular anterior region to gauge the potential for implant failure. Aim: To assess the rates of implant failure for implants placed in the mandibular anterior region. Materials and Methods: For this systematic review, the eligibility criteria for present study included randomised and non randomised clinical trials, prospective cohort studies, and retrospective studies published in the English language between 2000 and 2022. These studies specifically documented dental implant failure rates in the anterior mandible, excluding reviews, in-vitro, cadaveric, and animal studies, as well as case series studies. The participants considered were systemically and mentally healthy individuals aged 18-90 years who had undergone oral restoration using dental implants in the anterior mandibular area. Exclusion criteria involved patients who did not undergo oral restoration with dental implants in the anterior mandibular region, those with systemic diseases affecting implant success, serious cardiac diseases, deficient homeostasis, blood dyscrasias, and psychological diseases. The intervention focused on patients rehabilitated with cortical dental implants in the mandibular anterior region, without a specific comparator or control. Based on the mentioned criteria, nine studies were included. The main outcome of interest was the dental implant failure rate. Results: The review's included studies indicated the placement of 3,718 implants in the mandibular anterior region, with 86 failures, resulting in a 2.31% failure rate, suggesting an approximate 3% failure rate for implants in this area. Conclusion: Given the multifactorial nature of implant failure, the available literature does not support the designation of the mandibular anterior region as a specific risk factor for such failures.

Morphogeometric characterization in keratoconus according to the RETICS grading system

Aims/Purpose: Keratoconus progression characterizes by corneal thinning resulting in irregular astigmatism and visual impairment. In the present work a computerized 3D modelling method is used to describe different morphogeometric variables in healthy corneas and keratoconus. RETICS grading system was used to characterize keratoconus with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) as the major grading parameter. Analyzing morphogeometric variables and its correlation with visual acuity (VA) may help understand structural changes associated with visual decline in keratoconus.Methods: 124 healthy corneas and 257 eyes with keratoconus were included and classified according to the RETICS grading system as grade 1 (n = 94) when VA &gt; 0.9; grade 2 (n = 65) when 0.6 &lt; VA ≤ 0.9; grade 3 (n = 50) when 0.4 &lt; VA ≤ 0.6; grade 4 (n = 31) when 0.2 &lt; VA ≤ 0.4 and grade 5 (n = 17) when VA ≤ 0.2. Computerized 3D modelling was done and morphogeometric variables analysed: anterior surface area (ASA), posterior surface area (PSA), total area (TA), total volume (TV), anterior apex deviation (AAD), posterior apex deviation (PAD), anterior minimum thickness point deviation (AMTPD) and posterior minimum thickness point deviation (PMTPD).Results: All morphogeometric variables showed differences between normal and keratconic eyes (p &lt; 0.001). ASA and PSA present higher values in keratoconus (p &lt; 0.001), while TV shows lower values in the same subjects (p &lt; 0.001). Correlation between BCVA and all variables was calculated showing a positive correlation for the ASA (p = 0.0036) and PSA (p = 0.0172), and a negative correlation for TV (p = 0.1612) and PAD (p = 0.0821).Conclusions: As keratoconus progresses and VA worsens, corneal structural changes include an increase in the PAD, in addition to an increase of both anterior and posterior corneal areas while TV tends to decrease. Morphogeometric variables represent a new parameter to characterize keratoconus and some demonstrate a statistically significant correlation with visual loss.

Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody in stroke localization: exordium doorway of preliminary findings in thyroidology?

Stroke is a chronic health problem that affects all areas of life. The presence of thyroid autoantibodies can augment the severity of stroke. The aim of this work is to investigate whether there is a relationship between the site of stroke involvement and the anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO) or not. This is the first study in the English-language literature. A total of 39 patients with a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke were included, and the cases under 18 years of age with an infection and the ones with autoimmune diseases other than Hashimoto's thyroiditis were excluded from the study design. The patients' age, gender, smoking status, comorbid conditions, and stroke localization in brain imaging were recorded. The region involving the anterior circulation area originating from the internal carotid artery was evaluated as anterior, and the region possessing the vertebrobasilar circulation area from the vertebral arteries was considered posterior involvement. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), C-reactive protein (CRP), sedimentation, and anti-TPO were retrospectively analyzed. As a consequence, gender distribution, smoking, comorbid conditions, TSH, T3, T4, triglyceride, HDL, LDL, CRP, and sedimentation did not differ significantly, while the age of the posterior-located stroke was lower than that of the cases with the anterior. The anti-TPO value was significantly lower in posterior-located strokes than in the anterior system. In summary, the anti-TPO value was recognized as higher in the anterior stroke localization. Thyroiditis and accompanying anti-TPO autoantibody positivity are conditions that should not be ignored by thyroidologists and thyroid-health providers.

Implications of heat exchange for a free-living endangered marsupial determined by non-invasive thermal imaging.

We used thermal imagining and heat balance modelling to examine the thermal ecology of wild mammals, using the diurnal marsupial numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus) as a model. Body surface temperature was measured using infra-red thermography at environmental wet and dry bulb temperatures of 11.7-29°C and 16.4-49.3°C, respectively; surface temperature varied for different body parts and with environmental temperature. Radiative and convective heat exchange varied markedly with environmental conditions and for various body surfaces reflecting their shapes, surface areas and projected areas. Both the anterior and posterior dorsolateral body areas functioned as thermal windows. Numbats in the shade had lower rates of solar radiative heat gain but non-solar avenues for radiative heat gain were substantial. Radiative gain was higher for black and lower for white stripes, but overall, the stripes had no thermal role. Total heat gain was generally positive (<4 to >20W) and often greatly exceeded metabolic heat production (3-6W). Our heat balance model indicates that high environmental heat loads limit foraging in open areas to as little as 10min and that climate change may extend periods of inactivity, with implications for future conservation and management. We conclude that non-invasive thermal imaging is informative for modelling heat balance of free-living mammals.

Associations between low-moderate prenatal alcohol exposure and brain development in childhood

BackgroundThe effects of low-moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on brain development have been infrequently studied. AimTo compare cortical and white matter structure between children aged 6 to 8 years with low-moderate PAE in trimester 1 only, low-moderate PAE throughout gestation, or no PAE. MethodsWomen reported quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy. Magnetic resonance imaging was undertaken for 143 children aged 6 to 8 years with PAE during trimester 1 only (n = 44), PAE throughout gestation (n = 58), and no PAE (n = 41). T1-weighted images were processed using FreeSurfer, obtaining brain volume, area, and thickness of 34 cortical regions per hemisphere. Fibre density (FD), fibre cross-section (FC) and fibre density and cross-section (FDC) metrics were computed for diffusion images. Brain measures were compared between PAE groups adjusted for age and sex, then additionally for intracranial volume. ResultsAfter adjustments, the right caudal anterior cingulate cortex volume (pFDR = 0.045) and area (pFDR = 0.008), and right cingulum tract cross-sectional area (pFWE < 0.05) were smaller in children exposed to alcohol throughout gestation compared with no PAE. ConclusionThis study reports a relationship between low-moderate PAE throughout gestation and cingulate cortex and cingulum tract alterations, suggesting a teratogenic vulnerability. Further investigation is warranted.

Enhancement plaque control in preschool children by an intelligent brushing guide device.

This study aims to investigate the impact of a tooth-brushing guidance system on the enchancement of the dental plaque removal in preschool children. In this study, we selected a group of 124 healthy children in which their aged were between 3 and 5 years old following by treatment at the Pediatric Dentistry Center at Jinzhou Stomatological Hospital (JinZhou, Liaoning Province, China). We then followed up to check and identify the Turesky modification of the Quigley-Hein plaque index (TMQHPI). Study group was randomly assigned to an experimental group in which they received constantly guidance on intelligent tooth-brushing and a control group which was used by manual brushing techniques. The total numbers in each group were 62 participants that were gone under the clinical investigation for seven days. The plaque index of both groups were assessed by using a plaque display instrument and a periodontal probe for up day 28. It was shown that the experimental group had a lower average TMQHPI value (0.98 ± 0.15) in comparison with control group (1.41 ± 0.17), and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The experimental group had a significantly lower TMQHPI value (0.89 ± 0.13) on the tongue/palatal side of the anterior teeth area in comparison with control group (1.41 ± 0.17) (p < 0.05). We observed that experimental group showed significantly lower TMQHPI value (1.16 ± 0.12) on the tongue/palatal side of the posterior dental region in comparison with control group (1.70 ± 0.13) (p < 0.05). It was confirmed a significant difference in the average plaque clearance rate between the experimental and control groups (p < 0.05). Our study clearly indicates that a developed method of toothbrush guide effectively improved the removal rate of plaque compared with manual tooth-brush, specifically in hard-to-reach areas like the tongue and palate.

Ovoid pontics in the aesthetic management of the upper anterior sector. Case report

Tooth loss in the anterior sector causes not only functional alterations, but also aesthetic ones that alter people's quality of life, which is why its rehabilitation is one of the most common demands of patients in dentistry. One of the techniques used for the aesthetic management of partial edentulism is ovoid pontics. The clinical case of a 46-year-old female patient treated at the dental and aesthetic surgery postgraduate clinic of the San Gregorio de Portoviejo University, for the rehabilitation of the edentulous upper anterior sector, is reported. After the clinical radiographic study, the diagnosis and a comprehensive and interdisciplinary treatment plan were established, which included: oral prophylaxis, removal of dental calculus, endodontics, dental surgery, surgical procedure for modeling the gingival ridge, and creation of ovoid pontics with Zirconium. The ovoid pontic made with zirconium to rehabilitate the anterior areas of the oral cavity is an excellent option that meets the aesthetic and functional expectations of the patient

Follow-up ASPECTS improves prediction of potentially lethal malignant edema in patients with large middle cerebral artery stroke

BackgroundRecent studies have shown that follow-up head CT is a strong predictor of functional outcomes in patients with middle cerebral artery stroke and mechanical thrombectomy. We sought to determine whether...

Fully digital workflow for the fabrication of occlusal stabilization splints based on individual mandibular movement

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to present a completely digital workflow for the fabrication of occlusal stabilization splints using CAD/CAM systems and a digital face bow based on optical sensor technology. MethodsDigital scans of the maxillary and mandibular arches of 20 volunteers were obtained using an intraoral scanner. Jaw relation and mandibular movements were recorded with a digital face bow via optical sensors. The virtual increase of the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) was then performed, after which computer-aided design (CAD) of the occlusal stabilization splints was carried out. The corresponding splints were then manufactured using digitally controlled technology. ResultsA completely digital workflow for the manufacturing of occlusal stabilization splints was found to be clinically feasible. The corresponding data analysis revealed high congruence between virtual and physical occlusal contacts on the occlusal splint. Moreover, the appropriate guidance of the anterior teeth area was easily obtainable, and the time for adjusting the occlusion was less. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that the fabrication of occlusal stabilization splints using a fully digital workflow is feasible. Compared to traditional impression-based manufacturing, several advantages of digital manufacturing include easy accessibility, time-efficient manufacturing, high-level accuracy in splint quality, and potential to manufacture duplicate splints. Clinical significanceThe proposed fully digital approach may help young dentists fabricating stable occlusal splints with beneficial curative effects. Meanwhile, it could also improve the production efficiency of stable occlusal splints, saving time for both doctors and patients while reducing labor costs.

Attention and purchase intention of sounding advertisements—A study on autonomous sensory meridian response of towel sound

AbstractIn the face of Taiwan's declining textile industry, companies strive to enhance product visibility but to little avail. Emphasizing personalized marketing in online advertising, they are exploring consumer‐preferred streaming adverts. However, the distracting nature of streaming media presents an obstacle. Herein, our research offers a solution. Utilizing audio autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR), evidenced to significantly amplify skin conductance rate and brainwave activity, consumer attention can be effectively garnered. Studies have found that watching videos with the sound effect of ASMR can help the audience concentrate. Changes in brainwaves and skin conductance rates, when consumers use towel product, can be used to explore whether the participants are affected by ASMR. The results showed that audio ASMR streaming significantly increased the skin conductance rate and the brainwave of left anterior frontal area. This means that audio ASMR can attract consumer attention. The survey results have shown that all hypotheses were supported.Practical ApplicationsThis research explores the use of autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) in online advertising for the declining textile industry in Taiwan. ASMR, a unique sound that captures attention and induces relaxation, has been shown to increase consumer concentration and purchase intention. By integrating ASMR into towel advertisements and analyzing participants' physiological signals, such as skin conductance rate and brainwave activity, the study found that audio ASMR significantly attracted consumer attention and increased purchase intentions. The findings suggest that textile companies should incorporate ASMR into their marketing strategies to effectively engage consumers and boost sales. Moreover, understanding audience preferences for specific ASMR sounds is crucial for achieving the desired advertising effects.

Bilateral and asymmetrical localization of language function identified by the superselective infusion of propofol in an epilepsy patient with a mild malformation of cortical development: illustrative case.

Atypical localization of language function can result in unexpected postsurgical deficits after cortical resection, but it is difficult to predict the risk in the presurgical evaluation. The authors experienced a rare case of the bilateral and independent existence of different components of language function identified by segmented evaluation of anatomical anterior and posterior language areas using the superselective infusion of propofol. A 32-year-old right-handed female presented with drug-resistant epilepsy. Comprehensive epilepsy evaluation suggested that the epileptic foci involved the whole left frontal lobe but provided less evidence of structural abnormality. To estimate the extent of functional deterioration likely to be caused by an extended left frontal lobectomy, the authors evaluated segmented cortical function in the ipsi- and contralateral hemispheres by the superselective infusion of propofol into the branches of the intracranial artery. The results revealed bilateral and asymmetrical localization of language function because the patient presented with different components of aphasia in each hemisphere. Based on the authors' assessment of her functional tolerance, an extended left frontal lobectomy was performed and resulted in neurological deficits within the anticipated range. An accurate understanding of the correlations between vascular and functional anatomy and the highly specific evaluation of language function provides more advanced presurgical assessment, allowing more tailored planning of cortical resection.

Reversible deactivation of motor cortex reveals that areas in parietal cortex are differentially dependent on motor cortex for the generation of movement.

Primates are characterized by specializations for manual manipulation, including expansion of posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and, in Catarrhines, evolution of a dexterous hand and opposable thumb. Previous studies examined functional interactions between motor cortex and PPC in New World monkeys and galagos, by inactivating M1 and evoking movements from PPC. These studies found that portions of PPC depend on M1 to generate movements. We now add a species that more closely resembles humans in hand morphology and PPC: macaques. Inactivating portions of M1 resulted in all evoked movements being reduced (28%) or completely abolished (72%) at the PPC sites tested (in areas 5L, PF, and PFG). Anterior parietal area 2 was similarly affected (26% reduced and 74% abolished) and area 1 was the least affected (12% no effect, 54% reduced, and 34% abolished). Unlike previous studies in New World monkeys and galagos, interactions between both nonanalogous (heterotopic) and analogous (homotopic) M1 and parietal movement domains were commonly found in most areas. These experiments demonstrate that there may be two parallel networks involved in motor control: a posterior parietal network dependent on M1 and a network that includes area 1 that is relatively independent of M1. Furthermore, it appears that the relative size and number of cortical fields in parietal cortex in different species correlates with homotopic and heterotopic effect prevalence. These functional differences in macaques could contribute to more numerous and varied muscle synergies across major muscle groups, supporting the expansion of the primate manual behavioral repertoire observed in Old World monkeys.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Motor cortex and anterior and posterior parietal cortex form a sensorimotor integration network. We tested the extent to which parietal areas could initiate movements independent of M1. Our findings support the contention that, although areas 2, 5L, PF, and PFG are highly dependent on M1 to produce movement, area 1 may constitute a parallel corticospinal pathway that can function somewhat independently of M1. A similar functional architecture may underlie dexterous tool use in humans.

Aging modulates frontal lobes involvement in emotion regulation processing.

Emotion regulation (ER) is the process by which individuals can modulate the intensity of their emotional experience and it plays a crucial role in daily life. So far, behavioral analyses seem to suggest that ER ability remains stable throughout the lifespan. However, imaging studies evaluating the neural correlates of ER performance during the aging process have shown mixed results. In this study, we used the "Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience cohort sample" to investigate: (1) ER behavioral performance and (2) the differential association between brain measures (based on both structural and functional connectivity data) and ER performance, in a group of younger/middle-aged participants (N = 159; age range: 18y < x < 58y) relative to a group of older healthy subjects (N = 136; age range: 58y < =x < 89y). Whereas we found no group-related differences either in ER behavioral data or the association between ER performance and structural data, we did observe that ER performance was differentially correlated in our two study groups to functional connectivity measures in the fronto-insular-temporal network, which has been shown to be involved in emotional processing. Group-related differences were specifically localized in a cluster of voxels within the anterior cingulate areas which revealed a reverse pattern between our study groups: in younger/middle-aged participants better ER performance was associated with increase connectivity, whereas among older participants better ER performance was related to reduced connectivity. Based on our results, we suggest that a de-differentiation mechanism, known to affect the frontal lobes brain activity and connectivity in older subjects, might explain our findings.