TADPOL: A 1.3 mm Survey of Dust Polarization in Star-forming Cores and Regions

We present {\lambda}1.3 mm CARMA observations of dust polarization toward 30 star-forming cores and 8 star-forming regions from the TADPOL survey. We show maps of all sources, and compare the ~2.5" resolution TADPOL maps with ~20" resolution polarization maps from single-dish submillimeter telescopes. Here we do not attempt to interpret the detailed B-field morphology of each object. Rather, we use average B-field orientations to derive conclusions in a statistical sense from the ensemble of sources, bearing in mind that these average orientations can be quite uncertain. We discuss three main findings: (1) A subset of the sources have consistent magnetic field (B-field) orientations between large (~20") and small (~2.5") scales. Those same sources also tend to have higher fractional polarizations than the sources with inconsistent large-to-small-scale fields. We interpret this to mean that in at least some cases B-fields play a role in regulating the infall of material all the way down to the ~1000 AU scales of protostellar envelopes. (2) Outflows appear to be randomly aligned with B-fields; although, in sources with low polarization fractions there is a hint that outflows are preferentially perpendicular to small-scale B-fields, which suggests that in these sources the fields have been wrapped up by envelope rotation. (3) Finally, even at ~2.5" resolution we see the so-called "polarization hole" effect, where the fractional polarization drops significantly near the total intensity peak. All data are publicly available in the electronic edition of this article.Comment: 53 pages, 37 figures -- main body (13 pp., 3 figures), source maps (32 pp., 34 figures), source descriptions (8 pp.). Accepted by the Astrophysical Journal Supplemen

Finishing the euchromatic sequence of the human genome

The sequence of the human genome encodes the genetic instructions for human physiology, as well as rich information about human evolution. In 2001, the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium reported a draft sequence of the euchromatic portion of the human genome. Since then, the international collaboration has worked to convert this draft into a genome sequence with high accuracy and nearly complete coverage. Here, we report the result of this finishing process. The current genome sequence (Build 35) contains 2.85 billion nucleotides interrupted by only 341 gaps. It covers ∼99% of the euchromatic genome and is accurate to an error rate of ∼1 event per 100,000 bases. Many of the remaining euchromatic gaps are associated with segmental duplications and will require focused work with new methods. The near-complete sequence, the first for a vertebrate, greatly improves the precision of biological analyses of the human genome including studies of gene number, birth and death. Notably, the human enome seems to encode only 20,000-25,000 protein-coding genes. The genome sequence reported here should serve as a firm foundation for biomedical research in the decades ahead

The association between outdoor air pollution and blood pressure in a Canadian adolescent population

Objective: In adults, chronic exposure to air pollution is associated with elevated blood pressure (BP), but few studies have examined this relationship in youth. The objective of this study was to quantify the association between annual ambient concentrations of air pollutants [fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2)] and systolic BP (SBP) among adolescents in Montreal, Canada. Methods: Participants were 15 to 17-year-old students who provided SBP and residential postal code data in 2004 through their enrolment in the Nicotine Dependence in Teens study. Annual estimates for 2004 of residential exposure to NO2 and PM2.5 were provided by the Canadian Urban Environmental Health Research Consortium and linked to participants’ place of residence. Elevated SBP was defined as SBP≥90th age-sex-height adjusted percentile. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each pollutant with respect to elevated SBP. Results: 508 adolescents were included (mean age: 16.9, 46% male); 4% had elevated SBP. Although estimates were imprecise, there were generally modest positive associations between pollutant levels and SBP. The adjusted prevalence odds of elevated SBP was 1.33 (95% CI: 0.64 - 3.05) for every interquartile range (IQR) increase in residential PM2.5 levels (2.1µg/m3). Similarly, the adjusted prevalence odds of elevated SBP was 1.17 (95% CI: 0.47 - 2.70) for every IQR increase in residential NO2 levels (10.2ppb). Conclusion: Findings support a possible relationship between exposure to air pollutants and increased SBP in adolescents warranting further investigation for this potentially important public health concern.Objectif : Chez les adultes, la pollution atmosphérique est associée à une tension artérielle (TA) élevée, mais peu d'études ont examiné́ cette association chez les jeunes. L'objectif de cette étude transversale était de quantifier l'association entre les polluants atmosphériques [particules fines (PM2.5) et dioxyde d'azote (NO2)] et la TA systolique (TAS) chez les adolescents âgés de dix- sept ans demeurant Montréal, Canada. Méthodes : Les participants étaient des étudiants inscrits à l'étude NICO, une étude de cohorte décrivant l’histoire naturelle de la dépendance à la nicotine. Des données anthropométriques et les codes postaux des participants étaient disponibles. Les données sur les expositions ont été́ fournies par le Consortium canadien de recherche en santé́ environnementale urbaine et correspondent au code postal résidentiel des participants. Le TAS élevé́ fut défini comme suit : TAS≥90e percentile ajusté selon l'âge, le sexe et la taille. Des modèles de régression logistique ont été́ utilisés pour estimer les ORs ajustés pour chaque polluant par rapport à la TAS élevée. Tous les modèles ont été́ ajustés pour l'IMC, l'activité́ physique, des indices de défavorisation matérielle et sociale, la consommation d'alcool et le tabagisme, le pays de naissance, l'origine ethnique et le niveau de scolarité́ des parents. Résultats : L'échantillon comprenait 508 adolescents (âge moyen : 16,9 ans, 46 % d'hommes) dont 4 % ayant des mesures de TAS ≥90e percentile. Malgré les estimés imprécis, on constate la présence d'associations positives modeste entre les niveaux de polluants et la TAS. La probabilité ajustée de prévalence (POR) de TAS élevée était de 1,33 (IC 95 % : 0,64 - 3,05) pour chaque augmentation de l'intervalle interquartile (IIQ) des concentrations résidentielles de PM2.5 (2,1 µg/m3). De même, la POR de TAS élevée était de 1,17 (IC 95 % : 0,47 - 2,70) pour chaque augmentation de IIQ des niveaux résidentiels de NO2 (10,2 ppb). Conclusion : Les résultats suggèrent une relation possible entre l'exposition aux polluants atmosphériques et l'augmentation de TAS chez les adolescents, justifiant une étude plus approfondie

Association between annual exposure to air pollution and systolic blood pressure among adolescents in Montréal, Canada

IntroductionIn adults, chronic exposure to air pollution is associated with elevated blood pressure, but few studies have examined this relationship in youth. We investigated the association between annual ambient concentrations of air pollutants (fine particulate matter [PM2.5] and nitrogen dioxide [NO2]) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) among adolescents in Montréal, Canada. MethodsParticipants were students aged 15 to 17 years who provided SBP and residential postal code data in 2004/05 through their enrolment in the Nicotine Dependence in Teens study. Annual estimates for 2004 of residential exposure to NO2 and PM2.5 were provided by the Canadian Urban Environmental Health Research Consortium and linked to participants’ residential postal code. Elevated SBP was defined as SBP ≥ 90th percentile adjusted for age, sex and height. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each pollutant with respect to elevated SBP, adjusted for relevant confounders. ResultsThe sample consisted of 508 adolescents (mean age: 16.9, 46% male); 4% had elevated SBP. Although estimates were not statistically significant, there were generally modest positive associations between pollutant levels and SBP. The adjusted prevalence odds ratio of elevated SBP was 1.33 (95% CI: 0.64, 3.05) for every interquartile range (IQR) increase in residential PM2.5 levels (2.1μg/m3). Similarly, the adjusted prevalence odds ratio of elevated SBP was 1.17 (95% CI: 0.47, 2.70) for every IQR increase in residential NO2 levels (10.2 ppb). ConclusionFindings support a possible relationship between exposure to air pollutants and increased SBP in adolescents, warranting further investigation for this important public health concern

Association entre l’exposition annuelle à la pollution atmosphérique et la pression artérielle systolique chez des adolescents à Montréal (Canada)

IntroductionChez l’adulte, l’exposition chronique à la pollution atmosphérique est associée à une élévation de la pression artérielle, mais peu d’études ont porté sur ce lien chez les jeunes. Nous avons étudié l’association entre les concentrations ambiantes annuelles de polluants atmosphériques (particules fines [PM2,5] et dioxyde d’azote [NO2]) et la pression artérielle systolique (PAS) chez des adolescents à Montréal (Canada). MéthodologieLes participants étaient des élèves de 15 à 17 ans ayant fourni des données sur leur PAS et le code postal de leur lieu de résidence en 2004-2005 dans le cadre de l’étude sur la dépendance à la nicotine chez les adolescents (NICO). Les estimations annuelles de l’exposition résidentielle au NO2 et aux PM2,5 pour 2004, fournies par le Canadian Urban Environmental Health Research Consortium, ont été couplées au code postal du lieu de résidence des participants. La PAS a été jugée élevée lorsqu’elle était supérieure ou égale au 90e percentile ajusté pour l’âge, le sexe et la taille. Une régression logistique a servi à estimer les rapports de cotes et les intervalles de confiance (IC) à 95 % pour l’association entre chaque polluant et une PAS élevée, avec ajustement pour les variables de confusion pertinentes. RésultatsL’échantillon comprenait 508 adolescents (âge moyen : 16,9 ans; 46 % étant de sexe masculin), dont 4 % avec une PAS élevée. Même si les estimations ne sont pas statistiquement significatives, des associations positives généralement modestes ont été constatées entre les concentrations de polluants et la PAS. Le rapport de cotes ajusté de la prévalence d’une PAS élevée était de 1,33 (IC à 95 % : 0,64 à 3,05) par augmentation de chaque intervalle interquartile (IIQ) de concentration résidentielle de PM2,5 (2,1 μg/m3). De même, le rapport de cotes ajusté de la prévalence d’une PAS élevée était de 1,17 (IC à 95 % : 0,47 à 2,70) par augmentation de chaque IIQ de concentration résidentielle de NO2 (10,2 ppb). ConclusionLes résultats corroborent l’existence d’un lien possible entre l’exposition aux polluants atmosphériques et l’élévation de la PAS chez les adolescents, ce qui justifie une analyse approfondie portant sur cet important problème de santé publique

Changes in clinical scenarios, management, and perspectives of patients with chronic hepatitis C after viral clearance by direct-acting antivirals

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes a systemic infection inducing hepatic and extrahepatic diseases. These latter involve cardiovascular system, kidney, brain, endocrine, glucose, and lipid metabolism, and the immune system. HCV infection is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality for both hepatic and extrahepatic events. Direct-acting antivirals (DAA), introduced in the most recent years for HCV treatment, are effective in up to 99% of cases and have changed the clinical scenarios and management of these patients

Effects of a Combination of Empagliflozin Plus Metformin vs. Metformin Monotherapy on NAFLD Progression in Type 2 Diabetes: The IMAGIN Pilot Study

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprises a heterogeneous group of metabolic liver diseases and is characterized by the presence of steatosis in at least 5% of hepatocytes. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of the combination therapy of empagliflozin + metformin vs. metformin monotherapy on NAFLD progression in type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients. Sixty-three metformin-treated T2DM patients who were SGLT2i-naïve and had an ultrasound diagnosis of NAFLD (aged 60.95 ± 11.14 years; males, 57.1%) were included in the present analysis. Thirty-three started the combination therapy. All patients were observed for 6 months and routinely monitored with anthropometry, blood biochemistry, and FibroScan®/CAP. At the 6-month follow-up, the combination therapy group presented a significant reduction in BMI (30.83 ± 3.5 vs. 28.48 ± 3.25), glycated hemoglobin (8.2 (7.4–8.8)) vs. 7.2 (6.8–7.9), ALT (68.5 (41.5–88.0) vs. 45.00 (38.00, 48.00)), CAP parameter (293.5 (270.0–319.25) vs. 267.00 (259.50, 283.75)) and steatosis degree (p = 0.001) in comparison with the control group, whose parameters remained almost stable over time. In patients affected by T2DM, the combination of empagliflozin + metformin vs. metformin monotherapy ameliorated liver steatosis, ALT levels, body weight, and glycated hemoglobin after a 6-month follow-up

Effects of a Combination of Empagliflozin Plus Metformin vs. Metformin Monotherapy on NAFLD Progression in Type 2 Diabetes: The IMAGIN Pilot Study

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprises a heterogeneous group of metabolic liver diseases and is characterized by the presence of steatosis in at least 5% of hepatocytes. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of the combination therapy of empagliflozin + metformin vs. metformin monotherapy on NAFLD progression in type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients. Sixty-three metformin-treated T2DM patients who were SGLT2i-naïve and had an ultrasound diagnosis of NAFLD (aged 60.95 ± 11.14 years; males, 57.1%) were included in the present analysis. Thirty-three started the combination therapy. All patients were observed for 6 months and routinely monitored with anthropometry, blood biochemistry, and FibroScan®/CAP. At the 6-month follow-up, the combination therapy group presented a significant reduction in BMI (30.83 ± 3.5 vs. 28.48 ± 3.25), glycated hemoglobin (8.2 (7.4–8.8)) vs. 7.2 (6.8–7.9), ALT (68.5 (41.5–88.0) vs. 45.00 (38.00, 48.00)), CAP parameter (293.5 (270.0–319.25) vs. 267.00 (259.50, 283.75)) and steatosis degree (p = 0.001) in comparison with the control group, whose parameters remained almost stable over time. In patients affected by T2DM, the combination of empagliflozin + metformin vs. metformin monotherapy ameliorated liver steatosis, ALT levels, body weight, and glycated hemoglobin after a 6-month follow-up