ROSAT HRI X-ray Observations of the Open Globular Cluster NGC 288

A ROSAT HRI X-ray image was obtained of the open globular cluster NGC 288, which is located near the South Galactic Pole. This is the first deep X-ray image of this system. We detect a Low Luminosity Globular Cluster X-ray source (LLGCX) RXJ005245.0-263449 with an X-ray luminosity of (5.5+-1.4)x10^32 ergs/s (0.1-2.0 keV), which is located very close to the cluster center. There is evidence for X-ray variability on a time scale of <~ 1 day. The presence of this LLGCX in such an open cluster suggests that dense stellar systems with high interaction rates are not needed to form LLGCXs. We also searched for diffuse X-ray emission from NGC 288. Upper limits on the X-ray luminosities are L_X^h < 9.5x10^32 ergs/s (0.52-2.02 keV) and L_X^s < 9.3x10^32 ergs/s (0.11-0.41 keV). These imply upper limits to the diffuse X-ray to optical light ratios in NGC 288 which are lower than the values observed for X-ray faint early-type galaxies. This indicates that the soft X-ray emission in these galaxies is due either to a component which is not present in globular clusters (e.g., interstellar gas, or a stellar component which is not found in low metallicity Population II systems), or to a relatively small number of bright Low Mass X-ray Binaries (LMXBs).Comment: The Astrophysical Journal in press. Minor revisions to improve presentation. 6 pages with 3 embedded Postscript figures in emulateapj.st

Blue Straggler Stars: The Spectacular Population in M80

Using HST-WFPC2 observations in two ultraviolet (UV) filters (F225W and F336W) of the central region of the high density Galactic Globular cluster (GGC) M80 we have identified 305 Blue Straggler Stars (BSS) which represents the largest and most concentrated population of BSS ever observed in a GGC. We also identify the largest, clean sample of evolved BSS yet found. The high stellar density alone cannot explain the BSS, and we suggest that in M80 we are witnessing a transient dynamical state, during which stellar interactions are delaying the core-collapse process leading to an exceptionally large population of collisional-BSS.Comment: 15 pages, 5 figures, Astrophysical Journal Letters, in pres

Another Faint UV Object Associated with a Globular Cluster X-Ray Source: The Case of M92

The core of the metal poor Galactic Globular Cluster M92 (NGC 6341) has been observed with WFPC2 on the Hubble Space Telescope through visual, blue and mid-UV filters in a program devoted to study the evolved stellar population in a selected sample of Galactic Globular Clusters. In the UV $(m_{255}, m_{255}-U)$ color magnitude diagram we have discovered a faint `UV-dominant' object. This star lies within the error box of a Low Luminosity Globular Cluster X-ray source (LLGCX) recently found in the core of M92. The properties of the UV star discovered in M92 are very similar to those of other UV stars found in the core of some clusters (M13, 47 Tuc, M80, etc)---all of them are brighter in the UV than in the visible and are located in the vicinity of a LLGCX. We suggest that these stars are a new sub-class of cataclysmic variables.Comment: 21 pages, 4 figures. Astrophysical journal in pres

Very Large Telescope Observations of the peculiar globular cluster NGC6712. Discovery of a UV, H-alpha excess star in the core

We present results from multi-band observations in the central region of the cluster NGC6712 with the ESO-Very Large Telescope. Using high resolution images we have identified three UV-excess stars. In particular two of them are within the cluster core, a few arcsec apart: the first object is star "S" which previous studies identified as the best candidate to the optical counterpart to the luminous X-ray source detected in this cluster. The other UV object shows clearcut H-alpha emission and, for this reason, is an additional promising interacting binary candidate (a quiescent LMXB or a CV). The presence of two unrelated interacting binary systems a few arcsec apart in the core of this low-density cluster is somewhat surprising and supports the hypothesis that the (internal) dynamical history of the cluster and/or the (external) interaction with the Galaxy might play a fundamental role in the formation of these peculiar objects.Comment: 15 pages, 3 figures. ApJL in pres

Poor Sleep during the First Peak of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

The restrictions enacted during lockdown to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) have led to changes in people&rsquo;s lifestyle habits. In Italy, these restrictions have dramatically changed the way people work and spend their leisure time, also with repercussions on diet and physical activity. An anonymous survey was disseminated via websites and social media to a convenience sample of the Italian population during and immediately after the first lockdown (10 March&ndash;18 May 2020). Data collected on 1826 individuals show that lockdown might have worsened the quality of sleep of almost half of the participants in this cross-sectional study. This worsening was associated with a deterioration in crucial determinants of health, such as physical activity and diet (OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.18&ndash;2.40 and OR 4.19; 95% CI 2.51&ndash;6.96, respectively), with symptoms of psychological distress, such as tension (OR 3.88; 95% CI 2.74&ndash;5.52) and loneliness (OR 3.27; 95% CI 2.23&ndash;4.79), and with the presence of financial problems (some OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.27&ndash;2.72; many OR 7.27; 95% CI 3.59&ndash;14.73). The multivariate regression analysis models confirmed these associations. This impact on sleep quality was seen especially among females, those with low education level, and those who experienced financial problems

Activities Carried Out during the First COVID-19 Lockdown by Italian Citizens

: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has altered how citizens engage in activities. This study describes the new activities citizens engaged in during the first lockdown, factors that helped them cope with the confinement, the supports they used the most, and which supports they would have liked to receive. This cross-sectional study consists of an online survey made of 49 questions that was completed by the citizens of the province of Reggio Emilia (Italy) from 4 May until 15 June 2020. The outcomes of this study were explored by focusing on four of the survey questions. Of the 1826 citizens who responded, 84.2% had started new leisure activities. Males, participants who lived in the plain or foothills, and those who experienced nervousness engaged less in new activities, while those whose employment status changed, whose lifestyle worsened, or whose use of alcohol increased engaged in more activities. The support of family and friends, leisure activities, continuing to work, and an optimistic attitude were perceived to be of help. Grocery delivery and hotlines providing any type of information and mental health support were used frequently; a lack of health and social care services and of support in reconciling work with childcare was perceived. Findings may help institutions and policy makers to better support citizens in any future circumstances requiring prolonged confinement

Identifying unmet needs in cancer survivorship by linking patient-reported outcome measures to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

Purpose: Advances in cancer detection and treatment have extended cancer survivors' (CSs) life expectancy, but their evolving health needs remain unmet. This study analyzes 14 patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for CSs with non-cutaneous cancers using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. These 14 PROMs are derived from a recent review focusing on the implementation of the routine assessment of unmet needs in cancer survivors. Methods: Each PROM was examined for correspondence to ICF health and functioning dimensions. Two independent reviewers extracted meaningful concepts from each PROM item, linking them to ICF categories. Discrepancies were resolved through discussion with a third expert reviewer. Results: PROMs varied in ICF component correspondence, with "Activities and Participation" (37.2%) and "Environmental Factors" (31.8%) most frequently represented, highlighting their significance. "Body Structures" (1%) received minimal attention, suggesting its limited relevance to CSs' needs. The results of the linking process show the differences between the various PROMs: Candi and eHNA were primarily linked to "Body Function" (53.4% and 51.4%, respectively), NEQ and SUN to "Activities and Participation," and CaSUN and PNI to "Environmental Factors" (51.7% and 50%, respectively), while eHNA had the highest percentage of items linked to "Body Structures" (8.1%). Conclusions: This evaluation of PROMs enhances the understanding of CSs' diverse needs so as to address them, thereby improving these individuals' quality of life. Implications for cancer survivors: The study underscores the importance of addressing "Activities and Participation" and "Environmental Factors" in PROMs for CSs. These insights support developing comprehensive PROMs and help healthcare providers prioritize critical areas of survivorship care, ultimately enhancing CSs' well-being