Forming intracluster gas in a galaxy protocluster at a redshift of 2.16.

Galaxy clusters are the most massive gravitationally bound structures in the Universe, comprising thousands of galaxies and pervaded by a diffuse, hot intracluster medium (ICM) that dominates the baryonic content of these systems. The formation and evolution of the ICM across cosmic time1 is thought to be driven by the continuous accretion of matter from the large-scale filamentary surroundings and energetic merger events with other clusters or groups. Until now, however, direct observations of the intracluster gas have been limited only to mature clusters in the later three-quarters of the history of the Universe, and we have been lacking a direct view of the hot, thermalized cluster atmosphere at the epoch when the first massive clusters formed. Here we report the detection (about 6σ) of the thermal Sunyaev-Zeldovich (SZ) effect2 in the direction of a protocluster. In fact, the SZ signal reveals the ICM thermal energy in a way that is insensitive to cosmological dimming, making it ideal for tracing the thermal history of cosmic structures3. This result indicates the presence of a nascent ICM within the Spiderweb protocluster at redshift z = 2.156, around 10 billion years ago. The amplitude and morphology of the detected signal show that the SZ effect from the protocluster is lower than expected from dynamical considerations and comparable with that of lower-redshift group-scale systems, consistent with expectations for a dynamically active progenitor of a local galaxy cluster.

Partial Protection Induced by 2011-2012 Influenza Vaccine Against Serologically Evidenced A(H3N2) Influenza Virus Infections in Elderly Institutionalized People.

Ninety-two institutionalized elderly subjects were vaccinated with trivalent influenza inactivated vaccine available for the 2011-2012 season, characterized by a prevalent circulation of A(H3N2) influenza viruses (A/Victoria/208-clade) presenting antigenic and genetic patterns different from the A(H3N2) vaccine component (A/Perth/16/2009-clade). Haemagglutination inhibiting (HI) antibody titers were determined in sera collected before, 1 and 6 months after vaccination and patients were considered positive for serological evidence of recent infection if they had a seroconversion on comparing HI titers found in sera collected 1 and 6 months after vaccination. No seroconversions were found against A(H1N1) and B vaccine components. Instead 17 volunteers seroconverted against all or at least some of the different A(H3N2) antigens examined, i.e. the 2011-2012 (A/Perth/16/2009) and the 2012-2013 (A/Victoria/361/2011) vaccine strains and four drifted viruses belonging to the A/Victoria/208-clade circulating in the area were the elderly people were living. The results obtained suggest that influenza infections in the vaccinated volunteers might be due both to a poor match between vaccine and circulating A(H3N2) viruses, since 1 month after vaccination 15 of the 17 volunteers had post-vaccination HI titers considered protective (≥40) against the A(H3N2) vaccine antigen, but not always against the epidemic strains, and to a waning of vaccine induced immune response, since 6 months after vaccination HI titers of non-infected volunteers were found to be decreased as compared with those found 1 month after vaccination.

Solar UV-B/A radiation is highly effective in inactivating SARS-CoV-2.

Solar UV-C photons do not reach Earth's surface, but are known to be endowed with germicidal properties that are also effective on viruses. The effect of softer UV-B and UV-A photons, which copiously reach the Earth's surface, on viruses are instead little studied, particularly on single-stranded RNA viruses. Here we combine our measurements of the action spectrum of Covid-19 in response to UV light, Solar irradiation measurements on Earth during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemics, worldwide recorded Covid-19 mortality data and our "Solar-Pump" diffusive model of epidemics to show that (a) UV-B/A photons have a powerful virucidal effect on the single-stranded RNA virus Covid-19 and that (b) the Solar radiation that reaches temperate regions of the Earth at noon during summers, is sufficient to inactivate 63% of virions in open-space concentrations (1.5 × 103 TCID50/mL, higher than typical aerosol) in less than 2 min. We conclude that the characteristic seasonality imprint displayed world-wide by the SARS-Cov-2 mortality time-series throughout the diffusion of the outbreak (with temperate regions showing clear seasonal trends and equatorial regions suffering, on average, a systematically lower mortality), might have been efficiently set by the different intensity of UV-B/A Solar radiation hitting different Earth's locations at different times of the year. Our results suggest that Solar UV-B/A play an important role in planning strategies of confinement of the epidemics, which should be worked out and set up during spring/summer months and fully implemented during low-solar-irradiation periods.

Forcing Seasonality of Influenza-like Epidemics with Daily Solar Resonance.

Seasonality of acute viral respiratory diseases is a well-known and yet not fully understood phenomenon. Several models have been proposed to explain the regularity of yearly recurring outbreaks and the phase differences observed at different latitudes on the Earth. Such models consider known internal causes, primarily the periodic emergence of new virus variants that evade the host immune response. Yet, this alone is generally unable to explain the regularity of recurrences and the observed phase differences. Here we show that seasonality of viral respiratory diseases, as well as its distribution with latitude on the Earth, can be fully explained by the virucidal properties of UV-B and UV-A solar photons through a daily, minute-scale, resonant forcing mechanism. Such an induced periodicity can last, virtually unperturbed, from tens to hundreds of cycles, and even in the presence of internal dynamics (host's loss of immunity) much slower than seasonal will, on a long period, generate seasonal oscillations.

The biomechanical model in manual therapy: Is there an ongoing crisis or just the need to revise the underlying concept and application?

Different approaches to body biomechanics are based on the classical concept of "ideal posture" which is regarded as the state where body mass is distributed in such a way that ligamentous tensions neutralize the force of gravity and muscles retain their normal tone, as result of the integration of somatic components related to posture and balance mechanisms. When compromised, optimal posture can be restored through the balanced and effective use of musculoskeletal components; however, various research findings and the opinion of experts in this field suggest a move away from the dogmas that have characterized the idea of health dependent on ideal posture, to promote instead dynamic approaches based on the interdependency of the body systems as well as on the full participation of the person in the healing process. Following these concepts, this article proposes a revised biomechanical model that sees posture as the temporary result of the individual's current ability to adapt to the existing allostatic load through the dynamic interaction of extero-proprio-interoceptive information integrated at a neuromyofascial level. Treatments using this revised model aim to restore the optimal posture available to the person in that particular given moment, through the efficient and balanced use of neuro-myofascia-skeletal components in order to normalize aberrant postural responses, to promote interoceptive and proprioceptive integration and to optimize individual responses to the existing allostatic load. The latter is achieved via multimodal programs of intervention, in a salutogenic approach that, from a traditional perspective, evolves on an anthropological basis, to the point of centering its work on the person.

A unifying neuro-fasciagenic model of somatic dysfunction - underlying mechanisms and treatment - Part I.

This paper offers an extensive review of the main fascia-mediated mechanisms underlying various dysfunctional and pathophysiological processes of clinical relevance for manual therapy. The concept of somatic dysfunction is revisited in light of the diverse fascial influences that may come into play in its genesis and maintenance. A change in perspective is thus proposed: from a nociceptive model that for decades has viewed somatic dysfunction as a neurologically-mediated phenomenon, to a unifying fascial model that integrates neural influences into a multifactorial and multidimensional interpretation of dysfunctional process as being partially, if not entirely, mediated by the fascia.

A unifying neuro-fasciagenic model of somatic dysfunction - Underlying mechanisms and treatment - Part II.

This paper offers an extensive review of the main fascia-mediated mechanisms underlying various therapeutic processes of clinical relevance for manual therapy. The concept of somatic dysfunction is revisited in light of the several fascial influences that may come into play during and after manual treatment. A change in perspective is thus proposed: from a nociceptive model that for decades has viewed somatic dysfunction as a neurologically-mediated phenomenon, to a unifying neuro-fascial model that integrates neural influences into a multifactorial and multidimensional interpretation of manual therapeutic effects as being partially, if not entirely, mediated by the fascia. By taking into consideration a wide spectrum of fascia-related factors - from cell-based mechanisms to cognitive and behavioural influences - a model emerges suggesting, amongst other results, a multidisciplinary-approach to the intervention of somatic dysfunction. Finally, it is proposed that a sixth osteopathic 'meta-model' - the connective tissue-fascial model - be added to the existing five models in osteopathic philosophy as the main interface between all body systems, thus providing a structural and functional framework for the body's homoeostatic potential and its inherent abilities to heal.

Does fascia hold memories?

The idea that tissues may possess some sort of memory is a controversial topic in manual medicine, calling for research and clinical exploration. Many bodyworkers, at some point in their practice, have experienced phenomena that may be interpreted as representing a release of memory traces when working on dysfunctional tissues. This feeling may have been accompanied by some type of sensory experience, for the therapist and/or the patient. In some cases, early traumatic experiences may be recalled. When this happens, the potency of the memory may be erased or eased, along with restoration of tissue function. Hence the questions: can memories be held in the fascia? And: are these memories accessible during manual fascial work? Modern research has proposed a variety of different interpretations as to how memory might be stored in soft tissues, possibly involving other forms of information storage not exclusively processed neurologically (Box 1).

Selected fascial aspects of osteopathic practice.

Fascia is a connective tissue organised as a three-dimensional network that surrounds, supports, suspends, protects, connects and divides muscular, skeletal and visceral components of the body. Studies suggest that fascia reorganises itself along the lines of tension imposed or expressed in the body, and in ways that may cause repercussions to fascial restriction that are body-wide. This may potentially create stress on any structures enveloped by fascia itself, with consequent mechanical and physiological effects. From an osteopathic perspective, fascial techniques aim to release such tensions, decrease pain and restore function. The proposed mechanism for fascial techniques is based on various studies that have looked at the plastic, viscoelastic and piezoelectric properties of connective tissue. This review explores some of the features described above, together with evidence supporting the therapeutic efficacy of fascial manipulation, offering a selected overview of the fascial component in osteopathic assessment and treatment.

Fascial release effects on patients with non-specific cervical or lumbar pain.

BACKGROUND: Myofascial Release (MFR) and Fascial Unwinding (FU) are widely used manual fascial techniques (MFTs), generally incorporated in treatment protocols to release fascial restrictions and restore tissue mobility. However, the effects of MFT on pain perception, and the mobility of fascial layers, have not previously been investigated using dynamic ultrasound (US) in patients with neck pain (NP) and low back pain (LBP). OBJECTIVES: a) To show that US screening can be a useful tool to assess dysfunctional alteration of organ mobility in relation to their fascial layers, in people with non-specific NP or LBP, in the absence of any organ disease; b) To assess, by dynamic US screening, the change of sliding movements between superficial and deep fascia layers in the neck, in people with non-specific NP, before and after application of MFTs c) To assess, by dynamic US screening, the variation of right reno-diaphragmatic (RD) distance and of neck bladder (NB) mobility, in patients with non-specific LBP, before and after application of MFTs d) To evaluate 'if' and 'at what degree' pain perception may vary in patients with NP or LBP, after MFTs are applied, over the short term. METHODS: An Experimental group of 60 subjects, 30 with non-specific NP and 30 with non-specific LBP, were assessed in the area of complaint, by Dynamic Ultrasound Topographic Anatomy Evaluation (D.US.T.A.-E.), before and after MFTs were applied in situ, in the corresponding painful region, for not more than 12 min. The results were compared with those from the respective Sham-Control group of 30 subjects. For the NP sub-groups, the pre- to post- US recorded videos of each subject were compared and assessed randomly and independently by two blinded experts in echographic screening. They were asked to rate the change observed in the cervical fascia sliding motions as 'none', 'discrete' or 'radical'. For the LBP sub-groups, a pre- to post- variation of the right RD distances and NB mobility were calculated on US imaging and compared. For all four sub-groups, a Short-Form McGill Pain Assessment Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) was administered on the day of recruitment as well as on the third day following treatment. RESULTS: The Chi square test has shown a significant correlation (0.915) with a p-Value < 0.0001 between the two examiners' results on US videos in NP sub-groups. The ANOVA test at repeated measures has shown a significant difference (p-Value < 0.0001) within Experimental and Control groups for the a) pre- to post- RD distances in LBP sub-groups, b) pre- to post- NB distances in LBP sub-groups; as well as between groups as for c) pre- to post- SF-MPQ results in NP and LBP sub-groups. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic US evaluation can be a valid and non-invasive instrument to assess and monitor effective sliding motion of fascial layers in vivo. MFTs are effective manual techniques to release area of impaired sliding fascial mobility, and to improve pain perception over a short term duration in people with non-specific NP or LBP.