bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asbestos Exposure and Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma in Portugal: a scoping review
Authors: Santos C , Dixe MA , Sacadura-Leite E , Astoul P , Sousa-Uva A
Published: June 2020

Introduction Asbestos, widely used for its important chemical and physical characteristics, are recognized in all their varieties as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and as the leading cause of cancer associated with occupational exposure in industrialized countries. Despite being the most studied occupational hazard since 1965, it is the malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), the decisive aspect in the study of the exposure to asbestos.

Objectives Make a state of the art of the relationships between asbestos and MPM in Portugal.

Methodology A scoping review using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology was conducted using five information’s sources: Pubmed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Scopus and Google Scholar and Open Access Scientific Repositories of Portugal and DART-Europe E-theses Portal to search also for gray literature. Data were collected between 1960-2019, with the keywords "Asbestos" and "Mesothelioma” and “Portugal”. Inclusion criteria were defined for types of participants, concept, context and types of studies.

Results Of the 1453 studies reviewed 9 were included. The oldest study is from 1986. Five studies are about incidence and survival, two are case reports, one about exposure and mortality and one about treatment. To analyse incidence and mortality, four authors used hospital data and two the data from the southern regional cancer registry (ROR). In these studies, it is also presented the description of the population in terms of mean age, type of exposure, latency time, histological type and stage.

Conclusion Portugal, such as other industrialized countries, used asbestos in a massive way, but despite this, few studies and data on the relationship between asbestos exposure and MPM are found. Dedicated studies are needed to objectively assess the true dimension of this potential problem in Portugal and characterise the different types of exposures related to MPM.
Evaluation of MMP-10 and TIMP-1 levels associated with Resveratrol supplementation
Authors: Silva AM , Ferreira C , Silva I , Clemente M , Figueiredo JP , Pereira T , Gabriel A , Caseiro A
Published: June 2020

Introduction Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural phytoalexin present in abundance in grapes, berries, peanuts and red wine. The main benefits of resveratrol ingestion are due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This compound also induces therapeutic benefits in the remodelling of extracellular matrix (ECM), which plays an important role in the regulation of the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and its tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). The MMPs are a family of zinc dependent endopeptidases, with an important role in the physiological and pathological remodelling of ECM, once the activity of MMPs can be regulated by TIMPs. This regulation is essential, since if there is an imbalance between the MMPs and TIMPs there’s destruction of the ECM, leading to the development of several pathologies.

Objectives Evaluate RSV potential by determining serum and salivary levels of MMP-10 and TIMP-1.

Methodology The study population included 27 undergraduates between the ages of 18 and 30, divided into a control group (placebo) and an intervention group, supplemented with 100 mg RSV/day, during 30 days. MMP-10 and TIMP-1 levels were determined by slot blot. The results were analysed using a GraphPad Prism version 5 software for Windows (GraphPad Software, San Diego, California, USA).

Results It was verified the existence of a linear correlation between the serum and salivary levels of TIMP-1, as well as a tendency of increase of this biomarker after RSV supplementation. In all indicators studied, supplementation with this compound wasn’t harmful.

Conclusion The rising trend verified at TIMP-1 in both fluids may reflect benefits in the individuals under study, demonstrating that saliva has potential as a study biofluid for this type of biochemical markers. It was also verified that supplementation with this compound did not damage the evaluated parameters and, therefore, the RSV potential shouldn’t be rejected.
Influence of Food Education on the quality of snacks of middle school children
Authors: Andrade D
Published: June 2020

Introduction The window of opportunity for the creation of eating behaviours and preferences, occurs during the early years, and will be reflected throughout the rest of their lives. The school represents an ideal environment to apply behavioural shaping strategies and to create eating habits, but can also be negatively affected by unbalanced eating behaviours. Cognitive performance is influenced by their diet, and a deficit of important nutrients harms school productivity, enhancing the importance of creating habits of making healthy, balanced and complete snacks.

Objectives To evaluate the quality of middle school children snacks, and to comprehend the influence of Food Education on the improvement of this same quality

Methodology Make a detailed initial registration of the snacks composition (morning and afternoon snacks), for 5 consecutive days. Then, apply lectures of Food Education throughout the school year, enhancing what is the ideal composition of these snacks. Repeat the registration of the school snacks, at the end of the year, in order to compare the data gathered before and after the Food Education qualification.

Results Through comparing the initial and final registration, it’s possible to see differences in the quantity of some food groups: grain bread (4% to 7%), even though refined bread also increased (51% to 53%); plain milk (29% to 37%), in detriment to flavoured milk (10% to 4%); sugared cakes and cookies, with or without filling (23% to 6%); industrial pastry shop products (27% to 7%).

Conclusion Based on the results gathered, it is possible to conclude that a continuous Food Education, focused on improving school snacks, led to a significant improvement of the nutritional quality of food choices, enhancing the importance and need of instruct children during their early school years, involving the environment of their everyday lives.
Inflammation disrupts epithelial barrier function and induces the release of different populations of exosomes
Authors: Martins B , Rodrigues T , Ramalho J , Ambrósio A , Girão H , Fernandes R
Published: June 2020

Introduction Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative retinal disease that affects central vision. Most of their phenotypical features are believed to be associated with the dysfunction of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The accumulation of damaged proteins in aged RPE is associated with disruption of proteolytic pathways and exocytic activity, with release of intracellular proteins via exosomes (Exo), that are important players in intercellular communication and can contribute to disease progression. However, the impact of their secretion by polarized RPE on outer blood retinal barrier (oBRB) breakdown remains largely elusive

Objectives Our aim was to explore the role of inflammation on the loss of RPE integrity and to understand the relative role of directional secretion of Exo by RPE in the loss of polarity and barrier disruption

Methodology We used a human RPE cell line (ARPE-19), highly polarized RPE primary cultures (pRPE) and porcine eyecups. To mimic the inflammatory conditions present in AMD, cells were treated with two inflammatory stimuli, TNF (10 ng/mL) or LPS (100 ng/mL)

Results TNF and LPS do not affect the viability of the RPE cells. RPE cells developed a confluent monolayer and reached a relatively constant TER of about 40 Ω/cm2 (ARPE-19) or higher than 150 Ω/cm2 (pRPE). Treatment with TNF significantly reduces the TER, decreased immunoreactivity and co-localization of the TJ proteins ZO-1 and occludin and increases MMP-2/-9 activity in the medium. Apical Exo isolated from the RPE cells are enriched in CD63 compared to the basolateral Exo, that are enriched in CD81. The Exo isolated from porcine eyecups, especially with the LPS stimulus, are enriched in CD81 and MMP-2 but have similar levels of CD63

Conclusion Overall, our results show that inflammation induces loss of RPE integrity and release of different populations of Exo. The unravelling of novel drug targets paves the way for development of new therapeutic strategies for AMD.
My health, myself: a qualitative study on motivations for effective chronic disease self-management among community dwelling adults
Authors: Hadi Muhammad Danial , Lin Yongxing Patrick , Chan Ee-Yuee
Published: June 2020

Background

Chronic diseases continue to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality despite modifiable risk factors. This suggests that current primary healthcare provision needs to delve beyond patient education, to understand the motivators that drive patients to undertake chronic disease self-management. Understanding these motivations within the context of a multi-cultural community can facilitate tailored support for chronic disease self-management.

Objectives

To explore the motivations behind effective chronic disease self-management in community dwelling adults in Singapore.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study was carried out in five clinics in a large medical centre. Twelve participants who were assessed to be optimally managing their chronic diseases were recruited using purposive sampling. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted until data saturation, with data thematically analysed.

Results

Three salient themes emerged from the data. Firstly, ‘Regaining self-control, avoiding complications’ describes the participants’ journey towards personal mastery in self-management, as well as a fear of debilitating complications resulting in their desire for good health. Secondly, ‘Preserving social identities and roles’ illustrates how participants yearn to maintain their pre-existing roles and functions through maintenance of their health. Finally, ‘Accessing proximal support systems’ highlights resources and supports surrounding the participants that encourage continued chronic disease self-management. Within each theme, specific motivators and challenges encountered by participants in their self-management journey were discussed.

Conclusions

Findings can prompt primary healthcare providers to leverage on the patients’ life goals and social roles in chronic disease self-management support. This may empower patients to engage in self-management and strengthen primary care provision.
Positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA recurs repeatedly in a case recovered from COVID-19: dynamic results from 108 days of follow-up
Authors: Liu Fang , Cai Zhao-bin , Huang Jin-song , Yu Wen-yan , Niu Hai-ying , Zhang Yan , Sui Dong-ming , Wang Fei , Xue Li-zhi , Xu Ai-fang
Published: June 2020

The evidence of long-term clinical dynamic on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA re-positive case are less. We performed a 108 days follow-up on dynamic clinical presentations in a case, who hospitalized three times due to the positive recurrence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA after discharge, to understand the prognosis of the 2019-Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In this case, positive SARS-CoV-2 recurred even after apparent recovery (normal CT imaging, no clinical symptoms, negative SARS-CoV-2 on stool sample and negative serum IgM test) from COVID-19, viral shedding duration lasted for 65 days, the time from symptom onset to disappearance was up to 95 days. Erythrocyte-associated indicators, liver function and serum lipid metabolism presented abnormal throughout during the observation period. Awareness of atypical presentations such as this one is important to prompt the improvement of the management of COVID-19.
Constraining 1-D inner core attenuation through measurements of strongly coupled normal mode pairs
Authors: Talavera-Soza S , Deuss A
Published: June 2020

We measured inner core normal mode pair 10S2–11S2, which cross-couples strongly for 1-D structure and is sensitive to shear wave velocity, and find that our measurements agree with a strongly attenuating inner core. In the past, this mode pair has been used to try to resolve the debate on whether the inner core is strongly or weakly attenuating. Its large spectral amplitude in observed data, possible through the apparent low attenuation of 10S2, has been explained as evidence of a weakly attenuating inner core. However, this contradicted body waves and other normal modes studies, which resulted in this pair of modes being excluded from inner core modelling. Modes 10S2 and 11S2 are difficult to measure and interpret because they depend strongly on the underlying 1-D model used. This strong dependence makes these modes change both their oscillation characteristics and attenuation values under a small 1-D perturbation to the inner core model. Here, we include this effect by allowing the pair of modes to cross-couple or resonate through 1-D structure and treat them as one hybrid mode. We find that, unlike previously thought, the source of 10S2 visibility is its strong cross-coupling to 11S2 for both 1-D elastic and anelastic structure. We also observe that the required 1-D perturbation is much smaller than the 2 per cent vs perturbation previously suggested, because we simultaneously measure 3-D structure in addition to 1-D structure. Only a 0.5 per cent increase in inner core vs or a 0.5 per cent decrease in inner core radius is required to explain 10S2–11S2 observations and a weakly attenuating inner core is not needed. In addition, the 3-D structure measurements of mode 10S2 and its cross-coupling to 11S2 show the typical strong zonal splitting pattern attributed to inner core cylindrical anisotropy, allowing us to add further constrains to deeper regions of the inner core.
Reliable and sensitive detection of glycosaminoglycan chains with immunoblots
Authors: Nagase Haruna , Higashi Sayuri L , Iweka Chinyere A , Pearson Craig S , Hirata Yoko , Geller Herbert M , Katagiri Yasuhiro
Published: June 2020

Complex glycans play vital roles in many biological processes, ranging from intracellular signaling and organ development to tumor growth. Glycan expression is routinely assessed by the application of glycan-specific antibodies to cells and tissues. However, glycan-specific antibodies quite often show a large number of bands on immunoblots and it is hard to interpret the data when reliable controls are lacking. This limits the scope of glycobiology studies and poses challenges for replication. We sought to resolve this issue by developing a novel strategy that utilizes an immunoreaction enhancing technology to vastly improve the speed and quality of glycan-based immunoblots. As a representative case study, we used chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan (CS-GAG) chains as the carbohydrate target and a monoclonal antibody, CS-56, as the probe. We discovered that preincubation of the antibody with its antigenic CS-GAG chain distinguishes true-positive signals from false-positive ones. We successfully applied this strategy to 10E4, a monoclonal anti heparan sulfate GAGs (HS-GAGs) antibody, where true-positive signals were confirmed by chemical HS-GAG depolymerization on the membrane. This evidence that glycan-specific antibodies can generate clear and convincing data on immunoblot with highly replicable results opens new opportunities for many facets of life science research in glycobiology.
The Outcomes of Scientific Debates Should Be Published: The Arivale Story
Authors: Fiala Clare , Diamandis Eleftherios P
Published: June 2020

There is an ongoing scientific debate regarding the merits and shortcomings of P4 Medicine (predictive, preventive, personalized, and participatory) and O4 Medicine (overtesting, overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and overcharging). P4 Medicine promises to revolutionize scientific wellness through longitudinal big data collection, denoted as “dense phenotyping,” which could uncover early, actionable signs of disease, thus allowing earlier interventions and possible disease reversal. On the other hand, O4 Medicine draws attention to the potential side effects of P4 Medicine: overtesting, overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and overcharging fees. Preliminary data from the P4 Medicine concept have been recently published. A novel biotechnology company, Arivale, provided customers with services based on P4 Medicine principles; however it could not sustain its operations and closed its doors in April 2019. In this report, we provide our own insights as to why Arivale failed. While we do not discount that in the future, improved testing strategies may provide a path to better health, we suggest that until the evidence is provided, selling of such products to the public, especially through the “direct to consumer” approach, should be discouraged. We hope that our analysis will provide useful information for the burgeoning fields of personalized medicine, preventive medicine, and direct to consumer health testing.
Providing Effective Feedback in Breast Imaging to Improve Trainee Performance
Authors: Sharma Nidhi
Published: June 2020

While feedback is an essential component of medical education, feedback to trainees is frequently nonspecific and not focused on performance improvement. Providing specific feedback to trainees helps them to reflect, develop self-assessment skills, and recalibrate. In light of increasing clinical volumes, stresses related to modern healthcare delivery, and high physician burnout, instructors need efficient methods to provide actionable feedback to trainees. For breast imaging radiologists involved in education, improving feedback skills can help their learners develop expertise in breast imaging while also attracting and inspiring the next generation of radiologists.
Rediscovery of the horseshoe shrimp Lightiella serendipita Jones, 1961 (Cephalocarida: Hutchinsoniellidae) in San Francisco Bay, California, USA, with a key to the worldwide species of Cephalocarida
Authors: Garcia Crystal , Woo Isa , Rogers D Christopher , Flanagan Alison M , De La Cruz Susan E W
Published: June 2020

Lightiella serendipita Jones, 1961 was first discovered in San Francisco Bay, California in 1953, but it had not been observed since 1988. In 2017, a total of 13 adult L. serendipita specimens were found as part of a study in central San Francisco Bay, nearly doubling the total number of specimens ever collected. We measured vertical distribution of macroinvertebrates and environmental variables, including grain size and chemical composition of sediment samples, to evaluate potential features associated with the habitat of the species. Specimens were generally found in sediments with low organic matter (1.7–3%), high sulfate concentrations (594.6–647 ppm SO4), fine grain size (12.8–36.2% sand, 35.6–58% silt, 22.8–37.6% clay) and were mostly found in deep core sections (4–10 cm). Specimens were also consistently observed in cores containing tube-forming Polychaeta (i.e., Sabaco elongatus (Verrill, 1873) and Capitellidae), suggesting L. serendipita may have a commensal relationship with sedentary polychaetes, as do other cephalocaridans such as Lightiella incisaGooding, 1963. We provide a scanning electron micrograph of L. serendipita and the first complete key to the species in class Cephalocarida to help elucidate the taxonomy of this rare crustacean taxon. The perceived absence of L. serendipita in previous surveys of the Bay may be attributable to its rarity; however, additional research is needed to fully understand habitat requirements and population size of this unique endemic species.
Carapace width-weight relationships of blue swimmer crab Portunus armatus (A. Milne-Edwards, 1861) (Crustacea: Brachyura: Portunidae) in southwestern Australia: influences of sex, decadal change, environment, and season
Authors: Johnston Danielle J , Yeoh Daniel E
Published: June 2020

The relationship between carapace width (CW) and weight (W) of the blue swimmer crab Portunus armatus (A. Milne-Edwards, 1861) was determined for southwestern Australian populations using measurements collected over two decades from a range of nearshore marine and estuarine environments. A strong and significant positive linear relationship occurred between the natural logarithm (ln) of CW and ln(W) for both sexes overall and individually for males and females (R2 = 0.985–0.987; P < 0.001). The relationships were: overall ln(W) = −10.2262 + 3.1708 ln(CW); males ln(W) = −10.4641 + 3.234 ln(CW), and females ln(W) = −10.0595 + 3.1246 ln(CW). Significant differences in the relationship were detected between sexes, decadal sampling periods, environments, and seasons (P < 0.001), with sex and decadal period being most influential. Males were heavier than females at any given CW, which was most apparent at larger (>100 mm CW) sizes. Crabs were also generally heavier at CW in a recent sampling period (2014–2019) than historically (1995–2000), with the greatest decadal differences occurring in the estuarine environment. These relationships have direct applicability for use in stock assessments of this valuable fishery species. Moreover, observed changes in the CW-W relationships over time highlight the importance of regularly reviewing biological parameters used in fisheries assessments, particularly in response to climate change as in the case of southwestern Australia.
Clipping of a basilar tip aneurysm using hypothermia and circulatory arrest: a case report
Authors: Nerntengian Ntenis , Gkasdaris Grigorios , Birbilis Theodosios
Published: June 2020

Treatment of complex and giant aneurysms remains challenging despite modern endovascular and microsurgical techniques. We report the first case of microsurgical clipping of a complex basilar tip aneurysm under circulatory arrest and hypothermia performed in Greece. A 52-year-old patient presented with a Hunt and Hess Grade 4 subarachnoid hemorrhage. The digital subtraction angiography revealed a complex basilar tip aneurysm. Due to aneurysm complexity, we decided for microsurgical clipping under hypothermia and circulatory arrest. We performed a right pterional craniotomy with orbitozygomatic osteotomy. The patient was then put on heart–lung-machine. Following hypothermia and circulatory arrest, the aneurysm was clipped with its complete occlusion. The patient was discharged with no neurological deficits. Clipping of complex aneurysms under hypothermia and cardiac arrest performed by experienced team is a safe alternative when endovascular therapy or bypass technique is not feasible.
The dust never settles: collisional production of gas and dust in evolved planetary systems
Authors: Swan Andrew , Farihi Jay , Wilson Thomas G , Parsons Steven G
Published: June 2020

Multi-epoch infrared photometry from Spitzer is used to monitor circumstellar discs at white dwarfs, which are consistent with disrupted minor planets whose debris is accreted and chemically reflected by their host stars. Widespread infrared variability is found across the population of 37 stars with two or more epochs. Larger flux changes occur on longer time-scales, reaching several tens of per cent over baselines of a few years. The canonical model of a geometrically thin, optically thick disc is thus insufficient, as it cannot give rise to the observed behaviour. Optically thin dust best accounts for the variability, where collisions drive dust production and destruction. Notably, the highest infrared variations are seen in systems that show Ca ii emission, supporting planetesimal collisions for all known debris discs, with the most energetic occurring in those with detected gaseous debris. The sample includes the only polluted white dwarf with a circumbinary disc, where the signal of the day–night cycle of its irradiated substellar companion appears diluted by dust emission.
LEGO – II. A 3 mm molecular line study covering 100 pc of one of the most actively star-forming portions within the Milky Way disc
Authors: Barnes A T , Kauffmann J , Bigiel F , Brinkmann N , Colombo D , Guzmán A E , Kim W J , Szűcs L , Wakelam V , Aalto S , Albertsson T , Evans N J , Glover S C O , Goldsmith P F , Kramer C , Menten K , Nishimura Y , Viti S , Watanabe Y , Weiss A , Wienen M , Wiesemeyer H , Wyrowski F
Published: June 2020

The current generation of (sub)mm-telescopes has allowed molecular line emission to become a major tool for studying the physical, kinematic, and chemical properties of extragalactic systems, yet exploiting these observations requires a detailed understanding of where emission lines originate within the Milky Way. In this paper, we present 60 arcsec (∼3 pc) resolution observations of many 3 mm band molecular lines across a large map of the W49 massive star-forming region (∼100 pc × 100 pc at 11 kpc), which were taken as part of the ‘LEGO’ IRAM-30m large project. We find that the spatial extent or brightness of the molecular line transitions are not well correlated with their critical densities, highlighting abundance and optical depth must be considered when estimating line emission characteristics. We explore how the total emission and emission efficiency (i.e. line brightness per H2 column density) of the line emission vary as a function of molecular hydrogen column density and dust temperature. We find that there is not a single region of this parameter space responsible for the brightest and most efficiently emitting gas for all species. For example, we find that the HCN transition shows high emission efficiency at high column density (1022 cm−2) and moderate temperatures (35 K), whilst e.g. N2H+ emits most efficiently towards lower temperatures (1022 cm−2; <20 K). We determine $X_{\mathrm{CO} (1-0)} \sim 0.3 \times 10^{20} \, \mathrm{cm^{-2}\, (K\, km\, s^{-1})^{-1}}$, and $\alpha _{\mathrm{HCN} (1-0)} \sim 30\, \mathrm{M_\odot \, (K\, km\, s^{-1}\, pc^2)^{-1}}$, which both differ significantly from the commonly adopted values. In all, these results suggest caution should be taken when interpreting molecular line emission.
Optical spectroscopy of BL Lac objects: TeV candidates
Authors: Paiano Simona , Falomo Renato , Treves Aldo , Scarpa Riccardo
Published: June 2020

We investigate the spectroscopic optical properties of gamma-ray sources detected with high significance above 50 GeV in the Third Catalog of Hard Fermi-LAT Sources and that are good candidates as TeV emitters. We focus on the 91 sources that are labelled by the Fermi team as BL Lac (BLL) objects or blazar candidates of uncertain type (BCUs), are in the Northern hemisphere, and are with unknown or uncertain redshift. We report here on GTC (Gran Telescopio Canarias) spectra (in the spectral range 4100–7750 Å) of 13 BCUs and 42 BLL objects. We are able to classify the observed targets as BLL objects and each source is briefly discussed. The spectra allowed us to determine the redshift of 25 objects on the basis of emission and/or absorption lines, finding 0.05 < z < 0.91. Most of the emission lines detected are due to forbidden transition of [O iii] and [N ii]. The observed line luminosity is found to be lower than that of quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) at similar continuum and could be reconciled with the line–continuum luminosity relationship of QSOs if a significant beaming factor is assumed. Moreover, for five sources we found intervening absorption lines that allow to set a spectroscopic lower limit of the redshift. For the remaining 25 sources, for which the spectra are lineless, a lower limit to z is given, assuming that the host galaxies are giant ellipticals.
Recovering λR and V/σ from seeing-dominated IFS data
Authors: Harborne K E , van de Sande J , Cortese L , Power C , Robotham A S G , Lagos C D P , Croom S
Published: June 2020

Observers experience a series of limitations when measuring galaxy kinematics, such as variable seeing conditions and aperture size. These effects can be reduced using empirical corrections, but these equations are usually applicable within a restrictive set of boundary conditions (e.g. Sérsic indices within a given range) that can lead to biases when trying to compare measurements made across a full kinematic survey. In this work, we present new corrections for two widely used kinematic parameters, λR and V/σ, that are applicable across a broad range of galaxy shapes, measurement radii, and ellipticities. We take a series of mock observations of N-body galaxy models and use these to quantify the relationship between the observed kinematic parameters, structural properties, and different seeing conditions. Derived corrections are then tested using the full catalogue of galaxies, including hydrodynamic models from the eagle simulation. Our correction is most effective for regularly rotating systems, yet the kinematic parameters of all galaxies – fast, slow, and irregularly rotating systems – are recovered successfully. We find that λR is more easily corrected than V/σ, with relative deviations of 0.02 and 0.06 dex, respectively. The relationship between λR and V/σ, as described by the parameter κ, also has a minor dependence on seeing conditions. These corrections will be particularly useful for stellar kinematic measurements in current and future integral field spectroscopic surveys of galaxies.
Dome C coherence time statistics from DIMM data
Authors: Aristidi E , Agabi A , Abe L , Fossat E , Ziad A , Mékarnia D
Published: June 2020

We present a reanalysis of several years of DIMM data at the site of Dome C, Antarctica, to provide measurements of the coherence time τ0. Statistics and seasonal behaviour of τ0 are given at two heights above the ground, 3 and 8 m, for the wavelength λ = 500 nm. We found an annual median value of 2.9 ms at the height of 8 m. A few measurements could also be obtained at the height of 20 m and give a median value of 6 ms during the period June–September. For the first time, we provide measurements of τ0 in daytime during the summer, which appears to show the same time dependence as the seeing with a sharp maximum at 5 pm local time. Exceptional values of τ0 above 10 ms are met at this particular moment. The continuous slow variations of turbulence conditions during the day offers a natural test bed for a solar adaptive optics system.
Multifrequency study of HH 137 and HH 138: discovering new knots and molecular outflows with Gemini and APEX
Authors: Ferrero Leticia V , Cappa Cristina E , Saldaño Hugo P , Gómez Mercedes , Rubio Mónica , Günthardt Guillermo
Published: June 2020

We present a multiwavelength study of two Herbig–Haro (HH) objects (137 and 138) that may be associated. We use Gemini H2 (2.12 μm) and K (2.2 μm) images, as well as Atacama Pathfinder EXperiment molecular line observations and Spitzer image archives. Several H2 knots, linked to the optical chain of knots of HH 137, are identified in the Gemini and Spitzer 4.5 μm images. New shock excited regions related to the optical knots delineating HH 138 are also reported. In addition, a bright 4.5 μm 0.09 pc-long arc-shaped structure, roughly located mid-way between HH 137 and HH 138, is found to be associated with two Spitzer Class I/II objects, which are likely to be the exciting stars. These sources are almost coincident with a high-density molecular clump detected in 12CO(3 − 2), 13CO(3 − 2), C18O(3 − 2), HCO+(3 − 2), and HCN(3 − 2) molecular lines with an local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) mass of 36 M⊙. The 12CO(3 − 2) emission distribution over the observed region reveals molecular material underlying three molecular outflows. Two of them (outflows 1 and 2) are linked to all optical knots of HH 137 and HH 138 and to the H2 and 4.5 μm shock emission knots. In fact, the outflow 2 shows an elongated 12CO blue lobe that coincides with all the H2 knots of HH 137, which end at a terminal H2 bow shock. We propose a simple scenario that connects the outflows to the dust clumps detected in the region. A third possible outflow is located to the north-east projected towards a secondary weak and cold dust clump.
The aeolian-erosion barrier for the growth of metre-size objects in protoplanetary discs
Authors: Rozner Mor , Grishin Evgeni , Perets Hagai B
Published: June 2020

Aeolian erosion is a destructive process that can erode small-size planetary objects through their interaction with a gaseous environment. Aeolian erosion operates in a wide range of environments and under various conditions. Aeolian erosion has been extensively explored in the context of geophysics in terrestrial planets. Here we show that aeolian erosion of cobbles, boulders, and small planetesimals in protoplanetary discs can constitute a significant barrier for the early stages of planet formation. We use analytic calculations to show that under the conditions prevailing in protoplanetary discs small bodies ($10\!-\!10^4 \, \rm {m}$) are highly susceptible to gas-drag aeolian erosion. At this size-range aeolian erosion can efficiently erode the planetesimals down to tens-cm size and quench any further growth of such small bodies. It thereby raises potential difficulties for channels suggested to alleviate the metre-size barrier. Nevertheless, the population of ∼decimetre-size cobbles resulting from aeolian erosion might boost the growth of larger (>km size) planetesimals and planetary embryos through increasing the efficiency of pebble-accretion, once/if such large planetesimals and planetary embryos exist in the disc.
Far-infrared star formation rates of six GRB host galaxies with ALMA
Authors: Hsiao Tiger Yu-Yang , Hashimoto Tetsuya , Chang Jia-Yuan , Goto Tomotsugu , Kim Seong Jin , Ho Simon C-C , Santos Daryl Joe D , Lu Ting-Yi , On Alvina Y L , Wang Ting-Wen
Published: June 2020

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) can be a promising tracer of cosmic star formation rate history (CSFRH). In order to reveal the CSFRH using GRBs, it is important to understand whether they are biased tracers or not. For this purpose, it is crucial to understand properties of GRB host galaxies, in comparison to field galaxies. In this work, we report ALMA far-infrared (FIR) observations of six z ∼ 2 IR-bright GRB host galaxies, which are selected for the brightness in IR. Among them, four host galaxies are detected for the first time in the rest-frame FIR. In addition to the ALMA data, we collected multiwavelength data from previous studies for the six GRB host galaxies. Spectral energy distribution fitting analyses were performed with cigale to investigate physical properties of the host galaxies, and to test whether active galactic nucleus (AGN) and radio components are required or not. Our results indicate that the best-fitting templates of five GRB host galaxies do not require an AGN component, suggesting the absence of AGNs. One GRB host galaxy, 080207, shows a very small AGN contribution. While derived stellar masses of the three host galaxies are mostly consistent with those in previous studies, interestingly the value of star formation rates (SFRs) of all six GRB hosts are inconsistent with previous studies. Our results indicate the importance of rest-frame FIR observations to correctly estimate SFRs by covering thermal emission from cold dust heated by star formation.
The SUrvey for pulsars and extragalactic radio bursts V: recent discoveries and full timing solutions
Authors: Spiewak R , Flynn C , Johnston S , Keane E F , Bailes M , Barr E D , Bhandari S , Burgay M , Jankowski F , Kramer M , Morello V , Possenti A , Venkatraman Krishnan V
Published: June 2020

The SUrvey for Pulsars and Extragalactic Radio Bursts ran from 2014 April to 2019 August, covering a large fraction of the Southern hemisphere at mid- to high-galactic latitudes and consisting of 9-min pointings taken with the 20-cm multibeam receiver on the Parkes Radio Telescope. Data up to 2017 September 21 have been searched using standard Fourier techniques, single-pulse searches, and Fast Folding Algorithm searches. We present 19 new discoveries, bringing the total to 27 discoveries in the programme, and we report the results of follow-up timing observations at Parkes for 26 of these pulsars, including the millisecond pulsar PSR J1421−4409; the faint, highly modulated, slow pulsar PSR J1646−1910; and the nulling pulsar PSR J1337−4441. We present new timing solutions for 23 pulsars, and we report flux densities, modulation indices, and polarization properties.
Asterid Phylogenomics/Phylotranscriptomics Uncover Morphological Evolutionary Histories and Support Phylogenetic Placement for Numerous Whole-Genome Duplications
Authors: Zhang Caifei , Zhang Taikui , Luebert Federico , Xiang Yezi , Huang Chien-Hsun , Hu Yi , Rees Mathew , Frohlich Michael W , Qi Ji , Weigend Maximilian , Ma Hong
Published: June 2020

Asterids are one of the most successful angiosperm lineages, exhibiting extensive morphological diversity and including a number of important crops. Despite their biological prominence and value to humans, the deep asterid phylogeny has not been fully resolved, and the evolutionary landscape underlying their radiation remains unknown. To resolve the asterid phylogeny, we sequenced 213 transcriptomes/genomes and combined them with other data sets, representing all accepted orders and nearly all families of asterids. We show fully supported monophyly of asterids, Berberidopsidales as sister to asterids, monophyly of all orders except Icacinales, Aquifoliales, and Bruniales, and monophyly of all families except Icacinaceae and Ehretiaceae. Novel taxon placements benefited from the expanded sampling with living collections from botanical gardens, resolving hitherto uncertain relationships. The remaining ambiguous placements here are likely due to limited sampling and could be addressed in the future with relevant additional taxa. Using our well-resolved phylogeny as reference, divergence time estimates support an Aptian (Early Cretaceous) origin of asterids and the origin of all orders before the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary. Ancestral state reconstruction at the family level suggests that the asterid ancestor was a woody terrestrial plant with simple leaves, bisexual, and actinomorphic flowers with free petals and free anthers, a superior ovary with a style, and drupaceous fruits. Whole-genome duplication (WGD) analyses provide strong evidence for 33 WGDs in asterids and one in Berberidopsidales, including four suprafamilial and seven familial/subfamilial WGDs. Our results advance the understanding of asterid phylogeny and provide numerous novel evolutionary insights into their diversification and morphological evolution.
Chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury in the COVID-19 Spanish outbreak
Authors: Portolés Jose , Marques María , López-Sánchez Paula , de Valdenebro María , Muñez Elena , Serrano María Luisa , Malo Rosa , García Estefanya , Cuervas Valentín
Published: June 2020

Background

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan and rapidly spread, affecting >10 million cases worldwide. Caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and primarily manifesting as an acute respiratory failure with interstitial and alveolar pneumonia, it can also affect multiple organs. Kidney involvement was underestimated in early reports and its role remains controversial. The aim of this study was to analyse the role of kidney damage in COVID-19 outcome.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study of 1603 consecutive patients admitted in a University Reference Hospital in the heart of the European outbreak.

Results

Median age was 64 years, 40.4% were female, 15.2% presented diabetes mellitus, 35.7% hypertension and 20.3% obesity. On admission, the prevalence of elevated serum creatinine (sCr), proteinuria, leucocyturia and haematuria were 21.0, 37.8, 31.8 and 45.6%, respectively. In total, 43.5% of those with an elevated sCr had previous chronic kidney disease (CKD) and 11.4% of those with normal sCr developed an in-hospital acute kidney injury (AKI); 17 patients needed acute haemodialysis; and 197 patients died during hospitalization. Cox proportional hazard regression confirmed that elevated baseline sCr [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) 2.40 (1.79–3.22)], previous CKD [1.59 (1.06-2.37)], haematuria [1 + 1.68 (0.92–3.06), 2–3 + 2.69 (1.49–4.87)] and in-hospital AKI [1.50 (0.92–2.44)] were independent risk factors for in-hospital death after adjusting for age, sex and comorbidity.

Conclusion

The prevalence of acute and chronic kidney disease on admission and in-hospital AKI is higher than previously reported in Wuhan, and is associated with high in-hospital mortality. We should increase our awareness towards kidney involvement and design specific strategies for management of COVID-19 in these patients.
Effect of Physical Exercise Programs on Myofascial Trigger Points–Related Dysfunctions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Guzmán-Pavón María José , Cavero-Redondo Iván , Martínez-Vizcaíno Vicente , Fernández-Rodríguez Rubén , Reina-Gutierrez Sara , Álvarez-Bueno Celia
Published: June 2020

Objective

Myofascial pain syndrome is one of the primary causes of health care visits. In recent years, physical exercise programs have been developed for the treatment of myofascial trigger points, but their effect on different outcomes has not been clarified. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effect of physical exercise programs on myofascial trigger points.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in Pubmed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Articles analyzing the effect of physical exercise programs on pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, range of motion, and disability were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB2 tool. The DerSimonian-Laird method was used to compute the pooled effect sizes (ES) and their 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, range of motion, and disability.

Results

A total of 24 randomized controlled trials were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled ES were –0.47 (95% CI = –0.61 to –0.33) for pain intensity, 0.63 (95% CI = 0.31 to 0.95) for pressure pain threshold, 0.43 (95% CI = 0.24 to 0.62) for range of motion, and –0.18 (95% CI = –0.45 to 0.10) for disability.

Conclusions

Physical exercise programs may be an effective approach in the treatment of pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, and range of motion among patients with myofascial trigger points.
How Efficient are Decentralized Auction Platforms?
Authors: Bodoh-Creed Aaron L , Boehnke Jörn , Hickman Brent
Published: June 2020

We model a decentralized, dynamic auction market platform in which a continuum of buyers and sellers participate in simultaneous, single-unit auctions each period. Our model accounts for the endogenous entry of agents and the impact of intertemporal optimization on bids. We estimate the structural primitives of our model using Kindle sales on eBay. We find that just over one-third of Kindle auctions on eBay result in an inefficient allocation with deadweight loss amounting to 14% of total possible market surplus. We also find that partial centralization—for example, running half as many 2-unit, uniform-price auctions each day—would eliminate a large fraction of the inefficiency, but yield lower seller revenues. Our results also highlight the importance of understanding platform composition effects—selection of agents into the market—in assessing the implications of market redesign. We also prove that the equilibrium of our model with a continuum of buyers and sellers is an approximate equilibrium of the analogous model with a finite number of agents.
The Negative Association between Alternative Financial Services Usage and Financial Well-Being: Variations by Income
Authors: Chen Zibei , Livermore Michelle
Published: June 2020

As reliance on alternative financial services (AFS) usage continues its exponential expansion among American families, policy debates over banking regulation perdure with limited empirical understanding of how usage affects individuals’ financial lives. Using data from the 2014 Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking, this study explored the association between AFS use and financial well-being using a nationally representative sample (N = 5,896). It also examined the role of household income in AFS use and its relation to financial well-being. Results from regression analyses indicated that AFS use was negatively associated with present financial security measured by credit score, making ends meet, subjective financial well-being, and credit card payment, and that future financial security was measured by having an emergency fund and a rainy-day fund. Moreover, the interaction models showed that lower-income groups had the most negative associations between AFS and most financial well-being indicators, suggesting a substantive role of income in exacerbating the negative relationships. This was the first known study linking use of AFS and household financial well-being with a focus on the role of income. The article concludes with a discussion of implications for policy and social work practice.
Aid in Dying: Implications for Nurses
Authors: Nelson Roxanne
Published: June 2020

The practice is now legal in nine states and the District of Columbia.
Remdesivir Receives Emergency Use Authorization for Severely Ill Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Aschenbrenner Diane S.
Published: June 2020

The antiviral remdesivir has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization to treat patients severely ill with COVID-19. The drug is still considered unapproved and under investigation.

Nurses should review the Fact Sheet for Health Care Providers for full information regarding reconstitution and administration of remdesivir. Health care providers should report all adverse events and medication errors to the FDA MedWatch program and to Gilead, the drug's manufacturer.
Epipen Safety Alert
Authors: Aschenbrenner Diane S.
Published: June 2020

Device problems and improper usage may alter the EpiPen dose.

Nurses should review proper EpiPen administration with patients and their families or caregivers.
Practicing the ABCDEs of Self-Care in Pandemic Times
Authors: Solomon Diane N.
Published: June 2020

Updated several times a week with posts by a wide variety of authors, AJN's blog Off the Charts allows us to provide more timely—and often more personal—perspectives on professional, policy, and clinical issues. Best of the Blog is a regular column to draw the attention of AJN readers to posts we think deserve a wider audience. To read more, please visit: www.ajnoffthecharts.com.
High Risk of Overdose, Suicide After Stopping Opioids
Authors: Rosenberg Karen
Published: June 2020

According to this study:

Patients are at greater risk for death from overdose or suicide after stopping opioid treatment, and this risk increases the longer a patient has been treated.

Close monitoring of patients for up to a year after stopping treatment may be warranted.
Invasive and Conservative Strategies for Stable Coronary Disease Yield Similar Results
Authors: Rosenberg Karen
Published: June 2020

According to this study:

In patients with stable coronary disease and moderate or severe ischemia, an initial invasive strategy didn't reduce the risk of ischemic cardiovascular events or all-cause mortality.