Multi-messenger observations of a binary neutron star merger

On 2017 August 17 a binary neutron star coalescence candidate (later designated GW170817) with merger time 12:41:04 UTC was observed through gravitational waves by the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. The Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor independently detected a gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) with a time delay of ~1.7 s with respect to the merger time. From the gravitational-wave signal, the source was initially localized to a sky region of 31 deg2 at a luminosity distance of 40+8-8 Mpc and with component masses consistent with neutron stars. The component masses were later measured to be in the range 0.86 to 2.26 Mo. An extensive observing campaign was launched across the electromagnetic spectrum leading to the discovery of a bright optical transient (SSS17a, now with the IAU identification of AT 2017gfo) in NGC 4993 (at ~40 Mpc) less than 11 hours after the merger by the One- Meter, Two Hemisphere (1M2H) team using the 1 m Swope Telescope. The optical transient was independently detected by multiple teams within an hour. Subsequent observations targeted the object and its environment. Early ultraviolet observations revealed a blue transient that faded within 48 hours. Optical and infrared observations showed a redward evolution over ~10 days. Following early non-detections, X-ray and radio emission were discovered at the transient’s position ~9 and ~16 days, respectively, after the merger. Both the X-ray and radio emission likely arise from a physical process that is distinct from the one that generates the UV/optical/near-infrared emission. No ultra-high-energy gamma-rays and no neutrino candidates consistent with the source were found in follow-up searches. These observations support the hypothesis that GW170817 was produced by the merger of two neutron stars in NGC4993 followed by a short gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) and a kilonova/macronova powered by the radioactive decay of r-process nuclei synthesized in the ejecta

Multi-messenger Observations of a Binary Neutron Star Merger

On 2017 August 17 a binary neutron star coalescence candidate (later designated GW170817) with merger time 12:41:04 UTC was observed through gravitational waves by the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. The Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor independently detected a gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) with a time delay of ∼ 1.7 {{s}} with respect to the merger time. From the gravitational-wave signal, the source was initially localized to a sky region of 31 deg2 at a luminosity distance of {40}-8+8 Mpc and with component masses consistent with neutron stars. The component masses were later measured to be in the range 0.86 to 2.26 {M}ȯ . An extensive observing campaign was launched across the electromagnetic spectrum leading to the discovery of a bright optical transient (SSS17a, now with the IAU identification of AT 2017gfo) in NGC 4993 (at ∼ 40 {{Mpc}}) less than 11 hours after the merger by the One-Meter, Two Hemisphere (1M2H) team using the 1 m Swope Telescope. The optical transient was independently detected by multiple teams within an hour. Subsequent observations targeted the object and its environment. Early ultraviolet observations revealed a blue transient that faded within 48 hours. Optical and infrared observations showed a redward evolution over ∼10 days. Following early non-detections, X-ray and radio emission were discovered at the transient’s position ∼ 9 and ∼ 16 days, respectively, after the merger. Both the X-ray and radio emission likely arise from a physical process that is distinct from the one that generates the UV/optical/near-infrared emission. No ultra-high-energy gamma-rays and no neutrino candidates consistent with the source were found in follow-up searches. These observations support the hypothesis that GW170817 was produced by the merger of two neutron stars in NGC 4993 followed by a short gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) and a kilonova/macronova powered by the radioactive decay of r-process nuclei synthesized in the ejecta.</p

Application of vac in type III open fractures

WOS: 000445434700007Aim: Functional results of patients with Type III open long bone fractures treated with vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) and approximating sutures were evaluated. Material and Method: A total of 21 patients (4 female, 17 male with a mean age of 27 years, range: 3-64 years) with Gustilo-Andersen Type 3 open fracture were included in the study. The mean follow-up period was 25.67 months (range, 9-52 months). Thirteen patients had Type IIIB and eight patients had Type IIIC open fractures. Following a large debridement and irrigation in an operating room setting, wound dimensions were measured. Subsequently, VAC was applied. During the application, skin traction sutures were applied over the vacuum sponge. During the last dressing change in which a dean granulation tissue was obtained, the wound was closed following the measurement of its dimensions. Wound dimensions measured during the large debridement in the operating room were compared with the wound dimensions measured after the final VAC application. Results: Mean duration between trauma and operation was 7.57 hours (range, 2-23 hours). The wound was closed with delayed primary suturing in seven patients. In the remaining 14 patients, wound dimensions measured following the last VAC application were found to be decreased with a mean of 40.02% (range, 20-60%). Seven patients underwent a skin graft, two had a free flap application, four had a fasciocutaneous flap, and one had a fasciocutaneous flap + graft application. Two patients underwent revision operations for graft failure. Five patients (23.8%) developed a deep wound infection. The infections resulted in osteomyelitis in two patients (9.5%). Discussion; VAC application together with skin traction sutures in Type IIIB and C open fractures decreases wound size dimension of a graft or flap to be applied. Also it may reduce the requirement for secondary interventions

Candida arthritis in a patient diagnosed with spondyloarthritis

Abstract Candida arthritis is an unusual manifestation that usually affects the knees. A 35-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of pain and swelling in the right knee. Swelling persisted after anti-inflammatory treatment. Peripheric spondyloarthritis was considered, but methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and methylprednisolone did not reduce the swelling. Direct examination of synovial fluid and a culture were positive for Candida albicans. Intravenous and intra-articular amphotericin-B were administered. The arthritis regressed and a culture and direct staining showed negative results. Candida arthritis should be considered in patients with arthritis that is resistant to treatment and prolonged, even if risk factors are absent

Depression, social phobia and quality of life after major lower limb amputation

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to compare the social phobia, depression and quality of life in patients with major lower limb amputation to non-amputated.Methods: Patients who were underwent above or below the knee amputation in the past were evaluated retrospectively by examining the hospital records. All the participants were administered Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Short-Form 36 (SF-36).Results: The number of patients was 30 (21 males, nine females) in the amputated group and 30 (22 males, eight females) in the control group. The mean age was 41.8±14.09 years in the amputated group and 43.3±18.68 years in the control group. All LSAS and HADS scores were higher, and SF-36 scores were lower in the amputation group compared to the control group (p<0.05). The patients who were amputated more than five years ago had higher LSAS social fear scores, and lower HAD depression scores compared to patients less than five years (p=0.035, p=0.024, respectively). The employed patients had lower HAD depression and HAD total scores compared to unemployed patients (p=0.008, p=0,049, respectively). The patients amputated due to medical complications had higher scores in anxiety compared to the patients with traumatic amputation (p=0.005, p=0.016, respectively).Discussion and Conclusion: Social phobia, depression and poor quality of life are common problems in patients with major lower limb amputation. After five years, it should not be forgotten that social phobia will increase; depression will decrease along with its seriousness. Therefore, amputated patients should be psychiatrically counseled and treated. It is important to provide permanent employment opportunities to improve the quality of life

Functional outcomes and quality of life in adult ipsilateral femur and tibia fractures

Objective: The aim of our study is to evaluate the functional outcomes and quality of life in adult ipsilateral femur and tibia fractures. Methods: 26 patients (21 male, 5 female; mean age 30 years, range: 18 to 66) treated for adult ipsilateral femur and tibia fractures were evaluated retrospectively. For femur fractures, intramedullary nails were used in 15 patients (12 antegrade, 3 retrograde), plate in 11 patients (10 locked-plate, and 1 blade-plate with a 95 degree angle). For tibia fractures, locked-plate were used in 13 patients, intramedullary nails in 9 patients, external fixator in 3 patients and multiple screws in 1 patient. According to Blake and McBryde classification, 17 fractures were type I, 9 fractures were type II (7 type 2A and 2 type 2B). The functional outcomes were evaluated by Karlström and Olerud criteria, and quality of life was evaluated by Short Form-36. The mean follow-up duration was 4.4 years (range: 1.1 to 7.3 years). Results: The functional outcomes were excellent in 6 patients, good in 8 patients, acceptable in 6 patients and poor in 6 patients. The mean values of quality of life scales were; physical function: 64.8, physical role limitation: 60.5, pain: 68.2, general health: 63.3, vitality: 58.4, social function: 68.2, emotional role limitation: 62.7, and mental health: 65.8. Conclusion: Adult ipsilateral femur and tibia fractures are severe injuries and adversely affect the quality of life and functional outcomes. The quality of life scales should be used along with functional outcome scores in evaluating these injuries. The translational potential of this article: Adult ipsilateral femur and tibia fractures cause severe morbidity. Functional outcomes and quality of life scales should be used together to evaluate these fractures. Karlström and Olerud criteria for functional outcomes and Short Form-36 scales for quality of life are suitable methods to evalute these fractures. Keywords: Femur, Floating knee, Fracture, Ipsilateral, Tibi

Funkční a radiologické výsledky posteromediální limitované chirurgické terapie u vývojové dysplazie kyčelních kloubů

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY In treatment algorithm of developmental dysplasia of the hip, posteromedial limited surgery is placed between closed reduction and medial open articular reduction. The aim of the present study was to assess the functional and radiologic results of this method. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective study was performed in 37 Tönnis grade II and III dysplastic hips of 30 patients. The mean age of the patients at operation was 12.4 months. The mean follow-up time was 24.5 months. Posteromedial limited surgery was applied when sufficient stable concentric reduction was not achieved by closed technique. No pre-operative traction was applied. Postoperatively, human position hip spica cast was applied for 3 months. Outcomes were evaluated regarding modified McKay functional results, acetabular index and presences of residual acetabular dysplasia or avascular necrosis. RESULTS Thirty-six hips had satisfactory and one hip had poor functional result. The mean pre-operative acetabular index was 34.5 degrees. It improved to 27.7 and 23.1 degrees at the postoperative 6th month and the last control X-Rays. The change in acetabular index was statistically significant (p<0.05). At the last control, 3 hips had findings of residual acetabular dysplasia and 2 hips had avascular necrosis. CONCLUSIONS Posteromedial limited surgery for developmental dysplasia of the hip is indicated when closed reduction remains insufficient and medial open articular reduction remains unnecessarily invasive. This study, in line with the literature, provides evidences that this method might decrease the incidences of residual acetabular dysplasia and avascular necrosis of the femoral head

Hydatid cysts in muscles: clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of this atypical presentation

ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION: Hydatid cysts are rarely detected in muscle tissue (0.7-0.9%), even in endemic countries. The aim of this study was to present information regarding the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of muscle echinococcosis.METHODS: Twenty-two patients with hydatid cysts in the muscle were followed from January 2006 through December 2014.RESULTS: Twenty-four sites of muscle involvement were observed in the 22 patients. Fifteen (68%) of our patients were women, while seven (32%) were men. The mean age was 28.1 ± 15.4 (6-61) years. The most frequent locations were the thigh (27.2%) and the paravertebral region (13.6%). Most patients reported a painless slow-growing mass with normal overlying skin. Most (90.2%) cases were treated by surgical excision and fine-needle aspiration.CONCLUSIONS: Primary muscle hydatid cyst should be considered in the differential diagnosis in cystic masses of the muscular system without pain and localized enlargement of soft tissue, especially in endemic areas. Hydatid cyst should be investigated using serological tests and imaging modalities. If possible, total surgical excision of hydatid cyst in the muscle should be performed