upi--2020-10-02--Airbnb host offers guests chance to be 'Mayor of Hell' for a day

Oct. 2 ( UPI ) -- A resident of Hell , Mich. , is offering the chance to be `` Mayor of Hell '' for one day by renting out a specially outfitted `` lair '' on Airbnb .
John Colone , the self-proclaimed `` mayor '' of the town , which has no official mayor , said his `` Mayor 's Lair '' tiny house will be available for three one-night stays that come with his unofficial title for 24 hours .
`` I am the biggest Halloween fan in the world ( and the underworld ) , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paradise can fill fellow Halloween lovers with all of the frightful chills and spooky sensations of the season , '' Colone told Airbnb .
`` And to our guests and soon-to-be Mayors , I trust you 'll find that there is no place more welcoming than Hell on Earth-we ca n't wait to show you a helluva good time ! ''
The `` Mayor 's Lair '' includes a queen-sized bed , gothic-style sitting area , fire pit , outdoor movie screen and supply of locally grown pumpkins to carve .
The property @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 , 21 and 24 .
Each stay costs $ 31 , in honor of Halloween taking place on Oct. 31 .

John Colone, the self-proclaimed "mayor" of Hell, Mich., is offering Airbnb guests the chance to be "Mayor of Hell" for a day and spend the night in his "Mayor's Lair" tiny home. Photo courtesy of Airbnb
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Oct. 2 (UPI) -- A resident of Hell, Mich., is offering the chance to be "Mayor of Hell" for one day by renting out a specially outfitted "lair" on Airbnb. John Colone, the self-proclaimed "mayor" of the town, which has no official mayor, said his "Mayor's Lair" tiny house will be available for three one-night stays that come with his unofficial title for 24 hours. Advertisement
"I am the biggest Halloween fan in the world (and the underworld), so I hope that our little slice of paradise can fill fellow Halloween lovers with all of the frightful chills and spooky sensations of the season," Colone told Airbnb.
"And to our guests and soon-to-be Mayors, I trust you'll find that there is no place more welcoming than Hell on Earth-we can't wait to show you a helluva good time!"
The "Mayor's Lair" includes a queen-sized bed, gothic-style sitting area, fire pit, outdoor movie screen and supply of locally grown pumpkins to carve.
The property is listed for the nights of Oct. 18, 21 and 24. Each stay costs $31, in honor of Halloween taking place on Oct. 31.


upi--2020-10-02--U.S. Navy to homeport USS Hershel 'Woody' Williams in Greece

Oct. 2 ( UPI ) -- A troop-carrying ship will be deployed to Greece for the first time in decades , the U.S. Navy announced this week , which experts call a possible indication of U.S. frustration with Turkey .
The expeditionary sea base ship USS Hershel `` Woody '' Williams will be homeported at Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete , 600 miles from the Turkish coast .
It is the first time in 40 years that a U. S. ship will use the joint U.S.-Greece base as a homeport , Stars and Stripes reported .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missions in Africa in coordination with regional partners , the Navy announced .
The ship 's presence in the area `` provides a new capability in the theater , '' said Vice Adm. Gene Black , commander of the Sixth Fleet .
While the ship is not prepared to intervene in conflict between Greece and Turkey , each a NATO member , it could serve as a symbolic warning that the United States is frustrated with Turkey -- including its incursions into Syria , its relationship with Russia in purchasing air defense systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in eastern Mediterranean Sea areas controlled by Greece .
`` It is a very sensitive area that has been recently tried by Turkey 's aggressiveness with provocative actions , '' Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said this week .
The arrival of the ship could be a prelude to a U.S. military buildup at Souda Bay , which could become an alternative to the use by the U.S. Air Force of the Incirlik Air Base in Turkey , where nuclear weapons are reportedly stored .
However , the Pentagon has not released any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 784 feet long , carries a crew of 240 and is designed to serve as a modular platform to perform large-scale logistics movements , including the transfer of troops , vehicles and equipment from sea to shore .
The Puller class of expeditionary sea base ships is designed to reduce dependency on foreign ports and provide support if no ports are available .

The expeditionary sea base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams will be homeported in Souda Bay, Greece, the U. S. Navy announced this week. Photo by Bill Mesta/U.S. Navy
Oct. 2 (UPI) -- A troop-carrying ship will be deployed to Greece for the first time in decades, the U.S. Navy announced this week, which experts call a possible indication of U.S. frustration with Turkey. The expeditionary sea base ship USS Hershel "Woody" Williams will be homeported at Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete, 600 miles from the Turkish coast. It is the first time in 40 years that a U. S. ship will use the joint U.S.-Greece base as a homeport, Stars and Stripes reported. Advertisement
It will patrol the Mediterranean Sea and conduct missions in Africa in coordination with regional partners, the Navy announced.
The ship's presence in the area "provides a new capability in the theater," said Vice Adm. Gene Black, commander of the Sixth Fleet.
While the ship is not prepared to intervene in conflict between Greece and Turkey, each a NATO member, it could serve as a symbolic warning that the United States is frustrated with Turkey -- including its incursions into Syria, its relationship with Russia in purchasing air defense systems and its insistence on drilling for minerals in eastern Mediterranean Sea areas controlled by Greece.
Advertisement
"It is a very sensitive area that has been recently tried by Turkey's aggressiveness with provocative actions," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said this week.
The arrival of the ship could be a prelude to a U.S. military buildup at Souda Bay, which could become an alternative to the use by the U.S. Air Force of the Incirlik Air Base in Turkey, where nuclear weapons are reportedly stored. However, the Pentagon has not released any information suggesting that direction.
The ship, 784 feet long, carries a crew of 240 and is designed to serve as a modular platform to perform large-scale logistics movements, including the transfer of troops, vehicles and equipment from sea to shore.
The Puller class of expeditionary sea base ships is designed to reduce dependency on foreign ports and provide support if no ports are available.


upi--2020-10-02--Judge again orders census to continue through Oct. 31

Oct. 2 ( UPI ) -- A federal judge in California has ordered the U.S. Census Bureau to continue its count through Oct. 31 after finding that the agency violated a previous court ruling .
U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh of the Northern District of California said in addition to continuing the census count , bureau chief Steven Dillingham must sign a sworn statement by Monday saying he `` unequivocally confirms '' he complied with the court order .
Koh said the agency accused the Trump administration of `` chaotic , dilatory and incomplete compliance '' after she issued her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a tweet the Census Bureau issued saying that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross issued an Oct. 5 `` target date '' to complete counting efforts .
The bureau also sent a text message to employees saying door-to-door efforts would also end that day .
`` Defendants ' dissemination of erroneous information ; lurching from one hasty , unexplained plan to the next ; and unlawful sacrifices of completeness and accuracy of the 2020 census are upending the status quo , violating the injunction order , and undermining the credibility of the Census Bureau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote in her Thursday order .
`` This must stop . ''
On Sept. 25 , Koh said the Trump administration must continue its decennial headcount until Oct. 31 instead of its plan to stop collecting data on Sept. 30 .
The counting effort began Jan. 21 , but was suspended in April due to the coronavirus pandemic , forcing it to push its deadline from the end of July to Oct. 31 .
The U.S. Census Bureau announced in August that it would end all door-knocking efforts and self-response filings for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to accelerate its completion .
Koh 's ruling came in response to a lawsuit brought against the Trump administration by a coalition of groups led by the National Urban League in August , arguing the truncated schedule would hurt minorities as an inaccurate count could skew the allocation of seats in the House of Representatives .
In her 78-page ruling , Koh said the Trump administration never explained its decision to fast-track the count by a month and that by doing so there will be inaccuracies in the effort , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Koh also ruled against the Trump administration 's Dec. 31 deadline for the count to be delivered to the White House , leaving the April 2021 deadline intact .

A federal judge said the Trump administration violated her order issued last week saying the census must continue through the end of October. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 2 (UPI) -- A federal judge in California has ordered the U.S. Census Bureau to continue its count through Oct. 31 after finding that the agency violated a previous court ruling. U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh of the Northern District of California said in addition to continuing the census count, bureau chief Steven Dillingham must sign a sworn statement by Monday saying he "unequivocally confirms" he complied with the court order. Advertisement
Koh said the agency accused the Trump administration of "chaotic, dilatory and incomplete compliance" after she issued her initial order last week.
At issue was a tweet the Census Bureau issued saying that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross issued an Oct. 5 "target date" to complete counting efforts. The bureau also sent a text message to employees saying door-to-door efforts would also end that day.
"Defendants' dissemination of erroneous information; lurching from one hasty, unexplained plan to the next; and unlawful sacrifices of completeness and accuracy of the 2020 census are upending the status quo, violating the injunction order, and undermining the credibility of the Census Bureau and the 2020 census," Koh wrote in her Thursday order. "This must stop."
Advertisement
On Sept. 25, Koh said the Trump administration must continue its decennial headcount until Oct. 31 instead of its plan to stop collecting data on Sept. 30.
The counting effort began Jan. 21, but was suspended in April due to the coronavirus pandemic, forcing it to push its deadline from the end of July to Oct. 31.
The U.S. Census Bureau announced in August that it would end all door-knocking efforts and self-response filings for the 2020 census at the end of September in order to accelerate its completion.
Koh's ruling came in response to a lawsuit brought against the Trump administration by a coalition of groups led by the National Urban League in August, arguing the truncated schedule would hurt minorities as an inaccurate count could skew the allocation of seats in the House of Representatives.
In her 78-page ruling, Koh said the Trump administration never explained its decision to fast-track the count by a month and that by doing so there will be inaccuracies in the effort, which goes against the public's interest.
Koh also ruled against the Trump administration's Dec. 31 deadline for the count to be delivered to the White House, leaving the April 2021 deadline intact.
Advertisement
Darryl Coote contributed to this report.


upi--2020-10-02--No changes to DoD alert levels after President Donald Trump's COVID-19 announcement

Oct. 2 ( UPI ) -- There are no changes to Defense Department alert levels since President Donald Trump announced he has been diagnosed with COVID-19 , the Pentagon said on Friday .
Trump announced early Friday on Twitter that he and first lady Melania Trump had received the diagnosis .
They were tested shortly after it became known that Trump adviser Hope Hicks had tested positive for the coronavirus .
Before Trump 's announcement , trackers spotted one E-6B Mercury flying along the East Coast , and another in airspace above Oregon on Friday morning , and suggested the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's diagnosis .
`` There 's been no change to DoD alert levels , '' Jonathan Hoffman , assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs said Friday in a statement .
`` The U.S. military stands ready to defend our country and interests .
There 's no change to the readiness or capability of our armed forces .
Our national command and control structure is in no way affected by this announcement , '' Hoffman said .
Hoffman noted that the timing of the takeoff of the E-6Bs was `` purely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , was `` pre-planned '' and not connected to anything Trump announced .
The U.S. Navy has a fleet of 16 E-6B Mercury aircraft , at least one of which is airborne at any moment , that carry special communications equipment to connect them with submarines carrying nuclear weapons .
The aircraft can function as nuclear command posts for use if ground-based command centers become inoperable , and often referred to as `` Doomsday planes . ''
`` I can confirm these flights were pre-planned missions , '' said Karen Singer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pentagon also noted that Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley last met with the president on Sunday , and that both men were tested for the COVID-19 virus this week , with negative results .

Although E-6B Mercury planes, used as nuclear command posts, were seen in the air after President Donald Trump announced that he was diagnosed with COVID-19, the Pentagon said alert levels remain unchanged. Photo by Senior Airman Clark Staehle/U.S. Air Force
Oct. 2 (UPI) -- There are no changes to Defense Department alert levels since President Donald Trump announced he has been diagnosed with COVID-19, the Pentagon said on Friday. Trump announced early Friday on Twitter that he and first lady Melania Trump had received the diagnosis. They were tested shortly after it became known that Trump adviser Hope Hicks had tested positive for the coronavirus. Advertisement
Before Trump's announcement, trackers spotted one E-6B Mercury flying along the East Coast, and another in airspace above Oregon on Friday morning, and suggested the move could be related to the commander-in-chief's diagnosis.
"There's been no change to DoD alert levels," Jonathan Hoffman, assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs said Friday in a statement.
"The U.S. military stands ready to defend our country and interests. There's no change to the readiness or capability of our armed forces. Our national command and control structure is in no way affected by this announcement," Hoffman said.
Hoffman noted that the timing of the takeoff of the E-6Bs was "purely coincidental."
Advertisement
The launch, he said, was "pre-planned" and not connected to anything Trump announced.
The U.S. Navy has a fleet of 16 E-6B Mercury aircraft, at least one of which is airborne at any moment, that carry special communications equipment to connect them with submarines carrying nuclear weapons.
The aircraft can function as nuclear command posts for use if ground-based command centers become inoperable, and often referred to as "Doomsday planes."
The U.S. Strategic Command concurred.
"I can confirm these flights were pre-planned missions," said Karen Singer, Strategic Command spokesperson on Friday.
The Pentagon also noted that Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley last met with the president on Sunday, and that both men were tested for the COVID-19 virus this week, with negative results.


upi--2020-10-02--Irregular, long periods linked to shorter life span in 24-year study

In a finding that suggests a woman 's periods might be a powerful indicator of her general health , researchers report that women with irregular and long menstrual cycles face a higher risk of early death .
In a study that spanned 24 years and included more than 79,000 premenopausal women who had no history of heart disease , cancer or diabetes , those who 'd always had irregular menstrual cycles were more likely to die before the age of 70 than those who had regular cycles .
`` The important point illustrated by this study is that menstrual regularity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overall long-term health , '' Dr. Adam Balen , a professor of reproductive medicine at Leeds Teaching Hospitals in Britain , told CNN .
`` Young women with irregular periods need a thorough assessment , not only of their hormones and metabolism but also of their lifestyle so that they can be advised about steps that they can take which might enhance their overall health , '' said Balen , who was n't involved in the study .
Women who had a usual cycle length of 40 days or more at ages 18-22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prematurely than those who had a usual cycle length of 26-31 days in the same age ranges .
These associations were strongest for deaths from heart disease , compared to cancer or other causes .
The increased risk was also slightly stronger among smokers , according to the study published Sept. 30 in the BMJ medical journal .
The findings suggest that a woman 's menstrual cycle should be considered an important sign of general health throughout her childbearing years , the researchers said in a journal news release .
They were led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ T.H .
Chan School of Public Health in Boston .
They said the associations between long and irregular menstrual cycles and increased risk of premature death are likely due to hormone disruptions .
But the study did not prove that irregular periods actually caused early death , just that there was an association .
Irregular and long menstrual cycles are common among women of reproductive age and have been linked with a higher risk of major chronic diseases including ovarian cancer , heart disease , Type 2 diabetes , and mental health problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous evidence to link irregular or long menstrual cycles with early death risk .
`` These data will encourage future interrogation of menstrual symptoms and pathologies as an indicator of long-term health outcomes and may provide an early opportunity to implement preventative strategies to improve women 's health across the life span , '' Dr. Jacqueline Maybin told the Science Media Centre in London , CNN reported .
She is a senior research fellow and consultant gynecologist at the University of Edinburgh 's MRC Centre for Reproductive Health .
`` A specific underlying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk of premature death , rather than the irregular bleeding , per se , '' said Maybin , who was not involved in the research .
`` We already know that women with polycystic ovarian syndrome [ PCOS ] , a leading cause of irregular periods , have an increased risk of diabetes , high blood pressure and cancer of the womb .
It is important that women with PCOS speak to their doctor to reduce these risks . ''
The U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development has more on @ @ @

Pixabay A woman's menstrual cycle should be considered an important sign of general health throughout her childbearing years, researchers said. Photo by silviarita
In a finding that suggests a woman's periods might be a powerful indicator of her general health, researchers report that women with irregular and long menstrual cycles face a higher risk of early death. In a study that spanned 24 years and included more than 79,000 premenopausal women who had no history of heart disease, cancer or diabetes, those who'd always had irregular menstrual cycles were more likely to die before the age of 70 than those who had regular cycles. Advertisement
"The important point illustrated by this study is that menstrual regularity and reproductive health provides a window into overall long-term health," Dr. Adam Balen, a professor of reproductive medicine at Leeds Teaching Hospitals in Britain, told CNN.
"Young women with irregular periods need a thorough assessment, not only of their hormones and metabolism but also of their lifestyle so that they can be advised about steps that they can take which might enhance their overall health," said Balen, who wasn't involved in the study. Women who had a usual cycle length of 40 days or more at ages 18-22 and 29-46 were more likely to die prematurely than those who had a usual cycle length of 26-31 days in the same age ranges.
Advertisement
These associations were strongest for deaths from heart disease, compared to cancer or other causes. The increased risk was also slightly stronger among smokers, according to the study published Sept. 30 in the BMJ medical journal.
The findings suggest that a woman's menstrual cycle should be considered an important sign of general health throughout her childbearing years, the researchers said in a journal news release. They were led by Jorge Chavarro, from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston.
They said the associations between long and irregular menstrual cycles and increased risk of premature death are likely due to hormone disruptions. But the study did not prove that irregular periods actually caused early death, just that there was an association.
Irregular and long menstrual cycles are common among women of reproductive age and have been linked with a higher risk of major chronic diseases including ovarian cancer, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and mental health problems.
However, there's been little previous evidence to link irregular or long menstrual cycles with early death risk.
"These data will encourage future interrogation of menstrual symptoms and pathologies as an indicator of long-term health outcomes and may provide an early opportunity to implement preventative strategies to improve women's health across the life span," Dr. Jacqueline Maybin told the Science Media Centre in London, CNN reported. She is a senior research fellow and consultant gynecologist at the University of Edinburgh's MRC Centre for Reproductive Health.
Advertisement
"A specific underlying cause of irregular menstruation may increase the risk of premature death, rather than the irregular bleeding, per se," said Maybin, who was not involved in the research. "We already know that women with polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS], a leading cause of irregular periods, have an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer of the womb. It is important that women with PCOS speak to their doctor to reduce these risks."
More information
The U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development has more on menstrual irregularities.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-10-02--House Speaker Nancy Pelosi optimistic there will be stimulus deal to help airlines, American public

Oct. 2 ( UPI ) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called on major airlines Friday to halt planned furloughs , saying she anticipates an agreement with the White House on the next round of economic stimulus that will provide relief for the struggling carriers .
Pelosi told MSNBC she hopes President Donald Trump 's coronavirus diagnosis will help open Republicans to seeing the Democrats ' side in the negotiations .
`` This kind of changes the dynamic because here they see the reality of what we have been saying all along -- this is a vicious virus , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm always optimistic .
We always have to find a path , that is our responsibility to do so , and I believe that we will . ''
Pelosi has locked horns with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows for weeks over a new tranche of stimulus funding to help those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic .
House Democrats passed their latest version of the HEROES Act on Thursday , which provides $ 2.2 trillion in aid , about $ 1 trillion less than their first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The bill includes restarting $ 600 in weekly unemployment benefits through January and a second round of $ 1,200 payments mailed to Americans , as well as a $ 500 check for dependents .
It also sets aside $ 182 billion for grade schools , $ 39 billion for post-secondary institutions , $ 57 billion for childcare support and would add funds to the Paycheck Protection Program .
It also sets aside $ 25 billion for airlines , whose funding under the previous CARES Act expired this week .
Major airlines said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tens of thousands of employees -- something they were n't allowed to do until Thursday , under the terms of federal aid they received in the spring -- if they did n't receive a new round of funding .
Pelosi on Friday called on the airlines to delay the furloughs because she believed new funding was imminent .
`` The massive furloughs and firings of America 's airline workers jeopardize the livelihoods of tens of thousands and threaten to accelerate the devastating economic crisis facing our nation , '' she said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will either pass a comprehensive stimulus package or the House will approve standalone legislation helping the airlines .
Either option would extend the Payroll Support Program by six months .
Larry Kudlow , director of the National Economic Council , on Friday echoed Pelosi 's concern that airlines `` need some help . ''
`` Let 's find the key points and pass it , '' he said of the stimulus package .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., speaks on Tuesday during a television interview in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Pelosi spoke several times with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, but the two sides have not yet come to a deal for additional coronavirus stimulus. Photo by Stefani Reynolds/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 2 (UPI) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called on major airlines Friday to halt planned furloughs, saying she anticipates an agreement with the White House on the next round of economic stimulus that will provide relief for the struggling carriers. Pelosi told MSNBC she hopes President Donald Trump's coronavirus diagnosis will help open Republicans to seeing the Democrats' side in the negotiations. Advertisement
"This kind of changes the dynamic because here they see the reality of what we have been saying all along -- this is a vicious virus," she said.
"I'm optimistic, I'm always optimistic. We always have to find a path, that is our responsibility to do so, and I believe that we will."
Pelosi has locked horns with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows for weeks over a new tranche of stimulus funding to help those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. House Democrats passed their latest version of the HEROES Act on Thursday, which provides $2.2 trillion in aid, about $1 trillion less than their first version of the bill passed in May.
Advertisement
The bill includes restarting $600 in weekly unemployment benefits through January and a second round of $1,200 payments mailed to Americans, as well as a $500 check for dependents. It also sets aside $182 billion for grade schools, $39 billion for post-secondary institutions, $57 billion for childcare support and would add funds to the Paycheck Protection Program.
It also sets aside $25 billion for airlines, whose funding under the previous CARES Act expired this week.
Major airlines said this week they'd immediately begin furloughing tens of thousands of employees -- something they weren't allowed to do until Thursday, under the terms of federal aid they received in the spring -- if they didn't receive a new round of funding.
Pelosi on Friday called on the airlines to delay the furloughs because she believed new funding was imminent.
"The massive furloughs and firings of America's airline workers jeopardize the livelihoods of tens of thousands and threaten to accelerate the devastating economic crisis facing our nation," she said in a statement.
Pelosi said the full Congress will either pass a comprehensive stimulus package or the House will approve standalone legislation helping the airlines. Either option would extend the Payroll Support Program by six months.
Advertisement
Larry Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, on Friday echoed Pelosi's concern that airlines "need some help."
"Let's find the key points and pass it," he said of the stimulus package.


upi--2020-10-02--Discharges from western North America disrupted climate during last ice age

Oct. 2 ( UPI ) -- During the last ice age , Earth 's climate was characterized by dramatic , hemispheric-scale shifts .
New research -- published this week in the journal Science -- suggests this shiftiness was , at least in part , caused by successive discharges from the ice sheets that spread across western North America into the Pacific .
Researchers suggest their discovery can help climate scientists better understand how rapidly melting Arctic ice will influence climate patterns in the coming decades .
`` Understanding how the ocean has interacted with glacial ice in the past helps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' lead study author Maureen Walczak , paleoclimatologist at Oregon State University , said in a news release .
By analyzing ancient layers of marine sediment , scientists were able to determine the timing of outflows from the Cordilleran ice sheet , which once covered large swaths of western North America , stretching from Alaska south to Washington state and east to western Montana .
When researchers compared the record of discharges with ancient climate disruptions during the last ice age , they found a strong correlation between Cordilleran discharges and hemispheric-scale disruptions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pronounced outflows from the Cordilleran ice sheet were followed by changes to deep ocean circulation patterns and the retreat of ice sheets .
Previously , scientists have hypothesized that ice losses from theLaurentide ice sheet , which spread across much of Canada , the Midwest and New England , altered climate dynamics in the North Atlantic , triggering abrupt climate shifts -- dubbed Heinrich Events .
`` The outcome of this research was unexpected .
The data irrevocably says that the Pacific ice goes first , with Heinrich Events and other changes following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sets the drum beat , '' Walczak said .
`` This is a paradigm shift in our thinking about how these events are connected . ''
The sediment cores that helped scientists gain new insights into the timing of Cordilleran outflows were recovered from the seafloor of the northern Gulf of Alaska .
`` Getting these new insights took years of work .
We first mapped the seafloor and recovered short sediment cores in 2004 , drilled longer cores in 2013 and had 16 years of painstaking laboratory work involving several Ph.D. students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the project 's principal investigator .
`` This was a virtually unknown area when we started , and now it offers among the most detailed and best-dated long records of ocean change on the planet during the ice age , '' said Mix , a distinguished professor of ocean and atmospheric science at Oregon State .
To establish the chronology of ancient icy discharges into the Pacific , researchers measured the ratios of radioactive isotopes of carbon in the different sediment core layers .
The presence of large concentrations of small stones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , denoted the arrival of surging ice streams in the northern Pacific .
Researchers dubbed these Alaskan iceberg dumps `` Siku Events , '' named for the Inuit word for ice .
Their analysis showed Siku Events regularly preceded Heinrich Events .
The discovery suggests changes in the Pacific were a driving force in a chain reaction of events that led to significant climate disruptions during the last ice age , researchers said .
`` The Pacific Ocean is the largest exchangeable reservoir of heat and water and carbon dioxide on Earth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mix said .
`` It really is the 800-pound gorilla in the zoo of climate beasts . ''
Scientists expect the rapidly retreating ice along the Alaskan coast to continue flowing into the northern Pacific in the coming decades , altering the balance of more buoyant freshwater and denser saltwater .
The phenomenon could lead to similar disruptions to ocean circulation patterns .
`` The new findings are likely to fuel increased interest in the North Pacific , an area that has not been as well-studied as other parts of the planet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future investigations will offer more detailed insights into the relationship between Pacific discharges and icy outflows elsewhere .
`` Why did the other ice sheets respond to the retreat of the Cordilleran ? ''
Walczak said .
`` How fast do the dominoes fall in this sequence of events ? ''
Answering these questions , researchers said , will be key to understanding how current ice melting trends will influence future shifts in climate patterns .

The latest research was made possible by a large collection of marine sediment cores collected during recent expeditions by research vessel JOIDES Resolution, pictured here at port in Victoria, British Columbia. Photo by A.L. Slagle
Oct. 2 (UPI) -- During the last ice age, Earth's climate was characterized by dramatic, hemispheric-scale shifts. New research -- published this week in the journal Science -- suggests this shiftiness was, at least in part, caused by successive discharges from the ice sheets that spread across western North America into the Pacific. Advertisement
Researchers suggest their discovery can help climate scientists better understand how rapidly melting Arctic ice will influence climate patterns in the coming decades.
"Understanding how the ocean has interacted with glacial ice in the past helps us predict what could happen next," lead study author Maureen Walczak, paleoclimatologist at Oregon State University, said in a news release.
By analyzing ancient layers of marine sediment, scientists were able to determine the timing of outflows from the Cordilleran ice sheet, which once covered large swaths of western North America, stretching from Alaska south to Washington state and east to western Montana.
Advertisement
When researchers compared the record of discharges with ancient climate disruptions during the last ice age, they found a strong correlation between Cordilleran discharges and hemispheric-scale disruptions to the climate.
The research showed pronounced outflows from the Cordilleran ice sheet were followed by changes to deep ocean circulation patterns and the retreat of ice sheets.
Previously, scientists have hypothesized that ice losses from theLaurentide ice sheet, which spread across much of Canada, the Midwest and New England, altered climate dynamics in the North Atlantic, triggering abrupt climate shifts -- dubbed Heinrich Events.
The latest findings paint a more complicated picture.
"The outcome of this research was unexpected. The data irrevocably says that the Pacific ice goes first, with Heinrich Events and other changes following in a rhythm. The Pacific Ocean sets the drum beat," Walczak said. "This is a paradigm shift in our thinking about how these events are connected."
The sediment cores that helped scientists gain new insights into the timing of Cordilleran outflows were recovered from the seafloor of the northern Gulf of Alaska.
"Getting these new insights took years of work. We first mapped the seafloor and recovered short sediment cores in 2004, drilled longer cores in 2013 and had 16 years of painstaking laboratory work involving several Ph.D. students," said study co-author Alan Mix, the project's principal investigator.
Advertisement
"This was a virtually unknown area when we started, and now it offers among the most detailed and best-dated long records of ocean change on the planet during the ice age," said Mix, a distinguished professor of ocean and atmospheric science at Oregon State.
To establish the chronology of ancient icy discharges into the Pacific, researchers measured the ratios of radioactive isotopes of carbon in the different sediment core layers.
The presence of large concentrations of small stones deposited by drifting, called ice-rafted debris, denoted the arrival of surging ice streams in the northern Pacific.
Researchers dubbed these Alaskan iceberg dumps "Siku Events," named for the Inuit word for ice. Their analysis showed Siku Events regularly preceded Heinrich Events.
The discovery suggests changes in the Pacific were a driving force in a chain reaction of events that led to significant climate disruptions during the last ice age, researchers said.
"The Pacific Ocean is the largest exchangeable reservoir of heat and water and carbon dioxide on Earth, simply because of its massive size," Mix said. "It really is the 800-pound gorilla in the zoo of climate beasts."
Scientists expect the rapidly retreating ice along the Alaskan coast to continue flowing into the northern Pacific in the coming decades, altering the balance of more buoyant freshwater and denser saltwater. The phenomenon could lead to similar disruptions to ocean circulation patterns.
Advertisement
"The new findings are likely to fuel increased interest in the North Pacific, an area that has not been as well-studied as other parts of the planet," Walczak said.
Researchers hope future investigations will offer more detailed insights into the relationship between Pacific discharges and icy outflows elsewhere.
"Why did the other ice sheets respond to the retreat of the Cordilleran?" Walczak said. "How fast do the dominoes fall in this sequence of events?"
Answering these questions, researchers said, will be key to understanding how current ice melting trends will influence future shifts in climate patterns.


upi--2020-10-02--Police capture would-be stowaway raccoon at New York state airport

Oct. 2 ( UPI ) -- Police at a New York state airport said they foiled a would-be stowaway when @ @ @ @ @ to sneak aboard a place .
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police Department said officers @ @ @ @ @ captured a raccoon Thursday evening when the animal was spotted attempting to get into a @ @ @ @ @ Officers captured this critter attempting to sneak onto a flight at the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport @ @ @ @ @ interviewed and released back into the woods with a stern warning , '' police tweeted @ @ @ @ @ identify the flight the raccoon nearby boarded .

Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe
Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Police at a New York state airport said they foiled a would-be stowaway when a raccoon was caught trying to sneak aboard a place.
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police Department said officers at Buffalo Niagara International Airport captured a raccoon Thursday evening when the animal was spotted attempting to get into a plane.
Advertisement
"Aviation Division Officers captured this critter attempting to sneak onto a flight at the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport last night, he was interviewed and released back into the woods with a stern warning," police tweeted.
The department did not identify the flight the raccoon nearby boarded.


upi--2020-10-02--Watch: Class ring found in New Hampshire pond after 53 years

Oct. 2 ( UPI ) -- A class ring lost in a New Hampshire pond was returned to its owner @ @ @ @ @ recent drought caused the pond to partially drain .
Kathy Rowell , of Barrington , @ @ @ @ @ , lost his Spaulding High School class ring in 1967 , when it slipped off @ @ @ @ @ skipping stones with his brothers at Drew 's Pond .
She said multiple attempts had @ @ @ @ @ the ring , but no one was able to locate it .
Rowell said recent @ @ @ @ @ to partially drain , so she enlisted the help of neighbor Tom Greco and his @ @ @ @ @ fresh look for the ring .
Greco was able to find the ring and hand @ @ @ @ @ who presented it to her husband .
She said the ring is still in great @ @ @ @ @ the muck .
`` In times of COVID-19 , these are the best things to @ @ @ @ @ in a Facebook post .

Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe
Oct. 2 (UPI) -- A class ring lost in a New Hampshire pond was returned to its owner 53 years later when a recent drought caused the pond to partially drain.
Kathy Rowell, of Barrington, said her husband, Steve, lost his Spaulding High School class ring in 1967, when it slipped off his finger while he was skipping stones with his brothers at Drew's Pond.
Advertisement
She said multiple attempts had since been made to find the ring, but no one was able to locate it.
Rowell said recent drought conditions caused the pond to partially drain, so she enlisted the help of neighbor Tom Greco and his metal detector to take a fresh look for the ring.
Greco was able to find the ring and hand it over to Rowell, who presented it to her husband. She said the ring is still in great condition after 53 years in the muck.
"In times of COVID-19, these are the best things to happen," Rowell wrote in a Facebook post.


upi--2020-10-02--Alabama man sentenced to 600 years for child pornography

Oct. 2 ( UPI ) -- A federal judge in Birmingham sentenced a 32-year-old Tuscaloosa , Ala. , man Thursday to 600 years in prison for producing child pornography by enticing two children under 5 to engage in sexually explicit acts .
Matthew Miller was charged with 20 counts for producing a visual production of the acts .
Miller entered a guilty plea a year ago after authorities found electronic devices at his home during a raid .
Detectives found images of child pornography Miller had produced .
Chief U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced Miller to 7,200 months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Child predators seek out and victimize those that are the most innocent and vulnerable -- children , '' U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona said in a statement .
`` The sentences imposed today and yesterday in local child exploitation cases reflect the commitment of law enforcement in this district to prosecuting to the fullest extent of the law those who commit crimes against children . ''
The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit arrested Miller in early 2019 after receiving a report of child abuse in a home .
He faced state charges of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federally .
`` The crimes for which Miller has admitted guilt are not only disturbing , they are sickening , and his actions robbed these children of their childhood , '' FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp , Jr. said in a statement .
`` I applaud the sentence handed down today , as Miller will spend the rest of his natural life behind prison bars . ''

Oct. 2 (UPI) -- A federal judge in Birmingham sentenced a 32-year-old Tuscaloosa, Ala., man Thursday to 600 years in prison for producing child pornography by enticing two children under 5 to engage in sexually explicit acts.
Matthew Miller was charged with 20 counts for producing a visual production of the acts. Miller entered a guilty plea a year ago after authorities found electronic devices at his home during a raid. Detectives found images of child pornography Miller had produced.
Advertisement
Chief U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced Miller to 7,200 months in prison for producing child pornography.
"Child predators seek out and victimize those that are the most innocent and vulnerable -- children," U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona said in a statement. "The sentences imposed today and yesterday in local child exploitation cases reflect the commitment of law enforcement in this district to prosecuting to the fullest extent of the law those who commit crimes against children."
The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit arrested Miller in early 2019 after receiving a report of child abuse in a home. He faced state charges of sodomy and child pornography before being indicted federally.
Advertisement
"The crimes for which Miller has admitted guilt are not only disturbing, they are sickening, and his actions robbed these children of their childhood," FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr. said in a statement. "I applaud the sentence handed down today, as Miller will spend the rest of his natural life behind prison bars."


upi--2020-10-02--'Cobra Kai' actor Tanner Buchanan to star in 'He's All That' film

Oct. 2 ( UPI ) -- Cobra Kai actor Tanner Buchanan will star opposite Addison Rae in He 's All That , a gender-flipping remake of She 's All That .
Miramax 's He 's All That is based on the 1999 teen rom-com , She 's All That , about high school student Zach Siler , ( Freddie Prinze Jr. ) who tries to make over nerdy Laney Boggs ( Rachel Leigh Cook ) to become prom queen and regain his reputation after his cheerleader girlfriend , Taylor ( Jodi Lyn O'Keefe ) dumps him .
Buchanan will play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the remake directed by Mark Waters , Deadline reported .
R. Lee Fleming , the original screenwriter from She 's All That is also writing the remake , which will tell the story from a girl 's point of view as Rae plays the role of Siler .
Rae , who is known as a TikTok influencer in real life , will also take on the role of an influencer in the film .
Buchanan plays Robby Keene , the son of Johnny Lawrence ( William Zabka ) , in Netflix 's Cobra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has recently been ordered for a third season next year .

"Cobra Kai" star Tanner Buchanan will join Addison Rae in Miramax's "He's All That" remake movie. Photo by Greg2600/ Wikimedia Commons
Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Cobra Kai actor Tanner Buchanan will star opposite Addison Rae in He's All That, a gender-flipping remake of She's All That. Miramax's He's All That is based on the 1999 teen rom-com, She's All That, about high school student Zach Siler, (Freddie Prinze Jr.) who tries to make over nerdy Laney Boggs (Rachel Leigh Cook) to become prom queen and regain his reputation after his cheerleader girlfriend, Taylor (Jodi Lyn O'Keefe) dumps him. Advertisement
Buchanan will play the role of Rachel Leigh Cook in the remake directed by Mark Waters, Deadline reported.
R. Lee Fleming, the original screenwriter from She's All That is also writing the remake, which will tell the story from a girl's point of view as Rae plays the role of Siler.
Rae, who is known as a TikTok influencer in real life, will also take on the role of an influencer in the film.
Buchanan plays Robby Keene, the son of Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), in Netflix's Cobra Kai, the Karate Kid sequel series that has recently been ordered for a third season next year.


upi--2020-10-02--Fantasy football: Mark Andrews tops Week 4 tight end rankings

Sept. 30 ( UPI ) -- Mark Andrews , Travis Kelce , George Kittle , Zach Ertz and Tyler Higbee lead my Week 4 fantasy football tight end rankings for 2020 .
Hunter Henry , Dalton Schultz , Mike Gesicki , Darren Waller and Jimmy Graham round out my Top 10 options at the position .
Robert Tonyan of the Green Bay Packers and Drew Sample of the Cincinnati Bengals are among my favorite sleepers this week .
Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans players should be removed from all lineups after their Week 4 game was postponed due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wire article for more great options for your fantasy football team 's tight end slot in Week 4 .
Here are some of my favorite players in this week 's Top 20 rankings : Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has ranked just outside of the Top 10 fantasy football tight ends so far this season .
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has also had a slow start to his 2020 campaign .
I expect both players to rebound in Week 4 when the Ravens face a Washington Football Team defense that is tied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tight ends this season .
Andrews has n't reached the end zone since Week 1 .
I expect the Ravens tight end to have at least six catches for 60 yards and a score in Week 4 .
Dallas Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz should be a great sleeper play this week .
Schultz had 88 yards and a score in Week 2 .
He went for four catches for 48 yards in Week 3 .
I expect another TE1 performance from Schultz in Week 4 when the Cowboys face a Cleveland Browns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points to tight ends .
Schultz is my No .
7 option at the position .
Green Bay Packers tight end Robert Tonyan is a great streaming option this week and lands at No .
11 in my rankings .
Tonyan has scored a touchdown in each of his last two games .
He should have another productive outing in Week 4 when the Packers host an Atlanta Falcons team that has allowed the second-most fantasy points to tight ends this season .
Drew Sample of the Cincinnati Bengals is my No .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sample is a boom-or-bust play this week , as he has just one game this season with more than one catch , but I think he has a great chance to score .
The Bengals also face a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to tight ends .
I expect Sample to post low-end TE1 fantasy numbers this week in leagues with at least 14 teams .

1/3
I expect Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews to score his third touchdown of the season in Week 4. File Photo by David Tulis/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 30 (UPI) -- Mark Andrews, Travis Kelce, George Kittle, Zach Ertz and Tyler Higbee lead my Week 4 fantasy football tight end rankings for 2020. Hunter Henry, Dalton Schultz, Mike Gesicki, Darren Waller and Jimmy Graham round out my Top 10 options at the position. Robert Tonyan of the Green Bay Packers and Drew Sample of the Cincinnati Bengals are among my favorite sleepers this week. Advertisement
Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans players should be removed from all lineups after their Week 4 game was postponed due to the coronavirus.
Check out my weekly waiver wire article for more great options for your fantasy football team's tight end slot in Week 4.
Advertisement
Here are some of my favorite players in this week's Top 20 rankings:
TOP SHELF
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has ranked just outside of the Top 10 fantasy football tight ends so far this season. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has also had a slow start to his 2020 campaign.
I expect both players to rebound in Week 4 when the Ravens face a Washington Football Team defense that is tied for allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season. Andrews hasn't reached the end zone since Week 1. I expect the Ravens tight end to have at least six catches for 60 yards and a score in Week 4.
SNEAKY PLAYS
Dallas Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz should be a great sleeper play this week. Schultz had 88 yards and a score in Week 2. He went for four catches for 48 yards in Week 3.
I expect another TE1 performance from Schultz in Week 4 when the Cowboys face a Cleveland Browns defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends.
Schultz is my No. 7 option at the position.
Advertisement
LONGSHOTS
Green Bay Packers tight end Robert Tonyan is a great streaming option this week and lands at No. 11 in my rankings. Tonyan has scored a touchdown in each of his last two games.
He should have another productive outing in Week 4 when the Packers host an Atlanta Falcons team that has allowed the second-most fantasy points to tight ends this season.
Drew Sample of the Cincinnati Bengals is my No. 14 tight end for Week 4. Sample is a boom-or-bust play this week, as he has just one game this season with more than one catch, but I think he has a great chance to score.
The Bengals also face a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to tight ends. I expect Sample to post low-end TE1 fantasy numbers this week in leagues with at least 14 teams.
Week 4 fantasy football tight end rankings
1. Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens at WAS
2. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs vs. NE
3. George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers vs. PHI
4. Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles at SF
Advertisement
5. Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams vs. NYG
6. Hunter Henry, Los Angeles Chargers at TB
7. Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys vs. CLE
8. Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins vs. SEA
9. Darren Waller, Las Vegas Raiders vs. BUF
10. Jimmy Graham, Chicago Bears vs. IND
11. Robert Tonyan, Green Bay Packers vs. ATL
12. T.J. Hockenson, Detroit Lions vs. NO
13. Mo Alie-Cox, Indianapolis Colts at CHI
14. Drew Sample, Cincinnati Bengals vs. JAX
15. Evan Engram, New York Giants at LAR
16. Logan Thomas, Washington Football Team vs. BAL
17. Hayden Hurst, Atlanta Falcons at GB
18. Rob Gronkowski, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. LAC
19. Greg Olsen, Seattle Seahawks at MIA
20. Austin Hooper, Cleveland Browns at DAL
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-10-02--CDC: COVID-19 can cause severe organ inflammation in some adults

Oct. 2 ( UPI ) -- Adults with severe COVID-19 risk developing dangerous levels of inflammation simultaneously in several key organs , including the brain , heart , lung and kidneys , according to findings released Friday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
This condition , known as multi-system inflammatory syndrome , has also been observed in more than 400 children nationally who were infected with the new coronavirus , the agency said .
It has been compared with Kawasaki Disease Shock Syndrome , which describes patients with Kawasaki disease who experience a 20 % or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease causes inflammation in blood vessels throughout the body , and it most often affects children 5 and younger , according to the CDC .
Fewer than 20,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with the condition annually , the agency estimates .
In the findings , the CDC described cases of multi-system inflammatory syndrome in 16 adults infected with COVID-19 .
All 16 were hospitalized as a result , and two -- a 46-year-old Black American male and 31-year-old Black American female -- died , the agency said .
The 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hospital , some as long as as three weeks , before recovering .
All 16 patients had the common symptoms of COVID-19 , as well as hypotension , or low blood pressure , the CDC said .
Thirteen of the 14 surviving patients were all treated with corticosteroids , which have been shown to help reduce inflammation and improve survival in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 , the agency said .
Some also received blood thinners , convalescent blood plasma donated by people who have recovered from COVID-19 and remdesivir , an antiviral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new coronavirus , the CDC said .
The two patients with multi-system inflammatory syndrome who died were admitted to the hospital in critical condition and did not survive long enough to receive treatment , the agency said .
`` Further research is needed to understand the [ development ] and long-term effects of this condition , '' CDC researchers wrote .
`` Ultimately , the recognition of multi-system inflammatory syndrome reinforces the need for prevention efforts to limit spread of [ COVID-19 ] , '' they said .

Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Adults with severe COVID-19 risk developing dangerous levels of inflammation simultaneously in several key organs, including the brain, heart, lung and kidneys, according to findings released Friday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This condition, known as multi-system inflammatory syndrome, has also been observed in more than 400 children nationally who were infected with the new coronavirus, the agency said.
Advertisement
It has been compared with Kawasaki Disease Shock Syndrome, which describes patients with Kawasaki disease who experience a 20% or more decline in blood pressure.
Kawasaki disease causes inflammation in blood vessels throughout the body, and it most often affects children 5 and younger, according to the CDC.
Fewer than 20,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with the condition annually, the agency estimates.
In the findings, the CDC described cases of multi-system inflammatory syndrome in 16 adults infected with COVID-19. All 16 were hospitalized as a result, and two -- a 46-year-old Black American male and 31-year-old Black American female -- died, the agency said.
The 14 surviving patients all spent significant time in the hospital, some as long as as three weeks, before recovering.
Advertisement
All 16 patients had the common symptoms of COVID-19, as well as hypotension, or low blood pressure, the CDC said.
Thirteen of the 14 surviving patients were all treated with corticosteroids, which have been shown to help reduce inflammation and improve survival in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, the agency said.
Some also received blood thinners, convalescent blood plasma donated by people who have recovered from COVID-19 and remdesivir, an antiviral medication being studied in the treatment of the new coronavirus, the CDC said.
The two patients with multi-system inflammatory syndrome who died were admitted to the hospital in critical condition and did not survive long enough to receive treatment, the agency said.
"Further research is needed to understand the [development] and long-term effects of this condition," CDC researchers wrote.
"Ultimately, the recognition of multi-system inflammatory syndrome reinforces the need for prevention efforts to limit spread of [COVID-19]," they said.


upi--2020-10-03--Tropical Storm Gamma becomes latest named storm in Atlantic basin

Oct. 3 ( UPI ) -- Tropical Storm Gamma became the 24th named storm in the Atlantic basin this season .
Previously Tropical Depression 25 , the system 's maximum sustained winds had strengthened to 40 mph by 7 p.m. CDT Friday .
Tropical Depression 25 formed late Friday morning amid an area of disturbed weather over the northwestern Caribbean that meteorologists have had their eyes on since the demise of Beta , Sally , Teddy and Paulette .
As of Saturday morning , the tropical storm was moving in a northwestward direction at 9 mph , about 75 miles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speeds had increased to 50 mph .
Mexico 's government has issued tropical storm watches and warnings for the region .
Waters offshore of Honduras , Guatemala , Belize and Mexico 's Yucatan Peninsula have become increasingly stormy in recent days .
This zone has been experiencing low wind shear relative to the rest of the Atlantic basin .
Wind shear is the increase in the speed of breezes at increasing elevation in the atmosphere and can also involve a sudden change in wind direction from one area to the next .
Strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause a developed tropical system to weaken .
When wind shear is weak as it is now over the northwestern Caribbean , warm waters and rising air can be enough to initiate tropical development .
AccuWeather is projecting the system to peak as a strong tropical storm before making landfall on the northeastern Yucatan coast Saturday afternoon .
However , strengthening could resume and extend beyond tropical storm strength as the system gets into the southern Gulf of Mexico days later .
Because of weak steering breezes in the area from the northwestern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , slow forward movement of this tropical system is likely to continue .
There are several scenarios that could develop with the most likely possibility being that the system moves northward very little during the short to medium range .
However , any track the system takes will bring torrential rainfall and the risk of flooding and mudslides to the area from southeastern Mexico to Belize , Guatemala and Honduras .
But swimmers should stay out of the water and boaters should consider keeping their vessels in port over the next several days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Increasing gusty winds in thunderstorms can lead to property damage and power outages .
`` The system will wander straight across the Yucatan Peninsula and then drift into the southwestern Gulf of Mexico , '' AccuWeather 's top hurricane expert , Dan Kottlowski , said .
A storm such as this has the potential to disrupt natural gas and oil production in the western Gulf of Mexico for several days , AccuWeather meteorologists say .
In this scenario , some weakening would occur followed by possible re-strengthening over the Gulf .
`` Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a general west-southwest path that takes it over land in Central America , never to return to warm waters , '' according to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Adam Douty .
In that case , the system would diminish later this weekend into early next week .
During much of next week , the northward path of Gamma will be blocked due to an area of high pressure over the central and eastern U.S .
This will help to keep the storm away from the U.S .
In addition to Gamma , there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeping a close eye on .
This second disturbance will not develop right away -- and may not develop at all .
`` If Gamma becomes a strong tropical storm , it might then hinder development of the other system moving in from the east , '' Kottlowski said .
A strong , large system near the Yucatan Peninsula or the southwestern Gulf of Mexico would increase disruptive wind shear on its periphery .
`` If Gamma moves over land and diminishes , then the door might be opened for more robust development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it moves northwestward over the Caribbean , '' Kottlowski explained .
Following Gamma , the next name on the list of the Greek alphabet is Delta .
Prior to the beginning of October , there have been 24 tropical depressions that have formed in the Atlantic basin this year with 23 strengthening into tropical storms .
Twenty of the storms have set early-formation records .
The formation of Gamma eclipses the 24th storm on the record books , beating out Beta from Oct. 27 , 2005 .
The majority of the former early-formation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hurricane season .
There was an initially unclassified storm during the 2005 season , which bumped the named storms and their numbers farther down the list that year .
The use of Greek letters this year has been just the second time recorded history that the secondary list of names has been used , with 2005 being the only other year the primary list of hurricane names was exhausted .
During the 2005 season , there were 28 tropical storms that were strong enough to be named .
Despite 2020 being on record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overall numbers of tropical storms , it is well behind a key record that is a parameter meteorologists use to measure the overall intensity of a hurricane season .
That measure is called accumulated cyclone energy , or ACE .
ACE measures both the total power and duration of all tropical systems .
As of Sept. 30 , 2020 , this measurement stood 101 units , which is above average .
To put that number in perspective , however , the 2005 season finished with a record 245 units .
The average for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AccuWeather is projecting at least one more tropical system to make landfall in the U.S. during the 2020 season .
Thus far there have been nine landfalls in the United States , which ties the record from 1916 .

Tropical Storm Gamma was drifting north of the Yucatan Peninsula early Monday. Photo courtesy of NOAA
Oct. 5 (UPI) -- The record-breaking nature of the 2020 Atlantic Tropical Season continues as Tropical Storm Gamma meanders north of the Yucatan Peninsula early Monday after striking Mexico with strong winds and flooding rains over the weekend. Gamma became a tropical storm and gained its name on Friday evening as it strengthened in the northwestern Caribbean Sea, becoming only the second storm of its name to exist in Atlantic Basin history, and the earliest ever, beating out the Gamma of 2005. Advertisement
The system made landfall at 12:45 p.m. EDT on Saturday near Tulum, Mexico, as a strong tropical storm.
The National Hurricane Center said that a weather station at Xel-Ha Park, along the Yucatan coast just north of Tulum, reported sustained winds of 60 mph.
In its 4 a.m CDT advisory on Monday, the NHC said Gamma had weakened slightly with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and was drifting west-southwest at 2 mph and was about 170 miles northeast of Progreso, Mexico, and about 155 miles north-northwest of Cozumel, Mexico.
"Gamma is forecast to gradually turn toward the southwest or west-southwest later today, and continue to move slowly in that direction through mid-week," the advisory said. "on the forecast track, the center of Gamma will continue to meander offshore of the northern Yucatan Peninsula this morning, and pass near or just offshore of the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula later today and on Tuesday."
Advertisement
The government of Mexico has issued a Tropical Storm Watch from Progreso to Campeche.
Gamma battered the Yucatan Peninsula over the weekend with heavy rain and gusty winds before shifting into the Gulf of Mexico.
The governor of the state of Quintana Roo, which contains cities like Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cancun, advised on Twitter that residents shelter at home and report emergencies to the appropriate authorities.
According to Noticaribe, one of the hardest-hit areas so far is Playa del Carmen, where the State Coordination of Civil Protection issued a red alert on Saturday morning, due to Gamma's impending impacts.
Reports of fallen trees, blackouts and flooding in main streets were noted by several emergency agencies in the city.
Just to the north, in Puerto Morelos, the local government set up two temporary shelters. Firefighters, public services and civil protection crews were out removing tree branches and assisting drivers, municipal president Laura Fernandez told CancunMio.
Before Gamma pushed into the Yucatan Peninsula, much of southeastern Mexico was deluged by heavy rainfall at the end of September and start of October.


upi--2020-10-03--Taylor Swift's 'Folklore' tops the U.S. album chart

Oct. 3 ( UPI ) -- Pop star Taylor Swift 's Folklore is No .
1 on the U.S. album @ @ @ @ @ No .
2 on the Billboard 200 chart dated Saturday is Pop Smoke 's Shoot @ @ @ @ @ the Moon , followed by YoungBoy Never Broke Again 's Top at No .
3 @ @ @ @ @ at No .
4 and Juice WRLD 's Legends Never Die at No .
5 @ @ @ @ @ tier are Moneybagg Yo and Blac Youngsta 's Code Red at No .
6 , @ @ @ @ @ of Now , Part I at No .
7 , the Hamilton soundtrack at No @ @ @ @ @ 's My Turn at No .
9 and Lil Tecca 's Virgo World at No @ @ @

Pop star Taylor Swift's Folklore is No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart this week. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Pop star Taylor Swift's Folklore is No. 1 on the U.S. album chart. Coming in at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart dated Saturday is Pop Smoke's Shoot For the Stars Aim for the Moon, followed by YoungBoy Never Broke Again's Top at No. 3, Alicia Keys' Alicia at No. 4 and Juice WRLD's Legends Never Die at No. 5. Advertisement
Rounding out the top tier are Moneybagg Yo and Blac Youngsta's Code Red at No. 6, Keith Urban's The Speed of Now, Part I at No. 7, the Hamilton soundtrack at No. 8, Lil Baby's My Turn at No. 9 and Lil Tecca's Virgo World at No. 10.


upi--2020-10-03--President Donald Trump treated with remdesivir at Walter Reed, doctor says

Volunteers distribute food during a Virtual Drive-Thru and Walk-Up Giveaway sponsored by United Hands Multi-Purpose Center to help feed thousands @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic in Compton , California on Saturday , May 2 , 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ has announced a plan to purchase more food from struggling farmers and distribute it to @ @ @ @ @ 470 million this time .
The purchases , announced this week , will come in @ @ @ @ @ billion the USDA pledged to buy farm products as part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance @ @ @ @ @ 17 .
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | Hundreds of passengers form a line to @ @ @ @ @ China Southern Airlines flight to China on April 19 in Los Angeles .
Passengers at @ @ @ @ @ arrived at 5:30 a.m. , with many others standing in line since 8 a.m. to @ @ @ @ @ seat before the plane was full .
Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI |

1/5
Oct. 3 (UPI) -- White House physician Dr. Sean Conley said Saturday that President Donald Trump "is doing very well" after treatment at Walter Reed hospital, but threw the timeline of his illness into question and later said the president is "not out of the woods." Conley and a team of several doctors from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center briefed the public on Trump's condition and treatment outside the facility midday Saturday. Advertisement
"This morning, the president is doing very well," Conley said.
He said Trump experienced symptoms including a mild cough, nasal congestion and fatigue beginning Thursday, but that those conditions have since improved.
Conley said Trump's been fever free for more than 24 hours, has been walking around and tending to some work.
"We remain cautiously optimistic, but he's doing great," he said.
Advertisement
Conley said Trump is "not on oxygen right now," nor was he on Friday, but declined to clarify when reporters asked if Trump had ever been on oxygen to treat coronavirus.
CNN and The New York Times reported Trump received oxygen at the White House on Friday.
"At this time, the team and I are extremely happy with the progress the president has made.
Though the doctors offered a positive outlook for the president's condition, a source familiar with the president's health offered a different picture to a White House pool reporter attending the news conference.
"The president's vitals over the last 24 hours were very concerning and the next 48 hours will be critical in terms of his care. We're still not on a clear path to a full recovery," the source said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, said Trump's oxygen levels fell rapidly Friday.
"The biggest thing that we see is that with no fever now, and with him doing really well with his oxygen saturation levels," Meadows said in an interview with Fox News host Jeanine Pirro on Saturday night. " Yesterday morning, we were real concerned about that. He had a fever, and his blood oxygen level had dropped rapidly."
Advertisement
On Saturday afternoon, Trump tweeted praise for those caring for him at Walter Reed.
"Doctors, Nurses and ALL at the GREAT Walter Reed Medical Center, and others from likewise incredible institutions who have joined them, are AMAZING!!! Tremendous progress has been made over the last 6 months in fighting this PLAGUE. With their help, I am feeling well!," he tweeted at 1:19 p.m.
Later Saturday, a 4 minute video by Trump was posted on his Twitter feed. "I came here, wasn't feeling so well. I feel much better now. We're working hard to get me all the way back. I have to be back, because we still have to make America great again. We've done an awfully good job of that, but we still have steps to go and we have to have to finish that job."
He added that he thought he would "be back soon. And I look forward to finishing up the campaign, the way it was started and the way we've been doing, the kind of numbers that we've been doing, we've been so proud of it. But this was something that happened, and it's happened to millions of people all over the world, and I'm fighting for them, not just in the U.S., I'm fighting for them all over the world. We're going to beat this coronavirus or whatever you want to call it, and we're going to beat it soundly."
Advertisement
Ivanka Trump, the daughter of the president and a White House senior adviser, posted a photo of Trump working in the presidential suite at the hospital.
On Friday, Conley said doctors at the hospital administered remdesivir therapy to the president. Before Trump's admittance to Walter Reed, he also was given an experimental antibody treatment called regeneron.
Late Saturday, Conley wrote an update saying Trump was given a second dose of the drug. "While not out of the woods, the team remains cautiously optimistic. This plan for tomorrow is to continue observations in between doses of Remdesivir, closely monitoring his clinical status while fully supporting his conduct of Presidential duties."
Conley says he "remains fever-free and off supplemental oxygen with a saturation level between 96 and 98% all day."
Comments at Saturday's news conference about Trump's diagnosis and the administration of the antibody treatment caused confusion about the timeline of the president's illness.
Conley told reporters they were "72 hours into the diagnosis," which would place his positive test about midday Wednesday. Trump tweeted the news just before 1 a.m. Eastern time Friday.
"Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!" Trump tweeted.
Advertisement
Additionally, the medical team said Trump was given the antibody treatment "48 hours ago," or midday Thursday.
Conley later walked back the timeline he presented during the news conference in a memo issued to reporters.
"This morning while summarizing the president's health, I incorrectly used the term 'seventy two hours' instead of 'day three' and forty eight hours' instead of 'day two' with regards to his diagnosis and the administration of the polyclonal antibody therapy.
"The president was first diagnosed with COVID-19 on the evening of Thursday, October 1st and had received Regeron's antibody cocktail on Friday, October 2nd."
Marine One transported Trump to the Bethesda hospital Friday evening for what White House officials said was likely to be a "few days."Remdesivir, manufactured by Gilead Sciences under the brand name Vaklury, is an antiviral drug originally developed to treat hepatitis C, which was unsuccessful. It was later determined to work against multiple viruses, including coronavirus.
Clinical results for the antiviral in COVID-19 trials have been mixed, with one study in August showing the drug doesn't improve outcomes in people hospitalized with moderate pneumonia caused by COVID-19.
But research published in May suggested the drug might be effective in people with severe COVID-19.
Advertisement
A study published by the New England Journal of Medicine found that seriously ill patients infected with the new coronavirus had an average recovery time of 11 days after receiving the drug, compared to 15 days for those given a placebo.
Research published last month showed that remdesivir administered in combination with baricitinib -- treatment for rheumatoid arthritis -- can reduce the recovery time for people with COVID-19 when compared to people treated with just the antiviral.
Remdesivir works by slowing the production of enzymes that play a key role in the replication of viruses, including coronaviruses, according to Gilead Sciences.


upi--2020-10-03--On This Day, Oct. 3: Battle of Mogadishu begins

Oct. 3 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1919 , Cincinnati Reds pitcher Dolf Luque becomes the first Latino player to appear in a World Series .
Luque was born in Havana , Cuba , on Aug. 4 , 1890 .
In 1922 , Rebecca Felton , a Georgia Democrat , was chosen to become the first woman to serve in the U.S. Senate following the premature death of Sen. Thomas E. Watson .
In 1932 , following 17 years of British rule , Iraq gained its independence from the United Kingdom and was admitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1935 , Italy invaded Ethiopia , starting the Second Italo-Ethiopian War .
Italy 's invasion of Ethiopia , a fellow member of the League of Nations , exposed the ineffectiveness of the League , and its inability to exert control over member nations when violating its own statutes .
In 1952 , Britain successfully tested its first atomic bomb , becoming the world 's third nuclear power .
In 1955 , the children 's TV show Captain Kangaroo with Bob Keeshan in the title role was broadcast for the first time .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died at the age of 55 .
In 1972 , U.S. President Richard Nixon and Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko signed strategic arms limitation agreements , putting the first restrictions on the two countries ' nuclear weapons .
In 1990 , formerly communist East Germany merged with West Germany , ending 45 years of post-war division .
In 1992 , Bill Gates , the college-dropout founder of Microsoft Corp. , became the youngest person to top the Forbes magazine list of the 400 richest Americans , with a net worth of $ 6.3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Battle of Mogadishu began during the Somali Civil War , killing 19 Americans and between 200 and 300 Somalis .
The militia shot down two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters and became the inspiration for the movie Black Hawk Down .
In 1995 , O.J .
Simpson was acquitted of charges that he killed his former wife , Nicole Brown Simpson , and her friend , Ron Goldman .
The trial , which had intense media coverage , lasted more than eight months .
In 2007 , U.S. President George W. Bush vetoed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the State Children 's Health Insurance Program to provide health coverage to more than 10 million children .
Bush said the proposal was a move toward universal healthcare , which he opposed .
In 2011 , American Amanda Knox was acquitted on appeal of murder in Perugia , Italy , two years after being convicted of killing her British roommate .
In 2018 , the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry to scientists making advances in cancer research -- Frances Arnold , George Smith and Gregory Winter .

1/2
A U.S. Marine UH-1N "Huey" helicopter flies over a Mogadishu residential area on a patrol mission to look for signs of hostilities on December 1, 1992. On October 3, 1993, the two-day Battle of Mogadishu began during the Somali Civil War, killing 19 Americans and between 200 and 300 Somalis. File Photo courtesy of the U.S. Air Force
Oct. 3 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1919, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Dolf Luque becomes the first Latino player to appear in a World Series. Luque was born in Havana, Cuba, on Aug. 4, 1890. Advertisement
In 1922, Rebecca Felton, a Georgia Democrat, was chosen to become the first woman to serve in the U.S. Senate following the premature death of Sen. Thomas E. Watson.
In 1932, following 17 years of British rule, Iraq gained its independence from the United Kingdom and was admitted to the League of Nations.
In 1935, Italy invaded Ethiopia, starting the Second Italo-Ethiopian War. Italy's invasion of Ethiopia, a fellow member of the League of Nations, exposed the ineffectiveness of the League, and its inability to exert control over member nations when violating its own statutes.
In 1952, Britain successfully tested its first atomic bomb, becoming the world's third nuclear power.
In 1955, the children's TV show Captain Kangaroo with Bob Keeshan in the title role was broadcast for the first time.
In 1967, folksinger and songwriter Woody Guthrie died at the age of 55.
In 1972, U.S. President Richard Nixon and Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko signed strategic arms limitation agreements, putting the first restrictions on the two countries' nuclear weapons.
Advertisement
File Photo by Frank Cancellare/UPI
In 1990, formerly communist East Germany merged with West Germany, ending 45 years of post-war division.
In 1992, Bill Gates, the college-dropout founder of Microsoft Corp., became the youngest person to top the Forbes magazine list of the 400 richest Americans, with a net worth of $6.3 billion.
In 1993, the two-day Battle of Mogadishu began during the Somali Civil War, killing 19 Americans and between 200 and 300 Somalis. The militia shot down two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters and became the inspiration for the movie Black Hawk Down.
In 1995, O.J. Simpson was acquitted of charges that he killed his former wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. The trial, which had intense media coverage, lasted more than eight months.
File Photo by Myung J. Chun/UPI
In 2007, U.S. President George W. Bush vetoed a bill that would have increased funding of the State Children's Health Insurance Program to provide health coverage to more than 10 million children. Bush said the proposal was a move toward universal healthcare, which he opposed.
Advertisement
In 2011, American Amanda Knox was acquitted on appeal of murder in Perugia, Italy, two years after being convicted of killing her British roommate.
In 2018, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry to scientists making advances in cancer research -- Frances Arnold, George Smith and Gregory Winter.


upi--2020-10-03--Famous birthdays for Oct. 3: Gwen Stefani, Lindsey Buckingham

Oct. 3 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Libra .
-- Rock @ @ @ @ @ member Lindsey Buckingham in 1949 ( age 71 ) -- Rock and Roll Hall of @ @ @ @ @ 1979 ( age 41 )

Gwen Stefani arrives on the red carpet at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Benefit "Camp: Notes on Fashion" at Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 6, 2019. The singer turns 51 on Oct. 3. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Libra. They include: Advertisement
-- Cherokee Chief John Ross in 1790
-- Actor Warner Oland in 1879
-- Writer Gore Vidal in 1925
-- Hockey Hall of Fame member Glenn Hall in 1931 (age 89)
-- Rock 'n' roll singer Chubby Checker in 1941 (age 79)
-- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Lindsey Buckingham in 1949 (age 71)
File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
-- Musician Keb' Mo,' born Kevin Roosevelt Moore, in 1951 (age 69)
-- American astronaut Kathryn Sullivan in 1951 (age 69)
-- Activist Rev. Al Sharpton in 1954 (age 66)
-- Guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan in 1954
-- Filmmaker Tommy Wiseau in 1955 (age 65)
-- Golf Hall of Fame member Fred Couples in 1959 (age 61)
-- Actor/singer Jack Wagner in 1959 (age 61)
-- Rock drummer Tommy Lee in 1962 (age 58)
-- Actor Clive Owen in 1964 (age 56)
File Photo by David Silpa/UPI
Advertisement
-- Singer Gwen Stefani in 1969 (age 51)
-- Rapper Black Thought, born Tariq Luqmaan Trotter, in 1971 (age 49)
-- Singer Kevin Richardson in 1971 (age 49)
-- Actor Lena Headey in 1973 (age 47)
-- Actor Neve Campbell in 1973 (age 47)
-- Singer India.Arie in 1975 (age 45)
-- Rapper Talib Kweli in 1975 (age 45)
-- Actor Seann William Scott in 1976 (age 44)
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
-- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Josh Klinghoffer in 1979 (age 41)
-- Actor Tessa Thompson in 1983 (age 37)
-- Singer Ashlee Simpson in 1984 (age 36)
-- Rapper ASAP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, in 1988 (age 32)
-- Actor Alicia Vikander in 1988 (age 32)
-- Actor Noah Schnapp in 2004 (age 16)


upi--2020-10-03--Common heartburn meds linked to higher diabetes risk

Often-used drugs called proton pump inhibitors , or PPIs , ease heartburn symptoms , but a new study suggests they might also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes .
Chinese researchers drew on information from studies of more than 200,000 U.S. health care professionals and found that regular use of PPIs -- such as Aciphex , Nexium , Prilosec , Prevacid , Protonix -- was associated with a 24 % higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes .
The researchers also found that the longer people used the drugs , the higher their odds of diabetes .
`` Regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes , particularly for those with prolonged use , '' the authors wrote in the report published online this week in the journal Gut .
Jinqiu Yuan , a researcher from the Sun Yat-Sen University , Shenzhen , Guangdong , China , led the study .
PPIs are available by prescription or over-the-counter to treat acid reflux , peptic ulcers and other digestive conditions .
They are among the top 10 drugs used worldwide .
Long-term use has previously been linked to a greater risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tract infections and stomach cancer .
Based on the new findings , the researchers suggested that people taking PPIs for a long time should have their blood sugar monitored for changes that might indicate developing diabetes .
It 's important to note , however , that this study was not designed to prove a cause-and-effect relationship between PPIs and type 2 diabetes .
It can only show a link between the two .
The researchers relied on data from three long-term studies of U.S. health professionals that began in the 1970s and 1980s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and nearly 29,000 men .
Participants provided information on their health and behaviors every two years .
In the early 2000s , the questions expanded to include whether they had used a PPI two or more times a week .
The investigators tried to control for factors that might affect type 2 diabetes risk , including high blood pressure , weight and physical inactivity .
Besides linking regular use of PPIs to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes , the researchers found that long-term use increased the odds , too .
Study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two years had a 5 % increased risk , and the risk rose 26 % for those who took the drugs more than two years .
The study authors also noted that when people stopped taking these drugs , the risk of diabetes fell , and it continued to do so even more over time .
Surprisingly , the risk of diabetes associated with PPI use appeared to be highest in people with normal blood pressure and lower weight .
Typically , higher weight is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher risk of type 2 diabetes in people taking another type of heartburn medication called H2 receptor blockers -- such as Pepcid , Tagamet , Zantac .
It 's unclear exactly how taking acid-reducing medications might increase diabetes risk , the researchers said .
One possible way might be through altering the body 's natural balance of bacteria , or microbiome , they suggested .
Another possibility : PPI use may lead to weight gain that can increase the odds of diabetes .
More research is needed .
Dr. David Bernstein , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manhasset , N.Y. , reviewed the findings .
`` PPIs are the most effective therapies for the treatment of acid reflux , gastritis and peptic ulcers , '' Bernstein said .
`` When first introduced , they were considered 'miracle ' drugs as they alleviated previously refractory abdominal pains . ''
Unfortunately , as the study authors noted , these drugs have been linked to some serious long-term side effects .
`` This report , despite its weaknesses , adds yet another potential consequence to an already growing list of medical conditions associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Weaknesses included the observational nature of the study and lack of randomized comparison groups , he noted .
Still , based upon the findings , it seems reasonable to check patients who have been taking PPIs for more than two years for development of diabetes at regular intervals , he said .
`` Further studies are required to determine what that interval should be , '' Bernstein explained .
Another digestive disease specialist , Dr. Arun Swaminath , from Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City , agreed that the study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the study is that the true estimation of PPI exposure is based on memory and recall bias , '' he said .
But , due to this study 's findings and other associated risks of long-term PPI use , Swaminath said , `` it 's reasonable to always see if a patient still needs their PPI '' or if their dose could be lowered .
For those who need to stay on PPIs , doctors and patients need to discuss the drugs ' risks and benefits , he advised .
Because PPIs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be a simple process to identify all at-risk patients , '' Swaminath pointed out .
Learn more about proton pump inhibitors from the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders .

Often-used drugs called proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, ease heartburn symptoms, but a new study suggests they might also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Chinese researchers drew on information from studies of more than 200,000 U.S. health care professionals and found that regular use of PPIs -- such as Aciphex, Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix -- was associated with a 24% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Advertisement
The researchers also found that the longer people used the drugs, the higher their odds of diabetes.
"Regular PPI use was likely to be associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, particularly for those with prolonged use," the authors wrote in the report published online this week in the journal Gut.
Jinqiu Yuan, a researcher from the Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, led the study.
PPIs are available by prescription or over-the-counter to treat acid reflux, peptic ulcers and other digestive conditions. They are among the top 10 drugs used worldwide. Long-term use has previously been linked to a greater risk of bone fractures, kidney disease, digestive tract infections and stomach cancer.
Advertisement
Based on the new findings, the researchers suggested that people taking PPIs for a long time should have their blood sugar monitored for changes that might indicate developing diabetes.
It's important to note, however, that this study was not designed to prove a cause-and-effect relationship between PPIs and type 2 diabetes. It can only show a link between the two.
The researchers relied on data from three long-term studies of U.S. health professionals that began in the 1970s and 1980s. They included more than 176,000 women and nearly 29,000 men.
Participants provided information on their health and behaviors every two years. In the early 2000s, the questions expanded to include whether they had used a PPI two or more times a week.
The investigators tried to control for factors that might affect type 2 diabetes risk, including high blood pressure, weight and physical inactivity.
Besides linking regular use of PPIs to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, the researchers found that long-term use increased the odds, too. Study participants who used PPIs for up to two years had a 5% increased risk, and the risk rose 26% for those who took the drugs more than two years.
The study authors also noted that when people stopped taking these drugs, the risk of diabetes fell, and it continued to do so even more over time.
Advertisement
Surprisingly, the risk of diabetes associated with PPI use appeared to be highest in people with normal blood pressure and lower weight. Typically, higher weight is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
The study also found a 14% higher risk of type 2 diabetes in people taking another type of heartburn medication called H2 receptor blockers -- such as Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac.
It's unclear exactly how taking acid-reducing medications might increase diabetes risk, the researchers said. One possible way might be through altering the body's natural balance of bacteria, or microbiome, they suggested. Another possibility: PPI use may lead to weight gain that can increase the odds of diabetes. More research is needed.
Dr. David Bernstein, a digestive disease specialist from Northwell Health in Manhasset, N.Y., reviewed the findings.
"PPIs are the most effective therapies for the treatment of acid reflux, gastritis and peptic ulcers," Bernstein said. "When first introduced, they were considered 'miracle' drugs as they alleviated previously refractory abdominal pains."
Unfortunately, as the study authors noted, these drugs have been linked to some serious long-term side effects.
"This report, despite its weaknesses, adds yet another potential consequence to an already growing list of medical conditions associated with long-term PPI use," Bernstein said. Weaknesses included the observational nature of the study and lack of randomized comparison groups, he noted.
Advertisement
Still, based upon the findings, it seems reasonable to check patients who have been taking PPIs for more than two years for development of diabetes at regular intervals, he said. "Further studies are required to determine what that interval should be," Bernstein explained.
Another digestive disease specialist, Dr. Arun Swaminath, from Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, agreed that the study had limitations.
"The main limitation of the study is that the true estimation of PPI exposure is based on memory and recall bias," he said.
But, due to this study's findings and other associated risks of long-term PPI use, Swaminath said, "it's reasonable to always see if a patient still needs their PPI" or if their dose could be lowered.
For those who need to stay on PPIs, doctors and patients need to discuss the drugs' risks and benefits, he advised. Because PPIs are available over-the-counter, "it will not be a simple process to identify all at-risk patients," Swaminath pointed out.
More information
Learn more about proton pump inhibitors from the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-10-03--NBA Finals: LeBron, Los Angeles Lakers beat Miami Heat for 2-0 series lead

Oct. 2 ( UPI ) -- LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the short-handed Miami Heat 124-114 on Friday night to grab a 2-0 series lead in the NBA Finals .
James came close to a triple-double with 33 points , nine assists and nine rebounds and Anthony Davis sank 14 of his first 15 shots en route to 32 points to move the Lakers halfway to their first championship since 2010 .
The Lakers -- wearing the Kobe Bryant-inspired `` Black Mamba '' uniforms -- shot 51 % from the field and took a season-high 47 3-pointers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Los Angeles improved to 4-0 in the postseason when wearing the all-black uniforms , one of the many tributes to the Lakers legend who died in a January helicopter crash .
`` This is what it 's all about , '' James said .
`` We 're thinking about the Bryant family ... and hopefully we 're making them proud . ''
Rajon Rondo had 16 points and 10 assists for the Lakers .
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kyle Kuzma each scored 11 .
Jimmy Butler finished with 25 points , 13 assists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who were playing without injured starters Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic .
In Adebayo 's place , Kelly Olynyk had 24 points on 9-of-16 shooting .
Rookie guard Kendrick Nunn absorbed a majority of Dragic 's minutes and had 13 points .
Heat guard Tyler Herro recorded 17 points and seven rebounds , while Jae Crowder notched 12 points and seven boards .
Miami got within nine points in the fourth quarter but could n't close the gap any further .
Game 3 of the best-of-seven series is set for Sunday night .

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James takes a jumpshot against the Miami Heat in the fourth quarter of Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Friday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, Fla. Photo by Erik S. Lesser/EPA-EFE
Oct. 2 (UPI) -- LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the short-handed Miami Heat 124-114 on Friday night to grab a 2-0 series lead in the NBA Finals. James came close to a triple-double with 33 points, nine assists and nine rebounds and Anthony Davis sank 14 of his first 15 shots en route to 32 points to move the Lakers halfway to their first championship since 2010. Advertisement
The Lakers -- wearing the Kobe Bryant-inspired "Black Mamba" uniforms -- shot 51% from the field and took a season-high 47 3-pointers to counter the Heat's zone defense. Los Angeles improved to 4-0 in the postseason when wearing the all-black uniforms, one of the many tributes to the Lakers legend who died in a January helicopter crash.
"This is what it's all about," James said. "We're thinking about the Bryant family ... and hopefully we're making them proud."
Rajon Rondo had 16 points and 10 assists for the Lakers. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kyle Kuzma each scored 11.
Advertisement
Jimmy Butler finished with 25 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds for the Heat, who were playing without injured starters Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic. In Adebayo's place, Kelly Olynyk had 24 points on 9-of-16 shooting. Rookie guard Kendrick Nunn absorbed a majority of Dragic's minutes and had 13 points.
Heat guard Tyler Herro recorded 17 points and seven rebounds, while Jae Crowder notched 12 points and seven boards. Miami got within nine points in the fourth quarter but couldn't close the gap any further.
Game 3 of the best-of-seven series is set for Sunday night.


upi--2020-10-02--U.S. soccer star Christian Pulisic cleared to return for Chelsea

Oct. 2 ( UPI ) -- U.S. men 's soccer star Christian Pulisic has recovered from a hamstring injury and will make his first appearance of the season this weekend , Chelsea manager Frank Lampard confirmed Friday .
The 22-year-old Pulisic has been out of the lineup since Aug. 1 after he limped off the pitch during Chelsea 's FA Cup Final loss to Arsenal .
Lampard told reporters Pulisic will return as a substitute and wo n't play the full 90 minutes .
Chelsea faces Crystal Palace on Saturday at Stamford Bridge .
`` Pulisic is in the squad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` He wo n't start the match because of the injury he has had .
It has been a difficult injury .
I 'm very keen to get him back in there so it is great to have him back , for himself and for the boost he can give the team .
He is an important player for us . ''
Pulisic had nine goals and four assists in 19 starts for Chelsea last season .
The Blues sit ninth in the Premier League standings with a 1-1-1 record this year @

Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic suffered a hamstring injury in a loss to Arsenal in August. File Photo by Paul Childs/EPA-EFE
Oct. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. men's soccer star Christian Pulisic has recovered from a hamstring injury and will make his first appearance of the season this weekend, Chelsea manager Frank Lampard confirmed Friday. The 22-year-old Pulisic has been out of the lineup since Aug. 1 after he limped off the pitch during Chelsea's FA Cup Final loss to Arsenal. Advertisement
Lampard told reporters Pulisic will return as a substitute and won't play the full 90 minutes. Chelsea faces Crystal Palace on Saturday at Stamford Bridge.
"Pulisic is in the squad for tomorrow," Lampard said Friday. "He won't start the match because of the injury he has had. It has been a difficult injury. I'm very keen to get him back in there so it is great to have him back, for himself and for the boost he can give the team. He is an important player for us."
Pulisic had nine goals and four assists in 19 starts for Chelsea last season. The Blues sit ninth in the Premier League standings with a 1-1-1 record this year.