VISTA Variables in the <i>Vía Láctea</i> (VVV): Halfway Status and Results

The VISTA Variables in the Vía Láctea (VVV) survey is one of six near-infrared ESO public surveys, and is now in its fourth year of observing. Although far from being complete, the VVV survey has already delivered many results, some directly connected to the intended science goals (detection of variable stars, microlensing events, new star clusters), others concerning more exotic objects, e.g., novae. Now, at the end of the fourth observing period, and comprising roughly 50% of the proposed observations, the status of the survey, as well some of results based on the VVV data, are presented.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica

Cabbage and fermented vegetables : From death rate heterogeneity in countries to candidates for mitigation strategies of severe COVID-19

Large differences in COVID-19 death rates exist between countries and between regions of the same country. Some very low death rate countries such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, or the Balkans have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods. Although biases exist when examining ecological studies, fermented vegetables or cabbage have been associated with low death rates in European countries. SARS-CoV-2 binds to its receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). As a result of SARS-CoV-2 binding, ACE2 downregulation enhances the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT(1)R) axis associated with oxidative stress. This leads to insulin resistance as well as lung and endothelial damage, two severe outcomes of COVID-19. The nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) is the most potent antioxidant in humans and can block in particular the AT(1)R axis. Cabbage contains precursors of sulforaphane, the most active natural activator of Nrf2. Fermented vegetables contain many lactobacilli, which are also potent Nrf2 activators. Three examples are: kimchi in Korea, westernized foods, and the slum paradox. It is proposed that fermented cabbage is a proof-of-concept of dietary manipulations that may enhance Nrf2-associated antioxidant effects, helpful in mitigating COVID-19 severity.Peer reviewe

Nrf2-interacting nutrients and COVID-19 : time for research to develop adaptation strategies

There are large between- and within-country variations in COVID-19 death rates. Some very low death rate settings such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, the Balkans and Africa have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods whose intake is associated with the activation of the Nrf2 (Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2) anti-oxidant transcription factor. There are many Nrf2-interacting nutrients (berberine, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, quercetin, resveratrol, sulforaphane) that all act similarly to reduce insulin resistance, endothelial damage, lung injury and cytokine storm. They also act on the same mechanisms (mTOR: Mammalian target of rapamycin, PPAR gamma:Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, NF kappa B: Nuclear factor kappa B, ERK: Extracellular signal-regulated kinases and eIF2 alpha:Elongation initiation factor 2 alpha). They may as a result be important in mitigating the severity of COVID-19, acting through the endoplasmic reticulum stress or ACE-Angiotensin-II-AT(1)R axis (AT(1)R) pathway. Many Nrf2-interacting nutrients are also interacting with TRPA1 and/or TRPV1. Interestingly, geographical areas with very low COVID-19 mortality are those with the lowest prevalence of obesity (Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia). It is tempting to propose that Nrf2-interacting foods and nutrients can re-balance insulin resistance and have a significant effect on COVID-19 severity. It is therefore possible that the intake of these foods may restore an optimal natural balance for the Nrf2 pathway and may be of interest in the mitigation of COVID-19 severity

Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study

Background: The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on postoperative recovery needs to be understood to inform clinical decision making during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports 30-day mortality and pulmonary complication rates in patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This international, multicentre, cohort study at 235 hospitals in 24 countries included all patients undergoing surgery who had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed within 7 days before or 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and was assessed in all enrolled patients. The main secondary outcome measure was pulmonary complications, defined as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or unexpected postoperative ventilation. Findings: This analysis includes 1128 patients who had surgery between Jan 1 and March 31, 2020, of whom 835 (74·0%) had emergency surgery and 280 (24·8%) had elective surgery. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed preoperatively in 294 (26·1%) patients. 30-day mortality was 23·8% (268 of 1128). Pulmonary complications occurred in 577 (51·2%) of 1128 patients; 30-day mortality in these patients was 38·0% (219 of 577), accounting for 81·7% (219 of 268) of all deaths. In adjusted analyses, 30-day mortality was associated with male sex (odds ratio 1·75 [95% CI 1·28–2·40], p\textless0·0001), age 70 years or older versus younger than 70 years (2·30 [1·65–3·22], p\textless0·0001), American Society of Anesthesiologists grades 3–5 versus grades 1–2 (2·35 [1·57–3·53], p\textless0·0001), malignant versus benign or obstetric diagnosis (1·55 [1·01–2·39], p=0·046), emergency versus elective surgery (1·67 [1·06–2·63], p=0·026), and major versus minor surgery (1·52 [1·01–2·31], p=0·047). Interpretation: Postoperative pulmonary complications occur in half of patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with high mortality. Thresholds for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic should be higher than during normal practice, particularly in men aged 70 years and older. Consideration should be given for postponing non-urgent procedures and promoting non-operative treatment to delay or avoid the need for surgery. Funding: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, NIHR Academy, Sarcoma UK, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research

Genetic biomarkers related to hemarthrosis, inflammation, and cartilage structure in pediatric patients with hemophilic arthropathy

Abstract Background The pathophysiology of hemophilic arthropathy is complex and not completely understood. In this study, we aimed to identify biomarkers that can affect the hemophilic arthropathy severity. Methods Fifty patients were analyzed for biomarker frequencies; in 37 patients, articular symptoms were evaluated based on the physical joint examination score, and in 18, it was based on magnetic resonance imaging. Eight polymorphisms, namely FV 1691G>A, FII 20210G>A, MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C, TNFα‐308G>A and ‐238G>A, ACAN VNTR, and IL1RN*2‐VNTR were identified. Results Patients with the MTHFR 677TT genotype showed a higher number of affected joints (1.83 ± 0.9 vs. 0.55 ± 0.7 for CC; p = .023), whereas those with the MTHFR 1298AC genotype exhibited higher effusion according to two radiologists (0.90 ± 0.31/1.20 ± 0.63 vs. 0.38 ± 0.52/0.50 ± 0.53 for AA genotype; p = .043/0.036, respectively). In addition, patients with the TNFα‐308GA genotype had more subchondral cysts (0.75 ± 0.95 vs. 0.07 ± 0.26 for GG genotype; p = .041). Conclusions The distribution of risk genotypes for MTHFR and TNFα‐308GA suggests their association with clinical parameters of hemophilic arthropathy. Cohort studies are essential to verify these associations

VISTA Variables in the Vía Láctea (VVV): Current Status and First Results

VISTA Variables in the Vía Láctea (VVV) is a public ESO near-IR variability survey aimed at scanning the Milky Way Bulge and an adjacent section of the mid-plane. VVV observations started in October 2009 during ESO science verification. Regular observations for the first year of the survey have been conducted since February 2010 and will cover a total area of 520 square degrees in five passbands and five epochs. Here we address the first results obtained from the VVV Survey as well as the current status of the observations

VISTA Variables in the V\ueda L\ue1ctea (VVV): Current Status and First Results

VISTA Variables in the V\ueda L\ue1ctea (VVV) is a public ESO near-IR variability survey aimed at scanning the Milky Way Bulge and an adjacent section of the mid-plane. VVV observations started in October 2009 during ESO science verification. Regular observations for the first year of the survey have been conducted since February 2010 and will cover a total area of 520 square degrees in five passbands and five epochs. Here we address the first results obtained from the VVV Survey as well as the current status of the observations

VISTA Variables in the Vía Láctea (VVV): Halfway Status and Results

The VISTA Variables in the Vía Láctea (VVV) survey is one of six near-infrared ESO public surveys, and is now in its fourth year of observing. Although far from being complete, the VVV survey has already delivered many results, some directly connected to the intended science goals (detection of variable stars, microlensing events, new star clusters), others concerning more exotic objects, e.g., novae. Now, at the end of the fourth observing period, and comprising roughly 50% of the proposed observations, the status of the survey, as well some of results based on the VVV data, are presented.Fil: Hempel, Maren. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Chile. The Milky Way Millennium Nucleus; ChileFil: Minniti, Dante. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Chile. Vatican Observatory; ItaliaFil: Dékány, István. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; ChileFil: Saito, Roberto K.. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Chile. Universidade Federal de Sergipe; BrasilFil: Lucas, Philip W.. University Of Hertfordshire; Reino UnidoFil: Emerson, Jim P.. Queen Mary University of London; Reino UnidoFil: Ahumada, Andrea Veronica. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Observatorio Astronomico de Cordoba; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Aigrain, Suzanne. University of Exeter; Reino UnidoFil: Alonso, Maria Victoria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Observatorio Astronomico de Cordoba; ArgentinaFil: Alonso García, Javier. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; ChileFil: Amôres, Eduardo B.. Universidade de Lisboa; PortugalFil: Angeloni, Rodolfo. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; ChileFil: Arias, Julia. Universidad de La Serena; ChileFil: Bandyopadhyay, Reba. University of Florida; Estados UnidosFil: Barba, Rodolfo Hector. Universidad de La Serena; Chile. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Barbuy, Beatriz. Universidade de São Paulo; BrasilFil: Baume, Gustavo Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Beamin, Juan Carlos. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; ChileFil: Bedin, Luigi. Space Telescope Science Institute; Estados UnidosFil: Bica, Eduardo. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; BrasilFil: Borissova, Jordanka. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: Bronfman, Leonardo. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: Carraro, Giovanni. European Southern Observatory; ChileFil: Catelan, Márcio. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; ChileFil: Claria Olmedo, Juan Jose. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Observatorio Astronomico de Cordoba; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Contreras, Carlos. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; ChileFil: Cross, Nicholas. University of Edinburgh; Reino UnidoFil: Davis, Christopher. Joint Astronomy Centre; Estados UnidosFil: de Grijs, Richard. Peking University; ChinaFil: Drew, Janet E.. University Of Hertfordshire; Reino UnidoFil: Fariña, Cecilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Feinstein Baigorri, Carlos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Fernandez Lajus, Eduardo Eusebio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Folkes, Stuart. University Of Hertfordshire; Reino UnidoFil: Gamen, Roberto Claudio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Geisler, Douglas. Universidad de Concepción; ChileFil: Gieren, Wolfgang. Universidad de Concepción; ChileFil: Goldman, Bertrand. Max Planck Institute for Astronomy; AlemaniaFil: González, Oscar. European Southern Observatory; ChileFil: Gosling, Andrew. University of Oxford; Reino UnidoFil: Gunthardt, Guillermo Ivan. Universidad de La Serena; ChileFil: Gurovich, Sebastian. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Hambly, Nigel C.. University of Edinburgh; Reino UnidoFil: Hanson, Margaret. University of Cincinnati; Estados UnidosFil: Hoare, Melvin. University of Leeds; Reino UnidoFil: Irwin, Mike J.. University of Cambridge; Reino UnidoFil: Ivanov, Valentin D.. European Southern Observatory; ChileFil: Jordán, Andrés. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; ChileFil: Kerins, Eamonn. University of Manchester; Reino UnidoFil: Kinemuchi, Karen. National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Estados UnidosFil: Kurtev, Radostin. Universidad de Valparaíso; ChileFil: Longmore, Andy. University of Edinburgh; Reino UnidoFil: López Corredoira, Martin. Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias; EspañaFil: Maccarone, Tom. Texas Tech University; Estados UnidosFil: Martín, Eduardo. Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias; EspañaFil: Masetti, Nicola. Instituto di Astrofisica Spaziale e Fisica Cosmica de Bologna; ItaliaFil: Mennickent, Ronald E.. Universidad de Concepción; ChileFil: Merlo, David. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Observatorio Astronomico de Cordoba; ArgentinaFil: Messineo, Maria. Rochester Institute of Technology; Estados UnidosFil: Mirabel Miquele, Igor Felix. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciónes Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Astronomía y Física del Espacio. - Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Astronomía y Física del Espacio; ArgentinaFil: Monaco, Lorenzo. European Southern Observatory; ChileFil: Moni Bidin, Christian. Universidad Católica del Norte; ChileFil: Morelli, Lorenzo. Università di Padova; ItaliaFil: Padilla, Nelson. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; ChileFil: Palma, Tali. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Parisi, Maria Celeste. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Observatorio Astronomico de Cordoba; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Parker, Quentin. Macquarie University; AustraliaFil: Pavani, Daniela. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; BrasilFil: Pietrukowicz, Pawel. Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center; PoloniaFil: Pietrzynski, Grzegorz. Imperial College London; Reino UnidoFil: Pignata, Giuliano. Universidad Andrés Bello; ChileFil: Rejkuba, Marina. European Southern Observatory; ChileFil: Rojas, Alejandra. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; ChileFil: Roman Lopes, Alexandre. Universidad de La Serena; ChileFil: Ruiz, María Teresa. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: Sale, Stuart E.. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; ChileFil: Saviane, Ivo. European Southern Observatory; ChileFil: Schreiber, Matthias R.. Universidad de Valparaíso; ChileFil: Schröder, Anja C.. Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory; SudáfricaFil: Sharma, Saurabh. Universidad de Valparaíso; ChileFil: Smith, Michael. University Of Kent; Reino UnidoFil: Sodré Jr., Laerte. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Soto, Mario. Universidad de La Serena; ChileFil: Stephens, Andrew W.. National Astronomical Observatory of Japan; JapónFil: Tamura, Motohide. Gemini Observatory; Estados UnidosFil: Tappert, Claus. Universidad de Valparaíso; ChileFil: Thompson, Mark A.. University Of Hertfordshire; Reino UnidoFil: Toledo, Ignacio. ALMA Observatory; ChileFil: Valenti, Elena. European Southern Observatory; ChileFil: Vanzi, Leonardo. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; ChileFil: Weidmann, Walter Alfredo. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Observatorio Astronomico de Cordoba; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Zoccali, Manuela. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Chil