bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional Clusters of Neurons in Layer 6 of Macaque V1
Authors: Hawken Michael J. , Shapley Robert M. , Disney Anita A. , Garcia-Marin Virginia , Henrie Andrew , Henry Christopher A. , Johnson Elizabeth N. , Joshi Siddhartha , Kelly Jenna G. , Ringach Dario L. , Xing Dajun 
Published: February 2020

Layer 6 appears to perform a very important role in the function of macaque primary visual cortex, V1, but not enough is understood about the functional characteristics of neurons in the layer 6 population. It is unclear to what extent the population is homogeneous with respect to their visual properties or if one can identify distinct subpopulations. Here we performed a cluster analysis based on measurements of the responses of single neurons in layer 6 of primary visual cortex in male macaque monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) to achromatic grating stimuli that varied in orientation, direction of motion, spatial and temporal frequency, and contrast. The visual stimuli were presented in a stimulus window that was also varied in size. Using the responses to parametric variation in these stimulus variables, we extracted a number of tuning response measures and used them in the cluster analysis. Six main clusters emerged along with some smaller clusters. Additionally, we asked whether parameter distributions from each of the clusters were statistically different. There were clear separations of parameters between some of the clusters, particularly for f1/f0 ratio, direction selectivity, and temporal frequency bandwidth, but other dimensions also showed differences between clusters. Our data suggest that in layer 6 there are multiple parallel circuits that provide information about different aspects of the visual stimulus.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe cortex is multilayered and is involved in many high-level computations. In the current study, we have asked whether there are subpopulations of neurons, clusters, in layer 6 of cortex with different functional tuning properties that provide information about different aspects of the visual image. We identified six major functional clusters within layer 6. These findings show that there is much more complexity to the circuits in cortex than previously demonstrated and open up a new avenue for experimental investigation within layers of other cortical areas and for the elaboration of models of circuit function that incorporate many parallel pathways with different functional roles.
Colocalized White Matter Plasticity and Increased Cerebral Blood Flow Mediate the Beneficial Effect of Cardiovascular Exercise on Long-Term Motor Learning
Authors: Lehmann Nico , Villringer Arno , Taubert Marco 
Published: February 2020

Cardiovascular exercise (CE) is a promising intervention strategy to facilitate cognition and motor learning in healthy and diseased populations of all ages. CE elevates humoral parameters, such as growth factors, and stimulates brain changes potentially relevant for learning and behavioral adaptations. However, the causal relationship between CE-induced brain changes and human's ability to learn remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that CE elicits a positive effect on learning via alterations in brain structure (morphological changes of gray and white matter) and function (functional connectivity and cerebral blood flow in resting state). We conducted a randomized controlled trial with healthy male and female human participants to compare the effects of a 2 week CE intervention against a non-CE control group on subsequent learning of a challenging new motor task (dynamic balancing; DBT) over 6 consecutive weeks. We used multimodal neuroimaging [T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion-weighted MRI, perfusion-weighted MRI, and resting state functional MRI] to investigate the neural mechanisms mediating between CE and learning. As expected, subjects receiving CE subsequently learned the DBT at a higher rate. Using a modified nonparametric combination approach along with multiple mediator analysis, we show that this learning boost was conveyed by CE-induced increases in cerebral blood flow in frontal brain regions and changes in white matter microstructure in frontotemporal fiber tracts. Our study revealed neural mechanisms for the CE–learning link within the brain, probably allowing for a higher flexibility to adapt to highly novel environmental stimuli, such as learning a complex task.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIt is established that cardiovascular exercise (CE) is an effective approach to promote learning and memory, yet little is known about the underlying neural transfer mechanisms through which CE acts on learning. We provide evidence that CE facilitates learning in human participants via plasticity in prefrontal white matter tracts and a colocalized increase in cerebral blood flow. Our findings are among the first to demonstrate a transfer potential of experience-induced brain plasticity. In addition to practical implications for health professionals and coaches, our work paves the way for future studies investigating effects of CE in patients suffering from prefrontal hypoperfusion or white matter diseases.
Effect of cosyntropin during adrenal venous sampling on subtype of primary aldosteronism: analysis of surgical outcome
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroki , Nakamura Yoshihiro , Abe Masanori , Kurihara Isao , Itoh Hiroshi , Ichijo Takamasa , Takeda Yoshiyu , Yoneda Takashi , Katabami Takuyuki , Tsuiki Mika , Wada Norio , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Sakamoto Ryuichi , Kawashima Junji , Sone Masakatsu , Inagaki Nobuya , Yoshimoto Takanobu , Yamada Tetsuya , Okamoto Ryuji , Matsuda Yuichi , Fujita Megumi , Watanabe Minemori , Tamura Kouichi , Tanabe Akiyo , Naruse Mitsuhide , _ _ 
Published: February 2020

Objectives
We investigated the clinical significance of ACTH stimulation during adrenal venous sampling (AVS) by surgical outcome of primary aldosteronism (PA).

Design
Multicenter retrospective study by Japan PA study.

Method
We allocated 314 patients with both basal and ACTH-stimulated AVS data who underwent adrenalectomy to three groups: basal lateralization index (LI) ≥2 with ACTH-stimulated LI ≥4 on the ipsilateral side (Unilateral (U) to U group, n = 245); basal LI <2 with ACTH-stimulated LI ≥4 (Bilateral (B) to U group, n = 15); and basal LI ≥2 with ACTH-stimulated LI <4 (U to B group, n = 54). We compared surgical outcomes among the groups using the Primary Aldosteronism Surgical Outcome (PASO) criteria.

Results
Compared with U to U group, U to B group had poor clinical and biochemical outcomes and low rates of adrenal adenoma as pathological findings (P = 0.044, 0.006, and 0.048, respectively), although there were no significant differences between U to U and B to U groups. All patients in U to B group with clinical and biochemical benefits, however, had adrenal adenoma as pathological findings and could be well differentiated from those with poor surgical outcomes via basal LI (>8.3), but not ACTH-stimulated LI. These results were similar even when we defined each group based on a cut-off value of 4 for basal LI.

Conclusions
Although PA patients in U to B group had worse surgical outcomes than did those in U to U group, basal LI could discriminate among patients with better surgical outcomes in U to B group.
Abiraterone acetate treatment lowers 11-oxygenated androgens
Authors: Wright Connor , O’Day Patrick , Alyamani Mohammed , Sharifi Nima , Auchus Richard J 
Published: February 2020

Context
The human adrenal is the dominant source of androgens in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD). Abiraterone, derived from the prodrug abiraterone acetate (AA), inhibits the activity of cytochrome P450 17-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17A1), the enzyme required for all androgen biosynthesis. AA treatment effectively lowers testosterone and androstenedione in 21OHD and CRPC patients. The 11-oxygenated androgens are major adrenal-derived androgens, yet little is known regarding the effects of AA administration on 11-oxygenated androgens.

Objective
To test the hypothesis that AA therapy decreases 11-oxygenated androgens.

Design
Samples were obtained from 21OHD or CRPC participants in AA or AA plus prednisone (AAP)-treatment studies, respectively.

Methods
We employed liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to measure the 11-oxygenated androgens, 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione, 11-ketoandrostenedione, 11β-hydroxytestosterone, and 11-ketotestosterone, in plasma or serum samples from six 21OHD and six CRPC patients before and after treatment with AA or AAP, respectively.

Results
In CRPC patients, administration of AAP (1000 mg/day AA with prednisone and medical castration) lowered all four 11-oxygenated androgens to below the lower limits of quantitation (<0.1–0.3 nmol/L), equivalent to 64–94% reductions from baseline. In 21OHD patients, administration of AA (100–250 mg/day for 6 days) reduced all 11-oxygenated androgens by on average 56–77% from baseline.

Conclusions
We conclude that AA and AAP therapies markedly reduce the production of the adrenal-derived 11-oxygenated androgens, both in patients with high (21OHD) or normal (CRPC) 11-oxygenated androgens at baseline, respectively. Reduction of 11-oxygenated androgens is an important aspect of AA and AAP pharmacology.
The Possibilities for Genealogy and Local History Research in the Panevėžys Region
Authors: Bagdonas Vytenis 
Published: February 2020

The article explores the surviving genealogical information resources of Panevėžys churches – christening, marriages, deaths, and population censuses. On the basis of the data provided in these books, repeating common names in different areas of the Panevėžys are overviewed. The origin of family names and their territorial linkage are suggested. Published ethnographic books are featured to reflect the availability of the genealogical research in Panevėžys vicinity. Relevant name correlations are drawn using Lithuanian State documents, such as the archives of the nobility. A new study of genetic genealogy is introduced, its value to research, and a spectrum of open possibilities it offers for solving otherwise complex kin puzzles. With good judgement and analysis, the reader may find the approach taken here encouraging to further explore the expatriates and peoples with relation of Lithuanian ancestry of the 19th–20th c.
The Cards of Internal Passports of the Population of Kaunas City of the 1920–1940s as a Source of Genealogy and Local History
Authors: Balkus Mindaugas 
Published: February 2020

This article analyzes the cards of internal passports issued in Kaunas city in 1920–1940 and the sociodemographic data of the population (nationality, confession, place of birth, work activity, etc.) provided in them. Their significance for the researches of genealogy and local history is discussed. It was found that in 1920–1940, 89 620 people received internal passports in Kaunas, including 58.76% Lithuanians, 30.27% Jews, 3.16% Poles, 3.12% Germans, 2.74% Russians, 0.33% Belarusians; 59.13% of the persons who received internal passports in Kaunas were Catholics, 28.9% – Jews, 5.44% – Evangelical Lutherans and Evangelical Reformats, 3.14% – Orthodox, 0.96% – Old Believers. These results are in many cases close to the data of the 1923 general census of the Lithuanian population; 35.22% of the residents of Kaunas were born in this city, 11.4% – in Kaunas County, 6.86% – in then-Soviet Union’s territory, while the rest – in the different regions of Lithuania and abroad. According to the character of the working activity (occupation), Lithuanians were significantly dominant among the officials (90.94%), being farmers (88.05%), servants (82.84%), or workers (75.85%), while Jews were predominant among traders (83.2%).
Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision (TaTME): Experience in Klaipėda University Hospital
Authors: Klimašauskienė Vita , Samalavičius Narimantas Evaldas 
Published: February 2020

Introduction. Colorectal cancer ranks third on the list of the most common cancers. In 1979 R. J. Heald described total mesorectam excision (TME) which became a gold standard for rectal cancer treatment. This operation is performed all over the world open, laparoscopic and robotic. Operating on low and very low rectal cancer, distal bowel mobilisation if often the most difficult part of the operation. Aa a solution to this problem transanal abdominotransanal rectal resection (TATA) and transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) were proposed. This article reviews the experience and short-term postoperative outcomes of TaTME performed in Klaipėda University Hospital.Methods. The first stage of surgery was performed with patient placed in the prone jackknife (Kraske) position. Using electrocauthery circular mobilisation of the rectum was performed starting at least 1 cm from the lower edge of the tumour. Up to 10 cm of the rectum was mobilised from below. The second stage was performed with patient in lithotomy position. Laparoscopic TME was performed. For 11 (78.57%) patients hand sown anastomosis was performed and for 1 (7.17%) patient stapler was used. 2 (14.28%) patients underwent the Hartmann’s procedure.Results. In period 2018.03–2019.10 TaTME was performed for 14 patients. The medium tumour high counting from dentate line was 2.54 (±1.28). 13 out of 14 patients were operated from 8 to 12 weeks after chemoradiotherapy. All (100%) rectal resections were radical (R0). On average 11.43 (±3.78) lymphnodes were harvested. 5 (35.71%) patients had complications after surgery.Conclusions. TaTME performed at Klaipėda University Hospital is effective operation for rectal cancer treatment.
Percutaneous Cholecystostomy is a Reasonable Alternative for the Treatment of Acute Cholecystitis in Critically Ill Patients: a Single Center Analysis
Authors: Ignatavicius Povilas , Kiudelis Mindaugas , Dekeryte Inga , Mikuckyte Deimante , Sasnauskaite Jolita , Lukasevic Karina , Barauskas Giedrius 
Published: February 2020

Background / objective. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe procedure and the treatment of choice for acute cholecystitis. As an alternative treatment option in critically ill patients percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) is performed.Methods. Retrospective review of patients who had undergone PC from 2008 to 2017 at the Department of Surgery, Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics. Patients were reviewed for demographic features, laboratory tests, ASA class, complications, outcomes, hospital stay and mortality rate.Results. Fifty-four patients were included in the study. Forty patients (74%) were ASA III and ten patients (18.5%) – ASA IV. Statistically signi­ficant decrease in white blood cell count (from 14.26±6.61 to 8.65±5.15) and C-reactive protein level (from 226.22±106.60 to 51.91±63.70) following PC was observed. The median hospital stay was 13.06 (range 2–68) days and 30-day mortality rate 13%. There were no deaths directly related to procedure. For eleven patients (20.4%) delayed cholecystectomy was scheduled.Conclusions. PC is a reasonable treatment option for high-risk patients with acute cholecystitis and co-morbidities. It can be used as a temporizing treatment option or as a definitive treatment with a low number of delayed cholecystectomies.
Hydatid Cyst Migration in Peritoneal Cavity: A Case Report
Authors: Markov Petar , Milev Ilija , Mitevski Aleksandar 
Published: February 2020

Introduction. Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. In most of cases hydatid cysts are found in the liver but in rare cases a migration of the hydatid cyst can occur following rupture of hepatal pericist.Case. A 38 year old female presented with abdominal pain, fatigue, weakness and fever for more than three months. Computed tomography show segment II and IV hepatic per-magna cystic formations with dimensions: No I: 80×60×74 mm and No. II: 70×60×58 mm. Per magna cystic formation in the Douglas space, with dimensions of 93×90×62 mm with clearly expressed mass effect on surrounding organ structures.Discussion. Active hydatid disease may show migration of cysts due to rupture of hepatal pericyst, pressure difference between the anatomic cavities, and by contribution of gravity. Sudden death, anaphylactic shock and dissemination of disease can be seen with cystic content spillage into the peritoneal cavity.Conclusion. Migrated hydatid cysts are very rare parasitic manifestation presenting with symptoms deriving from the neighboring organs. They are diagnosed typically by CT and managed with evacuation of cysts following abdominal exploration. Full abdominal organ ultrasonography, with accent on the liver, should be performed in any case of intraabdominal simple cyst presence.
Diagnostic value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Sedov D. S. , Fedotov E. A. , Rebrov A. P. 
Published: February 2020

Aim. To assess the diagnostic value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in hemodialysis (HD) patients.Material and methods. A total of 80 patients over the age of 18 with an end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on HD were included in this study. NT-proBNP serum levels were measured for all patients in addition to traditional clinical and biochemical studies. Transthoracic echocardiography and bioimpedance spectroscopy using the Body Composition Monitor (BCM) device (Fresenius, Germany) were performed for all patients on HD. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the hydration status determined by BCM. Patients were also divided into three groups depending on the ejection fraction (EF) of the left ventricle: HF with reduced EF (less than 40%) (HFrEF), mid-range EF (from 40% to 49%) (HFmrEF), and HF with preserved EF (50% or more) (HFpEF). Three groups of patients were identified according to quartile level of NT-proBNP (<1095 pg/ml (n=20); 1095-4016 pg/ml (n=40); >4016 pg/ml (n=20).Results. The median of the NT-proBNP serum level was 2114,6 [1095; 4016] pg/ml. A significant increase in the NT-proBNP levels was found in HD patients with hyperhydration (p<0,05). Statistically significant differences were generally found between the concentration of NT-proBNP depending on the LVEF (n=80). However, in pairwise comparisons, significant differences were found only between the groups of patients with HFpEF and HFmrEF (p=0,02); a tendency to differences was revealed when comparing the groups of HFpEF and HFrEF (p=0,07). A proportional increase in the concentration of prohormone to the increase in systolic dysfunction was found while analyzing the median NT-proBNP, both among all patients and after separation into groups depending on the hydration status. A tendency to increase the frequency of new cardiovascular events, systolic and diastolic myocardial dysfunction in group of patients with prohormone increase was revealed.Conclusion. NT-proBNP serum levels in HD patients are significantly higher than the average population levels. A significant increase in the NT-proBNP levels was found in hemodialysis patients with hyperhydration. NT-proBNP should be used as an additional method for the diagnosis of heart failure on HD, including clarifying of the phenotype of heart failure depending on left ventricle EF. NT-proBNP high levels in patients on HD may be associated with a risk of developing cardiovascular events, systolic and diastolic myocardial dysfunction. It is necessary to use an examination algorithm for the differential diagnosis of heart failure and hyperhydration syndrome during dialysis: clinical examination, bioimpedansometry, transthoracic echocardiography, determination of serum NT-proBNP level.
Validity and reliability of the Russian-language version of the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index in patients with heart failure
Authors: Kartamyscheva E. D. , Lopatin Yu. M. 
Published: February 2020

Aim. To assess the validity and reliability of the Russian-language version of The SelfCare of Heart Failure Index (SCHFI, version 6.2) in patients with heart failure (HF).Material and methods. The translation of the SCHFI (version 6.2) into Russian was performed according to the Brislin’s model. The Russian version of the SCHFI was tested in 128 patients with NYHA class II-IV HF (mean age 63,6Ѓ}8,8 years, 70,3% men). The Cronbach’s alpha, test-retest reliability, construct (confirmatory factor analysis) and concurrent (comparison of the SCHFI and European Heart Failure Self-Care Behavior Scale (EHFScBS_9) results) validities were determined.Results. The Cronbach’s alpha for the SCHFI scale was 0,74 and characterized sufficient level of test reliability. The test-retest reliability (estimated after 3 months of observation) was 0,81 (p<0,01), which also indicates a sufficient level of reliability. The baseline level of selfcare ability in HF patients according to SCHFI was 136,8Ѓ}40,6 points. The factor analysis confirmed the expediency of dividing the SCHFI into 3 sections: A — self-care maintenance, B — self-care management, C — self-care confidence. Analysis of the concurrent validity of the SCHFI and EHFScBS_9 revealed an inverse correlation between both scales.Conclusion. The Russian-language version of The Self-Care of Heart Failure Index (version 6.2) is a simple and effective tool for assessing self-care ability in HF patients, and can be used both in clinical trials and in actual clinical practice.
What does Multidrug Resistance (MDR) Expression Mean in the Clinic?
Authors: Duhem C. , Ries F. , Dicato M. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
For 15 years, an overflowing literature has been published about MDR-1 gene expression in tumor cell lines and in cancerous tissues at various stages of disease and treatment (chemotherapy-naive, during treatment and at relapse). However, the clinical significance of this particular feature, if it seemed obvious in the 1980s as a factor responsible for the development of chemoresistance, is currently reconsidered. MDR-1 gene expression seems to be, at least in some instances, a hallmark of tumor cell aggressiveness and of chemoresistance rather than its cause, the mechanisms of which are probably far more complex. The failure of MDR reversal trials might result from the misunderstood or overvalued role of MDR expression in cancer cells rather than from a lack of control of pharmacological parameters.
This review summarizes recent data and hypothesis about the expression of P-170 and its clinical significance in some important human tumor types, suggesting that it should rather be considered in the future as an adverse prognostic factor.
Bone Marrow Transplantation for Cancer—An Update
Authors: Pavletic Z. Steven , Armitage James O. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The number of allogeneic and autologous bone marrow transplants continues to grow worldwide. Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) has become standard therapy for many patients with leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and testicular cancer. Encouraging results of autologous BMT in treating patients with poor-risk breast cancer have led to this approach being tested in nationwide randomized trials. In order to increase availability and efficacy of BMT, other sources of hematopoietic cells are explored for transplantation, such as from HLA-matched unrelated volunteer donors, partially matched related donors, placental/umbilical cord blood and allogeneic peripheral blood. Relapse of original malignancy remains the main obstacle for the success of BMT. Recent clinical investigations have demonstrated that donor-derived peripheral blood leukocytes are effective in inducing remissions in patients with hematological malignancies who relapse after allogeneic BMT. BMT procedures are associated with significant complexity and should be carried out only in transplant units that meet adequate standards. In order to better define the role of BMT in treating cancer, more phase III clinical trials are needed. The future of BMT will depend on further improvements in its efficacy and economic constraints.