GBV-C/HGV and HIV-1 coinfection

An interesting interaction pattern has been found between HIV-1 and GBV-C/HGV, resulting in protection against progression to AIDS. The mechanisms involved in this interaction remain to be clarified. We examined the current knowledge concerning this coinfection and developed hypotheses to explain its effects. A better understanding of this interaction could result in new concepts, which may lead to new strategies to control HIV-1 replication and progression to AIDS.Federal University of São PauloPró-Sangue FoundationUNIFESPSciEL

Green human resources practices and person-organization fit: The moderating role of the personal environmental Commitment

Based on the 2030 Agenda of the United Nations (UN), where 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are identified, the present study aims to (1) propose a measure for the perception of green human resources management practices; (2) investigate its relationship with the employees’ personorganization fit, and (3) analyze the moderating role of personal environmental commitment in the relationship between the perception of green human resources management practices and employees’ person-organization fit. A quantitative and hypothetical-deductive approach was used, and a sample of 204 Portuguese employees responded to an online questionnaire. The results showed (1) that the proposed measure for the perception of green HR practices was adapted to the Portuguese population and showed excellent internal consistency; (2) a significant and positive relationship between perceived green HR practices and person-organization fit; and (3) that this relationship can be moderated by high personal environmental commitment. The study presents novelty and contributes to the existing literature concerning green HR practices by proposing an adapted measure, relating it to person-organization fit, and verifying the moderated role of personal environmental commitment. Thus, the effective implementation of green HRM practices is highlighted to promote positive consequences in the organization and the employees.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Absolute hyperglycemia versus stress hyperglycemia ratio for the prognosis of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in the first months of the pandemic: a retrospective study

Diabetes is a risk factor for the greater severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) is an independent predictor of critical illness, and it is reported to have a stronger association than absolute hyperglycemia. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between absolute hyperglycemia and SHR with the severity of COVID-19 since there are no studies investigating SHR in patients with COVID-19. We conducted a retrospective observational study on hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in the first months of the pandemic, regarding absolute hyperglycemia, SHR, and severity outcomes. Of the 374 patients, 28.1% had a previous diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Absolute hyperglycemia (64.8% versus 22.7%; p < 0.01) and SHR [1.1 (IQR 0.9-1.3) versus 1.0 (IQR 0.9-1.2); p < 0.001] showed a statistically significant association with previous diabetes. Absolute hyperglycemia showed a significant association with the clinical severity of COVID-19 (79.0% versus 62.7%; p < 0.001), need for oxygen therapy (74.8% versus 54.4%; p < 0.001), invasive mechanical ventilation (28.6% versus 11.6%; p < 0.001), and intensive care unit (30.3% versus 14.9%; p = 0.002), but not with mortality; by contrast, there was no statistically significant association between SHR and all these parameters. Our results are in agreement with the literature regarding the impact of absolute hyperglycemia on COVID-19 severity outcomes, while SHR was not a significant marker. We, therefore, suggest that SHR should not be evaluated in all patients admitted to the hospital for COVID-19, and we encourage the standard measures at the admission of blood glucose and HbA1c levels.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A Retrospective Study

Publisher Copyright: © 2022, The Author(s).Diabetes is a risk factor for greater severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) is an independent predictor of critical illness, and it is reported to have a stronger association than absolute hyperglycemia. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of absolute hyperglycemia and SHR with the severity of COVID-19, since there are no studies investigating SHR in patients with COVID-19. We conducted a retrospective observational study on hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in the first months of the pandemic, regarding absolute hyperglycemia, SHR, and severity outcomes. Of the 374 patients, 28.1% had a previous diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Absolute hyperglycemia (64.8% versus 22.7%; p < 0.01) and SHR [1.1 (IQR 0.9–1.3) versus 1.0 (IQR 0.9–1.2); p < 0.001] showed a statistically significant association with previous diabetes. Absolute hyperglycemia showed a significant association with clinical severity of COVID-19 (79.0% versus 62.7%; p < 0.001), need for oxygen therapy (74.8% versus 54.4%; p < 0.001), invasive mechanical ventilation (28.6% versus 11.6%; p < 0.001), and intensive care unit (30.3% versus 14.9%; p = 0.002), but not with mortality; by contrast, there was no statistically significant association between SHR and all these parameters. Our results are in agreement with the literature regarding the impact of absolute hyperglycemia on COVID-19 severity outcomes, while SHR was not a significant marker. We therefore suggest that SHR should not be evaluated in all patients admitted in the hospital for COVID-19, and we encourage the standard measures at admission of blood glucose and HbA1c levels.publishersversionepub_ahead_of_prin

Does the Hyperglycemia Impact on COVID-19 Outcomes Depend upon the Presence of Diabetes?-An Observational Study

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Does the hyperglycemia impact on COVID-19 outcomes depend upon the presence of diabetes? An observational study

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has emerged as a major risk factor for COVID-19 severity and SARS-CoV-2 infection can worsen glycemic control and may precipitate new-onset diabetes. At-admission hyperglycemia (AH) is a known predictor for worse outcomes in many diseases and seems to have a similar effect in COVID-19 patients. In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of AH regardless of pre-existing diabetes mellitus and new-onset diabetes diagnosis in the clinical severity of COVID-19 inpatients in the first months of the pandemic. A retrospective monocentric study on 374 COVID-19 inpatients (209 males) was developed to assess associations between AH (blood glucose levels in the Emergency Department or the first 24 h of hospitalization greater than 140 mg/dL) and severity outcomes (disease severity, respiratory support, admission to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and mortality) in patients with and without diabetes. Considering diabetic patients with AH (N = 68;18.1%) there was a correlation with COVID-19 severity (p = 0.03), invasive mechanical ventilation (p = 0.008), and ICU admission (p = 0.026). No correlation was present with any severity outcomes in diabetic patients without AH (N = 33; 8.8%). All of the New-onset Diabetes patients (N = 15; 4%) had AH, and 12 had severe COVID-19; additionally, five patients were admitted to the ICU and three patients died. However, severity outcomes did not reach statistical correlation significance in this group. In nondiabetic patients with AH (N = 51; 13.6%), there was a statistically significant association with the need for oxygen therapy (p = 0.001), invasive mechanical ventilation (p = 0.01), and ICU admission (p = 0.03). Our results support data regarding the impact of AH on severity outcomes. It also suggests an effect of AH on the prognosis of COVID-19 inpatients, regardless of the presence of pre-existing diabetes or new-onset diabetes. We reinforce the importance to assess at admission glycemia in all patients admitted with COVID-19.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Effect of hormone replacement therapy on the bone mass and urinary excretion of pyridinium cross-links

CONTEXT: The menopause accelerates bone loss and is associated with an increased bone turnover. Bone formation may be evaluated by several biochemical markers. However, the establishment of an accurate marker for bone resorption has been more difficult to achieve. OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on bone mass and on the markers of bone resorption: urinary excretion of pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline.DESIGN: Cohort correlational study.SETTING: Academic referral center.SAMPLE: 53 post-menopausal women, aged 48-58 years.MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Urinary pyr and d-pyr were measured in fasting urine samples by spectrofluorometry after high performance liquid chromatography and corrected for creatinine excretion measured before treatment and after 1, 2, 4 and 12 months. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) before treatment and after 12 months of HRT.RESULTS: The BMD after HRT was about 4.7% (P < 0.0004); 2% (P < 0.002); and 3% (P < 0.01) higher than the basal values in lumbar spine, neck and trochanter respectively. There were no significant correlations between pyridinium cross-links and age, weight, menopause duration and BMD. The decrease in pyr and d-pyr was progressive after HRT, reaching 28.9% (P < 0.0002), and 42% (P < 0.0002) respectively after 1 year.CONCLUSIONS: Urinary pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline excretion decreases early in hormone replacement therapy, reflecting a decrease in the bone resorption rate, and no correlation was observed with the bone mass evaluated by densitometry.CONTEXTO: A perda óssea acelerada observada na pós menopausa é atribuída a um incremento do turnover ósseo, com predomínio da reabsorção em decorrência da falência ovariana. Ao contrário da formação tem sido difícil de estabelecer um marcador sensível de reabsorção.OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o efeito da terapia de reposicão hormonal (TRH) na densidade e nos marcadores urinários de reabsorção óssea, piridinolina (PIR) e deoxipiridinolina (D-PIR).TIPO DE ESTUDO: Estudo coorte de correlação.LOCAL: Centro universitário de referência.PACIENTES: 53 mulheres menopausadas há 3,6 ± 5 anos, idade mediana de 53 anos.VARIÁVEIS ESTUDADAS: A excreção urinária de PIR e D-PIR na urina de jejum ,analisada por HPLC e expressa em pmol /mmol de creatinina ,foi avaliada em condições basais e após 1,2,4 e 12 meses de TRH. Realizaram densitometria óssea (DO) em coluna e fêmur antes e após 12 meses de TRH.RESULTADOS: A DO após TRH foi 4.7%(P<0.0004); 2%(P<0.002); and 3%(P<0.01) maior que os valores basais na coluna , colo do fêmur e trocanter respectivamente. Observou-se um decréscimo dos valores de PIR e D-PIR precoce e progressivo, atingindo 28,9% (P<0.0002) e 42% (P<0.0002) após 1ano de TRH respectivamente. Não houve correlação entre os valores de DO e os de PIR E D-PIR.CONCLUSÕES: A excreção urinária de PIR e D-PIR constituem um marcador sensível da reabsorção óssea.O decréscimo precoce a torna útil na avaliação da eficácia terapeutica.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UNIFESPSciEL

Etiology of invasive and subcutaneous fungal infections: analysis of data from the National Network for Laboratory Surveillance of Invasive and Subcutaneous Fungal Infections (IFIs), 2013-2018

A epidemiologia das infeções fúngicas invasivas tem vindo a alterar-se com o surgimento de novos agentes etiológicos. A Rede Nacional de Vigilância Laboratorial de Infeções Fúngicas Invasivas e Subcutâneas (IFI) teve início em 2013 com o objetivo de melhor compreender a epidemiologia destas infeções em Portugal. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar os dados obtidos através da Rede entre junho de 2013 e setembro de 2018. Os laboratórios participantes asseguram a comunicação dos casos de IFIs ao Laboratório Nacional de Referência do INSA, enviando amostras biológicas ou isolados, acompanhados de um inquérito contendo informações demográficas, laboratoriais e avaliações clínicas dos doentes com suspeita de infeção fúngica. O estudo incluiu: i) casos de infeção fúngica invasiva (IFI) por fungos filamentosos/dimórficos, ii) casos de IFI provável, de acordo com os critérios estabelecidos pelo EORTC/MSG 2008, e iii) casos de infeções fúngicas subcutâneas. As infeções por leveduras não foram incluídas. Entre junho de 2013 e setembro de 2018, foram incluídos 52 casos, distribuídos da seguinte forma: IFI comprovada (por fungos filamentosos) (n=9); Infeção fúngica subcutânea (n=17); Infeção por fungos dimórficos endémicos (n=9), totalizando 67% de casos de IFI comprovados (n=35) e 33% de casos IFI provável (n=17). Os dados obtidos chamam a atenção para a grande diversidade de espécies envolvidas em infeções fúngicas profundas, com implicações para o diagnóstico clínico/laboratorial bem como para o tratamento destas infeçõesThe epidemiology of deep fungal infections has been changing with the emergence of new species as etiological agents. The National Laboratory Surveillance Network for Invasive and Subcutaneous Fungal Infections (IFIs) began in 2013 with the aim of better understanding the epidemiology of invasive and subcutaneous fungal infections in Portugal. The goal of this study is to analyse the data obtained from this Network between June 2013 and September 2018. The participating laboratories ensured the reporting of suspected or confirmed IFIs cases to the National Reference Laboratory of INSA, by sending biological samples or isolates, accompanied by a survey containing demographic information, laboratory and clinical evaluation of patients with suspicion of having an IFIs. The study included: i) cases of invasive fungal infection (IFI) caused by filamentous/dimorphic fungi, ii) cases of probable IFI, according to the criteria established by EORTC/MSG 2008, and iii) cases of subcutaneous fungal infections. Yeast infections were not included. Between June 2013 and September 2018, 52 cases were included. The cases were distributed as follows: Proven IFI (by filamentous fungi) (n=9); Subcutaneous fungal infection (n=17); Infection due to endemic dimorphic fungi (n=9), totalizing 67% of proven IFI cases (n=35) and 33% of probable IFI cases (n=17). The obtained data raise the awareness to the great diversity of species involved in deep fungal infections, with implications to the clinical/laboratory diagnosis of these infections as well as their treatment.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

STUDIO ECOTOSSICOLOGICO DI ALCUNI AGROFARMACI

Gli agrofarmaci comprendono un'ampia gamma di preparati per la difesa delle piante contro gli attacchi di organismi nocivi, oltre che per il controllo delle erbe infestanti e la regolazione dei processi fisiologici dei vegetali. Le sostanze attive contenute nei prodotti commerciali, ovvero le sostanze che esercitano la loro azione tossica nei confronti delle specie da combattere, possono rivelarsi dannose anche per altri esseri viventi che costituiscono gli organismi essenziali degli ecosistemi. Le norme attualmente in vigore prevedono che l'autorizzazione all'immissione in commercio di un agrofarmaco sia preceduta da una approfondita valutazione del rischio ambientale. Tale valutazione tiene conto delle proprietà fisico-chimiche del prodotto, delle sue proprietà ecotossicologiche, delle quantità e modalità di impiego dei prodotti, della persistenza della sostanza attiva nell'ambiente e della relativa capacità di diffusione. La normativa in vigore, dunque, comporta l'esame delle modalità di distribuzione delle sostanze attive e dei loro prodotti di degradazione e/o metaboliti nei diversi comparti ambientali ed una valutazione dei danni che tali preparati possono determinare sulle popolazioni animali e vegetali "non-bersaglio" (pesci, alghe, uccelli, organismi del suolo, insetti utili, ecc.). In quest’ottica, i test ecotossicologici permettono di definire una relazione causa-effetto, anche se in genere i risultati ottenuti, validi per le condizioni sperimentali utilizzate, non consentono di estendere le conclusioni ad altre specie o a sistemi naturali complessi, dal momento che non possono tenere conto delle complesse interazioni fra biota ed ambiente. Inoltre, poiché organismi differenti evidenziano una diversa sensibilità alle componenti attive ed ai coformulati presenti negli agrofarmaci e nessun biotest è in grado di coprire da solo l’intera varietà di risposte ai diversi tipi ed ai vari intervalli di concentrazione di ciascun xenobiotico, è opportuno implementare test multispecie in cui gli ambiti di sensibilità non si sovrappongano ma, piuttosto, siano complementari. Gli organismi da utilizzare nei test multispecie vengono solitamente scelti in base alla loro rappresentatività (un procariote, un vegetale, un animale superiore) ed in base alle loro relazioni con la catena trofica. Proprio in quest’ambito s’inserisce il nostro lavoro, realizzato con l’obiettivo di valutare la tossicità di quattro agrofarmaci (oxasulfuron, una solfonilurea; imazetapyr, un imidazolinone; dicloran, una nitro anilina; mepanipirim, una anilinopirimidina) e delle miscele dei loro prodotti di degradazione fotochimica, utilizzando tre differenti test di tossicità: il test di tossicità acuta con Daphnia Magna, il test di tossicità acuta con i batteri bioluminescenti della specie Vibrio fischeri (Microtox) e il test di fitotossicità con Lactuca sativa. Fra i quattro agrofarmaci testati il mepanipirin è quello che si è dimostrato maggiormente tossico, in quanto attivo su tutti e tre gli organismi utilizzati