No abstract

The Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 3783 was intensely monitored in several bands between 1991 December and 1992 August. This paper presents the results from the ground-based observations in the optical and near-IR bands, which complement the data-set formed by the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) spectra, discussed elsewhere. Spectroscopic and photometric data from several observatories were combined in order to obtain well sampled light curves of the continuum and of Hβ. During the campaign the source underwent significant variability. The light curves of the optical continuum and of Hβ display strong similarities with those obtained with the IUE. The near-IR flux did not vary significantly except for a slight increase at the end of the campaign.The cross correlation analysis shows that the variations of the optical continuum have a lag of 1 day or less with respect to those of the UV continuum, with an uncertainty of ≤ 4 days. The integrated flux of Hβ varies with a delay of about 8 days. These results confirm that (a) the continuum variations occur simultaneously or with a very small lag across the entire UV-optical range, as in the Seyfert galaxy NGC 5548; and (b) the emission lines of NGC 3783 respond to ionizing continuum variations with less delay than those of NGC 5548. As observed in NGC 5548, the lag of Hβ with respect to the continuum is greater than those of the high ionization lines.

BackgroundThe current EAACI/GA2LEN/EDF/WAO guideline for urticaria provide specific recommendations for the diagnostic workup and treatment of patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CsU). This study explored if physicians in Ecuador know these recommendations and implement them in their actual clinical practice for CsU.MethodsWe investigated physicians who treat CsU patients in a cross-sectional study using a standardized questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were employed, adjusted logistic regression was performed to assess the link of guideline knowledge and use of therapy.ResultsSeven hundred forty surveys were collected and analyzed. The mean age of physicians was 42.3 (±12.5) years. Most of the participants (65.1%) were general physicians (GP), 13.7% were pediatricians, 11.0% internists, 6.8% dermatologists or allergists (D/A). Only 18.8% knew the EAACI/GA2LEN/EDF/WAO guideline. 44.5% of GPs searched for CsU etiology in contrast to 90% of D/A. Most common diagnostic test was total serum IgE (83.5%). Most common first line symptomatic treatment was oral corticoids (46.3%), followed by second generation antihistamines (sgAHs, 36.8%). A/D prescribed more sgAHs (regular doses) (74.1 vs 28.6% of GP) (p < 0.05). Experience with omalizumab was reported only by 3.5%, of physicians, and higher rates among who were familiar with the guideline.ConclusionThis study shows that the knowledge of guideline recommendations in physicians who treat urticaria patients in Ecuador is low. The diagnostic workup and treatment of CsU patients are largely not in line with guideline recommendations in real life practice settings. We were able to compare results between German and Ecuadorian physicians and found that Ecuadorian physicians have lower awareness of the current guideline (33 vs 18%). Only one-third of physicians reported using regular doses of sgAHs as the first line treatment. Also, only 12.9% of physicians use sgAHs in higher doses and physicians still use fgAHs, particularly pediatricians (42.9%). Our results suggest that disparities in knowledge between physicians from different countries could influence the management of CsU. Knowledge of the guidelines is linked to better choices of treatments. Awareness of guidelines needs to be promoted for better management of chronic urticaria.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40413-017-0150-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

No abstract

We present the results from V I CCD time-series photometry of the globular cluster M13 (NGC 6205). From the Fourier decomposition of the light curves of RRab and RRc stars we found an average metallicity of [Fe/H]zw = -1.58 ± 0.09. The distance to the cluster was estimated as 7.1 ± 0.1 kpc from independent methods related to the variable star families RR Lyrae, SX Phe and W Virginis, from the luminosity of the theoretical ZAHB and from the orbit solution of a newly discovered contact binary star. The RR Lyrae pulsation modes are segregated by the red edge of the first overtone instability strip in this OoII type cluster. A membership analysis of 52,800 stars in the field of the cluster is presented based on Gaia-DR2 proper motions which enabled the recognition of 23,070 likely cluster members, for 7,630 of which we possess V I photometry. The identification of member stars allowed the construction of a clean CMD and a proper ZAHB and isochrone fitting, consistent with a reddening, age and distance of 0.02 mag, 12.6 Gyrs and 7.1 kpc respectively. We report seven new variables; one RRc, two SX Phe stars, three SR and one contact binary. V31 presents double-mode nature and we confirm V36 as RRd. Fifteen variable star candidates are also reported. The analysis of eighteen stars in the field of the cluster, reported as RR Lyrae from the Gaia-DR2 data base reveals that at least seven are not variable. We noted the presence of a high velocity star in the field of the cluster.