bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wilhelm His Sr. and the development of paraffin embedding
Authors: van der Lem Tim , de Bakker Merijn , Keuck Gerhard , Richardson Michael K. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractParaffin histology is one of the most important and commonly-used laboratory techniques in diagnostic histopathology. The discovery of paraffin embedding is often attributed to the pathologist Edwin Klebs. Klebs was following the lead of Stricker, who embedded embryos in a mixture of hot stearin and white beeswax. We show that Klebs experimented with paraffin wax for embedding tumour tissue. But he quickly rejected it as unsuitable because paraffin wax did not infiltrate the tissue. One of Klebs’ correspondents, embryologist Wilhelm His, Sr., learned of Klebs’ experiments and decided to try paraffin embedding. His dehydrated chicken embryos in alcohol, cleared them in lavender oil, and dripped hot paraffin wax onto them. This process allowed His to cut good sections. Here, we have replicated His’s paraffin embedding protocol in order to determine whether His had indeed made the landmark discovery of infiltration embedding with paraffin wax. We followed the protocol that he gives in his 1868 monograph on the early development of the chicken. The protocol described by His failed, in our hands, to yield sections of the quality that he illustrates in his monograph. Typically, the tissue disintegrated when sectioned due to poor infiltration of the wax. Usable sections could only be obtained if His’s protocol was modified by melting the embedded embryos in fresh paraffin wax. One explanation for our findings is that we failed to faithfully replicate His’s protocol. Another is that his protocol was incomplete. We suggest that His is likely to have discovered and perfected infiltration embedding with paraffin wax but did not publish a complete protocol.
Axial spondyloarthritis and inflammatory bowel disease: association between disease activity and endothelial dysfunction markers
Authors: Przepiera-Będzak Hanna , Fischer Katarzyna , Brzosko Marek 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objective
We aimed to assess patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) for disease activity and serum markers of endothelial dysfunction.

Methods
We studied 161 patients (123 males, 38 females) with axSpA: 153 with ankylosing spondylitis and 8 with non-radiographic axSpA, and 30 healthy controls (HC). We collected: age; sex; disease duration; extra-articular symptoms (IBD and acute anterior uveitis), comorbidities; human leukocyte antigen B27 status; and treatment. We measured serum interleukin (IL)-6, interleukin-18, IL-23, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) epidermal growth factor (EGF), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and fetuin-A levels.

Results
IBD was diagnosed in 19 (11.8%) patients with axSpA. Compared to patients with axSpA without IBD, those with IBD had higher serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level (p = 0.05), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (p = 0.005), and serum ET-1 levels (p = 0.01). In patients with axSpA and IBD, ET-1 levels correlated positively with CRP level (p = 0.006) and ESR (p = 0.02), and ADMA levels with visual analog scale scores (p = 0.01). Patients with axSpA and IBD had higher serum levels of IL-6 (p = 0.01), IL-18 (p = 0.005), and ADMA (p = 0.01) and lower serum levels of fetuin-A (p = 0.01) than did controls.

Conclusions
Patients with axSpA and IBD had higher levels of disease activity, as assessed by ESR and CRP and ET-1 levels, than did patients with axSpA without IBD. Compared to HC, patients with axSpA and IBD had increased IL-18, ADMA levels and decreased fetuin-A level.
Results after primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty with and without subscapularis repair: a prospective-randomized trial
Authors: Engel Nina Myline , Holschen Malte , Schorn Domink , Witt Kai-Axel , Steinbeck Jörn 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Introduction
Indications for reverse shoulder arthroplasties (rTSA) have increased since their development by Paul Grammont in 1985. Prosthesis design was enhanced over time, but the management of the tendon of the M. subscapularis (SSC-tendon) in primary rTSA is still a controversial subject with regard to perform a refixation or not.

Methods
50 patients were randomized in a refixation group (A) and a non-refixation-group (B) of the SSC-tendon in a double-blinded fashion. SSC-function was assessed at baseline before surgery, such as 3 and 12 months after surgery. Constant–Murley-Shoulder Score (CS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score (ASES), strength, range of motion (ROM), and pain on numeric rating scale (NRS) were measured in all examinations. An ultrasound examination of the shoulder was performed for evaluation of subscapularis tendon integrity at 3 and 12 month follow-up visits. Pain was evaluated on NRS via phone 5 days after surgery. Surgery was performed by a single experienced senior surgeon in all patients.

Results
Patients with a refixation of the SSC-tendon and primary rTSA had improved internal rotation [40° (20°–60°) vs. 32° (20°–45°); p = 0.03] at 12 months of follow-up. Additionally, the A-group had increased CS [74 (13–90) vs. 69.5 (40–79); p = 0.029] 1 year after surgery. Results were strengthened by subgroup analysis of successful refixation in ultrasound examination vs. no refixation. No differences were seen in ASES and NRS 1 year after rTSA.

Conclusion
SSC-tendon repair in rTSA improves CS and internal rotation 12 months after surgery.
A structured group intervention (TüTASS) with focus on self-perception and mindfulness for children with autism spectrum disorder, ASD. A pilot study
Authors: Drüsedau Laura , Schoba Anja , Conzelmann Annette , Sokolov Alexander , Hautzinger Martin , Renner Tobias J. , Barth Gottfried M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAutism spectrum disorders (ASD) represent a set of long-lasting severe neurodevelopmental conditions and effective therapeutic interventions are needed. Recent research points to the importance of including mindfulness-based elements to improve emotion and body perception in the psychotherapy of patients with ASD. Therefore, we developed a structured group psychotherapy program The Tübinger Training for Autism Spectrum Disorders (Tübinger Training für Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen; TüTASS) which focuses on mindfulness-based training elements. This pilot study accompanying the TüTASS reports the first results on the feasibility of the program with a pre-post comparison of 25 treated children with ASD. The psychometric assessment comprised five standardized questionnaires/ scales evaluating on the basis of parents and patients self-reports the child’s social responsiveness, behavior, strengths and difficulties, quality of life, and depressive symptoms before and after training completion. The results indicated that upon training completion, symptoms with respect to emotional and social problems, externalizing behavior, and attentional and schizoid-compulsive behavior substantially declined. In a questionnaire assessing feasibility and quality of the group training, patients and parents found the therapy highly beneficial, especially as to the focus on emotions and body, and strengths and failures. This training program was developed to bridge the gap of lacking mindfulness-based interventions with the aim to optimize the course of ASD, especially with respect to behavioral disturbances and social-emotional problems.
The angiographic presentation of European Moyamoya angiopathy
Authors: Pilgram-Pastor Sara , Chapot René , Kraemer Markus 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background and purpose
Little is known about the angiographic presentation of Moyamoya angiopathy (MMA) in non-Asian patients.

Methods
Conventional cerebral angiograms from 155 Caucasian patients diagnosed as MMA were analyzed with respect to extracranial champagne bottle neck sign, Suzuki stages, collateral status, as well as presence of aneurysms and posterior cerebral artery stenosis.

Results
In 84 of 155 angiograms, the extracranial carotid artery was visualized, in 65 of them (77.4%), a champagne bottle neck sign was noted. Of the 278 analyzable hemispheres, 13.7%,11.2%, 37.8%, 27.3%, 8.6%, and 1.4% were classified as Suzuki stage I, stage II, stage III, stage IV, stage V, and stage VI, respectively. Among 280 hemispheres, in 53 hemispheres (18.9%) isolated basal collaterals (pathway I) and in 104 hemispheres (37.1%) choroidal and pericallosal collaterals (including basal collaterals, pathway II) were found. In 74 hemispheres (26.4%) ethmoidal collaterals (pathways III), and in 17 hemispheres (6.1%) vault collaterals were visualized. Patients with higher Suzuki stages IV–VI (p = 0.008) and ethmoidal collaterals (p < 0.001) suffered more often from cerebral hemorrhage. Transient ischemic attacks occurred more frequently in patients with Suzuki stage I to III (p < 0.001). In 10 of 155 patients (6.5%), the angiogram revealed a cerebral aneurysm. In 13 patients (8.4%), a stenotic P1 segment of the posterior cerebral artery was found.

Conclusions
This is so far the largest observational study about angiography in Caucasian European MMA patients. A comparison with Asian data indicates similarity of disease in Caucasian and Asian patients.
The Castrop formula for calculation of toric intraocular lenses
Authors: Langenbucher Achim , Szentmáry Nóra , Cayless Alan , Weisensee Johannes , Wendelstein Jascha , Hoffmann Peter 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To explain the concept behind the Castrop toric lens (tIOL) power calculation formula and demonstrate its application in clinical examples.

Methods
The Castrop vergence formula is based on a pseudophakic model eye with four refractive surfaces and three formula constants. All four surfaces (spectacle correction, corneal front and back surface, and toric lens implant) are expressed as spherocylindrical vergences. With tomographic data for the corneal front and back surface, these data are considered to define the thick lens model for the cornea exactly. With front surface data only, the back surface is defined from the front surface and a fixed ratio of radii and corneal thickness as preset. Spectacle correction can be predicted with an inverse calculation.

Results
Three clinical examples are presented to show the applicability of this calculation concept. In the 1st example, we derived the tIOL power for a spherocylindrical target refraction and corneal tomography data of corneal front and back surface. In the 2nd example, we calculated the tIOL power with keratometric data from corneal front surface measurements, and considered a surgically induced astigmatism and a correction for the corneal back surface astigmatism. In the 3rd example, we predicted the spherocylindrical power of spectacle refraction after implantation of any toric lens with an inverse calculation.

Conclusions
The Castrop formula for toric lenses is a generalization of the Castrop formula based on spherocylindrical vergences. The application in clinical studies is needed to prove the potential of this new concept.
The effect of the menstrual cycle and hyperglycaemia on hormonal and metabolic responses during exercise
Authors: Hulton A. T. , Malone J. J. , Campbell I. T. , MacLaren D. P. M. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Variations in substrate metabolism have been identified in women during continuous steady-state aerobic exercise performed at the same relative intensity throughout discrete phases of the menstrual cycle, although some evidence exists that this is abolished when carbohydrate is ingested. This investigation examined the effects of a supraphysiologic exogenous glucose infusion protocol, administered during two phases of the menstrual cycle (follicular and luteal) in eumenorrheic women to identify differences between metabolic, hormonal and substrate oxidative responses.

Methods
During the experimental conditions, blood glucose was infused intravenously at rates to “clamp” blood glucose at 10 mM in seven healthy females (age 20 ± 1 y, mass 55.0 ± 4.1 kg, $$\dot V{O_{2peak}}$$

V
˙

O

2
p
e
a
k

40.0 ± 1.8 ml/kg/min). Following 30 min of seated rest, participants exercised on a cycle ergometer for 90 min at 60% $$\dot V{O_{2peak}}$$

V
˙

O

2
p
e
a
k

. During the rest period and throughout exercise, blood metabolites and hormones were collected at regular intervals, in addition to expired air for the measurement of substrate oxidation.

Results
Significant differences between ovarian hormones and menstrual phase were identified, with estrogen significantly higher during the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase (213.28 ± 30.70 pmol/l vs 103.86 ± 13.85 pmol/l; p = 0.016), and for progesterone (14.23 ± 4.88 vs 2.11 ± 0.36 nmol/l; p = 0.042). However, no further significance was identified in any of the hormonal, metabolite or substrate utilisation patterns between phases.

Conclusion
These data demonstrate that the infusion of a supraphysiological glucose dose curtails any likely metabolic influence employed by the fluctuation of ovarian hormones in eumenorrheic women during moderate exercise.
Sudden cessation of fluoxetine before alcohol drinking reinstatement alters microglial morphology and TLR4/inflammatory neuroadaptation in the rat brain
Authors: Aranda Jesús , Fernández-Arjona María del Mar , Alén Francisco , Rivera Patricia , Rubio Leticia , Smith-Fernández Inés , Pavón Francisco Javier , Serrano Antonia , Serrano-Castro Pedro J. , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando , Suárez Juan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPreclinical studies on the effects of abrupt cessation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a medication often prescribed in alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients with depression, results in alcohol consumption escalation after resuming drinking. However, a potential neuroinflammatory component on this escalation remains unexplored despite the immunomodulatory role of serotonin. Here, we utilized a rat model of 14-daily administration of the SSRI fluoxetine (10 mg/kg/day) along alcohol self-administration deprivation to study the effects of fluoxetine cessation on neuroinflammation after resuming alcohol drinking. Microglial morphology and inflammatory gene expression were analyzed in prelimbic cortex, striatum, basolateral amygdala and dorsal hippocampus. Results indicated that alcohol drinking reinstatement increased microglial IBA1 immunoreactivity and altered morphometric features of activated microglia (fractal dimension, lacunarity, density, roughness, and cell area, perimeter and circularity). Despite alcohol reinstatement, fluoxetine cessation modified microglial morphology in a brain region-specific manner, resulting in hyper-ramified (spatial complexity of branching), reactive (lower heterogeneity and circularity)-like microglia. We also found that microglial cell area correlated with changes in mRNA expression of chemokines (Cx3cl1/fractalkine, Cxcl12/SDF1α, Ccl2/MCP1), cytokines (IL1β, IL6, IL10) and the innate immune toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in dorsal hippocampus. Specifically, TLR4 correlated with microglial spatial complexity assessed by fractal dimension in striatum, suggesting a role in process branching. These findings suggest that alcohol drinking reinstatement after fluoxetine treatment cessation disturbs microglial morphology and reactive phenotype associated with a TLR4/inflammatory response to alcohol in a brain region-specific manner, facts that might contribute to alcohol-induced damage through the promotion of escalation of alcohol drinking behavior.
Cortical visual area CSv as a cingulate motor area: a sensorimotor interface for the control of locomotion
Authors: Smith Andrew T. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe response properties, connectivity and function of the cingulate sulcus visual area (CSv) are reviewed. Cortical area CSv has been identified in both human and macaque brains. It has similar response properties and connectivity in the two species. It is situated bilaterally in the cingulate sulcus close to an established group of medial motor/premotor areas. It has strong connectivity with these areas, particularly the cingulate motor areas and the supplementary motor area, suggesting that it is involved in motor control. CSv is active during visual stimulation but only if that stimulation is indicative of self-motion. It is also active during vestibular stimulation and connectivity data suggest that it receives proprioceptive input. Connectivity with topographically organized somatosensory and motor regions strongly emphasizes the legs over the arms. Together these properties suggest that CSv provides a key interface between the sensory and motor systems in the control of locomotion. It is likely that its role involves online control and adjustment of ongoing locomotory movements, including obstacle avoidance and maintaining the intended trajectory. It is proposed that CSv is best seen as part of the cingulate motor complex. In the human case, a modification of the influential scheme of Picard and Strick (Picard and Strick, Cereb Cortex 6:342–353, 1996) is proposed to reflect this.
Wrist and finger motor representations embedded in the cerebral and cerebellar resting-state activation
Authors: Kusano Toshiki , Kurashige Hiroki , Nambu Isao , Moriguchi Yoshiya , Hanakawa Takashi , Wada Yasuhiro , Osu Rieko 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSeveral functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have demonstrated that resting-state brain activity consists of multiple components, each corresponding to the spatial pattern of brain activity induced by performing a task. Especially in a movement task, such components have been shown to correspond to the brain activity pattern of the relevant anatomical region, meaning that the voxels of pattern that are cooperatively activated while using a body part (e.g., foot, hand, and tongue) also behave cooperatively in the resting state. However, it is unclear whether the components involved in resting-state brain activity correspond to those induced by the movement of discrete body parts. To address this issue, in the present study, we focused on wrist and finger movements in the hand, and a cross-decoding technique trained to discriminate between the multi-voxel patterns induced by wrist and finger movement was applied to the resting-state fMRI. We found that the multi-voxel pattern in resting-state brain activity corresponds to either wrist or finger movements in the motor-related areas of each hemisphere of the cerebrum and cerebellum. These results suggest that resting-state brain activity in the motor-related areas consists of the components corresponding to the elementary movements of individual body parts. Therefore, the resting-state brain activity possibly has a finer structure than considered previously.
Convergence results for an averaged LQR problem with applications to reinforcement learning
Authors: Pesare Andrea , Palladino Michele , Falcone Maurizio 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we will deal with a linear quadratic optimal control problem with unknown dynamics. As a modeling assumption, we will suppose that the knowledge that an agent has on the current system is represented by a probability distribution $$\pi $$
π
on the space of matrices. Furthermore, we will assume that such a probability measure is opportunely updated to take into account the increased experience that the agent obtains while exploring the environment, approximating with increasing accuracy the underlying dynamics. Under these assumptions, we will show that the optimal control obtained by solving the “average” linear quadratic optimal control problem with respect to a certain $$\pi $$
π
converges to the optimal control driven related to the linear quadratic optimal control problem governed by the actual, underlying dynamics. This approach is closely related to model-based reinforcement learning algorithms where prior and posterior probability distributions describing the knowledge on the uncertain system are recursively updated. In the last section, we will show a numerical test that confirms the theoretical results.
Disparities in access to mobile devices and e-health literacy among breast cancer survivors
Authors: Moon Zoe , Zuchowski Mira , Moss-Morris Rona , Hunter Myra S. , Norton Sam , Hughes Lyndsay D. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
The number of e-health interventions developed for breast cancer survivors continues to increase. However, issues with engagement and retention are common. This study aimed to explore e-health literacy rates and access to smartphones and tablets in a large sample of breast cancer survivors.

Methods
In study 1, women were recruited from outpatient breast clinics across England and Wales. Eligible women were asked to complete a questionnaire pack to assess their access to devices and their e-health literacy. Multiple regression analyses were run to assess the relationship between technology access and e-health literacy with sociodemographic variables such as age, social deprivation, and education. Study 2 presents a smaller sample recruited through social media who answered a questionnaire relating to use of mobile devices and e-health, and apps.

Results
Two thousand nine women participated in the study. Seventy-one percent had access to a smartphone, 54% had access to a tablet, and 20% did not have access to either device. Multiple logistic regressions showed that women who were younger, had higher levels of education, and who were from less deprived areas were more likely to have access to either device. Poorer e-health literacy was associated with being older, having less education, and not having access to a mobile device.

Conclusions
Whilst the results show relatively widespread access to mobile devices, there is evidence of a digital divide across some groups. Online interventions should be developed with consideration of individuals who are less e-health-literate and less technologically adept in order to increase the likelihood of engagement.
Upper limb dysfunction and activities in daily living in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Sirkka Jani , Parviainen Marita , Jyrkkänen Henna-Kaisa , Koivisto Anne M. , Säisänen Laura , Rauramaa Tuomas , Leinonen Ville , Danner Nils 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundIdiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a neurodegenerative disease with a characteristic symptom triad of gait disturbance, cognitive decline, and incontinence. Recently, also dysfunctions in upper limbs have been described in iNPH and reported to improve after shunt surgery. We aim to describe the role of upper limb motor function in the clinical assessment of iNPH patients and its influence on activities of daily living (ADL).MethodsSeventy-five consecutive patients with probable iNPH were studied pre-operatively and at 3 and 12 months after shunt surgery. The pre-operative evaluation included lumbar drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (tap test). Motor functions were assessed in upper and lower limbs with Grooved Pegboard Test (GPT), Box & Block Test (BBT), Total Score of Gait (TSG), and balance test. ADL was assessed with Barthel’s index and cognition in accordance with the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD).ResultsPatients showed improvement in all motor tests and ADL at 3 months after shunt surgery. The improvement remained stable during the 12-month post-operative follow-up. The motor function tests correlated with each other and with ADL.ConclusionsA 3-month follow-up period after shunt surgery is adequate to show improvement in motor tasks, and a positive outcome will last for at least 12 months. A shunt-responsive dysfunction of upper limb motor performance plays a major role in ADL of iNPH patients. Therefore, we suggest an evaluation of upper limb motor performance to be included in routine evaluation of iNPH patients.