1,391 research outputs found
Hematological Changes in Dogs with Visceral Leishmaniasis Are Associated with Increased IFN-Îł and TNF Gene Expression Levels in the Bone Marrow
Visceral leishmaniasis is associated with a variety of hematological abnormalities. In this study, we correlated the hematological changes in the peripheral blood of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum (L. infantum) with the distribution of cell lineages and cytokine gene expression patterns in the bone marrow. Samples from 63 naturally semidomiciled dogs living in an endemic area of visceral leishmaniasis were analyzed. L. infantum infection was detected in 50 dogs (79.3%). Among those, 18 (32%) had positive splenic cultures and showed more clinical signs. They also had lower red blood cell counts and leukocytosis with an increased number of neutrophils and monocytes in peripheral blood compared to dogs negative to this test. L. infantum DNA was detected in the bone marrow of 8/14 dogs with positive splenic culture. Dogs with L. infantum infection in the bone marrow presented with histiocytosis (p = 0.0046), fewer erythroid cell clusters (p = 0.0127) and increased gene expression levels of IFN-Îł (p = 0.0015) and TNF (p = 0.0091). The data shown herein suggest that inflammatory and cytokine gene expression changes in bone marrow may contribute to the peripheral blood hematological changes observed in visceral leishmaniasis.V.A. was supported by a scholarship from CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientĂfico e TecnolĂłgico), FIOCRUZ and Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISC-III).S
Developing a spatiotemporal model to integrate landslide susceptibility and critical rainfall conditions. A practical model applied to Rio de Janeiro municipality
Despite being a landscape evolution element, landslides pose a significant threat to infrastructure, property, and human life around the globe. In Brazil, this has been a major source of concern for many years. Over the last decades, especially in the humid areas of Brazil, landslide occurrences have become more frequent and catastrophic (Pelech et al., 2019). Especially in large and medium-sized cities, poorly-regulated living conditions and a progressing global warming scenario will likely increase the frequency, magnitude, and possibly damagecaused by landslides (Marengo et al., 2021). On the other hand, despite the efforts of local authorities to forecast and mitigate the phenomena, not enough is currently being done in terms of preparedness for future events, especially concerning research (Dias et al., 2021).Due to the geomorphological and climatic settings, the municipality of Rio de Janeiro (~1,200 km²) is often affected by landslides (Coelho Netto et al., 2007; 2009). According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE, 2021), the municipality has 6.7 million inhabitants, of which circa 20-25% lives in the favelas. These communities, usually located on hill slopes, face diverse challenges such as poor basic infrastructure, lack of sanitation systems, and high criminality, which tend to diminish the inhabitants’ awareness of potential landslide hazards. On the other hand, the municipality of Rio de Janeiro has systematically tracked rainfall data for the last decades. Such data comprises 33 stations, recording measurements every 15 minutes. Rainfall data is availablefor a few decades and comprise 33 stations recording measurements every 15 minutes. Also, the availability of high-resolution DTM and DEM (obtained through LiDAR with a 15 cm resolution), orthoimagery updated quasiyearly, and a suitable landslide inventory, turns Rio de Janeiro into a promising real-life laboratory for suggesting and enhancing modeling solutions that may provide valuable tools for landslide emergency preparedness, management, and response.Building upon the findings of Steger et al, 2022, the present research represents a joint effort to suggest a methodological framework to develop a dynamic landslide model that integrates static predisposing factors with dynamic rainfall conditions. Data-driven methods (e.g., Generalized Additive Models) will be used to establish statistical relationships between the static factors, the dynamic rainfall conditions prior to a potential landslide, and the landslide occurrence in space and time. The outcomes may be used by stakeholders to strategically prepare for potential rainfall events leading to landslides and possibly to improve early warning systems. Data collection and preparation are currently happening, and the analysis will follow. Partial results will be presented at the 6th World Landslide Forum
Association between proton pump inhibitor therapy and clostridium difficile infection: a contemporary systematic review and meta-analysis.
Abstract
Introduction
Emerging epidemiological evidence suggests that proton pump inhibitor (PPI) acid-suppression therapy is associated with an increased risk of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI).
Methods
Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from 1990 to January 2012 for analytical studies that reported an adjusted effect estimate of the association between PPI use and CDI. We performed random-effect meta-analyses. We used the GRADE framework to interpret the findings.
Results
We identified 47 eligible citations (37 case-control and 14 cohort studies) with corresponding 51 effect estimates. The pooled OR was 1.65, 95% CI (1.47, 1.85), I2 = 89.9%, with evidence of publication bias suggested by a contour funnel plot. A novel regression based method was used to adjust for publication bias and resulted in an adjusted pooled OR of 1.51 (95% CI, 1.26–1.83). In a speculative analysis that assumes that this association is based on causality, and based on published baseline CDI incidence, the risk of CDI would be very low in the general population taking PPIs with an estimated NNH of 3925 at 1 year.
Conclusions
In this rigorously conducted systemic review and meta-analysis, we found very low quality evidence (GRADE class) for an association between PPI use and CDI that does not support a cause-effect relationship
A review exploring the overarching burden of Zika virus with emphasis on epidemiological case studies from Brazil
This paper explores the main factors for mosquito-borne transmission of the Zika virus by focusing on environmental, anthropogenic, and social risks. A literature review was conducted bringing together related information from this genre of research from peer-reviewed publications. It was observed that environmental conditions, especially precipitation, humidity, and temperature, played a role in the transmission. Furthermore, anthropogenic factors including sanitation, urbanization, and environmental pollution promote the transmission by affecting the mosquito density. In addition, socioeconomic factors such as poverty as well as social inequality and low-quality housing have also an impact since these are social factors that limit access to certain facilities or infrastructure which, in turn, promote transmission when absent (e.g., piped water and screened windows). Finally, the paper presents short-, mid-, and long-term preventative solutions together with future perspectives. This is the first review exploring the effects of anthropogenic aspects on Zika transmission with a special emphasis in Brazil
Ulceration of the oral mucosa induced by antidepressant medication: a case report
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Ulcers are frequent lesions of the oral mucosa. Generally, they are circumscribed round or elliptical lesions surrounded by an erythematous halo and covered with an inflammatory exudate in their central portion, and are accompanied by painful symptoms. Oral ulcers affect 20% of the population, especially adolescents and young adults. The etiopathogenesis includes immunological alterations, infections, nutritional deficiency, trauma, food and contact allergies, autoimmune diseases, neoplasms, and psychosomatic, genetic and environmental factors.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 78-year-old Caucasian woman was referred by her dentist to our outpatient clinic with a 4-week history of an oral ulceration after using an antidepressant (sertraline hydrochloride). On the basis of the clinical findings and anamnesis, the occurrence of the lesion was attributed to the use of the drug. Exfoliative cytology was performed, to reassure the patient that it was not oral cancer, which revealed the presence of a nonspecific inflammatory reaction. The drug was replaced and resolution of symptoms was observed.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Exfoliative cytology should be the complementary examination of choice in cases of oral ulcers with a suspicion of drug interaction. Although this is a rare event in dental practice, dentists should be aware of the diagnostic possibility of drug-induced ulcers and should cooperate with the clinician to adjust the prescribed medication to resolve the symptoms.</p
Association of concomitant bone resorption inhibitors with overall survival among patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and bone metastases receiving abiraterone acetate with prednisone as first-line therapy.
Time of Day and its Association with Risk of Death and Chance of Discharge in Critically Ill Patients: A Retrospective Study.
Outcomes following admission to intensive care units (ICU) may vary with time and day. This study investigated associations between time of day and risk of ICU mortality and chance of ICU discharge in acute ICU admissions. Adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) who were admitted to ICUs participating in the Austrian intensive care database due to medical or surgical urgencies and emergencies between January 2012 and December 2016 were included in this retrospective study. Readmissions were excluded. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Fine-and-Gray proportional subdistribution hazards model concerning ICU mortality and ICU discharge within 30 days adjusted for SAPS 3 score. 110,628 admissions were analysed. ICU admission during late night and early morning was associated with increased hazards for ICU mortality; HR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.08-1.28 for 00:00-03:59, HR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.05-1.29 for 04:00-07:59. Risk of death in the ICU decreased over the day; lowest HR: 0.475, 95% CI: 0.432-0.522 for 00:00-03:59. Hazards for discharge from the ICU dropped sharply after 16:00; lowest HR: 0.024; 95% CI: 0.019-0.029 for 00:00-03:59. We conclude that there are "time effects" in ICUs. These findings may spark further quality improvement efforts
Assessing Graphical Robot Aids for Interactive Co-working
The shift towards more collaborative working between humans and robots increases the need for improved interfaces. Alongside robust measures to ensure safety and task performance, humans need to gain the confidence in robot co-operators to enable true collaboration. This research investigates how graphical signage can support human–robot co-working, with the intention of increased productivity. Participants are required to co-work with a KUKA iiwa lightweight manipulator on a manufacturing task. The three conditions in the experiment differ in the signage presented to the participants – signage relevant to the task, irrelevant to the task, or no signage. A change between three conditions is expected in anxiety and negative attitudes towards robots; error rate; response time; and participants’ complacency, suggested by facial expressions. In addition to understanding how graphical languages can support human–robot co-working, this study provides a basis for further collaborative research to explore human–robot co-working in more detail
Weekends affect mortality risk and chance of discharge in critically ill patients: a retrospective study in the Austrian registry for intensive care.
BACKGROUND: In this study, we primarily investigated whether ICU admission or ICU stay at weekends (Saturday and Sunday) is associated with a different risk of ICU mortality or chance of ICU discharge than ICU admission or ICU stay on weekdays (Monday to Friday). Secondarily, we analysed whether weekend ICU admission or ICU stay influences risk of hospital mortality or chance of hospital discharge. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed for all adult patients admitted to 119 ICUs participating in the benchmarking project of the Austrian Centre for Documentation and Quality Assurance in Intensive Care (ASDI) between 2012 and 2015. Readmissions to the ICU during the same hospital stay were excluded. RESULTS: In a multivariable competing risk analysis, a strong weekend effect was observed. Patients admitted to ICUs on Saturday or Sunday had a higher mortality risk after adjustment for severity of illness by Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) 3, year, month of the year, type of admission, ICU, and weekday of death or discharge. Hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for death in the ICU following admission on a Saturday or Sunday compared with Wednesday were 1.15 (1.08-1.23) and 1.11 (1.03-1.18), respectively. Lower hazard ratios were observed for dying on a Saturday (0.93 (0.87-1.00)) or Sunday (0.85 (0.80-0.91)) compared with Wednesday. This is probably related to the reduced chance of being discharged from the ICU at the weekend (0.63 (0.62-064) for Saturday and 0.56 (0.55-0.57) for Sunday). Similar results were found for hospital mortality and hospital discharge following ICU admission. CONCLUSIONS: Patients admitted to ICUs at weekends are at increased risk of death in both the ICU and the hospital even after rigorous adjustment for severity of illness. Conversely, death in the ICU and discharge from the ICU are significantly less likely at weekends
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