Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Large-scale Functional Integration, Rather than Functional Dissociation along Dorsal and Ventral Streams, Underlies Visual Perception and Action

Abstract Visual dual-stream theory posits that two distinct neural pathways of specific functional significance originate from primary visual areas and reach the inferior temporal (ventral) and posterior parietal areas (dorsal). However, there are several unresolved questions concerning the fundamental aspects of this theory. For example, is the functional dissociation between ventral and dorsal stream driven by features in input stimuli or is it driven by categorical differences between visuoperceptual and visuomotor functions? Is the dual stream rigid or flexible? What is the nature of the interactions between the two streams? We addressed these questions using fMRI recordings on healthy human volunteers and employing stimuli and tasks that can tease out the divergence between visuoperceptual and visuomotor variants of dual-stream theory. fMRI scans were repeated after seven practice sessions that were conducted in a non-MRI environment to investigate the effects of neuroplasticity. Brain activation analysis supports an input-based functional dissociation and existence of context-dependent neuroplasticity in dual-stream areas. Intriguingly, premotor cortex activation was observed in the position perception task and distributed deactivated regions were observed in all perception tasks, thus warranting a network-level analysis. Dynamic causal modeling analysis incorporating activated and deactivated brain areas during perception tasks indicates that the brain dynamics during visual perception and actions could be interpreted within the framework of predictive coding. Effectively, the network-level findings point toward the existence of more intricate context-driven functional networks selective of “what” and “where” information rather than segregated streams of processing along ventral and dorsal brain regions.
Determinants of medical students for intention to organ donation: Application of theory of planned behavior

Organ donation and transplantation save thousands of lives in the world. The aim of this study was identifying determinants of organ donation intention based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) among Iranian Medical Students. This cross-sectional study was performed during 2017 in Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. A sample of 438 students of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences was selected using multi-stage sampling method including stratified and random sampling. Data were collected by using a reliable and valid TPB-based questionnaire. All the participants filled the questionnaires and the data were extracted according to the previously described method. Data were analyzed by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16.0 software. Descriptive statistic and Spearman correlation and Logistic regression were used for analyzing the data. Mean age of the participants was 20.92 ± 1.98 years. There was a significant linear positive correlation between behavioral intention and attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control. Logistic regression analysis for assessing relation of TPB variables with behavioral intention showed that perceived behavioral control was more correlate with students’ intention for getting organ donation card (odds ratio: 1.049, confidence interval: 1.062, P <0.000) perceived behavioral control, explain student’s willingness to register as an organ donor. We must provide facilities so that students could register for organ donation easily.
No DCX-positive neurogenesis in the cerebral cortex of the adult primate

Whether endogenous neurogenesis occurs in the adult cortex remains controversial. An increasing number of reports suggest that doublecortin (DCX)-positive neurogenesis persists in the adult primate cortex, attracting enormous attention worldwide. In this study, different DCX antibodies were used together with NeuN antibodies in immunohistochemistry and western blot assays using adjacent cortical sections from adult monkeys. Antibody adsorption, antigen binding, primary antibody omission and antibody-free experiments were used to assess specificity of the signals. We found either strong fluorescent signals, medium-weak intensity signals in some cells, weak signals in a few perikarya or near complete lack of labeling in adjacent cortical sections incubated with the various DCX antibodies. The putative DCX-positive cells in the cortex were also positive for NeuN, a specific marker of mature neurons. However, further experiments showed that most of these signals were either the result of antibody cross reactivity, the non-specificity of secondary antibodies or tissue autofluorescence. No confirmed DCX-positive cells were detected in the adult macaque cortex by immunofluorescence. Our findings show that DCX-positive neurogenesis does not occur in the cerebral cortex of adult primates, and that false-positive signals (artefacts) are caused by antibody cross reactivity and autofluorescence. The experimental protocols were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of the Institute of Neuroscience, Beijing, China (approval No. IACUC-AMMS-2014-501).
Shifting equilibriums in Alzheimer’s disease: the complex roles of microglia in neuroinflammation, neuronal survival and neurogenesis

Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia. Its increased prevalence in developed countries, due to the sharp rise in ageing populations, presents one of the costliest challenges to modern medicine. In order to find disease-modifying therapies to confront this challenge, a more complete understanding of the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease is necessary. Recent studies have revealed increasing evidence for the roles played by microglia, the resident innate immune system cells of the brain. Reflecting the well-established roles of microglia in reacting to pathogens and inflammatory stimuli, there is now a growing literature describing both protective and detrimental effects for individual cytokines and chemokines produced by microglia in Alzheimer’s disease. A smaller but increasing number of studies have also addressed the divergent roles played by microglial neurotrophic and neurogenic factors, and how their perturbation may play a key role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Here we review recent findings on the roles played by microglia in neuroinflammation, neuronal survival and neurogenesis in Alzheimer’s disease. In each case, landmark studies have provided evidence for the divergent ways in which microglia can either promote neuronal function and survival, or perturb neuronal function, leading to cell death. In many cases, the secreted molecules of microglia can lead to divergent effects depending on the magnitude and context of microglial activation. This suggests that microglial functions must be maintained in a fine equilibrium, in order to support healthy neuronal function, and that the cellular microenvironment in the Alzheimer’s disease brain disrupts this fine balance, leading to neurodegeneration. Thus, an understanding of microglial homeostasis, both in health and across the trajectory of the disease state, will improve our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease, and will hopefully lead to the development of microglial-based therapeutic strategies to restore equilibrium in the Alzheimer’s disease brain.
Stability study of Kumari (Aloe vera [L.] burm.) Swarasa (juice) with respect to baseline microbial diagnostic modalities

BACKGROUND: Swarasa, one of the most popular Kalpana among five basic Kalpana, is widely used therapeutically as well as pharmaceutically. A clear description of Swarasa is available in all Samhitas regarding its preparation, and utility. AIMS: This study aims to carry out the stability of Kumari Swarasa with respect to its microbial profile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sample of Kumari Swarasa was prepared and studied to check microbial contamination at regular intervals. RESULTS: Five samples were subjected to the microbiological study from the date of the preparation to the date of last microbiological study. No, any contaminations were found in the microbiological study in the range of minimum of one day and a maximum of three days after preparation of sample. DISCUSSION: Hence, the present study was carried out to observe the stability study of Kumari Swarasa with respect to microbial contamination of samples prepared and preserved in different climatic and temperature conditions. Thus, a baseline microbial profile was studied at regular intervals. At the end of the study, it was found that shelf life of Aloe vera juice was varied as per humidity and temperature. CONCLUSION: The microbiological study of Kumari Swarasa shows its stability in the range of a minimum of one day and maximum of three days after the preparation of the sample.
Apical extrusion of debris after canal shaping with three single-file systems

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the quantity of apically extruded debris after canal shaping with three single-file systems. Materials and Methods: Sixty mesiobuccal canals of mandibular molars were divided into three experimental groups according to the used file systems—WaveOne Gold, RECIPROC Blue, and HyFlex EDM One file. Debris extruded during canal shaping were collected in preweighed vials. Each canal was irrigated with 5 mL of distilled water via a 30 G side-vented needle. The amount of the debris extruded from each canal was calculated by subtracting the preinstrumentation from postinstrumentation measurement. The preparation times were recorded. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and posthoc Tukey tests with α = 0.05. Results: WaveOne Gold extruded the least amount of debris. Results between WaveOne Gold and HyFlex EDM were significantly different. No significant differences in canal shaping time were detected among the three groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: WaveOne Gold showed the best results regarding apical debris extrusion. Difference between WaveOne Gold and HyFlex EDM suggests that file design and motion kinematics affect the quantity of debris extrusion.
Management of suprasellar tumors in the era of endoscopic surgery: Presidential Oration 2019

Suprasellar tumors continue to pose formidable challenges in the clinical management because of their unique location and proximity to the critical neurovascular structures, such as the optic nerves and chiasm, internal carotid arteries and their branches, pituitary gland and infundibulum, hypothalamus and anterior third ventricle, oculomotor nerve and midbrain, and basilar artery and its branches. A diverse group of extradural and intradural lesions may occur in this region [Table 1], requiring different management planning and surgical strategies. Surgical resection remains the main therapeutic option as it provides immediate decompression of the compressed neurovascular structures, helps establish histopathological diagnosis, relieves raised intracranial pressure by restoring normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathways, and allows for a possible complete cure.
Immunoperoxidase and Immunofluorescence on Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Sections versus Immunofluorescence on Frozen Sections in the Assessment of Renal Biopsies

Introduction: There are few published studies comparing immunofluorescence on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections (IF-P) and immunoperoxidase on FFPE tissue sections (IP-P) with immunofluorescence on frozen sections (IF-F) for evaluation of renal diseases. Also, the accuracy for each method differs greatly. The aim of this study was to evaluate IF-P and IP-P as an alternative to IF-F (gold standard method) in the diagnosis of renal biopsies specimens. Methods: In all, 101 renal biopsies were subjected to IF-P, IP-P, and IF-F staining to demonstrate immunoglobulin IgA, IgG, and IgM immune deposits. Sensitivity, specificity, false-positive, and false-negative values were calculated. Results: IP-P showed sensitivity of 61.8%, 74.2%, and 64.2%, and specificity of 84.8%, 69.2%, and 66.7% for IgA, IgG, and IgM, respectively. IF-P showed a sensitivity of 45.6%, 69.4% and 52.8%, and specificity of 87.9%, 87.2% and 77.1% for IgA, IgG and IgM, respectively. False-positive cases of IF-P and IP-P were 4, 5, and 11 and 5, 12, and 16 for IgA, IgG, and IgM, respectively. Conclusion: Where IF-F lacks glomeruli or fresh renal biopsies are not available, IP-P is a sensitive method, whereas IF-P is a specific method for the evaluation of immune deposits in the renal tissue biopsies. The presence of false-positive cases in both methods deserves further research.
Arabic translation, adaptation, and validation of the kidney disease quality of life short-form 36

The Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form 36 (KDQOL-36) is a self-reported measure of health for patients with chronic kidney disease. Our goal was to develop an Arabic version of KDQOL-36 that is linguistically and conceptually equivalent to the original English version. We translated KDQOL-36 into formal Arabic language using forward and backward translation. To assess conceptual equivalence, we administered the Arabic and English versions simultaneously to a group of 10 bilingual patients. To assess test–re-test reliability, we administered the instrument twice to a group of 10 hemodialysis (HD) patients. To assess internal reliability, convergent validity, and discriminate validity, we administered the instrument to 62 HD patients and 82 kidney transplant patients asking them to simultaneously fill the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between the Arabic and English versions indicated excellent conceptual equivalence. The ICC between test and re-test scores revealed good reliability in the burden of kidney disease subscale and excellent reliability in the remaining four subscales. The translated version of KDQOL-36 had a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.81, indicating good internal reliability. We found significant negative correlations between the five subscales of the instrument and DASS-21, indicating good convergent validity. Kidney transplant recipients had significantly better scores than HD patients in the five subscales of the instrument, indicating excellent discriminate validity. The current Arabic version of KDQOL-36 has excellent conceptual equivalence with the original English version. It is a reliable and valid instrument for Arab kidney disease patients.
Author's reply

Author's reply Sir, We thank the authors for the interest shown in our article[1] and for sharing information about computed tomography-derived volume-rendered virtual dissection. [2] The cost incurred in creating the virtual model (our case report) is indeed due to the technical expertise and the software required. As with all such technologies, we anticipate not only a steep fall in prices but also improvement in the quality of software and wider availability. We note that the model obtained by virtual dissection is computationally more complex and seems to suffer from similar shortfalls of the three-dimensional (3D) print software-derived virtual model. We would like to clarify any number, and a variety of cuts can easily be obtained on the virtual model. Further, baffles or other implants can be “added on” to the virtual model for improved surgical planning. Finally, the virtual model can always be processed to the logical next step – 3D-printed model which has indisputable advantages.
Comparison of sleep quality and dialysis adequacy of patients undergoing hemodialysis

Sleep, as one of the key life activities, is an important indicator of the quality of life. Chronic kidney disease, with a high prevalence, is a serious condition that can deteriorate the sleep quality of patients. This study was carried out to investigate the correlation between sleep quality and dialysis adequacy in hemodialysis (HD) patients on a population and sample consisting of 50 patients receiving HD treatment at a training and research hospital in Amasya. Data were collected using “Patient Information Form,” “Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI),” and “Good Dialysis Index (GDI). ” Sleep patterns of patients during HD were observed and recorded for three weeks. The average age was 64.46 years (minimum: 22, maximum: 86; standard deviation: 14.612), 56% (n = 28) are women, 64% (n = 32) are married, 82% (n = 41) have PSQI score >5, and 60% were found to have 30 min weekly average sleep duration during HD sessions. A statistically significant relationship was found between the overall GDI scores and the overall Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores of the patients (P <0.05). PSQI scores of patients increase with increasing GDI scores. Good dialysis adequacy improves the sleep quality of patients.
Psychometric analysis of the bengali clinical chronic obstructive pulmonary disease questionnaire

Background: The Clinical Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Questionnaire Bengali version (CCQ-B) is a prevalidated, patient-administered, 10-item questionnaire assessing symptom severity (SS) and quality of life in adults suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPDs). To date, no validated Bengali version of the questionnaire is available. We aimed to translate it into Bengali and examine its psychometric properties. Methods: The CCQ-B was produced by standardized forward–backward translations. A cross-sectional study was conducted to gather responses by consecutive sampling. Reliability was examined using internal consistency (n = 110) and test–retest reliability (n = 30) analyses, concurrent validity by comparing with COPD Assessment Test questionnaire scores, while construct validity by exploratory principal component analysis (varimax rotation; n = 110). Subsequently, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA; n = 110) was performed to verify the model fit of the a priori identified scales. Results: The internal consistency (Cronbach's α) for overall CCQ-B was 0.746, indicating acceptable reliability. Satisfactory values of test–retest reliability and concurrent validity were found. On factor analyses, all the items loaded above the prespecified value of 0.3. Varimax rotation identified three components (SS, health and social life, and depression and limitation of activities), explaining 58.2% of variation. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin was 0.734 and Bartlett's test of sphericity was also significant. Goodness-of-fit of the three-component model in CFA was mediocre, but acceptable. Conclusion: The CCQ-B, consisting of 10 items and framed within three components, is a valid and reliable questionnaire but measured different dimensions from the English version.
Isolated persistence of the fifth aortic arch in an infant presenting with congestive heart failure

The persistence of the fifth aortic arch (PFAA) in postnatal life is an extremely rare and controversial cardiovascular malformation. PFAA is defined as an extra-pericardial vessel arising from the ascending aorta proximal to the origin of the brachiocephalic arteries, terminating either in the dorsal aorta or in the pulmonary arteries through the persistently patent arterial duct. An isolated PFAA with systemic-to-pulmonary connection best fits this definition, while the vast majority of cases reported as PFAA may have alternative embryological explanations. We present a unique case of a 5-week-old patient with an isolated PFAA with systemic-to-pulmonary connection, who presented with congestive heart failure. A first differential diagnosis was made with distal aortopulmonary window and an atypical patent arterial duct. A careful analysis of the case and a systematic review of the literature made us conclude for an isolated PFAA, which is one of the only five cases ever reported.
Reduction of AMPA receptor activity on mature oligodendrocytes attenuates loss of myelinated axons in autoimmune neuroinflammation

Decreased AMPA receptor signaling on myelin selectively reduces loss of myelinated axons in autoimmune neuroinflammation. Glutamate dysregulation occurs in multiple sclerosis (MS), but whether excitotoxic mechanisms in mature oligodendrocytes contribute to demyelination and axonal injury is unexplored. Although current treatments modulate the immune system, long-term disability ensues, highlighting the need for neuroprotection. Glutamate is elevated before T2-visible white matter lesions appear in MS. We previously reported that myelin-reactive T cells provoke microglia to release glutamate from the system xc− transporter promoting myelin degradation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Here, we explore the target for glutamate in mature oligodendrocytes. Most glutamate-stimulated calcium influx into oligodendrocyte somas is AMPA receptor (AMPAR)–mediated, and genetic deletion of AMPAR subunit GluA4 decreased intracellular calcium responses. Inducible deletion of GluA4 on mature oligodendrocytes attenuated EAE and loss of myelinated axons was selectively reduced compared to unmyelinated axons. These data link AMPAR signaling in mature oligodendrocytes to the pathophysiology of myelinated axons, demonstrating glutamate regulation as a potential neuroprotective strategy in MS.
A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE FOR DEPRESSION: FINALLY, A MODEL FOR USE IN "REAL" FAMILY PHYSICIAN TIME

Many patients with mental illness depend on family physicians (FPs) for their physical and mental health care, yet FPs often report dissatisfaction with the quality of mental health care they provide. A 2-year, quality improvement (QI) manual-based initiative was developed to increase FPs' diagnostic, cognitive-behavioural, and interpersonal treatment skills for depression. Two teams, each consisting of a psychiatrist and a mental health therapist, rotated through 18 family practices in Victoria, British Columbia, mentoring the model on-site with physicians and patients. Feedback suggests that this initiative enhanced the ability of FPs to diagnose depression and comorbid disorders, organize problems, and treat depression using non-pharmaceutical approaches.
Brain temperature and its role in physiology and pathophysiology: Lessons from 20 years of thermorecording

ABSTRACT It is well known that temperature affects the dynamics of all physicochemical processes governing neural activity. It is also known that the brain has high levels of metabolic activity, and all energy used for brain metabolism is finally transformed into heat. However, the issue of brain temperature as a factor reflecting neural activity and affecting various neural functions remains in the shadow and is usually ignored by most physiologists and neuroscientists. Data presented in this review demonstrate that brain temperature is not stable, showing relatively large fluctuations (2-4°C) within the normal physiological and behavioral continuum. I consider the mechanisms underlying these fluctuations and discuss brain thermorecording as an important tool to assess basic changes in neural activity associated with different natural (sexual, drinking, eating) and drug-induced motivated behaviors. I also consider how naturally occurring changes in brain temperature affect neural activity, various homeostatic parameters, and the structural integrity of brain cells as well as the results of neurochemical evaluations conducted in awake animals. While physiological hyperthermia appears to be adaptive, enhancing the efficiency of neural functions, under specific environmental conditions and following exposure to certain psychoactive drugs, brain temperature could exceed its upper limits, resulting in multiple brain abnormalities and life-threatening health complications.