Devaluation Beliefs and Debt Crisis: The Argentinian Case

Throughout the year 2001 the Argentine real GDP fell by 20 percent and the Investment Rate decreased by more than 20 percent of the GDP. The government made several announcements on changes in exchange rate policy in order to assist the recovery of the economy. At same time, the Trade Balance produced a huge surplus and the Argentine External Debt over GDP ratio increased so much that it forced the Argentinian government to default and, afterwards, devalue the peso 40 percent. We explore the relationship between default and the expectations on devaluation. We find that depending on the level of debt and given an expectation of devaluation two types of crises can arise: if the level of debt is low the government devalues but does not default; for a higher level of debt, the government devalues and defaults to cancel the future cost of repaying the debt. We have calibrated our model to match the main features of the Argentine crisis and we show that the External Debt over GDP ratio was in a crisis zone where the government found it optimal to default and to devalue.Debt crisis, Devaluation, Argentina

Single nucleotide polymorphism rs13079080 is associated with differential regulation of the succinate receptor 1 (SUCNR1) gene by miRNA-4470.

Item does not contain fulltextOxidative stress is a feature of many common diseases. It leads to excessive formation and subsequent release of the mitochondrial metabolite succinate, which acts as a signalling molecule through binding the succinate receptor (SUCNR1). Recently, a potential role for SUCNR1 was proposed in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common cause of vision loss in the elderly associated with increased oxidative stress. Here, we evaluated the potential effect of genetic variants in SUCNR1 on its expression through differential micro-RNA (miRNA) binding to target mRNA, and investigated the relevance of altered SUCNR1 expression in AMD pathogenesis. We analysed common SUCNR1 SNPs for potential miRNA binding sites and identified rs13079080, located in the 3'-UTR and binding site for miRNA-4470. Both miRNA-4470 and SUCNR1 were found to be expressed in human retina. Moreover, using a luciferase reporter assay, a 60% decrease in activity was observed when miRNA-4470 was co-expressed with the C allele compared to the T allele of rs13079080. Finally, genotyping rs13079080 in an AMD case-control cohort revealed a protective effect of the TT genotype on AMD compared to the CC genotype (p = 0.007, odds ratio = 0.66). However, the association was not confirmed in the case-control study of the International AMD Genomics Consortium. Our study demonstrates that the T allele of rs13079080 in SUCNR1 disrupts a binding site for miRNA-4470, potentially increasing SUCNR1 expression and consequently increasing the capacity of sensing and dealing with oxidative stress. Therefore, it would be worthwhile assessing the relevance of rs13079080 in other oxidative stress-associated diseases in future studies.1 november 201

Mapping and Monitoring of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation in Escambia-Pensacola Bay System, Florida

Recently, the distribution and changes in submerged aquatic vegetation (SAY) in the Escambia-Pensacola Bay System in northeastern Florida were monitored by two techniques. One technique used divers to measure changes in the deepwater margin of beds and provided horizontal growth measurements to the nearest centimeter, the other used a differential global positioning system (DGPS) on a small boat to map the perimeter of SAY beds in shallow water. Current distribution of SAY in Escambia Bay shows that most of the SAY losses that occurred during the 1950s to 1970s have been recovered. In Santa Rosa Sound and Pensacola Bay, SAY showed significant increased growth with horizontal growth rates of some beds averaging more than 50 em over the past year. In Big Lagoon, however, SAY has declined an average of 10 em in horizontal coverage along the deepwater edge. Water quality and photosynthetically active radiation light measurements from the Escambia-Pensacola Bay System suggest that increased light availability was associated with the increased seagrass coverage in Santa Rosa Sound and Pensacola Bay, and elevated nutrient concentrations were associated with the seagrass declines in Big Lagoon

Pharmaceutical care in hypertensive elderly. An experience in primary health care in Cuba

Introducción: Los adultos mayores constituyen un grupo poblacional con predominio de enfermedades crónicas, entre estas la hipertensión arterial. Esto implica un incremento en el consumo de medicamentos y de los problemas relacionados con los mismos. De ahí que en estos resulte útil el desarrollo de la atención farmacéutica para optimizar la farmacoterapia que reciben. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de un servicio de atención farmacéutica en pacientes adultos mayores hipertensos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo y de intervención desde enero a junio del 2017, en el que participaron 50 adultos mayores hipertensos. Para su desarrollo se empleó un procedimiento normalizado de trabajo. Se evaluó el impacto de las intervenciones en la adherencia terapéutica, la satisfacción de los pacientes y en la resolución o prevención de los resultados negativos asociados a la medicación. Resultados: Predominaron los pacientes del sexo femenino (62 %) y nivel de escolaridad preuniversitario (40 %). El 54 % de los pacientes estuvo sometido a la polifarmacia. Se detectaron 232 resultados negativos asociados a la medicación, predominando los de seguridad (75,4 %), seguidos de los de efectividad (17,7 %). Se realizaron 237 intervenciones farmacéuticas que incrementaron a un 84 % el porcentaje de pacientes adheridos totalmente. Se resolvieron 82,76 % de los resultados negativos asociados a la medicación y el 100 % de los pacientes estuvo satisfecho. Conclusiones: El servicio desarrollado tuvo un alto impacto al incrementar la adherencia terapéutica, solucionar la mayoría de los resultados negativos asociados a la medicación y lograr la satisfacción de pacientes y cuidadores.Introduction: Elderly constitute a population group with a predominance of chronic diseases, among them arterial hypertension. This implies an increase in drugs consumption and the problems related to them. Hence, in these the development of pharmaceutical care is useful for optimize the pharmacotherapy that they receive. Objective: To evaluate the impact of a pharmaceutical care service in hypertensive elderly patients. Methods: A prospective and intervention study was conducted from January to June 2017, with the participation of 50 hypertensive elderly patients. For the development of the service, a standard operating procedure was used. The impact of the service on therapeutic adherence, patient satisfaction and the resolution or prevention of negative outcomes associated with medication was evaluated. Results: Female patients predominated (62%) and pre-university level of education (40%). 54% of the patients were subjected to polypharmacy. 232 negative outcomes associated with medication were detected, predominantly safety (75.4%), followed by those of effectiveness (17.7%). There were 237 pharmaceutical interventions that increased the percentage of patients totally adherent to 84%. We resolved 82.76% of the negative outcomes associated with medication and 100% of the patients were satisfied with the service. Conclusions: The service developed had a high impact by increasing therapeutic adherence, solving most of the negative outcomes associated with medication and achieving the satisfaction of patients and caregivers

Atención Farmacéutica en adultos mayores hipertensos. Una experiencia en la atención primaria de salud en Cuba

Introduction: Elderly constitute a population group with a predominance of chronic diseases, among them arterial hypertension. This implies an increase in drugs consumption and the problems related to them. Hence, in these the development of pharmaceutical care is useful for optimize the pharmacotherapy that they receive. Objective: To evaluate the impact of a pharmaceutical care service in hypertensive elderly patients. Methods: A prospective and intervention study was conducted from January to June 2017, with the participation of 50 hypertensive elderly patients. For the development of the service, a standard operating procedure was used. The impact of the service on therapeutic adherence, patient satisfaction and the resolution or prevention of negative outcomes associated with medication was evaluated. Results: Female patients predominated (62%) and pre-university level of education (40%). 54% of the patients were subjected to polypharmacy. 232 negative outcomes associated with medication were detected, predominantly safety (75.4%), followed by those of effectiveness (17.7%). There were 237 pharmaceutical interventions that increased the percentage of patients totally adherent to 84%. We resolved 82.76% of the negative outcomes associated with medication and 100% of the patients were satisfied with the service. Conclusions: The service developed had a high impact by increasing therapeutic adherence, solving most of the negative outcomes associated with medication and achieving the satisfaction of patients and caregivers.Introducción: Los adultos mayores constituyen un grupo poblacional con predominio de enfermedades crónicas, entre estas la hipertensión arterial. Esto implica un incremento en el consumo de medicamentos y de los problemas relacionados con los mismos. De ahí que en estos resulte útil el desarrollo de la atención farmacéutica para optimizar la farmacoterapia que reciben. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de un servicio de atención farmacéutica en pacientes adultos mayores hipertensos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo y de intervención desde enero a junio del 2017, en el que participaron 50 adultos mayores hipertensos. Para su desarrollo se empleó un procedimiento normalizado de trabajo. Se evaluó el impacto de las intervenciones en la adherencia terapéutica, la satisfacción de los pacientes y en la resolución o prevención de los resultados negativos asociados a la medicación. Resultados: Predominaron los pacientes del sexo femenino (62 %) y nivel de escolaridad preuniversitario (40 %). El 54 % de los pacientes estuvo sometido a la polifarmacia. Se detectaron 232 resultados negativos asociados a la medicación, predominando los de seguridad (75,4 %), seguidos de los de efectividad (17,7 %). Se realizaron 237 intervenciones farmacéuticas que incrementaron a un 84 % el porcentaje de pacientes adheridos totalmente. Se resolvieron 82,76 % de los resultados negativos asociados a la medicación y el 100 % de los pacientes estuvo satisfecho. Conclusiones: El servicio desarrollado tuvo un alto impacto al incrementar la adherencia terapéutica, solucionar la mayoría de los resultados negativos asociados a la medicación y lograr la satisfacción de pacientes y cuidadores.

Species-Specific Effects of Epigeic Earthworms on Microbial Community Structure during First Stages of Decomposition of Organic Matter

Background: Epigeic earthworms are key organisms in organic matter decomposition because of the interactions they establish with microorganisms. The earthworm species and the quality and/or substrate availability are expected to be major factors influencing the outcome of these interactions. Here we tested whether and to what extent the epigeic earthworms Eisenia andrei, Eisenia fetida and Perionyx excavatus, widely used in vermicomposting, are capable of altering the microbiological properties of fresh organic matter in the short-term. We also questioned if the earthworm-induced modifications to the microbial communities are dependent on the type of substrate ingested. Methodology/Principal Findings: To address these questions we determined the microbial community structure (phospholipid fatty acid profiles) and microbial activity (basal respiration and microbial growth rates) of three types of animal manure (cow, horse and rabbit) that differed in microbial composition, after being processed by each species of earthworm for one month. No differences were found between earthworm-worked samples with regards to microbial community structure, irrespective of type of manure, which suggests the existence of a bottleneck effect of worm digestion on microbial populations of the original material consumed. Moreover, in mesocosms containing cow manure the presence of E. andrei resulted not only in a decrease in bacterial and fungal biomass, but also in a reduced bacterial growth rate and total microbial activity, while no such reduction was found with E. fetida and P. excavatus

Plasma ACE2 predicts outcome of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients

AimsSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) binds to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) enabling entrance of the virus into cells and causing the infection termed coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). Here, we investigate associations between plasma ACE2 and outcome of COVID-19.Methods and resultsThis analysis used data from a large longitudinal study of 306 COVID-19 positive patients and 78 COVID-19 negative patients (MGH Emergency Department COVID-19 Cohort). Comprehensive clinical data were collected on this cohort, including 28-day outcomes. The samples were run on the Olink® Explore 1536 platform which includes measurement of the ACE2 protein. High admission plasma ACE2 in COVID-19 patients was associated with increased maximal illness severity within 28 days with OR = 1.8, 95%-CI: 1.4-2.3 (P ConclusionThis study suggests that measuring plasma ACE2 is potentially valuable in predicting COVID-19 outcomes. Further, ACE2 could be a link between COVID-19 illness severity and its established risk factors hypertension, pre-existing heart disease and pre-existing kidney disease

Altered time structure of neuro-endocrine-immune system function in lung cancer patients

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The onset and the development of neoplastic disease may be influenced by many physiological, biological and immunological factors. The nervous, endocrine and immune system might act as an integrated unit to mantain body defense against this pathological process and reciprocal influences have been evidenced among hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pineal gland and immune system. In this study we evaluated differences among healthy subjects and subjects suffering from lung cancer in the 24-hour secretory profile of melatonin, cortisol, TRH, TSH, FT4, GH, IGF-1 and IL-2 and circadian variations of lymphocyte subpopulations. </p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In ten healthy male volunteers (age range 45-66) and ten male patients with untreated non small cell lung cancer (age range 46-65) we measured melatonin, cortisol, TRH, TSH, FT4, GH, IGF-1 and IL-2 serum levels and percentages of lymphocyte subpopulations on blood samples collected every four hours for 24 hours. One-way ANOVA between the timepoints for each variable and each group was performed to look for a time-effect, the presence of circadian rhythmicity was evaluated, MESOR, amplitude and acrophase values, mean diurnal levels and mean nocturnal levels were compared.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A clear circadian rhythm was validated in the control group for hormone serum level and for lymphocyte subsets variation. Melatonin, TRH, TSH, GH, CD3, CD4, HLA-DR, CD20 and CD25 expressing cells presented circadian rhythmicity with acrophase during the night. Cortisol, CD8, CD8^bright, CD8^dim, CD16, TcRδ1 and δTcS1 presented circadian rhythmicity with acrophase in the morning/at noon. FT4, IGF-1 and IL-2 variation did not show circadian rhythmicity. In lung cancer patients cortisol, TRH, TSH and GH serum level and all the lymphocyte subsubsets variation (except for CD4) showed loss of circadian rhythmicity. MESOR of cortisol, TRH, GH, IL-2 and CD16 was increased, whereas MESOR of TSH, IGF-1, CD8, CD8^bright, TcRδ1 and δTcS1 was decreased in cancer patients. The melatonin/cortisol mean nocturnal level ratio was decreased in cancer patients.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The altered secretion and loss of circadian rhythmicity of many studied factors observed in the subjects suffering from neoplastic disease may be expression of gradual alteration of the integrated function of the neuro-immune-endocrine system</p

Plasmacytoid DC from Aged Mice Down-Regulate CD8 T Cell Responses by Inhibiting cDC Maturation after Encephalitozoon cuniculi Infection

Age associated impairment of immune function results in inefficient vaccination, tumor surveillance and increased severity of infections. Several alterations in adaptive immunity have been observed and recent studies report age related declines in innate immune responses to opportunistic pathogens including Encephalitozoon cuniculi. We previously demonstrated that conventional dendritic cells (cDC) from 9-month-old animals exhibit sub-optimal response to E. cuniculi infection, suggesting that age associated immune senescence begins earlier than expected. We focused this study on how age affects plasmacytoid DC (pDC) function. More specifically how aged pDC affect cDC function as we observed that the latter are the predominant activators of CD8 T cells during this infection. Our present study demonstrates that pDC from middle-aged mice (12 months) suppress young (8 week old) cDC driven CD8 T cell priming against E. cuniculi infection. The suppressive effect of pDC from older mice decreased maturation of young cDC via cell contact. Aged mouse pDC exhibited higher expression of PD-L1 and blockade of their interaction with cDC via this molecule restored cDC maturation and T cell priming. Furthermore, the PD-L1 dependent suppression of cDC T cell priming was restricted to effector function of antigen-specific CD8 T cells not their expansion. To the best of our knowledge, the data presented here is the first report highlighting a cell contact dependent, PD-L1 regulated, age associated defect in a DC subpopulation that results in a sub-optimal immune response against E. cuniculi infection. These results have broad implications for design of immunotherapeutic approaches to enhance immunity for aging populations