SARS-CoV-2 and the risk of Parkinson's disease: facts and fantasy.

During the pandemic it has become clear that severe acure respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causes not just respiratory disease, but can affect multiple organs and tissues. Of note is the involvement of the CNS and PNS, and the fact that this involvement is independent from the severity of the respiratory disease. Acute and subacute neurological complications of SARS-CoV-2 infections are reported in up to 85% of patients, including those with severe COVID-19, but also in otherwise minimally symptomatic or asymptomatic people. As many as 65% of people with COVID-19 present with hyposmia, which is also a common premotor symptom in Parkinson’s disease. This symptom, added to the fact that parkinsonism has been reported following COVID-19, has drawn the attention of the medical community to the hypothetical link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and Parkinson’s disease.Fil: Merello, Marcelo Jorge. Fundación para la Lucha contra las Enfermedades Neurológicas de la Infancia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Bhatia, Kailash P.. No especifíca;Fil: Obeso, Jose A.. Fundación para la Lucha contra las Enfermedades Neurológicas de la Infancia; Argentin

Massive 70 micron quiet clumps I: evidence of embedded low/intermediate-mass star formation activity

Massive clumps, prior to the formation of any visible protostars, are the best candidates to search for the elusive massive starless cores. In this work we investigate the dust and gas properties of massive clumps selected to be 70 micron quiet, therefore good starless candidates. Our sample of 18 clumps has masses 300 < M < 3000 M_sun, radius 0.54 < R < 1.00 pc, surface densities Sigma > 0.05 g cm^-2 and luminosity/mass ratio L/M < 0.3. We show that half of these 70 micron quiet clumps embed faint 24 micron sources. Comparison with GLIMPSE counterparts shows that 5 clumps embed young stars of intermediate stellar mass up to ~5.5 M_sun. We study the clump dynamics with observations of N2H+ (1-0), HNC (1-0) and HCO+ (1-0) made with the IRAM 30m telescope. Seven clumps have blue-shifted spectra compatible with infall signatures, for which we estimate a mass accretion rate 0.04 < M_dot < 2.0 x 10^-3 M_sun yr^-1, comparable with values found in high-mass protostellar regions, and free-fall time of the order of t_ff = 3 x 10^5 yr. The only appreciable difference we find between objects with and without embedded 24 micron sources is that the infall rate appears to increase from 24 micron dark to 24 micron bright objects. We conclude that all 70 micron quiet objects have similar properties on clump scales, independently of the presence of an embedded protostar. Based on our data we speculate that the majority, if not all of these clumps may already embed faint, low-mass protostellar cores. If these clumps are to form massive stars, this must occur after the formation of these lower mass stars.Comment: 44 pages, 11 Figures. Accepted for publication in MNRA

The Bolocam Galactic Plane Survey. XI. Temperatures and Substructure of Galactic Clumps Based on 350 ?M Observations

We present 107 maps of continuum emission at 350 mu m from Galactic molecular clumps. Observed sources were mainly selected from the Bolocam Galactic Plane Survey (BGPS) catalog, with three additional maps covering star-forming regions in the outer Galaxy. The higher resolution of the SHARC-II images (8."5 beam) compared with the 1.1 mm images from BGPS (33"beam) allowed us to identify a large population of smaller substructures within the clumps. A catalog is presented for the 1386 sources extracted from the 350 mu m maps. The color temperature distribution of clumps based on the two wavelengths has a median of 13.3 K and mean of 16.3 +/- 0.4 K, assuming an opacity law index of 1.7. For the structures with good determination of color temperatures, the mean ratio of gas temperature, determined from NH3 observations, to dust color temperature is 0.88 and the median ratio is 0.76. About half the clumps have more than 2 substructures and 22 clumps have more than 10. The fraction of the mass in dense substructures seen at 350 mu m compared to the mass of their parental clump is similar to 0.19, and the surface densities of these substructures are, on average, 2.2 times those seen in the clumps identified at 1.1 mm. For a well-characterized sample, 88 structures (31%) exceed a surface density of 0.2 g cm(-2), and 18 (6%) exceed 1.0 g cm(-2), thresholds for massive star Formation suggested by theorists.National Science Foundation through NSF grant AST-0708403NRAONSF AST-9980846, AST-0206158, AST-1109116Fulbright FellowshipASI, AgenziaSpaziale Italiana I/038/080/0, I/029/12/0national funding agency: CSA (Canada)national funding agency: NAOC (China)national funding agency: CEA (France)national funding agency: ASI (Italy)national funding agency: MCINN (Spain)national funding agency: Stockholm Observatory (Sweden)national funding agency: STFC (UK)national funding agency: NASA (USA)national funding agency: CNES (France)national funding agency: CNRS (France)Astronom

Observations and chemical modeling of the isotopologues of formaldehyde and the cations of formyl and protonated formaldehyde in the hot molecular core G331.512-0.103

In the interstellar cold gas, the chemistry of formaldehyde (H$_2$CO) can be essential to explain the formation of complex organic molecules. On this matter, the massive and energetic protostellar object G331 is still unexplored and, hence, we carried out a comprehensive study of the isotopologues of H$_2$CO and formyl cation (HCO$^+$), and of protonated formaldehyde (H$_2$COH$^+$) through the APEX observations in the spectral window $\sim$159-356~GHz. We employed observational and theoretical methods to derive the physical properties of the molecular gas combining LTE and non-LTE analyses. Formaldehyde was characterized via 35 lines of H$_2$CO, H$_2^{13}$CO, HDCO and H$_2$C$^{18}$O. The formyl cation was detected via 8 lines of HCO$^+$, H$^{13}$CO$^+$, HC$^{18}$O$^+$ and HC$^{17}$O$^+$. Deuterium was clearly detected via HDCO, whereas DCO$^+$ remained undetected. H$_2$COH$^+$ was detected through 3 clean lines. According to the radiative analysis, formaldehyde appears to be embedded in a bulk gas with a wide range of temperatures ($T\sim$20-90 K), while HCO$^+$ and H$_2$COH$^+$ are primarily associated with a colder gas ($T\lesssim$ 30 K). The reaction H$_2$CO+HCO$^+ \rightarrow$ H$_2$COH$^+$ + CO is crucial for the balance of the three species. We used Nautilus gas-grain code to predict the evolution of their molecular abundances relative to H$_2$ which values at time scales $\sim$10$^3$ yr matched with the observations in G331: [H$_2$CO] = (0.2-2) $\times$10$^{-8}$, [HCO$^+$] = (0.5-4) $\times$10$^{-9}$ and [H$_2$COH$^+$] = (0.2-2) $\times$10$^{-10}$. Based on the molecular evolution of H$_2$CO, HCO$^+$ and H$_2$COH$^+$, we hypothesized about the young lifetime of G331, which is consistent with the active gas-grain chemistry of massive protostellar objects.Comment: 24 pages, 8 figures, 8 tables. Accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journa

SiO Outflows in the Most Luminous and Massive Protostellar Sources of the Southern Sky

(Abridged) High-mass star formation is far less understood than low-mass star formation. It entails molecular outflows, which disturb the protostellar clump. Studying these outflows and the shocked gas they cause is key for a better understanding of this process. This study aims to characterise the behaviour of molecular outflows in the most massive protostellar sources in the Southern Galaxy by looking for evolutionary trends and associating shocked gas with outflow activity. We present APEX SEPIA180 observations (beamwidth $\sim$36") of SiO outflow candidates of a sample of 32 luminous and dense clumps, candidates to harbouring Hot Molecular Cores. We study the SiO(4-3) line emission, an unambiguous tracer of shocked gas and recent outflow activity, the HCO$^+$(2-1) and H$^{13}$CO$^+$(2-1) lines. 78% of our sample present SiO emission. Nine of these also have wings in the HCO$^+$ line, indicating outflow activity. The SiO emission of these 9 sources is more intense and wider than the rest, suggesting that the outflows in this group are faster and more energetic. Three positive correlations between the outflow properties were found, which suggest that more energetic outflows bear to mobilise more material. No correlation was found between the evolutionary stage indicator $L/M$ and SiO outflow properties, supporting that outflows happen throughout the whole high-mass star formation process. We conclude that sources with both SiO emission and HCO$^+$ wings and sources with only SiO emission are in virtually the same advanced stage of evolution in the high-mass star formation process. The former present more massive and more powerful SiO outflows than the latter. Thus, looking for more outflow signatures such as HCO$^+$ wings could help identify more massive and active massive star-forming regions in samples of similarly evolved sources, as well as sources with older outflow activity.Comment: 24 pages, 37 figures, 11 table

Sacral agenesis: a pilot whole exome sequencing and copy number study

Background: Caudal regression syndrome (CRS) or sacral agenesis is a rare congenital disorder characterized by a constellation of congenital caudal anomalies affecting the caudal spine and spinal cord, the hindgut, the urogenital system, and the lower limbs. CRS is a complex condition, attributed to an abnormal development of the caudal mesoderm, likely caused by the effect of interacting genetic and environmental factors. A well-known risk factor is maternal type 1 diabetes. Method: Whole exome sequencing and copy number variation (CNV) analyses were conducted on 4 Caucasian trios to identify de novo and inherited rare mutations. Results: In this pilot study, exome sequencing and copy number variation (CNV) analyses implicate a number of candidate genes, including SPTBN5, MORN1, ZNF330, CLTCL1 and PDZD2. De novo mutations were found in SPTBN5, MORN1 and ZNF330 and inherited predicted damaging mutations in PDZD2 (homozygous) and CLTCL1 (compound heterozygous). Importantly, predicted damaging mutations in PTEN (heterozygous), in its direct regulator GLTSCR2 (compound heterozygous) and in VANGL1 (heterozygous) were identified. These genes had previously been linked with the CRS phenotype. Two CNV deletions, one de novo (chr3q13.13) and one homozygous (chr8p23.2), were detected in one of our CRS patients. These deletions overlapped with CNVs previously reported in patients with similar phenotype. Conclusion: Despite the genetic diversity and the complexity of the phenotype, this pilot study identified genetic features common across CRS patients

Predicting workaholism in Spain: a discrete mathematical model

At the present time one of the most 'desirable' behavioural addictions that any person could develop is workaholism, a negative psychological state characterized by working excessively and compulsively. In our society, the successful person is one who spends all of their time working. Moreover, a common pattern of company management consists of stressing and putting pressure on employees to achieve the maximum profit. This trend has increased with the economic crisis in Spain and over the world. As a consequence, the terms hard working and workaholism are easily confounded, but their effects on the companies are highly different in terms of productivity. This paper proposes a discrete mathematical model to forecast the development of workaholism in Spain in the next years. A questionnaire is used in order to measure and classify our sample in subpopulations by their level of addiction. Then, different economic scenarios are simulated. Finally, economic and social consequences of this addiction are studied and public health recommendations are suggested.De La Poza, E.; Líbano, MD.; García, I.; Jódar Sánchez, LA.; Merello Giménez, P. (2014). Predicting workaholism in Spain: a discrete mathematical model. International Journal of Computer Mathematics. 91(2):233-240. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207160.2013.783205S233240912Schou Andreassen, C., Ursin, H., & Eriksen, H. R. (2007). The relationship between strong motivation to work, «workaholism», and health. Psychology & Health, 22(5), 615-629. doi:10.1080/14768320600941814Bowling, N. A., Beehr, T. A., & Swader, W. M. (2005). Giving and receiving social support at work: The roles of personality and reciprocity. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 67(3), 476-489. doi:10.1016/j.jvb.2004.08.004Burke, R. J., & Koksal, H. (2002). Workaholism among a Sample of Turkish Managers and Professionals: An Exploratory Study. Psychological Reports, 91(1), 60-68. doi:10.2466/pr0.2002.91.1.60Burke, R. J., Oberklaid, F., & Burgess, Z. (2004). Workaholism among Australian women psychologists: antecedents and consequences. Women in Management Review, 19(5), 252-259. doi:10.1108/09649420410545971De la Poza, E., Guadalajara, N., Jódar, L., & Merello, P. (2013). Modeling Spanish anxiolytic consumption: Economic, demographic and behavioral influences. Mathematical and Computer Modelling, 57(7-8), 1619-1624. doi:10.1016/j.mcm.2011.10.020Duato, R., & Jódar, L. (2013). Mathematical modeling of the spread of divorce in Spain. Mathematical and Computer Modelling, 57(7-8), 1732-1737. doi:10.1016/j.mcm.2011.11.020Fry, L. W., & Cohen, M. P. (2008). Spiritual Leadership as a Paradigm for Organizational Transformation and Recovery from Extended Work Hours Cultures. Journal of Business Ethics, 84(S2), 265-278. doi:10.1007/s10551-008-9695-2García, I., Jódar, L., Merello, P., & Santonja, F.-J. (2011). A discrete mathematical model for addictive buying: Predicting the affected population evolution. Mathematical and Computer Modelling, 54(7-8), 1634-1637. doi:10.1016/j.mcm.2010.12.012Gustafsson, P. E., Janlert, U., Virtanen, P., & Hammarström, A. (2012). The association between long-term accumulation of temporary employment, the cortisol awakening response and circadian cortisol levels. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 37(6), 789-800. doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2011.09.011Hochschild, A. (1997). The Time Bind. WorkingUSA, 1(2), 21-29. doi:10.1111/j.1743-4580.1997.tb00019.xNelder, J. A., & Mead, R. (1965). A Simplex Method for Function Minimization. The Computer Journal, 7(4), 308-313. doi:10.1093/comjnl/7.4.308Ng, T. W. H., Sorensen, K. L., & Feldman, D. C. (2006). Dimensions, antecedents, and consequences of workaholism: a conceptual integration and extension. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 28(1), 111-136. doi:10.1002/job.424W.E. Oates,Confessions of a Workaholic: The Facts about Work Addiction, World Publishing Company, New York, 1971.Raafat, R. M., Chater, N., & Frith, C. (2009). Herding in humans. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 13(10), 420-428. doi:10.1016/j.tics.2009.08.002Robinson, B. E., & Post, P. (1997). Risk of Addiction to Work and Family Functioning. Psychological Reports, 81(1), 91-95. doi:10.2466/pr0.1997.81.1.91Schaufeli, W. B., & Bakker, A. B. (2004). Job demands, job resources, and their relationship with burnout and engagement: a multi-sample study. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 25(3), 293-315. doi:10.1002/job.248Schaufeli, W. B., Bakker, A. B., & Salanova, M. (2006). The Measurement of Work Engagement With a Short Questionnaire. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 66(4), 701-716. doi:10.1177/0013164405282471Schaufeli, W. B., Taris, T. W., & van Rhenen, W. (2008). Workaholism, Burnout, and Work Engagement: Three of a Kind or Three Different Kinds of Employee Well-being? Applied Psychology, 57(2), 173-203. doi:10.1111/j.1464-0597.2007.00285.xSchaufeli, W. B., Bakker, A. B., van der Heijden, F. M. M. A., & Prins, J. T. (2009). Workaholism, burnout and well-being among junior doctors: The mediating role of role conflict. Work & Stress, 23(2), 155-172. doi:10.1080/02678370902834021Shimazu, A., Schaufeli, W. B., & Taris, T. W. (2010). How Does Workaholism Affect Worker Health and Performance? The Mediating Role of Coping. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 17(2), 154-160. doi:10.1007/s12529-010-9077-xSonnentag, S. (2003). Recovery, work engagement, and proactive behavior: A new look at the interface between nonwork and work. Journal of Applied Psychology, 88(3), 518-528. doi:10.1037/0021-9010.88.3.518Yaniv, G. (2011). Workaholism and marital estrangement: A rational-choice perspective. Mathematical Social Sciences, 61(2), 104-108. doi:10.1016/j.mathsocsci.2010.11.00

Isocyanic acid (HNCO) in the Hot Molecular Core G331.512-0.103: Observations and Chemical Modelling

The authors thank the anonymous referee for the useful comments that improved the article. CMC acknowledges the support of CNPq, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico – Brazil, process number 41714/2016-6. This study was financed in part by the Coordenaçao de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Níıvel Su- perior – Brasil (CAPES) – Finance Code 001. LB acknowledges support from CONICYT (Comisión Nacional de Investigació Científica y Tecnolóogica) project Basal AFB-170002. EM acknowledges sup- port from the Brazilian agencies FAPESP (Fundaçao de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, grant 2014/22095-6) and CNPq (grant 150465/2019-0). MC acknowledges the financial support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement no 872081; from the Spanish National Research, Development, and Innovation plan (RDI plan) under the project PID2019-104002GB-C21; the Consejería de Conocimiento, Investigación y Universidad, Junta de Andalucía and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), ref. SOMM17/6105/UGR; the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (ref. COOPB20364); and by the Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Física, Matemáticas y Computación (CEAFMC) of the University of Huelva