The Isaac Newton Telescope Monitoring Survey of Local Group Dwarf Galaxies. VI. The Star Formation History and Dust Production in Andromeda IX

We present a photometric study of the resolved stellar populations in Andromeda IX (And IX), the closest satellite to M31, a metal-poor and low-mass dwarf spheroidal galaxy. We estimate a distance modulus of $24.56^{+0.05}_{-0.15}$ mag based on the tip of the red giant branch. By probing the variability of asymptotic giant branch stars, we study the star formation history of And IX. We identified 50 long-period variables (LPVs) in And IX using the Isaac Newton Telescope in two filters, the Sloan $i'$ and Harris $V$. In this study, we selected LPVs within two half-light radii with amplitudes in the range of 0.2–2.20 mag. It is found that the peak of star formation reaches ${\sim}8.2 {\pm} 3.1 {\times} 10{^-4}M_{\odot} yr^{-1}$ at ≈6 Gyr ago. Our findings suggest an outside-in galaxy formation scenario for And IX with a quenching occurring $3.65^{+1.52}_{-0.13}$ Gyr ago with a star formation rate (SFR) in the order of $2.0 {\times} 10^{-4}M_{\odot} yr^{-1}$ at redshift <0.5. We calculate the total stellar mass by integrating the SFR within two half-light radii ${\sim}3.0 {\times} 10^{5}M_{\odot}$. By employing spectral energy distribution fitting for the observed LPVs in And IX, we evaluate a mass-loss rate in the range of $10^{-7} ≤ M ≤ 10^{-5} M_{\odot} yr^{-1}$. Finally, we show that the total mass deposition to the interstellar medium (ISM) is ${\sim}2.4 {\times} 10^{-4} M_{\odot} yr^{-1}$ from the C- and O-rich types of dust-enshrouded LPVs. The ratio of the total mass returned to the ISM by LPVs to the total stellar mass is ${\sim}8.0 {\times} 10^{-10} yr^{-1}$, and so at this rate it would take ∼1 Gyr to reproduce this galaxy

Inter/Intra-Observer Reproducibility of Gleason Scoring in Prostate Adenocarcinoma in Iranian Pathologists

PURPOSE: To measure the level of inter/intra-observer reproducibility among pathologists as far as Gleason scoring of adenocarcinoma of the prostate is concerned. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 101 prostate biopsy slides, diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the prostate by five pathologists from different education centers, were exposed to Gleason scoring. Two months later, the slides were re-examined by three of the same pathologists. Thereafter, the kappa was calculated for the data provided in the first and second reports of each pathologist and compared between pathologists. RESULTS: Inter-observer reproducibility was inappropriate, but intra-observer diagnostic reproducibility was almost perfect with a corresponding percentage of agreement of 85.2%. CONCLUSION: The inter-observer reproducibility was poor

The global prevalence of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorder among patients coping with Post COVID-19 syndrome (long COVID): a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Post COVID-19 syndrome, also known as "Long COVID," is a complex and multifaceted condition that affects individuals who have recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to comprehensively assess the global prevalence of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorder in individuals coping with Post COVID-19 syndrome. Methods A rigorous search of electronic databases was conducted to identify original studies until 24 January 2023. The inclusion criteria comprised studies employing previously validated assessment tools for depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders, reporting prevalence rates, and encompassing patients of all age groups and geographical regions for subgroup analysis Random effects model was utilized for the meta-analysis. Meta-regression analysis was done. Results The pooled prevalence of depression and anxiety among patients coping with Post COVID-19 syndrome was estimated to be 23% (95% CI: 20%—26%; I2 = 99.9%) based on data from 143 studies with 7,782,124 participants and 132 studies with 9,320,687 participants, respectively. The pooled prevalence of sleep disorder among these patients, derived from 27 studies with 15,362 participants, was estimated to be 45% (95% CI: 37%—53%; I2 = 98.7%). Subgroup analyses based on geographical regions and assessment scales revealed significant variations in prevalence rates. Meta-regression analysis showed significant correlations between the prevalence and total sample size of studies, the age of participants, and the percentage of male participants. Publication bias was assessed using Doi plot visualization and the Peters test, revealing a potential source of publication bias for depression (p = 0.0085) and sleep disorder (p = 0.02). However, no evidence of publication bias was found for anxiety (p = 0.11). Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate a considerable burden of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders, among individuals recovering from COVID-19. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive mental health support and tailored interventions for patients experiencing persistent symptoms after COVID-19 recovery