Aims. We present the analysis of 26 nights of V and I time-series observations from 2011 and 2012 of the globular cluster M 30 (NGC 7099). We used our data to search for variable stars in this ...cluster and refine the periods of known variables; we then used our variable star light curves to derive values for the cluster’s parameters. Methods. We used difference image analysis to reduce our data to obtain high-precision light curves of variable stars. We then estimated the cluster parameters by performing a Fourier decomposition of the light curves of RR Lyrae stars for which a good period estimate was possible. We also derived an estimate for the age of the cluster by fitting theoretical isochrones to our colour-magnitude diagram (CMD). Results. Out of 13 stars previously catalogued as variables, we find that only 4 are bona fide variables. We detect two new RR Lyrae variables, and confirm two additional RR Lyrae candidates from the literature. We also detect four other new variables, including an eclipsing blue straggler system, and an SX Phoenicis star. This amounts to a total number of confirmed variable stars in M 30 of 12. We perform Fourier decomposition of the light curves of the RR Lyrae stars to derive cluster parameters using empirical relations. We find a cluster metallicity Fe/HZW = −2.01 ± 0.04, or Fe/HUVES = −2.11 ± 0.06, and a distance of 8.32 ± 0.20 kpc (using RR0 variables), 8.10 kpc (using one RR1 variable), and 8.35 ± 0.42 kpc (using our SX Phoenicis star detection in M 30). Fitting isochrones to the CMD, we estimate an age of 13.0 ± 1.0 Gyr for M 30.
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We report the discovery of WASP-3b, the third transiting exoplanet to be discovered by the WASP and SOPHIE collaboration. WASP-3b transits its host star USNO-B1.0 1256−0285133 every 1.846 834 ± 0.000 ...002 d. Our high-precision radial velocity measurements present a variation with amplitude characteristic of a planetary-mass companion and in phase with the light curve. Adaptive optics imaging shows no evidence for nearby stellar companions, and line-bisector analysis excludes faint, unresolved binarity and stellar activity as the cause of the radial velocity variations. We make a preliminary spectroscopic analysis of the host star and find it to have Teff= 6400 ± 100 K and log g= 4.25 ± 0.05 which suggests it is most likely an unevolved main-sequence star of spectral type F7-8V. Our simultaneous modelling of the transit photometry and reflex motion of the host leads us to derive a mass of 1.76+0.08−0.14MJ and radius 1.31+0.07−0.14RJ for WASP-3b. The proximity and relative temperature of the host star suggests that WASP-3b is one of the hottest exoplanets known, and thus has the potential to place stringent constraints on exoplanet atmospheric models.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Context. The extrasolar planet WASP-67 b is the first hot Jupiter definitively known to undergo only partial eclipses. The lack of the second and third contact points in this planetary system makes ...it difficult to obtain accurate measurements of its physical parameters. Aims. By using new high-precision photometric data, we confirm that WASP-67 b shows grazing eclipses and compute accurate estimates of the physical properties of the planet and its parent star. Methods. We present high-quality, multi-colour, broad-band photometric observations comprising five light curves covering two transit events, obtained using two medium-class telescopes and the telescope-defocusing technique. One transit was observed through a Bessel-R filter and the other simultaneously through filters similar to Sloan g'r'i'z'. We modelled these data using JKTEBOP. The physical parameters of the system were obtained from the analysis of these light curves and from published spectroscopic measurements. Results. All five of our light curves satisfy the criterion for being grazing eclipses. We revise the physical parameters of the whole WASP-67 system and, in particular, significantly improve the measurements of the planet's radius (R sub(b) = 1.091 + or - 0.046 R sub(Jup)) and density (rho sub(b) = 0.292 + or - 0.036rho sub(Jup)), as compared to the values in the discovery paper (warning and rho sub(b) = 0.16 + or - 0.08 rho sub(Jup)). The transit ephemeris was also substantially refined. We investigated the variation of the planet's radius as a function of the wavelength, using the simultaneous multi-band data, finding that our measurements are consistent with a flat spectrum to within the experimental uncertainties.
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Atopic dermatitis remains a widespread problem affecting various populations globally. While numerous treatment options have been employed, pimecrolimus remains a potent and viable option. Recently, ...there has been increasing interest in comparing the safety and efficacy of pimecrolimus with its vehicle.
The authors conducted a comprehensive search of several databases, including PubMed, COCHRANE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central, from inception to May 2022, using a wide search strategy with Boolean operators. The authors also employed backward snowballing to identify any studies missed in the initial search. The authors included randomized controlled trials in our meta-analysis and extracted data from the identified studies. The authors used Review Manager (RevMan) Version 5.4 to analyze the data, selecting a random-effects model due to observed differences in study populations and settings. The authors considered a
-value of 0.05 or lower to be statistically significant.
The authors initially identified 211 studies, of which 13 randomized controlled trials involving 4180 participants were selected for analysis. Our pooled analysis revealed that pimecrolimus 1% was more effective at reducing the severity of atopic dermatitis than its vehicles. However, no significant difference was observed in adverse effects between pimecrolimus and vehicle, except for pyrexia, nasopharyngitis, and headache, which were increased with pimecrolimus.
Our meta-analysis showed that pimecrolimus 1% is more effective than vehicle, although the safety profile remains inconclusive. Pimecrolimus reduced the Investigator's Global Assessment score, Eczema Area and Severity Index score, and severity of pruritus when compared to its vehicle, indicating a higher efficacy profile. This is one of the first meta-analyses to assess the efficacy and safety profile of pimecrolimus 1% against a vehicle and may assist physicians in making informed decisions.
The development and correlation of dyslipidemia is unknown in COVID-19. This investigation was performed to assess the pathological alterations in lipid profile and their association in COVID-19.
...This was a retrospective study performed on real-world patients to assess serum levels of LDL-C, HDL, TG, TC on COVID-19 patients (mild: 319; moderate: 391; critical: 357). Age- and gender-matched controls who had their lipid profiles in the same period were included as the control group.
LDL-C, HDL, TG, and TC levels were significantly lower in COVID-19 patients when compared with the control group (P < 0.001, 0.047, 0.045, <0.001, respectively). All parameters decreased gradually with COVID-19 disease severity (LDL-C: median (IQR), mild: 98 (91,134); moderate: 97 (81,113); critical: 68 (68,83); HDL: mild: 45 (37,50); moderate: 46 (41,50); critical: 40 (37,46); TG: mild: 186 (150,245); moderate: 156 (109,198); critical: 111 (98,154); TC: mild: 224 (212,238); moderate: 212 (203,213); critical: 154 (125,187)). Logistic regression demonstrated lipid profile as predictor of severity of COVID-19 disease.
Hypolipidemia develops in increasing frequency with severe COVID-19 disease. It inversely correlates with levels of acute-phase reactants, indicating SARS-COV-2 as the causative agent for alteration in lipid and thyroid levels.
•Hyperlipidaemia develops in increasing frequency with severe COVID-19 disease.•LDL-C, HDL, TG, and TC levels were significantly lower in COVID-19 patients when compared with the control group.•Hyperlipidaemia inversely correlates with levels of acute-phase reactants, therefore, SARS-COV-2 can be the causative agent for lipid and thyroid alterations.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is an uncommon and misunderstood disease, where little is known regarding its immunopathogenesis and appropriate treatment. Due to the ...constellation of nonspecific clinical features and imaging findings, PACNS is a diagnostic conundrum for clinicians and can be very difficult to treat.
A 64-year-old male with a history of prostate cancer presented to the emergency department with expressive aphasia and severe headache. Previously, he was diagnosed with ischemic strokes at outside hospitals and was subsequently initiated on anticoagulation medication but was later readmitted with a new onset of nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage and later was found to have ischemic changes in the right temporoparietal lobe. He was suspected to have hypercoagulability of malignancy, as he was unresponsive to a wide variety of anticoagulants and his symptoms continued to deteriorate. On presentation, the physical examination was significant for right homonymous hemianopia, with positive antinuclear antibodies and notable erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The results from the full serologic workup was negative. Subsequent imaging of the brain revealed multifocal stenoses in multiple arteries. On further examination, digital subtraction angiography was concerning for vasculopathy, and was initiated on corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide.
This is one of the first cases of PACNS in which recurrent strokes were the presenting symptom for PACNS. Vasculitis should be a considered differential in patients with recurrent ischemic strokes and failed anticoagulant therapy. It is important to rule out malignancy and infectious causes due to the wide spectrum of conditions that cause central nervous system vasculitis.
Aims. We aim to obtain time-series photometry of the very crowded central regions of Galactic globular clusters; to obtain better angular resolution thanhas been previously achieved with conventional ...CCDs on ground-based telescopes; and to complete, or improve, the census of the variable star population in those stellar systems. Methods. Images were taken using the Danish 1.54-m Telescope at the ESO observatory at La Silla in Chile. The telescope was equipped with an electron-multiplying CCD, and the short-exposure-time images obtained (ten images per second) were stacked using the shift-and-add technique to produce the normal-exposure-time images (minutes). Photometry was performed via difference image analysis. Automatic detection of variable stars in the field was attempted. Results. The light curves of 12 541 stars in the cores of ten globular clusters were statistically analysed to automatically extract the variable stars. We obtained light curves for 31 previously known variable stars (3 long-period irregular, 2 semi-regular, 20 RR Lyrae, 1 SX Phoenicis, 3 cataclysmic variables, 1 W Ursae Majoris-type and 1 unclassified) and we discovered 30 new variables (16 long-period irregular, 7 semi-regular, 4 RR Lyrae, 1 SX Phoenicis and 2 unclassified). Fluxes and photometric measurements for these stars are available in electronic form through the Strasbourg astronomical Data Center.
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Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS) is a potential complication when treating non HIV immunosuppressed patients with opportunistic infections. We present a case of a 49-year-old female ...with Adult-onset Still's disease on prednisone 40 mg daily who came to ED with right leg weakness and intractable headache for one week. She was diagnosed with Cryptococcus meningitis. Patient completed the induction phase of antifungal therapy and the steroids were tapered over four weeks. One month after discharge, a patient was brought in to ED, minimally responsive to verbal stimuli and had new left hemiparesis with persistent right leg weakness was noted on exam. An MRI of the brain was consistent with diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement compatible with meningoencephalitis. LP was notable for elevated opening pressure of 36cmH2O and CSF studies were negative for recurrence of cryptococcal infection. Given the timeline of patients presentation one month after discontinuation of steroids, and workup consistent with sterile meningitis, immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome was identified as the likely diagnosis. The patient was started on 50 mg of Prednisone daily. Six weeks after presentation, the patient's mental status returned to baseline, left hemiparesis resolved, and right lower extremity strength significantly improved. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for CNS IRIS in patients presenting with new neurologic findings in the setting of rapid discontinuation of steroids due to infection. IRIS in HIV patients with cryptococcal meningitis is a well-established entity; the purpose of this case report is to bring attention to similar inflammatory syndrome in non-HIV patients with cryptococcal meningitis.
•Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome is a potential complication when treating non HIV immunosuppressed patients with opportunistic infections.•Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for CNS IRIS in patients presenting with new neurologic findings in the setting of rapid discontinuation of steroids due to infection.•IRIS in HIV patients with cryptococcal meningitis is a well-established entity; the purpose of this case report is to bring attention to similar inflammatory syndrome in non HIV patients with cryptococcal meningitis.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
The authors conducted a systematic review on the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 on electrophysiology (EP) practice and procedure volume in various settings. This review followed the Preferred ...Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Embase were examined with combinations of medical subject headings terms for identification of the relevant studies. After excluding duplicates, irrelevant, and ineligible studies, 23 studies were included for full qualitative analysis. The overall study-level volume reduction of EP procedures ranged from 8 to 96.7%. All studies reported an overall reduction in EP physiology procedures being carried out except one in Poland, which reported an overall increase in the total EP procedures carried out in 2020. This study still reported a decrease in EP procedure volume during the first lockdown phase. Procedural volume reduction was seen most commonly for cardiovascular implantable electronic device placement (20/23 studies, 86.9%), electrophysiology studies (11/23 studies, 47.8%), and ablations (9/23, 39.1% studies). The most common reason stated for the observed decline in EP procedures was the cancellation and postponement of nonurgent elective cases in the hospitals (15/23 studies, 65.2%). There has been an overall reduction in EP procedure volume across different centers. The impact of the decline in EP procedures will be seen only after the services resume to prepandemic levels, but an increase in-patient volume and procedure waiting time is expected. This review will provide insights into improving healthcare service delivery in times of unprecedented public health emergencies.
Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital anomaly that is often detected incidentally. When it presents symptomatically, it causes painless gastrointestinal bleeding. Nevertheless, in rare instances, it ...can cause acute intestinal obstruction, often obscuring the true clinical picture.
A 31-year-old male presented to the emergency department with a 24-h history of unremitting nausea, biliary emesis, abdominal distension, and absolute constipation. After ruling out the most common etiologies of acute bowel obstruction, radiological imaging was obtained and was suggestive of meckel's diverticulum. Laparoscopic meckel's diverticulectomy was performed, with the subsequent histopathological analysis confirming ectopic gastric tissue.
Meckel's diverticulum occurs consequent to incomplete obliteration of the vitelline or omphalomesenteric duct, which connects the developing intestines to the yolk sac. It is found in roughly 2% of the population, of which only about 4% may become symptomatic due to any number of complications. Specifically, small bowel obstruction (SBO) and diverticulitis secondary to ectopic gastric or pancreatic tissue are the most common presentations of symptomatic MD.
Although relatively rare in adults, MD should be considered in the list of differentials in patients with intussusception leading to SBO, especially on a background history unremarkable for the most common etiologies causing SBO including post-operative adhesions and hernias.
•Meckel's diverticulum, a rare congenital abnormality, usually presents with painless bleeding. However, in rare instances, it might cause acute intestinal obstruction, often obscuring the clinical picture.•In patients presenting with acute intestinal obstruction on a background history unremarkable for the most common etiologies, meckel's diverticulitis should be considered in the list of differentials.•In such instances, meckel's diverticulectomy remains the mainstay of surgical management, yielding a prompt resolution of obstructive symptoms.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
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