The Merging System Am 2049-691

Spectroscopic and photometric observations of the peculiar object AM 2049-691 are presented here. Its systemic velocity is V(GSR) = (10956 +-30) km/s, and the derived distance (H(0) = 75 km/s/Mpc) results 146 Mpc. A bridge is observed between two very distinct nuclei whose separation is about 10 kpc, as well as two tails that emerge from the extremes SW and NE of the main body and extend up to 41 and 58 kpc respectively. The spectral characteristics of the all observed zones are typical of H II regions of low excitation. The internal reddening is quit high, particularly in the NE nucleus. All the derived equivalent widths of the H(alpha)+[N II] lines indicate enhanced star formation compared with isolated galaxies, specially in the NE nucleus; the equivalent width corresponding to the integrated spectrum reflects starburst activity in the whole object, and is compatible with a merger of two disk galaxies. All the observed characteristics of AM 2049-691 indicate it is a merger, where a overabundance of nitrogen is detected in one of the nuclei, which has the most evolved population and would be the most massive one. The detected total IR emission is not very high. The integrated total color B - V corresponds to a Sc-Scd galaxy and its average integrated population is about F7 type. Indicative B - V colors of the nuclei, corrected for internal absorption, are in agreement with the spectroscopic results. The central radial velocity dispersions at the nuclei suggest that the most massive galaxy would be the progenitor of the SW component. The observed radial velocity curve shows the presence of two subsystems, each one associated with a different nucleus.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

Art for ages: the effects of group music making on the wellbeing of nursing home residents

In many countries, life expectancy has increased considerably in past years, and the importance of finding ways to ensure good levels of wellbeing through aging has become more important than ever. Arts based interventions are promising in this respect, and the literature suggests that musical activities can reduce isolation and anxiety and foster feelings of achievement and self-confidence. The present study examined the effects of group music making programs on the health and wellbeing of nursing home residents in Southern Switzerland. A team of professional and student musicians delivered 10 weekly music sessions in four nursing homes, focusing on singing, rhythm-based activities with percussion instruments, and listening to short, live performances. 22 participants (16 women and 6 men, aged 72-95 years, mean 83.6, SD ± 6.9) were recruited to take part in the study and were interviewed after the last music session. The data were analyzed with thematic analysis to investigate how residents experienced group music making and its effects. The findings show that the music programs were beneficial for residents’ wellbeing. Music plays an important role in their lives, both in their pasts and presently, and being involved in musical activities offers engagement and novelty in daily life, providing learning opportunities and facilitating interpersonal relationships. Moreover, these results were due to interactions with the musicians involved. Residents particularly appreciated the opportunity to listen to live performances as part of the sessions. This study suggests that nursing home residents value music and that music based interventions play an important and direct role in enhancing their wellbeing

Supernova 1987A light curve

V and B light curves for supernova 1987A are here presented and discussed. Just after the outburst in February 23.120 (UT), the brightening was very fast: approximately 6.2 magnitudes in only 7 hours and 41 minutes; subsequently, changes in brightness slowed down and the SN stayed as long as 130 days brighter than magnitude mᵥ=4.4 (or m_b=5.). The brightening rate at the beginning of the event and the time spent around maximum light are somewhat larger than usual. At maximum brightness SN 1987A reached Mᵥₘₐₓ=-16.1, and M_bmax=-14.7. Typical values for a type II SN being Mᵥₘₐₓ ≃ M_bmax = -17.60, the conclusion is arrived at that SN 1987A was fainter than usual for objects of this class. A comparison with other known supernovae is made. This paper will be published in full elsewhere.Asociación Argentina de Astronomí

Microdensitómetro digital del OAC

Se ha finalizado la modernización de un microdensitómetro existente en el Observatorio, transformándolo en un instrumento bidimensional automático programable. Se describen las características técnicas, se muestran los primeros resultados obtenidos y se discute la posibilidad de emplearlo en aplicaciones astrométricas.Asociación Argentina de Astronomí

Missing upper incisors: a retrospective study of orthodontic space closure versus implant

Background: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the esthetic, periodontal, and functional outcomes of orthodontic space closure versus implant substitution in patients with missing maxillary incisors 5 years after completion of treatment. Methods: The study group consisted of ten patients treated with orthodontic space closure (six males, four females, mean age 19 ± 2.1 years at the completion of treatment) and ten patients treated with implant insertion (five males, five females, mean age 20 ± 1.4 years at the time of implant insertion). Tooth mobility, plaque index, probing depth, infraocclusion, open gingival embrasure (black triangle), and temporomandibular joint function were recorded at the 5.6 years follow-up. Self-perceived dental esthetic appearance was also evaluated through a visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaire. T-test was used to evaluate the data. Results: All patients were equally satisfied with the appearance of their teeth 5.6 ± 0.4 years after the completion of treatment. No statistically significant differences were found in relation to the VAS scores of the subjects (P < 0.857). No significant differences were found in tooth mobility, plaque index (P < 0.632), and the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders. However, significant infraocclusion was noticed in all implant patients (P < 0.001). Probing depth was also significantly higher in implant patients (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Orthodontic space closure and implant of missing maxillary incisors produced similar, well-accepted esthetic results. None of the treatments impaired temporomandibular joint function. Nevertheless, infraocclusion was evident in implant patients. Space closure patients also showed better periodontal health in comparison with implant patients

Impact of Vutrisiran on Quality of Life and Physical Function in Patients with Hereditary Transthyretin-Mediated Amyloidosis with Polyneuropathy

INTRODUCTION: Hereditary transthyretin (ATTRv; v for variant) amyloidosis, also known as hATTR amyloidosis, is a progressive and fatal disease associated with rapid deterioration of physical function and patients' quality of life (QOL). Vutrisiran, a subcutaneously administered RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic that reduces hepatic production of transthyretin, was assessed in patients with ATTRv amyloidosis with polyneuropathy in the pivotal HELIOS-A study. METHODS: The phase 3 open-label HELIOS-A study investigated the efficacy and safety of vutrisiran in patients with ATTRv amyloidosis with polyneuropathy, compared with an external placebo group from the APOLLO study of the RNAi therapeutic patisiran. Measures of QOL and physical function were assessed. RESULTS: At month 18, vutrisiran improved Norfolk Quality of Life-Diabetic Neuropathy (Norfolk QOL-DN) total score (least squares mean difference [LSMD] in change from baseline [CFB]: –21.0; p = 1.84 × 10–10) and Norfolk QOL-DN domain scores, compared with external placebo. This benefit relative to external placebo was evident across all baseline polyneuropathy disability (PND) scores and most pronounced in patients with baseline PND scores I–II. Compared with external placebo, vutrisiran also demonstrated benefit in EuroQoL-Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS) score (LSMD in CFB: 13.7; nominal p = 2.21 × 10–7), 10-m walk test (LSMD in CFB: 0.239 m/s; p = 1.21 × 10–7), Rasch-built Overall Disability Score (LSMD in CFB: 8.4; p = 3.54 × 10–15), and modified body mass index (mBMI) (LSMD in CFB: 140.7; p = 4.16 × 10–15) at month 18. Overall, Norfolk QOL-DN, EQ-VAS, and mBMI improved from pretreatment baseline with vutrisiran, whereas all measures worsened from baseline in the external placebo group. At month 18, Karnofsky Performance Status was stable/improved from baseline in 58.2/13.1% with vutrisiran versus 34.7/8.1% with external placebo. CONCLUSION: Vutrisiran treatment provided significant clinical benefits in multiple measures of QOL and physical function in patients with ATTRv amyloidosis with polyneuropathy. Benefits were most pronounced in patients with earlier-stage disease, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment