Side biases observed in behavior are thought to reflect underlying asymmetric brain function or hemispheric specialization. Previous work in multiple species identified left side biases (associated with the right hemisphere) for processing social behavior. In highly social species such as primates, many behaviors may be categorized as social, yet differences between such behaviors have not been examined as a test of asymmetric brain function. Using Colombian spider monkeys (Ateles fusciceps rufiventris), we observed lateral positioning during two types of behaviors widely categorized as social affiliative: embracing and grooming, and identified a left bias for embracing, but not grooming. Our findings partially support prior research in hemispheric specialization, but suggest that there may be differences between social behaviors that drive specialization. We discuss these results in light of current theory on hemispheric specialization and highlight differences between embracing and grooming.
In newborn rats, the leg extension response (LER) is a coordinated hyperextension of the hindlimbs that is shown in response to anogenital stimulation. Here we examined the influence of sensorimotor training on LER expression in postnatal day 1 rats. In Experiment 1, we examined if proprioceptive feedback facilitates LER expression. We did this by repeatedly stimulating the pup's anogenital region with a vibrotactile device, to experimentally evoke the LER, thus increasing LER-relevant hindlimb proprioceptive feedback during training. In trained subjects, the LER was evoked every 4 min for 15 trials, followed by a final LER test. Results indicated that proprioceptive feedback on its own did not alter later expression of the LER. In Experiment 2, we examined the effect of both proprioceptive and cutaneous feedback on LER expression, through the use of a range of motion (ROM) restriction during training. During ROM restriction, a Plexiglas plate was placed beneath the pup at 50% of limb length. After the 15th training trial, a final LER test occurred with no ROM restriction in place. Compared to controls, pups that experienced ROM restriction exhibited a significantly shorter LER duration, and smaller hip and ankle angles during the LER test (indicating greater limb flexion). Together these findings show that concurrent proprioceptive and cutaneous feedback, but not proprioceptive feedback alone, has persistent effects on expression of this newborn action pattern.
Background
It is unclear how interventions designed to restrict community and in-hospital exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus influenced stroke care for patients seeking acute treatment. Therefore, we aimed to determine COVID-19 intervention impact on acute stroke treatment times and assess risk of contracting COVID-19 due to their stay in our medical center.
Methods
Retrospective, single center, two-phase study evaluating hospital and community trends from 12/2019 – 04/2020 compared to the previous year and pre/post (n=156/93) intervention implementation. Phase I assessed stroke treatment times, delay to hospital arrival, and witnessed stroke volume. Phase II, a post-implementation telephone survey, assessed risk of developing symptoms or testing positive for COVID-19.
Results
Stroke volume declined by 29% (p<.05) from April to March compared to the previous year. However, no significant delays in seeking medical care (pre Mdn=112, post Mdn=95, p=.34) was observed. Witnessed stroke volume decreased 11% (p<.001) compared to the pre-implementation group, but no significant delay in IV alteplase (pre Mdn=22 mins; post Mdn=26 mins, p=.08) nor endovascular treatment (pre Mdn=60 mins; post Mdn=80 mins, p=.45) was observed. In Phase II, 63 patients participated, two tested (3%) COVID-19 positive during admission and four (6%) within two weeks of discharge. COVID-19 contraction risk during and after hospitalization remained similar to the general population (RR=1.75, 95%CI: 0.79-3.63). Overall results indicated a marked decrease in stroke volume, no significant delays to either seek or provide acute stroke care were evident, and COVID-19 contraction risk was low.
Conclusions
Seeking acute stroke medical care outweighs the risk of COVID-19 exposure.
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