Sífilis: prevalência num Hospital de Lisboa

Copyright © Ordem dos MédicosIntroduction: Syphilis is a sexual and vertical transmitted disease. Its incidence is increasing in Europe, particularly, in Portugal. Material and methods: A descriptive, retrospective study was performed based on positive treponemal tests from January to December 2013, at the Santa Maria Hospital, Lisbon. In-patients and out-patients evaluated in medical appointments and at the emergency department were included. We proceeded to epidemiological characterization, disease classification and definition of risk factors. Results: We obtained a sample of 580 patients, of whom 51 with no clinical data and 45 with false positive serologies were excluded. There was a predominance of male patients (75%) and a mean age of 47 years. Most (59%) had syphilis successfully treated in the past and 3.7% were in follow-up. We recorded 13 primaries syphilis, 71 cases of secondary syphilis, 40 cases of early latent syphilis, 49 unknown duration syphilis and five cases of late latent syphilis. In the early syphilis group, 42% (n = 124) were HIV-positive and, in 8% both diagnosis were done simultaneously. Discussion: We emphasize the high prevalence of syphilis/HIV co-infection in patients with early syphilis, reinforcing the importance of promoting the use of preventive measures. We obtained 11% of patients with late clinical forms, which are notifiable since June 2014, in Portugal. All serological tests for the diagnosis of syphilis have limitations which emphasizes the importance of clinical-laboratory correlation. Conclusion: Syphilis remains an important public health problem. It is necessary to establish education programs, screening and follow-up strategies to reduce their prevalence and to perform more efficient screening of the partners.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Risk profiles and one-year outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation in India: Insights from the GARFIELD-AF Registry.

BACKGROUND: The Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD-Atrial Fibrillation (GARFIELD-AF) is an ongoing prospective noninterventional registry, which is providing important information on the baseline characteristics, treatment patterns, and 1-year outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). This report describes data from Indian patients recruited in this registry. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 52,014 patients with newly diagnosed AF were enrolled globally; of these, 1388 patients were recruited from 26 sites within India (2012-2016). In India, the mean age was 65.8 years at diagnosis of NVAF. Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor for AF, present in 68.5% of patients from India and in 76.3% of patients globally (P < 0.001). Diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD) were prevalent in 36.2% and 28.1% of patients as compared with global prevalence of 22.2% and 21.6%, respectively (P < 0.001 for both). Antiplatelet therapy was the most common antithrombotic treatment in India. With increasing stroke risk, however, patients were more likely to receive oral anticoagulant therapy [mainly vitamin K antagonist (VKA)], but average international normalized ratio (INR) was lower among Indian patients [median INR value 1.6 (interquartile range {IQR}: 1.3-2.3) versus 2.3 (IQR 1.8-2.8) (P < 0.001)]. Compared with other countries, patients from India had markedly higher rates of all-cause mortality [7.68 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval 6.32-9.35) vs 4.34 (4.16-4.53), P < 0.0001], while rates of stroke/systemic embolism and major bleeding were lower after 1 year of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Compared to previously published registries from India, the GARFIELD-AF registry describes clinical profiles and outcomes in Indian patients with AF of a different etiology. The registry data show that compared to the rest of the world, Indian AF patients are younger in age and have more diabetes and CAD. Patients with a higher stroke risk are more likely to receive anticoagulation therapy with VKA but are underdosed compared with the global average in the GARFIELD-AF. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION-URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01090362

Bearded seal vocalisations across seasons and habitat types in Svalbard (Norway)

Male bearded seals use vocal displays to attract females and compete with other males during the mating period, making it possible to monitor breeding populations using passive acoustic monitoring (PAM). This study analysed year-round acoustic data from underwater recorders at three sites with different environmental conditions in Svalbard (Norway). Male bearded seals vocalised for an extended period at the drift-ice site (Atwain; January-July), while the vocal season was shorter at the fast-ice site (Rijpfjorden; February-June) and shortest at a site where a dramatic reduction in sea ice cover has occurred (Kongsfjorden; April-June). Generalised Additive Models showed marked seasonal segregation in the use of different trill call types at Atwain where call rates reached 400 per h, with long trills dominating during the study period over step and sweep trills. Modest seasonal segregation was seen at Rijpfjorden, where call rates reached 300 per h and no seasonal segregation in trill types occurred in Kongsfjorden (peak call rate 80 per h). Sea ice cover was available throughout the vocal season at Atwain and Rijpfjorden, while at Kongsfjorden there was a mismatch between the peak in vocal activity (May-June) and the time when ice was present (until April). Some call types might be preferentially used if their properties make them more suitable for attracting females in certain environments. This study provided novel information about vocalising male bearded seals at sites with different environmental conditions in Svalbard and confirmed that PAM is a useful tool for studying this species in a warming Arctic

Bearded seal vocalisations across seasons and habitat types in Svalbard (Norway)

Male bearded seals use vocal displays to attract females and compete with other males during the mating period, making it possible to monitor breeding populations using passive acoustic monitoring (PAM). This study analysed year-round acoustic data from underwater recorders at three sites with different environmental conditions in Svalbard (Norway). Male bearded seals vocalised for an extended period at the drift-ice site (Atwain; January-July), while the vocal season was shorter at the fast-ice site (Rijpfjorden; February-June) and shortest at a site where a dramatic reduction in sea ice cover has occurred (Kongsfjorden; April-June). Generalised Additive Models showed marked seasonal segregation in the use of different trill call types at Atwain where call rates reached 400 per h, with long trills dominating during the study period over step and sweep trills. Modest seasonal segregation was seen at Rijpfjorden, where call rates reached 300 per h and no seasonal segregation in trill types occurred in Kongsfjorden (peak call rate 80 per h). Sea ice cover was available throughout the vocal season at Atwain and Rijpfjorden, while at Kongsfjorden there was a mismatch between the peak in vocal activity (May-June) and the time when ice was present (until April). Some call types might be preferentially used if their properties make them more suitable for attracting females in certain environments. This study provided novel information about vocalising male bearded seals at sites with different environmental conditions in Svalbard and confirmed that PAM is a useful tool for studying this species in a warming Arctic

Prevalência num hospital de Lisboa

Introduction: Syphilis is a sexual and vertical transmitted disease. Its incidence is increasing in Europe, particularly, in Portugal. Material and Methods: A descriptive, retrospective study was performed based on positive treponemal tests from January to December 2013, at the Santa Maria Hospital, Lisbon. In-patients and out-patients evaluated in medical appointments and at the emergency department were included. We proceeded to epidemiological characterization, disease classification and definition of risk factors. Results: We obtained a sample of 580 patients, of whom 51 with no clinical data and 45 with false positive serologies were excluded. There was a predominance of male patients (75%) and a mean age of 47 years. Most (59%) had syphilis successfully treated in the past and 3.7% were in follow-up. We recorded 13 primaries syphilis, 71 cases of secondary syphilis, 40 cases of early latent syphilis, 49 unknown duration syphilis and five cases of late latent syphilis. In the early syphilis group, 42% (n = 124) were HIV-positive and, in 8% both diagnosis were done simultaneously. Discussion: We emphasize the high prevalence of syphilis/HIV co-infection in patients with early syphilis, reinforcing the importance of promoting the use of preventive measures. We obtained 11% of patients with late clinical forms, which are notifiable since June 2014, in Portugal. All serological tests for the diagnosis of syphilis have limitations which emphasizes the importance of clinical-laboratory correlation. Conclusion: Syphilis remains an important public health problem. It is necessary to establish education programs, screening and follow-up strategies to reduce their prevalence and to perform more efficient screening of the partners.publishersversionpublishe

Can Ni complexes behave as molecular water oxidation catalysts?

The present report uncovers the borderline between homogeneous and heterogeneous water oxidation catalysis using a family of Ni complexes containing oxamidate anionic type of ligands. In particular, the Ni complex [(L1)NiII]2- (12-; L1 = o-phenylenebis(oxamidate)) and its modified analogues [(L2)NiII]2- (22- ;L2 = 4,5-dimethyl-1,2-phenylenebis(oxamidate)) and [(L3)NiII]2- (32- ;L2 = 4- methoxy-1,2-phenylenebis(oxamidate)) have been prepared and evaluated as molecular water oxidation catalysts at basic pH. Their redox features have been analyzed by mean of electrochemical measurements revealing a crucial involvement of the ligand in the electron transfer processes. Moreover, the stability of those complexes has been assessed both in solution and immobilized on graphene-based electrodes at different potentials and pHs. The degradation of the molecular species generates a NiOx layer, whose stability and activity as water oxidation catalyst has also been stablished. Electrochemical methods, together with surface characterization techniques, have shown the complex mechanistic scenario in water oxidation catalyzed by this family of Ni complexes, which consists of the coexistence of two catalytic mechanism: a homogeneous pathway driven by the molecular complex and a heterogeneous pathway based on NiOx. The electronic perturbations exerted through the ligand framework has manifested a strong influence over the stability of the molecular species under turnover conditions. Finally, 12- has been used as a molecular precursor for the formation of NiFeOx anodes that behave as extremely powerful water oxidation anodes

Bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) vocalizations across seasons and habitat types in Svalbard, Norway

Male bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) use vocal displays to attract females and to compete with other males during the mating season. This makes it possible to monitor breeding populations of this species using passive acoustic monitoring (PAM). This study analysed year-round acoustic data records from AURAL instruments in Svalbard (Norway) to investigate seasonal variation in the acoustic presence of male bearded seals and the phenology of different call types (long, step and sweep trills) at three sites representing a variety of habitats with varied ice conditions. Male bearded seals vocalized for an extended period at a drift-ice site (Atwain; January–July) north of Spitsbergen, while the vocal season was shorter at a High Arctic land-fast-ice site (Rijpfjorden; February–June) and shorter yet again at a west-coast site that has undergone dramatic reductions in sea ice cover over the last 1.5 decades (Kongsfjorden; April–June). Generalized Additive Models showed marked seasonal segregation in the use of different trill types at Atwain, where call rates reached 400 per h, with long trills being the most numerous call type. Modest segregation of trill types was seen at Rijpfjorden, where call rates reached 300 per h, and no segregation occurred in Kongsfjorden (peak call rate 80 per h). Sea ice cover was available throughout the vocal season at Atwain and Rijpfjorden, while at Kongsfjorden peak vocal activity (May–June) occurred after the sea ice disappeared. Ongoing climate warming and sea ice reductions will likely increase the incidence of such mismatches and reduce breeding habitat for bearded seals

Bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) vocalizations across seasons and habitat types in Svalbard, Norway

Male bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) use vocal displays to attract females and to compete with other males during the mating season. This makes it possible to monitor breeding populations of this species using passive acoustic monitoring (PAM). This study analysed year-round acoustic data records from AURAL instruments in Svalbard (Norway) to investigate seasonal variation in the acoustic presence of male bearded seals and the phenology of different call types (long, step and sweep trills) at three sites representing a variety of habitats with varied ice conditions. Male bearded seals vocalized for an extended period at a drift-ice site (Atwain; January–July) north of Spitsbergen, while the vocal season was shorter at a High Arctic land-fast-ice site (Rijpfjorden; February–June) and shorter yet again at a west-coast site that has undergone dramatic reductions in sea ice cover over the last 1.5 decades (Kongsfjorden; April–June). Generalized Additive Models showed marked seasonal segregation in the use of different trill types at Atwain, where call rates reached 400 per h, with long trills being the most numerous call type. Modest segregation of trill types was seen at Rijpfjorden, where call rates reached 300 per h, and no segregation occurred in Kongsfjorden (peak call rate 80 per h). Sea ice cover was available throughout the vocal season at Atwain and Rijpfjorden, while at Kongsfjorden peak vocal activity (May–June) occurred after the sea ice disappeared. Ongoing climate warming and sea ice reductions will likely increase the incidence of such mismatches and reduce breeding habitat for bearded seals

Molecular artificial photosynthesis

The replacement of fossil fuels by a clean and renewable energy source is one of the most urgent and challenging issues our society is facing today, which is why intense research has been devoted to this topic recently. Nature has been using sunlight as the primary energy input to oxidise water and generate carbohydrates (solar fuel) for over a billion years. Inspired, but not constrained, by nature, artificial systems can be designed to capture light and oxidise water and reduce protons or other organic compounds to generate useful chemical fuels. This tutorial review covers the primary topics that need to be understood and mastered in order to come up with practical solutions for the generation of solar fuels. These topics are: the fundamentals of light capturing and conversion, water oxidation catalysis, proton and CO2 reduction catalysis and the combination of all of these for the construction of complete cells for the generation of solar fuels

Redox Non-innocent Ligand Controls Water Oxidation Overpotential in a New Family of Mononuclear Cu-Based Efficient Catalysts

A new family of tetra-anionic tetradentate amidate ligands, <i>N</i>₁,<i>N</i>₁′-(1,2-phenyl­ene)­bis­(<i>N</i>₂-methyl­oxal­amide) (H₄L1), and its derivatives containing electron-donating groups at the aromatic ring have been prepared and characterized, together with their corresponding anionic Cu­(II) complexes, [(L<i>Y</i>)­Cu]^2–. At pH 11.5, the latter undergoes a reversible metal-based III/II oxidation process at 0.56 V and a ligand-based pH-dependent electron-transfer process at 1.25 V, associated with a large electrocatalytic water oxidation wave (overpotential of 700 mV). Foot-of-the-wave analysis gives a catalytic rate constant of 3.6 s^–1 at pH 11.5 and 12 s^–1 at pH 12.5. As the electron-donating capacity at the aromatic ring increases, the overpotential is drastically reduced down to a record low of 170 mV. In addition, DFT calculations allow us to propose a complete catalytic cycle that uncovers an unprecedented pathway in which crucial O–O bond formation occurs in a two-step, one-electron process where the peroxo intermediate generated has no formal M–O bond but is strongly hydrogen bonded to the auxiliary ligand