A Comparative Analysis of Chikungunya in Kidney Transplant Recipients Compared With the General Population: A Multicenter, Retrospective, Cohort Study From India

OBJECTIVES

Chikungunya is an arboviral illness, with patients presenting with fever, arthralgias, and myalgias. Outbreaks have occurred in tropical regions, and the virus is now endemic to many tropics, including South Asia, with India contributing a large part of the global burden. The presentation and long-term effects on transplant recipients are largely unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective analytical study, we compared chikungunya infection in 44 kidney transplant recipients from multiple centers in India and 34 patients from the general population. Data were collected from medical records and patient recall.

RESULTS

Differences in presentation were remarkable between the 2 groups, with significantly lower incidence of musculoskeletal symptoms on presentation in transplant recipients compared with the general population. The incidence of acute graft dysfunction was 17.08% in transplant recipients, with return to baseline at the end of 1 month. Acute symptomatology resolved in transplant recipients within 1 month, and insignificant chronic symptoms were reported after 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Chikungunya in kidney transplant recipients is markedly different from that of the general population, with significantly lower incidence of musculoskeletal symptoms such as arthralgias. The infection caused acute graft dysfunction, but no long-term sequelae were shown at the end of 1 year.

A comparative study of conjunctivitis in COVID-19 patients between the first and second wave of COVID-19 at a tertiary care center

Background: SARS CoV-2 has become a household name since early 2019 and till very recently has shown many mutations, some of which were predictable in behavior whereas some have been quite bizarre. With all these surreal mutants of the virus, the basic signs and symptoms of the infection also were diversified. A few studies compared the conjunctivitis features of the first and second wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the evidence of conjunctivitis between the first and second wave of COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective and observational research, clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patients with COVID-19 admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Western Maharashtra. We evaluated the patients including detailed history taken from the medical records and ocular evaluation was carried out by a trained ophthalmologist who was posted in the COVID-19 ward at that time. The patient’s symptoms were compared with the severity of COVID-19 disease classified as mild, moderate, and based on oxygen support given to the patient. Results: A total of 150 patients were evaluated in this study, of which 50 patients were from the first wave and 100 were from second wave of COVID-19. Among the total patients, about (80%) of patients with mild severity of COVID-19 disease were from in first wave v/s (61%) patients with mild severity of disease were from the second wave. Furthermore, it was observed that disease severity with moderate patients from the first wave was around (20%) v/s (39%) in the second wave. Among the total patients’ data, 66% of patients infected with conjunctivitis were in the first wave of COVID-19 and approximately 56% of patients infected with conjunctivitis were found in the second wave, respectively. About 18% of patients from the first wave and 39% of patients from the second wave with moderate severity required oxygen support. The fluorescein staining, as well as congestion, showed no significant difference in the number of patients between both waves. Conclusion: The present study concludes that both the waves only reported dryness and no clinical signs of conjunctivitis. The present study concludes that increased oxygenation support may act as one of the contributing factor for increased dryness and thereby may lead to various ocular infections.

Investigating pore-opening in hydrogel foams at the scale of free-standing thin films

Controlling the pore connectivity of polymer foams is key for most of their applications, ranging from liquid uptake, mechanics, and acoustic/thermal insulation to tissue engineering. Despite its importance, the scientific phenomena governing the pore-opening processes remain poorly understood, requiring tedious trial-and-error procedures for property optimisation. This lack of understanding is partly explained by the high complexity of the different interrelated, multi-scale processes which take place as the foam transforms from an initially fluid foam into a solid foam. To progress in this field, we take inspiration from long-standing research on liquid foams and thin films to develop model experiments in a microfluidic "Thin Film Pressure Balance". These experiments allow us to investigate isolated thin films under well-controlled environmental conditions reproducing those arising within a foam undergoing cross-linking and drying. Using the example of alginate hydrogel films, we correlate the evolution of isolated thin films undergoing gelation and drying with the evolution of the rheological properties of the same alginate solution in bulk. We introduce the overall approach and use a first set of results to propose a starting point for the phenomenological description of the different types of pore-opening processes and the classification of the resulting pore-opening types. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation of Donor Corneal Tissue by Slit Lamp and Specular Microscopy

Background In India, donor eye collection and promotion of eye banking are insufficient to meet the needs. By adequately evaluating donor corneas, eye banks can maximize the number of viable corneas for transplantation. This study evaluated donor corneal tissue based on age, lens status, and cause of death by their morphology and endothelial cell count via slit lamp and specular microscopy. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study of all eye bank donor corneas indicated for eye donation at a tertiary hospital and research center in Western Maharashtra between September 2019 to December 2021. We evaluated the corneoscleral discs by slit-lamp microscopy specular microscopy. We analyzed donor corneas quantitatively and qualitatively and graded them accordingly. We also collected blood samples for serological testing and the donor's behavioral and family medical histories. Results We collected 94 eyes from 47 donors; the mean age of the donor population was 48.2 years, and most donors were aged 41 to 80 years. Thirty-one donors (65.96%) were male, and 16 were female (34.04%. For preservation, we used Cornisol (Aurolab, Madurai, India) in 36 cases (77%) and McCarey-Kaufman medium in 11 cases (23%). We found a mean endothelial cell density (ECD) of 2214.40/mm2, with hexagonality of 53.05%, and a coefficient of variation of 38.01. Further, we observed that ECD and hexagonality of cells in phakic donors were significantly greater than that of pseudophakic (PP) donors. Moreover, ECD and hexagonality significantly decreased in donors with the chronic disease compared to those who had a sudden, unexpected death. Conclusion Corneal grafts from younger donors, phakic donors, and donors who experienced an acute cause of death were qualitatively and quantitatively significantly better than those of older donors, PP donors, and donors who experienced sudden, unexpected death. Therefore, eye bank specular examination can improve tissue utilization and transplantation success. Therefore, we strongly recommend that eye bank personnel evaluate their donor tissue with a specular microscope to enhance the quality of eye care.

Ocular Surface Diseases in Patients With Diabetes

Purpose

Diabetes is a major cause of ocular morbidity as multiple mechanisms play a role in inducing inflammatory changes in the eye. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common complication and is well-documented. However, in the era of modern medicine, attention is also being focused on ocular surface changes in diabetes. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between diabetes and ocular surface diseases.

Materials and Methods

This is a cross-sectional study examining 320 eyes of 160 patients with diabetes who were grouped according to their duration of diabetes. The symptoms were evaluated using the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire. Their recent hemoglobin (Hb) A1c value was recorded. Their external or internal hordeolum, blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, and corneal sensitivity were also evaluated. The tear film was examined using tests, such as Schirmer's test, tear film breakup time (TBUT), tear film meniscus height (TFMH), fluorescein stain, and rose bengal stain. The results were correlated with the duration and control of diabetes.

Results

The mean age of the study population was 56.60 years comprising 56% (n=89) females and 44% (n=71) males. The mean OSDI scores were 7.9 ± 3.55 and 57 ± 19.22 in patients without dry eye and with severe dry eye, respectively. The study observed OSDI scores were consistently high with diabetes severity. About 67% (n=24) of patients with HbA1c of >8% had dry eyes. Dry eye was found in 68% (n=59) of patients with the duration of diabetes being >10 years. About 23.7% (n=38) had blepharitis, whereas only 4% (n=7) had external or internal hordeolum and 44% (n=86) had different grades of meibomian gland dysfunction. Corneal sensitivity was abnormal in only 12% (n=12) of patients. About 55% (n=86) of patients had varying degrees of dry eye. A statistically significant correlation was found between the severity of dry eye and TBUT, TFMH values, and grades of corneal staining (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

This study observed that the incidence of dry eyes was found to be higher when patients had uncontrolled diabetes and diabetes for a longer period. The OSDI scoring system is an important diagnostic tool while examining patients with dry eye. In an ophthalmology clinic, patients with diabetes should always be evaluated for any ocular surface changes when being screened for diabetic retinopathy, and proper guidelines should be implemented to detect changes in the ocular surface system as early as possible so that any long-term complications such as infectious or neurotrophic keratitis may be avoided at an early stage.

Pattern of Bacterial Isolates in Patients with Nasolacrimal Passage Obstruction and their Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, Pune, India

Introduction: An acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction (NLDO) can occur at any age, and is classified as either primary or secondary. The nasolacrimal obstruction occurring primarily also known as Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction (PANDO) is observed mainly in conditions occurring due to inflammation or fibrosis. Aim: To study the current pattern of bacterial isolates with nasolacrimal passage obstruction and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology at Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra, India, over the period of two years from November 2019 to November 2021. A total of 100 patients were selected for the study. All the patients coming to Ophthalmology Out-patient Department (OPD) with the complaints of epiphora discharge, or both along with regurgitation on pressure over lacrimal sac and mucoid or mucopurulent or clear regurgitant material on sac syringing were taken. Before the beginning of the investigative procedure, informed consent was taken. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute’s (CLSI) standardised Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test was used to determine antibiotic susceptibility. Results: In the present study, the distribution of patients according to bacterial isolates was as follows, a maximum of 62% of patients were found with no growth while 18% methicillinsensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), 10% Coagulasenegative staphylococci (CoNS), 6% Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae), 4% Pseudomonas were observed respectively. In present study, CoNS was observed as the predominant bacterial isolate in the diabetics with a female preponderance followed by MSSA (39%), Pseudomonas (75%), and S. pneumoniae (33%). This study found ciprofloxacin as a broad-spectrum antibiotic that worked against most bacterial isolates. Conclusion: A higher female preponderance was observed in this study with the left side being affected in most of the patients. The pattern of antibiotic sensitivity varies from region to region and thus should be kept in mind while prescribing antimicrobial therapy to the patients.

Impact of COVID-19-associated Mucormycosis in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Multicenter Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) is a recently emerging entity. There is a lack of reports of CAM in organ transplant recipients.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter (n = 18) retrospective research in India during November 2020 to July 2021. The purpose of this study was to explore the clinical spectrum, outcome and risk factors for mortality of CAM in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs).

RESULTS

The incidence of CAM was 4.4% (61/1382 COVID-19-positive KTRs) with 26.2% mortality. The median age of the cohort was 45 (38-54) y. Twenty (32%) were not hospitalized and 14 (22.9%) were on room air during COVID-19. The proportion of postdischarge CAM was 59.1%, while concurrent CAM was reported in 40.9%. The presentation of CAM was 91.8% rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis and 8.2% pulmonary with 19.6% and 100% mortality, respectively. In the univariable analysis, older age, obesity, difficulty of breathing, high-flow oxygen requirement, and delay in starting therapy were significantly associated with mortality. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, patients requiring high-flow oxygen therapy [odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 9.3 (1.6-51); P = 0.01] and obesity [odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 5.2 (1-28); P = 0.05] was associated with mortality. The median follow-up of the study was 60 (35-60) d.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe the largest case series of CAM in KTRs. Morality in pulmonary CAM is extremely high. Severe COVID-19 pose extra risk for the development of CAM and associated mortality. Our report will help in better understanding the conundrum and management of CAM.

Installing oncofertility programs for common cancers in limited resource settings (Repro-Can-OPEN Study): An extrapolation during the global crisis of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

PURPOSE

The state of limited resource settings that Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created globally should be taken seriously into account especially in healthcare sector. In oncofertility, patients should receive their fertility preservation treatments urgently even in limited resource settings before initiation of anticancer therapy. Therefore, it is very crucial to learn more about oncofertility practice in limited resource settings such as in developing countries that suffer often from shortage of healthcare services provided to young patients with cancer.

METHODS

As an extrapolation during the global crisis of COVID-19 pandemic, we surveyed oncofertility centers from 14 developing countries (Egypt, Tunisia, Brazil, Peru, Panama, Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Argentina, Chile, Nigeria, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and India). Survey questionnaire included questions on the availability and degree of utilization of fertility preservation options in case of childhood cancer, breast cancer, and blood cancer.

RESULTS

All surveyed centers responded to all questions. Responses and their calculated oncofertility scores showed different domestic standards for oncofertility practice in case of childhood cancer, breast cancer, and blood cancer in the developing countries under limited resource settings.

CONCLUSIONS

Medical practice in limited resource settings has become a critical topic especially after the global crisis of COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the resources necessary to provide oncofertility treatments is important until the current COVID-19 pandemic resolves. Lessons learned will be valuable to future potential worldwide disruptions due to infectious diseases or other global crises.

Functional characterization and in vitro screening of Fructobacillus fructosus MCC 3996 isolated from Butea monosperma flower for probiotic potential

The fructophilic bacterium Fructobacillus fructosus MCC 3996 described in the present investigation was isolated from the nectar of Butea monosperma flower and evaluated in vitro for the manifestation of probiotic features. The strain utilizes fructose faster than glucose and is capable to grow in the range of 1-35% fructose concentration (optimum 5% w/v) and thus denotes its fructophilic nature. In vitro assessments of the strain have examined for the endurance in acidic environment/gastric juice, the better auto-aggregation ability even in the presence of hydrolytic enzymes, co-aggregation with pathogenic bacteria, hydrophobicity properties and no haemolytic activity to elucidate its feasible probiotic use. The significant antagonistic activity against several detrimental bacteria, despite lacking the bacteriocin secretion, is an astonishing feature. Owing to the indigenous origin of the isolate, it could be used as a probiotic, starter culture, and/or the active ingredient of food formulation may contribute to improve the desirable fermentation, long-term storage and nutritional benefits of foods especially rich in fructose. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study provided in vitro evidence that Fructobacillus fructosus MCC 3996 have endurance in acidic gastric juice, better co-aggregation, auto-aggregation properties, splendid antagonistic activities against several bacteria involved in food spoilage/human infections, pertinent antibiotic susceptibility profile and no haemolytic activity. Also, F. fructosus have the capability to survive in the appreciable amount of fructose, and this advocates that the strain could be used as starter culture and/or the active ingredient of fructose-rich foods. The current in vitro study provided a strong basis for further in vivo research to identify the health beneficial characteristics of F. fructosus and its potential could be effectively utilized as health-boosting ingredient in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Prospects for observing and localizing gravitational-wave transients with Advanced LIGO, Advanced Virgo and KAGRA

We present our current best estimate of the plausible observing scenarios for the Advanced LIGO, Advanced Virgo and KAGRA gravitational-wave detectors over the next several years, with the intention of providing information to facilitate planning for multi-messenger astronomy with gravitational waves. We estimate the sensitivity of the network to transient gravitational-wave signals for the third (O3), fourth (O4) and fifth observing (O5) runs, including the planned upgrades of the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. We study the capability of the network to determine the sky location of the source for gravitational-wave signals from the inspiral of binary systems of compact objects, that is binary neutron star, neutron star-black hole, and binary black hole systems. The ability to localize the sources is given as a sky-area probability, luminosity distance, and comoving volume. The median sky localization area (90% credible region) is expected to be a few hundreds of square degrees for all types of binary systems during O3 with the Advanced LIGO and Virgo (HLV) network. The median sky localization area will improve to a few tens of square degrees during O4 with the Advanced LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA (HLVK) network. During O3, the median localization volume (90% credible region) is expected to be on the order of 10 5 , 10 6 , 10 7 Mpc 3 for binary neutron star, neutron star-black hole, and binary black hole systems, respectively. The localization volume in O4 is expected to be about a factor two smaller than in O3. We predict a detection count of 1 - 1 + 12 ( 10 - 10 + 52 ) for binary neutron star mergers, of 0 - 0 + 19 ( 1 - 1 + 91 ) for neutron star-black hole mergers, and 17 - 11 + 22 ( 79 - 44 + 89 ) for binary black hole mergers in a one-calendar-year observing run of the HLV network during O3 (HLVK network during O4). We evaluate sensitivity and localization expectations for unmodeled signal searches, including the search for intermediate mass black hole binary mergers.

Effect of metformin on thyroid function tests in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism: an open-label randomised controlled trial

PURPOSE

Though most of the observational studies have shown that metformin can reduce serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level in patients of hypothyroidism with diabetes or polycystic ovarian disease, randomised controlled trials are sparse. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of metformin on thyroid function tests (TSH, free T4, and free T3) in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH).

METHODOLOGY

In this open label, parallel arm, randomised controlled trial, 60 patients of SCH (TSH 5.5-10 mIU/L) were randomised to either metformin group (1500 mg/day) or control group.

RESULT

A total of 46 patients (23 in each group) completed the study and no significant difference in serum TSH, free T4 or free T3 was found in between the 2 groups. Neither there was any significant change in serum TSH, free T4 or free T3 (pre and post 6 months) within the individual groups. However, the rate of normalisation of serum TSH in patients with negative thyroid antibody was significantly higher than patients with positive thyroid antibody (71.4% vs. 18.8%; P = 0.026) in metformin group in post hoc analysis. Fasting plasma glucose, serum high-density lipoprotein and indices of insulin sensitivity significantly improved in metformin group. Four patients (17%) had mild gastrointestinal adverse effects in the metformin group.

CONCLUSION

We did not find any significant change in thyroid function test in patients with SCH with metformin therapy.

Recent Advances in Microwave Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Complex Herbal Samples: A Review

Microwaves are utilized for extraction of Phytoconstituents from complex herbal sample as a result of incredible research. Conventional extraction strategies are tedious and need more solvents and are no more relevant for thermal sensitive plant components. This review emphasize on the working and significance of microwave extraction technology in herbal research and medical field. The extraction step must be more yielding; quick, particular, not more solvent consuming, ensuring stability of thermolabile components and these features are available with microwave extraction method. In this nonconventional technology heat is created utilizing microwave energy. The important parameters that influence extraction efficiency are solvent properties, volume, duration of exposure, microwave control, system attributes, temperature and application were discussed in this article. The microwave assisted extraction, as green technology is contrasted with other extraction technique. This review is intended to discuss this green extraction technique along with its critical parameters for extracting bioactive compounds from complex plant matrices.

Search for Subsolar Mass Ultracompact Binaries in Advanced LIGO's Second Observing Run

We present a search for subsolar mass ultracompact objects in data obtained during Advanced LIGO's second observing run. In contrast to a previous search of Advanced LIGO data from the first observing run, this search includes the effects of component spin on the gravitational waveform. We identify no viable gravitational-wave candidates consistent with subsolar mass ultracompact binaries with at least one component between 0.2  M_{⊙}-1.0  M_{⊙}. We use the null result to constrain the binary merger rate of (0.2  M_{⊙}, 0.2  M_{⊙}) binaries to be less than 3.7×10^{5}  Gpc^{-3} yr^{-1} and the binary merger rate of (1.0  M_{⊙}, 1.0  M_{⊙}) binaries to be less than 5.2×10^{3}  Gpc^{-3} yr^{-1}. Subsolar mass ultracompact objects are not expected to form via known stellar evolution channels, though it has been suggested that primordial density fluctuations or particle dark matter with cooling mechanisms and/or nuclear interactions could form black holes with subsolar masses. Assuming a particular primordial black hole (PBH) formation model, we constrain a population of merging 0.2  M_{⊙} black holes to account for less than 16% of the dark matter density and a population of merging 1.0  M_{⊙} black holes to account for less than 2% of the dark matter density. We discuss how constraints on the merger rate and dark matter fraction may be extended to arbitrary black hole population models that predict subsolar mass binaries.

Prolactin Regulates Pain Responses via a Female-Selective Nociceptor-Specific Mechanism

Many clinical and preclinical studies report an increased prevalence and severity of chronic pain among females. Here, we identify a sex-hormone-controlled target and mechanism that regulates dimorphic pain responses. Prolactin (PRL), which is involved in many physiologic functions, induces female-specific hyperalgesia. A PRL receptor (Prlr) antagonist in the hind paw or spinal cord substantially reduced hyperalgesia in inflammatory models. This effect was mimicked by sensory neuronal ablation of Prlr. Although Prlr mRNA is expressed equally in female and male peptidergic nociceptors and central terminals, Prlr protein was found only in females and PRL-induced excitability was detected only in female DRG neurons. PRL-induced excitability was reproduced in male Prlr⁺ neurons after prolonged treatment with estradiol but was prevented with addition of a translation inhibitor. We propose a novel mechanism for female-selective regulation of pain responses, which is mediated by Prlr signaling in sensory neurons via sex-dependent control of Prlr mRNA translation.

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Local or spinal PRL injection induces hyperalgesia in a female-selective manner

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Sensory neuron Prlr regulates tissue injury-induced pain only in females

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PRL regulates excitability in Prlr⁺ neurons depending on sex and estrogen

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Regulation of Prlr translation defines female-selective neuronal excitability

Prolactin receptor expression in mouse dorsal root ganglia neuronal subtypes is sex-dependent

Sensory neurones exhibit sex-dependent responsiveness to prolactin (PRL). This could contribute to sexual dimorphism in pathological pain conditions. The present study aimed to determine the mechanisms underlying sex-dependent PRL sensitivity in sensory neurones. A quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction shows that prolactin receptor (Prlr) long and short isoform mRNAs are expressed at comparable levels in female and male mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRG). In Prlr^cre/+ ;Rosa26^{LSL-tDTomato/+} reporter mice, percentages of Prlr⁺ sensory neurones in female and male DRG are also similar. Characterisation of Prlr⁺ DRG neurones using immunohistochemistry and electrophysiology revealed that Prlr⁺ DRG neurones are mainly peptidergic nociceptors in females and males. However, sensory neurone type-dependent expression of Prlr is sex dimorphic. Thus, Prlr⁺ populations fell into three small- and two medium-large-sized sensory neuronal groups. Prlr⁺ DRG neurones are predominantly medium-large sized in males and are proportionally more comprised of small-sized sensory neurones in females. Specifically, Prlr⁺ /IB4⁺ /CGRP⁺ neurones are four- to five-fold higher in numbers in female DRG. By contrast, Prlr⁺ /IB4^- /CGRP⁺ /5HT3a⁺ /NPYR2^- are predominant in male DRG. Prlr⁺ /IB4^- /CGRP^- , Prlr⁺ /IB4^- /CGRP⁺ and Prlr⁺ /IB4^- /CGRP⁺ /NPYR2⁺ neurones are evenly encountered in female and male DRG. These differences were confirmed using an independently generated single-cell sequencing dataset. Overall, we propose a novel mechanism by which sensory neurone type-dependent expression of Prlr could explain the unique sex dimorphism in responsiveness of nociceptors to PRL.

Tests of General Relativity with GW170817

The recent discovery by Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo of a gravitational wave signal from a binary neutron star inspiral has enabled tests of general relativity (GR) with this new type of source. This source, for the first time, permits tests of strong-field dynamics of compact binaries in the presence of matter. In this Letter, we place constraints on the dipole radiation and possible deviations from GR in the post-Newtonian coefficients that govern the inspiral regime. Bounds on modified dispersion of gravitational waves are obtained; in combination with information from the observed electromagnetic counterpart we can also constrain effects due to large extra dimensions. Finally, the polarization content of the gravitational wave signal is studied. The results of all tests performed here show good agreement with GR.

Constraining the p-Mode-g-Mode Tidal Instability with GW170817

We analyze the impact of a proposed tidal instability coupling p modes and g modes within neutron stars on GW170817. This nonresonant instability transfers energy from the orbit of the binary to internal modes of the stars, accelerating the gravitational-wave driven inspiral. We model the impact of this instability on the phasing of the gravitational wave signal using three parameters per star: an overall amplitude, a saturation frequency, and a spectral index. Incorporating these additional parameters, we compute the Bayes factor (lnB_{!pg}^{pg}) comparing our p-g model to a standard one. We find that the observed signal is consistent with waveform models that neglect p-g effects, with lnB_{!pg}^{pg}=0.03_{-0.58}^{+0.70} (maximum a posteriori and 90% credible region). By injecting simulated signals that do not include p-g effects and recovering them with the p-g model, we show that there is a ≃50% probability of obtaining similar lnB_{!pg}^{pg} even when p-g effects are absent. We find that the p-g amplitude for 1.4  M_{⊙} neutron stars is constrained to less than a few tenths of the theoretical maximum, with maxima a posteriori near one-tenth this maximum and p-g saturation frequency ∼70  Hz. This suggests that there are less than a few hundred excited modes, assuming they all saturate by wave breaking. For comparison, theoretical upper bounds suggest ≲10^{3} modes saturate by wave breaking. Thus, the measured constraints only rule out extreme values of the p-g parameters. They also imply that the instability dissipates ≲10^{51}  erg over the entire inspiral, i.e., less than a few percent of the energy radiated as gravitational waves.

Search for Subsolar-Mass Ultracompact Binaries in Advanced LIGO's First Observing Run

We present the first Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo search for ultracompact binary systems with component masses between 0.2  M_{⊙}-1.0  M_{⊙} using data taken between September 12, 2015 and January 19, 2016. We find no viable gravitational wave candidates. Our null result constrains the coalescence rate of monochromatic (delta function) distributions of nonspinning (0.2  M_{⊙}, 0.2  M_{⊙}) ultracompact binaries to be less than 1.0×10^{6}  Gpc^{-3}  yr^{-1} and the coalescence rate of a similar distribution of (1.0  M_{⊙}, 1.0  M_{⊙}) ultracompact binaries to be less than 1.9×10^{4}  Gpc^{-3}  yr^{-1} (at 90% confidence). Neither black holes nor neutron stars are expected to form below ∼1  M_{⊙} through conventional stellar evolution, though it has been proposed that similarly low mass black holes could be formed primordially through density fluctuations in the early Universe and contribute to the dark matter density. The interpretation of our constraints in the primordial black hole dark matter paradigm is highly model dependent; however, under a particular primordial black hole binary formation scenario we constrain monochromatic primordial black hole populations of 0.2  M_{⊙} to be less than 33% of the total dark matter density and monochromatic populations of 1.0  M_{⊙} to be less than 5% of the dark matter density. The latter strengthens the presently placed bounds from microlensing surveys of massive compact halo objects (MACHOs) provided by the MACHO and EROS Collaborations.

GW170817: Measurements of Neutron Star Radii and Equation of State

On 17 August 2017, the LIGO and Virgo observatories made the first direct detection of gravitational waves from the coalescence of a neutron star binary system. The detection of this gravitational-wave signal, GW170817, offers a novel opportunity to directly probe the properties of matter at the extreme conditions found in the interior of these stars. The initial, minimal-assumption analysis of the LIGO and Virgo data placed constraints on the tidal effects of the coalescing bodies, which were then translated to constraints on neutron star radii. Here, we expand upon previous analyses by working under the hypothesis that both bodies were neutron stars that are described by the same equation of state and have spins within the range observed in Galactic binary neutron stars. Our analysis employs two methods: the use of equation-of-state-insensitive relations between various macroscopic properties of the neutron stars and the use of an efficient parametrization of the defining function p(ρ) of the equation of state itself. From the LIGO and Virgo data alone and the first method, we measure the two neutron star radii as R_{1}=10.8_{-1.7}^{+2.0}  km for the heavier star and R_{2}=10.7_{-1.5}^{+2.1}  km for the lighter star at the 90% credible level. If we additionally require that the equation of state supports neutron stars with masses larger than 1.97  M_{⊙} as required from electromagnetic observations and employ the equation-of-state parametrization, we further constrain R_{1}=11.9_{-1.4}^{+1.4}  km and R_{2}=11.9_{-1.4}^{+1.4}  km at the 90% credible level. Finally, we obtain constraints on p(ρ) at supranuclear densities, with pressure at twice nuclear saturation density measured at 3.5_{-1.7}^{+2.7}×10^{34}  dyn cm^{-2} at the 90% level.

Status of Advanced Virgo

The LIGO and the Virgo collaborations have recently announced the first detections of Gravitational Waves. Due to their weak amplitude, Gravitational Waves are expected to produce a very small effect on free-falling masses, which undergo a displacement of the order of 10-18 m for a Km-scale mutual distance. This discovery showed that interferometric detectors are suitable to reveal such a feeble effect, and therefore represent a new tool for astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology in the understanding of the Universe. To better reconstruct the position of the Gravitational Wave source and increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the events by means of multiple coincidence, a network of detectors is necessary. In the USA, the LIGO project has recently concluded its second Observation Run (O2) with a couple of twin 4 kilometer-long arms detectors which are placed in Washington State and Louisiana. Advanced VIRGO (AdV) is a 3 kilometer-long arms second generation interferometer situated in Cascina, near Pisa in Italy. The installation of AdV has been completed in 2016, and the first commissioning phase allowed to get to the target early-stage sensitivity, which was sufficient to join LIGO in the O2 scientific run. In this paper, the challenges of the commissioning of AdV will be presented, together with its current performances and future perspectives. Finally, in the last paragraph the latest discoveries that occurred after the ICNFP 2017 conference will be also described.

Search for Tensor, Vector, and Scalar Polarizations in the Stochastic Gravitational-Wave Background

The detection of gravitational waves with Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo has enabled novel tests of general relativity, including direct study of the polarization of gravitational waves. While general relativity allows for only two tensor gravitational-wave polarizations, general metric theories can additionally predict two vector and two scalar polarizations. The polarization of gravitational waves is encoded in the spectral shape of the stochastic gravitational-wave background, formed by the superposition of cosmological and individually unresolved astrophysical sources. Using data recorded by Advanced LIGO during its first observing run, we search for a stochastic background of generically polarized gravitational waves. We find no evidence for a background of any polarization, and place the first direct bounds on the contributions of vector and scalar polarizations to the stochastic background. Under log-uniform priors for the energy in each polarization, we limit the energy densities of tensor, vector, and scalar modes at 95% credibility to Ω_{0}^{T}<5.58×10^{-8}, Ω_{0}^{V}<6.35×10^{-8}, and Ω_{0}^{S}<1.08×10^{-7} at a reference frequency f_{0}=25  Hz.

GW170817: Implications for the Stochastic Gravitational-Wave Background from Compact Binary Coalescences

The LIGO Scientific and Virgo Collaborations have announced the event GW170817, the first detection of gravitational waves from the coalescence of two neutron stars. The merger rate of binary neutron stars estimated from this event suggests that distant, unresolvable binary neutron stars create a significant astrophysical stochastic gravitational-wave background. The binary neutron star component will add to the contribution from binary black holes, increasing the amplitude of the total astrophysical background relative to previous expectations. In the Advanced LIGO-Virgo frequency band most sensitive to stochastic backgrounds (near 25 Hz), we predict a total astrophysical background with amplitude Ω_{GW}(f=25  Hz)=1.8_{-1.3}^{+2.7}×10^{-9} with 90% confidence, compared with Ω_{GW}(f=25  Hz)=1.1_{-0.7}^{+1.2}×10^{-9} from binary black holes alone. Assuming the most probable rate for compact binary mergers, we find that the total background may be detectable with a signal-to-noise-ratio of 3 after 40 months of total observation time, based on the expected timeline for Advanced LIGO and Virgo to reach their design sensitivity.

GW170817: Observation of Gravitational Waves from a Binary Neutron Star Inspiral

On August 17, 2017 at 12∶41:04 UTC the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo gravitational-wave detectors made their first observation of a binary neutron star inspiral. The signal, GW170817, was detected with a combined signal-to-noise ratio of 32.4 and a false-alarm-rate estimate of less than one per 8.0×10^{4}  years. We infer the component masses of the binary to be between 0.86 and 2.26  M_{⊙}, in agreement with masses of known neutron stars. Restricting the component spins to the range inferred in binary neutron stars, we find the component masses to be in the range 1.17-1.60  M_{⊙}, with the total mass of the system 2.74_{-0.01}^{+0.04}M_{⊙}. The source was localized within a sky region of 28  deg^{2} (90% probability) and had a luminosity distance of 40_{-14}^{+8}  Mpc, the closest and most precisely localized gravitational-wave signal yet. The association with the γ-ray burst GRB 170817A, detected by Fermi-GBM 1.7 s after the coalescence, corroborates the hypothesis of a neutron star merger and provides the first direct evidence of a link between these mergers and short γ-ray bursts. Subsequent identification of transient counterparts across the electromagnetic spectrum in the same location further supports the interpretation of this event as a neutron star merger. This unprecedented joint gravitational and electromagnetic observation provides insight into astrophysics, dense matter, gravitation, and cosmology.

GW170814: A Three-Detector Observation of Gravitational Waves from a Binary Black Hole Coalescence

On August 14, 2017 at 10∶30:43 UTC, the Advanced Virgo detector and the two Advanced LIGO detectors coherently observed a transient gravitational-wave signal produced by the coalescence of two stellar mass black holes, with a false-alarm rate of ≲1 in 27 000 years. The signal was observed with a three-detector network matched-filter signal-to-noise ratio of 18. The inferred masses of the initial black holes are 30.5_{-3.0}^{+5.7}M_{⊙} and 25.3_{-4.2}^{+2.8}M_{⊙} (at the 90% credible level). The luminosity distance of the source is 540_{-210}^{+130}  Mpc, corresponding to a redshift of z=0.11_{-0.04}^{+0.03}. A network of three detectors improves the sky localization of the source, reducing the area of the 90% credible region from 1160   deg^{2} using only the two LIGO detectors to 60  deg^{2} using all three detectors. For the first time, we can test the nature of gravitational-wave polarizations from the antenna response of the LIGO-Virgo network, thus enabling a new class of phenomenological tests of gravity.

A Study of Carotid Intimomedial Thickness as a Primary Marker of Atherosclerosis in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:RelyOnVML/> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;" lang="EN-IN">Background: This study aims to investigate the relationship between carotid intima-media thickness and clinical and metabolic correlation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;" lang="EN-IN">Materials and methods</span></strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;" lang="EN-IN">: In this prospective observational case control study, which included 34 patients with RA having disease duration of more than 5 years were compared to 34 healthy matched controls. <br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;" lang="EN-IN">Results:</span></strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;" lang="EN-IN">The mean age of each cohort and control groups were 48±14.4 and 48.6±14.0 respectively with female preponderance in the study group. Both the groups were comparable for various atherogenic biochemical risk indices like body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, random blood sugar, and lipid profile. The study group had a significant elevation of CRP as compared to control group (88% vs 15%). The mean CIMT of study group was 0.86 ± 0.18 and that of control group was 0.53 ± 0.15 and which is statistically significant (p&lt;0.0001). As the severity of disease increases according to disease activity score (DAS 28), the CIMT in study group also showed increasing trend. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;" lang="EN-IN">Conclusion</span></strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;" lang="EN-IN">: Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic manageable disease with various musculoskeletal morbidities and cardiovascular complications because of chronic subclinical inflammatory state. <br /></span></p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> 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Hypertension is an important risk determinant for chronic kidney disease: results from a cross-sectional, observational study from a rural population in South India

Hypertension (HTN) is an important cause for chronic kidney disease (CKD). There is a paucity of studies exploring the association of HTN with CKD from rural India. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and the determinants for HTN in a rural population in South India, focusing on the association with CKD. In a cross-sectional study on 2984 adults in three villages, demographic and anthropometric data were collected. Blood pressure was recorded on all individuals and prevalence was estimated. Proteinuria, microalbuminuria (MA) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were determined in a subgroup of 1331 subjects and the relation with HTN was analysed. Prevalence of HTN was 30.4% (95% CI 28.75-32.05%). In all, 78.08% had stage 1 HTN while 22% had stage 2 HTN. In total, 27.4% (249/908) subjects were aware of their hypertensive status. Of them, only 14.4% had adequate control of blood pressure. Age>50 years, diabetes, body mass index >25 and eGFR<60 ml min^-1 were independent significant predictors of HTN (P<0.05). HTN was found to be an important risk factor for CKD even after adjusting for age, diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.46-3.36, P<0.001). The high prevalence of HTN, very low level of awareness and control, and the significant association with kidney disease indicate a need for stronger public health initiative with better penetration for awareness and screening for HTN and CKD in India's villages.

Central activation of TRPV1 and TRPA1 by novel endogenous agonists contributes to mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia after burn injury

The primary complaint of burn victims is an intense, often devastating spontaneous pain, with persistence of mechanical and thermal allodynia. The transient receptor potential channels, TRPV1 and TRPA1, are expressed by a subset of nociceptive sensory neurons and contribute to inflammatory hypersensitivity. Although their function in the periphery is well known, a role for these TRP channels in central pain mechanisms is less well defined. Lipid agonists of TRPV1 are released from peripheral tissues via enzymatic oxidation after burn injury; however, it is not known if burn injury triggers the release of oxidized lipids in the spinal cord. Accordingly, we evaluated whether burn injury evoked the central release of oxidized lipids. Analysis of lipid extracts of spinal cord tissue with HPLC-MS revealed a significant increase in levels of the epoxide and diol metabolites of linoleic acid: 9,10-DiHOME, 12,13-DiHOME, 9(10)-EpOME, and 12(13)-EpOME, that was reduced after intrathecal (i.t.) injection of the oxidative enzyme inhibitor ketoconazole. Moreover, we found that these four lipid metabolites were capable of specifically activating both TRPV1 and TRPA1. Intrathecal injection of specific antagonists to TRPV1 (AMG-517) or TRPA1 (HC-030031) significantly reduced post-burn mechanical and thermal allodynia. Finally, i.t. injection of ketoconazole significantly reversed post-burn mechanical and thermal allodynia. Our data indicate that spinal cord TRPV1 and TRPA1 contributes to pain after burn and identifies a novel class of oxidized lipids elevated in the spinal cord after burn injury. Since the management of burn pain is problematic, these findings point to a novel approach for treating post-burn pain.