SRPT Scheduling for Web Servers

This note briey summarizes some results from two papers: [4] and [23]. These papers pose the following question: Is it possible to reduce the expected response time of every request at a web server, simply by changing the order in which we schedule the requests? In [4] we approach this question analytically via an M/G/1 queue. In [23] we approach the same question via implementation involving an Apache web server running on Linux

HIV-1 mother-to-child transmission in Brazil (1994\u20132016): a time series modeling

HIV-1 mother-to-child transmission (HIV-1 MTCT), is an important cause of children mortality worldwide. Brazil has been traditionally praised by its HIV/Aids program, which provides free-of-charge care for people living with HIV-1. Using public epidemiology and demographic databases, we aimed at modeling HIV-1 MTCT prevalence in Brazil through the years (1994\u20132016) and elaborate a statistical model for forecasting, contributing to HIV-1 epidemiologic surveillance and healthcare decision-making. We downloaded sets of live births and mothers\u2019 data alongside HIV-1 cases notification in children one year old or less. Through time series modeling, we estimated prevalence along the years in Brazil, and observed a remarkable decrease of HIV-1 MTCT between 1994 (10 cases per 100,000 live births) and 2016 (five cases per 100,000 live births), a reduction of 50%. Using our model, we elaborated a prognosis for each Brazilian state to help HIV-1 surveillance decision making, indicating which states are in theory in risk of experiencing a rise in HIV-1 MTCT prevalence. Ten states had good (37%), nine had mild (33%), and eight had poor prognostics (30%). Stratifying the prognostics by Brazilian region, we observed that the Northeast region had more states with poor prognosis, followed by North and Midwest, Southeast and South with one state of poor prognosis each. Brazil undoubtedly advanced in the fight against HIV-1 MTCT in the past two decades. We hope our model will help indicating where HIV-1 MTCT prevalence may rise in the future and support government decision makers regarding HIV-1 surveillance and prevention

Optimization of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Treatments Based on Curcumin, Used Alone or Employed as a Photosensitizer.

Curcumin, the bioactive compound of the spice Curcuma longa, has already been reported as a potential COVID-19 adjuvant treatment due to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, SARS-CoV-2 was challenged with curcumin; moreover, curcumin was also coupled with laser light at 445 nm in a photodynamic therapy approach. Curcumin at a concentration of 10 μM, delivered to the virus prior to inoculation on cell culture, inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication (reduction >99%) in Vero E6 cells, possibly due to disruption of the virion structure, as observed using the RNase protection assay. However, curcumin was not effective as a prophylactic treatment on already-infected Vero E6 cells. Notably, when curcumin was employed as a photosensitizer and blue laser light at 445 nm was delivered to a mix of curcumin/virus prior to the inoculation on the cells, virus inactivation was observed (>99%) using doses of curcumin that were not antiviral by themselves. Photodynamic therapy employing crude curcumin can be suggested as an antiviral option against SARS-CoV-2 infection

Unusual onset of a case of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis

Background: Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is a rare condition that commonly affects the clavicle and pelvis. Case presentation: We report here a case a 12 years old girl with CRMO arising with recurrent episodes of left supraorbital headache, followed by the appearance of a periorbital dyschromia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the skull and orbits revealed an important subacute inflammatory process. Few months after, the child presented a painful swelling of the left clavicle; the histological examination of the related biopsy allowed to establish the diagnosis of CRMO. Conclusion: CRMO presenting as acute headache involving neurocranium is rare; to our knowledge this is the first recognized case in the world literature. This pathological condition is frequently misdiagnosed as infection or neoplasm and needs a deep investigation for the differential diagnosis. The physical, laboratoristic and instrumental diagnostic investigations of the patient and the treatment employed are described in detail

Tumor necrosis factor-\u3b1 and interleukin-6 gene polymorphism association with susceptibility to celiac disease in Italian patients

The aim of this research was to study polymorphisms in the genes encoding cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-\u3b1) in patients with celiac disease (CD) antigens DQ2 (DQ2-positive) or DQ8 (DQ8-positive). We compared the results with healthy controls to determine whether any of the polymorphisms have a role in susceptibility to CD. A case-control of 192 patients with CD (96 DQ2-positive and 96 DQ8-positive) and 96 healthy controls from northeast Italy were included in the study. Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was carried out using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Significant differences for the TNF-\u3b1(-308 G>A) polymorphism were observed when we compared the flowing groups: DQ2-positive with controls [odds ratio (OR) = 0.45, P = 0.0002]; DQ8-positive with controls (OR = 3.55, P C) polymorphism and CD (P > 0.05). Our results suggest that TNF-\u3b1(-308 G>A) polymorphism may play a role in susceptibility to CD in Italian patients

IL18 gene polymorphism and its influence on CD4+ T-cell recovery in HIV-positive patients receiving antiretroviral therapy

Background: Pyroptosis has been reported to be critical in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) pathogenesis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) progression. Even after achieving viral suppression to undetectable levels during antiretroviral therapy (ART), exacerbated CD4+ T-cell death by pyroptosis has been suggested as one of the main causes of immunological non-response. Thus, variants in genes of pyroptosis pathway were studied in individuals with poor CD4+ T-cell reconstitution under antiretroviral therapy against HIV-1. Methods: 248 virologically suppressed ART-treated patients, 126 immunological non-responders (INR) and 122 immunological responders (IR) were recruited. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan probe-based realtime PCR platform. Genotype-guided flow cytometry analysis with general and recent thymic emigrant (RTE) CD4+ T-cells in pyroptosis was performed based on associated polymorphisms. Results: Both IL18 rs187238 G allele and GG genotype were associated as protection factors against poor CD4+ T-cell recovery (OR = 0.22; 95%CI = 0.50\u20130.77; P =.010 and OR = 0.58; 95%CI = 0.36\u20130.93; P =.022, respectively). It was demonstrated a statistical association between IL18 rs187238 genotypes of ART-treated patients and death by Caspase-1 levels (P =.020). The GG genotype showed lower pyroptotic RTE CD4+ T-lymphocytes levels in the ART-treated groups comparing with CC (P =.029) and CG (P =.018) genotypes, suggesting that the G allele presence may be related to a lower IL-18 production and thus reduced dead CD4+ T-cells levels by Caspase-1. Conclusion: We observed that IL18 G variant allele and genotype were associated with a better immunological response, which may influence on immunological recovery of HIV-positive patients receiving antiretroviral therapy, and low Caspase-1 activity levels was observed on GG genotype when compared CC genotypes

Evaluation of DEFB1 polymorphisms in individuals with chronic periodontitis and diabetes mellitus type 2 in a population of northeastern Brazil

Aims: The role of genetic variations in genes related to innate response, as \u3b2-defensin-1 (DEFB1), in the context of chronic periodontitis (CP) and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2), is still not clear. The present study evaluates the distribution of DEFB1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) 5\u2032-untranslated (5\u2032UTR) region and its relation with the CP in DM2 individuals in northeastern Brazilians. Methods: Two hundred and eighty individuals participated in the study, being 116 DM2+CP, 95 CP, and 69 healthy individuals. Three known DEFB1 functional SNPs [-52 G\ua0>\ua0A (rs1799946), -44 C\ua0>\ua0G (rs1800972), -20 G\ua0>\ua0A (rs11362)] were genotyped with allele-specific assays. Results: Association was found for the DEFB1 -20 G\ua0>\ua0A SNP. The G allele, the GA and GG genotypes were significantly (P\ua0<\ua00.05) more frequent in the DM2+CP (59.5%, 50%, and 34.5%, respectively) and CP (61%, 44.2%, and 38.9%, respectively) than in healthy individuals (26.8%, 36.2%, and 8.7%, respectively). The GCG and ACG combinations (-52, -44, -20) were significantly more frequent among DM2+CP and CP than in the healthy individuals. Conclusion: The results indicate that genetic variations of DEFB1 gene (SNP-20: G allele and GA and GG genotypes) and the DEFB1 5\u2032UTR haplotypes (GCG and ACG) may be associated with a susceptibility to CP in DM2 individuals as well as CP individuals without DM2

SARS-CoV-2 modulates virus receptor expression in placenta and can induce trophoblast fusion, inflammation and endothelial permeability

SARS-CoV-2 is a devastating virus that induces a range of immunopathological mechanisms including cytokine storm, apoptosis, inflammation and complement and coagulation pathway hyperactivation. However, how the infection impacts pregnant mothers is still being worked out due to evidence of vertical transmission of the SARS-CoV-2, and higher incidence of preeclampsia, preterm birth, caesarian section, and fetal mortality. In this study, we assessed the levels of the three main receptors of SARS-CoV-2 (ACE2, TMPRSS2 and CD147) in placentae derived from SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative mothers. Moreover, we measured the effects of Spike protein on placental cell lines, in addition to their susceptibility to infection. SARS-CoV-2 negative placentae showed elevated levels of CD147 and considerably low amount of TMPRSS2, making them non-permissive to infection. SARS-CoV-2 presence upregulated TMPRSS2 expression in syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast cells, thereby rendering them amenable to infection. The non-permissiveness of placental cells can be due to their less fusogenicity due to infection. We also found that Spike protein was capable of inducing proinflammatory cytokine production, syncytiotrophoblast apoptosis and increased vascular permeability. These events can elicit pre-eclampsia-like syndrome that marks a high percentage of pregnancies when mothers areinfected with SARS-CoV-2. Our study raises important points relevant to SARSCoV- 2 mediated adverse pregnancy outcomes

Defining the characteristics of certified hernia centers in Italy: The Italian society of hernia and abdominal wall surgery workgroup consensus on systematic reviews of the best available evidences

Background: The terms “Hernia Center” (HC) and Hernia Surgeon” (HS) have gained more and more popularity in recent years. Nevertheless, there is lack of protocols and methods for certification of their activities and results. The Italian Society of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery proposes a method for different levels of certification. Methods: The national board created a commission, with the task to define principles and structure of an accreditation program. The discussion of each topic was preceded by a Systematic Review, according to PRISMA Guidelines and Methodology. In case of lack or inadequate data from literature, the parameter was fixed trough a Commission discussion. Results: The Commission defined a certification process including: “FLC - First level Certification”: restricted to single surgeon, it is given under request and proof of a formal completion of the learning curve process for the basic procedures and an adequate year volume of operations. “Second level certification”: Referral Center for Abdominal Wall Surgery. It is a public or private structure run by at least two already certified and confirmed FLC surgeons. “Third level certification”: High Specialization Center for Abdominal Wall Surgery. It is a public or private structure, already confirmed as Referral Centers, run by at least three surgeons (two certified and confirmed with FLC and one research fellow in abdominal wall surgery). Both levels of certification have to meet the Surgical Requirements and facilities criteria fixed by the Commission. Conclusion: The creation of different types of Hernia Centers is directed to create two different entities offering the same surgical quality with separate mission: the Referral Center being more dedicated to clinical and surgical activity and High Specialization Centers being more directed to scientific tasks