bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Astrocytes and retrograde degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease: removing axonal debris
Authors: Morales Ingrid , Puertas-Avendaño Ricardo , Sanchez Alberto , Perez-Barreto Adrian , Rodriguez-Sabate Clara , Rodriguez Manuel 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe dopaminergic nigrostriatal neurons (DA cells) in healthy people present a slow degeneration with aging, which produces cellular debris throughout life. About 2%–5% of people present rapid cell degeneration of more than 50% of DA cells, which produces Parkinson’s disease (PD). Neuroinflammation accelerates the cell degeneration and may be critical for the transition between the slow physiological and the rapid pathological degeneration of DA cells, particularly when it activates microglial cells of the medial forebrain bundle near dopaminergic axons. As synaptic debris produced by DA cell degeneration may trigger the parkinsonian neuroinflammation, this study investigated the removal of axonal debris produced by retrograde degeneration of DA cells, paying particular attention to the relative roles of astrocytes and microglia.MethodsRats and mice were injected in the lateral ventricles with 6-hydroxydopamine, inducing a degeneration of dopaminergic synapses in the striatum which was not accompanied by non-selective tissue damage, microgliosis or neuroinflammation. The possible retrograde degeneration of dopaminergic axons, and the production and metabolization of DA-cell debris were studied with immunohistochemical methods and analyzed in confocal and electron microscopy images.ResultsThe selective degeneration of dopaminergic synapses in the striatum was followed by a retrograde degeneration of dopaminergic axons whose debris was found within spheroids of the medial forebrain bundle. These spheroids retained mitochondria and most (e.g., tyrosine hydroxylase, the dopamine transporter protein, and amyloid precursor protein) but not all (e.g., α-synuclein) proteins of the degenerating dopaminergic axons. Spheroids showed initial (autophagosomes) but not late (lysosomes) components of autophagy (incomplete autophagy). These spheroids were penetrated by astrocytic processes of the medial forebrain bundle, which provided the lysosomes needed to continue the degradation of dopaminergic debris. Finally, dopaminergic proteins were observed in the cell somata of astrocytes. No microgliosis or microglial phagocytosis of debris was observed in the medial forebrain bundle during the retrograde degeneration of dopaminergic axons.ConclusionsThe present data suggest a physiological role of astrocytic phagocytosis of axonal debris for the medial forebrain bundle astrocytes, which may prevent the activation of microglia and the spread of retrograde axonal degeneration in PD.
University academics’ perceptions regarding the future use of telepresence robots to enhance virtual transnational education: an exploratory investigation in a developing country
Authors: Khadri Hanaa Ouda 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThere is a growing interest in employing telepresence robots in different educational contexts due to their great potentials to enhance and improve educational experiences for remote learners. However, there is little use of telepresence robots in virtual transnational education contexts in developing countries. There is a lack of knowledge about university academics’ perceptions regarding the future use of telepresence robots to enhance virtual transnational education contexts. This exploratory research aims to fill this gap by seeking to have evidence-based information on whether telepresence robots as a new emerging technology is perceived among university academics as a useful tool for enhancing virtual transnational education or not. This study also seeks to better understand university academics’ perceptions of obstacles that may hinder them from using telepresence robots and the support that they will need. A sample of 46 Egyptian university academics participated in this study. The results of the study revealed that the academics perceived telepresence robots to have a great potential to enhance virtual transnational education. The academics also perceived telepresence robotics to have positive effects on educational activities. Furthermore, the participants indicated a number of barriers regarding integrating telepresence robotics into the teaching and learning activities and identified the types of support they will need. The uptake of telepresence robots to enhance virtual transnational education could lead to a larger international learner population, better virtual transnational education, and more university revenue. Recommendations for future research are also presented.
Guns, violence, politics: the gyre widens
Authors: Wintemute Garen J. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractInter-related sustained upward trends in firearm purchasing, violence, and political extremism are converging to put the USA at risk for disaster and threaten our future as a democracy. This narrative review provides a critical assessment and call to action. It explores each trend separately, considers the effects of their likely and imminent convergence, and suggests possibilities for collective and individual action to prevent or at least reduce those effects.
3D convolutional neural networks-based multiclass classification of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases using PET and SPECT neuroimaging modalities
Authors: Tufail Ahsan Bin , Ma Yong-Kui , Zhang Qiu-Na , Khan Adil , Zhao Lei , Yang Qiang , Adeel Muhammad , Khan Rahim , Ullah Inam 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative brain pathology formed due to piling up of amyloid proteins, development of plaques and disappearance of neurons. Another common subtype of dementia like AD, Parkinson’s disease (PD) is determined by the disappearance of dopaminergic neurons in the region known as substantia nigra pars compacta located in the midbrain. Both AD and PD target aged population worldwide forming a major chunk of healthcare costs. Hence, there is a need for methods that help in the early diagnosis of these diseases. PD subjects especially those who have confirmed postmortem plaque are a strong candidate for a second AD diagnosis. Modalities such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) can be combined with deep learning methods to diagnose these two diseases for the benefit of clinicians.

Result
In this work, we deployed a 3D Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to extract features for multiclass classification of both AD and PD in the frequency and spatial domains using PET and SPECT neuroimaging modalities to differentiate between AD, PD and Normal Control (NC) classes. Discrete Cosine Transform has been deployed as a frequency domain learning method along with random weak Gaussian blurring and random zooming in/out augmentation methods in both frequency and spatial domains. To select the hyperparameters of the 3D-CNN model, we deployed both 5- and 10-fold cross-validation (CV) approaches. The best performing model was found to be AD/NC(SPECT)/PD classification with random weak Gaussian blurred augmentation in the spatial domain using fivefold CV approach while the worst performing model happens to be AD/NC(PET)/PD classification without augmentation in the frequency domain using tenfold CV approach. We also found that spatial domain methods tend to perform better than their frequency domain counterparts.

Conclusion
The proposed model provides a good performance in discriminating AD and PD subjects due to minimal correlation between these two dementia types on the clinicopathological continuum between AD and PD subjects from a neuroimaging perspective.
Primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma diagnosed by needle biopsy: a case report
Authors: Seki Yusuke , Sakata Hiroki , Uekusa Toshimasa , Momose Hirokazu , Yoneyama Satomi , Hidemura Akio , Tajima Yusuke , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Ishimaru Masahiro 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) are extremely rare. The rate of recurrence after resection is extremely high, and the prognosis is poor. It is debatable whether chemotherapy or surgical resection is the optimal initial treatment for primary hepatic NECs. Therefore, selecting an appropriate therapeutic approach for patients with primary hepatic NECs remains clinically challenging. We present a case of primary hepatic NEC in a patient who developed recurrence after undergoing surgical resection.

Case presentation
A 78-year-old man with bone metastases of prostate cancer was referred to our department because of a solitary 66-mm tumor in the left lateral segment of the liver, which was detected on annual follow-up by computed tomography after prostate resection. A biopsy and preoperative diagnostic workup identified the lesion as a primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma; therefore, left lateral segmentectomy was performed. Immunohistochemically, the tumor was positive for chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and CD 56, and the Ki-67 index was 40%. This neuroendocrine carcinoma was classified as a large cell type. Adjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin + etoposide was initially administered a month after surgery. However, lymph node recurrence occurred 4 months after surgery, and the patient died of systemic metastases 15 months after surgical resection.

Conclusions
Due to the lack of availability of abundant quantities of relevant, high-quality data, there is no standard therapy for primary hepatic NECs. Selecting the most appropriate treatment for patients depending on several factors, such as the stage and differentiation of a tumor and a patient’s performance status and clinical course, is consequently preferred. More cases need to be studied to establish the best treatment strategy for primary hepatic NEC.
Impact of perceived interpersonal similarity on attention to the eyes of same-race and other-race faces
Authors: Kawakami Kerry , Friesen Justin P. , Williams Amanda , Vingilis-Jaremko Larissa , Sidhu David M. , Rodriguez-Bailón Rosa , Cañadas Elena , Hugenberg Kurt 
Published: November 2021

AbstractOne reason for the persistence of racial discrimination may be anticipated dissimilarity with racial outgroup members that prevent meaningful interactions. In the present research, we investigated whether perceived similarity would impact the processing of same-race and other-race faces.
Specifically, in two experiments, we varied the extent to which White participants were ostensibly similar to targets via bogus feedback on a personality test. With an eye tracker, we measured the effect of this manipulation on attention to the eyes, a critical region for person perception and face memory. In Experiment 1, we monitored the impact of perceived interpersonal similarity on White participants’ attention to the eyes of same-race White targets. In Experiment 2, we replicated this procedure, but White participants were presented with either same-race White targets or other-race Black targets in a between-subjects design. The pattern of results in both experiments indicated a positive linear effect of similarity—greater perceived similarity between participants and targets predicted more attention to the eyes of White and Black faces. The implications of these findings related to top-down effects of perceived similarity for our understanding of basic processes in face perception, as well as intergroup relations, are discussed.
Angiographic features and transarterial embolization of retained placenta with abnormal vaginal bleeding
Authors: Takaji Ryo , Kiyosue Hiro , Maruno Miyuki , Hongo Norio , Shimada Ryuichi , Ide Satomi , Tokuyama Kohei , Okamoto Mamiko , Kawano Yasushi , Asayama Yoshiki 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Objectives
To clarify characteristic angiographic features and clinical efficacy of selective transarterial embolization (TAE) of retained placenta with abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Methods
The study cohort comprised 22 patients (mean age, 33.5 years; range, 22–24 years) who underwent selective TAE for retained placenta with abnormal bleeding between January 2018 and December 2020 at our institution. Angiographic images were reviewed by two certified radiologists with consensus. Medical records were reviewed to evaluate the efficacy of TAE. Angiographic features of retained placenta, technical success (disappearance of abnormal findings on angiography), complications, clinical outcomes (hemostatic effects and recurrent bleeding) were evaluated.

Results
Pelvic angiography showed a dilated vascular channel mimicking arteriovenous fistulas or an aneurysm contiguous with dilated uterine arteries in the mid-arterial–capillary phase in 20 patients; it showed contrast brush in the remaining two patients. TAE technical success was achieved in all patients. No major complications were observed in any patients. Fifteen patients were followed up with expectant management after TAE; all but one patient showed no re-bleeding during the follow-up period (mean follow-up interval, 3.4 months; range, 1–17 months). One patient showed minor rebleeding, which resolved spontaneously. Seven patients underwent scheduled hysteroscopic resection within 1 week after TAE, and no excessive bleeding was observed during or after the surgical procedure in all seven patients.

Conclusions
The characteristic angiographic feature of retained placenta is “dilated vascular channel that mimic low flow AVM.” TAE is a safe and effective treatment to manage retained placenta with abnormal bleeding.
Indexing structures for the PLS blockchain
Authors: Shafarenko Alex 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis paper studies known indexing structures from a new point of view: minimisation of data exchange between an IoT device acting as a blockchain client and the blockchain server running a protocol suite that includes two Guy Fawkes protocols, PLS and SLVP. The PLS blockchain is not a cryptocurrency instrument; it is an immutable ledger offering guaranteed non-repudiation to low-power clients without use of public key crypto. The novelty of the situation is in the fact that every PLS client has to obtain a proof of absence in all blocks of the chain to which its counterparty does not contribute, and we show that it is possible without traversing the block’s Merkle tree. We obtain weight statistics of a leaf path on a sparse Merkle tree theoretically, as our ground case. Using the theory we quantify the communication cost of a client interacting with the blockchain. We show that large savings can be achieved by providing a bitmap index of the tree compressed using Tunstall’s method. We further show that even in the case of correlated access, as in two IoT devices posting messages for each other in consecutive blocks, it is possible to prevent compression degradation by re-randomising the IDs using a pseudorandom bijective function. We propose a low-cost function of this kind and evaluate its quality by simulation, using the avalanche criterion.
Artificial intelligence in arthroplasty
Authors: Purnomo Glen , Yeo Seng-Jin , Liow Ming Han Lincoln 
Published: November 2021

AbstractArtificial intelligence (AI) is altering the world of medicine. Given the rapid advances in technology, computers are now able to learn and improve, imitating humanoid cognitive function. AI applications currently exist in various medical specialties, some of which are already in clinical use. This review presents the potential uses and limitations of AI in arthroplasty to provide a better understanding of the existing technology and future direction of this field.Recent literature demonstrates that the utilization of AI in the field of arthroplasty has the potential to improve patient care through better diagnosis, screening, planning, monitoring, and prediction. The implementation of AI technology will enable arthroplasty surgeons to provide patient-specific management in clinical decision making, preoperative health optimization, resource allocation, decision support, and early intervention. While this technology presents a variety of exciting opportunities, it also has several limitations and challenges that need to be overcome to ensure its safety and effectiveness.
Production of fermented tea petal decoction with insights into in vitro biochemical tests, antioxidant assay and GC-MS analysis
Authors: Majumder Soumya , Saha Sumedha , Ghosh Arindam , Acharyya Sukanya , Sarkar Sahadeb , Chakraborty Sourav , Bhattacharya Malay 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
This research work was designed to attempt and propose the first report on production and biochemical characterization of fermented tea flower petal decoction or simply tea petal wine. The tea petal decoction and brewer’s yeast or Saccharomyces cerevisiae were co-cultured for fermentation. Antioxidant activity and chromatographic separation of potential candidates were assessed. Primary investigations for qualitative characters on this fermented broth revealed the presence of steroids, tannin, flavonoids, phenol, cardiac glycosides, coumarin, caffeine etc. Our manufactured fermented broth showed high free radical scavenging activity after 2 months of aging. High DPPH scavenging activities were also observed in solvent fractions of acetone, ethanol and methanol. The antioxidant activity, alcohol percentage and other qualities were seen to be gradually increased during aging. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of 44 compounds including many potential antioxidant molecules and other bioactive agents. Hopefully, presence of alcohol with medicinally active compounds and antioxidant activity will make it as acceptable as a good wine and tea flower as economically functional.

Graphical abstract
Secondary findings from whole-exome sequencing data in families with familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL)
Authors: Zakeri Mana , Safaiee Mohammad Sadegh , Taheri Forough , Taghizadeh Eskandar , Ferns Gordon A. , Mobarhan Majid Ghayour , Pasdar Alireza 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
During the interpretation of genome sequencing data, some types of secondary findings are identified that are located in genes that do not appear to be related to the causes of the primary disease. Although these are not the primary targets for evaluation, they have a high risk for some diseases different from the primary disease. Therefore, they can be vital for preventing and intervention from such disease.

Results
Here, we analyzed secondary findings obtained from WES in 6 families with FCHL disease who had an autosomal-dominant pattern based on their pedigrees. These finding are found in CDKAL1, ITGA2, FAM111A, WNK4, PTGIS, SCN10, TBX20, DCHS1, ANK2 and ABCA1 genes.

Conclusions
Secondary findings are very important and must be considered different variants from sequencing results in a diagnostic setting. Although we have considered these variants as secondary findings, some of them may be related to the primary disease.
Antioxidant property, haematinic and biosafety effect of Ipomoea batatas lam. leaf extract in animal model
Authors: Gabriel Benjamin Ogunma , Idu MacDonald 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Plant medicine was dated back for decades and has immensely contributed to the health care system in several countries. This present study evaluated in vitro antioxidant, anti-anaemic and biosafety properties of n-hexane leaf extract of Ipomoea batatas L. in an animal model. The antioxidant property of the extract was expressed by 1, 1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) with an appropriate method. The extract was orally administered at graded doses (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) to determine its effect on 40 mg/kg phenylhydrazine hydrochloride-induced anaemia in rats at days 1, 7 and 14 using a standard protocol. Acute and subacute toxicological evaluations were based on initial behaviour, mortality and histological examination of the organs.

Results
The antioxidant study of the extract showed 60.14% in the presence of DPPH and ascorbic acid. The haematological parameters (RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH and MCHC) significantly increased at p value < 0.05 in the treated groups compared with control groups. Specifically, there is a significant increase in the treatment groups, namely red blood cells (5.93, 6.78, 6.75), haematocrit (40.75, 44.05, 44.63) and haemoglobin (13.35, 14.70, 14.73), when compared with untreated control. Also, the results of the myeloid/erythroid ratio of the treated groups (20: 40, 21.7: 43.4 ratio) and (23. 3: 46.6 ratio) are compared with (15.0: 25.0 ratio) of 40 mg/kg phenylhydrazine and 25: 50 normal control of the bone marrow at day 14. No acute behavioural change or mortality was observed. Histological analysis exhibited normal physiological state of the visceral organs.

Conclusions
These findings support the folklore use of Ipomoea batatas L. leaf extract to reduce oxidative stress, treat anaemia and exhibit its safety at the highest doses of 500 mg/kg body weight.
“Type C appendicular duplication with patent vitello-intestinal duct—an unforeseen association”—a case report
Authors: Rajkiran Raju S. , Prasanna Kumar A. R. , Shubha A. M. , Crasta Julian 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Gastrointestinal duplications are uncommon occurring in 1 in 5000 live births. Small intestine is commonly involved, while appendicular duplications are extremely rare. Vitelline duct anomalies arise due to failure of involution of the omphalomesenteric duct. Their spectrum ranges from a simple umbilical sinus to completely patent omphalomesenteric fistulae. We report here a rare association of complete appendico-cecal duplication with patent vitello-intestinal duct (PVID).

Case presentation
A 14-year-old girl who presented with complaints of scant, foul smelling, and feculent discharge from umbilicus intermittently since birth was evaluated and diagnosed to have a patent vitello-intestinal duct. At laparotomy, a patent vitello-intestinal tract opening unusually at the ileo-cecal junction was noted. In addition, an appendico-cecal duplication cyst bearing an appendix on the mesenteric side and a 4-cm long orthotopic appendix on the native cecum was found with the duplex cecum sharing a common wall and blood supply. The terminal ileum with the duplication and patent vitello-intestinal duct were excised in toto, and an end-to-end ileo-ascending anastomosis was done. The child is well at 1 year follow-up.

Conclusion
A complete appendico-cecal (Type C) duplication with ectopically inserted patent vitello-intestinal duct is reported here as an unusual association, discussing its management and the probable disarray in the embryological development.