Impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular testing in the United States versus the rest of the world

Objectives: This study sought to quantify and compare the decline in volumes of cardiovascular procedures between the United States and non-US institutions during the early phase of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the care of many non-COVID-19 illnesses. Reductions in diagnostic cardiovascular testing around the world have led to concerns over the implications of reduced testing for cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. Methods: Data were submitted to the INCAPS-COVID (International Atomic Energy Agency Non-Invasive Cardiology Protocols Study of COVID-19), a multinational registry comprising 909 institutions in 108 countries (including 155 facilities in 40 U.S. states), assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on volumes of diagnostic cardiovascular procedures. Data were obtained for April 2020 and compared with volumes of baseline procedures from March 2019. We compared laboratory characteristics, practices, and procedure volumes between U.S. and non-U.S. facilities and between U.S. geographic regions and identified factors associated with volume reduction in the United States. Results: Reductions in the volumes of procedures in the United States were similar to those in non-U.S. facilities (68% vs. 63%, respectively; p = 0.237), although U.S. facilities reported greater reductions in invasive coronary angiography (69% vs. 53%, respectively; p < 0.001). Significantly more U.S. facilities reported increased use of telehealth and patient screening measures than non-U.S. facilities, such as temperature checks, symptom screenings, and COVID-19 testing. Reductions in volumes of procedures differed between U.S. regions, with larger declines observed in the Northeast (76%) and Midwest (74%) than in the South (62%) and West (44%). Prevalence of COVID-19, staff redeployments, outpatient centers, and urban centers were associated with greater reductions in volume in U.S. facilities in a multivariable analysis. Conclusions: We observed marked reductions in U.S. cardiovascular testing in the early phase of the pandemic and significant variability between U.S. regions. The association between reductions of volumes and COVID-19 prevalence in the United States highlighted the need for proactive efforts to maintain access to cardiovascular testing in areas most affected by outbreaks of COVID-19 infection

Prolonged Physical Training Decreases mRNA Levels of Glucocorticoid Receptor and Inflammatory Genes

Background/Aims: Prolonged physical exercise induces adaptive alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, increasing cortisol metabolism, and reducing cortisol synthesis and glucocorticoid sensitivity. The mechanisms responsible for this relative glucocorticoid resistance remain unknown but may involve expression of genes encoding glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and/or inflammatory molecules of nuclear factor kappa B1 (NFkB1) signaling pathway and cytokines. This study aimed to determine the impact of prolonged physical training on the expression of genes involved in glucocorticoid action and inflammatory response. Methods: Normal sedentary male cadets of the Brazilian Air Force Academy were submitted to 6 weeks of standardized physical training. Eighteen of 29 initially selected cadets were able to fully complete the training program. Fasting glucose, insulin and cortisol levels, cytokine concentration and the expression of genes encoding GR, NFkB1, inhibitor of NFkB1 and IkB kinase A were determined before and after the training period. Results: Prolonged physical exercise reduced the basal cortisol levels and the percent cortisol reduction after dexamethasone. These findings were associated with a significant reduction in the mRNA levels of GR (6.3%), NFkB1 (63%), inhibitor of NFkB1 (25%) and IkB kinase A (46%) with concomitant reduction in cytokine concentrations (ELISA). Conclusions: Prolonged physical training decreases the glucocorticoid sensitivity and the mRNA levels of the GR gene combined with decreased mRNA of genes related to the NFkB pathway. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, BaselFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)FAPESP Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo[04/03208-2]Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)CNPq Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (National Council for Scientific and Technologic Development

Maternal Omega-3 Supplement Improves Dopaminergic System in Pre- and Postnatal Inflammation-Induced Neurotoxicity in Parkinson's Disease Model

Evidence suggests that idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) is the consequence of a neurodevelopmental disruption, rather than strictly a consequence of aging. Thus, we hypothesized that maternal supplement of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFA) may be associated with neuroprotection mechanisms in a self-sustaining cycle of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-model of PD. To test this hypothesis, behavioral and neurochemical assay were performed in prenatally LPS-exposed offspring at postnatal day 21. To further determine whether prenatal LPS exposure and maternal omega-3 PUFAs supplementation had persisting effects, brain injury was induced on PN 90 rats, following bilateral intranigral LPS injection. Pre- and postnatal inflammation damage not only affected dopaminergic neurons directly, but it also modified critical features, such as activated microglia and astrocyte cells, disrupting the support provided by the microenvironment. Unexpectedly, our results failed to show any involvement of caspase-dependent and independent apoptosis pathway in neuronal death mechanisms. On the other hand, learning and memory deficits detected with a second toxic exposure were significantly attenuated in maternal omega-3 PUFAs supplementation group. In addition, omega-3 PUFAs promote beneficial effect on synaptic function, maintaining the neurochemical integrity in remaining neurons, without necessarily protect them from neuronal death. Thus, our results suggest that omega-3 PUFAs affect the functional ability of the central nervous system in a complex way in a multiple inflammation-induced neurotoxicity animal model of PD and they disclose new ways of understanding how these fatty acids control responses of the brain to different challenges.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq)Fundacao Araucaria - Governo do Estado do Parana fellowshipCNPq fellowshipUniv Fed Parana, Dept Fisiol, Lab Neurofisiol, Setor Ciencias Biol, Ave Francisco H dos Santos S-N, BR-81531990 Curitiba, PR, BrazilUniv Fed Parana, Dept Patol Basica, Lab Neurobiol, Curitiba, PR, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Psicobiol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Pernambuco, Dept Fisiol & Farmacol, Ctr Ciencias Biol, Lab Neurofisiol, Recife, PE, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Psicobiol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Prevalência do Transtorno Dismórfico corporal em pacientes candidatos e/ou submetidos a procedimentos estéticos na especialidade da cirurgia plástica: uma revisão sistemática

O transtorno dismórfico corporal (TDC) é um transtorno psiquiátrico caracterizado pela preocupação excessiva e distorcida com a aparência física. Na especialidade da cirurgia plástica, é comum que pacientes busquem procedimentos estéticos para corrigir supostas imperfeições corporais decorrentes do TDC. O objetivo desta revisão sistemática é avaliar a prevalência do TDC em pacientes candidatos e/ou submetidos a procedimentos estéticos na especialidade da cirurgia plástica. Foram selecionados estudos que abordam a prevalência do TDC em pacientes submetidos a procedimentos estéticos, publicados entre 2010 e 2022. Os resultados indicam uma prevalência elevada de TDC em pacientes que buscam procedimentos estéticos na cirurgia plástica. A revisão também destaca a importância da avaliação psicológica pré-operatória e do tratamento adequado para pacientes com TDC ou outras condições mentais que possam interferir no resultado da cirurgia e na satisfação do paciente. Uma abordagem multidisciplinar envolvendo cirurgiões plásticos e profissionais de saúde mental é fundamental para garantir a segurança e a satisfação dos pacientes submetidos a procedimentos estéticos

The Brazilian Soil Spectral Library (BSSL): A general view, application and challenges

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T16:42:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-11-15Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)The present study was developed in a joint partnership with the Brazilian pedometrics community to standardize and evaluate spectra within the 350–2500 nm range of Brazilian soils. The Brazilian Soil Spectral Library (BSSL) began in 1995, creating a protocol to gather soil samples from different locations in Brazil. The BSSL reached 39,284 soil samples from 65 contributors representing 41 institutions from all 26 states. Through the BSSL spectra database, it was possible to estimate important soil attributes, such as clay, sand, soil organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, pH and base saturation, resulting in differences among the multi-scale models taking Brazil (overall), regional and state scale. In general, spectral descriptive and quantitative behavior indicated important relationship with physical, chemical and mineralogical properties. Statistical analyses showed that six basic patterns of spectral signatures represent the Brazilian soils types and that environmental conditions explain the differences in spectra. This study demonstrates that spectroscopy analyses along with the establishment of soil spectral libraries are a powerful technique for providing information on a national and regional levels. We also developed an interactive online platform showing soil sample locations and their contributors. As soil spectroscopy is considered a fast, simple, accurate and nondestructive analytical procedure, its application may be integrated with wet analysis as an alternative to support the sustainable management of soils.Department of Soil Science Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ) University of São Paulo (USP), Ave. Pádua Dias 11, Cx. Postal 9Department of Soil Federal University of Santa Maria, Av. Roraima 1000Geographical Sciences Department Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Ac. Hélio Ramos, s/nDepartment of Agronomy State University of Maringá, Av. Colombo 5790Department of Agriculture Biodiversity and Forestry Federal University of Santa Catarina, Rodovia Ulysses Gaboardi 3000 - Km 3Federal Rural University of Amazon, Ave. Presidente Tancredo Neves 2501Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine University of BrasíliaEMBRAPA - Solos, R. Antônio Falcão, 402, Boa ViagemCenter of Nuclear Energy in Agriculture (CENA) USP, Av. Centenário 303CDRS/Secretary of Agriculture of São Paulo State, R. Campos Salles 507Department of Soils Federal University of Viçosa, Ave. Peter Henry Rolfs s/nEMBRAPA – Informática Agropecuária, Ave. André Tosello, 209Department of Nuclear Energy Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Luis Freire 1000Department of Geography Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, R. Joaquim Gregório s/nAgronomic Institute of Campinas (IAC), Ave. Barão de Itapura 1481Institute of Agricultural Sciences Federal Rural University of Amazônia, Ave. Presidente Tancredo Neves 2501, 66.077-830Department of Soil Science Federal University of LavrasFederal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa 2367Department of Soils Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Rodovia BR 465, Km 07 s/nSoil and Water Sciences Department University of Florida, 2181 McCarty Hallr, PO Box 110290EMBRAPA - Solos, R. Jardim Botânico, 1024Department of Soils and Fertilizers School of Agricultural and Veterinary Studies São Paulo State University (FCAV-UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/nFederal University of Sergipe, Av. Marechal Rondon s/nGraduate Program in Earth Sciences (Geochemistry) Department of Geochemistry Federal Fluminense University, Outeiro São João Batista, s/nFederal Institute of the Southeast of Minas Gerais, R. Monsenhor José Augusto 204Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, R. Joaquim Gregório s/nFederal University of PiauíEMBRAPA Milho e Sorgo, Rod MG 424 Km 45Institute of Agricultural Sciences Federal University of Jequitinhonha e Mucuri Valleys, Ave. Ver. João Narciso 1380Department of Biosystems Engineering ESALQ USP, Ave. Pádua Dias 11, Cx. Postal 9Federal University of Acre, Rodovia BR 364 Km 04Federal University of Amazonas, Av. General Rodrigo O. J. Ramos 1200EMBRAPA Clima Temperado, BR-392, km 78Department of Agronomy Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, R. Manuel de Medeiros s/nEMBRAPA Cocais, Quadra 11, Av. São Luís Rei de França 4Paraense Emílio Goeldi Museum, Av. Gov. Magalhães Barata 376Exata Laboratory, Rua Silvestre Carvalho Q 11Federal University of Rondônia, BR 364, Km 9.5Nacional Institute for Amazonian Research, Ave. André Araújo 2936Department of Forestry Sciences ESALQ-USP, Ave. Pádua Dias 11, Cx. Postal 9Department of Soils and Fertilizers School of Agricultural and Veterinary Studies São Paulo State University (FCAV-UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/nFAPESP: 2014/22262-0FAPESP: 2016/26176-6FAPESP: 2017/03207-

The green ocean amazon experiment (GOAMAZON2014/5) observes pollution affecting gases, aerosols, clouds, and rainfall over the rain forest

The susceptibility of air quality, weather, terrestrial ecosystems, and climate to human activities was investigated in a tropical environment. © 2017 American Meteorological Society