bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Empathic disequilibrium in two different measures of empathy predicts autism traits in neurotypical population
Authors: Shalev Ido , Uzefovsky Florina 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundFeatures of autism spectrum conditions (ASC) are normally distributed within the population, giving rise to the notion of the autism spectrum. One of the hallmark features of ASC is difficulties in social communication, which relies heavily on our ability to empathize with others. Empathy comprises of both cognitive (CE) and emotional (EE) components that, together, allow us to understand another’s emotions and be affected by them appropriately, while maintaining a self-other distinction. Although CE and EE depend on distinct neural and developmental trajectories, it was suggested that the two empathic capacities can influence, balance, and regulate each other. Previous findings regarding the role of emotional and cognitive empathy in ASC have been mixed. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate whether the intra-personal empathy imbalance between the cognitive and emotional components, a measure we termed empathic disequilibrium (ED), can be associated with autism traits at the neurotypical range.MethodsParticipants were 671 young-adults at the neurotypical range who self-reported their empathy, assessed using two highly validated questionnaires—the Interpersonal Reactivity Index and the Empathy Quotient, autism traits using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient, and the related traits, alexithymia, and systemizing.ResultsControlling for the total empathy score, greater ED was found to be positively correlated with autism traits. Specifically, autism traits were found to be elevated in groups of individuals with relatively higher EE than CE, underscoring their imbalance.ConclusionsOur study offers a novel perspective on the understanding of the social difficulties associated with autism tendencies in the general population and has potentially important clinical implications for understanding of ASC. We also propose a novel characterization of autism tendencies based on the imbalance between EE and CE, which we term ED, as opposed to examining EE and CE separately.
Mucinous carcinoma originating in the peritoneum diagnosed by an ascites cell block: a case report
Authors: Nagao Sachiko , Matsuura Motoki , Tamate Masato , Sugita Shintaro , Saito Tsuyoshi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Peritoneal carcinoma is a rare disease that is diagnosed and treated in a manner similar to ovarian cancer. In most cases, the histological type is serous carcinoma, and chemotherapy is effective. However, there are a few case reports of mucinous peritoneal carcinoma. We inferred the histological type before surgery using an ascites cell block sample, which was useful for determining the treatment plan.

Case presentation
Our patient was a 60-year-old Japanese woman. She presented with a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. A computed tomographic scan showed a large quantity of ascitic fluid and thickening of the greater omentum, as well as thickening of the peritoneum at the pouch of Douglas and diaphragm. Hence, peritoneal carcinoma was suspected. The tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen, cancer antigen 19-9, and cancer antigen 125 were all increased, and no malignant findings were observed in the uterus or ovaries. Cells suggestive of carcinoma were found in the ascitic fluid, and immunostaining by the cell block method suggested the possibility of mucinous carcinoma. The preoperative chemotherapy strategy was changed to short courses, and tumor reduction surgery was planned. Similar to the suspicion before surgery, the pathology results indicated mucinous carcinoma, and the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy was grade 0.

Conclusions
Determining whether peritoneal carcinoma is serous carcinoma is important for therapy and prognostic prediction. In this case, we encountered a patient for whom surgery was chosen because of drug therapy resistance inferred through histological type estimation using the cell block method. Inferring the histological type by cell block preparation is useful for diagnosis and treatment selection.
The hypertensive effect of sorafenib is abolished by sildenafil
Authors: Dabiré Hubert , Dramé Fatou , Cita Nelly , Ghaleh Bijan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Contrasting to the well documented tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-induced hypertension, little is known on their intrinsic vasomotor effects. We investigated the vasomotor effects of sorafenib, a widely used multikinase inhibitor in the treatment of hepatocellular and renal cell carcinoma and tested the hypothesis that sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, could represent a pharmacological strategy for the treatment of TKI-induced hypertension.

Methods
Concentration-response curves of sorafenib were constructed in endothelium-intact or denuded precontracted rat aorta, in the presence or absence of several inhibitors. Acute intravenous effects of sorafenib on arterial blood pressure were also investigated in anaesthetized rats. Finally, rats were chronically treated with sorafenib during 4 weeks in the presence and absence of sildenafil.

Results
In endothelium intact aortic ring, sorafenib induced a potent concentration-dependent relaxation of precontracted rat aorta. Removal of the endothelium shifted the concentration-response curve of sorafenib to the right and significantly reduced its maximal effects, demonstrating that sorafenib-induced vasorelaxation is endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent. Inhibition of the different pathways implicated in the endothelium-dependent and independent vasorelaxation revealed that the endothelium-dependent effects of sorafenib result mainly from the activation of prostaglandin and the nitric oxide (NO) pathways. The endothelium-independent vasodilatory effects of sorafenib may result mainly from the activation of Na/K-ATPase and soluble guanylate cyclase. These vasodilatory effects observed in vitro were confirmed by the decrease in arterial blood pressure observed during acute administrations of sorafenib in anesthetized rats. Finally, and most importantly, we report here for the first time that chronic administration of sorafenib in rats induced an increase in SBP that was abolished by sildenafil.

Conclusion
The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib induced in vitro vasorelaxation of large conductance artery, primary by activating soluble guanylate cyclase. Its chronic administration led to arterial blood hypertension that was counteracted by a PDE-5 inhibitor, sildenafil. Our results suggest that targeting the cGMP pathway including NO signalling might be an interesting pharmacological strategy for the treatment of TKI-induced hypertension.
Pathogen genomic surveillance of typhoidal Salmonella infection in adults and children reveals no association between clinical outcomes and infecting genotypes
Authors: Britto Carl D. , Mathias Sitarah , Bosco Ashish , Dyson Zoe A. , Dougan Gordon , Raveendran Savitha , Abin V. L. , Jose Sanju , Nagaraj Savitha , Holt Kathryn E. , Pollard Andrew J. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
India is endemic for enteric fever, and it is not known whether the variations in clinical manifestations between patients are due to host, environmental or pathogen factors.
Blood culture surveillance was conducted at St. John’s Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, between July 2016 and June 2017. Clinical, laboratory and demographic data were collected from each case, and bacterial isolates were subjected to whole genome sequencing. Comparative analysis between adults and paediatric patients was carried out to ascertain differences between adult and paediatric disease.

Results
Among the 113 cases of blood culture-confirmed enteric fever, young adults (16–30 years) and children < 15 years accounted for 47% and 37% of cases, respectively. Anaemia on presentation was seen in 46% of cases, and 19% had an abnormal leucocyte count on presentation. The majority received treatment as inpatients (70%), and among these, adults had a significantly longer duration of admission when compared with children (p = 0.002). There were atypical presentations including arthritis, acute haemolysis and a case of repeated typhoid infection with two separate S. Typhi genotypes. There was no association between infecting genotype/serovar and treatment status (outpatient vs inpatient), month of isolation, duration of admission, patient age (adult or child), antimicrobial susceptibility, Widal positivity or haematologic parameters.

Conclusions
Amidst the many public health concerns of South India, enteric fever continues to contribute substantially to hospital burden with non-specific as well as uncommon clinical features in both paediatric and adult populations likely driven by host and environmental factors. Robust clinical surveillance as well monitoring of pathogen population structure is required to inform treatment and preventive strategies.
Cardiovascular Safety of Abaloparatide in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis: Analysis From the ACTIVE Phase 3 Trial
Authors: Cosman Felicia , Peterson Linda R , Towler Dwight A , Mitlak Bruce , Wang Yamei , Cummings Steven R 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Context
Abaloparatide is a US Food and Drug Administration-approved parathyroid hormone-related peptide analog for treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high risk of fracture.

Objectives
We assessed the cardiovascular safety profile of abaloparatide.

Design
Review of heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and cardiovascular-related adverse events (AEs), including major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and heart failure (HF) from: (a) ACTIVE (NCT01343004), a phase 3 trial that randomized 2463 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis to abaloparatide, teriparatide, or placebo for 18 months; (b) ACTIVExtend (NCT01657162), where participants from the abaloparatide and placebo arms received alendronate for 2 years; and (c) a pharmacology study in 55 healthy adults.

Results
Abaloparatide and teriparatide transiently increased HR relative to placebo. Following first dose, mean (standard deviation [SD]) HR change from pretreatment to 1 hour posttreatment was 7.9 (8.5) beats per minute (bpm) for abaloparatide, 5.3 (7.5) for teriparatide, and 1.2 (7.1) for placebo. A similar pattern was observed over subsequent visits. In healthy volunteers, HR increase resolved within 4 hours. The corresponding change in mean supine systolic and diastolic BP 1 hour posttreatment was –2.7/–3.6 mmHg (abaloparatide), –2.0/–3.6 (teriparatide), and –1.5/–2.3 (placebo). The percentage of participants with serious cardiac AEs was similar among groups (0.9%-1.0%). In a post hoc analysis, time to first incidence of MACE + HF was longer with abaloparatide (P = 0.02 vs placebo) and teriparatide (P = 0.04 vs placebo).

Conclusions
Abaloparatide was associated with transient increases in HR and small decreases in BP in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, with no increase in risk of serious cardiac AEs, MACE, or HF.
The PRDM14–CtBP1/2–PRC2 complex regulates transcriptional repression during the transition from primed to naïve pluripotency
Authors: Yamamoto Maiko , Suwa Yoshiaki , Sugiyama Kohta , Okashita Naoki , Kawaguchi Masanori , Tani Naoki , Matsubara Kazumi , Nakamura Akira , Seki Yoshiyuki 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACT
The pluripotency-associated transcriptional network is regulated by a core circuitry of transcription factors. The PR domain-containing protein PRDM14 maintains pluripotency by activating and repressing transcription in a target gene-dependent manner. However, the mechanisms underlying dichotomic switching of PRDM14-mediated transcriptional control remain elusive. Here, we identified C-terminal binding protein 1 and 2 (CtBP1 and CtBP2; generically referred to as CtBP1/2) as components of the PRDM14-mediated repressive complex. CtBP1/2 binding to PRDM14 depends on CBFA2T2, a core component of the PRDM14 complex. The loss of Ctbp1/2 impaired the PRDM14-mediated transcriptional repression required for pluripotency maintenance and transition from primed to naïve pluripotency. Furthermore, CtBP1/2 interacted with the PRC2 complexes, and the loss of Ctbp1/2 impaired Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and H3K27me3 enrichment at target genes after Prdm14 induction. These results provide evidence that the target gene-dependent transcriptional activity of PRDM14 is regulated by partner switching to ensure the transition from primed to naïve pluripotency.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper
Neurodegenerative disease-associated protein aggregates are poor inducers of the heat shock response in neuronal cells
Authors: San Gil Rebecca , Cox Dezerae , McAlary Luke , Berg Tracey , Walker Adam K. , Yerbury Justin J. , Ooi Lezanne , Ecroyd Heath 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACT
Protein aggregates that result in inclusion formation are a pathological hallmark common to many neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. Under conditions of cellular stress, activation of the heat shock response (HSR) results in an increase in the levels of molecular chaperones and is a first line of cellular defence against inclusion formation. It remains to be established whether neurodegenerative disease-associated proteins and inclusions are themselves capable of inducing an HSR in neuronal cells. To address this, we generated a neuroblastoma cell line that expresses a fluorescent reporter protein under conditions of heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1)-mediated HSR induction. We show that the HSR is not induced by exogenous treatment with aggregated forms of recombinant α-synuclein or the G93A mutant of superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1G93A) nor intracellular expression of SOD1G93A or a pathogenic form of polyglutamine-expanded huntingtin (Htt72Q). These results suggest that pathogenic proteins evade detection or impair induction of the HSR in neuronal cells. A failure of protein aggregation to induce an HSR might contribute to the development of inclusion pathology in neurodegenerative diseases.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Relationship between neighbourhood cohesion and disability: findings from SWADES population-based survey, Kerala, India
Authors: Saju M.D. , Benny Anuja Maria , Preet Allagh Komal , Joseph Binoy , Amuthavalli Thiyagarajan Jotheeswaran 
Published: July 2020

Background: The burden of disability on individuals and society is enormous in India, and informal care systems try to reduce this burden. This study investigated the association between neighbourhood cohesion and disability in a community-based population in Kerala, India. To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have examined this association in India. Methods: A cross-sectional household survey was conducted with 997 participants aged 30 years and above, in Kerala. Neighbourhood cohesion was assessed by three scales: trust, community participation, and perceived safety. Functional ability was measured by WHODAS 2.0. Explanatory covariates included chronic disease conditions, age, gender, education, income, and mental health conditions. Results: Of 997 participants (37% male; mean age, 53.9 [range, 30–90] years), the majority were married or cohabiting. Univariate analysis showed functional ability to be positively associated with most demographic and health characteristics. However, after adjustment, only social cohesion, age, income, education, chronic diseases and mental health conditions remained significant. Mediation analysis showed the effect of personal and health characteristics on functional ability as mediated by social cohesion. Conclusion: Social cohesion is an important moderator of functional ability. Interventions targeting the creation of stronger ties among neighbours and a sense of belonging should be scaled-up and evaluated in future research.
Simulation of realistic nephrology case scenarios to facilitate intra-professional team learning
Authors: Watson Kathryn , Gosling Nicholas , Broom Christopher , Snelgrove Huon , Popoola Joyce 
Published: July 2020

Background Learning in the workplace maximises relevance to clinical practice and facilitates the education of the whole multiprofessional team. Provision of structured teaching is becoming increasingly challenging with shift pattern working and staff shortages. This article describes a simulation course designed to facilitate team learning to improve the care of nephrology patients, and presents outcome data over 2 years. Methods A full-day course, using high fidelity manikins, was designed for nephrology specialty trainees and nurse specialists. Nineteen learners (eleven specialty trainees and eight nurse specialists) and nine multidisciplinary team faculty members attended. Evaluation used pre- and post-course assessments, with a 1-year follow-up questionnaire. Results Following the course, improved knowledge scores, 56% to 72% (P<0.05), and confidence scores, 57% to 71% (P<0.005), were demonstrated. Qualitative analysis found ‘intra-disciplinary interaction’, ‘reflection’ and ‘practical skills’ were the greatest enablers of learning. In the 1-year follow-up questionnaire, specialty trainees reported that the course improved clinical practice and helped preparation for consultant roles. Conclusions This course improved knowledge and confidence in managing nephrology scenarios across the multidisciplinary learning group, and the model could be used in other hospital specialties.
Scheme of coherent optical chaos communication
Authors: Wang Longsheng , Mao Xiaoxin , Wang Anbang , Wang Yuncai , Gao Zhensen , Li Songsui , Yan Lianshan 
Published: July 2020

We propose and numerically demonstrate a scheme of coherent optical chaos communication using semiconductor lasers for secure transmission of optical quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signals. In this scheme, a laser intensity chaos and its delayed duplicate are used to amplitude-quadrature modulate a continuous-wave light to generate a chaotic carrier. High-quality chaotic carrier synchronization between the transmitter and receiver is guaranteed by laser intensity chaos synchronization, avoiding laser phase fluctuation. Decryption is implemented by a 90 deg optical hybrid using the synchronous chaotic carrier as local light. Secure transmission of an optical 40 Gb/s 16QAM signal is demonstrated by using a laser intensity chaos with a bandwidth of 11.7 GHz. The system performances are evaluated by analyzing a bit error ratio with different masking coefficients, signal rates, synchronization coefficients, parameter mismatches, and dispersion compensation. It is believed that this scheme can pave a way for high-speed optical chaos communication.
Multipoint acoustic impedance sensing based on frequency-division multiplexed forward stimulated Brillouin scattering
Authors: Zheng Zhou , Li Zhengying , Fu Xuelei , Wang Lixing , Wang Honghai 
Published: July 2020

Acoustic impedance sensing based on forward stimulated Brillouin scattering (FSBS) in fiber has attracted the attention of researchers in recent years. Here, we propose a novel, to the best of our knowledge, multipoint sensing scheme based on FSBS, which explores frequency-division multiplexing. Since the resonance center frequencies of the FSBS-invoked acoustic modes are dependent on the fiber diameter, different fiber sections can be differentiated using carefully selected representative peaks in the FSBS spectrum. With a Sagnac loop structure, continuous-wave light is adopted for FSBS excitation, reducing the required fiber length for efficient opto-acoustic interaction. By evaluating the linewidths of representative peaks, simultaneous acoustic impedance sensing at multiple locations is realized with 0.8 m sensor size.
Aprendizaje basado en proyectos por medio de la plataforma YouTube para la enseñanza de matemáticas en Educación Primaria
Authors: Del Valle-ramón David , García-Valcárcel Muñoz-Repiso Ana , Basilotta Gómez-Pablos Verónica 
Published: July 2020

El Aprendizaje basado en proyectos (ABP) es una metodología que puede mejorar la práctica educativa, ya que ofrece estrategias a los estudiantes para aprender mediante la investigación de forma activa y dinámica en situaciones más cercanas a la realidad, y que culminan con la elaboración de productos auténticos y reales. El objetivo de este trabajo es comprobar la eficacia de la metodología ABP en la adquisición de conocimientos en la asignatura de matemáticas en educación primaria y en la mejora de la satisfacción de los alumnos. Para ello, se ha diseñado y evaluado una propuesta didáctica que integra cinco sesiones y que utiliza YouTube como recurso didáctico. Se ha empleado un diseño de investigación cuasi-experimental con medidas pre-test y post-test, utilizando grupo experimental y control. La muestra la conforman 40 estudiantes de 5º. de educación primaria (entre 9 y 10 años) de un centro educativo de León (España). La intervención, centrada en actividades de aprendizaje a través de diversos recursos educativos, presenta resultados positivos en matemáticas. Las diferencias encontradas entre el pre-test y post-test en el grupo experimental son estadísticamente significativas y superiores a las presentadas en el grupo control, de modo que se concluye que los alumnos que trabajan las matemáticas a través de la metodología ABP integrando el uso de YouTube consiguen un mayor avance en su aprendizaje y están más satisfechos.