Multicriticality in a one-dimensional topological band insulator

A central tenet in the theory of quantum phase transitions (QPTs) is that a nonanalyticity in the ground-state energy in the thermodynamic limit implies a QPT. Here we report on a finding that challenges this assertion. As a case study we take a phase diagram of a one-dimensional band insulator with spin-orbit coupled electrons, supporting trivial and topological gapped phases separated by intersecting critical surfaces. The intersections define multicritical lines across which the ground-state energy becomes nonanalytical, concurrent with a closing of the band gap, but with no phase transition taking place.Comment: 9 pages, 7 figures; published version, results unchanged; references adde

I Rbh - First Brazilian Hypertension Registry

A registry assessing the care of hypertensive patients in daily clinical practice in public and private centers in various Brazilian regions has not been conducted to date. Such analysis is important to elucidate the effectiveness of this care. Objective: To document the current clinical practice for the treatment of hypertension with identification of the profile of requested tests, type of administered treatment, level of blood pressure (BP) control, and adherence to treatment. Methods: National, observational, prospective, and multicenter study that will include patients older than 18 years with hypertension for at least 4 weeks, following up in public and private centers and after signing a consent form. The study will exclude patients undergoing dialysis, hospitalized in the previous 30 days, with class III or IV heart failure, pregnant or nursing, with severe liver disease, stroke or acute myocardial infarction in the past 30 days, or with diseases with a survival prognosis < 1 year. Evaluations will be performed at baseline and after 1 year of follow-up. The parameters that will be evaluated include anthropometric data, lifestyle habits, BP levels, lipid profile, metabolic syndrome, and adherence to treatment. The primary outcomes will be hospitalization due to hypertensive crisis, cardiocirculatory events, and cardiovascular death, while secondary outcomes will be hospitalization for heart failure and requirement of dialysis. A subgroup analysis of 15% of the sample will include noninvasive central pressure evaluation at baseline and study end. The estimated sample size is 3,000 individuals for a prevalence of 5%, sample error of 2%, and 95% confidence interval. Results: The results will be presented after the final evaluation, which will occur at the end of a 1-year follow-up. Conclusion: The analysis of this registry will improve the knowledge and optimize the treatment of hypertension in Brazil, as a way of modifying the prognosis of cardiovascular disease in the country.10729398Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologi

Desmodus rotundus and Artibeus spp. bats might present distinct rabies virus lineages

In Brazil, bats have been assigned an increasing importance in public health as they are important rabies reservoirs. Phylogenetic studies have shown that rabies virus (RABV) strains from frugivorous bats Artibeus spp. are closely associated to those from the vampire bat Desmodus rotundus, but little is known about the molecular diversity of RABV in Artibeus spp. The N and G genes of RABV isolated from Artibeus spp. and cattle infected by D. rotundus were sequenced, and phylogenetic trees were constructed. The N gene nucleotides tree showed three clusters: one for D. rotundus and two for Artibeus spp. Regarding putative N amino acid-trees, two clusters were formed, one for D. rotundus and another for Artibeus spp. RABV G gene phylogeny supported the distinction between D. rotundus and Artibeus spp. strains. These results show the intricate host relationship of RABV's evolutionary history, and are invaluable for the determination of RABV infection sources. (C) 2012 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.CAPESCAPESCNPqCNP

Desmodus rotundus and Artibeus spp. bats might present distinct rabies virus lineages

In Brazil, bats have been assigned an increasing importance in public health as they are important rabies reservoirs. Phylogenetic studies have shown that rabies virus (RABV) strains from frugivorous bats Artibeus spp. are closely associated to those from the vampire bat Desmodus rotundus, but little is known about the molecular diversity of RABV in Artibeus spp. The N and G genes of RABV isolated from Artibeus spp. and cattle infected by D. rotundus were sequenced, and phylogenetic trees were constructed. The N gene nucleotides tree showed three clusters: one for D. rotundus and two for Artibeus spp. Regarding putative N amino acid-trees, two clusters were formed, one for D. rotundus and another for Artibeus spp. RABV G gene phylogeny supported the distinction between D. rotundus and Artibeus spp. strains. These results show the intricate host relationship of RABV's evolutionary history, and are invaluable for the determination of RABV infection sources. (C) 2012 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.CAPESCAPESCNPqCNP

Peginterferon still has a place in the treatment of hepatitis C caused by genotype 3 virus

Despite recent advances in therapy for chronic hepatitis C (CHC), the disease caused by genotype 3 virus (GEN3) is still considered a treatment challenge in certain patient subgroups. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the peginterferon (Peg-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) combination treatment for GEN3/CHC patients, and to evaluate sustained virological response (SVR) indicators and early treatment interruption due to serious adverse events (SAE). This was a retrospective observational study of GEN3/CHC patients, co-infected or not by HIV and treated with Peg-IFN/RBV in nine Brazilian healthcare centers. The study sample included 184 GEN3/CHC patients70 (38%) were co-infected with HIV. The overall SVR rate was 57.1% (95% CI 50-64). Among co-infected and mono-infected patients, the SVR rate was 51.4% (36/70) and 60.5% (69/114), respectively (p=0.241). Thirty-four (18.5%) patients experienced SAE and interrupted treatment. SVR was negatively associated with the use of Peg-IFN alpha 2b (PR 0.7595% CI 0.58-0.99p=0.045) and to early treatment interruption due to SAE (PR 0.3695% CI 0.20-0.68p=0.001). Early treatment interruption due to SAE was associated with age (PR 1.0695% CI 1.02-1.10p<0.001) and occurrence of liver cirrhosis (PR 2.0695% CI 1.11-3.83p=0.022). In conclusion, Peg-IFN/RBV might represent an adequate treatment option, mainly in young patients without advanced liver disease or when the use of direct-action drugs is limited to specific patient groups.Univ Sul Santa Catarina, Fac Med, Dept Ciencias Biol & Saude & Ciencias Sociais Apl, Disciplina Doencas Infecciosas, Av Pedra Branca 25, BR-88137270 Palhoca, SC, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Disciplina Infectol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Div Gastroenterol & Hepatol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Estado Rio de Janeiro, Dept Clin Med, Disciplina Gastroenterol, Rio De Janeiro, RJ, BrazilUniv Fed Espirito Santo, Serv Infectol, Vitoria, ES, SpainUniv Sao Paulo, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Div Gastroenterol, Ribeirao Preto, SP, BrazilInst Infectol Emilio Ribas, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Dept Doencas Infecciosas & Parasitarias, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilSecretaria Estadual Saude, Unidade Mista Saude, Unimista 508 509, Brasilia, DF, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo, Lab Virol, LIM 52, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Disciplina Infectol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Behaviour of the foramen ovale flow in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction

Foramen ovale (FO) flow may be altered in IUGR. .is study was designed to test this hypothesis. Methods. Forty pregnant women (24–38 weeks) were divided into 3 groups: group I (IUGR), group II (adequate growth and maternal hypertension), and group III (normal controls). Impedance across the FO was assessed by the FO pulsatility index (FOPI): (systolic velocity − presystolic velocity)/mean velocity. Statistical analysis utilized ANOVA, Tukey test, and ROC curves. Results. Mean FOPI in IUGR fetuses (n=15) was 3.70 ± 0.99 (3.15–4.26); in the group II (n=12), it was 2.84 ± 0.69 (2.40–3.28), and in the group III (n=13), it was 2.77 ± 0.44 (2.50–3.04) (p=0.004). FOPI and UtA RI were correlated (r= 0.375, p= 0.017), as well as FOPI and UA RI (r= 0.356, p= 0.024) and, inversely, FOPI and MCA RI (r= −0.359, p= 0.023). Conclusions. .e FO flow pulsatility index is increased in fetuses with IUGR, probably as a result of impaired left ventricular diastolic functio

Effectiveness and safety of first-generation protease inhibitors in real-world patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection in Brazil: a multicenter study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of first-generation protease inhibitors for the treatment of genotype 1 hepatitis C virus-infected patients at Brazilian reference centers. METHODS: This multicenter cross-sectional study included hepatitis C virus genotype 1 monoinfected patients treated with Peg-interferon, ribavirin, and either boceprevir (n=158) or telaprevir (n=557) between July 2013 and April 2014 at 15 reference centers in Brazil. Demographic, clinical, virological, and adverse events data were collected during treatment and follow-up. RESULTS: Of the 715 patients, 59% had cirrhosis and 67.1% were treatment-experienced. Based on intention-to-treat analysis, the overall sustained viral response was 56.6%, with similar effectiveness in both groups (51.9% for boceprevir and 58% for telaprevir, p=0.190). Serious adverse events occurred in 44.2% of patients, and six deaths (0.8%) were recorded. Cirrhotic patients had lower sustained viral response rates than non-cirrhotic patients (46.9% vs. 70.6%, p 465 years, diagnosis of cirrhosis, and abnormal hemoglobin levels/platelet counts prior to treatment were associated with serious adverse events. CONCLUSION: Although serious adverse events rates were higher in this infected population, sustained viral response rates were similar to those reported for other patient cohorts.Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Dept Molestias Infecciosas & Parasitarias, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Rio de Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro, RJ, BrazilCtr Referencia & Treinamento DST Aids, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilCDH, Rio De Janeiro, RJ, BrazilHosp Fed Servidores Estado Rio de Janeiro HFSE, Setor Gastrohepatol, Rio De Janeiro, RJ, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Dept Gastroenterol & Hepatol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Disciplina Gastroenterol, EPM, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, EPM, Disciplina Infectol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, FMRP, Dept Clin Med, Div Gastroenterol, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil| Univ Fed do Maranhao UFMA, HUPD, Ctr Pesquisa Clin, Sao Luis, MA, BrazilUniv Fed Estado Rio de Janeiro UNIRIO, Disciplina Clin Med & Gastroenterol, Rio De Janeiro, RJ, BrazilUniv Fed Rio do Grande Sul UFRGS, Dept Med Interna, Porto Alegre, RS, BrazilUniv Fed Espirito Santo, Ambulatorio HIV AIDS Hepatites Virais, Vitoria, ES, BrazilSMS, Ctr Orientacao & Aconselhamento, Foz Do Iguacu, PR, BrazilUniv Estado Rio de Janeiro UERJ, Serv Gastroenterol, Rio De Janeiro, RJ, BrazilIMT, Lab Virol LIM 52, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Disciplina Gastroenterol, EPM, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, EPM, Disciplina Infectol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Updated cardiovascular prevention guideline of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology: 2019

Sem informação113478788

Rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high in-hospital mortality. Alveolar recruitment followed by ventilation at optimal titrated PEEP may reduce ventilator-induced lung injury and improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS, but the effects on mortality and other clinical outcomes remain unknown. This article reports the rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART). Methods/Design: ART is a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized (concealed), controlled trial, which aims to determine if maximum stepwise alveolar recruitment associated with PEEP titration is able to increase 28-day survival in patients with ARDS compared to conventional treatment (ARDSNet strategy). We will enroll adult patients with ARDS of less than 72 h duration. The intervention group will receive an alveolar recruitment maneuver, with stepwise increases of PEEP achieving 45 cmH(2)O and peak pressure of 60 cmH2O, followed by ventilation with optimal PEEP titrated according to the static compliance of the respiratory system. In the control group, mechanical ventilation will follow a conventional protocol (ARDSNet). In both groups, we will use controlled volume mode with low tidal volumes (4 to 6 mL/kg of predicted body weight) and targeting plateau pressure &lt;= 30 cmH2O. The primary outcome is 28-day survival, and the secondary outcomes are: length of ICU stay; length of hospital stay; pneumothorax requiring chest tube during first 7 days; barotrauma during first 7 days; mechanical ventilation-free days from days 1 to 28; ICU, in-hospital, and 6-month survival. ART is an event-guided trial planned to last until 520 events (deaths within 28 days) are observed. These events allow detection of a hazard ratio of 0.75, with 90% power and two-tailed type I error of 5%. All analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: If the ART strategy with maximum recruitment and PEEP titration improves 28-day survival, this will represent a notable advance to the care of ARDS patients. Conversely, if the ART strategy is similar or inferior to the current evidence-based strategy (ARDSNet), this should also change current practice as many institutions routinely employ recruitment maneuvers and set PEEP levels according to some titration method.Hospital do Coracao (HCor) as part of the Program 'Hospitais de Excelencia a Servico do SUS (PROADI-SUS)'Brazilian Ministry of Healt

RNAi-Based Treatment for Rabies: Current Achievements and Insights Towards a Cure

Due to the lack of success of antivirals in inhibiting rabies virus intracellular cycle both in vitro and in vivo, and the high failure rate of this treatment in human patients, the use of RNA interference (RNAi) for Post-transcriptional Gene Silencing (PTGS) has witnessed an increasing interest from those concerned with a cure for rabies, inspired on the success obtained for other viral diseases. This review is intended to present the current situation of RNAi against rabies, as well as insights into the future on the field