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Mrk 590 is a known changing-look active galactic nuclei (AGNs) which almost turned off in 2012, and then in 2017 partially re-ignited into a repeat flaring state, unusual for an AGN. Our Swift observations since 2013 allow us to characterize the accretion-generated emission and its reprocessing in the central engine of a changing-look AGN. The X-ray and UV variability amplitudes are higher than those typically observed in 'steady-state' AGN at similar moderate accretion rates; instead, the variability is similar to that of highly accreting AGN. The unusually strong X-ray to UV correlation suggests that the UV-emitting region is directly illuminated by X-ray outbursts. We find evidence that the X-rays are reprocessed by two UV components, with the dominant one at ∼3 d and a faint additional reprocessor at near-zero lag. However, we exclude a significant contribution from diffuse broad line region continuum, known to contribute for bonafide AGN. A near-zero lag is expected for a standard 'lamp-post' disc reprocessing model with a driving continuum source near the black hole. That the overall UV response is dominated by the ∼3-d lagged component suggests a complicated reprocessing geometry, with most of the UV continuum not produced in a compact disc, as also found in recent studies of NGC 5548 and NGC 4151. None the less, the observed flares display characteristic time-scales of ∼100 rest-frame days, consistent with the expected thermal time-scale in an accretion disc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim was to assess safety and feasibility of Hybrid High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) using Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) leg cycling and arm ski ergometer in people with Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI). Method: Eight outpatients (mean age 42.8 years; 7 men) with stable SCI paraplegia (mean 14.5 years since injury) participated in hybrid HIIT (90% peak watts; 4 × 4–min intervals), three times a week (over 8 weeks). Primary outcomes were Adverse Events (AE), participant acceptability, shoulder pain, training intensity (% peak watts), and attendance. Secondary outcomes were effect on peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) during FES hybrid poling, mean watts, self-reported leisure time physical activity, quality of life, and fatigue. Results: No serious AE occurred; acceptability with the training modality was high, while shoulder pain increased by 9% (SD 95.2). During training, 50% of the participants reached > 90% peak watts during the intervals, three with the legs (FES cycle) and one with the arms (Ski-Erg). Overall, mean training intensity (% peak watts) was 92% (SD 18.9) for legs and 82% (SD 10.3) for arms. Proportion of fulfilled training minutes was 82% (range 36–100%); one participant dropped out after 6 weeks due to back pain. Mean VO2peak increased by 17% (SD 17.5). Participants reported increased leisure time physical activity and health-related quality of life, besides reduced fatigue. Conclusion: Hybrid HIIT was safe for people with SCI paraplegia. The majority of the criteria for feasibility were met with acceptable attendance rate, limited drop out, participants enjoyed training, and increased VO2peak and mean watts. However, the intensity of 90% peak watts was reached by < 60% of the participants despite high RPE ratings during training. The method of measuring and calculating intensity needs to be studied further before a study using this HIIT protocol is undertaken. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04211311, registered 12 December 2019 retrospectively registered [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of the broad-line region (BLR) is an essential ingredient in the determination of active galactic nucleus (AGN) virial black hole masses, which in turn are important to study the role of black holes in galaxy evolution. Constraints on the BLR geometry and dynamics can be obtained from velocity-resolved studies using reverberation mapping data (i.e. monitoring data). However, monitoring data are observationally expensive and only available for a limited sample of AGNs, mostly confined to the local Universe. Here, we explore a new version of a Bayesian inference, physical model of the BLR that uses an individual spectrum and prior information on the BLR size from the radius–luminosity relation, to model the AGN BLR geometry and dynamics. We apply our model to a sample of 11 AGNs, which have been previously modelled using monitoring data. Our single-epoch BLR model is able to constrain some of the BLR parameters with inferred parameter values that agree within the uncertainties with those determined from the modelling of monitoring data. We find that our model is able to derive stronger constraints on the BLR for AGNs with broad emission lines that qualitatively have more substructure and more asymmetry, presumably as they contain more information to constrain the physical model. The performance of this model makes it a practical and cost-effective tool to determine some of the BLR properties of a large sample of low- and high-redshift AGNs, for which monitoring data are not available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical changing-look Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) are a class of sources that change type within a short time-scale of years or decades. This change is characterized by the appearance or disappearance of broad emission lines, often associated with dramatic AGN continuum flux changes that are orders of magnitude larger than those expected from typical AGN variability. In this work we study for the first time the host galaxy of a changing-look AGN, Mrk 590, using high spatial resolution optical and near-infrared observations. We discover that after ∼10 yr absence, the optical broad emission lines of Mrk 590 have reappeared. The AGN optical continuum flux however is still ∼10 times lower than that observed during the most luminous state in the 1990s. The host galaxy shows a 4.5 kpc radius star-forming ring with knots of ionized and cold molecular gas emission. Extended ionized and warm molecular gas emission is detected in the nucleus, indicating that there is a reservoir of gas as close as 60 pc from the black hole. We observe a nuclear gas spiral between radii r ∼ 0.5 and 2 kpc, which has been suggested as a dynamical mechanism able to drive the necessary gas to fuel AGN. We also discover blue-shifted and high velocity dispersion [O  iii ] emission out to a radius of 1 kpc, tracing a nuclear gas outflow. The gas dynamics in Mrk 590 suggest a complex balance between gas inflow and outflow in the nucleus of the galaxy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Intact bulls perform better than heifers, especially on more energy-rich rations and swards. • Crossbreds give higher carcass yield compared to pure bred bulls, even if the crossbreds comprise 50% bulls and 50% heifers. • Carcass fatness and colour are ideal for premium cuts of heifers but generally not acceptable for premium cuts of the two bull groups when slaughtered from pasture. Abstract When crossbreeding with beef breeds in organic dairy herds, the use of non-sexed semen will results in both male and female offspring to be used for beef production. The objective of the present study was to compare growth and carcass characteristics of 15 Danish Holstein bull (HB) calves, 15 beef x Danish Holstein crossbred bull (CB) calves and 15 beef x Danish Holstein crossbred heifer (CH) calves reared under organic settings. As beef bred sire a high-merit bull of the Limousine breed was used. Furthermore, the study should generate knowledge which can support future organic beef production. Forty-five Spring-born calves were purchased at 10 private farms at approximately 20 days of age with an average initial body weight of 52.9, 58.2 and 56.1 (s.e.m. 2.6) kg for HB, CB and CH, respectively. Calves were housed indoors in groups of five until weaning off cows' milk at 3 months of age. Calves were gradually introduced to a grass-silage based ration from 3 to 4 months of age. From 4 to 7 months calves were kept on mixed grass pasture of ryegrass and white clover. From 7 to 13.5 months calves were housed indoor in groups of 5 and fed a mixed ration with low-moderate energy content. From 13.5 months of age, the established groups of 5 animals grazed in a rotational paddock system until slaughter at 17 months. There was no difference between HB, CB and CH in average daily gain (ADG) from birth to weaning, from weaning until turn-out and during pasture from 4 to 7 months. The ADG indoor from 7 to 13.5 months, and during pasture from 13.5 to 17 months differed between treatment groups. The CB had greater ADG than CH for both periods with HB being intermediate (P < 0.02–0.001). The ADG indoor from 7 to 13.5 months were 1.06, 1.10 and 0.97 (s.e.m. 0.02) kg d −1, and ADG during pasture from 13.5 months until slaughter were 0.88, 1.11, and 0.64 (s.e.m. 0.07) kg d −1 for HB, CB, and CH, respectively. Final body weights were heavier for CB, intermediate for HB, and lowest for CH (575, 534, and 480 (s.e.m. 12.1) kg, P < 0.01). Overall, ADG from arrival to slaughter was 21% higher for CB than CH (P < 0.001), and the average ADG of the combined heifer and bull crossbreds ((CB+CH)/2) was not different from that of HB. Crossbreeding improved EUROP conformation markedly in both CH (5.3) and CB (7.0) compared with HB (3.0) (P < 0.001), and carcass weight was 4% higher for crossbreds ((CB+CH)/2) compared with HB. There was no difference in EUROP fatness between HB and CB which was low (1.0–1.2), whereas CH had an acceptable fatness (2.9). Carcass lean:fat color (assessed using a Danish 1–5 scale) was high for the bulls (3.9–4.0) but acceptable for CH (3.3, P < 0.01). It is concluded that improvements in carcass conformation and carcass weight coupled with similar overall growth of the combined heifer and bull crossbreds support the efficiency of beef x Holstein crossbreds of both sexes compared with purebred Holstein bulls within an organic system with summer grazing. Furthermore, it proved difficult to finish intact bulls on pasture to fulfill a premium beef cut market that requires higher fatness and less dark meat color than obtained herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the host galaxies of four Iron Low-Ionization Broad Absorption-line Quasars (FeLoBALs), using Hubble Space Telescope imaging data, investigating the possibility that they represent a transition between an obscured active galactic nucleus (AGN) and an ordinary optical quasar. In this scenario, the FeLoBALs represent the early stage of merger-triggered accretion, in which case their host galaxies are expected to show signs of an ongoing or recent merger. Using PSF subtraction techniques, we decompose the images into host galaxy and AGN components at rest-frame ultraviolet and optical wavelengths. The ultraviolet is sensitive to young stars, while the optical probes stellar mass. In the ultraviolet we image at the BAL absorption trough wavelengths so as to decrease the contrast between the quasar and host galaxy emission. We securely detect an extended source for two of the four FeLoBALs in the rest-frame optical; a third host galaxy is marginally detected. In the rest-frame UV we detect no host emission; this constrains the level of unobscured star formation. Thus, the host galaxies have observed properties that are consistent with those of non-BAL quasars with the same nuclear luminosity, i.e. quiescent or moderately star-forming elliptical galaxies. However, we cannot exclude starbursting hosts that have the stellar UV emission obscured by modest amounts of dust reddening. Thus, our findings also allow the merger-induced young quasar scenario. For three objects, we identify possible close companion galaxies that may be gravitationally interacting with the quasar hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the host galaxies of four Iron Low-Ionization Broad Absorption-line Quasars (FeLoBALs), using Hubble Space Telescope imaging data, investigating the possibility that they represent a transition between an obscured active galactic nucleus (AGN) and an ordinary optical quasar. In this scenario, the FeLoBALs represent the early stage of merger-triggered accretion, in which case their host galaxies are expected to show signs of an ongoing or recent merger. Using PSF subtraction techniques, we decompose the images into host galaxy and AGN components at rest-frame ultraviolet and optical wavelengths. The ultraviolet is sensitive to young stars, while the optical probes stellar mass. In the ultraviolet we image at the BAL absorption trough wavelengths so as to decrease the contrast between the quasar and host galaxy emission. We securely detect an extended source for two of the four FeLoBALs in the rest-frame optical; a third host galaxy is marginally detected. In the rest-frame UV we detect no host emission; this constrains the level of unobscured star formation. Thus, the host galaxies have observed properties that are consistent with those of non-BAL quasars with the same nuclear luminosity, i.e. quiescent or moderately star-forming elliptical galaxies. However, we cannot exclude starbursting hosts that have the stellar UV emission obscured by modest amounts of dust reddening. Thus, our findings also allow the merger-induced young quasar scenario. For three objects, we identify possible close companion galaxies that may be gravitationally interacting with the quasar hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present and analyse quasi-simultaneous multi-epoch spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of seven reverberation-mapped active galactic nuclei (AGNs) for which accurate black hole mass measurements and suitable archival data are available from the 'AGNWatch' monitoring programs. We explore the potential of optical-UV and X-ray data, obtained within 2 d, to provide more accurate SED-based measurements of individualAGNand quantify the impact of source variability on key measurements typically used to characterize the black hole accretion process plus on bolometric correction factors at 5100 Å, 1350Å and for the 2-10 keV X-ray band, respectively. The largest SED changes occur on long time-scales (≥1 year). For our small sample, the 1μm to 10 keV integrated accretion luminosity typically changes by 10 per cent on short time-scales (over 20 d), by ~30 per cent over a year, but can change by 100 per cent or more for individual AGN. The extreme ultraviolet (EUV) gap is the most uncertain part of the intrinsic SED, introducing a ~25 per cent uncertainty in the accretion-induced luminosity, relative to the model independent interpolation method that we adopt. That aside, our analysis shows that the uncertainty in the accretion-induced luminosity, the Eddington luminosity ratio and the bolometric correction factors can be reduced (by a factor of two or more) by use of the SEDs built from data obtained within 20 d. However, Ṁ and η are mostly limited by the unknown EUV emission and the unknown details of the central engine and our aspect angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the origin of the parsec-scale radio emission from the changing-look active galactic nucleus (AGN) of Mrk 590, and examine whether the radio power has faded concurrently with the dramatic decrease in accretion rates observed between the 1990s and the present. We detect a compact core at 1.6 and 8.4 GHz using new Very Long Baseline Array observations, finding no significant extended, jet-like features down to ∼1 pc scales. The flat spectral index (α8.41.6 = 0.03) and high brightness temperature (Tb ∼108 K) indicate self-absorbed synchrotron emission from the AGN. The radio to X-ray luminosity ratio of log(LR/LX) ∼-5, similar to that in coronally active stars, suggests emission from magnetized coronal winds, although unresolved radio jets are also consistent with the data. Comparing new Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array measurements with archival and published radio flux densities, we find 46 per cent, 34 per cent, and (insignificantly) 13 per cent flux density decreases between the 1990s and the year 2015 at 1.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 8.4 GHz, respectively. This trend, possibly due to the expansion and fading of internal shocks within the radio-emitting outflow after a recent outburst, is consistent with the decline of the optical-UV and X-ray luminosities over the same period. Such correlated variability demonstrates the AGN accretion-outflow connection, confirming that the changing-look behaviour in Mrk 590 originates from variable accretion rates rather than dust obscuration. The present radio and X-ray luminosity correlation, consistent with low/hard state accretion, suggests that the black hole may now be accreting in a radiatively inefficient mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate if the active galactic nucleus (AGN) of Mrk 590, whose supermassive black hole was until recently highly accreting, is turning off due to a lack of central gas to fuel it.We analyse new subarcsecond resolution Atacama Large Millimetre/submilllimetre Array maps of the 12CO(3-2) line and 344 GHz continuum emission in Mrk 590.We detect no 12CO(3-2) emission in the inner 150 pc, constraining the central molecular gas mass to M(H2) ≲ 1.6 × 105M☉, no more than a typical giant molecular gas cloud, for a CO luminosity to gas mass conversion factor of αCO ~ 0.8M☉ (K km s-1 pc2)-1. However, there is still potentially enough gas to fuel the black hole for another 2.6 × 105 yr assuming Eddington-limited accretion. We therefore cannot rule out that the AGN may just be experiencing a temporary feeding break, and may turn on again in the near future. We discover a ring-like structure at a radius of ~1 kpc, where a gas clump exhibiting disturbed kinematics and located just ~200 pc west of the AGN, may be refuelling the centre. Mrk 590 does not have significantly less gas than other nearby AGN host galaxies at kpc scales, confirming that gas reservoirs at these scales provide no direct indication of on-going AGN activity and accretion rates. Continuum emission detected in the central 150 pc likely originates from warm AGN-heated dust, although contributions from synchrotron and free-free emission cannot be ruled out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Prenatal stress may increase the susceptibility to childhood cancer by affecting immune responses and hormonal balance. We examined whether antenatal stress following maternal bereavement increased the risk of childhood cancer.Methods:All children born in Denmark from 1968 to 2007 (N=2 743 560) and in Sweden from 1973 to 2006 (N=3 400 212) were included in this study. We compared cancer risks in children born to women who lost a first-degree relative (a child, spouse, a parent, or a sibling) the year before pregnancy or during pregnancy with cancer risks in children of women who did not experience such bereavement.Results:A total of 9795 childhood cancer cases were observed during follow-up of 68 360 707 person years. Children born to women who lost a child or a spouse, but not those who lost other relatives, had an average 30% increased risk of any cancer (hazard ratio (HR) 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96-1.77). The HRs were the highest for non-Hodgkin disease (512 cases in total, HR 3.40, 95% CI 1.51-7.65), hepatic cancer (125 cases in total, HR 5.51, 95% CI 1.34-22.64), and testicular cancer (86 cases in total, HR 8.52, 95% CI 2.03-37.73).Conclusion:Our data suggest that severe antenatal stress following maternal bereavement, especially due to loss of a child or a spouse, is associated with an increased risk of certain childhood cancers in the offspring, such as hepatic cancer and non-Hodgkin disease, but not with childhood cancer in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Dermoscopy is a noninvasive technique that enables the clinician to perform direct microscopic examination of diagnostic features, not seen by the naked eye, in pigmented skin lesions. Diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy has previously been assessed in meta-analyses including studies performed in experimental and clinical settings. Objectives To assess the diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy for the diagnosis of melanoma compared with naked eye examination by performing a meta-analysis exclusively on studies performed in a clinical setting. Methods We searched for publications from 1987 to January 2008 and found nine eligible studies. The selected studies compare diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy with naked eye examination using a valid reference test on consecutive patients with a defined clinical presentation, performed in a clinical setting. Hierarchical summary receiver operator curve analysis was used to estimate the relative diagnostic accuracy for clinical examination with, and without, the use of dermoscopy. Results We found the relative diagnostic odds ratio for melanoma, for dermoscopy compared with naked eye examination, to be 15·6 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2·9–83·7, P = 0·016]; removal of two outlier studies changed this to 9·0 (95% CI 1·5–54·6, P = 0·03). Conclusions Dermoscopy is more accurate than naked eye examination for the diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma in suspicious skin lesions when performed in the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors evaluated the association between gestational age, birth weight, intrauterine growth, and epilepsy in a population-based cohort of 1.4 million singletons born in Denmark (1979-2002). A total of 14,334 inpatients (1979-2002) and outpatients (1995-2002) with epilepsy were registered in the Danish National Hospital Register. Children who were potentially growth restricted were identified through two methods: 1) sex-, birth-order-, and gestational-age-specific z score of birth weight; and 2) deviation from the expected birth weight estimated based on the birth weight of an older sibling. The incidence rates of epilepsy increased consistently with decreasing gestational age and birth weight. The incidence rate ratios of epilepsy in the first year of life were more than fivefold among children born at 22-32 weeks compared with 39-41 weeks and among children whose birth weight was <2,000 g compared with 3,000-3,999 g. The association was modified by age but remained into early adulthood. Incidence rate ratios of epilepsy were increased among children identified as growth restricted according to either of the two methods. In conclusion, short gestational age, low birth weight, and intrauterine growth restriction are associated with an increased risk of epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Finishing feeding was evaluated as a way to improve carcass-, meat- and eating quality of culled dairy cows. In total, 125 Danish Friesian cows were purchased from commercial dairy herds. Cows were culled for various typical reasons at different stages of lactation, were non-pregnant and had milk yield at culling ranging from 1 to 25kg/d and had LW varying from 330 to 778kg. Cows were housed in tie-stalls and had free access to barley straw and water during a 7-d drying-off period. Cows were allocated to three equal treatment groups based on parity, LW, BCS, and culling reason. A control group (C) was slaughtered immediately after drying-off (n =43), a group (F2) was finishing-fed for 63 days (n =41), and a group (F4) was finishing-fed for 126 days (n =41). In the finishing period, cows had free access to a TMR (10.6 MJ ME and 130g CP per kg of DM). Cows on treatment, F2 and F4 gained 1.16±0.05kg/d in the finishing period. Compared with C-cows, F2- and F4-cows had 56 and 97kg higher carcass weight, 10% and 21% larger Longissimus muscle area, and 14 and 70% more backfat, respectively, at time of slaughter. EUROP conformation scores were 2.2 (C), 3.4 (F2) and 4.4 (F4) and EUROP fat scores were 1.9, 3.0 and 3.7. Finishing feeding increased IMF, improved meat flavour and colour, and tended to reduce shear force value and improve tenderness and juiciness. The F4 cows also had higher fat trim than C- and F2-cows. Cows were divided into two parity groups (1st parity and older cows). Compared with 1st parity cows, older cows ate 12% more feed, had similar daily gain, were heavier, and had higher BCS and fatness including IMF. The results show that it is possible to dry-off and finish-feed culled dairy cows resulting in larger muscles, increased fatness, improved overall carcass quality and better technological as well as sensory quality characteristics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Prepubertal Friesian heifer calves (n = 24, initial BW = 195 ± 5 kg) were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial block design and used to evaluate the effects of daily GH treatment (0 or 15 mg/d) at either a low or a high feeding level in a 5-wk treatment period on endocrine measurements, hormone receptors, muscle growth, and overall performance. In the pretreatment period, a low feeding level was employed for all calves. During the treatment period, animals at the low feeding level had free access to a roughage-based mixture, whereas animals at the high feeding level had free access to a concentrate mixture and were offered 2 kg/ d of the roughage-based mixture. Blood samples were collected weekly starting 3 wk before treatment. Longissimus (LM) and supraspinatus (SS) muscles were obtained at slaughter. Metabolizable energy intake was 81% higher, digestible CP intake was 140% higher, and ADG was 115% higher (all P < 0.001) at the high vs. low feeding level. Feed (DMI, ME, and protein) intake was not affected by GH treatment, but ADG was 18% higher (P < 0.13) in GH-treated than in control heifers at both feeding levels. Although of different magnitudes, the muscle anabolic effects of GH treatment and high vs. low feeding level were additive, and both treatments increased carcass weights (P < 0.02 and P < 0.001, respectively), LM (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001), and SS (P < 0.06 and P < 0.003). The anabolic effect of GH treatment was similar in both muscles, whereas the effect of feeding level was most pronounced in LM. Overall, GH treatment increased plasma GH, IGF-I (both P < 0.001), and IGFBP-3 (P < 0.02); however, GH treatment increased total IGF-I, free IGF-I, and IGFBP-3, and decreased IGFBP-2 mainly at the high feeding level (GH × feeding level interaction; P < 0.02, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.10, respectively). The high feeding level increased insulin, free and total IGF-I, and IGFBP-3 (all P < 0.001), but decreased GH and IGFBP-2 (both P < 0.001). High feeding increased type-1 IGF receptor density (P < 0.02), mainly in LM, in accordance with the largest anabolic response in this muscle, whereas GH treatment had no effect on type-1 IGF receptors. The results suggest that in skeletal muscle, the anabolic effects of exogenous GH are related to endocrine changes in the GH-IGF axis, whereas the effects of feeding level also seem to rely on IGF receptor density in the muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have suggested that breastfeeding has a long-term influence on brain development. However, interpretation of these findings is complicated by the presence of many potential confounding factors. Only a few studies have examined infants before 1 y of age, although very early assessment might reduce the role of environmental influence. We investigated the association between exclusive breastfeeding and three developmental milestones related to general and fine motor skills and early language development at the age of 8 mo. We followed 1656 healthy, singleton, term infants, with a birthweight of at least 2500 g, born between May 1991 and February 1992 in Aarhus, Denmark. Information was collected at 16 wk gestation, at delivery and when the infant was 8 mo old. Motor skills were evaluated by measurement of crawling and pincer grip. Early language development was defined as the ability to babble in polysyllables. The proportion of infants who mastered the specific milestones increased consistently with increasing duration of breastfeeding. The relative risk for the highest versus the lowest breastfeeding category was 1.3 (95% CI: 1.0-1.6) for crawling, 1.2 (95% CI: 1.1-1.3) for pincer grip and 1.5 (95% CI: 1.3-1.8) for polysyllable babbling. Little change was found after adjustment for confounding. In conclusion, our data support the hypothesis that breastfeeding benefits neurodevelopment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 56-year-old man with recalcitrant psoriasis was treated with efalizumab, resulting in complete clearing of his skin lesions. However, multiple brown patches and papules, in the exact distribution of the previous psoriasis plaques, appeared on his lower legs. The pathological diagnosis was seborrhoeic keratoses (SKs) with overlapping features of solar lentigo. A variety of cutaneous adverse events has been observed in patients with psoriasis treated with efalizumab. To our knowledge, appearance of SKs after such treatment has not previously been reported. This may be due to the clinical insignificance of these benign skin tumours. However, it may be speculated whether efalizumab has an unknown effect in triggering the development of SKs in patients with psoriasis, and if this could shed any light on the pathogenesis of SKs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show that individual (single-epoch) spectra of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) can constrain some of the geometry and dynamics of the AGN broad line region. Studies of the cosmic influence of supermassive black holes are limited by the current large uncertainties in the determination of black hole masses. One dominant limitation is the unknown geometry, dynamics, and line-of-sight inclination of the broad line region, used to probe the central black hole mass. Recent progress has been made to constrain the spatial and kinematic structure of the broad line region using dynamical modelling of AGN monitoring data and an underlying physical model for the broad line region. In this work we test the ability of a modified version of this dynamical modelling code to constrain the broad line region structure using single-epoch spectra. We test our modelling code on single-epoch spectra of nearby Arp 151 by comparing our results with those obtained with monitoring data of this same object. We find that a significant fraction of the broad line region parameters can indeed be adequately constrained, with uncertainties that are comparable to, or at most a factor of approximately a few higher than those obtained from modelling of monitoring data. Considering the wealth of available single-epoch spectroscopic observations, this method is promising for establishing the overall AGN population trends in the geometry and dynamics of the broad line region. This method can be applied to spectra of AGNs at low and high redshift making it valuable for studies of cosmological black hole and AGN evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Excess mortality in individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) is often explained by physical comorbidity and suboptimal healthcare. Cancer is a prevalent cause of death, and tumour stage at diagnosis is a strong predictor of mortality. We aimed to study cancer incidence, disease stage at diagnosis and subsequent mortality in individuals with SMI compared to individuals without SMI.Methods: The entire Danish population was followed in 1978-2013 using nationwide registries. Cancer incidence and subsequent mortality stratified by disease stage were compared in individuals with and without SMI. Cox regression was used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR) and mortality rate ratios (MRR). Cancer was examined overall and grouped by major aetiological factors.Results: The overall cancer incidence rate was lower in males with SMI than in males without SMI; IRR = 0.89 (95% CI: 0.85-0.94), but rates were similar in females with SMI and without SMI; IRR = 1.03 (95% CI: 0.99-1.07). The overall mortality rate was higher in individuals with SMI than those without; MRR = 1.56 (95% CI: 1.48-1.64) for males and MRR = 1.49 (95% CI: 1.43-1.56) for females. Incidence rates and mortality rates showed similar estimates when stratified by tumour stage and aetiology.Conclusions: We found lower cancer incidence in males with SMI compared to males without SMI and similar incidence in the two groups of women. Higher subsequent mortality was found in both sexes with SMI. The excess mortality was not explained by more advanced stages of cancer; future studies should evaluate the effect of cancer treatment and rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented with regards to the randomized, double-blinded, and placebo controlled study to determine the effect of topical 1% nicotinamide on actinic keratoses.

We investigate and quantify the observed scatter in the empirical relationship between the broad line region size R and the luminosity of the active galactic nucleus, in order to better understand its origin. This study is motivated by the indispensable role of this relationship in the mass estimation of cosmologically distant black holes, but may also be relevant to the recently proposed application of this relationship for measuring cosmic distances. We study six nearby reverberation-mapped active galactic nuclei (AGNs) for which simultaneous UV and optical monitoring data exist. We also examine the long-term optical luminosity variations of the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 5548 and employ Monte Carlo simulations to study the effects of the intrinsic variability of individual objects on the scatter in the global relationship for a sample of ∼40 AGNs. We find the scatter in this relationship has a correctable dependence on color. For individual AGNs, the size of the Hβ emitting region has a steeper dependence on the nuclear optical luminosity than on the UV luminosity, which can introduce a scatter of ∼0.08 dex into the global relationship, due the nonlinear relationship between the variations in the ionizing continuum and those in the optical continuum. Also, our analysis highlights the importance of understanding and minimizing the scatter in the relationship traced by the intrinsic variability of individual AGNs since it propagates directly into the global relationship. We find that using the UV luminosity as a substitute for the ionizing luminosity can reduce a sizable fraction of the current observed scatter of ∼0.13 dex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dried distillers grain with solubles (DDGS) is an alternative source of feed protein for dairy cows. Previous studies found that DDGS, based on grains other than corn, can substitute for soybean meal and canola cake as a dietary protein source without reducing milk production or quality. As societal concerns exist, and in many areas strict regulation, regarding nitrogen excretion from dairy cows, the dairy industry has focused on reducing dietary protein level and nitrogen excretion. In the present study, we investigated the use of DDGS as a protein source, at a marginally low dietary crude protein (CP) levels, in a grass-clover and corn silage-based ration. The experiment involved 24 Holstein cows and 2 protein sources (DDGS or soybean-canola mixture) fed at 2 levels of CP (14 or 16%) in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of both protein source and protein level on feed intake, milk yield, and milk quality. The results indicated that feed intake, milk yield, and protein in milk increased when the protein level in the ration was 16% CP compared with 14%. We found no effect of substituting the soybean-canola mixture with DDGS. Moreover, no sensory problems were observed when comparing fresh milk with stored milk, and milk taste was unaffected by DDGS. Milk from cows fed DDGS had a slightly higher content of linoleic acid and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA 9–11), and lower content of C11 to C17 fatty acids than cows fed diets with the soybean-canola mixture. Cows fed the diets with 16% CP produced milk with higher oleic acids and lower palmitic acid content than cows fed 14% CP diets. To conclude, DDGS can substitute for a soybean-canola mixture without affecting feed intake, milk yield and quality, or sensory quality. Under the conditions of this experiment, feeding 16% CP compared with 14% CP in the ration can increase feed intake and milk production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of the bioethanol industry is leading to an increase in the production of coproducts such as dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). Both corn-based DDGS and grain-based DDGS (gDDGS; defined as originating from grain sources such as barley, wheat, triticale, or a mix, excluding corn) appear to be relevant sources of feed and protein for dairy cows. To date, most of the studies investigating DDGS have been performed with corn-based DDGS. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of the proportion of gDDGS in the diet on feed intake, milk production, and milk quality. The present experiment involved 48 Holstein cows in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 3 grass-based dietary treatments consisting of 4, 13.5, and 23% gDDGS on a dry matter (DM) basis (L, M, and H, respectively) as a replacement for a concentrate mix. The concentrate mix consisted of soybean meal, canola cake, and beet pulp. Dry matter intake and energy-corrected milk yield were not affected by the proportion of gDDGS in the diet. Daily milk yield decreased with the H diet compared with the L and M diets. The percentage of fat in milk was higher when cows were fed the H diet compared with the L and M diets, whereas milk fat yield was not affected by dietary treatment. The M diet had a higher percentage of protein in milk compared with the L and H diets. Milk protein yield was similar for the L and M diets; however, it decreased for the H diet. Milk taste was not affected by the proportion of gDDGS in the diet or when milk was stored for 7 d. Linoleic acid and conjugated linoleic acid cis-9,trans-11 in milk increased with increasing proportion of gDDGS. To conclude, gDDGS can replace soybean meal and canola cake as a protein source in the diet of dairy cows. Up to 13.5% of the diet may consist of gDDGS without negatively affecting milk production, milk quality, or milk taste. When gDDGS represents 23% of dietary DM, milk production is reduced by 1.6 kg/d, whereas energy-corrected milk production is numerically reduced by 1 kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have suggested that psychological stress may increase the risk of stroke. However, this link remains a controversial issue because of conflicting findings. Bereavement, the loss of a close relative, is considered a severely stressful life event. Increased risk of stroke could thus be expected after bereavement if stress plays a causal role. We aimed to evaluate the association between bereavement and stroke by performing a systematic review of the existing literature. The literature search was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. A search in Medline and Embase identified eligible studies, which were reviewed by two researchers independently according to specific inclusion criteria. We included six studies: five cohort studies and one case-crossover study. Five studies found that loss of a first-degree relative was associated with a 1.1- to 2.4-fold higher risk of stroke. However, one study found a statistically significant overall risk only for women. Five studies evaluated the risk of stroke according to time since the loss; one study found no association, two studies indicated short-term effect, one study indicated long-term effect, and one study indicated both short-term and long-term effect. Three studies stratified their analysis by sex; two found higher association in bereaved women than men. Our systematic review suggests that bereavement-related stress is associated with a higher risk of stroke. As relatively few studies were identified, new studies are needed to verify this association. These should aim to quantify the risk, describe the effect of time since bereavement, and identify risk-modifying factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: We estimated the association between prenatal exposure to maternal infections and the subsequent risk for epilepsy in childhood. METHODS: We included 90,619 singletons who were born between September 1997 and June 2003 in the Danish National Birth Cohort and followed them up to December 2005. Information on maternal infections during pregnancy (cystitis, pyelonephritis, diarrhea, coughs lasting >1 week, vaginal yeast infection, genital herpes, venereal warts, and herpes labialis) was prospectively reported by mothers in 2 computer-assisted telephone interviews in early and midgestation; information on maternal cystitis and pyelonephritis during late period of pregnancy was also collected in a third interview after birth. Children who received a diagnosis of epilepsy as inpatients or outpatients were retrieved from the Danish National Hospital Register. We identified 646 children with a diagnosis of epilepsy during up to 8 years of follow-up time. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate incidence rate ratio and 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Children who were exposed to maternal cystitis, pyelonephritis, diarrhea, coughs, and/or vaginal yeast infection some maternal infections in prenatal life had an increased risk for epilepsy. Coughs lasting >1 week were associated with an increased risk for epilepsy only in the first year of life, as was vaginal yeast infection only in children who were born preterm. These associations remained unchanged for children without cerebral palsy, congenital malformation, or a low Apgar score at 5 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal exposure to some maternal infections was associated with an increased risk for epilepsy in childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An association between pre-eclampsia and febrile convulsions has been reported, but the association may not be causal. We compared the risk of febrile convulsions in 14 974 children who had been exposed to pre-eclampsia in fetal life with that of 39 210 unexposed children. Children exposed to pre-eclampsia had a slightly increased risk of febrile convulsions, but the association was apparently caused by a shorter gestation in pre-eclamptic women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging knowledge shows the importance of preweaning nutrition on programming the gastrointestinal microbiome and development of the gut barrier function. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of supplementing cow milk with either intact dried Ulva sp., Ascophyllum nodosum , or Saccharina latissima on growth performance and several gut health parameters of preweaning dairy calves. Forty male Holstein calves were selected based on birth weight (41 ± 4 kg) and plasma Brix percentage (≥8.7%) at d 2 of life. From d 2 to d 42 of life, the control calves (n = 10) were fed with cow milk (8 L/d) without seaweed supplementation, and the experimental calves were fed with cow milk (8 L/d) supplemented with either Ulva sp. (n = 10), A. nodosum (n = 10), or S. latissima (n = 10) at a concentration of 50 g/8 L of cow milk per day (i.e., 5% on a dry matter basis). Calves were weighed every week, and body weight gain and calf starter intake were monitored weekly. At d 42 ± 3 of life, calves were slaughtered. The organ weights and digesta pH from the reticulorumen, mid- and end small intestine, and mid-colon were recorded. A tissue sample (5 cm) collected from the mid-small intestine was analyzed for histomorphology. Digesta from the mid-small intestine and mid-colon were analyzed for lactobacilli, Escherichia coli , and Enterobacteriaceae , and short-chain fatty acid profile. Weight gain of the calves was not affected by seaweed supplementation. Proportional organ weights were not affected by seaweed supplementation except for reticulorumen weight, which was higher in calves fed Ulva sp. Both the mid-small intestinal and mid-colonic digesta populations of lactobacilli, Enterobacteriaceae , and E. coli , as well as the mid-small intestinal histomorphology in seaweed-supplemented calves were not different from control calves. However, acetic acid proportion in mid-colonic digesta was increased in calves fed Ulva sp. and A. nodosum , whereas butyric acid proportion was decreased compared with the control calves. Digesta pH in mid- and end small intestine and mid-colon were not affected, whereas ruminal pH was increased in calves fed Ulva sp. compared with the control calves. In conclusion, intact dried seaweed supplementation did not improve the growth or selected gut health parameters (i.e., histomorphology, digesta pH, bacteria, and short-chain fatty acids) in preweaning Holstein calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruminal cannulation techniques are frequently used to study fermentation in the ruminant forestomach. Unsatisfactory results with the traditionally applied procedure for cannulation of young calves stimulated the development of a simpler and more robust procedure; this procedure was tested for effects on performance traits and gross anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract compared with a control group not undergoing surgery. Five calves were ruminally cannulated at approximately 10 d of age and 5 matching calves were used as controls. All calves were fed milk replacer and a diet based on clover grass silage and sodium hydroxide-treated wheat. Ruminal fluid was collected from cannulated calves once weekly for 3 consecutive weeks. All calves were euthanized at 43 ± 3 d of age. No apparent adverse effects of cannulation were observed. Feed intake, BW gain, and gross anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract were not affected by cannulation. Minimum ruminal pH increased with sampling week, but average ruminal pH, total volatile fatty acids concentration, and volatile fatty acids proportions were not affected by sampling week. In conclusion, the implemented surgical technique was found to have no major effect on apparent animal health and performance traits, and the cannula proved useful for multiple samplings of ruminal contents in young calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seizures are often found in children with fetal alcohol syndrome, but it is not known whether binge drinking during pregnancy by nonalcoholic women is associated with an increased risk of seizure disorders in children. The authors conducted a population-based cohort study of 80,526 liveborn singletons in the Danish National Birth Cohort (1996-2002). Information on maternal binge drinking (intake of > or = 5 drinks on a single occasion) was collected in 2 computer-assisted telephone interviews during pregnancy. Children were followed for up to 8 years. Information on neonatal seizures, epilepsy, and febrile seizures was retrieved from the Danish National Hospital Register. Results showed that exposure to binge drinking episodes during pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of seizure disorders in children, except for those exposed at 11-16 gestational weeks. These children had a 3.15-fold increased risk of neonatal seizures (95% confidence interval: 1.37, 7.25) and a 1.81-fold increased risk of epilepsy (95% confidence interval: 1.13, 2.90). These findings suggest that maternal binge drinking during a specific time period of pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of specific seizure disorders in the offspring. The results are exploratory, however, and need to be replicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present in vitro experiments were carried out in order to study whether variations in the bovine growth hormone (bGH)/insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I axis induced by plane of nutrition and bGH treatment of heifer calves caused variations in serum-induced proliferation of C2C12 myoblasts. Serum was obtained from two groups each of six heifer calves (195 ± 8 kg) before (d −1) and after treatment with 15 mg/day of bGH for 6 days (d 6) fed either a low (GHL) or a high plane (GHH) of nutrition. Preceding the experiment all 12 heifer calves were fed at the low plane of nutrition. At d 6, serum concentrations of insulin and IGF-I were increased while that of IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP)-2 was decreased in GHH, but unchanged in GHL calves. Serum-induced proliferation of C2C12 myoblasts, was elevated at d 6 by GHH treatment. Especially human IGFBP-3 but also bovine IGFBP-2 added to cell cultures inhibited the rate of proliferation of C2C12 myoblasts stimulated by human IGF-I. The present results showed that GH treatment causes changes in the GH/IGF axis, which leads to changes in serum-induced growth of C2C12 muscle cells dependent on the plane of nutrition that mimic in vivo effects of GH treatment, which indicate an endocrine contribution of the IGF system. However, drawbacks of this suggestion are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two experiments were conducted to assess whether feeding level in the period from weaning to puberty can affect the amount of mammary tissue at puberty. Four female pigs from eight (exp. 1) to ten (exp. 2) litters were allocated to four treatment groups within litter. From day 28 to 90 of age (period 1) and from day 90 to slaughter, at approximately 5 1/2 months of age (period 2), the gilts were given either ad libitum or restrictive access to feed in a 2×2 factorial arrangement. Neither the amount of dissected mammary tissue nor the amounts of DNA or RNA were affected by feeding regime in period 1. However, ad libitum feeding in period 2 gave rise to more dissected mammary tissue (52%, P <0.0001), RNA (37%, P =0.006) and DNA (28%, P =0.005) compared to restricted feeding. Cyclicity gave rise to increases in mammary DNA (P =0.05) and RNA (P =0.02). There were no clear correlations between mammary measures and plasma IGF-I or IGF-binding proteins. It is concluded that a high feeding level from three months of age to puberty has a stimulatory effect on mammary development in prepubertal gilts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To evaluate the compliance of Danish mammography clinics with requirements concerning organization, activity volume, and assessment procedures from two European guidelines for quality assurance in diagnostic mammography (EUSOMA and EUREF).Material and Methods: We used individual records on all diagnostic mammographies performed in Denmark in 2000, and questionnaires given to Danish mammography clinics in 2000, 2002, and 2004.Results: The study showed a marked centralization of the diagnostic activity from 2000 to 2004 to a smaller number of public breast assessment centers with full multidisciplinary breast assessment. However, a relatively large number of these centers did not comply with the activity volume requirement of 2000 mammograms per clinic per year. The number of private diagnostic mammography clinics performing basic diagnostic mammography has remained fairly stable in the period 2000 to 2004. Compared with public breast assessment centers, the private diagnostic mammography clinics had a lower compliance with activity volume requirements.Conclusion: A marked proportion of Danish public breast assessment centers operate with less than optimal activity volume, suggesting that further centralization would be appropriate. The situation in private diagnostic mammography clinics may cause concern, as our study showed that the majority of these clinics did not meet the activity volume requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were performed in order to study how weaning and post-weaning dietary zinc level affect serum IGF-I. Further, whether the growth-enhancing effect of 2500 ppm of dietary zinc (Zn2500) and/or 175 ppm of dietary copper (Cu175) in post-weaning diets is associated with elevated serum IGF-I levels in piglets was studied. Experiment 1 included 54 piglets (six litters of nine piglets). One piglet from every litter was assigned to a control group (blood sampled 1 day before weaning). At weaning the remaining eight piglets from every litter were allocated randomly to four dietary treatments with increasing zinc inclusions (Zn100, Zn250, Zn1000, Zn2500). In exp. 2, 48 piglets (six litters of eight piglets) were allocated to four dietary treatments (Zn100, Zn100Cu175, Zn2500, Zn2500Cu175). All piglets in exp. 1 were blood sampled at )1, 1–2, 5–6 or 14–15 days after weaning and in exp. 2 blood samples were taken from all pigs 5–7 days after weaning. Feed intake was recorded per pen (two piglets) and weight gain was recorded for every piglet. Just after weaning feed intake was very low, piglets lost weight and serum IGF-I decreased in exp. 1. However, the piglets fed 2500 ppm of zinc reached pre-weaning levels of serum IGF-I at 14–15 days post-weaning, whereas piglets receiving lower zinc levels showed no changes in serum IGF-I. In exp. 2, additional dietary zinc in weaning diets for piglets was found to be associated with increased feed intake, improved growth rate and increased serum IGF-I. High levels of dietary copper did not affect any of these measurements. Zinc-induced rise in serum IGF-I was partly due to increased feed intake. After correcting for differences in feed intake, zinc significantly increased serum IGF-I. However, to completely separate effects of feed intake from effects of zinc status, pair-feeding should be considered in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a dynamical study of the narrow-line regions in two nearby type 2 quasars (QSO2s). We construct dynamical models based on detailed photoionization models of the emission-line gas, including the effects of internal dust, to apply to observations of large-scale outflows from these active galactic nuclei (AGNs). We use Mrk 477 and Mrk 34 in order to test our models against recent Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) observations of [O  iii ] emission-line kinematics, since these AGNs possess more energetic outflows than found in Seyfert galaxies. We find that the outflows within 500 pc are consistent with radiative acceleration of dusty gas, however the outflows in Mrk 34 are significantly more extended and may not be directly accelerated by radiation. We characterize the properties of X-ray winds found from the expansion of [O  iii ]-emitting gas close to the black hole. We show that such winds possess the kinetic energy density to disturb [O  iii ] gas at ∼1.8 kpc, and have sufficient energy to entrain the [O  iii ] clouds at ∼1.2 kpc. Assuming that the X-ray wind possesses the same radial mass distribution as the [O  iii ] gas, we find that the peak kinetic luminosity for this wind is 2 per cent of Mrk 34's bolometric luminosity, which is in the 0.5–5 per cent range required by some models for efficient feedback. Our work shows that, although the kinetic luminosity as measured from [O  iii ]-emitting gas is frequently low, X-ray winds may provide more than one order of magnitude higher kinetic power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which investigated the effect of increased postruminal supply of lysine and methionine in a production trial involving dairy cows in early lactation. Materials and methods; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

Summary: Background: Psychological stress may reduce cellular immunity, but its role in triggering latent infections, including herpes zoster (HZ), is controversial. Objectives: To examine the association between perceived psychological stress and risk of HZ. Methods: In a linked registry‐based cohort study, we followed 77 310 persons aged 40 years or older who participated in the 2010 Danish National Health Survey from 1 May 2010 until HZ diagnosis, death, emigration or 1 July 2014, whichever occurred first. We computed hazard ratios (HRs) of HZ associated with Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) score (range 0–40) using Cox regression with age as the timescale, adjusted for sex, immunosuppressive and selected chronic conditions, immunosuppressive drugs, and sociodemographic, lifestyle and anthropometric factors. The PSS measures chronic stress perceived by an individual in response to various demands of daily life. We modelled the PSS score using quintiles and a restricted cubic spline function. Results: The unadjusted rate of HZ varied from 5·53 to 7·20 per 1000 person‐years from the lowest to the highest PSS score quintile. Compared with the lowest PSS score quintile, the adjusted HR for HZ was 1·00 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·86–1·16], 1·08 (95% CI 0·92–1·26), 1·05 (95% CI 0·90–1·23) and 1·14 (95% CI 0·97–1·34) for the second to the fifth quintile, respectively. In cubic spline analyses, PSS scores < 20 were not associated with increased HR of HZ, but thereafter the HR increased linearly from 1·10 (95% CI 0·85–1·41) to 2·22 (95% CI 1·32–3·75). Conclusions: Our study indicated that high levels of psychological stress are associated with increased risk of HZ. What is already known about this topic? Psychological stress may reduce cellular immunity, but its role in triggering latent infections, such as herpes zoster (HZ), is controversial.Previous epidemiological studies have mainly focused on the effects of negative life events (e.g. bereavement) on HZ risk, and dose–response analyses are lacking.It is possible that the allostatic load (the cumulative 'wear and tear' on the body associated with stress) depends on the type of stress and coping mechanisms. What does this study add? In this large population‐based cohort study, we found that persons reporting the highest levels of perceived psychological stress in daily life had an increased risk of HZ.Perceived psychological stress may be a modifiable risk factor for HZ.Our study adds HZ to the growing list of potential negative health consequences of psychological stress and underscores the importance of supporting mental wellbeing and resilience in the general population. Linked Comment: A.W.M. Evers and S. van Beugen. Br J Dermatol 2021; 185:12–13. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We derive a distance of D = 16.6 ± 0.3 Mpc (μ = 31.10 ± 0.04 mag) to the archetypal narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 4051 based on Cepheid period–luminosity relations and new Hubble Space Telescope multiband imaging. We identify 419 Cepheid candidates and estimate the distance at both optical and near-infrared wavelengths using subsamples of precisely photometered variables (123 and 47 in the optical and near-infrared subsamples, respectively). We compare our independent photometric procedures and distance-estimation methods to those used by the Supernovae, H0, for the Equation of State team and find agreement to 0.01 mag. The distance we obtain suggests an Eddington ratio of for NGC 4051, typical of narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies, unlike the seemingly odd value implied by previous distance estimates. We derive a peculiar velocity of −490 ± 34 km s−1 for NGC 4051, consistent with the overall motion of the Ursa Major Cluster in which it resides. We also revisit the energetics of the NGC 4051 nucleus, including its outflow and mass accretion rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intact seaweed or seaweed extracts are used as feed supplements to improve the gut microbiome in young animals. Seaweeds provide functional polysaccharides, and they are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds, all of which are relevant for immune system development. However, literature on the effects of dried seaweed supplementation on immune system development is limited, especially in calves. This experiment aimed to study the effect of feeding milk supplemented with Ulva lactuca , Ascophyllum nodosum , or Saccharina latissima on the systemic immune status of preweaning dairy calves. Forty male Holstein calves with birth body weight 41 ± 4 kg and plasma Brix percentage ≥8.7% at d 2 after birth were used in this study. Calves were fed 4 L of cow milk twice a day (total 8 L/d). From d 2 to d 28, calves in the control group (n = 10) received milk without seaweed supplementation. Over the same period, experimental calves received milk supplemented with Ulva lactuca (SW1; n = 10), Ascophyllum nodosum (SW2; n = 10), or Saccharina latissima (SW3, n = 10). Dried and ground seaweeds were offered at a daily allowance of 50 g/8 L of milk (i.e., approximately 5% inclusion rate on a dry matter basis). Blood samples were collected from a jugular vein on d 2, 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28 after birth. Plasma concentrations of total protein, albumin, immunoglobulins, and acute-phase proteins (i.e., serum amyloid A, fibrinogen, and haptoglobin) were measured. We detected no differences in average daily gain, plasma immunoglobulins, albumin, or total protein. However, the contrast analysis revealed that plasma concentrations of fibrinogen (SW1 and SW2) and serum amyloid A (SW2 and SW3) were significantly higher in the seaweed groups compared with the control group. We also found a tendency for high plasma haptoglobin in the seaweed groups (SW1 and SW2) compared with the control group. Differences in acute-phase protein concentrations could be partially explained by the large differences in micromineral intake between control and seaweed-supplemented calves. Feeding milk supplemented with dried seaweed increased plasma concentrations of variables related to the innate immune response in preweaning dairy calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use Hubble Space Telescope /Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph long-slit G430M and G750M spectra to analyse the extended [O  iii ] λ5007 emission in a sample of 12 nearby (z < 0.12) luminous (L bol > 1.6 × 1045 erg s−1) QSO2s. The purpose of the study is to determine the properties of the mass outflows of ionized gas and their role in active galactic nucleus feedback. We measure fluxes and velocities as functions of radial distances. Using cloudy models and ionizing luminosities derived from [O  iii ] λ5007, we are able to estimate the densities for the emission-line gas. From these results, we derive masses of [O  iii ]-emitting gas, mass outflow rates, kinetic energies, kinetic luminosities, momenta, and momentum flow rates as a function of radial distance for each of the targets. For the sample, masses are several times |$10^{3}$| – |$10^{7}\, {\rm M_{\odot }}$| and peak outflow rates are from 9.3 × 10−3 to |$10.3\, {\rm M_{\odot }}\, {\rm yr^{-1}}$|⁠. The peak kinetic luminosities are (3.4 × 10−8)–(4.9 × 10−4) of the bolometric luminosity, which does not approach the (5.0 × 10−3)–(5.0 × 10−2) range required by some models for efficient feedback. For Mrk 34, which has the largest kinetic luminosity of our sample, in order to produce efficient feedback there would have to be 10 times more [O  iii ]-emitting gas than that we detected at its position of maximum kinetic luminosity. Three targets show extended [O  iii ] emission, but compact outflow regions. This may be due to different mass profiles or different evolutionary histories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present results of time-series analysis of the first year of the Fairall 9 intensive disc-reverberation campaign. We used Swift and the Las Cumbres Observatory global telescope network to continuously monitor Fairall 9 from X-rays to near-infrared at a daily to subdaily cadence. The cross-correlation function between bands provides evidence for a lag spectrum consistent with the τ  ∝  λ 4/3 scaling expected for an optically thick, geometrically thin blackbody accretion disc. Decomposing the flux into constant and variable components, the variable component's spectral energy distribution is slightly steeper than the standard accretion disc prediction. We find evidence at the Balmer edge in both the lag and flux spectra for an additional bound-free continuum contribution that may arise from reprocessing in the broad-line region. The inferred driving light curve suggests two distinct components, a rapidly variable (<4 d) component arising from X-ray reprocessing, and a more slowly varying (>100 d) component with an opposite lag to the reverberation signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We derive a distance of 15.8 ± 0.4 Mpc to the archetypal Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 4151 based on the near-infrared Cepheid period–luminosity relation and new Hubble Space Telescope multiband imaging. This distance determination, based on measurements of 35 long-period (P > 25 days) Cepheids, will support the absolute calibration of the supermassive black hole mass in this system, as well as studies of the dynamics of the feedback or feeding of its active galactic nucleus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2014 the NGC 5548 Space Telescope and Optical Reverberation Mapping campaign discovered a two-month anomaly when variations in the absorption and emission lines decorrelated from continuum variations. During this time the soft X-ray part of the intrinsic spectrum had been strongly absorbed by a line-of-sight (LOS) obscurer, which was interpreted as the upper part of a disk wind. Our first paper showed that changes in the LOS obscurer produces the decorrelation between the absorption lines and the continuum. A second study showed that the base of the wind shields the broad emission-line region (BLR), leading to the emission-line decorrelation. In that study, we proposed the wind is normally transparent with no effect on the spectrum. Changes in the wind properties alter its shielding and affect the spectral energy distribution (SED) striking the BLR, producing the observed decorrelations. In this work we investigate the impact of a translucent wind on the emission lines. We simulate the obscuration using XMM-Newton, NuSTAR, and Hubble Space Telescope observations to determine the physical characteristics of the wind. We find that a translucent wind can contribute a part of the He ii and Fe Kα emission. It has a modest optical depth to electron scattering, which explains the fainter far-side emission in the observed velocity-delay maps. The wind produces the very broad base seen in the UV emission lines and may also be present in the Fe Kα line. Our results highlight the importance of accounting for the effects of such winds in the analysis of the physics of the central engine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Schizophrenia is associated with high mortality, somatic comorbidity and reduced life expectancy. The general practitioner (GP) plays a key role in the treatment of mental and physical multimorbidity. Nevertheless, it is unclear how much individuals with schizophrenia use primary healthcare. This study aims to investigate the yearly numbers of consultations in general practice for individuals with schizophrenia. Design and Setting: We performed a population-based matched cohort study of 21,757 individuals with schizophrenia and 435,140 age- and gender-matched references from Danish National Registers. Monthly general practice consultations were analysed using a generalized linear model with log link and assuming negative binomial distribution. Main outcome measures: Consultation rates in general practice up to17 years after index diagnosis. Results: Individuals with schizophrenia attended their GP more than references throughout the study period. The cases had 82% (95% CI: 78-87) and 76% (95% CI: 71-80) more consultations in primary care after 1 year and 5 years, respectively. Individuals with both schizophrenia and comorbid somatic illness attended even more. Conclusion: Individuals with schizophrenia are in regular contact with their GP, especially if they have comorbid illnesses. Whether an average of six consultations per year for individuals with schizophrenia is sufficient is up for debate. The study demonstrates a potential for an increased prevention and treatment of individuals with schizophrenia in general practice. Schizophrenia is associated with high mortality, somatic comorbidity and reduced life expectancy. Little is known about the attendance pattern in primary care for individuals with schizophrenia. •We found high attendance rates in primary care for individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia from index diagnosis and at least 17 years after diagnosis, which suggests opportunities for earlier intervention to improve their somatic health. •We found an association between high illness comorbidity and increased risk of not attending the general practitioner. The most severely somatically and mentally ill individuals may thus be difficult to reach and support in the current healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disc reverberation mapping of a handful of nearby active galactic nuclei (AGNs) suggests accretion disc sizes that are a factor of a few too large for their luminosities, apparently at odds with the standard model. Here, we investigate the likely contribution to the measured delay signature of diffuse continuum emission arising from broad-line region gas. We start by constructing spherically symmetric pressure-law BLR models (i.e. P (r)∝ r − s ) that approximately reproduce the observed emission line fluxes of the strong UV–optical emission lines in the best-studied source, NGC 5548. We then determine the contribution of the diffuse continuum to the measured continuum flux and inter-band delays, accounting for the observed variability behaviour of the ionizing nuclear continuum. Those pressure-law models that approximately reproduce the observed emission-line luminosities unavoidably produce substantial diffuse continuum emission. This causes a significant contamination of the disc reverberation signature (i.e. wavelength-dependent continuum delays). Qualitatively, the diffuse continuum delay signatures produced by our models resemble that observed for NGC 5548, including the deviation of the lag spectrum above that of a simple power law in wavelength, short-ward of the Balmer and Paschen jumps. Furthermore, for reasonable estimates of the BLR covering fraction, the delay induced by diffuse continuum emission causes elevated inter-band delays over the entire UV–optical regime; for these pressure-law models, there are no 'disc-dominated' wavelength intervals. Thus, the diffuse continuum contribution must be taken into account in order to correctly infer AGN accretion disc sizes based on inter-band continuum delays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This 2 × 2 factorial design experiment was conducted to compare the performance of spring-calving Holstein dairy cows (HOL, n = 34) with Swedish Red × Jersey/Holstein crossbred (SR × J/HOL, n = 34) dairy cows within low and medium concentrate input grassland-based dairy systems. The experiment commenced when cows calved and encompassed 1 full lactation. Cows were offered diets containing grass silage and concentrates [70:30 dry matter (DM) ratio, and 40:60 DM ratio, for low and medium, respectively] until turnout, grazed grass plus either 1.0 or 4.0 kg of concentrate/d during the grazing period (low and medium, respectively), and grass silage and concentrates (85:15 DM ratio, and 70:30 DM ratio, for low and medium, respectively) from rehousing and until drying off. No significant genotype × system interactions were present for any of the feed intake or full-lactation milk production data examined. Full-lactation concentrate DM intakes were 769 and 1,902 kg/cow for the low and medium systems, respectively, whereas HOL cows had a higher total DM intake than SR × J/HOL cows in early lactation, but not in late lactation. Although HOL cows had a higher lactation milk yield than SR × J/HOL cows, the latter produced milk with a higher fat and protein content, and thus fat plus protein yield was unaffected by genotype. Milk produced by the SR × J/HOL cows had a higher degree of saturation of fatty acids than milk produced by the HOL cows, and the somatic cell score of milk produced by the former was also higher. Throughout the lactation, HOL cows were on average 30 kg heavier than SR × J/HOL cows, whereas the SR × J/HOL cows had a higher body condition score than the HOL cows. Holstein cows had a higher incidence of mastitis and ovarian dysfunction that SR × J/HOL cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mental stress is associated with higher mortality, but it remains controversial whether the association is causal or a consequence of a higher physical disease burden in those with a high mental stress load. Understanding causality is important when developing targeted interventions. We aimed to estimate the effect of mental stress on mortality by performing a ‘natural’ experiment using spousal bereavement as a disease-independent mental stressor. Methods: We followed a population-based matched cohort, including all individuals in Denmark bereaved in 1997–2014, for 17 years. Prospectively recorded register data were obtained for civil and vital status, 39 mental and physical diagnoses, and socioeconomic factors. Results: In total, 389 316 bereaved individuals were identified and 137 247 died during follow-up. Bereaved individuals had higher all-cause mortality than non-bereaved references in the entire study period. The relative mortality in the bereaved individuals was highest shortly after the loss (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), first month: 2.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.37–2.63; aHR, 6–12 months: 1.38, 95% CI 1.34–1.42). The excess mortality rate associated with bereavement rose with increasing number of physical diseases (1.33 v. 7.00 excess death per 1000 person-months for individuals with 0 v. ⩾3 physical conditions during the first month) and was exacerbated by the presence of mental illness. The excess mortality among bereaved individuals was primarily due to death from natural causes. Conclusions: Bereavement was associated with increased short-term and long-term mortality, even after adjustment for morbidities, which suggests that mental stress may play a causal role in excess mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]