Aims. Brightness inhomogeneities in the stellar photosphere (dark spots or bright regions) affect the measurements of the planetary transmission spectrum. To investigate the star spots of the M dwarf ...GJ 1214, we conducted a multicolor photometric monitoring from 2012 to 2016. Methods. The time-series photometry was analyzed with the light curve inversion tool StarSim. Using the derived stellar surface properties from the light curve inversion, we modeled the impact of the star spots when unocculted by the transiting planet. We compared the photometric variability of GJ 1214 to published results of mid- to late M dwarfs from the MEarth sample. Results. The measured variability shows a periodicity of 125 ± 5 days, which we interpret as the signature of the stellar rotation period. This value overrules previous suggestions of a significantly shorter stellar rotation period. A light curve inversion of the monitoring data yields an estimation of the flux dimming of a permanent spot filling factor not contributing to the photometric variability, a temperature contrast of the spots of ~370 K and persistent active longitudes. The derived surface maps over all five seasons were used to estimate the influence of the star spots on the transmission spectrum of the planet from 400 to 2000 nm. The monitoring data presented here do not support a recent interpretation of a measured transmission spectrum of GJ 1214b as to be caused by bright regions in the stellar photosphere. Instead, we list arguments as to why the effect of dark spots likely dominated over bright regions in the period of our monitoring. Furthermore, our photometry proves an increase in variability over at least four years, indicative for a cyclic activity behavior. The age of GJ 1214 is likely between 6 and 10 Gyr. Conclusions. The long-term photometry allows for a correction of unocculted spots. For an active star such as GJ 1214, there remains a degeneracy between occulted spots and the transit parameters used to build the transmission spectrum. This degeneracy can only be broken by high-precision transit photometry resolving the spot crossing signature in the transit light curve.
Context. The Gl 486 system consists of a very nearby, relatively bright, weakly active M3.5V star at just 8 pc with a warm transiting rocky planet of about 1.3 R⨁ and 3.0 M⨁. It is ideal for both ...transmission and emission spectroscopy and for testing interior models of telluric planets.
Aims. To prepare for future studies, we aim to thoroughly characterise the planetary system with new accurate and precise data collected with state-of-the-art photometers from space and spectrometers and interferometers from the ground.
Methods. We collected light curves of seven new transits observed with the CHEOPS space mission and new radial velocities obtained with MAROON-X at the 8.1m Gemini North telescope and CARMENES at the 3.5m Calar Alto telescope, together with previously published spectroscopic and photometric data from the two spectrographs and TESS. We also performed near-infrared interferometric observations with the CHARA Array and new photometric monitoring with a suite of smaller telescopes (AstroLAB, LCOGT, OSN, TJO). This extraordinary and rich data set was the input for our comprehensive analysis.
Results. From interferometry, we measure a limb-darkened disc angular size of the star Gl 486 at θLDD = 0.390 ± 0.018 mas. Together with a corrected Gaia EDR3 parallax, we obtain a stellar radius R* = 0.339 ± 0.015 R⨀. We also measure a stellar rotation period at Prot = 49.9 ± 5.5 days, an upper limit to its XUV (5–920 Å) flux informed by new Hubble/STIS data, and, for the first time, a variety of element abundances (Fe, Mg, Si, V, Sr, Zr, Rb) and C/O ratio. Moreover, we imposed restrictive constraints on the presence of additional components, either stellar or sub-stellar, in the system. With the input stellar parameters and the radial-velocity and transit data, we determine the radius and mass of the planet Gl 486 b at Rp = 1.343+0.063-0.062 R⨀ and Mp = 3.00+0.13-0.13 M⨁, with relative uncertainties of the planet radius and mass of 4.7% and 4.2%, respectively. From the planet parameters and the stellar element abundances, we infer the most probable models of planet internal structure and composition, which are consistent with a relatively small metallic core with respect to the Earth, a deep silicate mantle, and a thin volatile upper layer. With all these ingredients, we outline prospects for Gl 486 b atmospheric studies, especially with forthcoming James Webb Space Telescope (Webb) observations.
Periodontal diseases originate from a dysbiosis within the oral microbiota, which is associated with a deregulation of the host immune response. Although little is known about the initiation of ...dysbiosis, it has been shown that H2O2 production is one of the main mechanisms by which some commensal bacteria suppress the outgrowth of pathobionts. Current models emphasize the critical nature of complex microbial biofilms that form unique microbial ecologies and of their change during transition from health (homeostatic) to disease (dysbiotic). However, very little is known on how this alters their virulence and host responses. The objective of this study was to determine differences in virulence gene expression by pathobionts and the inflammatory host response in homeostatic and dysbiotic biofilms originating from the same ecology. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to quantify the pathobiont outgrowth. Expression analysis of bacterial virulence and cellular inflammatory genes together with cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to detect differences in bacterial virulence and to analyze potential differences in inflammatory response. An increase in pathobionts in induced dysbiotic biofilms was observed compared to homeostatic biofilms. The main virulence genes of all pathobionts were upregulated in dysbiotic biofilms. Exposure of these dysbiotic biofilms to epithelial and fibroblast cultures increased the expression of interleukin (IL)–6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor–α, and matrix metalloprotease 8, but especially the chemokine CXCL8 (IL-8). Conversely, homeostatic and beneficial biofilms had a minor immune response at the messenger RNA and protein level. Overall, induced dysbiotic biofilms enriched in pathobionts and virulence factors significantly increased the inflammatory response compared to homeostatic and commensal biofilms.
► Ninety-two water samples from vulnerable sites along a vineyard area were evaluated. ► A LC–MS method and SPE procedure were optimised to analyze 58 pesticides. ► More than 90% of the 40 pesticides ...detected were at level higher than 0.1μgL−1. ► The sum of pesticides was higher than 0.5μgL−1 in 64% of groundwaters and 62% of surface waters. ► Water pollution by pesticides was derived from its widespread use in agricultural activities.
A multi-residual analytical method based on solid phase extraction (SPE) followed by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionisation–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) was developed to monitor pesticides in natural waters. Fifty-eight compounds, including herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and some of their degradation products, were surveyed to evaluate the quality of natural waters throughout the wine-growing region of La Rioja (Rioja DOCa). Ninety-two sampling points were selected, including surface and ground waters that could be affected by agricultural activities covering the region’s three sub-areas. Different parameters that may affect the efficiency of the SPE procedure were optimised (sorbent type, elution solvent and sample volume), and matrix-matched standards were used to eliminate the variable matrix effect and ensure good quantification. The developed method allows the determination of target compounds below the level established by the European Union for waters for human use with suitable precision (relative standard deviations lower than 18%) and accuracy (with recoveries over 61%). Forty compounds included in this study (six insecticides, 12 herbicides, 16 fungicides and six degradation products) were detected in one or more samples. The herbicides terbuthylazine, its metabolite desethyl terbuthylazine, fluometuron and ethofumesate and the fungicides pyrimethanil and tebuconazole were the compounds most frequently detected in water samples (present in more than 60% of the samples). Concentrations above 0.1μgL−1 were detected for 37 of the compounds studied, and in several cases recorded values of over 18μgL−1. The results reveal the presence of pesticides in most of the samples investigated. In 64% of groundwaters and 62% of surface waters, the sum of compounds detected was higher than 0.5μgL−1 (the limit established by EU legislation for the sum of all pesticides detected in waters for human use).
Introduction
The recent approval of euthanasia in the Spanish legal code and its posible extension to psychiatric patients opens an unprecedented scenario in the Iberian country. We analize the ...experience of the Netherlands, a country where euthanasia has been in practice for over two decades, in order to foresee epidemiological trends that could be replicated in Spain.
Objectives
To review the legislation on euthanasia in Spain and the Netherlands, as well as the epidemiological data regarding euthanasia applicants affected by mental health conditions in the Netherlands, to predict future epidemiological trends in a similar population in Spain.
Methods
We studied the legislation on euthanasia in Spain and the Netherlands, as well as the directives of the Regional Commisions for Euthanasia in the Netherlands to analize differences and similarities between the legal codes on both countries. We also sought epidemiological data regarding the application of euthanasia on psychiatric patients in the Netherlands, gathering data from seven articles in English language obtained through a search in PubMed using the MeSH terms “Euthanasia” AND “Netherlands” and “Psychiatry”.
Results
Euthanasia on psychiatric patients in the Netherlands has been a practice on the rise during the last decade, despite the elevated proportion of rejected applications and the high survival rate of this patients in later longitudinal studies. Affective disorders and personality disorders stand out as major psychiatric causes between the applicants. The Spanish legislation bears important resemblance to its Dutch predecessor, but also significant differences.
Conclusions
The available data on the application of euthanasia on mental health patients in the Netherlands show an in increasing trend regarding the execution of this practice, specially on patients who gather distinct clinical features. The data provided by the Dutch experience could have some replication in Spain, as well as anticipate possible future ethical conflicts regarding the application of this service.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared
PDF
