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Abstract Background In recent years, numerous studies have highlighted the overlap between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and catatonia, both from a clinical and pathophysiological perspective. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the autism spectrum (autistic traits and ASD signs, symptoms, and behavioral manifestation) and Catatonia Spectrum (CS). Methods A total sample of 376 subjects was distributed in four diagnostic groups. Subjects were assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5, Research Version, the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum), and CS. In the statistical analyses, the total sample was also divided into three groups according to the degree of autism severity, based on the AdAS Spectrum total score. Results A statistically significant positive correlation was found between AdAS Spectrum and CS total score within the total sample, the gender subgroups, and the diagnostic categories. The AdAS Spectrum domains found to be significantly and strongly correlated with the total CS score were hyper–hypo reactivity to sensory input, verbal communication, nonverbal communication, restricted interests and rumination, and inflexibility and adherence to routine. The three groups of different autistic severity were found to be distributed across all diagnostic groups and the CS score increased significantly from the group without autistic traits to the group with ASD. Conclusions Our study reports a strong correlation between autism spectrum and CS.

The present study assessed the abiotic factors of Moringa stenopetala (M. stenopetala) extracts against Staphyloccoccus aureus in aquatic microcosm. Bacterial survival was assessed using colony forming unit (CFU) method on culture agar medium at different concentration levels (0.5 to 2 g/L). The incubation duration varied from 3 to 24 hours, and the temperatures were between 7°C and 44°C. Phytochemical screening showed that most of the constituents obtained from the extracts are the alkaloids, flavonoids and the tannins. It was observed that increase in extract concentration significantly inhibited the number of CFU obtained. Compared to the control {9.27 Log(CFU/100 mL)}, cells abundance from different concentrations of leaves extracts fluctuated between 4.74 and 0 {Log(CFU/100 mL)} after 3h incubation; 5.46 and 0 {Log(CFU/100 mL)} after 6h; 4.75 and 0 {Log(CFU̸/100 mL)} after 9h, and 4.85 and 0 {Log(CFU/100 mL)} after 24h incubation. As for root extracts, the abundance were between 4.80 and 0 {Log(CFU/100 mL)} under 7°C incubation; 5.03-5.23 and 0 {Log(CFU/100 mL)} under 23°C and 37°C, and 4.66 and 0 Log (CFU/100 mL) under 44°C incubation when considering the whole extract concentrations used. Incubation temperature and extracts concentration significantly impacted bacterial abundances. When the decoction extracts of roots were used, the amount of S. aureus cells inhibited was registered after 3-24 hours incubation. The Pearson correlation coefficient in most cases, revealed an inversely proportional relationship between the plant extracts and S. aureus cultured cells in a dose-dependent manner (P≤0.05). The use of M. stenopetala extracts could constitute an alternative in the treatment of water intended for human consumption.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become a cornerstone of treatment for many solid organ malignancies. Alongside increasing use, the occurrence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) has also increased and remains a significant challenge when treating patients with ICI. The underlying pathophysiology of irAE development for many organ systems is yet to be elucidated, but may involve unmasking of latent autoimmunity, increased T-cell recognition of shared antigens on cancer and normal tissue and ICI-triggered immune dysregulation with overactivation of proinflammatory pathways and suppression of immune control pathways. Management strategies for irAEs have historically been borrowed from paradigms for conventional autoimmune conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune hepatitis; however, recent translational efforts have clearly demonstrated key differences in underlying immune signalling pathways. As we begin to understand these differences, we must adapt a more targeted approach to immunosuppression and exercise a more nuanced approach with the multiple biologic agents available to mitigate ICI-related toxicity without reversing the antitumour effect of ICI. In this review, we focus on three key immune-related toxicities where recent clinical and translational work has provided nuanced insights into pathogenesis and treatment strategies: enterocolitis, hepatitis and cardiovascular toxicity including myocarditis.

Abstract Background Food insecurity is a persistent concern in the United States and has been shown to affect child mental health and behavior. The SLC6A4 gene has been indicated as a moderator of the effects of chronic stress on anxiety in adolescents aged 14–21. However, it is unclear if SLC6A4 may also play a role in the effects of childhood food insecurity, a form of chronic stress, on adolescent mental health. This study aimed to identify effects of food insecurity on adolescents’ mental health and delinquent behavior when both mom and child go hungry in the child's early years, and the potential interaction with SLC6A4 variants (SS/LL). Methods The data and sample for this research are from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study. The cohort consists of 4898 children (age 1–15 years, male = 47%, African American = 50%) and their respective caregivers sampled from large cities in the United States from 1998 to 2000. Results The SLC6A4 serotonin transporter short/short allele emerged statistically significant as a moderator of childhood food insecurity and adolescent mental health. Specifically, the presence of the short/short allele increased anxiety symptoms in adolescents with exposure to food insecurity in childhood. Conclusion The SLC6A4 short/short allele amplifies risk of anxiety‐related mental illness when children experience food insecurity. The gene–environment interaction provides insight into the mechanistic pathway of the effects of poverty‐related adversity, such as food insecurity, on developmental trajectories of mental health.

Datasets from a 4-year monitoring effort at Lake Peters, a glacier-fed lake in Arctic Alaska, are described and presented with accompanying methods, biases, and corrections. Three meteorological stations documented air temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall at different elevations in the Lake Peters watershed. Data from ablation stake stations on Chamberlin Glacier were used to quantify glacial melt, and measurements from two hydrological stations were used to reconstruct continuous discharge for the primary inflows to Lake Peters, Carnivore and Chamberlin creeks. The lake's thermal structure was monitored using a network of temperature sensors on moorings, the lake's water level was recorded using pressure sensors, and sedimentary inputs to the lake were documented by sediment traps. We demonstrate the utility of these datasets by examining a flood event in July 2015, though other uses include studying intra- and inter-annual trends in this weather–glacier–river–lake system, contextualizing interpretations of lake sediment cores, and providing background for modeling studies. All DOI-referenced datasets described in this paper are archived at the National Science Foundation Arctic Data Center at the following overview web page for the project: https://arcticdata.io/catalog/view/urn:uuid:df1eace5-4dd7-4517-a985-e4113c631044 (last access: 13 October 2019; Kaufman et al., 2019f).

Introduction Secure forensic mental health services treat patient with high rates of treatment resistant psychoses, typically schizophrenia. These groups have high rates of obesity and medical co-morbidities. Population based studies have identified high risk groups in the event of SARS-CoV-2 infection, including those with long term medical conditions. Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the vulnerability to serious adverse outcome in the event of COVID-19 infection in a forensic psychiatric patient population. Methods All patients of a complete National Forensic Mental Health Service (n=141) were rated for risk of adverse outcome in the event of SARS-CoV-2 infection, using two structured tools, the COVID-AGE tool and the COVID-Risk tool. Results Eighty-two patients (58.2%) met criteria for obesity, 32 had type II diabetes and 28 were hypertensive. Mean chronological age was 45.5 years (SD 11.4, median 44.1), while mean COVID-AGE was 59.1 years (SD 19.4, median 58.0), mean difference 13.6 years (SD 15.6) paired t=10.9, df=140, p=0.000. Three patients (2.1%) were chronologically over 70 years compared to 40 (28.4%) with a COVID-AGE over 70 (X2=6.99, df=1, p=0.008, Fishers exact test p=0.027). Conclusions These risk assessments may identify the extent of increased risk among a uniquely medically vulnerable patient group. Patients in secure forensic psychiatric services represent a high-risk group for adverse outcomes in the event of SARS-COV-2 infection. Population based cocooning and self-isolating guidance based on chronological age may not be sufficient. There is an urgent need for better physical health research and treatment in this group.

Abstract Background Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is associated with increased risk of dementia. We aimed to determine the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) examining the efficacy of exercise on cognition and brain structure in people with T2D. Methods A 6-month pilot parallel RCT of a progressive aerobic- and resistance-training program versus a gentle movement control group in people with T2D aged 50–75 years (n = 50) at the University of Tasmania, Australia. Assessors were blinded to group allocation. Brain volume (total, white matter, hippocampus), cortical thickness and white matter microstructure (fractional anisotrophy and mean diffusivity) were measured using magnetic resonance imaging, and cognition using a battery of neuropsychological tests. Study design was assessed by any changes (during the pilot or recommended) to the protocol, recruitment by numbers screened and time to enrol 50 participants; randomisation by similarity of characteristics in groups at baseline, adherence by exercise class attendance; safety by number and description of adverse events and retention by numbers withdrawn. Results The mean age of participants was 66.2 (SD 4.9) years and 48% were women. There were no changes to the design during the study. A total of 114 people were screened for eligibility, with 50 participants with T2D enrolled over 8 months. Forty-seven participants (94%) completed the study (23 of 24 controls; 24 of 26 in the intervention group). Baseline characteristics were reasonably balanced between groups. Exercise class attendance was 79% for the intervention and 75% for the control group. There were 6 serious adverse events assessed as not or unlikely to be due to the intervention. Effect sizes for each outcome variable are provided. Conclusion This study supports the feasibility of a large scale RCT to test the benefits of multi-modal exercise to prevent cognitive decline in people with T2D. Design changes to the future trial are provided. Trial registration ANZCTR 12614000222640 ; Registered 3/3/2014; First participant enrolled 26/6/2014, study screening commenced 1/9/2014; Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry.

Los enriquecimientos de mercurio en la unidad de esquisto negro de la Formación ediacárica de Doushantuo son probablemente el resultado de la influencia volcánica o del depósito de mercurio mediante anoxia. Si los enriquecimientos de Hg son de origen volcánico, o se deben a una anoxia regional contemporánea, entonces los patrones de enriquecimiento de Hg son consistentes con la correlación convencional de estas unidades, con las unidades tripartitas equivalentes a la pizarra negra del Miembro IV. Además, la comparación de los datos redox de los intervalos de enriquecimiento en Hg podría indicar si los enriquecimientos se deben a cambios comparables en las condiciones redox, o a un aumento de la entrada de Hg bajo diferentes condiciones redox, consistente con la influencia volcánica.

Though an outstanding achievement for their time, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps of the eastern Alaskan Arctic nonetheless contain significant errors, and in this paper we address one of them. Specifically, USGS maps of different scale made in the late 1950s alternate between Mt. Chamberlin and Mt. Isto as the tallest peak in the US Arctic. Given that many of the peaks here are close in height and covered with glaciers, recent climate change may also have changed their height and their order. We resolved these questions using fodar, a new airborne photogrammetric technique that utilizes structure-from-motion (SfM) software and requires no ground control, and validated it using GPS measurements on the peaks as well as airborne lidar. Here we show that Mt. Chamberlin is currently the third tallest peak and that the order and elevations of the five tallest mountains in the US Arctic are Mt. Isto (2735.6 m), Mt. Hubley (2717.6 m), Mt. Chamberlin (2712.3 m), Mt. Michelson (2698.1 m), and an unnamed peak (2694.9 m); these heights are relative to the NAVD88 GEOID12A vertical datum. We find that it is indeed plausible that this ranking has changed over time and may continue to change as summit glaciers continue to shrink, though Mt. Isto will remain the highest under current climate trends. Mt. Isto is also over 100 m taller than the highest peak in Arctic Canada, making it the highest peak in the North American Arctic. Fodar elevations compared to within a few centimeters of our ground-based GPS measurements of the peaks made a few days later and our complete validation assessment indicates a measurement uncertainty of better than ±20 cm (95 % RMSE). By analyzing time series of fodar maps, we were able to detect topographic change on the centimeter level on these steep slopes, indicating that fodar can be used to measure mountain snow packs for water resource availability or avalanche danger, glacier volume change, and slope subsidence, as well as many other applications of benefit to society. Compared to lidar, the current state-of-the-art airborne topographic mapping, we found this SfM technique as accurate, more useful scientifically, and significantly less expensive, suggesting that fodar is a disruptive innovation that will enjoy widespread usage in the future.

Airborne photogrammetry is undergoing a renaissance: lower-cost equipment, more powerful software, and simplified methods have significantly lowered the barriers to entry and now allow repeat mapping of cryospheric dynamics at spatial resolutions and temporal frequencies that were previously too expensive to consider. Here we apply these advancements to the measurement of snow depth from manned aircraft. Our main airborne hardware consists of a consumer-grade digital camera directly coupled to a dual-frequency GPS; no inertial motion unit (IMU) or on-board computer is required, such that system hardware and software costs less than USD 30 000, exclusive of aircraft. The photogrammetric processing is done using a commercially available implementation of the structure from motion (SfM) algorithm. The system is simple enough that it can be operated by the pilot without additional assistance and the technique creates directly georeferenced maps without ground control, further reducing overall costs. To map snow depth, we made digital elevation models (DEMs) during snow-free and snow-covered conditions, then subtracted these to create difference DEMs (dDEMs). We assessed the accuracy (real-world geolocation) and precision (repeatability) of our DEMs through comparisons to ground control points and to time series of our own DEMs. We validated these assessments through comparisons to DEMs made by airborne lidar and by a similar photogrammetric system. We empirically determined that our DEMs have a geolocation accuracy of ±30 cm and a repeatability of ±8 cm (both 95 % confidence). We then validated our dDEMs against more than 6000 hand-probed snow depth measurements at 3 separate test areas in Alaska covering a wide-variety of terrain and snow types. These areas ranged from 5 to 40 km2 and had ground sample distances of 6 to 20 cm. We found that depths produced from the dDEMs matched probe depths with a 10 cm standard deviation, and were statistically identical at 95 % confidence. Due to the precision of this technique, other real changes on the ground such as frost heave, vegetative compaction by snow, and even footprints become sources of error in the measurement of thin snow packs (< 20 cm). The ability to directly measure such small changes over entire landscapes eliminates the need to extrapolate limited field measurements. The fact that this mapping can be done at substantially lower costs than current methods may transform the way we approach studying change in the cryosphere.

We present multi-model global datasets of nitrogen and sulfate deposition covering time periods from 1850 to 2100, calculated within the Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate Model Intercomparison Project (ACCMIP). The computed deposition fluxes are compared to surface wet deposition and ice core measurements. We use a new dataset of wet deposition for 2000–2002 based on critical assessment of the quality of existing regional network data. We show that for present day (year 2000 ACCMIP time slice), the ACCMIP results perform similarly to previously published multi-model assessments. For this time slice, we find a multi-model mean deposition of approximately 50 Tg(N) yr−1 from nitrogen oxide emissions, 60 Tg(N) yr−1 from ammonia emissions, and 83 Tg(S) yr−1 from sulfur emissions. The analysis of changes between 1980 and 2000 indicates significant differences between model and measurements over the United States but less so over Europe. This difference points towards a potential misrepresentation of 1980 NH3 emissions over North America. Based on ice core records, the 1850 deposition fluxes agree well with Greenland ice cores, but the change between 1850 and 2000 seems to be overestimated in the Northern Hemisphere for both nitrogen and sulfur species. Using the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) to define the projected climate and atmospheric chemistry related emissions and concentrations, we find large regional nitrogen deposition increases in 2100 in Latin America, Africa and parts of Asia under some of the scenarios considered. Increases in South Asia are especially large, and are seen in all scenarios, with 2100 values more than double their 2000 counterpart in some scenarios and reaching > 1300 mg(N) m−2 yr−1 averaged over regional to continental-scale regions in RCP 2.6 and 8.5, ~ 30–50% larger than the values in any region currently (circa 2000). However, sulfur deposition rates in 2100 are in all regions lower than in 2000 in all the RCPs. The new ACCMIP multi-model deposition dataset provides state-of-the-science, consistent and evaluated time slice (spanning 1850–2100) global gridded deposition fields for use in a wide range of climate and ecological studies.

Modern process studies of the hydrologic balance of Lake El'gygytgyn, central Chukotka, and the sediment income from the catchment were carried out during a field campaign in spring and summer 2003. Despite high uncertainties due to the limited data, the results provide important first estimates for better understanding the modern and past sedimentation processes in this basin. Formed ca. 3.6 million years ago as a result of a meteorite impact, the basin contains one of the longest paleoclimate records in the terrestrial Arctic. Fluvial activity is concentrated over the short snowmelt period (about 20 days in second part of June). Underground outflow plays a very important role in the water balance and predominates over surface outflow. The residence time of the lake water is estimated to be about 100 yr.

Analysis of the 3.6 Ma, 318 m long sediment core from Lake El'gygytgyn suggests that the lake was covered by ice for millennia at a time for much of its history and therefore this paper uses a suite of existing, simple, empirical degree-day models of lake-ice growth and decay to place quantitative constraints on air temperatures needed to maintain a permanent ice cover on the lake. We also provide an overview of the modern climatological and physical processes that relate to lake-ice growth and decay as a basis for evaluating past climate and environmental conditions. Our modeling results indicate that modern annual mean air temperature would only have to be reduced by 3.3 °C ± 0.9 °C to initiate a multiyear ice cover and a temperature reduction of at least 5.5 °C ± 1.0 °C is likely needed to completely eliminate direct air–water exchange of oxygen, conditions that have been inferred at Lake El'gygytgyn from the analysis of sediment cores. Once formed, a temperature reduction of only 1–3 °C relative to modern may be all that is required to maintain multiyear ice. We also found that formation of multiyear ice covers requires that positive degree days are reduced by about half the modern mean, from about +608 to +322. A multiyear ice cover can persist even with summer temperatures sufficient for a two-month long thawing period, including a month above +4 °C. Thus, it is likely that many summer biological processes and some lake-water warming and mixing may still occur beneath multiyear ice-covers even if air–water exchange of oxygen is severely restricted.

We developed a synoptic climatology for Lake El'gygytgyn, Chukotka Russia, and explored modern climate trends affecting air temperatures there to aid in paleoclimate reconstructions of a 3.6 million-year-old sediment core taken from the lake. Our self-organized mapping (SOM) approach identified 35 synoptic weather patterns, based on sea level pressure, that span the range of synoptic patterns influencing the study domain over the 1961–2009 NCEP/NCAR analysis period. We found strong seasonality in modern weather patterns, with summer weather primarily characterized by weak low pressure systems over the Arctic Ocean or Siberia and winter weather primarily characterized by strong high pressure over the Arctic Ocean and strong low pressure in the Pacific Ocean. In general, the primary source of variation in air temperatures came from the dominant patterns in each season, which we identify in the text, and nearly all of the dominant weather patterns here have shown increasing temperatures. We found that nearly all of the warming in mean annual temperature over the past 50 yr (about 3 °C) occurred during sub-freezing conditions on either side of summer (that is, spring and fall). Here we found that the most summer-like weather patterns (low pressures to the north) in the shoulder seasons were responsible for much of the change. Finally, we compared the warmest 15 yr of the record (1995–2009) to the coolest (1961–1975) and found that changes in thermodynamics of weather were about 3 to 300 times more important than changes in frequency of weather patterns in controlling temperature variations during spring and fall, respectively. That is, in the modern record, general warming (local or advected) is more important by orders of magnitude than changes in storm tracks in controlling air temperature at Lake El'gygytgyn. We conclude with a discussion of how these results may be relevant to the paleoclimate reconstruction efforts and how this relevancy could be tested further.

Volume loss of valley glaciers is now considered to be a significant contribution to sea level rise. Understanding and identifying the processes involved in accelerated mass loss are necessary to determine their impact on the global system. Here we present results from a series of model experiments with a higher-order thermomechanically coupled flowline model (Pattyn, 2002). Boundary conditions to the model are parameterizations of surface mass balance, geothermal heating, observed surface and 10 m ice depth temperatures. The time-dependent experiments aim at simulating the glacier retreat from its LIA expansion to present according to different scenarios and model parameters. Model output was validated against measurements of ice velocity, ice surface elevation and terminus position at different stages. Results demonstrate that a key factor in determining the glacier retreat history is the importance of internal accumulation (>50%) in the total mass balance. The persistence of a basal temperate zone characteristic for this polythermal glacier depends largely on its contribution. Accelerated glacier retreat since the early nineties seems directly related to the increase in ELA and the sudden reduction in AAR due to the fact that a large lower elevation cirque – previously an important accumulation area – became part of the ablation zone.

Abstract Activation of the p53 tumor suppressor triggers a transcriptional program to control cellular response to stress. However, the molecular mechanisms by which p53 controls gene transcription are not completely understood. Here, we uncover the critical role of spatio-temporal genome architecture in this process. We demonstrate that p53 drives direct and indirect changes in genome compartments, topologically associating domains, and DNA loops prior to one hour of its activation, which escort the p53 transcriptional program. Focusing on p53-bound enhancers, we report 340 genes directly regulated by p53 over a median distance of 116 kb, with 74% of these genes not previously identified. Finally, we showcase that p53 controls transcription of distal genes through newly formed and pre-existing enhancer-promoter loops in a cohesin dependent manner. Collectively, our findings demonstrate a previously unappreciated architectural role of p53 as regulator at distinct topological layers and provide a reliable set of new p53 direct target genes that may help designs of cancer therapies.

Bengamide E is a bioactive natural product that was isolated from Jaspidae sponges by Crews and co-workers in 1989. It displays a wide range of biological activities, including antitumor, antibiotic, and anthelmintic properties. With the aim of investigating the structural feature essential for their activity, several total syntheses of Bengamide E and its analogues have been reported in the literature. Nevertheless, no synthesis of the stereoisomer with modification of its configuration at C-4 carbon has been reported so far. Here, we report the first total synthesis of the 4- epi -Bengamide E. Key reactions in the synthesis include a chemoenzimatic desymmetrization of biobased starting materials and a diastereoselective Passerini reaction using a chiral, enantiomerically pure aldehyde, and a lysine-derived novel isocyanide.

Kribi is a seaside town that welcomes thousands of tourists each year. However, the poor sanitation condition of its beaches along the Atlantic coast is not without risk for visitors. In this study, we used the formol-ether concentration technique to identify and quantify larvae or eggs of intestinal helminths in waters of three regularly visited Kribi beaches (Mpalla, Ngoyè, and Mboamanga). Results revealed that all identified larvae and eggs were cestodes ( Hymenolepis nana ) and nematodes ( Strongyloides sp., Ascaris sp., Ancylostoma duodenale and Trichuris trichiura ). All the helminth eggs and larvae showed high abundance at low tide during rainy seasons. Ancylostoma duodenale eggs, totally absent at Mpalla, were densely present at low tide at Ngoyè (301 ± 15 eggs/L). Trichuris trichiura eggs showed the lowest abundance (0 to 62 eggs/L) at all sites. Abiotic variables indicated that waters at the various beaches were basic (pH: 8.75-9.77), generally warmer (32.44°C at Mpalla in the Short Rainy Season), more oxygenated at low tide, and moderately mineralized at high tide. Positive and significant correlations were observed at Ngoyè at low tide between Strongyloides sp. larvae and dissolved oxygen ( P ˂ 0.05); and between Ancylostoma duodenale eggs and temperature ( P ˂ 0.05). The overall results indicated that the beaches studied are subjected to fecal pollution. This pollution is more accentuated during low tides than during high tides. Depending on tidal movements, swimmers risk exposure to helminth eggs and larvae known to be responsible for gastroenteritis.

Background: In the recent years, several studies have shown a correlation between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and catatonia. It is also known that both conditions are found to be associated with mood disorders. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between autistic traits and catatonic symptoms, as well as the potential mediating role of mood disorder spectrum in the relationship between them., Methods: The total sample of 514 subjects was composed by four diagnostic groups, composed by patients affected by catatonia (CTN), borderline personality disorder (BPD), major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy controls (HC). Subjects were assessed with the SCID-5-RV, the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum) and the Catatonia Spectrum (CS) and the Mood Spectrum Self-Report (MOODS-SR). Statistical analyses included Pearson's coefficient calculation, multiple linear regression, and mediation analysis., Results: all the correlations appear to be strongly positive and significant with the strongest coefficient emerging between AdAS Spectrum total score and CS total score ( r  = 0.762, p  < 0.001). The Mediation Analysis showed that AdAS Spectrum total score showed a significant indirect effect on CS total score through MOODS-SR total score ( b  = 0.168, 95% bootstrapped CI [0.127:0.207])., Conclusion: The present study highlights the presence of a mediating role of the mood disorder spectrum in the relationship between autistic traits and the catatonia spectrum., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Dell’Osso, Amatori, Carpita, Massimetti, Nardi, Gravina, Benedetti, Bonelli, Casagrande, Luciano, Berardelli, Brondino, De Gregorio, Deste, Nola, Reitano, Muscatello, Pompili, Politi, Vita and Maj.)

Background: Recent literature has highlighted that catatonia may be more prevalent among psychiatric patients than previously thought, beginning from autism spectrum disorders (ASD), for which it has been suggested to represent a severe late consequence, but also among individuals with mood disorders and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Interestingly, one critical point shared by these conditions is the increased risk of suicidality. The aim of this study was to evaluate how the presence and the prevalence of catatonic symptoms may shape and correlate with suicidal risk in a sample of individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) or BPD., Methods: We recruited two clinical samples of subjects (BPD and MDD) and a control group without a diagnosis according to DSM-5 (CTL). Subjects were assessed with the catatonia spectrum (CS) and the MOODS-SR for evaluating suicidality., Results: In the total sample, suicidality score was significantly and positively correlated with all CS domains and CS total score. Correlation and regression analyses highlighted specific patterns of association among Catatonia spectrum domains and suicidality in the MDD and BPD group and in the total sample., Conclusion: In both disorders, higher catatonic traits are linked to higher suicidal tendencies, confirming the high risk of suicide for this population. However, different patterns of association between catatonic symptoms and suicidality were highlighted in the two disorders., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Dell’Osso, Nardi, Bonelli, Gravina, Benedetti, Amatori, Battaglini, Massimetti, Luciano, Berardelli, Brondino, De Gregorio, Deste, Nola, Reitano, Muscatello, Pompili, Politi, Vita, Carmassi, Cremone, Carpita and Maj.)

During the CoViD-19 pandemic, University students may have suffered from increased anxiety due to interferences in their relationships and in academic requirements, as didactic activities have moved to distance learning systems. However, being surrounded by supportive relationships and being motivated to cultivate personal interests might have decreased anxiety. In this pilot study, we collected the responses of 174 students from Italian University merit colleges to an online questionnaire, investigating their perceived anxiety, the quality of surrounding relationships, whether they were cultivating any personal interests and whether they had spent the period of lockdown in college or at home. Regression analyses indicated that both quality of relationships and personal interests predicted low levels of anxiety ( p  < 0.001). However, simple slope analyses showed that personal interests were negatively related to anxiety only at medium and high quality of relationships ( p  < 0.001), while no association was found at low quality of relationships. No differences were found between students who stayed in college or at home. These results suggest that Universities should promote accessibility to relationships and cultivation of personal interests to protect students' mental health during mass emergencies such as the current pandemic, in the perspective of improving community resilience., Competing Interests: Conflict of InterestOn behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest., (© The Author(s) 2021.)

Background: Epigenetics of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is still an understudied field. The majority of the studies on the topic used an approach based on mere classification of cases and controls., Objective: The present study aimed at providing a multi-level approach in which different types of epigenetic analysis (epigenetic drift, age acceleration) are combined., Methods: We used publicly available datasets from blood (n = 3) and brain tissues (n = 3), separately. Firstly, we evaluated for each dataset and meta-analyzed the differential methylation profile between cases and controls. Secondly, we analyzed age acceleration, epigenetic drift and rare epigenetic variations., Results: We observed a significant epi-signature of ASD in blood but not in brain specimens. We did not observe significant age acceleration in ASD, while epigenetic drift was significantly higher compared to controls. We reported the presence of significant rare epigenetic variations in 41 genes, 35 of which were never associated with ASD. Almost all genes were involved in pathways linked to ASD etiopathogenesis (i.e., neuronal development, mitochondrial metabolism, lipid biosynthesis and antigen presentation)., Conclusion: Our data support the hypothesis of the use of blood epi-signature as a potential tool for diagnosis and prognosis of ASD. The presence of an enhanced epigenetic drift, especially in brain, which is linked to cellular replication, may suggest that alteration in epigenetics may occur at a very early developmental stage (i.e., fetal) when neuronal replication is still high., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Hysterocinetida are a large assemblage of ciliates characterized by sucker and buccal apparatus. They have a wide distribution in the digestive tract of oligochaete annelids of the genus Alma that inhabit hydromorphic parts of non-anthropic hydrosystems. On the basis of morphological, morphometric and infraciliature characteristics revealed by ammoniacal silver carbonate and 4',6-Diamidino-2-Phenyl Indole (DAPI) staining techniques, four forms were identified as new members belonging to three genera: Preptychostomum, Proptychostomum and Thurstonia. Preptychostomum donendaensis n. sp. is ovoid with a slightly narrowed anterior part and is commensal to the digestive tract of Alma emini and A. nilotica. There are 20-23 kineties on the lower side and 42-45 on the upper side. Proptychostomum gigas n. sp. is pear-shaped, with a narrowed anterior part and a wide posterior part (125-138 µm × 80-85 µm). There are 40 to 44 kineties, equally distributed on both sides of the ciliate. Its sucker is circular and measures 31-34 µm in diameter. The peristome follows the contour of the cell and the infundibulum has a turn of spire. Thurstonia emini n. sp. is identified in the digestive tract of A. emini. The cell is elongate, with the anterior pole narrower than the truncate posterior pole (90-115 µm × 40-55 µm). The kineties are equally distributed on both sides of the ciliate. The sucker is in the shape of an inverted U. Thurtonia nilotica n. sp. is commensal of the digestive tract of A. nilotica. The cell is pear-shaped, with the anterior part narrowed and the posterior part swollen (110-114 µm × 85-92 µm). 46 to 50 kineties are unevenly distributed on both sides of the ciliate. The sucker is shaped like an inverted lunar crescent.

Aim: A growing body of literature has demonstrated the utility of a dimensional perspective on mental disorders. The current study aims to determine the psychometric properties of the Catatonia Spectrum (CS), a new questionnaire specifically tailored to assess the spectrum of catatonia, from full blown forms to subthreshold ones., Methods: 86 adults with at least three symptom criteria for catatonia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), 81 adults affected by borderline personality disorder (BPD), 104 adults with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD), and 105 subjects without mental disorders (CTL), were recruited from six Italian University Departments of Psychiatry and administered the: Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS), Bush-Francis Catatonia Screening Instrument (BFCSI), and CS., Results: CS scale demonstrated a high level of internal consistency and excellent test-retest reliability for total and domain scores. CS domain scores were positively and significantly correlated with each other ( p < 0.001) with Pearson's coefficients ranging from 0.337 to 0.663. All the CS domain scores were highly correlated with the CS total score. The correlation coefficients between CS and alternative measures of catatonia appeared all significant and positive. Significant differences among diagnostic groups on both CS domains and total scores were found. CS total scores increased significantly and progressively from the CTL, to the MDD and the BDP group, up to the catatonia group, which reported the highest value., Conclusion: The CS showed excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability and strong convergent validity with alternative dimensional measures of catatonia. The questionnaire performed differently across the four diagnostic groups, with an increasing score gradient from healthy controls to patients with MDD, BPD and up to the catatonia group., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Dell’Osso, Amatori, Cappelli, Cremone, Massimetti, Gravina, Nardi, Benedetti, Chiarantini, Luciano, Berardelli, Brondino, De Gregorio, Deste, Nola, Reitano, Muscatello, Pompili, Politi, Vita, Carmassi and Maj.)

Background : Several neurobiological mechanisms have been proposed to support the hypothesis of a higher COVID-19 risk in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, no real-world data are available on this population. Methods : We compared the period prevalence (March-May 2020) and symptom presentation of COVID-19 infections between a sample of individuals with severe ASD ( n = 36) and the staff personnel ( n = 35) of two specialized centers. Anti-SARS-Cov-2 antibody positivity was used as a proxy of infection. Additionally, we evaluated vaccine side effects in the same groups. Results : No significant difference was found between the prevalence of COVID-19 positivity between autistic participants and staff personnel. Levels of antibodies against the spike protein and the receptor binding domain were not significantly different between autistic and staff participants. The level of antibodies against the N-terminal domain were higher in autistic individuals. There was a significant difference between the prevalence of symptomatic COVID-19 in autistic participants (9.1%) compared to staff personnel (92.3%). The most frequent side effect among autistic participants was light fever. Conclusions: The present study provides preliminary data on COVID-19 transmission and presentation in ASD. Our data do not support the hypothesis of a higher susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 in people with ASD.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major causative agent of acute viral hepatitis in many regions of the world including Africa. In Cameroon, there is no published molecular study on HEV in humans. However, based on serological assays, the first outbreak of HEV was detected in North-Cameroon. The objective of this study was to determine the molecular characterization of HEV that circulated during this period. A retrospective study design was used to select serum samples among those collected during the outbreak period. immunoglobulin M positive samples available in sufficient volumes to amplify HEV RNA were selected. RNA was extracted and then amplified by a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real time RT-PCR) assay, followed by a nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (nested RT-PCR) assay for sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Overall, 24 samples were selected and HEV RNA was amplified by real-time RT-PCR in 20 samples. Amongst these, 12 samples were positive for HEV RNA by nested RT-PCR and yielded good sequencing products. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 10 samples clustered with HEV genotype 1 (subtype 1e) and two samples clustered with HEV genotype 3 (subtype 3f). This study fills the gap of knowledge on the molecular epidemiology of HEV in Cameroon and confirms the first report of the hepatitis E outbreak in North-Cameroon., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

The ability to discriminate the origin of stimuli, known as source monitoring, is crucial for self-other distinction and the integration of internally generated and externally generated experiences. Despite its valence, evidence on source monitoring in autism is yet scarce and unclear. We systematically reviewed literature concerning source monitoring in autism and its relationship with other constructs, such as memory type, encoding effects, social cognition, general intelligence, and clinical factors. Source-monitoring performance (operationalized as error or accuracy) was reduced in autistic participants in 9 of the 15 studies that met the inclusion criteria. When explicitly investigated, free-recall memory impairments in autism were shown to influence source monitoring deficits. General intelligence was another important factor linked to source-monitoring performance. Conversely, other memory types or encoding effects were not impaired in autism, and no univocal association could be found with source monitoring. Social cognition and clinical symptoms were rarely assessed in spite of their possible involvement in source monitoring. The heterogeneity of the task design, outcome measures and demographical factors limited study comparability. As a research framework on source monitoring as a construct of primary interest in autism is still lacking, we propose preliminary indications for future investigations based on the collected findings.

Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute hepatitis in humans worldwide and have high burden in the resource-limited countries. Better knowledge of the epidemiology of hepatitis in animals in Africa can help to understand the epidemiology among humans. The objective of this study was to summarize the prevalence of HEV infection and distribution of HEV genotypes among animals in Africa., Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we comprehensively searched PubMed, EMBASE, African Journals Online, and Africa Index Medicus from January 1st, 2000 to March 22th, 2020 without any language restriction. We considered cross-sectional studies of HEV infection in animals in Africa. Study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality of included studies were done independently by two investigators. Prevalence data were pooled using the random-effects meta-analysis. This review was registered in PROSPERO, CRD42018087684., Results: Twenty-five studies (13 species and 6983 animals) were included. The prevalence (antibodies or ribonucleic acid [RNA]) of HEV infection in animals varied widely depending on biological markers of HEV infection measured: 23.4% (95% confidence interval; 12.0-37.2) for anti-HEV immunoglobulins G, 13.1% (3.1-28.3) for anti-HEV immunoglobulins M, and 1.8% (0.2-4.3) for RNA; with substantial heterogeneity. In subgroup analysis, the immunoglobulins G seroprevalence was higher among pigs 37.8% (13.9-65.4). The following HEV genotypes were reported in animals: Rat-HEV genotype 1 (rats and horses), HEV-3 (pigs), HEV-7 (dromedaries), and Bat hepeviruses (bats)., Conclusions: We found a high prevalence of HEV infection in animals in Africa and HEV genotypes close to that of humans. Some animals in Africa could be the reservoir of HEV, highlighting the need of molecular epidemiological studies for investigating zoonotic transmission.

The study highlights the presence of pathogenic strains of microorganisms in two swimming pools, highly frequented in the city of Yaounde. Thus, the water samples from these swimming pools have undergone physicochemical and biological treatments using conventional techniques. Three groups of microorganisms (Bacteria, Protozoa, and Helminths) were identified and quantified in these swimming pools with weakly acidic waters (6.79 ± 0.35) with an average temperature of 26.63 ± 0.53 °C and suspended matter ranging from 2 to 150 mg.l -1 . The total bacterial load varies between 8 × 10 3 and 6000 × 10 3 CFU/100 ml. It consists of mesophilic aerobic heterotrophic bacteria, fecal coliforms, total coliforms, fecal streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Protozoan cysts and oocysts range from 122 to 505 per liter of water. These values are slightly lower for helminth eggs and larvae (0 to 108 eggs and larvae/l). In both swimming pools, significant correlations were observed between some abiotic and biotic parameters. The waters of the studied swimming pools are subject to fecal pollution. Swimmers would therefore be exposed to biological contaminations, responsible for pathologies. The most common diseases are linked to gastroenteritis (diarrhea), but infections of all kinds may be overgrown (conjunctivitis, ear infections, dermatitis, respiratory infections).