bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subcortical Lesions Impact Confrontation Naming in Bilinguals with Later Age of Acquisition
Authors: Gonzalez D , Soble J , Bain K , Bailey K C , Marceaux J
Published: August 2019

Objective

Multilinguals show greater subcortical activation during language tasks than monolinguals. Among multilinguals, prior studies found later age of acquisition (AoA) of a second language in association with more diffuse, non-traditional language representation. While such findings have clear clinical implications, little research has examined relationships among linguistic history, neuroanatomical integrity, and language skills in a clinical population. This study examined relationships between subcortical lesions and confrontation naming in strong bilinguals who acquired English (L2) later in life compared to those with earlier AoA.

Participants and Method

Forty-two bilinguals with Spanish as a first language (English L2) were selected from a database of veterans referred for clinical neuropsychological evaluation (M Age = 64 years; M Education = 12 years; 93% men). They reported strong bilingualism after L2 acquisition (M AoA = 10 years), with current English preference. Twenty-nine had neuroimaging, which was coded on a 4-point ordinal scale for lesion burden in white matter and striatum. Moderation models were tested for interaction between AoA and subcortical lesions in bilinguals using different L2 naming outcomes, controlling for age, education, occupation, and English fluency (i.e., Test of Premorbid Functioning).

Results

Moderation showed significant interaction of AoA with striatal lesion burden for scores on all naming tests, with a similar but less robust relationship between white matter lesions and naming outcomes. Graphical analysis revealed subcortical lesions had a negative impact on naming scores in those with later L2 AoA.

Conclusions

Results suggest “atypical” subcortical involvement in naming is more likely for bilinguals who acquired L2 later. While clinicians typically associate impaired naming with temporal lobe dysfunction, findings suggest subcortical dysfunction should be considered among bilinguals with later L2 AoA.
Neurocognitive Impairment in Spanish-Speaking Latinos Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the United States: Validation of Neuropsychological Tests Norms
Authors: Kamalyan L , Hussain M A , Diaz M M , Umlauf A , Franklin D R , Cherner M , Rivera Mindt M , Artiola i Fortuny L , Heaton R K , Marquine M J
Published: August 2019

Objective

Latinos in the US are at increased risk for HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment (NCI). Yet, most studies in this group have included English-speakers only. We investigated the rate and pattern of HIV-associated NCI in Spanish-speaking Latinos from the US-Mexico border region by utilizing newly developed norms for this group, and compared it to previously published norms for English-speaking non-Latino Whites and Blacks/African Americans.

Participants and Method

Participants included 153 HIV+ Spanish-speaking Latinos (Age: M = 38.2, SD = 9.7; Education: M = 10.9, SD = 3.6; 27% female; 56% AIDS) living in the greater San Diego area. Participants completed comprehensive neuropsychological, neuromedical and psychiatric assessments in Spanish. The neuropsychological test battery employed in this study - and used extensively in prior studies of HIV- assesses seven ability domains. Raw test scores were converted to demographically-adjusted T-scores using regional norms for Spanish-speakers, and for non-Latino Whites and Blacks. NCI was defined per established criteria.

Results

Rate of global NCI was 39% using norms for Spanish-speaking Latinos, compared to 64% with White norms and 18% with Black norms. Using norms for Spanish speakers, domain specific NCI among those impaired was highest in executive function (68%), speed of information processing (65%), learning (51%), and working memory (50%). The pattern of HIV associated NCI varied when norms developed for non-Latino Whites and Blacks were used.

Conclusions

HIV+ Spanish speakers showed similar rates of global NCI to those in other HIV+ populations, when norms developed for this group were used. In contrast, use of non-Latino White and Black norms resulted in misclassification of impairment. The pattern of NCI differed based on the norms used. Present findings highlight the importance of utilizing norms developed for Spanish-speakers in the US in order to obtain more precise and valid depictions of cognition in this population.
Cross-cultural Convergent Validation of the Spanish and English Versions of the Personal Impact of Epilepsy Scale (PIES) in a Cohort of Patients from a Level IV Epilepsy Center in South Florida
Authors: Miranda M , Kaur S , Slugh M , Bermudez-Andrews C , Millan C , Fernandez-McInerney K , Kanner A M , Ruiz N V , Ribot R , Lowe M , Palomeque M , Detyniecki K , Rey G
Published: August 2019

Objective

To provide further convergent validity on the Personal Impact of Epilepsy Scale (PIES) Spanish version for use in Hispanics with epilepsy.

Participants and Method

This study included 90 patients (22 Hispanic and Spanish speaking - HSS, 30 Hispanic and English speaking – HES, and 38 non-Hispanic and English speaking – NHES) who were diagnosed with epilepsy and referred by their epileptologist for a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation that, in addition to cognitive measures, also included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and PIES in English or Spanish- depending on the participant’s primary language. The PIES was created with subscales to measure the effect of seizures, adverse effects of treatment, and comorbidities such as mood disorders on quality of life. We compared scores on the PIES subscales in English and Spanish to determine equivalence. We further examined if language of administration moderated the relationship between PIES subscale scores and depression/anxiety through nonparametric bootstrapping.

Results

There were no significant demographic or clinical differences between the 3 groups examined. ANOVA contrast of mean scores on all PIES subscales between HSS, HES and NHES groups did not reach significance (Seizures F [2,88] = .06 , p = -.93; Medication use F[2,88] = 1.95, p = .14, Comorbidity F[2,88] = .64, p = .52, and total PIES F[2,88] = .19, p = .83). The relationships between PIES and BDI-II/BAI scores were not significantly moderated by language of administration.

Conclusions

Our data suggest clinical equivalency between the English and Spanish versions of the PIES. Furthermore, the relationships between PIES subscales and the BDI-II/BAI were not significantly changed by language of administration. These findings indicate that the Spanish PIES appears to have good convergent validity with the original English version and can be useful in the assessment of quality of life in HSS patients.
Normative Data for two Verbal Fluency Tests in a Spanish-Speaking Adult Population Living in the U.S./México Border Region
Authors: Morlett Paredes A , Marquine M J , Madriaga C , Blumstein Y , Rivera Mindt M , Suarez P , Cherner M , Artiola i Fortuny L , Heaton R K
Published: August 2019

Objective

To investigate the impact of demographic factors and develop normative data for two verbal fluency tests in a sample of Spanish-Speakers living in the U.S./Mexico border region.

Participants and Method

The sample consisted of 252 adults (Age: M = 37.3, SD = 10.2, range 19-60; Education: M = 10.7, SD = 4.37, range 0-20, 59% female), living in the US-Mexico border region of Arizona and California. Participants completed the letter (letters P, M, and R) and semantic (Animal Naming) fluency tests as part of a larger neuropsychological test norming study. Normative T-scores were computed with fractional polynomial equations controlling for age, education, and sex. We also calculated the rates of impairment (T < 40) that would be obtained by applying the newly developed norms and available test norms for non-Hispanic English-speakers.

Results

Higher education was significantly associated with better raw scores on both verbal fluency tests (letter: r = 0.41, semantic: r = 0.36, ps < .001), and older age was significantly associated with higher raw scores on letter fluency (r = 0.14, p < .05). There were no other significant effects of demographic factors. The normalized distribution of T-scores with the new norms showed the expected impairment rate (16% letter and 15% semantic fluency). However, application of existing non-Hispanic White norms resulted in 23% impairment for letter fluency and 24% in semantic fluency. Using non-Hispanic Black norms resulted in 9% impairment in letter fluency and 2% in semantic fluency.

Conclusions

We provide norms for Spanish speakers living along the U.S-Mexico border region for two verbal fluency tests that are co-normed with a more extensive neuropsychological battery. We demonstrate that application of existing norms derived from English speaking samples yield inaccurate estimates of impairment. As such, these regional norms will improve the interpretation of verbal fluency performance in Spanish-speakers living in the US-Mexico borderland.
Evaluating the Efficacy of a Cognitive Skills Training Program for Spanish-Speaking Adults with Subjective Cognitive Complaints
Authors: Patino Y , Sinclair P , Osher J , Torres K
Published: August 2019

Objective

The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the efficacy of a five-week Spanish cognitive skills training program on 18 participants with subjective cognitive complaints.

Participants and Method

Eighteen Spanish-speaking participants completed a series of cognitive and emotional measures pre- and post-training, including objective measures of cognitive functioning (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Spanish-version; MoCA), self-reported mood measures (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI; Beck Anxiety Inventory, BAI-Spanish version), and subjective cognitive complaints questionnaire (Subjective Cognitive Decline Questionnaire, Spanish version). Drawing from existing literature on effective interventions for subjective cognitive impairment (Reijnders et al., 2015), this research focused on delivering a five-week intervention program in Spanish, which included psychoeducation on cognition, cognitive strategy training, and applied practice of mindfulness techniques. Furthermore, this intervention incorporated Personalismo and indirect communication, which was applied by engaging with participants in a warm and culturally appropriate manner (Jiménez et al., 2014).

Results

Participants demonstrated significant improvement in overall MoCA scores. Improvements in subjective cognitive performance, as well as decreases in depression and anxiety (as indicated by the BDI and BAI, respectively) were noted. Results also showed that changes in mood, anxiety, and subjective cognitive performance were not predictive of improvements in MoCA performance, lending support to the hypothesis that skills learned in the program contributed to improved cognitive performance.

Conclusions

Overall, these results demonstrate that linguistically and culturally tailored psychoeducation regarding cognition, cognitive skills training, and mindfulness, can positively impact subjective and objective cognitive performance, as well as psychological wellbeing among Spanish-speaking adults.

References

Jiménez, A.L., Alegría, M., Camino-Gaztambide, R.F., & Zayas I, L.V. (2014) Cultural sensitivity: What should we understand about Latinos? In R. Parekh (ed.) The Massachusetts General Hospital Textbook on Diversity and Cultural Sensitivity in Mental Health (pp.61-70). New York, NY: Springer. Rebok, G. W., Ball, K., Guey, L. T., Jones, R. N., Kim, H. Y., King, J. W., … ACTIVE Study Group (2014). Ten-year effects of the advanced cognitive training for independent and vital elderly cognitive training trial on cognition and everyday functioning in older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 62(1), 16–24. doi:10.1111/jgs.12607.
Preliminary Neuropsychological Normative Data in a Healthy Sample of Puerto Rican Women
Authors: Rodriguez-Benitez R J , Muriel F , Rivera-Aviles A , Matos M , Wojna V
Published: August 2019

Objective

Accurate diagnosis of neuropsychological (NP) impairment in Spanish-speaking Latinx women is limited by a lack of appropriate norms. While multiple normative datasets have emerged for Mexican/Mexican-American populations, there is a particular dearth of normative options for Puerto Rican women. This study collected normative data in a sample of Spanish-speaking healthy women in Puerto Rico (PR).

Participants and Method

The sample consisted of 63 healthy, HIV-seronegative women recruited as comparison participants in a longitudinal HIV-seropositive Latinx Women Cohort study at the University of Puerto Rico during 2002-2017. The NP battery included measures from seven cognitive domains: verbal fluency, executive functioning, processing speed, learning, memory, sensory, perceptual, and motor skills.

Results

The sample’s age ranged from 20-77 years (M = 42.14; SD = 12.71) and education ranged from 9-18 years (M = 13.74; SD = 2.09). The NP test M and SD raw score results were: Trail Making A (M = 41.29; SD = 14.87), Trail Making B (M = 105.14; SD = 49.77), Grooved Pegs Dominant Hand (M = 78.49; SD = 31.91), Stroop Word/Color (M = 47.86; SD = 23.66), Rey Verbal Learning Test Total (M = 42.0; SD = 9.36), Verbal Fluency FAS-F (M = 11.27; SD = 4.20), FAS-A (M = 12.05; SD=4.34), FAS-S (M = 10.67; SD = 4.19), Digit Span (M = 12.16; SD = 3.28), Spatial Span (M = 10.95; SD = 3.62), Benton Judgment of Line Orientation Test (M = 18.10; SD = 5.54), Finger Tapping Left (M = 50.58; SD = 7.78), Finger Tapping Right (M = 53.87; SD = 8.83), Seashore Rhythm Test (M = 23.38; SD = 3.99), and Rey Complex Figure Test Immediate (M = 13.17; SD = 6.99) and Delay (M = 13.58; SD = 7.21). The NP norms were stratified by age (10-year increments and 60+) and education (< 12 years and 12+ years).

Conclusions

This preliminary study provides initial normative data from a sample of healthy women living in PR, which can improve NP diagnostic accuracy for this population. This is particularly important given that this population experiences worse health outcomes compared to other Latinx subpopulations.
Adaptive Functioning (AF) Evaluations of Foreign Nationals Facing Capital Punishment
Authors: Chacon A , Barragan A , Judd T , Safi D
Published: August 2019

Objective

The US Supreme Court ruled against the application of the death penalty to individuals with intellectual disability (ID) (Atkins v. Virginia, 2002). Diagnostic criteria for ID require subnormal adaptive functioning (AF) in addition to IQ test scores (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) (2010, 2012) and APA (2013) recommend using culturally sensitive approaches. Assessing AF in immigrants is a challenge because their cultural backgrounds are different than those of the standardization samples of United States AF measures. When typical AF measures are not appropriate, AAIDD (2010) offers guidelines about appropriate sources such as school, work, and medical records, prior psychosocial evaluations, and qualitative adaptive behavior interviews with multiple informants. However, defendants facing the death penalty are often raised in impoverished areas with a paucity of pertinent documentation. This study identifies and discusses issues related to the use of self-report, selection of respondents, questions, collateral information, and clinical judgment in AF evaluations of immigrants facing the death penalty.

Case Description

We present a case study of an AF evaluation of a Mexican national seeking ID exemption from capital punishment.

Discussion

We offer a framework for developing and judging the quality of an AF evaluation that adheres to the (AAIDD) (2010, 2012) and APA (2013) guidelines, and includes 1) strengths and limitations of adaptive functioning in relation to others of his age group and culture; 2) reliable evidence concerning the individual’s history in specific periods of time; 3) an account of the individual’s cultural and linguistic differences; and 4) an account for potential bias on the respondents’ side.

References

Atkins v. Virginia, 536 U.S. 304 (2002). American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. fifth ed. Washington, DC: APA; 2013. American Psychological Association. (2016). Revision of ethical standard 3.04 of the “Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct” (2002, as amended 2010). American Psychologist, 71, 900. Schalock, R.L., Borthwick-Duffy, S.A.,Bradley, V. J., Buntix, W.H.E.,.Coulter, D.L., Craig, E.M…..Yeager, M.H. (2010). Intellectual disability: Definition, classification, and systems of supports. (11th ed.).Washington, DC: American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. doi:978-1-935304-04-3. Schalock, R.L., Luckasson, R.A., Bradley, V., Buntinx, W.H.E., Lachapelle, Y., Shogren, K.A…Wehmeyer, M.L. (2012). Intellectual disability: Definition, classification, and system of supports: User's Guide. Washington, DC: American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Neuropsychological Considerations of the Cultural and Linguistic Challenges of Working with a Bilingual/Bicultural Patient with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA): A Case Report.
Authors: Fredrick A , Manjarres D , Jain D , Bell Z , Fink J
Published: August 2019

Objective

This case highlights the importance of understanding bilingualism, English as a second language (ESL), immigration as an older adult, and acculturation, in light of neuropsychological test results of an individual with MSA.

Case Description

Mrs. X is a right-handed, 73-year-old, South African woman. Her first language is Afrikaans while her second language is English. She has a history of MSA (2015). She reported a significant decline in her previously mastered English fluency. Challenges with language (i.e., reading comprehension, conversation), focus, balance, and activities of daily living, bilateral arm jerks, and difficulties with ambulation, Pisa Syndrome (left), loss of appetite, incontinence, fluctuating temperature, depression, personality changes, and suspected auditory hallucinations were also expressed.

Diagnostic Impressions and Outcomes

The neurocognitive findings indicated global impairment. Aside from an average score in her reading recognition, and low-average in a test of mental flexibility, Mrs. X had impairment in attention, learning, immediate and delayed memory, executive functioning, receptive and expressive language, confrontation naming, and visuospatial abilities. Mrs. X’s motoric difficulties and parkinsonism made it difficult for her to participate in testing comfortably. Language barriers were prominent: Mrs. X occasionally required English-Afrikaans translation and multiple repetitions of prompts. Summary and impressions of test results acknowledged the cultural and linguistic limitations of the evaluation. She was diagnosed with Major Neurocognitive Disorder secondary to MSA.

Discussion

In patients with diffuse impairment, it is essential to understand the role of dual language processes, ESL, and cultural limitations of assessments in order to accurately differentiate between neurodegenerative processes (i.e., Alzheimer’s Disease vs. other disorders), as well as to determine the impact of MSA on the linguistic abilities of bilingual individuals.
Non-motor outcomes depend on location of neurostimulation in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Petry-Schmelzer Jan Niklas , Krause Max , Dembek Till A , Horn Andreas , Evans Julian , Ashkan Keyoumars , Rizos Alexandra , Silverdale Monty , Schumacher Wibke , Sack Carolin , Loehrer Philipp A , Fink Gereon R , Fonoff Erich T , Martinez-Martin Pablo , Antonini Angelo , Barbe Michael T , Visser-Vandewalle Veerle , Ray-Chaudhuri K , Timmermann Lars , Dafsari Haidar S ,   EUROPAR and the IPMDS Non-Motor PD Study Group, Ray-Chaudhuri Kallol , Antonini Angelo , Martinez-Martin Pablo , Odin Per , Schrag Anette , Weintraub Daniel , Barone Paolo , Brooks David J , Brown Richard G , Jenner Peter , Jeon B , Lyons Kelly , Pavese Nicola , Politis Marios , Postuma Ronald B , Schapira Anthony , Stocchi Fabrizio , Timmermann Lars , Tsuboi Yoshio , Rizos Alexandra , Sauerbier Anna
Published: August 2019

Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus improves non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease, but with considerable inter-individual variability. Petry-Schmelzer et al. show that neurostimulation in specific subregions of the subthalamic nucleus has differential effects on mood/apathy, attention/memory and sleep-related outcomes. Neurostimulation could thus be tailored to patients’ individual non-motor profiles.
Long-term Outcomes Are Poor in Intravenous Drug Users Following Infective Endocarditis, Even After Surgery
Authors: Straw Sam , Baig M Wazir , Gillott Richard , Wu Jianhua , Witte Klaus K , O’regan David J , Sandoe Jonathan A T
Published: August 2019

Background

Previous studies of outcomes in people who inject drugs (PWID) with infective endocarditis (IE) have often been retrospective, have had small sample sizes, and the duration of follow-up has been short and limited to patients who were operated on.

Methods

PWID treated for IE between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2016 were identified from a prospectively collected database. PWID hospitalized with other infections acted as a novel comparison group. Outcomes were all-cause mortality, cause of death, relapse, recurrence, and reoperation.

Results

There were 105 episodes of IE in 92 PWID and 112 episodes of other infections in 107 PWID in whom IE was suspected but rejected. Survival at 30 days for the IE group was 85%, and 30-day survival following surgery was 96%. The most common pathogens were Staphylococcus species (60%) and Streptococcus species (30%). The surgical intervention rate was 47%. Survival for the IE group at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years was 74%, 63%, 58%, and 44%, respectively. This was significantly lower compared with the comparator group of other infections in PWID (P = .0002). Mortality was higher in patients who required surgery compared with those who did not (hazard ratio, 1.8 [95% confidence interval, .95–3.3]). The commonest cause of death was infection (66%), usually a further episode of IE (55%).

Conclusions

Although early survival was good, long-term life expectancy was low. This was attributable to ongoing infection risk, rather than other factors known to affect prognosis in PWID. Surgery conferred no long-term survival advantage. More efforts are needed to reduce reinfection risk following an episode of IE in PWID.

While early survival for people who inject drugs (PWID) with infective endocarditis is good, long-term survival is poor due to ongoing infection risk. Surgery conferred no long-term survival advantage, so more efforts are needed to reduce reinfection risks for PWID.
Freedom-Seeking Slaves in England and Scotland, 1700–1780
Authors: Newman Simon P
Published: August 2019

This will appear online only.This essay explores the experiences of enslaved people who sought to escape their bondage in England and Scotland during the first three-quarters of the eighteenth century. It argues that, while the conditions of their servitude in Britain may appear closer to those of white British servants than those of enslaved plantation labourers in the colonies, the experiences of these people were conditioned by the experiences of and the threat of return to colonial enslavement. For some successful Britons an enslaved serving boy was a visible symbol of success, and a great many enslaved men, women, youths and children were brought to Great Britain during the eighteenth century. Some accompanied visiting colonists and ships’ officers, while others came to Britain with merchants, planters, clergymen and physicians who were returning home. Some of the enslaved sought to seize freedom by escaping. Utilising newspaper advertisements placed by owners seeking the capture and return of these runaways (as well as advertisements offering enslaved people for sale), the essay demonstrates that many such people were regarded by their masters and mistresses as enslaved chattel property. Runaways were often traumatised by New World enslavement, and all too aware that they might easily be sold or returned to the horrors of Caribbean and American slavery: improved work conditions in Britain did not lessen the psychological and physical effects of enslavement from which they sought to escape.
The heat shock protein 70 gene is involved for colony morphology, sporulation and mycoparasitism of Clonostachys rosea
Authors: Sun Zhan-Bin , Wang Qi , Sun Man-Hong , Li Shi-Dong
Published: August 2019

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is an evolutionarily conserved chaperone protein. However, the role of HSP70 in mycoparasitism is unclear. Clonostachys rosea shows great potential against plant fungal pathogens. An HSP70 encoding gene, crhsp, from C. rosea 67-1 was significantly upregulated during C. rosea parasitization of the sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. In the present study, we investigated the role of crhsp in mycoparasitism using gene knockout experiments. The results showed that disruption of crhsp had remarkabe effects on the morphological characteristics of C. rosea. In addition, the ability of C. rosea to parasitize sclerotia and control soybean Sclerotinia stem rot in the greenhouse was significantly reduced in the Δcrhsp mutant. The results indicated that crhsp is involved in C. rosea mycoparasitism and provide the basis for further study of the molecular mechanism of C. rosea mycoparasitism. This is the first report to demonstrate the involvement of the HSP70 gene in C. rosea mycoparasitism.
The Status of Vaccine Development Against the Human Cytomegalovirus
Authors: Plotkin Stanley A , Wang Dai , Oualim Abdel , Diamond Don J , Kotton Camille N , Mossman Sally , Carfi Andrea , Anderson David , Dormitzer Philip R
Published: August 2019

Numerous candidate vaccines against cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease are in development. Whereas the previous article [1] provides background and opinions about the issues relating to vaccination, this article provides specifics about the vaccines in active development, as reported at a National Institutes of Health-sponsored meeting in Bethesda on September 4–6, 2018. Here, vaccine developers provide synopses of their candidate vaccines to immunize women to protect against congenital CMV disease and to prevent the consequences of CMV disease in recipients of transplanted organs or hematopoietic stem calls. The projects are presented here roughly in the descending order of their stage of development in the opinion of the first author.
Factors associated with the number of drugs in darunavir/cobicistat regimens
Authors: Martinez Esteban , Negredo Eugenia , Knobel Hernando , Ocampo Antonio , Sanz Jose , Garcia-Fraile Lucio , Martin-Carbonero Luz , Lozano Fernando , Gonzalez-Domenech Carmen M , Gutierrez Mar , Montero Marta , Boix Vicente , Payeras Antoni , Torralba Miguel , Gonzalez-Cordon Ana , Moreno Ana , Alejos Belen , Perez-Elias Maria J ,   GeSIDA 9316 CODAR Study Group, Martinez Esteban , Pérez M Jesús , Alejos Belen , Negredo Eugenia , Knobel Hernando , Ocampo Antonio , Sanz Jose , de los Santos Ignacio , Carbonero Luz Martin , Lozano Fernando , González-Domenech Carmen María , Gutierrez Mar , Montero Marta , Boix Vicente , Payeras Antonio , Torralba Miguel , Ribera Esteban , Galindo Maria J , Vilanova Lucia , Garcia-Fraile Lucio , de La Fuente Moral Sara , de Lomas Jose Garcia , Lozano Fernando , García Maria Gracia Mateo , Pitatch Maria Tasias , Martinez Marcos Diez , Raya Manuel , Troya Jesus , Sepúlveda Maria Antonia , del Campo Santos , Vivancos M Jesús , Ayerbe Cristina Gomez , Moreno Ana , Casado Jose Luis , Gonzalez-Cordon Ana , Callau Pilar , Rojas Jhon
Published: August 2019

Background

Darunavir/cobicistat can be used as mono, dual, triple or more than triple therapy.

Objectives

To assess factors associated with the number of drugs in darunavir/cobicistat regimens.

Methods

A nationwide retrospective cohort study of consecutive HIV-infected patients initiating darunavir/cobicistat in Spain from July 2015 to May 2017. Baseline characteristics, efficacy and safety at 48 weeks were compared according to the number of drugs used.

Results

There were 761 patients (75% men, 98% were antiretroviral-experienced, 32% had prior AIDS, 84% had HIV RNA <50 copies/mL and 88% had ≥200 CD4 cells/mm3) who initiated darunavir/cobicistat as mono (n=308, 40%), dual (n=173, 23%), triple (n=253, 33%) or four-drug (n=27, 4%) therapy. Relative to monotherapy, triple therapy was more common in men aged <50 years, with prior AIDS and darunavir plus ritonavir use, and with CD4 cells <200/mm3 and with detectable viral load at initiation of darunavir/cobicistat; dual therapy was more common with previous intravenous drug use, detectable viral load at initiation of darunavir/cobicistat and no prior darunavir plus ritonavir; and four-drug therapy was more common with prior AIDS and detectable viral load at initiation of darunavir/cobicistat. Monotherapy and dual therapy showed a trend to better virological responses than triple therapy. CD4 responses and adverse effects did not differ among regimens.

Discussion

Darunavir/cobicistat use in Spain has been tailored according to clinical characteristics of HIV-infected patients. Monotherapy and dual therapy have been common and preferentially addressed to older patients with a better HIV status, suggesting that health issues other than HIV infection may have been strong determinants of its prescription.
A mutation in the glycosyltransferase gene lafB causes daptomycin hypersusceptibility in Enterococcus faecium
Authors: Mello Suelen S , Van Tyne Daria , Lebreton Francois , Silva Simone Q , Nogueira Mara C L , Gilmore Michael S , Camargo Ilana L B C
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To verify dissemination of daptomycin-non-susceptible Enterococcus faecium in a hospital where daptomycin was not in use and to understand the evolutionary pathways connecting daptomycin hypersusceptibility to non-susceptibility.

Methods

Clonality of 26 E. faecium was assessed by PFGE and the STs of these isolates were determined. The most daptomycin-susceptible isolate was evolved in vitro by stepwise daptomycin selection, generating isolates for genome comparisons.

Results

The spread of a high-risk daptomycin-non-susceptible VRE clone was detected, as was the occurrence of an unusual daptomycin-hypersusceptible strain (HBSJRP18). To determine the basis for daptomycin hypersusceptibility, we evolved HBSJRP18 in vitro and identified candidate genetic alterations potentially related to daptomycin susceptibility. Both lafB, encoding glycosyltransferase, which is putatively involved in lipoteichoic acid (LTA) biosynthesis, and dak, encoding a dihydroxyacetone kinase likely involved in fatty acid metabolism, were mutated in multiple independent experiments. Trans-complementation showed that the lafB polymorphism naturally occurring in HBSJRP18 caused its daptomycin hypersusceptibility. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy identified differences between the extracted LTA spectra from the hypersusceptible isolate and its revertant, as well as other non-susceptible variants, supporting a role for LafB in E. faecium LTA biosynthesis. Zeta potential difference was detected in one evolved dak mutant derivative. While much more susceptible to daptomycin, HBSJRP18 showed enhanced growth in the presence of piperacillin, suggesting that this, or another cell wall-targeting antibiotic, may have selected for the daptomycin-hypersusceptible phenotype.

Conclusions

Our findings provide new information on the basis for daptomycin susceptibility in E. faecium, with implications for limiting the development and spread of daptomycin resistance.
Metastatic prostate cancer presenting as a retroperitoneal mass: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Moussa Mohamad , Chakra Mohamed Abou
Published: August 2019

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer diagnosed in men globally, after lung cancer. Many patients with PCa are asymptomatic until the tumor has progressed. The prognosis of PCa mainly depends on the presence of metastatic spread. It usually metastasizes to the bone, lung, and liver. Retroperitoneum is an exceedingly rare site for metastatic PCa to occur. We describe a case of a 68-year-old male patient presented for left flank pain and lower limb edema. A retroperitoneal mass was identified on imagery. This mass was found to be due to metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma based on immunohistochemical studies. Knowledge of this atypical presentation of metastatic PCa will reduce the diagnostic delay and allow the appropriate timely treatment.
Bondi accretion in the finite luminous region of elliptical galaxies
Authors: Samadi M , Zanganeh S , Abbassi S
Published: August 2019

The classical Bondi model is adopted to study accretion onto the finite luminous region around the central massive black hole (MBH) in an elliptical galaxy. Unlike Bondi (1952), we define the boundary conditions at a certain finite radius (rf) instead of at the infinity and examine the variation of solutions for a simple case. In the following, we consider the special case of a MBH at the center of a Hernquist galaxy and involve the gravity and luminosity of its own galaxy. Our results in the first part show that kinitic energy at the final radius is ignorable even for not so far away from the center. Moreover, the mass accretion rate will be approximately equal to its Bondi value if the final radius (rf) becomes about 2-3 orders of magnitude larger than semi-Bondi radius, i.e. $GM/c_{sf}^2$ (where M and csf are the mass of the central object and the sound speed at rf). In the second part, adding the two extra forces of gravity and radiation in the momentum equation let us know that the maximum possible of accretion rate increases with greater characteristic linear density of galaxy and lower radiation.
A search for cosmological anisotropy using the Lyman alpha forest from SDSS quasar spectra
Authors: Zavarygin Evgeny O , Webb John K
Published: August 2019

The cosmological principle, the combined assumptions of cosmological isotropy and homogeneity, underpins the standard model of big bang cosmology with which we interpret astronomical observations. A new test of isotropy over the redshift range 2 < z < 4 and across large angular scales on the sky is presented. We use the cosmological distribution of neutral hydrogen, as probed by the Ly α forest seen towards distant quasars. The Sloan Digital Sky Survey provides the largest data set of quasar spectra available to date. We use combined information from Data Releases 12 and 14 to select a sample of 142 661 quasars most suitable for this purpose. The scales covered by the data extend beyond post-inflation causality scales, thus probing initial conditions in the early Universe. We identify significant spatially correlated systematic effects that can emulate cosmological anisotropy. Once these systematics have been accounted for, the data are found to be consistent with isotropy, providing an important independent check on the standard model, consistent with results from cosmic microwave background data.
The structural properties of classical bulges and discs from z ∼ 2
Authors: Dimauro Paola , Huertas-Company Marc , Daddi Emanuele , Pérez-González Pablo G , Bernardi Mariangela , Caro Fernando , Cattaneo Andrea , Häußler Boris , Kuchner Ulrike , Shankar Francesco , Barro Guillermo , Buitrago Fernando , Faber Sandra M , Kocevski Dale D , Koekemoer Anton M , Koo David C , Mei Simona , Peletier Reynier , Primack Joel , Rodriguez-Puebla Aldo , Salvato Mara , Tuccillo Diego
Published: August 2019

We study the rest-frame optical mass–size relation of bulges and discs from z ∼ 2 to z ∼ 0 for a complete sample of massive galaxies in the CANDELS fields using two-component Sérsic models. Discs and star-forming galaxies follow similar mass–size relations. The mass–size relation of bulges is less steep than the one of quiescent galaxies (best-fitting slope of 0.7 for quiescent galaxies against 0.4 for bulges). We find little dependence of the structural properties of massive bulges and discs with the global morphology of galaxies (disc versus bulge dominated) and the star formation activity (star-forming versus quiescent). This result suggests similar bulge formation mechanisms for most massive galaxies and also that the formation of the bulge component does not significantly affect the disc structure. Our results pose a challenge to current cosmological models that predict distinct structural properties for stellar bulges arising from mergers and disc instabilities.
C-type shock modelling – the effect of new H2–H collisional rate coefficients
Authors: Nesterenok A V , Bossion D , Scribano Y , Lique F
Published: August 2019

We consider collisional excitation of H2 molecules in C-type shocks propagating in dense molecular clouds. New data on collisional rate coefficients for (de-)excitation of H2 molecule in collisions with H atoms and new H2 dissociation rates are used. The new H2–H collisional data are state of the art and are based on the most accurate H3 potential energy surface. We re-examine the excitation of rotational levels of H2 molecule, the para-to-ortho-H2 conversion, and H2 dissociation by H2–H collisions. At cosmic ray ionization rates ζ ≥ 10−16 s−1 and at moderate shock speeds, the H/H2 ratio at the shock front is mainly determined by the cosmic ray ionization rate. The H2–H collisions play the main role in the para-to-ortho-H2 conversion and, at ζ ≥ 10−15 s−1, in the excitation of vibrationally excited states of H2 molecule in the shock. The H2ortho-to-para ratio of the shocked gas and column densities of rotational levels of vibrationally excited states of H2 are found to depend strongly on the cosmic ray ionization rate. We discuss the applicability of the presented results to interpretation of observations of H2 emission in supernova remnants.
Optical observations and cyclops post-shock region modelling of the polar V348 Pav
Authors: Oliveira Alexandre S , Rodrigues Claudia V , Palhares Matheus S , Diaz Marcos P , Belloni Diogo , Silva Karleyne M G
Published: August 2019

Post-shock regions (PSR) of polar cataclysmic variables (CVs) produce most of their luminosity and give rise to high circular polarization in optical wavelengths and strong variability on the white dwarf (WD) rotation period, which are distinctive features of these systems. To investigate the polar candidate V348 Pav, we obtained a comprehensive observational set including photometric, polarimetric, and spectroscopic data, which was used to constrain the post-shock properties of the system. The object presents high circular polarization (∼30 per cent) and high He ii 4686 Å to H β line ratio, confirming it is a polar. From both radial velocities and light curves, we determined an orbital period of 79.98 min, close to the orbital period minimum of CVs. The H β radial velocity curve has a semi-amplitude of 141.4 ± 1.5 km s−1. Doppler tomography showed that most of the spectral line emission in this system is originated in the region of the companion star facing the WD, possibly irradiated by the emission related to the PSR. We modelled the PSR using the cyclops code. The PSR density and temperature profiles, obtained by a proper solution of the hydrothermodynamic equations, were used in a 3D radiative transfer solution that takes into account the system geometry. We could reproduce the V348 Pav B, V, R, and I photometric and polarimetric data using a model with a WD magnetic field of ∼28 MG, a WD mass of ∼0.85 M$\odot$, and a low (∼25°) orbital inclination. These values for the WD mass and orbital inclination are consistent with the measured radial velocities.
GMrepo: a database of curated and consistently annotated human gut metagenomes
Authors: Wu Sicheng , Sun Chuqing , Li Yanze , Wang Teng , Jia Longhao , Lai Senying , Yang Yaling , Luo Pengyu , Dai Die , Yang Yong-Qing , Luo Qibin , Gao Na L , Ning Kang , He Li-jie , Zhao Xing-Ming , Chen Wei-Hua
Published: August 2019

GMrepo (data repository for Gut Microbiota) is a database of curated and consistently annotated human gut metagenomes. Its main purpose is to facilitate the reusability and accessibility of the rapidly growing human metagenomic data. This is achieved by consistently annotating the microbial contents of collected samples using state-of-art toolsets and by manual curation of the meta-data of the corresponding human hosts. GMrepo organizes the collected samples according to their associated phenotypes and includes all possible related meta-data such as age, sex, country, body-mass-index (BMI) and recent antibiotics usage. To make relevant information easier to access, GMrepo is equipped with a graphical query builder, enabling users to make customized, complex and biologically relevant queries. For example, to find (1) samples from healthy individuals of 18 to 25 years old with BMIs between 18.5 and 24.9, or (2) projects that are related to colorectal neoplasms, with each containing >100 samples and both patients and healthy controls. Precomputed species/genus relative abundances, prevalence within and across phenotypes, and pairwise co-occurrence information are all available at the website and accessible through programmable interfaces. So far, GMrepo contains 58 903 human gut samples/runs (including 17 618 metagenomes and 41 285 amplicons) from 253 projects concerning 92 phenotypes. GMrepo is freely available at: https://gmrepo.humangut.info.
Lights Off, Lights On: The Effects of Electricity Shortages on Small Firms
Authors: Hardy Morgan , McCasland Jamie
Published: August 2019

Entrepreneurs in developing countries report that unreliable electricity imposes a serious constraint, yet little evidence exists on how blackouts impact the micro-firms that account for the majority of employment. This article estimates the effects of outages on small firms using original firm-level panel data and finds evidence of differential effects by firm size. Firms without employees experience large reductions in revenues and profits. Outages have no measurable effect on the output of firms with employees, where worker hours increase, weekly wages paid decrease, and the analysis fails to reject the null hypothesis that blackouts have no effect on (average firm-level) worker hourly wages.
Correlating Structural and Functional Damage in Glaucoma
Authors: Torres Lucas A. , Hatanaka Marcelo
Published: August 2019

Structural and functional tests are essential for detecting and monitoring glaucomatous damage. However, the correlations between structural and functional tests in glaucoma are complex and faulty, with the combination of both modalities being recommended for better assessment of glaucoma. The objective of this review is to explore investigations from the last 5 years in the field of structure-function correlation in glaucoma that contributed to increment in the understanding of this correlation and have the potential to improve the diagnosis and detection of glaucoma progression.
XEN Implant Fracture During Needling Procedure
Authors: Olivari Sara , Cutolo Carlo A. , Negri Letizia , Cappelli Francesca , Testa Valeria , Iester Michele , Traverso Carlo E.
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

The XEN implant is a small hydrophilic stent designed to be implanted permanently for the treatment of glaucoma. As with other bleb-forming surgical procedures, needling is part of postoperative care. We describe 3 cases of XEN fracture of the subconjunctival portion that occurred during the needling procedure.

Methods:

The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical and anatomic outcomes in 3 cases of XEN fracture caused by the needling procedure.

Results:

In our case series of XEN procedures (n=170), bleb needling has been performed in 98 cases (57.6%). In 3 cases (3.1%), we observed unintentional damage to the implant after the procedure.

The mean distal segment length of the fractured XEN measured 0.83 (range: 0.7 to 1) mm. Despite the adverse event, the mean IOP changed from 25.0 (range: 21 to 30) mm Hg before needling to 12.0 (range: 10 to 14) after needling, with a mean follow-up of 15.3 (range: 11 to 18) months. No vision-threatening complications were recorded during the entire follow-up.

Conclusions:

XEN fracture related to the needling procedure should be considered as a possible adverse event of bleb management. Because XEN is composed of a soft and flexible gelatin material, it could be easily damaged by the needle. The fracture does not seem to impair the efficacy of the draining device. As a matter of fact, according to Poiseuille’s laws, shortening of the implant’s length decreases the resistance while increasing the flow rate. Despite our positive results, it is recommended to preserve the integrity of the implant.
Epidemiologic and Molecular Study of EVs in Hospitalized Children With Severe Acute Respiratory Infection
Authors: Pellegrinelli Laura , Uceda Renteria Sara Colonia , Galli Cristina , Greco Letizia , Primache Valeria , Lunghi Giovanna , Binda Sandro , Pariani Elena
Published: August 2019

Background

: To evaluate the enterovirus (EV)-positivity rate in respiratory samples collected from children ≤15 years hospitalized with severe acute respiratory infections (SARIs) and to describe the epidemiologic and molecular characteristics of EVs.

Methods:

Respiratory samples were collected from 2468 children hospitalized with SARI at a university and research hospital in Milan (September 1, 2014 to August 31, 2017). EV and EV-D68 RNA were detected using a commercial multiplex and a specific real-time RT-PCR assay, respectively. The EV-D68-negative samples were then characterized by partial sequencing of the VP1 gene.

Results:

EV-RNA was detected in 9% (222/2468) of SARI cases, 77% were children ≤3 years, almost 13% of whom required intensive care. EVs circulated all-year-round in 2 distinct epidemic waves (May–August and November–December). An EV-D68 outbreak, responsible for 14.8% of EV-positive-SARIs, occurred in 2016 and 5 newly emerging EV types were identified. Twenty-two EV types were detected and remarkable heterogeneity was observed in species distribution and between different pediatric age groups.

Conclusions:

This study showed that EV-positivity rate for our SARI series was 9%. The molecular detection and characterization of EVs allowed for the rapid detection of an EV-D68 outbreak and revealed the presence of emerging EV types that may pose a public health threat. The lack of routine screening and EV characterization in respiratory tract infections hampers the assessment of their epidemiologic and molecular features.