Basic Science and Pathogenesis.

Background: Neural circuit hyperexcitability and impaired excitation-to-inhibition (E/I) activity is believed to be a key contributor to synaptic and network degeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Extensive preclinical research on transgenic animal models of AD have demonstrated neuronal and circuit level E/I imbalance mediated by amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau proteins. Synaptic and network deficits are also integral changes of aging.

Clinical Manifestations.

Background: Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) presents with heterogeneous neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS). These symptoms often begin prior to the onset of FTD, and progress throughout the prodromal stages of FTD. Particularly, familial FTD due to autosomal dominant genetic mutations might display mutation-specific NPS profiles.

Clinical Manifestations.

Background: Autonomic dysfunction has been linked to empathy deficits in symptomatic frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), but less is known about pre-symptomatic FTD mutation carriers (preFTD+). Our prior work found that increasing resting heart rate (RHR) over time predicts decline in emotional empathy in preFTD+. Here, we replicate previous findings in a large, multi-site consortium sample and assess relationships between RHR and empathy loss across disease stages.

Clinical Manifestations.

Background: Despite the prevalent belief that socioemotional processing remains mostly intact in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD), impaired Theory of Mind - the ability to understand and interpret others' thoughts, beliefs, and feelings - has been observed in persons with AD. During everyday conversations, the high cognitive loading of socioemotional interactions may adversely impact the ability of persons with AD to identify emotions and read others' intentions. This study aimed to investigate socioemotional perception capabilities in early-stage AD and to determine whether cerebellar and cerebral integrity predicts performance on socioemotional perception tests.

Change in Postpartum Visit and Contraception Rates Pre-COVID-19 to Post-Lockdown in Six U.S. Federally Qualified Health Centers.

Postpartum care, including contraception, benefits maternal health and decreases mortality, which increased in the United States with COVID-19. Pandemic disruptions to postpartum health care access in vulnerable populations are not well understood. We utilize electronic health record (EHR) data for prenatal patients ( = 2,265) at six urban Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) from one year prepandemic (January 1, 2019) through one year after the first stay-at-home orders ("lockdown") (March 31, 2021).