bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postural disorders and spatial neglect in stroke patients: A	strong association
Authors: Pérennou Dominic 
Published: December 2024

Purpose: In this paper we analyse the arguments for a strong association between spatial neglect and postural disorders and attempt to better understand the mechanisms which underlie that. Methods: We first provide a general overview of the available tools for a rational assessment of postural control in a clinical context. We then analyse the arguments in favour of a close relationship, although not necessarily causal, between spatial neglect and: 1) body orientation with respect to gravity (including verticality perception i.e. the visual vertical, the haptic vertical, and the postural vertical); 2) body stabilisation with respect to the base of support; 3) posturographic features of stroke patients; 4) and finally their postural disability in daily life. This second part of the paper is based both on the literature review and on results of our current research. Results: Neglect patients show a dramatic postural disability, due both to problems in body orientation with respect to gravity and to problems in body stabilisation. It might be that these problems are partly caused by a neglect phenomenon bearing on graviceptive (somaesthetic > vestibular) and visual information serving postural control. This could correspond to a kind of postural neglect involving both the bodily and nonbodily domains of spatial neglect. The existence of distorsion(s) in the body scheme are also probably involved, especially to explain the weight-bearing asymmetry in standing, and probably an impaired multisegmental postural coordination leading to an impaired body stabilisation. Conclusion: The present paper explains why neglect patients show longer/worse recovery of postural-walking autonomy than other stroke patients.
MRI infarction load and CI therapy outcomes for chronic	post-stroke hemiparesis
Authors: Mark Victor W. , Taub Edward , Perkins Christi , Gauthier Lynne , Uswatte Gitendra 
Published: December 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of total cerebral infarction volume on motor status and treatment responses to Constraint-Induced Movement therapy (CI therapy) in patients with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis and limb nonuse. In most studies of clinical-radiological correspondences, infarct volume has been found to predict clinical status. Methods: 60 adult patients who met inclusion criteria for CI therapy underwent standard structural brain MRI around the time of treatment. We tested whether the total volume of infarcted tissue predicted pre-treatment values and pre- to post-treatment changes on standard assessments of laboratory- and real-world-based upper extremity movement. Results: The patients significantly improved from baseline clinical motor measures after CI therapy. The range of infarction volumes was comparable to those of other stroke studies. In contrast, total infarction volume was not correlated with any of the motor measures. The absence of correlation was maintained even when evaluating only patients with either unilateral or solitary cerebral infarctions, or with respect to severity of baseline motor impairment or variations in the forms of therapy. Conclusion: The findings suggest that certain standard motor measures in chronic hemiparetic stroke (limb movement in the laboratory, limb use in the life situation, changes in these measures following efficacious CI therapy) are insensitive to infarction load. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that plastic brain reorganization after stroke attenuates the effect of infarct volume on purposive limb movement. However, we cannot exclude the possibilities that the specific methods we used to assess upper limb status may be generally insensitive to infarction load, or that the stringent inclusion criteria for this research precluded detecting an effect of infarction load. Further study to evaluate these relationships in the acute-subacute stroke phases and among patients with more severe motor deficits would help to clarify the basis for the lack of an infarction load effect.
A special role for binocular visual input during development and	as a component of occlusion therapy for treatment of amblyopia
Authors: Mitchell Donald E. 
Published: December 2024

Purpose: To review work on animal models of deprivation amblyopia that points to a special role for binocular visual input in the development of spatial vision and as a component of occlusion (patching) therapy for amblyopia. Methods: The studies reviewed employ behavioural methods to measure the effects of various early experiential manipulations on the development of the visual acuity of the two eyes. Results: Short periods of concordant binocular input, if continuous, can offset much longer daily periods of monocular deprivation to allow the development of normal visual acuity in both eyes. It appears that the visual system does not weigh all visual input equally in terms of its ability to impact on the development of vision but instead places greater weight on concordant binocular exposure. Experimental models of patching therapy for amblyopia imposed on animals in which amblyopia had been induced by a prior period of early monocular deprivation, indicate that the benefits of patching therapy may be only temporary and decline rapidly after patching is discontinued. However, when combined with critical amounts of binocular visual input each day, the benefits of patching can be both heightened and made permanent. Conclusions: Taken together with demonstrations of retained binocular connections in the visual cortex of monocularly deprived animals, a strong argument is made for inclusion of specific training of stereoscopic vision for part of the daily periods of binocular exposure that should be incorporated as part of any patching protocol for amblyopia.
Emerging syphilitic optic neuropathy: Critical review and	recommendations
Authors: Prokosch Verena , Thanos Solon 
Published: December 2024

Background: Infection with Treponema pallidum causes multiorgan manifestations including isolated optic nerve involvement at any stage of the disease. This is of particular interest for resulting in severe visual impairment, which is reversible if treated adequately. Purpose: To review clinical and diagnostic findings in patients with optic nerve affection in neurosyphilis and to focus on the visual outcome after administering adjunctive cortisone to the standard therapy regimes with penicillin G. Methods/Patients: The review is based on a retrospective case serial of 4 patients (three males: mean age 40years, range 37–42 years; one female: mean age 62years) with optic nerve involvement in neurosyphilis treated in our hospital, and on a literature review of recent publications. Patients were treated with systemic penicillin either with or without adjunctive cortisone. The major outcome measure of therapy was improvement of visual acuity. Results: Visual outcome in our case serial showed total restoration if cortisone was also administered. The bibliographic survey, which was based on 60 patients, also revealed a better improvement of vision when antibiotic medication was combined with cortisone. Conclusions: The data show that the causal therapy of choice is undoubtedly penicillin G, with adjunctive steroids playing a crucial role in improvement of optic nerve functional outcome. Physicians should consider the use of cortisone in SON whenever clinically harmless, although prospective randomized multicenter studies are required to support this recommendation.
Protective effects of gastrodia elata on	aluminium-chloride-induced learning impairments and alterations of amino acid	neurotransmitter release in adult rats
Authors: Shuchang He , Qiao Niu , Piye Niu , Mingwei He , Xiaoshu Sun , Feng Shao , Sheng Wang , Opler Mark 
Published: December 2024

Purpose: High brain levels of aluminum (Al) can be neurotoxic and cause learning and memory deficits. Gastrodia elata (GE) is a Chinese herb widely used for improving mental function in traditional Chinese medicine. We measured changes in Al-induced neurotransmitter alteration and performance on a learning and memory task to elucidate the mechanism of Al toxicity and to assess whether these alterations could be attenuated by GE. Methods: Thirty-six adult, male rats were randomly divided into six groups. Four Al-exposed groups were given aluminum chloride at 5 mg/kg/day or 10 mg/kg/day (i.p.) for two months, with two of these groups (one for each dose of Al) receiving GE (0.4 g/kg, via oral intubation, with the GE powder mixed in the drinking water) while the other two groups received vehicle. A GE control group was given injections of saline plus GE and a saline control group was given injections of saline and with 3 injection days and one day off. A step-down test was used to measure learning and memory ability. Al concentrations in the neocortex were assayed with a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Amino acid neurotransmitter levels in the neocortex were determined by high performance liquid chromatogram-fluorescence. Results: Al-exposed rats showed impaired learning and memory ability as indicated by shorter step down latency and more retention errors. Cortical concentrations (mean ± SEM) of Al were: 56.22 ± 34.10 ng/g (wet weight) in the Saline control group; 172.87 ± 111.06 in the 5 mg/kg/dayAl group; 289.15 ± 102.55 in the 10 mg Al group; 74.98 ± 19.00 in the GE control group; 232.55 ± 35.74 in 5 mg Al+GE group; and 291.35 98.38 in 10 mg Al+GE group respectively. Al exposure produced a significant increase in cortical GABA levels. Gastrodia elata reduced learning and memory deficits without affecting brain Al levels. Conclusions: Rats exposed to AlCl $_{3}$ suffer from deficits in learning and memory, accompanied by increases in GABA levels in the neocortex. Gastrodia elata is effective in improving memory functions and normalizing GABA levels.
Cerebellar control of cortico-striatal LTD
Authors: Rossi Silvia , Mataluni Giorgia , De Bartolo Paola , Prosperetti Chiara , Foti Francesca , De Chiara Valentina , Musella Alessandra , Mandolesi Laura , Bernardi Giorgio , Centonze Diego , Petrosini Laura 
Published: December 2024

Purpose: Recent anatomical studies showed the presence of cerebellar and basal ganglia connections. It is thus conceivable that the cerebellum may influence the striatal synaptic transmission in general, and synaptic plasticity in particular. Methods: In the present neurophysiological investigation in brain slices, we studied striatal long-term depression (LTD), a crucial form of synaptic plasticity involved in motor learning after cerebellar lesions in rats. Results: Striatal LTD was fully abolished in the left striatum of rats with right hemicerebellectomy recorded 3 and 7 days following surgery, when the motor deficits were at their peak. Fifteen days after the hemicerebellectomy, rats had partially compensated their motor deficits and high-frequency stimulation of excitatory synapses in the left striatum was able to induce a stable LTD. Striatal plasticity was conversely normal ipsilaterally to cerebellar lesions, as well as in the right and left striatum of sham-operated animals. Conclusions: These data show that the cerebellum controls striatal synaptic plasticity, supporting the notion that the two structures operate in conjunction during motor learning.
Improved sensorimotor function by rolipram following focal	cerebral ischemia in rats
Authors: Hätinen Sonja , Sairanen Mikko , Sirviö Jouni , Jolkkonen Jukka 
Published: December 2024

Purpose: Rolipram, a specific phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor (PDE4), is suggested to facilitate functional recovery following brain injury by activation of cAMP/CREB pathway. We examined the effect of rolipram on sensorimotor recovery in rats following transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO). Methods: Rats were subjected to transient MCAO for 2 h. Rolipram was administered at a dose of 0.1 or 1 mg/kg (i.p., twice a day, for 13 days) starting administration on postoperative day 2. Sensorimotor outcome was assessed using limb-placing, beam-walking and cylinder tests at baseline and 7, 14, and 21 days after MCAO. Results: Rolipram decreased locomotor activity and rearing, produced atypical head twitches, and possible hyperalgesia immediately after treatments, which were all considered as acute side effects. The analysis of hindlimb function utilizing beam-walking tests showed that overall performance was impaired in MCAO vehicle rats (p < 0.01) and MCAO rats treated with rolipram, at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg (p < 0.01), compared to sham-operated rats. Interestingly, MCAO rats treated with rolipram at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg had significantly fewer slips when traversing an elevated beam than those treated with a dose of 0.1 mg/kg (p < 0.05) indicating improved sensorimotor function. More importantly, hindlimb function at the higher rolipram dose was not different from sham-operated rats after cessation of drug treatment at day 21. There was a significant group effect (p < 0.001) in the cylinder test, however, this was due to the decreased use of the impaired forelimb in MCAO rats compared to sham-operated rats at day 7, 14 and 21. In addition, MCAO rats treated with rolipram seemed to use their impaired forelimbs less compared to MCAO controls. Limb-placing performance was severely impaired but not different among MCAO rats. Conclusions: The present data suggest that rolipram provides some improvement in sensorimotor recovery in MCAO rats possibly by augmenting cAMP/CREB signalling, but this is masked by its side effects.
Dimethyl sulfoxide provides neuroprotection in a traumatic brain	injury model
Authors: Di Giorgio Anthony M. , Hou Yongjin , Zhao Xueren , Zhang Bin , Lyeth Bruce G. , Russell Michael J. 
Published: December 2024

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of the antioxidant, curcumin compared to α-tocopherol in a rat model of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered curcumin (3, 30, 300 mg/kg), α-tocopherol (100 mg/kg), DMSO vehicle, or saline, 30 min prior to and 30 and 90 min after moderate lateral fluid percussion TBI. Rats were euthanized at 24 hours after injury and coronal brain sections were stained with Fluoro-Jade to identify degenerating neurons. Degenerating neurons in the CA2-3 sector of the dorsal hippocampus were quantified in 10 sections spaced 300 μm apart in each rat. Results: One way ANOVA revealed a significant difference (p = 0.01) between groups. The curcumin, α-tocopherol, and DMSO groups had significantly reduced numbers of degenerating neurons compared to the saline-treated group. No significant differences were observed between any of the drug treatment groups or the DMSO group. Conclusions: Since protection in the DMSO vehicle group was equal to that of the experimental groups, no conclusions about neuroprotection regarding α-tocopherol or curcumin can be made from this study. The results suggest that DMSO may be acting as an overriding neuroprotectant in this experiment. We conclude that DMSO is a viable neuroprotective agent against secondary cell death in TBI.
Direct Zakat in the Context of Hablun Minallah Wa Hablum Minannas
Authors: Miftahurrahmah Miftahurrahmah  , Riska Fauziah Hayati  , Abdul Karim Hidayatullah  , Muhammad Rais  
Published: December 2024

Paying zakat to those who can afford it is a religious way to prevent wealth from accumulating only for certain people. Many zakat institutions have problems in collecting and distributing it. In response, some muzakki (zakat payers) have chosen to directly distribute zakat to mustahiq (eligible recipients). This study aims to explore the phenomenon of direct zakat distribution within the context of Hablum Minallah (relationship with Allah) and Hablum Minannas (relationship with fellow humans) and to examine its implications for zakat institutions. The research method used in this study is a literature review, gathering relevant references on the topic. The study focuses on direct zakat distributed to the community and on zakat institutions operating in Padang Pariaman Regency, West Sumatra. The findings of this study suggest that direct zakat distribution within the context of Hablum Minallah and Hablum Minannas not only serves as an expression of devotion to Allah but also fosters greater connection and care between muzakki and the surrounding community receiving zakat. Additionally, the study examines the implications of direct zakat on zakat institutions, recommending that these institutions develop more concrete programs and engage in stronger collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.
Gender and Subject Domain Differences in Academic Performance among Pre-service Teachers of Isa Kaita College of Education Nigeria
Authors: Abdurrahaman Yusuf , Muhammed Dahiru Bawa , Jikamshi Mahmud Haruna 
Published: December 2024

This research intends to investigate gender differences in academic performance among NCE students in the School of Sciences, Isa Kaita College of Education in Dutsin-Ma. The population of the study comprises of 654 (male 433 and female 221). The study used a quantitative correlational study to establish relationships between gender and subject domain. Two indicators; questionnaire and the students' CGPA results obtain during NCE 1 and NCE 11. This study examined the gender and subject domain differences and the academic performances of pre-service teachers across all the school departments. The study is quantitative. All the departments in the School of Science were involved through a clustered random sampling. An independent sample t-test and Pearson Moment correlation (PPMC) were employed for the data analysis in the study. Results have shown that the mean CGPA for males was slightly higher than that of females, although the difference is not statistically significant. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference in the subject domain scores between genders. Correlation analysis showed no significant associations between gender and subject domain scores. On the other hand, CGPA showed a very strong positive association with each other, meaning as the CGPA increases, the better one's overall academic achievement. The findings indicate that gender does not determine academic performance among pre-service teachers; rather, GPA is instrumental in predicting success in educational outcomes.
Accelerometer-measured physical activity and sedentary time among children and their parents in the UK before and after COVID-19 lockdowns: a natural experiment
Authors: Jago Russell , House Danielle , Salway Ruth , Walker Robert , Emm-Collison Lydia , Sansum Kate , Breheny Katie , Churchward Sarah , Williams Joanna G , Hollingworth William , de Vocht Frank 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Restrictions due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic reduced physical activity provision for both children and their parents. Recent studies have reported decreases in physical activity levels during lockdown restrictions, but these were largely reliant on self-report methods, with data collected via unrepresentative self-report surveys. The post-pandemic impacts on children’s activity levels remain unknown. A key question is how active children become once lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Methods
Active-6 is a repeated cross-sectional natural experiment. Accelerometer data from 1296 children aged 10–11 and their parents were collected in 50 schools in the Greater Bristol area, UK in March 2017-May 2018 (pre-COVID-19 comparator group), and compared to 393 children aged 10–11 and parents in 23 of the same schools, collected in May-December 2021. Mean minutes of accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were derived for weekdays and weekend and compared pre- and post-lockdown via linear multilevel models.

Results
After adjusting for seasonality, accelerometer wear time and child/parent demographics, children’s mean weekday and weekend MVPA were 7.7 min (95% CI: 3.5 to 11.9) and 6.9 min (95% CI: 0.9 to 12.9) lower in 2021 than in 2018, respectively, while sedentary time was higher by 25.4 min (95% CI: 15.8 to 35.0) and 14.0 min (95% CI: 1.5 to 26.5). There was no evidence that differences varied by child gender or household education. There was no significant difference in parents’ MVPA or sedentary time, either on weekdays or weekends.

Conclusions
Children’s MVPA was lower by 7–8 min/day in 2021 once restrictions were lifted than before the pandemic for all groups, on both weekdays and weekends. Previous research has shown that there is an undesirable age-related decline in children’s physical activity. The 8-min difference reported here would be broadly comparable to the decline that would have previously been expected to occur over a three-year period. Parents’ physical activity was similar to pre-pandemic levels. Our results suggest that despite easing of restrictions, children’s activity levels have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. There is an urgent need to understand why these changes have occurred and how long they are maintained.
A multi-perspective qualitative exploration of the reasons for changes in the physical activity among 10–11-year-old children following the easing of the COVID-19 lockdown in the UK in 2021
Authors: Jago Russell , House Danielle , Salway Ruth , Walker Robert , Emm-Collison Lydia , Sansum Kate , Breheny Katie , Churchward Sarah , Williams Joanna G , Hollingworth William , de Vocht Frank 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Active-6 is exploring how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted physical activity behaviour among Year 6 children (aged 10–11 years) and their parents in Southwest England. Initial findings from the Active-6 project have shown a 7–8 min decrease in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and an increase in sedentary behaviour among children following the easing of restrictions in the UK in latter half of 2021. This finding suggests that the pandemic has had a persistent impact on child physical activity behaviour. This paper explored the possible mechanisms behind these changes.

Methods
Interviews with parents (n = 21), members of school staff (n = 9) and focus groups with children aged 10–11 years (n = 47) were conducted between August and December 2021 to discuss the impact of the pandemic on child physical activity behaviour. The framework method was used for analysis.

Results
Five themes spanning two key stages of the pandemic were described. Three themes related to the period of lockdowns and fluctuating restrictions (March 2020 – April 2021). These included: Theme 1) Lockdown: A short-lived adventure; Theme 2) Access to facilities during restrictions; and Theme 3) The importance of the parent. A further two themes were identified related to the period following the gradual easing of restrictions in April 2021. These included: Theme 4) An overwhelming return to normal; and Theme 5) Reopening fatigue.

Conclusions
The analysis suggested that feelings of novelty experienced during the initial stages of lockdown waned as restrictions were prolonged, creating an increasingly challenging period for parents and their children. However, during periods of restrictions, the importance of parental encouragement and access to appropriate facilities in the local and home environment helped facilitate physical activity. Following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, emotional overwhelm and physical fatigue among children, stemming from a sedentary and socially isolated life in lockdown and other restrictions, were key contributors to the decreased moderate to vigorous physical activity and increased sedentary behaviour that was observed in a related quantitative study.