Observation of Neutral Sodium Above Mercury During the Transit of November 8, 2006

We mapped the absorption of sunlight by sodium vapor in the exosphere of Mercury during the transit of Mercury on November 8, 2006, using the IBIS Interferometric BIdimensional Spectrometer at the Dunn Solar Telescope operated by the National Solar Observatory at Sunspot, New Mexico. The measurements were reduced to line-of-sight equivalent widths for absorption at the sodium D2 line around the shadow of Mercury. The sodium absorption fell off exponentially with altitude up to about 600 km. However there were regions around north and south polar-regions where relatively uniform sodium absorptions extended above 1000 km. We corrected the 0-600 km altitude profiles for seeing blur using the measured point spread function. Analysis of the corrected altitude distributions yielded surface densities, zenith column densities, temperatures and scale heights for sodium all around the planet. Sodium absorption on the dawn side equatorial terminator was less than on the dusk side, different from previous observations of the relative absorption levels. We also determined Earthward velocities for sodium atoms, and line widths for the absorptions. Earthward velocities resulting from radiation pressure on sodium averaged 0.8 km/s, smaller than a prediction of 1.5 km/s. Most line widths were in the range of 20 mA after correction for instrumental broadening, corresponding to temperatures in the range of 1000 K

Biological invasion hotspots: a trait-based perspective reveals new sub-continental patterns

Invader traits (including plant growth form) may play an important, and perhaps overlooked, role in determining macroscale patterns of biological invasions and therefore warrant greater consideration in future investigations aimed at understanding these patterns. To assess this need, we used empirical data from a national-level survey of forest in the contiguous 48 states of the USA to identify geographic hotspots of forest plant invasion for three distinct invasion characteristics: invasive species richness, trait richness (defined as the number of the five following plant growth forms represented by the invasive plants present at a given location: forbs, grasses, shrubs, trees, and vines), and species richness within each growth form. Three key findings emerged. 1) Th e hotspots identified encompassed from 9 to 23% of the total area of our study region, thereby revealing many forests to be not only invaded, but highly invaded. 2) Substantial spatial disagreement among hotspots of invasive species richness, invasive trait richness, and species richness of invasive plants within each growth form revealed many locations to be hotspots for invader traits, or for particular growth forms of invasive plants, rather than for invasive plants in general. 3) Despite eastern forests exhibiting higher levels of plant invasion than western forests, species richness for invasive forbs and grasses in the west were respectively greater than and equivalent to levels found in the east. Contrasting patterns between eastern and western forests in the number of invasive species detected for each growth form combined with the spatial disagreement found among hotspot types suggests trait-based variability in invasion drivers. Our findings reveal invader traits to be an important contributor to macroscale invasion patterns

The Link Between Depression and Bone Fractures in the Rio Grande Valley

Background: The prevalence of depression has increased throughout the twenty-first century, with depression experiencing a spike in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent evidence has suggested that depression may be linked with changes in bone health such as fractures which may then worsen the existing depression. In this study, we sought to evaluate the relationship between depression and bone health directly in the patient population in the Rio Grande Valley, an area that is medically underserved. Specifically, we sought to determine how a history of depression was related to bone fracture frequency in our target population. We hypothesized that individuals diagnosed with depression would have an increased risk of bone fractures compared to individuals without depression. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of electronic medical records within the UTHealth RGV database at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) from 2019 through 2022. We analyzed medical records that had: (1) a dual diagnosis of depression and a bone fracture (Group 1; n=32), (2) a diagnosis of only a fractured bone (Group 2; n=117), (3) a diagnosis of only depression (Group 3; n=1,918), and (4) the total number of patients (Group 4; n=50,784). We then calculated the fracture incidence rate for individuals in Group 3 and compared it to the fracture incidence rate in individuals without depression. The depression prevalence and fracture incidence rates for our data were also calculated and compared to the national depression prevalence and fracture incidence rate. Lastly, 95% confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate the uncertainty in our data. Results:Our findings suggest that the fracture rate for individuals diagnosed with depression was 1.67% in the Rio Grande Valley, while the fracture incidence rate in individuals without depression was observed to be 0.24% (p Conclusion: Our results suggest that bone health may be impacted in individuals with depression in the Rio Grande Valley. Overall, we anticipate that our findings may be used to improve bone health in individuals with depression in order to prevent future fractures

The Influence of Concussions on Fracture Severity: A Retrospective Chart Review

Background: Since 2005, there has been an 87% increase in concussions in high school sports. Concussions and concussion-like events are associated with a myriad of pathologies, but recently, clinical research has suggested that such events can lead to hypoparathyroidism and decreased bone mass. Specifically, research has suggested that following a concussion-like event, blood calcium may be reduced and influence bone mass and future healing from bone insults. However, a specific correlation between the loss of available blood calcium and severity of bone fractures in previously concussed individuals has yet to be identified. In this study, we will explore the clinical correlations between head trauma, specifically concussions, and the severity of bone fractures in the unique and diverse population of the Rio Grande Valley. Methods: We conducted a Retrospective Chart Review of medical records within UTRGV Health. We evaluated medical charts that were classified with the following ICD-10 codes for concussion and concussion-like events: S06.0, S06.0X0, S06.0X1, S06.0XA, S06.0X9. For all reviewed charts, we evaluated sex, ethnicity/demographics, metabolic blood panel data, and age. ICD-10 concussion codes were cross-referenced with calcium serum levels derived by the metabolic blood panel data to determine if there is a correlation between the different criteria. Additional factors considered included: severity of the head trauma, time between the head trauma and calcium results, and relevant clinical pathologies the patients might possess. Within these parameters, seven individuals were identified and evaluated. Average calcium was determined by taking the average of all available calcium tests within the Athena database (n=20,960). Results/Discussion: Our criteria resulted in 7 medical charts being reviewed. Age ranges for reviewed patients were 17 to 46 years old. Blood calcium levels from the reviewed charts ranged from: 9.0 to 9.6 mg/dL. The average observed blood calcium level in individuals with a history of concussion was 9.2 +/- 0.22 mg/dL compared to normal calcium values of 9.35 mg/dL. Therefore our preliminary findings suggest that concussion-like events may be linked with lower calcium levels. Conclusion: Our data indicates that concussions may be implicated in causing a lowered serum calcium in patients, implying there may be a clinically relevant link between concussions and decreased serum calcium levels. Decreased serum calcium may be indicated as a risk factor for a plethora of other bone related illnesses, including osteoporosis and bone fractures. Further research is planned to expand the parameters of the study to include ICD-10 codes S02, S03, S07,and S09. This will allow researchers to further test if traumatic brain injury is clinically associated with a lowered serum calcium level

Neurological Comorbidities in Hispanic Skin Cancer Patients in South Texas: A Five-Year Retrospective Study

Background: Skin cancer is highly prevalent in the South Texas region due to a combination of increased UVB exposure, occupational hazards, and lack of access to preventative screening. Unfortunately, several studies have suggested that skin cancer diagnosis may be linked with an increased risk of neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s Disease. For example, it was recently suggested that amyloid beta plaques may have a role in melanoma metastasis. Here, we seek to evaluate the role of skin cancer incidence and the degree and severity of neurological comorbidities, with a particular focus on the Hispanic patient population. We anticipate that a unique relationship will exist in the Hispanic patient population, where a history of skin cancer may be related to a more severe or early-onset neurodegenerative disease. Method: We conducted a comprehensive retrospective chart review of UT Health RGV medical records for all common skin cancers dating back five years. We included common skin cancers within ICD-10 codes C44, C43, and C4A for our analysis. This classification includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Inclusion criteria for the study included patients who self-reported as Hispanic or Latino/Spanish. We excluded charts that were duplicative or needed more information. After screening, we reviewed 838 unique patient charts for accompanying neurological comorbidities. We examined neurological comorbidities classified by the following ICD-10 codes: Q85.0, G20, and G30. These classifications include neurofibromatosis type 1, type 2, schwannomatosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Statistical analysis consisted of chi-square testing, correlation analysis, and survival analysis. Results/discussion: Our analysis aimed to help elucidate potential relationships between common skin cancers and neurological comorbidities. Specifically, we evaluated the association between having skin cancer and neurological comorbidities, the strength and direction of the relationship between variables, and the time it takes to develop neurological conditions after the development of skin cancer. Our preliminary findings suggest a relationship will exist between the existence of our neurological comorbidities of interest and prior or concurrent skin cancer malignancies. Conclusion: This project aims to elucidate the prevalence of neurological disorders in patients with current or prior cases of common skin cancers. Due to the geographical and socioeconomic nature of the Rio Grande Valley, our patient population is increasingly susceptible to various skin-related malignancies. With a lack of specialists and medical professionals as a whole, this issue is compounded, leading to adverse outcomes in the long term. If a relationship is shown, the long-term goal would be to promote the education and screening of neurological and skin conditions in the area and provide additional fodder for future research goals

Quantifying Incidence of Early Onset Neurodegenerative Disease Post Traumatic Brain Injury in the Rio Grande Valley, a Retrospective Chart Review

Background: Researchers have previously established evidence of early onset neurodegenerative disease (NDD) in certain patient populations post traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is a region in South Texas which has some of the largest health disparities in the United States. This retrospective chart review aims to quantify the difference in onset of NDD in patients with and without history of TBI within the RGV from that of the broader American population in order to determine the extent at which early onset NDD may be mitigated with appropriate intervention. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted using electronic medical records (EMR) obtained from the UTRGV health system databases composed of multidisciplinary clinics and hospitals. A search query revealed 2686 unique patients that met our inclusion criteria for charts containing ICD-10 codes of S06.X or Z87.820 (TBI); and either G20, G23, G30, or G31-G35 (NDD). After review and curation, 594 charts met exclusion criteria for insufficient data, erroneous data entry, and redundant entry resulting in 2092 charts that met final inclusion criteria. Population coverage was determined by mapping clinic location via zip code and using corresponding census population data to reach a population estimate of 1,167,792. Patients with concomitant diagnoses of TBI and NDD were compared with patients with a history inclusive for only one of the pathologies by way of relative risk (RR) calculation. Results: Data analysis suggests a RR of 3.42 favoring NDD development in TBI positive patients within the RGV (RR = 3.42, 95% CI 1.10 - 10.6 ). This risk ratio nominally exceeds that found in comparable American populations (older American veterans; RR: 1.57, 95% CI 1.35–1.83). Average patient age of initial encounter for NDD within the RGV was 73 ±1.72 compared to 64.3 ±27.35 for dually diagnosed TBI/NDD patients. Conclusions: Trends exist in our current data which suggest an earlier onset of NDD in patients with a history of TBI compared to patients without TBI in the RGV. There also seems to be a greater relative risk for development of NDD in TBI positive patients within the RGV when compared to their broader American counterparts. Adoption of screening techniques aimed at identifying patients with history of TBI may lead to a timelier diagnosis and earlier initiation of treatment of NDD, reducing severity and burden of disease in the valley. In order to strengthen and establish significance of these observed trends, more patient EMRs must be identified which meet study criteria for review and continued analysis to clarify, discover, and strengthen the aforementioned relationships. Different methods can be adopted in the future to create a more robust and accurate data pool. We suggest employing TBI oriented survey questions and screening tools for appropriate patients