41 results
VaTEST III: Validation of eight potential super-earths from TESS data
- Priyashkumar Mistry, Aniket Prasad, Mousam Maity, Kamlesh Pathak, Sarvesh Gharat, Georgios Lekkas, Surendra Bhattarai, Dhruv Kumar, Jack J. Lissauer, Joseph D. Twicken, Abderahmane Soubkiou, Francisco J. Pozuelos, Jon Jenkins, Keith Horne, Steven Giacalone, Khalid Barkaoui, Mathilde Timmermans, Cristilyn N. Watkins, Ramotholo Sefako, Karen A. Collins, David R. Ciardi, Catherine A. Clark, Boris S. Safonov, Avi Shporer, Joshua E. Schlieder, Zouhair Benkhaldoun, Chris Stockdale, Carl Ziegler, Emily A. Gilbert, Jehin Emmanuël, Felipe Murgas, Ian J. M. Crossfield, Martin Paegert, Michael B. Lund, Norio Narita, Richard P. Schwarz, Robert F. Goeke, Sergio B. Fajardo-Acosta, Steve B. Howell, Thiam-Guan Tan, Thomas Barclay, Yugo Kawai
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- Journal:
- Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia / Volume 41 / 2024
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 11 April 2024, e030
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NASA’s all-sky survey mission, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), is specifically engineered to detect exoplanets that transit bright stars. Thus far, TESS has successfully identified approximately 400 transiting exoplanets, in addition to roughly 6 000 candidate exoplanets pending confirmation. In this study, we present the results of our ongoing project, the Validation of Transiting Exoplanets using Statistical Tools (VaTEST). Our dedicated effort is focused on the confirmation and characterisation of new exoplanets through the application of statistical validation tools. Through a combination of ground-based telescope data, high-resolution imaging, and the utilisation of the statistical validation tool known as TRICERATOPS, we have successfully discovered eight potential super-Earths. These planets bear the designations: TOI-238b (1.61$^{+0.09} _{-0.10}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-771b (1.42$^{+0.11} _{-0.09}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-871b (1.66$^{+0.11} _{-0.11}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-1467b (1.83$^{+0.16} _{-0.15}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-1739b (1.69$^{+0.10} _{-0.08}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-2068b (1.82$^{+0.16} _{-0.15}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-4559b (1.42$^{+0.13} _{-0.11}$ R$_\oplus$), and TOI-5799b (1.62$^{+0.19} _{-0.13}$ R$_\oplus$). Among all these planets, six of them fall within the region known as ‘keystone planets’, which makes them particularly interesting for study. Based on the location of TOI-771b and TOI-4559b below the radius valley we characterised them as likely super-Earths, though radial velocity mass measurements for these planets will provide more details about their characterisation. It is noteworthy that planets within the size range investigated herein are absent from our own solar system, making their study crucial for gaining insights into the evolutionary stages between Earth and Neptune.
56 Dunning-Kruger Effect and Anxiety in a Mexican population
- Natalia L. Acosta, Krissy E. Smith, Tara L. Victor, David H. Hardy, Alberto L. Fernandez, Raymundo Cervantes, Ana Paula P. Quiñones, Carolina G. Castañeda, Jill Razani, Isabel D.C. Muñoz, Daniel W. Lopez-Hernandez
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- Journal:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, pp. 841-842
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Objective:
The Dunning-Krueger effect is a cognitive bias where individuals tend to overestimate their abilities in areas where they are less competent. The Cordoba Naming Test (CNT) is a 30-item confrontation naming task. Hardy and Wright (2018) conditionally validated a measure of perceived mental workload called the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). Researchers reported that workload ratings on the NASA-TLX increased with increased task demands on a cognitive task. Anxiety is known as an emotion that can make an individual more susceptible to develop a mental health condition. We examine if the Dunning-Krueger effect occurs in a Mexican population with and without current symptoms of anxiety and possible factors driving individuals to overestimate their abilities on the CNT. We predicted the abnormal symptoms of anxiety (ASA) group would report better CNT performance, report higher perceived workloads on the CNT, and underperform on the CNT compared to the normal symptoms of anxiety (NSA) group. We also predicted the low-performance group would report better CNT performance, report higher perceived workloads on the CNT, and underperform on the CNT compared to the high-performance group.
Participants and Methods:The sample consisted of 192 Mexican participants with NSA (79 low-performance & 113 high-performance) and 74 Mexican participants with ASA (44 low-performance & 30 high-performance). Participants completed the CNT, NASA-TLX, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in Spanish. The NASA-TLX was used to evaluate perceived workloads after the completion of the CNT. Meanwhile, the HADS was used to create our anxiety groups. Finally, CNT raw scores were converted into T-scores, which then were averaged to create the following two groups: low-performance (CNT T-Score <50) and high-performance (CNT T-Score 50+). A series of 2x2 ANCOVAs, controlling for gender were used to evaluate CNT performance and perceived workloads.
Results:We found a significant interaction where the low-performance ASA and the high-performance NSA groups demonstrated better CNT performance and reported higher perceived workloads (i.e., performance, temporal demand) on the CNT compared to their respective counterparts (i.e., low-performance NSA & high-performance ASA groups), p's<.05, ηp's2=.02. We found a main effect where the high-performance group outperformed the low-performance group on the CNT and reported lower perceived workloads on the CNT, p's<.05, ηp's2 =.04-.46.
Conclusions:The Dunning-Krueger effect did not occur in our sample. Participants that demonstrated better CNT performance also reported higher perceived workloads regardless of their current symptoms of anxiety. A possible explanation can be our sample's cultural norms of what would be considered as abnormal symptoms of anxiety, is a normal part of life, decreasing the possibilities to experience self-efficacy distoritions. Future studies should investigate whether the Dunning-Kruger effect may be influencing other aspects of cognitive functioning subjectively in Mexicans residing in Mexico and the United States with and without current symptoms of anxiety.
89 Depression and Executive Function in a Mexican Population
- Natalia Lozano Acosta, Yvette De Jesus, Krissy E Smith, Isabel D.C. Munoz, Adriana Cuello Cancino, Mariam Gomez, Raymundo Cervantes, Daniel W Lopez Hernandez
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- Journal:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, pp. 289-290
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Objective:
Depression is a mood or emotional state that is characterized by feelings of sadness (i.e., a loss of interest in activities, low self-worth) for a minimum of two weeks. Executive function is a set of mental processes that are necessary for cognitive control of behavior to achieve and successfully execute a specific goal (e.g., inhibition). Researchers have reported that people with abnormal symptoms of depression (ASD) demonstrate worse executive functioning abilities (e.g., planning) compared to persons with normal symptoms of depression (NSD). Currently, there is a lack of research studies examining how depressive symptoms influence executive functioning in people that identify as Mexican. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the influence of depression on executive functioning in a healthy Mexican Spanish speaking population. We hypothesized that participants with NSD would demonstrate better executive functioning abilities compared to participants with ASD.
Participants and Methods:The sample in the present study consisted of 87 neurologically and psychologically healthy Mexican participants all residing in Mexico. Mean age was 24.71 (SD = 9.66) and 14.78 (SD = 4.50) years of education completed. Participants completed a neuropsychological battery in Spanish and were divided into two groups: NSD (n = 61) and ASD (n = 26). The Stroop Color Word Test - Color-Word (SCWT-CW) task, phonemic verbal fluency task consisting of three trials, and semantic verbal fluency task consisting of one trial were used to evaluate executive functioning. In addition, participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in Spanish to report the current level of depression. ANCOVAS, controlling for age were used to examine executive functioning performance. We used a threshold of p < .05 for statistical significance.
Results:ANCOVAS revealed the NSD group outperformed the ASD group on the SCWT-CW task, p = .004, np2 = .10. We also found the NSD group outperformed the ASD group on the phonemic verbal fluency task, p = .045, np2 = .05. Finally, no significant differences were found between depression groups on the semantic verbal fluency task.
Conclusions:As we predicted, the NSD group demonstrated better executive functioning abilities compared to the ASD group, except on the semantic verbal fluency task. Our data suggests that the current level of depression have a significant influence on verbal executive functioning abilities in a Spanish speaking population. Future studies with larger sample size should evaluate if current symptoms of depression influence non-verbal executive functioning abilities in a Spanish speaking Mexican population.
25 Exploring Phonemic and Semantic Fluency Ability Across Multiple Generations
- Krithika Sivaramakrishnan, Dorthy Schmidt, Krissy E Smith, Brittany Heuchert, Adriana C Cuello, Natalia L Acosta, Miriam Gomez, Isabel D Munoz, Yvette D Jesus, Daniel W Lopez-Hernandez
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- Journal:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, pp. 438-439
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Objective:
Verbal fluency tasks evaluate executive functioning by requiring a person to provide words within a certain time period that start with a certain letter (phonemic fluency) or category (semantic fluency). Research shows that age impacts test takers’ phonemic and semantic verbal fluency performance. In fact, it has been suggested that phonemic verbal fluency peaks around age 30 to 39 and begins to decline at older ages. In contrast to phonemic fluency, research suggests that semantic fluency increases steadily between test takers until age 12 and begins declining around age 20. A generation is a cohort of people born within a certain period who share age and experiences. Studies show that Generation X individuals (persons born between 1965-1980) outperform Generation Y (persons born between 19811995) and Generation Z individuals (persons born between 1965-1980) on the Cordoba Naming Test. To our knowledge, no study has investigated verbal fluency performance across generational groups. We predicted that Generation X individuals would outperform individuals from Generation Y and Z on both verbal fluency measures.
Participants and Methods:The sample of the present study consisted of 107 participants with a mean age of 27.39 (SD = 9.16). Participants were divided into three groups: Generation X (n = 19), Generation Y (n = 52), and Generation Z (n = 36). The phonemic verbal fluency task consisted of three trials and the semantic verbal fluency task consisted of one trial, one minute each. A series of ANCOVAs with Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used to evaluate verbal fluency performance between generational groups. All participants passed performance validity testing.
Results:We found significant differences between our generational groups on both verbal fluency tasks. Post-hoc tests revealed that the Generation Y group outperformed both Generation X and Z groups on both verbal fluency tasks, p’s <.05, np2 =.11 -.16. No significant differences were found on either verbal fluency task between the Generation X and Z groups.
Conclusions:Contrary to our hypothesis, Generation Y individuals possessed better phonemic and semantic fluency than both Generation X and Z individuals. Meanwhile, Generation X individuals did not significantly differ on any of the verbal fluency tasks compared to Generation Z individuals. Speaking multiple languages has been shown to impact verbal fluency performance. In our sample, the Generation X and Z groups consisted primarily of bilingual speakers compared to the Generation Y group. Examining generational differences is essential to understand the unique characteristics and impact of the times in which various individuals have grown up. Future research, for instance, should evaluate the influence of bilingualism across generational groups on verbal fluency performance.
22 Cordoba Naming Test Performance and Acculturation in a Geriatric Population
- Isabel C.D. Muñoz, Krissy E. Smith, Santiago I. Espinoza, Diana M. R. Maqueda, Adriana C. Cuello, Ana Paula Pena, Carolina Garza, Raymundo Cervantes, Jill Razani, Tara L. Victor, David J. Hardy, Alberto L. Fernandez, Natalia Lozano Acosta, Daniel W. Lopez-Hernandez
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- Journal:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, pp. 335-336
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Objective:
A commonly used confrontation naming task used in the United States is The Boston Naming Test (BNT). Performance differences has been found in Caucasian and ethnic minorities on the BNT. The Cordoba Naming Test (CNT) is a 30-item confrontation naming task developed in Argentina. Past research has shown acculturation levels can influence cognitive performance. Furthermore, one study evaluated geriatric gender differences on CNT performance in Spanish. Researchers reported that older male participants outperformed female participants on the CNT. To our knowledge, researchers have not evaluated ethnic differences on the CNT using a geriatric sample. The purpose of the present study was to examined CNT performance and acculturation in a Latinx and Caucasian geriatric sample. It was predicted the Caucasian group would outperform the Latinx group on the CNT. Moreover, the Caucasian group would report higher acculturation levels on the Abbreviated Multidimensional Acculturation Scale (AMAS) compared to the Latinx group.
Participants and Methods:The sample consisted of 9 Latinx and 11 Caucasian participants with a mean age of 66.80 (SD =6.10), with an average of 14.30 (SD = 2.00) years of education. All participants were neurologically and psychologically healthy and completed the CNT and the AMAS in English. Acculturation was measured via the AMAS English subscales (i.e., English Language, United States. Identity, United States, Competency). A series of ANCOVAs, controlling for years of education completed and gender, was used to evaluate CNT performance and acculturation.
Results:The ethnic groups were not well demographically matched (i.e., years of education and gender).We found that the Caucasian group outperformed the Latinx group on CNT performance p = .012, ηp 2 = .34. Furthermore, the Caucasian group reported higher acculturation levels (i.e., English Language, United States, Identity, United States, Competency) compared to the Latinx group p’s < .05, ηps2 = .42-.64.
Conclusions:To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate CNT performance between ethnic groups with a geriatric sample. As expected the Caucasian group outperformed the Latinx group on the CNT. Also, as expected the Caucasian group reported higher English acculturation levels compared to the Latinx group. Our findings are consistent with past studies showing ethnic differences on confrontational naming performance (i.e., The Boston Naming Test), favoring Caucasians. A possible explanation for group differences could have been linguistic factors (e.g., speaking multiple languages) in our Latinx group. Therefore, since our Latinx group reported lower levels of English Language, United States identity, and United States competency the Latinx group assimilation towards United States culture might of influence their CNT performance. Future studies with different ethnic groups (e.g., African-Americans) and a larger sample size should examine if ethnic differences continue to cross-validate in a geriatric sample.
30 Analyzing Spanish Speakers Cordoba Naming Test Performance
- Raymundo Cervantes, Isabel D.C. Munoz, Estefania J. Aguirre, Natalia Lozano Acosta, Mariam Gomez, Adriana C. Cuello, Krissy E. Smith, Diana I. Palacios Mata, Krithika Sivaramakrishnan, Yvette De Jesus, Santiago I. Espinoza, Diana M. R. Maqueda, David J. Hardy, Tara L. Victor, Alberto L. Fernandez, Daniel W. Lopez-Hernandez
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- Journal:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, pp. 443-444
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Objective:
A 30-item confrontation naming test was developed in Argentina for Spanish speakers, The Cordoba Naming Test (CNT). The Boston Naming Test is an established confrontation naming task in the United States. Researchers have used the Boston Naming Test to identify individuals with different clinical pathologies (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease). The current literature on how Spanish speakers across various countries perform on confrontational naming tasks is limited. To our knowledge, one study investigated CNT performance across three Spanish-speaking countries (i.e., Argentina, Mexico, and Guatemala). Investigators found that the Guatemalan group underperformed on the CNT compared to the Argentine and Mexican groups. The purpose of this study was to extend the current literature and investigate CNT performance across five Spanish-speaking countries (i.e., Argentina, Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, United States). We predicted that the Argentine group would outperform the other Spanish-speaking countries.
Participants and Methods:The present study sample consisted of 502 neurologically and psychologically healthy participants with a mean age of 29.06 (SD = 13.41) with 14.75 years of education completed (SD = 3.01). Participants were divided into five different groups based on their country of birth and current country residency (i.e., United States, Mexico, Guatemala, Argentina, & Colombia). All participants consented to voluntary participation and completed the CNT and a comprehensive background questionnaire in Spanish. The CNT consisted of 30 black and white line drawings, ranging from easy to hard in difficulty. An ANCOVA, controlling for gender, education, and age, was used to evaluate CNT performance between the five Spanish-speaking country groups. Meanwhile, a Bonferroni post-hoc test was utilized to evaluate the significant differences between Spanish-speaking groups. We used a threshold of p < .05 for statistical significance.
Results:Results revealed significant group differences between the five Spanish speaking groups on the CNT, p = .000, np2 = .48. Bonferroni post-hoc test revealed that the United States group significantly underperformed on the CNT compared to all the Spanish-speaking groups. Next, we found the Guatemalan group underperformed on the CNT compared to the Argentinian, Mexican, and Colombian groups. Additionally, we found the Argentinian group outperformed the Mexican, Guatemalan, and United States groups on the CNT. No significant differences were found between the Argentinian group and Colombian group or the Mexican group and Colombian group on the CNT.
Conclusions:As predicted, the Argentinian group outperformed all the Spanish-speaking groups on the CNT except the Colombian group. Additionally, we found that the United States group underperformed on the CNT compared to all the Spanish-speaking groups. A possible explanation is that Spanish is not the official language in the United States compared to the rest of the Spanish-speaking groups. Meanwhile, a possible reason why the Argentinian and Colombian groups demonstrated better CNT performances might have been that it was less culturally sensitive than the United States, Mexican, and Guatemalan groups. Further analysis is needed with bigger sample sizes across other Spanish-speaking countries (e.g., Costa Rica, Chile) to evaluate what variables, if any, are influencing CNT performance.
94 Physical Activity, Emotional Functioning, and Cognitive Concerns During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Older Adults in the US
- Perla K. Ortiz-Acosta, Edmarie Guzmán-Vélez, Valeria Torres, Jairo E. Martínez, Ana Baena, Diana Munera, Enmanuelle Pardilla-Delgado, Celina Pluim, Ganesh Babulal, Liliana Ramírez-Gómez, Clara Vila-Castelar, Joshua Fox Fuller, Yakeel T. Quiroz
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- Journal:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, pp. 394-395
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Objective:
Physical inactivity is associated with a greater risk of frailty, neuropsychiatric symptoms, worse quality of life, and increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Little is known about how physical activity engagement of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic relates to subjective cognitive concerns and management of emotional distress. This study aimed to examine whether there were changes in physical activity during the pandemic in older adults at baseline and 3 months compared to before the pandemic and whether these changes varied based on age, sex, income level, and employment status. Further, we examined whether individuals who reported engaging in less physical activity experienced greater subjective cognitive difficulties and symptoms of depression and anxiety than those who maintained or increased their physical activity levels.
Participants and Methods:301 participants (73% non-Hispanic whites) completed an online survey in either English or Spanish between May and October 2020 and 3 months later. The Everyday Cognition Scale was used to measure subjective cognitive decline, the CES-D-R-10 scale to measure depressive symptoms, and the GAD-7 scale to measure anxiety symptoms. Changes in physical activity were measured with the question “Since the coronavirus disease pandemic began, what has changed for you or your family in regard to physical activity or exercise levels?” with options “less physical activity,” “increase in physical activity,” or “same activity level.” Income was self-reported as high, middle, or low. Analyses of chi-squared tests were used to examine differences in physical activity maintenance by age, income level, sex, and employment status.
Results:Most individuals (60%) reported having decreased their physical activity levels during the pandemic, at baseline and 3-month followup. There were differences in physical activity levels based on income and age: participants with a high income reported engaging in more physical activity than those with low income (X^2=4.78, p =.029). At the 3-month follow-up, middle-income participants reported being less active than the high-income earners (X^2=8.92, p=.003), and younger participants (55-65 years, approximately) reported being less active than older participants (X^2=5.28, p =.022). Those who reported an increase in their physical activity levels had fewer cognitive concerns compared to those who were less active at baseline, but this difference was not seen in the 3-month follow-up. Participants of all ages who reported having maintained or increased their physical activity levels had fewer depressive symptoms than those who were less active (p < 0.0001). Those who reported maintaining their physical activity levels exhibited fewer anxiety symptoms than those who were less active (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:Older adults reported changes in physical activity levels during the pandemic and some of these changes varied by sociodemographic factors. Further, maintaining physical activity levels was associated with lower symptoms of depression, anxiety, and cognitive concerns. Encouraging individuals and providing resources for increasing physical activity may be an effective way to mitigate some of the pandemic’s adverse effects on psychological wellbeing and may potentially help reduce the risk for cognitive decline. Alternately, it is possible that improving emotional distress could lead to an increase in physical activity levels and cognitive health.
41 Analyzing Perceived Workloads in Bilinguals and Monolinguals’ Digit Span Performance
- Yvette De Jesus, Krithika Sivaramakrishnan, Adriana Cuello Cancino, Mariam Gomez Curiel, Natalia Lozano Acosta, Isabel D.C. Munoz, Krissy E. Smith, Daniel W. Lopez Hernandez
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- Journal:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, p. 452
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Objective:
A common neuropsychological task used is the Digit Span, known as a test of attention and working memory. The Digit Span Forward (DS-F) task evaluates attention; meanwhile, the Digit Span Backward (DS-B) and Sequencing (DS-S) evaluate working memory. Research shows that persons that speak multiple languages demonstrate better attention and working memory abilities compared to monolingual speakers. The NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) was conditionally validated by Hardy and Wright (2018) to measure perceived mental workload. Research also shows that bilinguals report higher perceived workloads on cognitive tasks compared to monolinguals. With that said, it was hypothesized that bilinguals would demonstrate better performances on Digit Span tasks compared to monolinguals. Additionally, it was hypothesized that bilinguals would report higher perceived workloads on all digit span tasks compared to monolinguals.
Participants and Methods:The sample consisted of 29 psychologically and neurologically healthy participants with a mean age of 29.66 (SD = 7.14). Participants were divided into two groups: English monolingual speakers (n = 10) and English and other language bilingual speakers (n = 19).
Participants completed all the subtests of the Digit Span (i.e., DS-F, DS-B, DS-S) in English. The NASA-TLX was used to measured DS-F, DS-B, and DS-S perceived workloads. The NASA-TLX was completed after each Digit Span subtest in English. We used ANOVAs to evaluate DS-F, DS-B, and DS-S performance and their perceived workload between our language groups.
Results:We found no significant differences between language groups on the DS-F. However, the bilingual group reported the DS-F to be more temporally demanding and frustrating compared to the monolingual group, p’s < .05, nps2 =.14-.15. Next, we found that the monolingual group outperformed the bilingual group on the DS-B task, p = .027, np2 = .17. On the other hand, the bilingual group reported the DS-B task to be more temporally demanding and frustrating compared to the monolingual group, p’s < .05, nps2=.18-.20. Finally, on the DS-S task the monolingual group outperformed the bilingual group, p = .043, np2 = .14. Meanwhile, the bilingual group reported the DS-S task to be more mentally and temporally demanding compared to the monolingual group, p’s < .05, nps2=.18-.34.
Conclusions:Contrary to our hypothesis, results show that monolinguals outperformed bilinguals on DS-B and DS-S, but not DS-F. However, as expected, bilinguals did report higher perceived workloads (e.g., frustration) on Digit Span tasks compared to monolinguals. A possible explanation could be that bilinguals’ efforts to remember the numbers were more taxing compared to monolinguals’ because they had to inhibit from verbally responding in their other language. Rushing bilinguals to provide responses, ultimately developing higher perceived workloads on Digit Span tasks. Future work should investigate if time perspective may be influencing bilingual speakers Digit Span performances and perceived workloads.
Lumateperone 42 mg in an Open-Label Switch Study in Patients with Stable Schizophrenia: Results by Previous Antipsychotic
- Andrew J Cutler, John B Edwards, Suresh Durgam, Yifan Mo, Jazmin Acosta, Robert E Davis
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- CNS Spectrums / Volume 28 / Issue 2 / April 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 14 April 2023, pp. 235-236
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Introduction
Lumateperone (LUMA) is an FDA-approved antipsychotic to treat schizophrenia and depressive episodes associated with bipolar I or bipolar II disorder. An open-label study (Study 303) evaluated the safety and tolerability of LUMA in outpatients with stable schizophrenia who switched from previous antipsychotic (AP) treatment. This post hoc analysis of Study 303 investigated the safety and tolerability of LUMA stratified by previous AP in patients who switched to LUMA treatment for 6 weeks.
MethodsAdult outpatients (≥18 years) with stable schizophrenia were switched from previous AP to LUMA 42 mg once daily for 6 weeks followed by switching to another approved AP for 2 weeks follow-up. Post hoc analyses were stratified by most common previous AP: risperidone or paliperidone (RIS/PAL); quetiapine (QET); aripiprazole or brexpiprazole (ARI/BRE); olanzapine (OLA). Safety analyses included adverse events (AE), vital signs, and laboratory tests. Efficacy was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Clinical Global Impressions-Severity (CGI-S) scale.
ResultsThe safety population comprised 301 patients, of which 235 (78.1%) were previously treated with RIS/PAL (n=95), QET (n=60), ARI/BRE (n=43), or OLA (n=37). Rates of treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs) while on LUMA were similar between previous AP groups (44.2%-55.8%). TEAEs with incidences of ≥5% in any AP group were dry mouth, somnolence, sedation, headache, diarrhea, cough, and insomnia. Most TEAEs were mild or moderate in severity for all groups. Rates of serious TEAEs were low and similar between groups (0%–7.0%).
Statistically significant (P<.05) decreases from baseline were observed in the OLA group that switched to LUMA in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with significant decreases thereafter on LUMA. Statistically significant decreases in prolactin levels were observed in both the RIS/PAL (P<.0001) and OLA (P<.05) groups. Patients switched from RIS/PAL to LUMA showed significant (P<.05) decreases for body mass index, waist circumference, and weight. At follow-up, 2 weeks after patients switched back from LUMA to another AP, none of the decreases in laboratory parameters or body morphology observed while on LUMA maintained significance.
Those switching from QET had significant improvements from baseline at Day 42 in PANSS Total score (mean change from baseline −3.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] −5.27, −1.68; P<.001) and CGI-S Total score (mean change from baseline −0.24; 95% CI, −0.38, −0.10; P<.01).
ConclusionIn outpatients with stable schizophrenia, LUMA 42 mg treatment was well tolerated in patients switching from a variety of previous APs. Patients switching from RIS/PAL or OLA to LUMA had significant improvements in cardiometabolic and prolactin parameters. These data further support the favorable safety, tolerability, and efficacy of LUMA in patients with schizophrenia.
FundingIntra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.
Hormonal alterations due to antipsychotic-related hyperprolactinemia
- A.L. Montejo, B. Buch, M.J. López, M.T. Arias, M.D. Corrales, E. Dominguez, C. Matos, B. Cortés, Y. Santana, I. Valrriberas, J. Matías, T. Prieto, J.M. Acosta
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 65 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 September 2022, p. S782
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Introduction
The use of antipsychotics (APS) is essential. Despite their great efficacy, some of them are associated with an increase in prolactin levels that can lead to hormonal changes needing to be identified and managed [1,2,3]. Hormonal changes use to have clinical implications including hypogonadism, infertility and sexual dysfunction
ObjectivesTo evaluate possible hormonal alterations and some clinical implications produced by hyperprolactinemia (HPRL) derived from the use of some antipsychotic compounds.
MethodsA complete fasting blood test was performed on a sample of 113 subjects (69 men and 44 women). 54% (n = 61) showed a normal prolactin level and 46% (n = 52) showed hyperprolactinaemia ( >50ng / ml). On the global sample, 39.8% (n = 45) was treated with some hyperprolactinemic drug , mostly risperidone and paliperidone.
ResultsSome differences were found depending on the gender of the subjects. A highly significant inverse relationship between the values of prolactin and testosterone was found in males (p=0.020, r=-0.285). In females, increased prolactin level was significantly related to decreased cortisol values.
ConclusionsAntipsychotic-related Hyperprolactinaemia ( mainly risperidone and paliperidone) is related with a decrease in testosterone levels in males and with an increase in cortisol levels in females.
DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Differences in physical activity in subjects with psychosis versus a control group
- A.L. Montejo, B. Buch, M.J. López, M.T. Arias, M.D. Corrales, E. Dominguez, C. Matos, B. Cortés, Y. Santana, I. Valrriberas, J. Matías, T. Prieto, M. Gómez-Marcos, L. García-Ortiz, J.M. Acosta
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 65 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 September 2022, p. S763
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Introduction
Psychiatric illnesses are related with a reduced life expectancy and an increase of mortality rates (around 60%) mainly associated with cardiovascular diseases [1]. The high prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus and tobacco use among these patients undoubtelly predispose to the impairment in physical health and mortaility increase. Regular physical activity in the general population is associated with a decrease in cardiovascular risk but litle is know about iss influence in some chronic and severe mental disorders like schizophrenia [2].
ObjectivesTo quantify the physical activity performed by a sample of subjects with psychosis, borth males and female, compared to a control group.
MethodsA sample composed of 141 patients with schizoprenia was compared to 103 healthy subjects as a control group. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ) scale was applied to all participants. The time (minutes) of physical activity performed in a week (METs) was collected by each participant [3].
ResultsThe differences in the total physical activity Mets for the patients with schizophrenia were highly significant (p = 0.001), showing a lower degree of physical activity compared to the control group. A higher and significant percentage of sedentary lifestyle among the psychiatric group (64.5%), compared to 35.5% in the control group was found.
ConclusionsThe group of pateints with Schizophrenia showed a significant higher sedentary lifestile including less physical activity. This finding could be highly related with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and deterioration of the physical health.
DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Getting the word out: Methods of learning about research and motivations for participation in a study focusing on a reproductive-aged Latina/x population
- Nicole M. Sekula, Torie C. Plowden, Anne Waldo, Richard Bryce, Maricela Castillo-Mackenzie, Sonia Acosta, Felix Valbuena, Mercedes Carnethon, Erica E. Marsh
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- Journal:
- Journal of Clinical and Translational Science / Volume 6 / Issue 1 / 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 31 January 2022, e40
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Background:
Although one of the fastest-growing populations in the USA, Latinx individuals remain underrepresented in research. In this study, we aimed to identify how Latina/Latinx participants of the Environment, Leiomyomas, Latinas, and Adiposity Study (ELLAS) learned about the research study and what motivated them to participate.
Materials and Methods:Using a standardized survey tool, bilingual staff interviewed participants and asked them, 1) how they heard about ELLAS and 2) to identify and rank their top three reasons for participating in ELLAS.
Results:“Word of mouth” through a friend or relative was the most common method of learning about ELLAS (49.0%), followed by a “community outreach event” (29.3%). The three most common reasons for participating in ELLAS were “to learn more about women’s health” (83.3%), “to receive a free health assessment” (79.4%), and “to contribute to scientific knowledge” (59.5%). Correlation between demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and participant responses indicated that there are different reasons for participation based on these factors.
Conclusions:Community engagement and word of mouth are vital to the successful recruitment of Latina/Latinx participants to research studies. Latinx participants are most motivated to participate by health benefits and health education, as well as altruistic aspects of research studies. Therefore, establishing mutually beneficial relationships within Latinx communities and appealing to motivations for research participation with close attention to the demographics of participants can both expand and allow for targeted recruitment efforts for this underrepresented group in research studies.
Evaluation of compliance with mems in schizophrenic patients and its relationship with clinical and psychopathological variables. Preliminary data
- F. Acosta, E. Bosch, G. Sarmiento, N. Juanes, A. Caballero, T. Mayans
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 22 / Issue S1 / March 2007
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 16 April 2020, p. S101
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Background
Among schizophrenic patients, prevalence of non-compliance is 25-40%, and it is the most important factor for relapse and bad outcome. MEMS provides of a more precise tool for compliance monitoring than other systems.
Aims1. To evaluate compliance in schizophrenic outpatients and its relationship with clinical and psychopathological variables. 2. To evaluate the degree of agreement between compliance estimated by psychiatrist, family and patients with ‘real’ compliance. 3. To evaluate psychopathological differences between patients treated with oral antipsychotics (APs) and long-acting injectable (LAI) or depot APs.
MethodsData concerning clinical variables, psychopathology (insight, psychotic, negative and general psychopathology symptoms), and compliance with treatment (information reported by psychiatrist, caregiver and patient) are recorded. In patients treated with LAI/depot APs, reasons for instauration is also recorded. Compliance of oral APs is evaluated through MEMS, with a follow-up period of three months. Statistical analysis will be performed with the appropriate tests (Pearson's correlation coefficient, T-Student tests and ANOVA test).
ResultsTo date, 106 patients have been recruited. 77 patients are treated with oral APs (with or without LAI/depot APs) and 29 are receiving only LAI/depot APs. The reasons of instauration of treatment with LAI/depot APs was confirmed non-compliance (24 pat.), suspected non-compliance (3 pat.) and ‘posological comfort’ (2 pat.).
ConclusionTo date, few studies have investigated compliance in schizophrenic patients through MEMS. Identification of variables related to non-compliance seems very relevant in order to establish preventive strategies.
Overview of the role of kinetoplastid surface carbohydrates in infection and host cell invasion: prospects for therapeutic intervention
- Maria Valente, Víctor M. Castillo-Acosta, Antonio E. Vidal, Dolores González-Pacanowska
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- Journal:
- Parasitology / Volume 146 / Issue 14 / December 2019
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 11 October 2019, pp. 1743-1754
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Kinetoplastid parasites are responsible for serious diseases in humans and livestock such as Chagas disease and sleeping sickness (caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei, respectively), and the different forms of cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis (produced by Leishmania spp). The limited number of antiparasitic drugs available together with the emergence of resistance underscores the need for new therapeutic agents with novel mechanisms of action. The use of agents binding to surface glycans has been recently suggested as a new approach to antitrypanosomal design and a series of peptidic and non-peptidic carbohydrate-binding agents have been identified as antiparasitics showing efficacy in animal models of sleeping sickness. Here we provide an overview of the nature of surface glycans in three kinetoplastid parasites, T. cruzi, T. brucei and Leishmania. Their role in virulence and host cell invasion is highlighted with the aim of identifying specific glycan–lectin interactions and carbohydrate functions that may be the target of novel carbohydrate-binding agents with therapeutic applications.
Amylolytic activity and chemical composition of rehydrated ground maize ensiled with α-amylase or glucoamylase
- J. R. Gandra, E. R. Oliveira, C. S. Takiya, T. A. Del Valle, F. P. Rennó, R. H. T. B. Goes, R. S. R. Leite, N. F. L. Garcia, J. D. O. Batista, A. P. Acosta, J. Damiani, E. R. S. Gandra, A. Z. Escobar
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- The Journal of Agricultural Science / Volume 157 / Issue 5 / July 2019
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 02 October 2019, pp. 449-455
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A completely randomized experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of α-amylase (AMY) and glucoamylase (GLU) on total losses, fermentative profile, chemical composition and amylolytic activity of rehydrated maize. Eighty-four experimental silos of rehydrated maize [0.33 litres/kg ground maize, 4-mm theoretical particle size, and 625 g/kg dry matter (DM)] were assigned to the following treatments: (1) control (CON), no enzyme addition; (2) GLU added at 300 µl/kg of ground maize (as-fed); and (3) AMY added at 300 µl/kg of ground maize. Seven silos from each treatment were opened after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Differences among treatments were evaluated through orthogonal contrasts (CON v. enzymes, and AMY v. GLU). Time effects were decomposed using polynomial regression. Glucoamylase silage exhibited greater total losses than AMY. Enzymes increased acetate and lactic acid concentrations and decreased ethanol concentration. Regardless of treatment, gas, effluent and total fermentative losses linearly increased, whereas DM recovery linearly decreased with higher storage length. Glucoamylase silage had lower ammonia nitrogen and higher lactic acid concentrations than AMY. Enzyme treatments decreased silage neutral detergent fibre content and increased in vitro DM degradation. Glucoamylase silage exhibited a more moderate starch content and greater in vitro DM degradation than AMY. Storage time linearly decreased DM, starch and fibre content of rehydrated maize. In vitro degradation of DM linearly increased as the storage length increased. This study showed evidence that enzymes with amylolytic activity, particularly GLU, improve the fermentative profile and DM degradation of rehydrated maize silage.
Characterization of a novel glycosylated glutathione transferase of Onchocerca ochengi, closest relative of the human river blindness parasite
- Clair Rose, Giorgio Praulins, Stuart D. Armstrong, Aitor Casas-Sanchez, Jem Davis, Gemma Molyneux, Cristina Yunta, Zenaida Stead, Mark Prescott, Samirah Perally, Anne Rutter, Benjamin L. Makepeace, E. James La Course, Alvaro Acosta-Serrano
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- Journal:
- Parasitology / Volume 146 / Issue 14 / December 2019
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 03 July 2019, pp. 1773-1784
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Filarial nematodes possess glutathione transferases (GSTs), ubiquitous enzymes with the potential to detoxify xenobiotic and endogenous substrates, and modulate the host immune system, which may aid worm infection establishment, maintenance and survival in the host. Here we have identified and characterized a σ class glycosylated GST (OoGST1), from the cattle-infective filarial nematode Onchocerca ochengi, which is homologous (99% amino acid identity) with an immunodominant GST and potential vaccine candidate from the human parasite, O. volvulus, (OvGST1b). Onchocerca ochengi native GSTs were purified using a two-step affinity chromatography approach, resolved by 2D and 1D SDS-PAGE and subjected to enzymic deglycosylation revealing the existence of at least four glycoforms. A combination of lectin-blotting and mass spectrometry (MS) analyses of the released N-glycans indicated that OoGST1 contained mainly oligomannose Man5GlcNAc2 structure, but also hybrid- and larger oligommanose-type glycans in a lower proportion. Furthermore, purified OoGST1 showed prostaglandin synthase activity as confirmed by Liquid Chromatography (LC)/MS following a coupled-enzyme assay. This is only the second reported and characterized glycosylated GST and our study highlights its potential role in host-parasite interactions and use in the study of human onchocerciasis.
Exponential Conductivity Increase in Strained MoS2 via MEMS Actuation
- A. Vidana, S. Almeida, M. Martinez, E. Acosta, J. Mireles, Jr., T. –J. King, D. Zubia
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- Journal:
- MRS Advances / Volume 4 / Issue 38-39 / 2019
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 June 2019, pp. 2135-2142
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- 2019
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In this work, a poly-Si0.35Ge0.65 microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)- based actuator was designed and fabricated using a CMOS compatible standard process to specifically strain a bi-layered (2L) MoS2 flake and measure its electrical properties. Experimental results of the MEMS-TMDC device show an increase of conductivity up to three orders of magnitude by means of vertical actuation using the substrate as the body terminal. A force balance model of the MEMS-TMDC was used to determine the amount of strain induced in the MoS2 flake. Strains as high as 3.3% is reported using the model fitted to the experimental data.
FM14 Session 2: Communicating Astronomy in our Changing World
- William H. Waller, Lina Canas, Hidehiko Agata, Hitoshi Yamaoka, Shigeyuki Karino, Davide Cenadelli, Andrea Ettore Bernagozzi, Jean Marc Christille, Matteo Benedetto, Matteo Calabrese, Paolo Calcidese, Richard Gelderman, Saeko S. Hayashi, Donald Lubowich, Thomas Madura, Carol Christian, David Hurd, Ken Silberman, Kyle Walker, Shannon McVoy, Robert Massey, Bogumił Radajewski, Maciej Mikołajewski, Krzysztof Czart, Iwona Guz, Adam Rubaszewski, Tomasz Stelmach, Rosa M. Ros, Ederlinda Viñuales, Beatriz Garca, Yuly E. Sánchez, Domínguez Santiago Vargas, Cesar Acosta, Nayive Rodríguez, Aswin Sekhar, Maria Sundin, Petra Andersson, Christian Finnsgård, Lars Larsson, Ron Miller, Akihiko Tomita, Yogesh Wadadekar
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- Journal:
- Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union / Volume 14 / Issue A30 / August 2018
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 03 March 2020, pp. 528-530
- Print publication:
- August 2018
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As the IAU heads towards its second century, many changes have simultaneously transformed Astronomy and the human condition world-wide. Amid the amazing recent discoveries of exoplanets, primeval galaxies, and gravitational radiation, the human condition on Earth has become blazingly interconnected, yet beset with ever-increasing problems of over-population, pollution, and never-ending wars. Fossil-fueled global climate change has begun to yield perilous consequences. And the displacement of people from war-torn nations has reached levels not seen since World War II.
The Development of a Community-Based Drug Intervention for Filipino Drug Users
- Ma. Regina M. Hechanova, Arsenio S. Alianan, Mendiola T. Calleja, Isabel E. Melgar, Avegale Acosta, Angelique Villasanta, Kay Bunagan, Camille Yusay, Angelica Ang, Jane Flores, Nico Canoy, Ervina Espina, Gayle A. Gomez, Elena Samonte Hinckley, Antover P. Tuliao, Miriam P. Cue
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- Journal:
- Journal of Pacific Rim Psychology / Volume 12 / 2018
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 14 February 2018, e12
- Print publication:
- 2018
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This article documents the development of a community-based drug intervention for low- to mild-risk drug users who surrendered as part of the Philippine government's anti-drug campaign. It highlights the importance of developing evidence-informed drug recovery interventions that are appropriate to the Asian culture and to developing economies. Interviews and consultations with users and community stakeholders reveal the need for an intervention that would improve the drug recovery skills and life skills of users. Evidence-based interventions were adapted using McKleroy and colleagues’ (2006) Map of Adaptation Process (MAP) framework. The resulting intervention reflected the country's collectivist culture, relational values, propensity for indirect and non-verbal communication, and interdependent self-construal. The use of small groups, interactive and creative methodologies, and the incorporation of music and prayer also recognised the importance of these in the Philippine culture.
IL-8/IL-17 gene variations and the susceptibility to severe viral bronchiolitis
- L. A. PINTO, L. A. DE AZEREDO LEITÃO, M. MOCELLIN, P. ACOSTA, M. T. CABALLERO, R. LIBSTER, J. E. VARGAS, F. POLACK, T. COMARU, R. T. STEIN, A. P. DE SOUZA
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- Journal:
- Epidemiology & Infection / Volume 145 / Issue 4 / March 2017
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 28 November 2016, pp. 642-646
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Clinical manifestations of acute bronchiolitis (AB) vary from minimal disease to severe respiratory failure. The response to respiratory viral infections is possibly influenced by genetic polymorphisms linked to the regulation of the inflammatory response. In the present study, we investigated whether interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) genetic variants are associated with the severity of AB. A group of Brazilian infants hospitalized with AB and a control group (infants with no or mild AB, without hospitalization) were genotyped for four IL-8/IL-17 variations. For replication, we studied an Argentinean population sample of infants with mild and severe AB. IL-8 polymorphism (rs 2227543) and IL-17 (rs2275913) variants showed significant associations with the severity of AB. The effect of the IL-8 variation could be replicated in the Argentinean sample. This finding suggests that IL-8 variations may influence the severity of AB in young infants. Further genetic association studies in low- or middle-income populations are necessary with the aim of expanding knowledge in this area.