The Coexistence of asthma and Chronic Ostructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): prevalence and risk factors in young, middle-aged and elderly people from the general population

Background: The joint distribution of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has not been well described. This study aims at determining the prevalence of self-reported physician diagnoses of asthma, COPD and of the asthma-COPD overlap syndrome and to assess whether these conditions share a common set of risk factors. Methods: A screening questionnaire on respiratory symptoms, diagnoses and risk factors was administered by mail or phone to random samples of the general Italian population aged 20–44 (n = 5163) 45–64 (n = 2167) and 65–84 (n = 1030) in the frame of the multicentre Gene Environment Interactions in Respiratory Diseases (GEIRD) study. Results: A physician diagnosis of asthma or COPD (emphysema/chronic bronchitis/COPD) was reported by 13% and 21% of subjects aged &lt;65 and 65–84 years respectively. Aging was associated with a marked decrease in the prevalence of diagnosed asthma (from 8.2% to 1.6%) and with a marked increase in the prevalence of diagnosed COPD (from 3.3% to 13.3%). The prevalence of the overlap of asthma and COPD was 1.6% (1.3%–2.0%), 2.1% (1.5%–2.8%) and 4.5% (3.2%–5.9%) in the 20–44, 45–64 and 65–84 age groups. Subjects with both asthma and COPD diagnoses were more likely to have respiratory symptoms, physical impairment, and to report hospital admissions compared to asthma or COPD alone (p&lt;0.01). Age, sex, education and smoking showed different and sometimes opposite associations with the three conditions. Conclusion: Asthma and COPD are common in the general population, and they coexist in a substantial proportion of subjects. The asthma-COPD overlap syndrome represents an important clinical phenotype that deserves more medical attention and further research.</br

OXIDATIVE STRESS CHALLENGES DURING THE SPERM CRYOPRESERVATION IN DOGS / DESAFIOS DEL ESTRES OXIDATIVO DURANTE LA CRIOPRESERVACIÓN ESPERMÁTICA EN PERROS

Cryopreservation is one of the most important reproductive biotechnologies in dogs, which allows the preservation and propagation of genetic material even post mortem. However, sperm cryopreservation success depends on the adequacy of sperm cells to the extender, cryoprotectant, cooling curve and freezing/thawing processes. Moreover, during sperm cryopreservation, metabolites called Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are produced and play a key role on sperm oxidative stress. Thus, studies are required to improve sperm quality after thawing. Therefore, the aim of this review is to describe possible extenders for semen of dogs, techniques for cryopreservation (one and two steps) and thawing (fast and slow), the effect of oxidative stress in sperm quality of cryopreserved semen and the use of cryopreserved semen in artificial insemination protocols in bitches. RESUMENLa criopreservación es una de las biotecnologías más importantes en perro, la cual permite la preservación y propagación de material genético incluso post mortem. Sin embargo, el éxito del proceso de criopreservación depende de la adaptación de las células espermáticas al diluyente, al crioprotector, a la curva de enfriamiento y al proceso de congelado/descongelado. Además, durante la criopreservación espermática, se producen los metabolitos llamados Especies Oxigeno Reactivas (ROS) que juegan un rol clave en el estrés oxidativo. necesitándose estudios para mejorar la calidad espermática luego del descongelado. Por lo tanto, el propósito de esta revisión es describir posibles diluyentes para el semen de perros, técnicas para la criopreservación (una o dos etapas) y el descongelado (rápido o lento), el efecto del estrés oxidativo en la calidad espermática del semen criopreservado y el uso de este en los protocolos de inseminación artificial en perras.

A user experience analysis for a mobile Mixed Reality application for cultural heritage

Mixed Reality has emerged as a valuable tool for the promotion of cultural heritage. In this context, in particular, the metaphor of virtual portals allows the virtual visit of monuments that are inaccessible or no longer exist in their original form, integrating them into the real environment. This paper presents the development of a Mixed Reality mobile application that proposes a virtual reconstruction of the church of Sant’Elia in Ruggiano, in the southern province of Lecce (Italy). By placing the virtual portal in the same place where the entrance of the church was located, the user can cross this threshold to enter inside and make a virtual journey into the past. The user experience was evaluated by administering a questionnaire to 60 users who tried the application. From the data collected, four user experience factors were identified (interest, focus of attention, presence and usability), which were compared between young and old, male and female users, and between users who had already visited the church in person and all other users. In general, the scores reveal a total independence of the other three factors from usability and a very high level of interest

The use of different stingless bee species to pollinate cherry tomatoes under protected cultivation

Under standard greenhouse conditions, the tomato fruits of spontaneous self-pollination are expected to be of lower quality than those of bee pollination, as well as that simultaneously use different bee species which can complement pollination services. To test these hypotheses, we evaluated the complementarity of pollination services from the use of three native stingless bee species that have distinct foraging behaviors, Melipona bicolor Lepeletier 1836, Nannotrigona testaceicornis (Lepeletier 1836) and Partamona helleri (Friese 1900) during flowering of cherry tomatoes in greenhouses. Fruit quality parameters resulted from pollination experiments were measured and the acclimatization of the analyzed bee species was evaluated. Visits of M. bicolor and N. testaceicornis to the tomato flowers contributed significantly to the increase in the average weight, seed number, and thickness of the pericarp (only for N. testaceicornis) of the fruits, compared to the spontaneous self-pollination treatment. Partamona helleri, however, did not show any pollen collection behavior in the experimental conditions. Although N. testaceicornis do not perform the buzzing behavior, fruits from its pollination were equivalent to those fruits from pollination by M. bicolor. The simultaneous use of bee species with different flower-visiting behaviors can optimize tomato pollination in greenhouses, contributing significantly to the quality of the fruits and the increase of productivity and consequently the commercial value

Radiomics for differentiation of gliomas from primary central nervous system lymphomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and objectiveNumerous radiomics-based models have been proposed to discriminate between central nervous system (CNS) gliomas and primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLs). Given the heterogeneity of the existing models, we aimed to define their overall performance and identify the most critical variables to pilot future algorithms.MethodsA systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis were conducted, encompassing 12 studies and a total of 1779 patients, focusing on radiomics to differentiate gliomas from PCNSLs. A comprehensive literature search was performed through PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Overall sensitivity (SEN) and specificity (SPE) were estimated. Event rates were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis, and the heterogeneity was assessed using the χ2 test.ResultsThe overall SEN and SPE for differentiation between CNS gliomas and PCNSLs were 88% (95% CI = 0.83 – 0.91) and 87% (95% CI = 0.83 – 0.91), respectively. The best-performing features were the ones extracted from the Gray Level Run Length Matrix (GLRLM; ACC 97%), followed by those obtained from the Neighboring Gray Tone Difference Matrix (NGTDM; ACC 93%), and shape-based features (ACC 91%). The 18F-FDG-PET/CT was the best-performing imaging modality (ACC 97%), followed by the MRI CE-T1W (ACC 87% - 95%). Most studies applied a cross-validation analysis (92%).ConclusionThe current SEN and SPE of radiomics to discriminate CNS gliomas from PCNSLs are high, making radiomics a helpful method to differentiate these tumor types. The best-performing features are the GLRLM, NGTDM, and shape-based features. The 18F-FDG-PET/CT imaging modality is the best-performing, while the MRI CE-T1W is the most used

HIPOPLASIA DE ESMALTE DENTÁRIO: revisão de literatura

Enamel hypoplasias are problems caused by both endogenous and exogenous factors during the process of tooth enamel development, the structures affected by these aggressive agents are the enamel secreting cells and ameloblasts. Hypoplasias can be clinically characterized from mild white spots noticeable only during close clinical examinations to yellowish or dark brown spots with large absences of tooth enamel. Such a condition can be caused by local, systemic or hereditary factors. Hypoplasias exert an especially negative influence on pediatric patients due to aesthetic problems which can lead to the emergence of psychological impairment in individuals. This work aims to create an informational cluster which can serve as a basis for both academics and professionals in the dental field. The present study consists of a narrative literature review, scientific articles published between 2001 and 2022 on the proposed theme were used as a bibliographic basis for the development of this work, available in the online databases Scielo, BVSalud, Lilac and Google Scholar, these are presented in Portuguese and English. The search for articles was performed using the expressions “Enamel hypoplasia”, “Amelogenesis imperfecta”, “Enamel hypoplasia”, “Imperfect amelogenesis”. Articles published outside the selected time frame were discarded, as were those presented in languages      other than Portuguese or English. Enamel hypoplasia is a problem that, despite being silent in many cases, needs special attention, especially when it comes to pediatric patients, since the unsightly effects of hypoplasia can end up compromising the development of these individuals if not treated properly.Las hipoplasias del esmalte son problemas causados por factores endógenos y exógenos durante el proceso de desarrollo del esmalte dental, las estructuras afectadas por estos agentes agresivos son las células secretoras de esmalte y los ameloblastos. Las hipoplasias se pueden caracterizar clínicamente desde manchas blancas leves notables solo durante exámenes clínicos cercanos hasta manchas amarillentas o marrón oscuro con grandes ausencias de esmalte dental. Tal condición puede ser causada por factores locales, sistémicos o hereditarios. Las hipoplasias ejercen una influencia especialmente negativa en los pacientes pediátricos debido a problemas estéticos que pueden conducir a la aparición de deterioro psicológico en los individuos. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo crear un clúster informativo que pueda servir de base tanto para académicos como para profesionales del campo dental. El presente estudio consiste en una revisión narrativa de la literatura, los artículos científicos publicados entre 2001 y 2022 sobre el tema propuesto fueron utilizados como base bibliográfica para el desarrollo de este trabajo, disponible en las bases de datos en línea Scielo, BVSalud, Lilac y Google Scholar, estos se presentan en portugués e inglés. La búsqueda de artículos se realizó utilizando las expresiones "Hipoplasia del esmalte", "Amelogénesis imperfecta", "Hipoplasia del esmalte", "Amelogénesis imperfecta". Los artículos publicados fuera del marco de tiempo seleccionado fueron descartados, al igual que los presentados en idiomas distintos del portugués o el inglés. La hipoplasia del esmalte es un problema que, a pesar de ser silencioso en muchos casos, necesita una atención especial, especialmente cuando se trata de pacientes pediátricos, ya que los efectos antiestéticos de la hipoplasia pueden acabar comprometiendo el desarrollo de estos individuos si no se tratan adecuadamente.    As hipoplasias de esmalte são problemas provocados tanto por fatores endógenos quanto exógenos durante o processo de desenvolvimento do esmalte dentário, as estruturas afetadas por esses agentes agressores são as células secretoras de esmalte, os ameloblastos. As hipoplasias podem ser caracterizadas clinicamente desde suaves manchas brancas perceptíveis apenas durante exames clínicos minuciosos até manchas amareladas ou marrons escuros com grandes ausências de esmalte dentário. Tal condição pode ser provocada por fatores locais, sistêmicos ou hereditários. As hipoplasias exercem uma influência especialmente negativa em pacientes pediátricos devido aos problemas estéticos os quais podem levar ao surgimento de comprometimento psicológico dos indivíduos. Este trabalho objetiva fazer a      criação de um aglomerado informacional o qual poderá servir de base tanto para acadêmicos quanto para profissionais da área odontológica.      O presente estudo consiste em uma revisão literatura narrativa, a qual foram utilizados como base bibliográfica para o desenvolvimento deste trabalho, artigos científicos publicados entre os anos 2001 e 2022 acerca do tema proposto, disponíveis nos bancos de dados online Scielo, BVSalud, Lilac e Google Acadêmico, estes encontram-se apresentados nas línguas portuguesa e inglesa. A busca por artigos foi realizada utilizando-se as expressões “Hipoplasia de esmalte”, “Amelogênese imperfeita”, “Enamel hypoplasia”, “Imperfect amelogenesis”. Foram descartados os artigos publicados fora do recorte temporal selecionado assim como aqueles apresentados em outras línguas que não seja portuguesa ou inglesa. A hipoplasia de esmalte é um problema que apesar de em diversos casos ser silencioso necessita de uma atenção especial, especialmente quando se trata de pacientes pediátricos, uma vez que os efeitos antiestéticos das hipoplasias podem acabar comprometendo o desenvolvimento desses indivíduos caso não sejam tratadas adequadamente

Study of level of disclosure of the impairment by Brazilian banks : an application of content analysis based on notes

A crescente necessidade de reconhecer, evidenciar e evidenciar as imparidades dos ativos faz com que diversos setores econômicos, inclusive o financeiro, se deparem com constantes conflitos para realizar tais processos. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste estudo é analisar empiricamente o processo de evidenciação das informações sobre impairment na estrutura das Notas Explicativas dos doze maiores bancos no Brasil. Para tal, analisou-se o conteúdo das fontes externas nas Notas Explicativas de cada banco, com base em classificações previamente estabelecidas na metodologia. Para direcionar a análise, foram apresentadas três tabelas que serviram de base para apresentar os resultados que evidenciam o Impairment Test. Os resultados evidenciaram semelhança entre os doze bancos no que concerne à insuficiência de informação para aplicação do teste de imparidade. Há indícios de que existem ativos (financeiro e não financeiro) avaliados por valor superior ao valor de recuperação financeira, com exceção de um que declara contemplar o procedimento na avaliação dos seus ativos. Cabe salientar que os bancos brasileiros estão em processo de adoção das normas relacionadas à recuperação de ativos e ainda aguardam pronunciamentos mais detalhados do Banco Central do Brasil (BCB) para a devida utilização do critério. Não obstante, constatou-se o esforço de alguns bancos para evidenciar o impairment em suas notas explicativas. ________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACTThe growing need to recognize, highlight and explore the impairments of assets means that various economic sectors, including financial, encounter constant conflict to carry out such processes. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to empirically examine the process of disclosure of information about impairment in the structure of the Notes of the twelve largest banks in Brazil. To this end, it analyzed the content of external sources in the Notes of each bank, based on classifications previously established in the methodology. To guide the analysis, three tables were made which served as the basis for presenting the results show that the impairment test. The results showed similarity between the twelve banks in relation to the lack of information for applying the test for impairment. There is evidence that there are assets (financial and non financial) assessed the value exceeds the value of financial recovery, except for one that says the procedure include the evaluation of their assets. It is noted that Brazilian banks are in the process of adoption of standards related to the recovery of assets and still awaiting more detailed statements of the Central Bank of Brazil (BCB) for the proper use of discretion. However, it was the efforts of some banks to demonstrate the impairment in their notes

The essential neurological examination in telemedicine consultations in the context of COVID 19/ O exame neurológico essencial nas consultas de telemedicina no contexto da COVID 19

Introduction: In clinical evaluation, the neurological area is one of the most complex and extensive to be analyzed, besides that, when added with Neurophobia it becomes even more difficult. With the COVID-19 Pandemic, there was an accelerated process of migration from outpatient clinics to digital platforms, requiring doctors to update their way of examining patients. The essential neurological examination, the tool that collaborates in this updated assessment, demonstrates greater objectivity in confirming the normality of the neurological system. The practice of checklists is a tool that helps these doctors to better evaluate their patients, optimizing their time and exams, contributing to its clinical diagnosis. Methodology: Review study integrative process that culminated in the elaboration and adaptation of new measures for essential neurological therapy in patients in the context of COVID-19 through Telemedicine. Results and Discussion: When comparing the essential neurological exam with the knowledge experienced by the authors of this article and the global pandemic context, were recommendations on the application of telemedicine were made. In addition to the need for doctor-patient communication to be audible and visible, without external interference so as not to impair the exams, the participation of a patient's companion is important to assist the doctor in exams. With that done, we identified that some of the exams essential neurological conditions become difficult to perform digitally, being: Indirect fundoscopy and reflexes (Biceps, Brachioradialis, Triceps, Patellar, Aquileu). However, exams such as direct fundoscopy, pupillary reflex, eye chase, mimic facial, gait, and plantar reflex can be examined via digital platforms as long as always the patient is accompanied. Conclusion: It is concluded that, amid pandemic, essential neurological examination becomes outdated, but useful in several areas, helping the doctor to take more informed measures

Inheritance of aluminum tolerance in maize

The purpose of this study was to investigate aluminum tolerance in maize. For this purpose, a nutrient solutionwas used with the tolerant (L922) and sensitive (Ast214) homozygous parental lines, with the segregating generation F2 andwith the F2:3 lines derived thereof. Seeds were germinated on paper and seedlings transferred to a nutrient solution containing4.5 mg L-1 aluminum. In the experiments involving F2:3 derived lines groups of rows with F2:3 plants were intercropped withrows of eight seedlings of the parental lines in a completely randomized block design. Results of the F2 generation demonstrateda bimodal distribution of relative frequencies, with approximately three times more seedlings in the tolerant group. Thissuggests the participation of only one locus in tolerance inheritance. The narrow-sense heritability (F2, F2:3) of seminal rootlength of F2 plants and means of F2:3 lines was 0.49, which partially explained the bimodal frequency distribution of means ofF2:3 lines, but was not accurate enough to differentiate tolerant from sensitive groups

Is ventilated hospital-acquired pneumonia a worse entity than ventilator-associated pneumonia?

IntroductionNosocomial pneumonia develops after ≥48 h of hospitalisation and is classified as ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP); the latter may require mechanical ventilation (V-HAP) or not (NV-HAP).Main findingsVAP and HAP affect a significant proportion of hospitalised patients and are characterised by poor clinical outcomes. Among them, V-HAP has the greatest 28-day mortality rate followed by VAP and NV-HAP (27.8% versus 18% versus 14.5%, respectively). However, no differences in terms of pathophysiology, underlying microbiological pathways and subsequent therapy have been identified. International guidelines suggest specific flow charts to help clinicians in the therapeutic management of such diseases; however, there are no specific recommendations beyond VAP and HAP classification. HAP subtypes are scarcely considered as different entities and the lack of data from the clinical scenario limits any final conclusion. Hopefully, recent understanding of the pathophysiology of such diseases, as well as the discovery of new therapies, will improve the outcome associated with such pulmonary infections.ConclusionNosocomial pneumonia is a multifaced disease with features of pivotal interest in critical care medicine. Due to the worrisome data on mortality of patients with nosocomial pneumonia, further prospective studies focused on this topic are urgently needed