Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anatomical segmentation of the human medial prefrontal cortex

The medial prefrontal areas 32, 24, 14, and 25 (mPFC) form part of the limbic memory system, but little is known about their functional specialization in humans. To add anatomical precision to structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, we aimed to identify these mPFC subareas in histological preparations of human brain tissue, determine sulci most consistently related with mPFC areal boundaries, and use these sulci to delineate mPFC areas in MRIs. To achieve this, we obtained three‐dimensional MRI data from 11 ex vivo hemispheres and processed them for cyto‐ and myelo‐architectonic analysis. The architectonic boundaries of mPFC areas were identified in histology and cortical surface length and volumes were measured. Unfolded maps of histologically determined boundaries were generated to identify the association of mPFC areal boundaries with sulci across cases. This analysis showed that cingulate and superior rostral were the sulci most consistently related to mPFC areal boundaries. Based on presence/absence and anastomosis between such sulci, 6 sulci patterns in the 11 hemispheres were found. A further analysis of 102 hemispheres of in vivo MRI scans (N = 51 males, mean ± SD 24.1 ± 3.1 years of age) showed similar sulci patterns, which allowed us to delineate the mFPC areas in them. The volumes of mPFC areas across histological, ex vivo and in vivo MRI delineations were comparable and probabilistic maps generated from the MRIs of the102 hemispheres. Probabilistic maps of mPFC areas were registered to MNI space and are available for regional analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging data.
c‐Fos and Arc/Arg3.1 expression in auditory and visual cortices after hearing loss: Evidence of sensory crossmodal reorganization in adult rats

Cross‐modal reorganization in the auditory and visual cortices has been reported after hearing and visual deficits mostly during the developmental period, possibly underlying sensory compensation mechanisms. However, there are very few data on the existence or nature and timeline of such reorganization events during sensory deficits in adulthood. In this study, we assessed long‐term changes in activity‐dependent immediate early genes c‐Fos and Arc/Arg3.1 in auditory and neighboring visual cortical areas after bilateral deafness in young adult rats. Specifically, we analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively c‐Fos and Arc/Arg3.1 immunoreactivity at 15 and 90 days after cochlea removal. We report extensive, global loss of c‐Fos and Arc/Arg3.1 immunoreactive neurons in the auditory cortex 15 days after permanent auditory deprivation in adult rats, which is partly reversed 90 days after deafness. Simultaneously, the number and labeling intensity of c‐Fos‐ and Arc/Arg3.1‐immunoreactive neurons progressively increase in neighboring visual cortical areas from 2 weeks after deafness and these changes stabilize three months after inducing the cochlear lesion. These findings support plastic, compensatory, long‐term changes in activity in the auditory and visual cortices after auditory deprivation in the adult rats. Further studies may clarify whether those changes result in perceptual potentiation of visual drives on auditory regions of the adult cortex.
Modular‐extramodular organization in developing multisensory shell regions of the mouse inferior colliculus

The complex neuroanatomical connections of the inferior colliculus (IC) and its major subdivisions offer a juxtaposition of segregated processing streams with distinct organizational features. While the tonotopically layered central nucleus is well‐documented, less is known about functional compartments in the neighboring lateral cortex (LCIC). In addition to a laminar framework, LCIC afferent‐efferent patterns suggest a multimodal mosaic, consisting of a patchy modular network with surrounding extramodular domains. This study utilizes several neurochemical markers that reveal an emerging LCIC modular‐extramodular microarchitecture. In newborn and post‐hearing C57BL/6J and CBA/CaJ mice, histochemical and immunocytochemical stains were performed for acetylcholinesterase (AChE), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate‐diaphorase (NADPH‐d), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), cytochrome oxidase (CO), and calretinin (CR). Discontinuous layer 2 modules are positive for AChE, NADPH‐d, GAD, and CO throughout the rostrocaudal LCIC. While not readily apparent at birth, discrete cell clusters emerge over the first postnatal week, yielding an identifiable modular network prior to hearing onset. Modular boundaries continue to become increasingly distinct with age, as surrounding extramodular fields remain largely negative for each marker. Alignment of modular markers in serial sections suggests each highlight the same periodic patchy network throughout the nascent LCIC. In contrast, CR patterns appear complementary, preferentially staining extramodular LCIC zones. Double‐labeling experiments confirm that NADPH‐d, the most consistent developmental modular marker, and CR label separate, nonoverlapping LCIC compartments. Determining how this emerging modularity may align with similar LCIC patch‐matrix‐like Eph/ephrin guidance patterns, and how each interface with, and potentially influence developing multimodal LCIC projection configurations is discussed.
Combination therapy with flupirtine and opioid: studies in rat pain models.

OBJECTIVES Flupirtine is an established clinical analgesic for mild to moderate musculoskeletal pain states. It has recently been shown to be a KCNQ2-3 potassium channel opener. These experiments were performed to see if this property could be useful in treating pain states characterized by central sensitization with the drug either given alone or in combination with morphine. DESIGN Experiments were performed in rats in an observer-blinded fashion with vehicle controls. Nonsedating doses of flupirtine, morphine, and combinations containing both drugs were defined using the rotarod test and open-field activity monitoring. Dose-response relationships were determined for nonsedating doses of both drugs given alone and together in combination in causing antinociception in two nociception paradigms: carrageenan paw inflammation and streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy. RESULTS Flupirtine and morphine, when given alone at the highest nonsedating doses, caused slight to moderate antinociception in both paradigms. Flupirtine also caused significant increases in morphine antinociception in both models. In carrageenan paw inflammation, complete reversal of carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia was caused by 10 mg/kg flupirtine in combination with 0.4 mg/kg morphine. These doses of the two drugs were ineffective when given alone, but the combination caused complete antinociception in this model of inflammatory pain. In the diabetic neuropathy model, morphine 3.2 mg/kg given alone caused no significant antinociception. However, a lower dose of morphine (1.6 mg/kg shown to be ineffective when it was given alone) given in combination with flupirtine 10 mg/kg caused highly significant antinociceptive effects causing complete reversal of hyperalgesia caused by diabetic neuropathy (P < 0.001, one-way analysis of variance). This combination of drugs was not sedating. CONCLUSIONS Flupirtine increases morphine antinociception without causing an increase in sedation. Flupirtine should be investigated as an adjunct analgesic with opioids for the management of patients with pain states involving central sensitization.
Essential role of hippocampal noradrenaline in the regulation of spatial working memory and TDP‐43 tissue pathology

Extensive loss of noradrenaline‐containing neurons and fibers is a nearly invariant feature of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). However, the exact noradrenergic contribution to cognitive and histopathological changes in AD is still unclear. Here, this issue was addressed following selective lesioning and intrahippocampal implantation of embryonic noradrenergic progenitors in developing rats. Starting from about 3 months and up to 12 months post‐surgery, animals underwent behavioral tests to evaluate sensory‐motor, as well as spatial learning and memory, followed by post‐mortem morphometric analyses. At 9 months, Control, Lesioned and Lesion + Transplant animals exhibited equally efficient sensory‐motor and reference memory performance. Interestingly, working memory abilities were seen severely impaired in Lesion‐only rats and fully recovered in Transplanted rats, and appeared partly lost again 2 months after ablation of the implanted neuroblasts. Morphological analyses confirmed the almost total lesion‐induced noradrenergic neuronal and terminal fiber loss, the near‐normal reinnervation of the hippocampus promoted by the transplants, and its complete removal by the second lesion. Notably, the noradrenergic‐rich transplants normalized also the nuclear expression of the transactive response DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) in various hippocampal subregions, whose cytoplasmic (i.e., pathological) occurrence appeared dramatically increased as a result of the lesions. Thus, integrity of ascending noradrenergic inputs to the hippocampus may be required for the regulation of specific aspects of learning and memory and to prevent TDP‐43 tissue pathology.
Promoting Traditions: An Evaluation of a Wilderness Activity Among First Nations of Canada

Objectives: Several native American communities face serious social problems brought about by the loss of culture. Many First-Nation communities organize traditional activities in a wilderness setting to promote culture and prevent social problems, among them suicide. The activities evaluated in this study were organized by the Atikamek community of Manawan (Quebec, Canada) for adolescents aged between 14 and 17 years. The main goals of these activities were to increase self-esteem, re-establish cultural continuity, encourage pro-social behaviours among the participants and ultimately empower and mobilize the community. Methods: Within the context of an honours thesis project, this research assessed the process and the effects of these traditional activities on a group of First-Nation youth. The evaluation used a mixed methodology consisting of two self-esteem scales and participatory observation. The results of this evaluative study show that this type of traditional activity is an innovative tool to increase cultural pride, foster pro-social behaviour and empower First-Nation youth. Conclusions: Obstacles met during the course of this research project highlight the importance of developing methodologies able to capture the rich and specific outcomes of traditional activities in an Aboriginal context.
Influence of age on psychological adjustment to cancer

A total of 520 patients were assessed within 8 weeks of diagnosis to explore the effect of age on psychological adjustment to cancer. Patients with cancers of the breast, colon, testicle, female reproductive tract and with lymphoma were included. Three measures of adjustment were used: DSM‐III diagnoses of depression and/or anxiety, frequency of specific concerns and the total number of patient concerns. For depression and anxiety diagnoses combined, the cases were significantly younger than the non‐cases (mean = 49.4 versus 53.7 years, p < 0.01). Younger patients also had significantly higher concern scores (p < 0.001). Younger patients were more likely to report concerns relating to the illness itself, treatment, feeling different, feeling upset, the future, finances, relationship with partner and others and sexuality. No age effect was seen for more practical concerns relating to physical symptoms, restriction of activities, job or amount of support received. Younger patients appear to experience greater difficulties adjusting to a cancer diagnosis but particular attention should be paid to the practical issues faced by older cancer patients.
Neuroarchitecture of the dung beetle central complex

Despite their tiny brains, insects show impressive abilities when navigating over short distances during path integration or during migration over thousands of kilometers across entire continents. Celestial compass cues often play an important role as references during navigation. In contrast to many other insects, South African dung beetles rely exclusively on celestial cues for visual reference during orientation. After finding a dung pile, these animals cut off a piece of dung from the pat, shape it into a ball and roll it away along a straight path until a suitable place for underground consumption is found. To maintain a constant bearing, a brain region in the beetle's brain, called the central complex, is crucially involved in the processing of skylight cues, similar to what has already been shown for path‐integrating and migrating insects. In this study, we characterized the neuroanatomy of the sky‐compass network and the central complex in the dung beetle brain in detail. Using tracer injections, combined with imaging and 3D modeling, we describe the anatomy of the possible sky‐compass network in the central brain. We used a quantitative approach to study the central‐complex network and found that several types of neuron exhibit a highly organized connectivity pattern. The architecture of the sky‐compass network and central complex is similar to that described in insects that perform path integration or are migratory. This suggests that, despite their different orientation behaviors, this neural circuitry for compass orientation is highly conserved among the insects.
Efferent connections of the prelimbic (area 32) and the infralimbic (area 25) cortices: An anterograde tracing study in the cat

The projections from the caudal part of the medial frontal cortex, encompassing the prelimbic area (PL) and the infralimbic area (IL) (Brodmann's areas 32 and 25, respectively), were studied in the cat with the anterograde autoradiographic tracing technique. The results indicate that the projection fields of IL, in contrast to those of PL, are restricted almost exclusively to limbic structures.
Age-related patterns in adaptation to cancer pain: a mixed-method study.

OBJECTIVE Although older people make up the majority of cancer patients, little is known about aging and cancer pain. The objective of this study was to explore age-related patterns in adaptation to chronic cancer-related pain in younger and older patients. DESIGN A mixed-method study combining quantitative measures with individual semi-structured interviews. Quantitative measures included the Brief Pain Inventory, Pain Management Index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and Karnofsky Performance Status. SETTING Two outpatient clinics (Palliative Care and Cancer Pain service) in an academic cancer hospital. PARTICIPANTS Fifteen younger (average age: 48.9 +/- 4.9 years old) and 17 older (average age: 72.4 +/- 9.2 years old) people with cancer-related pain. RESULTS Two age-related adaptation outcomes emerged from the interviews: "Waiting to live" and "Living despite pain. " Younger patients were more likely than older patients to be "Waiting to live. " They felt that complete pain relief was necessary before their lives could move forward and reported feeling out of control, angry, and unable to accept their pain. Marital strain was common. "Living despite pain" was more frequent among older than younger patients. These patients accepted pain as an inevitable part of cancer, pursued life goals, and modified activities to maximize engagement. Marital growth was common. CONCLUSION Older and younger cancer patients described different adaptations to cancer pain despite reporting comparable pain intensity and interference. Older patients adapted by employing accommodative strategies. Younger patients were less likely to use these strategies and struggled with accepting the losses associated with cancer pain. These findings may guide future research into age-related patterns in cancer pain and the development of psychosocial interventions tailored to patients' life stage challenges.
Serial therapeutic sacroiliac joint injections: a practice audit.

OBJECTIVE To determine the long-term response to serial sacroiliac joint (SIJ) corticosteroid injections. Design. Retrospective practice audit. SETTING AND PATIENTS Tertiary care spine center. Review of charts of all patients in a single practice who underwent diagnostic and therapeutic fluoroscopically guided SIJ injections with combined local anesthetic, long-acting corticosteroid, and contrast. MEASURES Response was evaluated at 1 hour and again at follow-up clinic visits. Response to injection was graded as positive if there was > or =50% relief of the targeted pain during the local anesthetic phase and at least 2 weeks of > or =50% relief afterward. If pain recurred, patients had to have been sufficiently satisfied with the relief to request repeat injection. RESULTS There were 164 patients; 5 had incomplete records, 4 had <2 year follow-up. Of the 155 patients, 120 (77%) were positive responders; 45 were men and 75 were women; and the mean age was 48 (27-91) years. Sixty-nine had prior lumbar surgery. Mean duration of follow-up was 44 months (26-101). Two were lost to follow-up. The 118 positive responders received a mean of 2.7 injections per patient. Forty patients required 1 injection only, 29 required two, 22 required three, and 27 required four or more. The mean duration of response for those receiving >1 injection was 9.3 months per injection (1-58). There were no adverse events. CONCLUSIONS SIJ corticosteroid injections appear to be an effective palliative treatment for selected patients with SIJ pain. Most patients whose pain is responsive to SIJ steroid injections improved sufficiently and remained well after 1 to 3 injections, but some required frequent injections on a long-term basis.
Bus Dynamics for Mobility-Aid Securement Design

Mobility-aid securement on large urban transit buses has been designed without an adequate knowledge of either the accelerations that are likely to occur in normal operations or the maximum accelerations that are possible short of an impact accident. These normal operation accelerations are important because they are the source of motion and corresponding sense of insecurity on the part of the passenger when riding in a mobility-aid on a bus. This paper describes the equipment and procedures used to measure the distribution of accelerations to be expected on large buses in normal transit service and the maximum accelerations possible during extreme maneuvering for six different sizes and types of transit buses. Included in the tests were low-floor buses of different lengths, a high-floor bus, a 40-ft (12.2-m) low-floor double-decker bus, and a 60-ft (18.3-m) low-floor articulated bus. During in-service tests, the accelerations were generally a function of the driver. In maneuvering tests, the mechanics of the bus design were the controlling factors. The results show that, in general, normal driving accelerations were typically less than 0.2 g in all directions and very rarely greater than 0.4 g. In the event of an emergency-driving situation, forward and turning accelerations may reach 0.4 g and stopping may result in 0.8 g.
The Art Studio: A Studio-Based Art Therapy Program.

AbstractThis paper describes the history and development of the Art Studio, a studio-based art therapy program established in Cleveland, Ohio in 1967. It includes the philosophical perspective of its founders who pioneered the use of art therapy with medically ill and physically disabled persons. It provides information about the unique cooperative relationship between a nonprofit organization and county hospital which jointly support the program. Specific patient needs which are uniquely addressed by the Art Studio model are discussed and illustrated by briefcase studies and representative artwork.
Characteristics of on-road driving by persons with central vision loss: Learning to drive with a bioptic telescope

ABSTRACT There is limited research on the driving performance and safety of bioptic drivers and even less regarding the driving skills that are most challenging for those learning to drive with bioptic telescopes. This research consisted of case studies of five trainee bioptic drivers whose driving skills were compared with those of a group of licensed bioptic drivers (n = 23) while they drove along city, suburban, and controlled-access highways in an instrumented dual-brake vehicle. A certified driver rehabilitation specialist was positioned in the front passenger seat to monitor safety and two backseat evaluators independently rated driving using a standardized scoring system. Other aspects of performance were assessed through vehicle instrumentation and video recordings. Results demonstrate that while sign recognition, lane keeping, steering steadiness, gap judgments, and speed choices were significantly worse in trainees, some driving behaviors and skills, including pedestrian detection and traffic light recognition were not significantly different from those of the licensed drivers. These data provide useful insights into the skill challenges encountered by a small sample of trainee bioptic drivers which, while not generalizable because of the small sample size, provide valuable insights beyond that of previous studies and can be used as a basis to guide training strategies.
Pharmacologic Use of Niacin

Niacin is required for a host of critical redox and adenosine diphosphate-ribosylation reactions in metabolism. Niacin deficiency leads to the distinctive signs and symptoms of pellagra, but these can happen in an unpredictable progression and can be altered in patients with polymorphisms in any of the hundreds of niacin-dependent enzymes. The symptomatology of niacin deficiency is becoming a forgotten knowledge base, and niacin deficiency is likely underdiagnosed. Additionally, high levels of niacin and niacinamide have pharmacological effects distinct from their role as sources of vitamin B3, allowing a wide range of effects on processes such as blood flow and lipid metabolism, which can be used to treat or prevent a variety of disease processes.
Reproducibility of the Mean, Fluctuation, and IOP Peak in the Diurnal Tension Curve

Purpose:To verify the reproducibility of the mean, peak, and fluctuation of intraocular pressure (IOP) observed during modified diurnal tension curves (mDTC) performed on ocular hypertensive and primary open-angle glaucoma patients. Methods:Prospective analysis of 88 eyes from 88 ocular hypertensive and primary open-angle glaucoma patients subjected to 2 consecutive mDTCs (IOP measurements obtained at 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM) on 2 consecutive days. Mean IOP was calculated as the average of all IOP measurements obtained during each mDTC. Peak and minimum IOP levels were considered as the highest and lowest IOP level during each mDTC, respectively. IOP fluctuation was calculated using 2 different approaches: the difference between IOP peak and minimum IOP detected during each mDTC and as the SD of all mDTC measurements. Reproducibility was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results:IOP fluctuation between 2 days in the modified diurnal curve, calculated as the difference between peak IOP and minimum IOP and as the SD of all mDTC measurements, was less reproducible than the mean IOP and peak IOP (ICC values 0.60, 0.62, 0.91, and 0.85, respectively; all ICC values, P<0.001). Conclusions:Mean IOP and peak IOP observed during the mDTC had good reproducibility, whereas the reproducibility of IOP fluctuation was only fair.