bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unification by Fiat: Arrested Development of Predictive Processing
Authors: Litwin Piotr , Miłkowski Marcin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPredictive processing (PP) has been repeatedly presented as a unificatory account of perception, action, and cognition. In this paper, we argue that this is premature: As a unifying theory, PP fails to deliver general, simple, homogeneous, and systematic explanations. By examining its current trajectory of development, we conclude that PP remains only loosely connected both to its computational framework and to its hypothetical biological underpinnings, which makes its fundamentals unclear. Instead of offering explanations that refer to the same set of principles, we observe systematic equivocations in PP‐based models, or outright contradictions with its avowed principles. To make matters worse, PP‐based models are seldom empirically validated, and they are frequently offered as mere just‐so stories. The large number of PP‐based models is thus not evidence of theoretical progress in unifying perception, action, and cognition. On the contrary, we maintain that the gap between theory and its biological and computational bases contributes to the arrested development of PP as a unificatory theory. Thus, we urge the defenders of PP to focus on its critical problems instead of offering mere re‐descriptions of known phenomena, and to validate their models against possible alternative explanations that stem from different theoretical assumptions. Otherwise, PP will ultimately fail as a unified theory of cognition.
Acral localized acquired cutis laxa as presenting sign of underlying systemic amyloidosis
Authors: Vork Diana L. , Shah Kabeer K. , Youssef Molly J. , Wieland Carilyn N. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAcral localized acquired cutis laxa (ALACL) is a rare variant of acquired cutis laxa, and the clinical appearance is characterized by loose, redundant and wrinkled skin of the distal extremities. By definition, histopathology of affected tissue reveals sparse or fragmented elastic fibers. However, this can be difficult to assess on routine staining, and sometimes requires electron microscopy. The condition has been associated with plasma cell dyscrasias or recurrent inflammatory states. We present a case of a 65‐year‐old man who presented with enlarged and doughy finger pads. Skin biopsy showed diffuse dermal amyloid deposition displacing dermal stroma and reduction of elastic fibers, although these changes were subtle on routine hematoxylin and eosin staining. Mass spectrometry of laser capture microdissected tissue showed AL kappa‐type amyloid and further workup revealed a diagnosis of primary systemic AL‐kappa amyloidosis requiring bone marrow transplantation. This case represents an unusual presentation of acquired cutis laxa and highlights the need for a high index of suspicion when reviewing histopathology of this entity. In addition, the case highlights the importance of investigation into possible systemic associations, such as plasma cell dyscrasias.
Gastrointestinal endoscopy infection control strategy during COVID‐19 pandemic: Experience from a tertiary medical center in China
Authors: Zhang Shengyu , Wu Xi , Pan Hui , Wu Dong , Xu Tao , Shen Ning , Zhang Yizhen , Feng Yunlu , Wang Qiang , Jiang Qingwei , Guo Tao , Wu Dongsheng , Tang Shou‐jiang , Yang Aiming 
Published: June 2020

ObjectivesCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has spread globally and become a pandemic. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) not only infects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and causes GI symptoms, but also increases nosocomial transmission risk during endoscopic procedures for aerosol generation. We hereby share our infection control strategies aiming to minimize COVID‐19 transmission in the endoscopy center.MethodsWe established our infection control strategies based on the guidance of Chinese Society of Digestive Endoscopy and inputs from hospital infection control experts: admission control through the procedure and patient triage, environmental control to reduce possible virus exposure, proper usage of personal protective equipment (PPE), and scope disinfection and room decontamination. All endoscopic procedures accomplished during COVID‐19 outbreak and progress of stepwise resumption of elective endoscopy procedures were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsOnly urgent or semi‐urgent procedures were performed during COVID‐19 outbreak. After no local new‐onset COVID‐19 case in Beijing for four weeks, we reopened the endoscopy center for elective procedures and monitored the outbreak continuously while maintaining a sustainable endoscopy service.ConclusionsIt is imperative that all endoscopy centers should establish standard infection control strategies in order to fight COVID‐19 pandemic based on national guidance and academic society guidelines and tailor them to individual resources. These measures and setup can also be reserved for future pandemics.
A novel case of reverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy following brain biopsy
Authors: Ives Christopher W. , Smith Phillip A. , Atchley Travis J. , Pogwizd Steven M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractReverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (rTTC) is a variant of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) or stress‐induced cardiomyopathy. TTC is a transient cardiomyopathy resulting in a heart failure syndrome, triggered by emotional and/or physical stressors, that is usually self‐limited. rTTC is characterized by basal wall hypokinesis and apical wall hyperkinesis, the opposite of TTC. rTTC is more commonly associated with neurologic conditions, most notably intracranial hemorrhage. We present the first case in the literature of rTTC specifically following brain biopsy.
Cardiac mechanics in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Seetharam Karthik , Sengupta Partho P. , Bianco Christopher M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractHeart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a complex clinical entity associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Common comorbidities including hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and increasing age predispose to preclinical diastolic dysfunction that often progresses to frank HFpEF. Clinical HFpEF is typically associated with some degree of diastolic dysfunction, but can occur in the absence of many conventional diastolic dysfunction indices. The exact biologic links between risk factors, structural changes, and clinical manifestations are not clearly apparent. Innovative approaches including deformation imaging have enabled deeper understanding of HFpEF cardiac mechanics beyond conventional metrics. Furthermore, predictive analytics through data‐driven platforms have allowed for a deeper understanding of HFpEF phenotypes. This review focuses on the changes in cardiac mechanics that occur through preclinical myocardial dysfunction to clinically apparent HFpEF.
Echocardiographic diagnosis and follow‐up for ALCAPA syndrome treated with the Takeuchi procedure
Authors: Arroyo‐Rodríguez Cuitláhuac , Rodríguez Zanella Hugo , Fritche Salazar Juan Francisco , Ruiz‐Esparza Maria Eugenia , Arias‐Godínez José Antonio 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe present the case of an 18‐year‐old man with aborted sudden cardiac death. His initial echocardiogram suggested an anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery. Diagnosis was confirmed with coronary angiography. He underwent Takeuchi procedure and fully recovered. A two‐year follow‐up echocardiogram showed a moderate supravalvular pulmonary stenosis related to the transpulmonary baffle. The presence of extensive collateral circulation should raise suspicion of ALCAPA. Postoperative surveillance in this group of patients needs to be oriented in finding complications such as supravalvular pulmonary stenosis, aortic and pulmonary valve insufficiency, and baffle obstruction and leaks.
Applications of three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in congenital heart disease
Authors: Jone Pei‐Ni 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThree‐dimensional echocardiography allows for presurgical planning for congenital heart disease, reduces radiation using fusion imaging in catheter interventions, and provides guidance during catheter interventions and lead placements or extractions. The purpose of this review is to detail applications of three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in presurgical planning of congenital heart disease, guidance of catheter interventions such as fusion imaging, and guidance in electrophysiology lead extractions or placements.
Diastolic function of the left and right ventricles of the heart in outpatients with arterial hypertension
Authors: Kirillova Venera , Garganeeva Alla , Sokolova Ludmila 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimThe aim of the study is to investigate the impairment of diastolic function of the left ventricle (LV) and the right ventricle (RV) in arterial hypertension outpatients.Materials and methodsArterial hypertension patients (n = 299) and practically healthy people (n = 62) were examined on an outpatient basis. Echocardiographically, diastolic dysfunctions of both ventricles were evaluated.ResultsAll the arterial hypertension patients had a pattern of diastolic dysfunction (DD) of the RV of different grades (grade I RVDD and grade II RVDD), regardless of the presence or absence of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Patterns of grade I LVDD and grade I RVDD were detected in 84 patients. Patterns of grade I LVDD and grade II RVDD were detected in 77 patients. Patterns of grade II LVDD and grade II RVDD were detected in 41 patients. A pattern of grade II RVDD with normal left ventricular diastolic function was detected in 97 patients with a short duration of disease (3.92 ± 0.48 years) vs the other groups with more than 15 years of hypertension. One hundred and seventy‐five arterial hypertension patients had grade I or II LVDD only in 18.3% of cases according to the recommendations of the American and European societies of echocardiographers (2016).ConclusionThe patients with a short period of hypertensive disease have only the pseudonormal pattern of RVDD, which can be an early diagnostic marker of heart failure. Echocardiographic diagnosis of diastolic function made according to various criteria can both increase the number of chronic heart failure patients and significantly decrease it.
Telomere length and oxidative stress variations in a murine model of Alzheimer’s disease progression
Authors: Martínez‐González Katia , Islas‐Hernández Azul , Martínez‐Ezquerro José Darío , Bermúdez‐Rattoni Federico , Garcia‐delaTorre Paola 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, and ageing is its major risk factor. Changes in telomere length have been associated with ageing and some degenerative diseases. Our aim was to explore some of the molecular changes caused by the progression of AD in a transgenic murine model (3xTg‐AD; B6; 129‐Psen1 <tm1Mpm> Tg (APPSwe, tauP301L) 1Lfa). Telomere length was assessed by qPCR in both brain tissue and peripheral blood cells and compared between three age groups: 5, 9 and 13 months. In addition, a possible effect of oxidative stress on telomere length and AD progression was explored. Shorter telomeres were found in blood cells of older transgenic mice compared to younger and wild‐type mice but no changes in telomere length in the hippocampus. An increase in oxidative stress with age was found for all strains, but no correlation was found between oxidative stress and shorter telomere length for transgenic mice. Telomere length and oxidative stress are affected by AD progression in the 3xTg‐AD murine model. Changes in blood cells are more noticeable than changes in brain tissue, suggesting that systemic changes can be detected early in the disease in this murine model.
Interplay between perivascular and perineuronal extracellular matrix remodelling in neurological and psychiatric diseases
Authors: Ulbrich Philipp , Khoshneviszadeh Mahsima , Jandke Solveig , Schreiber Stefanie , Dityatev Alexander 
Published: June 2020

AbstractVascular damage, central nervous system (CNS) injury, seizure or even psychological stress may trigger activation of microglia and infiltration of other immune cells, accompanied by high levels of expression and activity of extracellular proteases, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and degradation/remodelling of the perivascular and perineuronal extracellular matrix (ECM). This acute response is followed by the recovery/chronic phase, during which the activation of astrocytes leads to the upregulated synthesis of ECM molecules, which, in combination with elevated expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) proteins, increases the aggregation of ECM molecules. This biphasic dysregulation of local balance between extracellular proteases and the ECM activates multiple temporally overlapping signalling cascades, involving receptor‐type protein tyrosine phosphatases, integrins, Toll‐like receptors, cell adhesion molecules, and ion channels, resulting in impaired synaptic plasticity and cognition. An additional level of complexity is related to the leakage of blood plasma proteins, such as fibrinogen, and the diffusion of perivascularly overproduced MMPs, TIMPs and ECM molecules into the CNS parenchyma, leading to diverse effects on neurons and incorporation of these molecules into the interstitial neural ECM. This review aims to outline these complex common mechanisms in stroke, CNS injury, depression, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and cerebral small vessel disease and to discuss translational strategies to advance the development of new therapies for these neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Assessment of the quality of patient information sheets and informed consent forms for clinical trials at a hospital neurology service
Authors: Jaramillo Vélez A. G. , Aguas Compaired M. , Granados Plaza M. , Mariño E. L. , Modamio P. 
Published: June 2020

Background and purposeClinical trials (CTs) aimed at vulnerable groups, such as patients with mental disorders, create ethical complexity. The patient information sheet (PIS) should provide all of the information about the CT that is relevant to the subject's decision to participate. After being informed, the subject will decide freely whether to take part in the CT and will read and sign the informed consent form (ICF). The objective was to assess the quality of PISs/ICFs from a hospital neurology service. The assessment was made using validated and reliable checklists of the information included in the PISs/ICFs of CTs with medicinal products.MethodsThe study comprised analyses of compliance with the checklists of 21 PISs and ICFs reviewed/approved during 2016–2017 by a medicinal research ethics committee.ResultsAll PISs/ICFs were from multicenter CTs sponsored by pharmaceutical companies in different therapeutic areas, mainly Parkinson’s (52.4%) and Alzheimer’s (38.1%) diseases. The PISs from the neurology service demonstrated good compliance (≥80%) with the checklist, whereas ICFs should be improved. Sponsors omitted some relevant information, such as the study title or that the participant be informed of any information arising from the research that may be relevant to the subject’s health, although this information may be in the PIS.ConclusionsThe PISs/ICFs of CTs of medicinal products that are currently used need improvement. PISs and ICFs should be separate documents for each CT. In particular, the PISs/ICFs should consider the criteria related to the decision of participants, protect their rights and ensure that the information received is complete.
Using genetic relatedness to understand heterogeneous distributions of urban rat‐associated pathogens
Authors: Byers Kaylee A. , Booker Tom R. , Combs Matthew , Himsworth Chelsea G. , Munshi‐South Jason , Patrick David M. , Whitlock Michael C. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractUrban Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) carry several pathogens transmissible to people. However, pathogen prevalence can vary across fine spatial scales (i.e., by city block). Using a population genomics approach, we sought to describe rat movement patterns across an urban landscape and to evaluate whether these patterns align with pathogen distributions. We genotyped 605 rats from a single neighborhood in Vancouver, Canada, and used 1,495 genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms to identify parent–offspring and sibling relationships using pedigree analysis. We resolved 1,246 pairs of relatives, of which only 1% of pairs were captured in different city blocks. Relatives were primarily caught within 33 meters of each other leading to a highly leptokurtic distribution of dispersal distances. Using binomial generalized linear mixed models, we evaluated whether family relationships influenced rat pathogen status with the bacterial pathogens Leptospira interrogans, Bartonella tribocorum, and Clostridium difficile, and found that an individual's pathogen status was not predicted any better by including disease status of related rats. The spatial clustering of related rats and their pathogens lends support to the hypothesis that spatially restricted movement promotes the heterogeneous patterns of pathogen prevalence evidenced in this population. Our findings also highlight the utility of evolutionary tools to understand movement and rat‐associated health risks in urban landscapes.
Forest responses to simulated elevated CO2 under alternate hypotheses of size‐ and age‐dependent mortality
Authors: Needham Jessica F. , Chambers Jeffrey , Fisher Rosie , Knox Ryan , Koven Charles D. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractElevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (eCO2) is predicted to increase growth rates of forest trees. The extent to which increased growth translates to changes in biomass is dependent on the turnover time of the carbon, and thus tree mortality rates. Size‐ or age‐dependent mortality combined with increased growth rates could result in either decreased carbon turnover from a speeding up of tree life cycles, or increased biomass from trees reaching larger sizes, respectively. However, most vegetation models currently lack any representation of size‐ or age‐dependent mortality and the effect of eCO2 on changes in biomass and carbon turnover times is thus a major source of uncertainty in predictions of future vegetation dynamics. Using a reduced‐complexity form of the vegetation demographic model the Functionally Assembled Terrestrial Ecosystem Simulator to simulate an idealised tropical forest, we find increases in biomass despite reductions in carbon turnover time in both size‐ and age‐dependent mortality scenarios in response to a hypothetical eCO2‐driven 25% increase in woody net primary productivity (wNPP). Carbon turnover times decreased by 9.6% in size‐dependent mortality scenarios due to a speeding up of tree life cycles, but also by 2.0% when mortality was age‐dependent, as larger crowns led to increased light competition. Increases in aboveground biomass (AGB) were much larger when mortality was age‐dependent (24.3%) compared with size‐dependent (13.4%) as trees reached larger sizes before death. In simulations with a constant background mortality rate, carbon turnover time decreased by 2.1% and AGB increased by 24.0%, however, absolute values of AGB and carbon turnover were higher than in either size‐ or age‐dependent mortality scenario. The extent to which AGB increases and carbon turnover decreases will thus depend on the mechanisms of large tree mortality: if increased size itself results in elevated mortality rates, then this could reduce by about half the increase in AGB relative to the increase in wNPP.
Divergence of Drosophila species: Longevity and reproduction under different nutrient balances
Authors: Watada Masayoshi , Hayashi Yusaku , Watanabe Kaori , Mizutani Shoko , Mure Ayumi , Hattori Yukako , Uemura Tadashi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractHow nutrition impacts growth, reproduction and longevity is complex because relationships between these life events are difficult to disentangle. As a first step in sorting out these processes, we carried out a comparative analysis of related species of Drosophila with distinct feeding habits. In particular, we examined life spans and egg laying of two generalists and three specialists on diets with distinct protein‐to‐carbohydrate ratios. In contrast to the generalist D. melanogaster, adult males of two specialists, D. sechellia and D. elegans, lived longer on a protein‐rich diet. These results and our previous studies collectively show that the diet to which larvae of each specialist species have adapted ensures a longer life span of adult males of that same species. We also found a species‐specific sexual dimorphism of life span in the above two specialists regardless of the diets, which was in sharp contrast to D. melanogaster. In D. melanogaster, males lived longer than females, whereas females of D. sechellia and D. elegans were longer‐lived than males, and those specialist females were exceedingly low in egg production, relative to the other species. We discuss our findings from perspectives of mechanisms, including a possible contribution of egg production to life span.
Non‐surgical periodontal therapy effectively improves patient‐reported outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Khan Shahrukh , Khalid Taimur , Bettiol Silvana , Crocombe Leonard A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimModern lifespan oral health research focuses on understanding the impact of periodontitis (or therapy) on clinical and patient‐based outcome measures to provide effective care, improve patient safety according to the quality standards. For better targeted intervention and effective disease management, this systematically review aimed to investigate the relationship between non‐surgical periodontal therapy and patient‐based outcomes using OHIP‐14.MethodsSeven Databases were searched for studies on patient‐based outcomes responses to periodontal treatment. The time‐period defined from search was from January 1977 to January 2019. Two independent reviewers carried out data search, selection of studies, data extraction and quality assessment using Mixed Method Appraisal Tool. Prospective cohort studies, intervention studies and observational studies written in English demonstrating non‐surgical periodontal therapy response on the patient‐reported outcomes (using Oral Health Impact Profile 14) were included in the review.ResultsThirteen studies were included in the review, which comprised of three randomised control trials, nine case series, and one was a quasi‐experimental study. Eleven out of the 13 studies reported significant improvement in OHIP‐14 scores amongst participants who had undergone non‐surgical periodontal therapy. Physical disability, psychological discomfort and functional limitation were domains that improved significantly after non‐surgical periodontal therapy in these studies. Physical pain was a common finding in short‐term follow‐up but improved significantly in long‐term follow‐up studies.ConclusionBased on clinical and patient‐based outcomes measurement, it is recommended that non‐surgical periodontal therapy is a “gold standard” approach towards improving patient‐based outcomes, reducing co‐morbidities and enhancing patient safely immediately and in long term.