Bouncing cosmology in modified gravity with higher-order curvature terms

A bouncing scenario of a flat homogeneous and isotropic universe is explored by using the reconstruction technique for the power-law parametrization of the Hubble parameter in a modified gravity theory with higher-order curvature and trace of the energy-momentum tensor terms. It is demonstrated that bouncing criteria are satisfied so that the cosmological initial singularity can be avoided. In addition, it is shown that the equation of state parameter crosses the line of the phantom divide. In the present scenario, the universe is filled with perfect fluid around the bouncing point, in which the universe becomes highly unstable and a big bounce can be realized. Furthermore, it is found that extremal acceleration occurs at the bouncing point.Comment: 14 pages, 13 figure

A constrained cosmological model in f(R,Lm)f(R,L_m) gravity

In this article, we study the expanding nature of universe in the contest of $f(R,L_m)$ gravity theory, here $R$ represents the Ricci scalar and $L_m$ is the matter Lagrangian density. With a specific form of $f(R,L_m)$, we obtain the field equations for flat FLRW metric. We parametrize the deceleration parameter in terms of the Hubble parameter and from here we find four free parameters, which are constraints and estimated by using $H(z)$, $Pantheon$, and their joint data sets. Further, we investigate the evolution of the deceleration parameter which depicts a transition from the deceleration to acceleration phases of the universe. The evolution behaviour of energy density, pressure, and EoS parameters shows that the present model is an accelerated quintessence dark energy model. To compare our model with the $\Lambda$CDM model we use some of the diagnostic techniques. Thus, we find that our model in $f(R,L_m)$ gravity supports the recent standard observational studies and delineates the late-time cosmic acceleration.Comment: 14 pages, 11 figure

Curvature dominance DE-model in f(R)f(R)-gravity

We have probed a cosmological model in $f(R)$-gravity, which is a cubic equation in scalar curvature $R$. The terms arise due to nonlinear $f(R)$ function are treated as energy due to curvature inspired geometry. As a result, we find accelerating expansion in the universe, which creates an anti-gravitating negative pressure in it. Some of the physical parameters are solved using numerical methods. The evolution of the model are examined by the latest observational Hubble data (46-data points) and Pantheon data (the latest compilation of SNIa with 40 binned in the redshift range $0.014 \leqslant z \leqslant1.62$). Some important features of the model have been discussed by analyzing the plots of various dynamical parameters. The plots of deceleration parameter $q$ and the Hubble parameter $H$ describe the accelerating expansion in the evolution of the Universe at the present epoch. The transition from deceleration to acceleration for our model is obtained at redshift $z_{tr} \simeq 0.694069$, which is in good agreement with $\Lambda$CDM. We have also carried out state finder analysis for our model. The analysis of specific features of the model confirms that our model is consistent with $\Lambda$CDM in late times.Comment: 9 pages, 10 figure

Calcific myofibrosis due to pentazocine abuse: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Pentazocine, a synthetic narcotic analgesic, is commonly used for the relief of moderate to severe pain secondary to various conditions. It is usually well tolerated; however, adverse effects are not uncommon, especially when higher doses are used and when it is used in a dependent fashion. There have been reports of various complications associated with its use, including skin fibrosis, skin ulceration, abnormal skin pigmentation and symmetrical myopathy with fibrous myopathy. Fibrosis has usually been reported in the muscles at the site of injection of the drug. Being opioid in nature, it has a high abuse potential.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>Here we report a case of pentazocine-induced calcific myofibrosis in a 42-year-old man involving muscles which were not injected with pentazocine.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This case highlights the care that needs to be taken when prescribing opioid analgesics, such as pentazocine, as routine painkillers. Patients who have history of substance abuse are more likely to abuse other agents, including prescription drugs. Rare consequences such as calcific myofibrosis are devastating and can cause significant lifelong disability.</p

Assessing the symptoms of Internet Gaming Disorder among college/university students: An international validation study of a self-report

The present study evaluated the psychometric properties of a self-report scale for assessing Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) symptoms according to the DSM-5 and ICD-11 among 3270 college/university students (2095 [64.1%] females; age mean 21.6 [3.1] years) from different countries worldwide. Croatian, English, Polish, Portuguese, Serbian, Turkish, and Vietnamese versions of the scale were tested. The study showed that symptoms of IGD could be measured as a single underlying factor among college/university students. A nine item-symptom scale following DSM-5, and a short four-item scale representing the main ICD-11 symptoms, had sound internal consistency and construct validity. Three symptom-items were found non-invariant across the language samples (i.e., preoccupation with on-line gaming, loss of interests in previous hobbies and entertainment, and the use of gaming to relieve negative moods). This study provides initial evidence for assessing IGD symptoms among college/university students and will hopefully foster further research into gaming addiction in this population worldwide especially with taking into account language/cultural differences

Changes in circulating microRNA levels can be identified as early as day 8 of pregnancy in cattle

<div><p>Poor reproductive performance remains a major issue in the dairy industry, with low conception rates having a significant impact on milk production through extended calving intervals. A major limiting factor is the lack of reliable methods for early pregnancy diagnosis. Identification of animals within a herd that fail to conceive within 3 weeks after insemination would allow early re-insemination and shorten calving intervals. In a previous study, we found an increase in plasma miR-26a levels in Day 16-pregnant relative to non-pregnant heifers, however changes in miRNA levels that early during pregnancy were very small which likely prevented the identification of robust biomarkers. In this study, we extended our analyses to a wider interval during pregnancy (Days 8 to 60, n = 11 heifers) with the rationale that this may facilitate the identification of additional early pregnancy miRNA biomarkers. Using small RNA sequencing we identified a total of 77 miRNAs that were differentially expressed on Day 60 relative to Day 0 of pregnancy. We selected 14 miRNAs for validation by RT-qPCR and confirmed significant differences in the expression of let-7f, let-7c, miR-30c, miR-101, miR-26a, miR-205 and miR-143 between Days 0 and 60. RT-qPCR profiling throughout Days 0, 8, 16 and 60 of pregnancy showed a distinct increase in circulating levels of miR-26a (3.1-fold, P = 0.046) as early as Day 8 of pregnancy. In summary, in contrast to earlier stages of pregnancy (≤ Day 24), marked differences in the levels of multiple miRNAs can be detected in circulation by Day 60 in cattle. Retrospective analyses showed miR-26a levels to be increased in circulation as early as Day 8, sooner than previously reported in any species, suggesting a biological role for this miRNA in the very early events of pregnancy.</p></div

Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression among Outpatients with Type 2 Diabetes in the Mexican Population

Depression and anxiety are common in diabetic patients; however, in recent years the frequency of these symptoms has markedly increased worldwide. Therefore, it is necessary to establish the frequency and factors associated with depression and anxiety, since they can be responsible for premature morbidity, mortality, risk of developing comorbidities, complications, suffering of patients, as well as escalation of costs. We studied the frequency of depression and anxiety in Mexican outpatients with type 2 diabetes and identified the risk factors for depression and anxiety.We performed a study in 820 patients with type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of depression and anxiety was estimated using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, respectively. We calculated the proportions for depression and anxiety and, after adjusting for confounding variables, we performed multivariate analysis using multiple logistic regressions to evaluate the combined effect of the various factors associated with anxiety and depression among persons with type 2 diabetes. The rates for depression and anxiety were 48.27% (95% CI: 44.48–52.06) and 55.10% (95% CI: 51.44–58.93), respectively. Occupation and complications in diabetes were the factors associated with anxiety, whereas glucose level and complications in diabetes were associated with depression. Complications in diabetes was a factor common to depression and anxiety (p<0.0001; OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.29–2.4).Our findings demonstrate that a large proportion of diabetic patients present depression and/or anxiety. We also identified a significant association between complications in diabetes with depression and anxiety. Interventions are necessary to hinder the appearance of complications in diabetes and in consequence prevent depression and anxiety