Pulsating hydrogen-deficient white dwarfs and pre-white dwarfs observed with TESS : II. Discovery of two new GW Vir stars: TIC 333432673 and TIC 095332541

Context. The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission is revolutionizing the blossoming area of asteroseismology, particularly of pulsating white dwarfs and pre-white dwarfs, thus continuing the impulse of its predecessor, the Kepler mission. Aims. In this paper, we present the observations from the extended TESS mission in both 120 s short-cadence and 20 s ultra-short cadence mode of two pre-white dwarf stars showing hydrogen deficiency. We identify them as two new GW Vir stars, TIC 333432673 and TIC 095332541. We apply the tools of asteroseismology with the aim of deriving their structural parameters and seismological distances. Methods. We carried out a spectroscopic analysis and a spectral fitting of TIC 333432673 and TIC 095332541. We also processed and analyzed the high-precision TESS photometric light curves of the two target stars, and derived their oscillation frequencies. We performed an asteroseismological analysis of these stars on the basis of PG 1159 evolutionary models that take into account the complete evolution of the progenitor stars. We searched for patterns of uniform period spacings in order to constrain the stellar mass of the stars. We employed the individual observed periods to search for a representative seismological model. Results. The analysis of the TESS light curves of TIC 333432673 and TIC 095332541 reveals the presence of several oscillations with periods ranging from 350 to 500 s associated to typical gravity (g)-modes. From follow-up ground-based spectroscopy, we find that both stars have a similar effective temperature (Teff = 120 000 ± 10 000 K) and surface gravity (log g = 7.5 ± 0.5), but a different He/C composition of their atmosphere. On the basis of PG 1159 evolutionary tracks, we derived a spectroscopic mass of M? = 0.58+0.16 −0.08 M for both stars. Our asteroseismological analysis of TIC 333432673 allowed us to find a constant period spacing compatible with a stellar mass M? ∼ 0.60 − 0.61 M , and an asteroseismological model for this star with a stellar mass M? = 0.589 ± 0.020 M , as well as a seismological distance of d = 459+188 −156 pc. For this star, we find an excellent agreement between the different methods to infer the stellar mass, and also between the seismological distance and that measured with Gaia (dGaia = 389+5.6 −5.2 pc). For TIC 095332541, we have found a possible period spacing that suggests a stellar mass of M? ∼ 0.55−0.57 M . Unfortunately, we have not been able to find an asteroseismological model for this star. Conclusions. Using the high-quality data collected by the TESS space mission and follow-up spectroscopy, we have been able to discover and characterize two new GW Vir stars. The TESS mission is having, and will continue to have, an unprecedented impact on the area of white-dwarf asteroseismology

Pulsating hydrogen-deficient white dwarfs and pre-white dwarfs observed with TESS : II. Discovery of two new GW Vir stars: TIC 333432673 and TIC 095332541

Context. The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission is revolutionizing the blossoming area of asteroseismology, particularly of pulsating white dwarfs and pre-white dwarfs, thus continuing the impulse of its predecessor, the Kepler mission. Aims. In this paper, we present the observations from the extended TESS mission in both 120 s short-cadence and 20 s ultra-short cadence mode of two pre-white dwarf stars showing hydrogen deficiency. We identify them as two new GW Vir stars, TIC 333432673 and TIC 095332541. We apply the tools of asteroseismology with the aim of deriving their structural parameters and seismological distances. Methods. We carried out a spectroscopic analysis and a spectral fitting of TIC 333432673 and TIC 095332541. We also processed and analyzed the high-precision TESS photometric light curves of the two target stars, and derived their oscillation frequencies. We performed an asteroseismological analysis of these stars on the basis of PG 1159 evolutionary models that take into account the complete evolution of the progenitor stars. We searched for patterns of uniform period spacings in order to constrain the stellar mass of the stars. We employed the individual observed periods to search for a representative seismological model. Results. The analysis of the TESS light curves of TIC 333432673 and TIC 095332541 reveals the presence of several oscillations with periods ranging from 350 to 500 s associated to typical gravity (g)-modes. From follow-up ground-based spectroscopy, we find that both stars have a similar effective temperature (Teff = 120 000 ± 10 000 K) and surface gravity (log g = 7.5 ± 0.5), but a different He/C composition of their atmosphere. On the basis of PG 1159 evolutionary tracks, we derived a spectroscopic mass of M? = 0.58+0.16 −0.08 M for both stars. Our asteroseismological analysis of TIC 333432673 allowed us to find a constant period spacing compatible with a stellar mass M? ∼ 0.60 − 0.61 M , and an asteroseismological model for this star with a stellar mass M? = 0.589 ± 0.020 M , as well as a seismological distance of d = 459+188 −156 pc. For this star, we find an excellent agreement between the different methods to infer the stellar mass, and also between the seismological distance and that measured with Gaia (dGaia = 389+5.6 −5.2 pc). For TIC 095332541, we have found a possible period spacing that suggests a stellar mass of M? ∼ 0.55−0.57 M . Unfortunately, we have not been able to find an asteroseismological model for this star. Conclusions. Using the high-quality data collected by the TESS space mission and follow-up spectroscopy, we have been able to discover and characterize two new GW Vir stars. The TESS mission is having, and will continue to have, an unprecedented impact on the area of white-dwarf asteroseismology

Concentration reducing system of microorganisms in air through capture and sterilization - a product for health, for handling and for infection control of Covid-19

Muitas ações estão baseadas na proteção individual em relação ao agente biológico ou isolamento do infectados. Historicamente a ventilação reduz a contaminação de novas pessoas e promove a recuperação de infectados. A ventilação é vista como medida de controle coletivo, que é protagonista na mitigação de risco. Como exemplo, o uso de máscaras reduz a exposição de uma determinada região, mas a concentração aumenta, ao longo do tempo, em todas as superfícies expostas a contaminação, inclusive na máscara. Dessa forma, a ideia é reduzir a concentração do meio contaminado e, consequentemente, a exposição do corpo humano como um todo, aumentando a biossegurança para com o COVID-19

Diagnóstico e tratamento do câncer de mama: uma revisão de literatura

This article aims to evaluate the clinical aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer carried out in the last five years. Integrative review in the BVS, LILACS, SciELO, PubMed database of works published between 2020 and 2024, combining the descriptors "breast cancer", "diagnosis" and "treatment" with the Boolean descriptor "AND".  Breast cancer is a multifactorial disease. Advancing age is the main risk factor and is related to the accumulation of exposures throughout life and the biological changes themselves with aging. It is concluded that the diagnosis of breast cancer must be anchored on a tripod: clinical examination, imaging examination and histopathological analysis. Treatment varies according to the stage of the disease, its biological characteristics, as well as the patient's conditions (age, menopausal status, comorbidities and preferences).Este artigo tem por objetivo avaliar os aspectos clínicos do diagnóstico e do tratamento do câncer de mama realizada nos últimos cinco anos. Revisão integrativa no banco de dados da BVS, LILACS, SciELO, PubMed de trabalhos publicados entre 2020 e 2024, combinando os descritores "câncer de mama", "diagnóstico" e "tratamento" ao descritor booleano "AND".  O câncer de mama é uma doença multifatorial. O avançar da idade é o principal fator de risco e se relaciona ao acúmulo de exposições ao longo da vida e às próprias alterações biológicas com o envelhecimento. Conclui-se que o diagnóstico do câncer de mama deve estar ancorado em um tripé: exame clínico, exame de imagem e análise histopatológica. O tratamento varia de acordo com o estadiamento da doença, suas características biológicas, bem como as condições da paciente (idade, status menopausal, comorbidades e preferências)

Estratégias de prevenção e controle de infecções em unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica

  Introdução: As infecções hospitalares são um desafio global de saúde pública e geram um aumento nos custos de tratamento. Muitas dessas infecções são causadas por bactérias multirresistentes. Particularmente, as bactérias gram-negativas são notórias por sua capacidade de resistir a diversos antibióticos devido à complexidade de seu envelope celular. A emergência desses organismos resistentes destaca a necessidade crítica de desenvolver métodos de prevenção e tratamentos mais eficazes.  Objetivo: Discutir as estratégias de prevenção e controle de infecções disponíveis para unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica. Metodologia: Revisão integrativa nas bases de dados nas bases científicas: LILACS, SCIELO e PUBMED. Resultados e Discussões: 11 artigos foram selecionados. As intervenções chave incluíram: 1) meticulosa higiene das mãos, 2) emprego de técnicas assépticas durante a inserção do catéter, 3) escolha criteriosa do local de inserção, e 4) revisão periódica. Conclusão: As abordagens implementadas em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica para a prevenção de infecções destacam a eficácia da combinação de treinamento intensivo, técnicas de assepsia estritas e o emprego de medidas de isolamento. A adesão às diretrizes globais de saúde sublinha como práticas rigorosas de higiene e a constante vigilância são essenciais para salvaguardar pacientes em estados críticos. Estratégias como a melhoria dos sistemas de ventilação e o isolamento de pacientes com infecções ajudam a minimizar a disseminação de agentes infecciosos em ambientes intensivos

Progressive skin fibrosis is associated with a decline in lung function and worse survival in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis in the European Scleroderma Trials and Research (EUSTAR) cohort.

Objectives To determine whether progressive skin fibrosis is associated with visceral organ progression and mortality during follow-up in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc). Methods We evaluated patients from the European Scleroderma Trials and Research database with dcSSc, baseline modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) ≥7, valid mRSS at 12±3 months after baseline and ≥1 annual follow-up visit. Progressive skin fibrosis was defined as an increase in mRSS >5 and ≥25% from baseline to 12±3 months. Outcomes were pulmonary, cardiovascular and renal progression, and all-cause death. Associations between skin progression and outcomes were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multivariable Cox regression. Results Of 1021 included patients, 78 (7.6%) had progressive skin fibrosis (skin progressors). Median follow-up was 3.4 years. Survival analyses indicated that skin progressors had a significantly higher probability of FVC decline ≥10% (53.6% vs 34.4%; p<0.001) and all-cause death (15.4% vs 7.3%; p=0.003) than non-progressors. These significant associations were also found in subgroup analyses of patients with either low baseline mRSS (≤22/51) or short disease duration (≤15 months). In multivariable analyses, skin progression within 1 year was independently associated with FVC decline ≥10% (HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.65) and all-cause death (HR 2.58, 95% CI 1.31 to 5.09). Conclusions Progressive skin fibrosis within 1 year is associated with decline in lung function and worse survival in dcSSc during follow-up. These results confirm mRSS as a surrogate marker in dcSSc, which will be helpful for cohort enrichment in future trials and risk stratification in clinical practice

An update of the Worldwide Integrated Assessment (WIA) on systemic insecticides. Part 2: impacts on organisms and ecosystems

New information on the lethal and sublethal effects of neonicotinoids and fipronil on organisms is presented in this review, complementing the previous WIA in 2015. The high toxicity of these systemic insecticides to invertebrates has been confirmed and expanded to include more species and compounds. Most of the recent research has focused on bees and the sublethal and ecological impacts these insecticides have on pollinators. Toxic effects on other invertebrate taxa also covered predatory and parasitoid natural enemies and aquatic arthropods. Little, while not much new information has been gathered on soil organisms. The impact on marine coastal ecosystems is still largely uncharted. The chronic lethality of neonicotinoids to insects and crustaceans, and the strengthened evidence that these chemicals also impair the immune system and reproduction, highlights the dangers of this particular insecticidal classneonicotinoids and fipronil. , withContinued large scale – mostly prophylactic – use of these persistent organochlorine pesticides has the potential to greatly decreasecompletely eliminate populations of arthropods in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Sublethal effects on fish, reptiles, frogs, birds and mammals are also reported, showing a better understanding of the mechanisms of toxicity of these insecticides in vertebrates, and their deleterious impacts on growth, reproduction and neurobehaviour of most of the species tested. This review concludes with a summary of impacts on the ecosystem services and functioning, particularly on pollination, soil biota and aquatic invertebrate communities, thus reinforcing the previous WIA conclusions (van der Sluijs et al. 2015)

Post-intervention Status in Patients With Refractory Myasthenia Gravis Treated With Eculizumab During REGAIN and Its Open-Label Extension

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether eculizumab helps patients with anti-acetylcholine receptor-positive (AChR+) refractory generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) achieve the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) post-intervention status of minimal manifestations (MM), we assessed patients' status throughout REGAIN (Safety and Efficacy of Eculizumab in AChR+ Refractory Generalized Myasthenia Gravis) and its open-label extension. METHODS: Patients who completed the REGAIN randomized controlled trial and continued into the open-label extension were included in this tertiary endpoint analysis. Patients were assessed for the MGFA post-intervention status of improved, unchanged, worse, MM, and pharmacologic remission at defined time points during REGAIN and through week 130 of the open-label study. RESULTS: A total of 117 patients completed REGAIN and continued into the open-label study (eculizumab/eculizumab: 56; placebo/eculizumab: 61). At week 26 of REGAIN, more eculizumab-treated patients than placebo-treated patients achieved a status of improved (60.7% vs 41.7%) or MM (25.0% vs 13.3%; common OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1-4.5). After 130 weeks of eculizumab treatment, 88.0% of patients achieved improved status and 57.3% of patients achieved MM status. The safety profile of eculizumab was consistent with its known profile and no new safety signals were detected. CONCLUSION: Eculizumab led to rapid and sustained achievement of MM in patients with AChR+ refractory gMG. These findings support the use of eculizumab in this previously difficult-to-treat patient population. CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER: REGAIN, NCT01997229; REGAIN open-label extension, NCT02301624. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class II evidence that, after 26 weeks of eculizumab treatment, 25.0% of adults with AChR+ refractory gMG achieved MM, compared with 13.3% who received placebo

Minimal Symptom Expression' in Patients With Acetylcholine Receptor Antibody-Positive Refractory Generalized Myasthenia Gravis Treated With Eculizumab

The efficacy and tolerability of eculizumab were assessed in REGAIN, a 26-week, phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive (AChR+) refractory generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG), and its open-label extension