bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
J-factor estimation of Draco, Sculptor, and Ursa Minor dwarf spheroidal galaxies with the member/foreground mixture model
Authors: Horigome Shun-ichi , Hayashi Kohei , Ibe Masahiro , Ishigaki Miho N , Matsumoto Shigeki , Sugai Hajime
Published: September 2020

Dwarf spheroidal galaxies (dSphs) are promising targets of indirect detection experiments searching for dark matter (DM) at present Universe. Towards robust prediction for the amount of signal flux originating in DM annihilation inside dSphs, a precise determination of DM distributions as well as J-factors of the dSphs is particularly important. In this work, we estimate those of Draco, Sculptor, and Ursa Minor dSphs by an improved statistical method in which both foreground stars and dSph member stars are simultaneously taken into account. We define the likelihood function of the method as the so-called conditional one to remove sampling bias of observed stellar data. This improved method enables us to estimate DM distributions and J-factors of the dSphs directly from observed stellar data contaminated by foreground stars without imposing stringent membership criteria on the measured quantities.
The application of the adiabatic compression scenario to the radio relic in the galaxy cluster Abell 3411−3412
Authors: Button Charissa , Marchegiani Paolo
Published: September 2020

Although radio relics are understood to originate in intracluster shock waves resulting from merger shocks, the most widely used model for describing this (re-)acceleration process at shock fronts, the diffusive shock acceleration (DSA) model, has several challenges, including the fact that it is inefficient at low shock Mach numbers. In light of these challenges, it is worthwhile to consider alternative mechanisms. One possibility is the adiabatic compression by a shock wave of a residual fossil electron population which has been left over from a radio galaxy jet. This paper applies this model to the relic hosted in the merging galaxy cluster Abell 3411−3412, where a radio bridge between the relic and a radio galaxy has been observed, with the aim to reproduce the spatial structure of the spectral index of the relic. Four scenarios are presented, in which different effects are investigated, such as effects behind the shock front and different shock strengths. The results show that the adiabatic compression model can reproduce the observed spectral indices across the relic for a shock Mach number that is lower than the value required by the DSA-type modelling of this relic and is in accordance with the values derived from X-ray observations, if other mechanisms, such as an expansion phase or post-shock turbulence, are effective behind the shock front.
SDSS-IV MaNGA: the indispensable role of bars in enhancing the central star formation of low-z galaxies
Authors: Lin Lin , Li Cheng , Du Cheng , Wang Enci , Xiao Ting , Bureau Martin , Fraser-McKelvie Amelia , Masters Karen , Lin Lihwai , Wake David , Hao Lei
Published: September 2020

We analyse two-dimensional maps and radial profiles of EW(Hα), EW(HδA), and Dn(4000) of low-redshift galaxies using integral field spectroscopy from the MaNGA survey. Out of ≈1400 nearly face-on late-type galaxies with a redshift z < 0.05, we identify 121 “turnover” galaxies that each have a central upturn in EW(Hα), EW(HδA), and/or a central drop in Dn(4000), indicative of ongoing/recent star formation. The turnover features are found mostly in galaxies with a stellar mass above ∼1010 M⊙ and NUV – r colour less than ≈5. The majority of the turnover galaxies are barred, with a bar fraction of 89 ± 3 per cent. Furthermore, for barred galaxies, the radius of the central turnover region is found to tightly correlate with one-third of the bar length. Comparing the observed and the inward extrapolated star formation rate surface density, we estimate that the central SFR have been enhanced by an order of magnitude. Conversely, only half of the barred galaxies in our sample have a central turnover feature, implying that the presence of a bar is not sufficient to lead to a central SF enhancement. We further examined the SF enhancement in paired galaxies, as well as the local environment, finding no relation. This implies that the environment is not a driving factor for central SF enhancement in our sample. Our results reinforce both previous findings and theoretical expectation that galactic bars play a crucial role in the secular evolution of galaxies by driving gas inflow and enhancing the star formation and bulge growth in the centre.
HIR4: cosmological signatures imprinted on the cross-correlation between a 21-cm map and galaxy clustering
Authors: Shi Feng , Song Yong-Seon , Asorey Jacobo , Parkinson David , Ahn Kyungjin , Yao Jian , Zhang Le , Zuo Shifan
Published: September 2020

We explore the cosmological multitracer synergies between an emission-line galaxy distribution from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument and a Tianlai Project 21-cm intensity map. We use simulated maps generated from a particle simulation in the light-cone volume (Horizon Run 4), sky-trimmed and including the effects of foreground contamination, its removal and instrument noise. We first validate how the foreground residual affects the recovered 21-cm signal by putting different levels of foreground contamination into the 21-cm maps. We find that the contamination cannot be ignored in the angular autocorrelation power spectra of H i even when it is small, but it has no influence on the accuracy of the angular cross-correlation power spectra between H i and galaxies. In the foreground-cleaned map case, as information is lost in the cleaning procedure, there is also a bias in the cross-correlation power spectrum. However, we found that the bias from the cross-correlation power spectrum is scale-independent, which is easily parametrized as part of the model, while the offset in the H i autocorrelation power spectrum is non-linear. In particular, we tested that the cross-correlation power also benefits from the cancellation of the bias in the power spectrum measurement that is induced by the instrument noise, which changes the shape of the autocorrelation power spectra but leaves the cross-correlation power spectra unaffected. We then modelled the angular cross-correlation power spectra to fit the baryon acoustic oscillation feature in the broad-band shape of the angular cross-correlation power spectrum, including contamination from the residual foreground and the effect of instrument noise. We forecast a constraint on the angular diameter distance DA for the Tianlai Pathfinder redshift 0.775 < z < 1.03, giving a distance measurement with a precision of 2.7 per cent at that redshift.
Discovery of a mid-infrared protostellar outburst of exceptional amplitude
Authors: Lucas P W , Elias J , Points S , Guo Z , Smith L C , Stecklum B , Vorobyov E , Morris C , Borissova J , Kurtev R , Contreras Peña C , Medina N , Minniti D , Ivanov V D , Saito R K
Published: September 2020

We report the discovery of a mid-infrared outburst in a young stellar object (YSO) with an amplitude close to 8 mag at λ ≈ 4.6 μm. WISEA J142238.82−611553.7 is one of 23 highly variable Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) sources discovered in a search of infrared dark clouds (IRDCs). It lies within the small IRDC G313.671−0.309 (d ≈2.6 kpc), seen by the Herschel/Hi-Gal survey as a compact massive cloud core that may have been measurably warmed by the event. Pre-outburst data from Spitzer in 2004 suggest it is a class I YSO, a view supported by observation of weak 2.12 μm H2 emission in an otherwise featureless red continuum spectrum in 2019 (6 mag below the peak in Ks). Spitzer, WISE, and VISTA Variables in the Via Lactea (VVV) data show that the outburst began by 2006 and has a duration >13 yr, with a fairly flat peak from 2010 to 2014. The low pre-outburst luminosity implies a low-mass progenitor. The outburst luminosity of a few × 102 L⊙ is consistent with an accretion rate $\dot{M} \approx 10^{-4}$ M⊙yr−1, comparable to a classical FU Orionis event. The 4.6 μm peak in 2010 implies T = 800–1000 K and a disc radial location R ≈ 4.5 au for the emitting region. The colour evolution suggests subsequent progression outwards. The apparent absence of the hotter matter expected in thermal instability or MRI models may be due to complete obscuration of the innermost disc, e.g. by an edge-on disc view. Alternatively, disc fragmentation/infalling fragment models might more naturally explain a mid-infrared peak, though this is not yet clear.
Combined electron firehose and electromagnetic ion cyclotron instabilities: quasilinear approach
Authors: Ali Z , Sarfraz M , Yoon P H
Published: September 2020

Various plasma waves and instabilities are abundantly present in the solar wind plasma, as evidenced by spacecraft observations. Among these, propagating modes and instabilities driven by temperature anisotropies are known to play a significant role in the solar wind dynamics. In situ measurements reveal that the threshold conditions for these instabilities adequately explain the solar wind conditions at large heliocentric distances. This paper pays attention to the combined effects of electron firehose instability driven by excessive parallel electron temperature anisotropy (T⊥e < T∥e) at high beta conditions, and electromagnetic ion cyclotron instability driven by excessive perpendicular proton temperature anisotropy (T⊥i > T∥i). By employing quasilinear kinetic theory based upon the assumption of bi-Maxwellian velocity distribution functions for protons and electrons, the dynamical evolution of the combined instabilities and their mutual interactions mediated by the particles is explored in depth. It is found that while in some cases, the two unstable modes are excited and saturated at distinct spatial and temporal scales, in other cases, the two unstable modes are intermingled such that a straightforward interpretation is not so easy. This shows that when the dynamics of protons and electrons are mutually coupled and when multiple unstable modes are excited in the system, the dynamical consequences can be quite complex.
Central Nervous System Plasticity Influences Language and Cognitive Recovery in Adult Glioma
Authors: Krishna Saritha , Kakaizada Sofia , Almeida Nyle , Brang David , Hervey-Jumper Shawn
Published: September 2020

Gliomas exist within the framework of complex neuronal circuitry in which network dynamics influence both tumor biology and cognition. The generalized impairment of cognition or loss of language function is a common occurrence for glioma patients. The interface between intrinsic brain tumors such as gliomas and functional cognitive networks are poorly understood. The ability to communicate effectively is critically important for receiving oncological therapies and maintaining a high quality of life. Although the propensity of gliomas to infiltrate cortical and subcortical structures and disrupt key anatomic language pathways is well documented, there is new evidence offering insight into the network and cellular mechanisms underpinning glioma-related aphasia and aphasia recovery. In this review, we will outline the current understanding of the mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction and recovery, using aphasia as an illustrative model.
Results of a Feasibility Study of Helpers Stay Quit Training for Smoking Relapse Prevention
Authors: Muramoto Myra L , Hopkins Allison , Bell Melanie , Allen Alicia , Nair Uma , Connolly Timothy E
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Most smoking quit attempts end in relapse, and interventions focused on relapse prevention are lacking. Helpers Stay Quit (HSQ) is a novel behavioral relapse prevention intervention that teaches newly abstinent smokers to offer a “helping conversation” (HC) to help others quit tobacco.

Methods

Pre-post intervention feasibility study with state quitline participants ≥14 days abstinent. Measures at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months included smoking status, offering HCs, and cessation self-efficacy. Primary outcomes: self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence; offering HCs. Cox models explored association of HCs with relapse. Preliminary effects analysis using propensity score matching compared 30-day abstinence of quitline clients with study sample at 7 months.

Results

Participants (N = 104) were as follows: mean age of 53 years (SD 13.9 years), 48.1% male, mean of cigarettes smoked/day of 16.2 (SD 9.7). Compared with participants who remained abstinent (n = 82), relapsers (n = 22) had fewer HCs over 6 months (2.6 vs 7.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4, 7.8, p = .006). Using adjusted Cox regression, the hazard ratio of relapse for each HC was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.74, 0.99, p = .03). Compared with a matched sample of quitline clients not exposed to HSQ, study participants were 49% more likely to report 30-day abstinence at 7-month quitline follow-up (95% CI: 40%, 59%, p < .0001).

Conclusions

HSQ, delivered to newly abstinent smokers who received standard quitline treatment, was associated with less self-reported relapse. These promising preliminary study results warrant further research to evaluate HSQ as a novel behavioral intervention to prevent smoking relapse.

Implications

To date, behavioral interventions for smoking relapse prevention that teach abstainers cessation skills to apply to themselves have not shown effectiveness. This feasibility study examines the preliminary efficacy of a conceptually novel, “help others” behavioral intervention approach for relapse prevention in newly abstinent smokers recruited from a state quitline. HSQ teaches the newly abstinent smoker communication and listening skills to encourage other smokers in their personal social network to quit. Exploratory analysis using propensity score matching suggests that participants exposed to HSQ were significantly more likely to self-report 30-day abstinence at quitline 7-month follow-up than other quitline clients.
Low-calorie sweeteners and human health: a rapid review of systematic reviews
Authors: Andrade Lesley , Lee Kirsten M , Sylvetsky Allison C , Kirkpatrick Sharon I
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Low-calorie sweeteners are increasingly prevalent in the food supply and their consumption has increased in recent decades. Although low-calorie sweeteners approved for use are considered safe from a toxicological perspective, their short- and long-term impacts on chronic disease risk remain uncertain. The aim of this review was to summarize the evidence from systematic reviews on low-calorie sweetener use and chronic conditions and risk factors in children and adults. 

Methods

MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched to identify systematic reviews of randomized and nonrandomized studies that considered low-calorie sweeteners in relation to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, anthropometric measures, hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, and dental caries. Data were extracted from 9 reviews deemed of moderate or high quality on the basis of AMSTAR-2. 

Results

Narrative synthesis suggested inconsistent evidence on low-calorie sweetener use in relation to chronic conditions and associated risk factors, with nonrandomized studies suggesting positive associations and randomized studies suggesting negative or no associations. 

Conclusion

Continued research on the long-term health impacts of low-calorie sweeteners across all life stages is warranted.
Psychological Factors Are Associated with Pain at All Time Frames After Breast Cancer Surgery: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses
Authors: Moloney Niamh A , Pocovi Natasha C , Dylke Elizabeth S , Graham Petra L , De Groef An
Published: September 2020

Objective

This systematic review aimed to 1) assess associations between psychological factors and pain after breast cancer (BC) treatment and 2) determine which preoperative psychological factors predicted pain in the acute, subacute, and chronic time frames after BC surgery.

Design

A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Subjects

Women with early-stage BC.

Methods

The Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases were searched between 1990 and January 2019. Studies that evaluated psychological factors and pain after surgery for early-stage BC were included. Associations between psychological factors and pain, from early after surgery to >12 months after surgery, were extracted. Effect size correlations (r equivalents) were calculated and pooled by using random-effects meta-analysis models.

Results

Of 4,137 studies, 47 were included (n = 15,987 participants; 26 studies ≤12 months after surgery and 22 studies >12 months after surgery). The majority of the studies had low to moderate risk of bias. Higher preoperative anxiety and depression were weak but significant predictors of pain at all time points up to 12 months (r equivalent: 0.15–0.22). Higher preoperative pain catastrophizing and distress were also weak but significant predictors of pain during the acute (0–7 days) and chronic (3–12 months) periods (r equivalent: 0.10–0.20). For the period >12 months after surgery, weak but significant cross-sectional associations with pain were identified for anxiety, depression, pain catastrophizing, and distress (r equivalents: 0.15, 0.17, 0.25, 0.14, respectively).

Conclusion

Significant pooled effect size correlations between psychological factors and pain were identified across all time frames. Though weak, these associations should encourage assessment of key psychological factors during preoperative screening and pain assessments at all postoperative time frames.
RESULTS OF LONG-TERM RADON MONITORING IN THE TYPICAL SLOVAK FAMILY HOUSE—A CASE STUDY
Authors: Müllerová Monika , Holý Karol , Masarik Jozef
Published: September 2020

This case study provides a view of the behavior of radon in an uninhabited house, the likes of which were built in thousands in Slovakia between 1950 and 1990. In one room of the house that was in contact with the subsoil, an average annual radon activity concentration (RAC) as high as 1088 Bq m−3 was found. A high radon supply to this room from the subsoil was identified in the corner of the room, and this correlated very well with the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor air. In this room, an atypical annual variation of RAC was found, with a maximum in September (1600 Bq m−3). In the other rooms on the ground floor, RACs at the level of 400–500 Bq m−3 were detected. In the rooms on the first floor, RACs of up to ~200 Bq m−3 were found.
RADON TIME SERIES IN FOUR FLATS IN ENERGY EFFICIENT MULTI-STOREY BUILDING
Authors: Yarmoshenko I , Onishchenko A , Malinovsky G , Vasilyev A
Published: September 2020

Influence of living habits and meteorological parameters on indoor radon concentration in a new energy efficiency multi-storey flat building typical for Russian cities was studied using radon time series analysis. Continuous indoor radon measurements were conducted in four flats of the same multi-storey residential building in Ekaterinburg, Russia. Factors influencing indoor radon in surveyed building (by rank) are as follows: ventilation regime> indoor/outdoor temperature difference > wind direction. Intentional ventilation frequency, temperature difference and wind direction explain together up to 46% of indoor radon variability in a flat of multi-storey building.
After the surge
Authors: Cathcart Eloise Balasco
Published: September 2020

The new nurse manager survival guide, part III
Re-evaluation of the discriminative stimulus effects of lysergic acid diethylamide with male and female Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Herr Keli A. , Baker Lisa E.
Published: September 2020

Recent discoveries from clinical trials with psychedelic-assisted therapy have led to a resurgence of interest in the psychopharmacology of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Preclinical drug discrimination is an invaluable tool to investigate the neurochemical mechanisms underlying subjective drug effects. The current study extends previous drug discrimination research by including both sexes. Adult female (n = 8) and male (n = 8) Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to discriminate 0.08 mg/kg LSD from saline under a fixed ratio 20 schedule of food reinforcement. Substitution tests were conducted with several substances, including other serotonergic hallucinogens, psychostimulants, mixed psychedelic-stimulants and synthetic cathinones. Stimulus antagonist tests were conducted with selected serotonin and dopamine antagonists. LSD-substitution with serotonergic hallucinogens was comparable between sexes. Modest but intriguing differences were observed between male and female rats in the extent of partial substitution by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine enantiomers and the synthetic cathinones, 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone and 4-methylmethcathinone. Dopamine antagonists failed to block the LSD cue in both sexes and exerted stronger rate suppressant effects in male rats. The 5-hydroxytryptamine antagonist, (R)-(+)-a-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl) ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (MDL 100 907) blocked LSD discrimination in both sexes, although complete blockade was evident at lower doses in male rats. These results support previous findings regarding the prominent role of serotonergic activities underlying LSDs discriminative stimulus effects in male rats and generalize these findings to female rats. In consideration of the rising popularity in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, further research may be warranted to evaluate possible sex differences in the behavioral and subjective effects of LSD.
Interactions between reproductive transitions during aging and addiction: promoting translational crosstalk between different fields of research
Authors: Gipson Cassandra D. , Bimonte-Nelson Heather A.
Published: September 2020

Discovery of neural mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders within the aging and addiction fields has been a main focus of the National Institutes of Health. However, there is a dearth of knowledge regarding the biological interactions of aging and addiction, which may have important influences on progression of disease and treatment outcomes in aging individuals with a history of chronic drug use. Thus, there is a large gap in these fields of research, which has slowed progress in understanding and treating substance use disorders (SUDs) as well as age-related diseases, specifically in women who experience precipitous reproductive cycle transitions during aging. The goal of this review is to highlight overlap of SUDs and age-related processes with a specific focus on menopause and smoking, and identify critical gaps. We have narrowed the focus of the review to smoking, as the majority of findings on hormonal and aging influences on drug use have come from this area of research. Further, we highlight female-specific issues such as transitional menopause and exogenous estrogen use. These issues may impact drug use cessation as well as outcomes with aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases in women. We first review clinical studies for smoking, normal aging, and pathological aging, and discuss the few aging-related studies taking smoking history into account. Conversely, we highlight the dearth of clinical smoking studies taking age as a biological variable into account. Preclinical and clinical literature show that aging, age-related pathological brain disease, and addiction engage overlapping neural mechanisms. We hypothesize that these putative drivers interact in meaningful ways that may exacerbate disease and hinder successful treatment outcomes in such comorbid populations. We highlight areas where preclinical studies are needed to uncover neural mechanisms in aging and addiction processes. Collectively, this review highlights the need for crosstalk between different fields of research to address medical complexities of older adults, and specifically women, who smoke.
Manage Emotions to Reduce Aggression
Authors: Miles Shannon R. , Kent Thomas A. , Stanley Melinda , Thompson Karin E. , Sharp Carla , Niles Barbara L. , Young-McCaughan Stacey , Mintz Jim , Roache John D. , Litz Brett T. , Hale Willie J. , Stanford Matthew S. , Keane Terence M. , Peterson Alan L. ,   for the Consortium to Alleviate PTSD
Published: September 2020

Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) report more aggression than civilians with PTSD. Because emotion regulation difficulties mediated the relationship between PTSD symptoms and impulsive aggression in veterans, we developed an intervention to increase emotion regulation skills. This pilot study tested the feasibility and acceptability of a three-session treatment, Manage Emotions to Reduce Aggression (MERA), and examined its effectiveness at reducing aggression and emotion dysregulation. Male combat veterans with PTSD and impulsive aggression completed assessments before and 4 weeks after MERA. Overt Aggression Scale measured frequency of aggression; Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale assessed emotion dysregulation. Most veterans (95%) who completed MERA and the posttreatment assessment (n = 20) reported MERA was helpful. Veterans in the intent-to-treat sample demonstrated a significant decrease in their frequency of aggression (Cohen's d = −0.55) and emotion dysregulation (Cohen's d = −0.55). MERA may be an innovative treatment that helps veterans reduce aggression.
Eating Disorders, Perfectionism, and Quality of Life
Authors: Rutter-Eley Emily L. , James Megan K. , Jenkins Paul E.
Published: September 2020

Individuals with disordered eating behaviors exhibit significantly impaired quality of life (QoL). Maladaptive perfectionism is consistently associated with both eating disorders (EDs) and QoL, but its role in the relationship between eating pathology and QoL has remained largely unexplored. The current study investigated whether maladaptive perfectionism mediates the ED-QoL relationship. A total of 286 university students completed an online survey that consisted of self-report questionnaires assessing ED symptomology, QoL, maladaptive perfectionism, and anxiety and depression symptoms. Maladaptive perfectionism mediated the relationship between ED symptomology and QoL, but this effect did not persist when body mass index, depression, and anxiety were controlled for. The results suggest the mediatory effect of maladaptive perfectionism is masked by depression and anxiety symptomology. Recommendations for further research are proposed to clarify the role of maladaptive perfectionism in the ED-QoL relationship and to explore the mediatory role of depression and anxiety in this relationship.
Elevated IL-13 in effusions of patients with HIV and primary effusion lymphoma as compared with other Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus-associated disorders
Authors: Ramaswami Ramya , Lurain Kathryn , Marshall Vickie Ann , Rupert Adam , Labo Nazzarena , Cornejo-Castro Elena , Miley Wendell , Wang Hao-Wei , Widell Anaida , Lindsley Matthew , Yuan Constance , Stetler-Stevenson Maryalice , Filie Armando C. , Whitby Denise , Ziegelbauer Joseph M. , Uldrick Thomas S. , Yarchoan Robert
Published: September 2020

Objective:

To assess the cytokine and viral profiles of effusions and peripheral blood among patients diagnosed with HIV and Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus [KSHV, also known as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8)]-associated conditions.

Design:

Retrospective comparative study evaluating clinicopathologic findings in patients with HIV and KSHV-associated conditions presenting with an effusion between 2010 and 2018.

Methods:

Paired peripheral blood and effusion samples collected at the time of pathological diagnosis of KSHV-associated conditions [Kaposi sarcoma, KSHV-associated multicentric Castleman disease (KSHV-MCD), primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), or KSHV-associated inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS)] were evaluated for disease-specific and compartment-specific (effusion vs. blood) characteristics. We assessed 12 cytokines, KSHV viral DNA (KSHV-VL), and Epstein--Barr virus (EBV) viral DNA (EBV-VL).

Results:

Nine patients had PEL, five patients had KSHV-MCD, and eight patients met criteria for KICS; all but one patient had concurrent Kaposi sarcoma in addition to these conditions. PEL effusions had substantially higher levels of IL-13 (median 16.9 pg/ml; interquartile range 9.7--26.9 pg/ml) compared with KSHV-MCD (median <0.114 pg/ml; P = 0.0037) or KICS (median <0.114 pg/ml; P = 0.0003) effusions. IL-13 was also higher in PEL effusions as compared with serum (median <0.12 ng/ml; P = 0.007). KSHV-VL levels were significantly higher in PEL effusions as compared with KICS effusions (median 31 × 106 vs. 569 copies/million-cell equivalent; P = 0.0005) or KSHV-MCD effusions (median 231,884 copies/million-cell equivalent; P = 0.02).

Conclusion:

PEL effusions had a distinct profile as compared to other KSHV-associated diseases with regard to elevated IL-13 and KSHV-VL. These findings may provide insights into PEL pathogenesis and aid in diagnosis.
Patient Satisfaction and Refill Rates After Decreasing Opioids Prescribed for Urogynecologic Surgery
Authors: Solouki Shirly , Vega Marisa , Agalliu Ilir , Abraham Nitya Elizabeth
Published: September 2020

Background

The opioid epidemic has been influenced in part by physician overprescribing. Several studies have evaluated opioid use after urogynecologic surgery, with limited data on postoperative guidelines. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of implementing a multimodal, opioid-sparing analgesia regimen on opioid use, patient satisfaction, and refill rates.

Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective observational study of female patients undergoing urogynecologic surgery at an academic center from 2017 to 2019, before and after introduction of an opioid-sparing multimodal regimen protocol advocating for standing ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Demographic information, opioid prescription details (oral morphine equivalent [OME]), and refill rate data were collected from the chart. Postoperative opioid use and satisfaction score (for the after group using Likert scale) was obtained by telephone survey. t Test was used to compare continuous variables, and χ2/Fischer exact test was used to compare categorical variables.

Results

Two hundred ninety-two patients were eligible and contacted. One hundred one patients responded before protocol implementation and 102 responded after protocol implementation. The median number of tablets prescribed was 14.5 (108.5 OME; IQR, 10) and 10 (75 OME; IQR, 5; P < 0.01) preprotocol and postprotocol, whereas the mean number of tablets used was 10 (75 OME; IQR, 13) and 3 (22.5 OME; IQR, 10; P = 0.0009) preprotocol and postprotocol, respectively. Refill rate did not differ significantly (11% preprotocol vs 7% postprotocol P = 0.32) Mean satisfaction score was 4.3 (SD, 0.9).

Conclusions

A multimodal analgesia regimen limiting postoperative opioids decreased postoperative opioid prescribing and consumption while maintaining similar patient satisfaction and refill rates.
Urinary Incontinence in Climacteric Women With or Without Depressive Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sousa Clice Pimentel C. , Brito Luiz Gustavo O. , Galvão-Moreira Leonardo V. , Brito Haissa O. , Barroqueiro Rodrigo B. , Costa-Paiva Lucia H. , Oliveira Brito Luciane M.
Published: September 2020

Objective

This study aimed to investigate whether the occurrence of urinary incontinence (UI) is associated with increased odds of depression in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 208 women with depressive symptoms, confirmed by the Beck Depression Inventory, and 247 patients without depression. All participants were perimenopausal or postmenopausal women aged 35 to 65 years who attended an outpatient clinic from a tertiary-academic hospital in Northeastern Brazil. Urinary incontinence symptoms were assessed using patient’s self-report and the validated versions of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Short Form and the Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis. To investigate the severity of climacteric symptoms, the Blatt-Kupperman Index was used, and menopause-related quality of life was analyzed using the Utian Quality of Life Questionnaire.

Results

In univariate analysis, the Beck Depression Inventory-II mean scores for UI and non-UI women were, respectively, 15.5 (95% confidence interval, 14.28–16.72) and 11.83 (10.52–13.13; P < 0.05). Patients with moderate and severe scores of depression reported higher International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Short Form and Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis scores when compared with women with mild depression scores and women without depression (P < 0.001). Conversely, in multivariate analysis, having UI was not associated with having depression (odds ratio [OR], 0.85; 0.52–1.37; P = 0.50), after adjusting for confounders. Older age (>55 years) was associated with decreased odds of depression (OR, 0.43; 0.21–0.88; P = 0.02), whereas moderate (OR, 2.28; 1.40–3.71; P = 0.001) and severe (OR, 7.70; 2.79–21.23) intensities of menopause symptoms were associated with increased odds of depression.

Conclusion

Urinary incontinence was not associated with depression within climacteric women after multivariate analysis.
COVID-19 herd immunity in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Buss Lewis F , Prete Carlos A , Abrahim Claudia MM , Mendrone Alfredo , Salomon Tassila , de Almeida-Neto Cesar , França Rafael FO , Belotti Maria C , Carvalho Maria PSS , Costa Allyson G , Crispim Myuki AE , Ferreira Suzete C , Fraiji Nelson A , Gurzenda Susie , Whittaker Charles , Kamaura Leonardo T , Takecian Pedro L , Oikawa Marcio K , Nishiya Anna S , Rocha Vanderson , Salles Nanci A , de Souza-Santos Andreza A , da Silva Martirene A , Custer Brian , Barral-Netto Manoel , Kraemer Moritz UG , Pereira Rafael HM , Pybus Oliver G , Busch Michael P , Castro Márcia C , Dye Christopher , Nascimento Vitor H , Faria Nuno R , Sabino Ester C
Published: September 2020

The herd immunity threshold is the proportion of a population that must be immune to an infectious disease, either by natural infection or vaccination such that, in the absence of additional preventative measures, new cases decline and the effective reproduction number falls below unity1. This fundamental epidemiological parameter is still unknown for the recently-emerged COVID-19, and mathematical models have predicted very divergent results2,3. Population studies using antibody testing to infer total cumulative infections can provide empirical evidence of the level of population immunity in severely affected areas. Here we show that the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Manaus, located in the Brazilian Amazon, increased quickly during March and April and declined more slowly from May to September. In June, one month following the epidemic peak, 44% of the population was seropositive for SARS-CoV-2, equating to a cumulative incidence of 52%, after correcting for the false-negative rate of the antibody test. The seroprevalence fell in July and August due to antibody waning. After correcting for this, we estimate a final epidemic size of 66%. Although non-pharmaceutical interventions, plus a change in population behavior, may have helped to limit SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Manaus, the unusually high infection rate suggests that herd immunity played a significant role in determining the size of the epidemic.
Initial Model for USA CoVID-19 Resurgence
Authors: Eng Genghmun
Published: September 2020

Early CoVID-19 growth obeys: , with Ko = [(ln 2)/(tdbl)], where tdbl is the pandemic growth doubling time. Given , the daily number of new CoVID-19 cases is . Implementing society-wide Social Distancing increases the tdbldoubling time, and a linear function of time for tdbl was used in our Initial Model:

to describe these changes, where the [t]-axis is time-shifted from the –axis back to the pandemic start, and Go ≡ [KA/ γo]. While this No[t] successfully modeled the USA CoVID-19 progress from 3/2020 to 6/2020, this equation could not easily model some quickly decreasing ρ[t] cases (“fast pandemic shutoff “), indicating that a second process was involved. This situation was most evident in the initial CoVID-19 data from China, South Korea, and Italy. Modifying Zo[t] to allow exponential cutoffs:

resulted in an Enhanced Initial Model (EIM) that significantly improved data fits for these cases.

After 6/2020, many regions of the USA “opened up”, loosening their Social Distancing requirements, which led to a sudden USA CoVID-19 Resurgence. Extrapolating the USA No[t] 3/2020-6/2020 results to 9/2020 as an Initial Model Baseline (IMB), and subtracting this IMB from the newer USA data gives a Resurgence Only function, which is analyzed here. This USA CoVID-19 Resurgence function differs significantly from the No[t] IMB functional form, but it was well-modeled by the NA[t] fast pandemic shutoff function. These results indicate that: (a) the gradual increase in tdbldoubling time from society-wide shut-downs is likely due to eliminating of a large number of population gathering points that could have enabled CoVID-19 spread; and (b) having a non-zero δofast pandemic shutoff is likely due to more people wearing masks more often [with 12 Figures].
Increased upper-limb sensory attenuation with age
Authors: Parthasharathy Manasa , Mantini Dante , de Xivry Jean-Jacques Orban
Published: September 2020

The pressure of our own finger on the arm feels differently than the same pressure exerted by an external agent: the latter involves just touch, whereas the former involves a combination of touch and predictive output from the internal model of the body. This internal model predicts the movement of our own finger and hence the intensity of the sensation of the finger press is decreased. A decrease in intensity of the self-produced stimulus is called sensory attenuation. It has been reported that, due to decreased somatosensation with age and an increased reliance on the prediction of the internal model, sensory attenuation is increased in older adults.

In this study, we used a force-matching paradigm to test if sensory attenuation is also present over the arm and if aging increases sensory attenuation. We demonstrated that, while both young and older adults overestimate a self-produced force, older adults overestimate it even more showing an increased sensory attenuation. In addition, we also found that both younger and older adults self-produce higher forces when activating the homologous muscles of the upper limb.

While this is traditionally viewed as evidence for an increased reliance on internal model function in older adults because of decreased somatosensory function, somatosensation appeared unimpaired in our older participants. This begs the question of whether the decreased somatosensation is really responsible for the increased sensory attenuation observed in older people.

New and Noteworthy

Forces generated externally (by the environment on the participant) and internally (by the participant on her/his body) are not perceived with the same intensity. Internally-generated forces are perceived less intensely than externally generated ones. This difference in force sensation has been shown to be higher in elderly participants when the forces were applied on the fingers because of their impaired somatosensation. Here we replicated this finding for the arm but suggest that it is unlikely linked to impaired somatosensory function.
Cognitive and motor perseveration are associated in older adults
Authors: Sombric Carly , Torres-Oviedo Gelsy
Published: September 2020

Aging causes perseveration (difficulty to switch between actions) in motor and cognitive tasks, suggesting that the same neural processes could govern these abilities in older adults. To test this, we evaluated the relation between independently measured motor and cognitive perseveration in young (21.4±3.7 y/o) and older participants (76.5±2.9 y/o). Motor perseveration was measured with a locomotor task in which participants had to transition between distinct walking patterns. Cognitive perseveration was measured with a card matching task in which participants had to switch between distinct matching rules. We found that perseveration in the cognitive and motor domains were positively related in older, but not younger individuals, such that participants exhibiting greater perseveration in the motor task also perseverated more in the cognitive task. Additionally, exposure reduces motor perseveration: older adults who had practiced the motor task could transition between walking patterns as proficiently as naïve, young individuals. Our results suggest an overlap in neural processes governing cognitive and motor perseveration with aging and that exposure can counteract the age-related motor perseveration.

Highlights

Movement carryover from the treadmill to overground indicates motor perseveration.

Greater motor and cognitive perseveration are associated in older adults.

Motor perseveration in older adults can be reduced with practice.

New motor memories are similarly forgotten in older and younger adults.
Hydroxychloroquine as pre-exposure prophylaxis for COVID-19 in healthcare workers: a randomized trial
Authors: Rajasingham Radha , Bangdiwala Ananta S , Nicol Melanie R , Skipper Caleb P , Pastick Katelyn A , Axelrod Margaret L , Pullen Matthew F , Nascene Alanna A , Williams Darlisha A , Engen Nicole W , Okafor Elizabeth C , Rini Brian I , Mayer Ingrid A , McDonald Emily G , Lee Todd C. , Li Peter , MacKenzie Lauren J , Balko Justin M , Dunlop Stephen J , Hullsiek Katherine H , Boulware David R , Lofgren Sarah M
Published: September 2020

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a rapidly emerging virus causing the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic with no known effective prophylaxis. We investigated whether hydroxychloroquine could prevent SARS CoV-2 in healthcare workers at high-risk of exposure.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of healthcare workers with ongoing exposure to persons with Covid-19, including those working in emergency departments, intensive care units, Covid-19 hospital wards, and first responders.

Participants across the United States and in the Canadian province of Manitoba were randomized to hydroxychloroquine 400mg once weekly or twice weekly for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was confirmed or probable Covid-19-compatible illness. We measured hydroxychloroquine whole blood concentrations.

Results

We enrolled 1483 healthcare workers, of which 79% reported performing aerosol-generating procedures. The incidence of Covid-19 (laboratory-confirmed or symptomatic compatible illness) was 0.27 events per person-year with once-weekly and 0.28 events per person-year with twice-weekly hydroxychloroquine compared with 0.38 events per person-year with placebo. For once weekly hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis, the hazard ratio was 0.72 (95%CI 0.44 to 1.16; P=0.18) and for twice weekly was 0.74 (95%CI 0.46 to 1.19; P=0.22) as compared with placebo. Median hydroxychloroquine concentrations in whole blood were 98 ng/mL (IQR, 82-120) with once-weekly and 200 ng/mL (IQR, 159-258) with twice-weekly dosing. Hydroxychloroquine concentrations did not differ between participants who developed Covid-19 (154 ng/mL) versus participants without Covid-19 (133 ng/mL; P=0.08).

Conclusions

Pre-exposure prophylaxis with hydroxychloroquine once or twice weekly did not significantly reduce laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 or Covid-19-compatible illness among healthcare workers.

Key Points

In this randomized clinical trial of 1483 high-risk healthcare workers, there was no significant reduction in incidence of Covid-19 with once weekly or twice weekly hydroxychloroquine compared to placebo.
Variability in the diet diversity of catfish highlighted through DNA barcoding
Authors: Prasannakumar Chinnamani , Iyyapparajanarasimapallavan Gunasekaran , Rahman M. Ashiq Ur , Mohanchander P. , Sudhakar T. , Kadharsha K. , Khan K. Feroz , Vijaylaxmi J. , Prasanthi Narra , Subramanian Kumaran , Manokaran Seerangan
Published: September 2020

Identification and quantification of fish diet diversity was the first step in understanding the food web dynamics and ecosystem energetics, where the contribution of DNA barcoding technique has been important. We used DNA barcoding to identify the stomach contents of a euryhaline, benthophagous catfish Ariius maculatus. From 40 catfish stomach items sampled in two different seasons, we barcoded 67 piscine and macro-invertebrates prey items, identified as belonging to 13 species in 4 major phyla (viz., Chordate, Arthropod, Annelida and Mollusca). It is important to note that the mollusc taxa (Meritrix meritrix and Perna viridis) and a species of fish (Stolephorus indicus) could not be found among the gut contents of A. maculatus sampled during the pre- and post-monsoon season, respectively. Among the piscine diets of A. maculatus, Eubleekeria splendens (23.5%) and Stolephorus indicus (23.5%) were the major prey taxa during pre-monsoon season. The hermit crabs forms the major constituents of both pre- and post-monsoon seasons, among invertebrate taxa. Polychaete, Capitella capitata (25.92%) was abundantly consumed invertebrates next to hermit crabs. We noticed that in pre-monsoon A. maculatus was more piscivorous than post-monsoon. As revealed through Kimura-2 parametric pair­wise distance analysis, the diet diversity was relatively higher in post-monsoon. The accumulation curve estimated 57 haplotypes within 14 barcoded species (including the host A. maculatus). Majority of haplotypes were found among fishes (47.36%) followed by Arthropods (28.07%), Annelids (14.03%) and Mollusca (10.52%), respectively. This study also highlights that there is a growing concern about A. maculatus’s aggressive predation on commercially important stocks of fish and invertebrates. We will continue to expand the coverage of species barcoded in the reference database, which will become more significant as meta- and environmental DNA barcoding techniques become cheaper and prevalent.
fsbrain: an R package for the visualization of structural neuroimaging data
Authors: Schäfer Tim , Ecker Christine
Published: September 2020

We introduce fsbrain, an R package for the visualization of neuroimaging data. The package can be used to visualize vertex-wise and region-wise morphometry data, parcellations, labels and statistical results on brain surfaces in three dimensions (3D). Voxel data can be displayed in lightbox mode. The fsbrain package offers various customization options and produces publication quality plots which can be displayed interactively, saved as bitmap images, or integrated into R notebooks.

Availability and Implementation

The software, source code and documentation are available under the MIT license athttps://github.com/dfsp-spirit/fsbrain. Releases can be installed directly from the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN).

Contact

tim.schaefer@kgu.de
A Simple Nuclear Contrast Staining Method for MicroCT-Based 3D Histology Using Lead(II) Acetate
Authors: Metscher Brian
Published: September 2020

X-ray microtomography (microCT) enables histological-scale 3D imaging of many types of biological samples, but it has yet to rival traditional histology for differentiation of tissue types and cell components. This report presents prima facie results indicating that a simple lead(II) acetate staining solution can impart preferential X-ray contrast to cell nuclei. While not strictly selective for nuclei, the staining reflects local cell-density differences. It can be applied in a single overnight treatment and does not require hematoxylin staining or drying of the sample. The stain is removable with EDTA, and it may enhance early calcifications. A basic protocol is given as a guide for further testing and optimisation.