Global seasonal prediction of fire danger.

The European Centre for Medium range weather forecast (ECMWF) on behalf of the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS) has recently widened the fire danger data offering in the Climate Data Store (CDS) to include a set of fire danger forecasts with lead times up to 7 months. The dataset incorporates fire danger indices for three different models developed in Canada, United States and Australia. The indices are calculated using ECMWF Seasonal Forecasting System 5 (SEAS5) and verified against the relevant reanalysis of fire danger based on the ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA5). The data set is made openly available for the period 1981 to 2023 and will be updated regularly providing a resource to assess the predictability of fire weather at the seasonal time scale. The data set complements the availability of seasonal forecast provided by the Copernicus Emergency Management Service in real time.A preliminary analysis shows that globally anomalous conditions for fire weather can be predicted with confidence 1 month ahead. In some regions the prediction can extend to 2 months ahead. In most situations beyond this horizon, forecasts do not show more skill than climatology. However an extended predictability window, up to 6-7 months ahead is possible when anomalous fire weather is the results of large scale phenomena such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation and the Indian Ocean Dipole, often conducive of extensive fire burning in regions such as Indonesia and Australia.

Wet Bulb Globe Temperature: Indicating Extreme Heat Risk on a Global Grid.

The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is an international standard heat index used by the health, industrial, sports, and climate sectors to assess thermal comfort during heat extremes. Observations of its components, the globe and the wet bulb temperature (WBT), are however sparse. Therefore WBGT is difficult to derive, making it common to rely on approximations, such as the ones developed by Liljegren et al. (2008, https://doi.org/10.1080/15459620802310770, W B G T L i l j e g r e n ) and by the American College of Sports Medicine ( W B G T A C S M 87 ). In this study, a global data set is created by implementing an updated WBGT method using ECMWF ERA5 gridded meteorological variables and is evaluated against existing WBGT methods. The new method, W B G T B r i m i c o m b e , uses globe temperature calculated using mean radiant temperature and is found to be accurate in comparison to W B G T L i l j e g r e n across three heatwave case studies. In addition, it is found that W B G T A C S M 87 is not an adequate approximation of WBGT. Our new method is a candidate for a global forecasting early warning system.

Disparities in Stroke Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Between Healthcare Systems in Brazil.

Introduction: Acute stroke interventions, such as stroke units and reperfusion therapy, have the potential to improve outcomes. However, there are many disparities in patient characteristics and access to the best stroke care. Thus, we aim to compare patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after stroke in two stroke centers representing the public and private healthcare systems in Brazil. Methods: PROMs through the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measures (ICHOM) were assessed at 90 days after the stroke to compare two Brazilian hospitals in southern Brazil: a public university and a private stroke center, both with stroke protocols and stroke units. Results: When compared with the private setting (n = 165), patients from the public hospital (n = 175) were younger, had poorer control of risk factors, had more frequent previous strokes, and arrived with more severe strokes. Both hospitals had a similar percentage of IV thrombolysis treatment. Only 5 patients received mechanical thrombectomy (MT), all in the private hospital. Public hospital patients presented significantly worse outcomes at 3 months, including worse quality of life and functional dependence (60 vs. 48%, p = 0.03). Poor outcome, as measured by the mRS score, was significantly associated with older age, higher NIHSS score, and the presence of heart failure. However, the public practice was a strong predictor of any self-reported disability. Conclusion: Patients assisted at a good quality public stroke center with the same protocol used in the private hospital presented worse disability as measured by mRS and patient-reported outcome measures, with greater inability to communicate, dress, toilet, feed, and walk.

Mastitis in dairy goats from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil: profiles of farms, risk factors and characterization of bactéria / Mastite em cabras de leite no estado de Minas Gerais: perfil de propriedades, fatores de risco e caracterização de bactérias

ABSTRACT: The Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais has a specialized goat milk production chain. Goat milk is superior in quality compared with milk of other domestic species, and the demand for milk and milk products for the public has increased. Data on dairy goat breeding in Minas Gerais are scarce and relatively old, and this lack of information has limited the implementation of prophylactic measures, especially for mastitis, which represents the biggest sanitary problem for dairy herds. The objective of this work was to characterize mastitis and bacteria associated with it in milking goats in the Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais. It also causes socioeconomic problems and market issues for dairy goat farming. A total of 539 lactating goats were examined and 268 individual samples (one for teat) were collected from animals positive for strip cup test and/or the California Mastitis Test (CMT). Microbiological cultures were carried out on blood agar medium and the bacteria were subjected to phenotypic, genotypic and antimicrobial susceptibility tests. The prevalence of subclinical mastitis was 28.0% and the clinical prevalence was 2.8%. Bacterial multiplication was obtained in 62% of samples. One hundred eighty seven total bacteria were identified. The most common species identified was Staphylococcus aureus (60%), followed Staphylococcus epidermidis (9.1%,), Escherichia coli (6.9%), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (5.9%) e Staphylococcus caprae (4.3%). Bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus presented a profile of resistance to antimicrobials belonging to the beta-lactam class (penicillin, ampicillin and oxacillin) in addition to tetracycline, in contrast to the other antimicrobials tested. Twelve percent of multidrug resistence (MDR) was found in five microregions. Among the bacteria with the highest prevalence of MDR, 38.5% were E. coli and 10.6% were S. aureus. The producers of the Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais are technicians who work with specialized dairy breeds and practise good management. However, some measures related to prophylaxis and control of diseases, such as vaccination, have low adherence or are not performed due to a lack of veterinary assistance. This is the first study focusing on this region, which is highly prominent in goat milk production in Brazil. It provides important information that can help in the implementation of measures for the prophylaxis and control of diseases, and for maintenance of a constant supply of products in sufficient quantities and of a quality suitable for the consumer population.

RESUMO: A Zona da Mata de Minas Gerais possui uma cadeia especializada de produção de leite de cabra. O leite de cabra é superior em qualidade em comparação com o leite de outras espécies domésticas, e a demanda por leite e produtos lácteos do público tem aumentado. Os dados sobre o sistema de criação de cabras leiteiras em Minas Gerais são escassos e relativamente antigos, e essa falta de informação limita a implementação de medidas profiláticas, especialmente para a mastite, que representa o maior problema sanitário nos rebanhos leiteiros. Isso também causa problemas socioeconômicos e problemas de mercado para a criação de cabras leiteiras. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a mastite e as bactérias associadas em cabras leiteiras na Zona da Mata de Minas Gerais. Um total de 539 cabras em lactação foi examinado e 268 amostras individuais (uma por teto) foram coletadas de animais positivos no teste da caneca de fundo escuro e/ou Califórnia Mastitis test (CMT). As culturas microbiológicas foram realizadas em meio Agar sangue e as bactérias foram submetidas a testes fenotípicos, genotípicos e testes de susceptibilidade antimicrobiana. A prevalência de mastite subclínica foi de 28,0% e a prevalência clínica foi de 2,8%. A multiplicação bacteriana foi obtida em 62,0% das amostras. Cento e oitenta e sete bactérias foram identificadas. As espécies mais identificadas foram: Staphylococcus aureus (60,4%), seguida de Staphylococcus epidermidis (9.1%,), Escherichia coli (6.9%), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (5.9%) e Staphylococcus caprae (4,3%) em ordem decrescente. As bactérias do gênero Staphylococcus apresentaram um perfil de resistência aos antimicrobianos pertencentes à classe de beta-lactâmicos - penicilina, ampicilina e oxacilina - além da tetraciclina, em contraste com os outros antimicrobianos testados. Doze por cento dos isolados apresentaram resistência múltipla a antibióticos (MDR) e foram encontrados em cinco microrregiões. Entre as bactérias com maior prevalência de MDR, 38,5% foram E. coli e 10,6% S. aureus. Os produtores da Zona da Mata de Minas Gerais são tecnificados, trabalham com raças leiteiras especializadas praticam e possuem bom manejo. No entanto, algumas medidas relacionadas à profilaxia e ao controle das doenças, como a vacinação, têm baixa adesão ou não são realizadas por falta de assistência veterinária. Este é o primeiro estudo com foco nesta região, que possui grande relevância na produção de leite de cabra no Brasil, fornecendo informações importantes que podem auxiliar na implementação de medidas de profilaxia e controle das doenças, e na manutenção de um fornecimento constante de produtos em quantidade e qualidade suficientemente adequada para a população consumidora.

[Bioceramic and polymeric bioactive composite implants in orbit zygomatic complex reconstruction: a new prospect for biomaterials]. / O uso de implantes de compósito bioativo de biocerâmica em matriz polimérica na reconstrução do complexo zigomático orbitário: novas perspectivas em biomateriais.

PURPOSE: To evaluate through clinical and tomographic parameters implant behavior in orbital zygomatic reconstruction in six patients. METHODS: The subjects for this preliminary study consisted of six anophthalmic socket patients (3 patients presented residual orbital zygomatic deformities after complex facial fractures and 3 patients presented orbital zygomatic retraction after enucleation and radiotherapy to treat retinoblastoma in infancy). These deformities were surgically corrected with this composite implant. This study was approved and authorized by the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Ethical Committee for Research in Human Subjects (ETIC 203/04). Clinical data and tomographic images were utilized to assess the outcome of this study. RESULTS: There were no complications and tomographic findings revealed no implant reactions or migration and a good maintenance of soft tissue projection in the operated areas was achieved. Success of outcome in this preliminary study were encouraging. CONCLUSION: This study will be continued enrolling a larger sample and longer follow-up. Composite biomaterials have presented a good outcome in facial reconstructive surgery. The composite implants in this group have a good biocompatibility and combined with national technology can reduce costs providing more possibilities to many more patients.

O uso de implantes de compósito bioativo de biocerâmica em matriz polimérica na reconstrução do complexo zigomático orbitário: novas perspectivas em biomateriais / Bioceramic and polymeric bioactive composite implants in orbit zygomatic complex reconstruction: a new prospect for biomaterials

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o uso de implantes de compósito de matriz polimérica e biocerâmica na reconstrução do complexo zigomático orbitário e seu comportamento através de variáveis clínicas e tomográficas em seis pacientes. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados seis pacientes portadores de deformidades faciais secundárias a fraturas órbito-zigomáticas graves (n=3) e a seqüelas da radioterapia e enucleação decorrentes do tratamento de retinoblastoma na infância. Este estudo foi submetido a avaliação e aprovação pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa envolvendo seres humanos da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, instituição aonde a pesquisa vêm sendo desenvolvida (ETIC203/04). RESULTADOS: Em um ano de acompanhamento após a implantação do material demonstraram ausência de reações inflamatórias locais. Os achados tomográficos demonstraram bom posicionamento do implante, não ocorrendo migrações ou deslocamentos, ausência de coleções ou reações de partes moles peri-implante e manutenção da projeção das partes moles suprajacentes ao implante na região da deformidade preexistente. CONCLUSÃO: Os compósitos têm demonstrado bons resultados para a reconstituição do esqueleto craniofacial. O biomaterial utilizado neste estudo alia biocompatibilidade à tecnologia nacional ampliando as possibilidades da sua utilização a menor custo.

PURPOSE: To evaluate through clinical and tomographic parameters implant behavior in orbital zygomatic reconstruction in six patients. METHODS: The subjects for this preliminary study consisted of six anophthalmic socket patients (3 patients presented residual orbital zygomatic deformities after complex facial fractures and 3 patients presented orbital zygomatic retraction after enucleation and radiotherapy to treat retinoblastoma in infancy). These deformities were surgically corrected with this composite implant. This study was approved and authorized by the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Ethical Committee for Research in Human Subjects (ETIC 203/04). Clinical data and tomographic images were utilized to assess the outcome of this study. RESULTS: There were no complications and tomographic findings revealed no implant reactions or migration and a good maintenance of soft tissue projection in the operated areas was achieved. Success of outcome in this preliminary study were encouraging. CONCLUSION: This study will be continued enrolling a larger sample and longer follow-up. Composite biomaterials have presented a good outcome in facial reconstructive surgery. The composite implants in this group have a good biocompatibility and combined with national technology can reduce costs providing more possibilities to many more patients.

Treatment of schistosomal myeloradiculopathy with praziquantel and corticosteroids and evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: The best treatment for schistosomal myeloradiculopathy (SMR) remains undefined. There is also no longitudinal study to estimate the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis and follow-up of this disease. METHODS: Patients with the following presentation were considered for study: lumbar and/or lower limb pain; lower limb weakness; anesthesia, hypoesthesia, or paresthesia; bladder and/or intestinal dysfunction; and sexual impotence. Sixteen patients with SMR were treated with oral praziquantel (50 mg/kg in a single dose) and methylprednisolone (15 mg/kg/day intravenously for 5 days) followed by prednisone (1 mg/kg/day orally for 6 months). Clinical outcome was prospectively evaluated in months 2 and 6 of treatment. RESULTS: Image alterations were detected by MRI at diagnosis for all patients, and normalization or improvement was reported at the end of treatment. There was statistically significant clinical melioration at both the second and sixth months of therapy for most neurological alterations. However, the best clinical outcome was achieved when the steroid was given for >2 months. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with praziquantel associated with corticosteroids was successful in all cases. MRI proved to be a good method for the diagnosis of SMR and helpful in the evaluation of response to treatment.

[Schistosomal myeloradiculopathy]. / Mielorradiculopatia esquistossomótica.

Schistosomal myeloradiculopathy is the most severe and disabling ectopic form of schistosomiasis mansoni. Its prevalence in endemic areas has been underestimated. The diagnosis relies on the presence of low thoracic/upper lumbar neurological symptoms, demonstration of the Schistosoma mansoni infection by microscopic or serologic techniques, and exclusion of other causes of transverse myelitis. When treatment with antischistosomal drugs and corticosteroids is started early, the clinical response is surprisingly good and those left untreated do not improve and frequently die. There is no consensus about doses and duration of treatment, but a recent study suggests that when steroids are given for at least 6 months clinical improvement is enhanced. As the diagnosis of SMR is presumptive and treatment is essentially clinical, physicians should be aware of the disease and more research is needed to increase the accuracy of the diagnostic methods and, hence, to avoid routine laminectomy. With the advent of magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord the diagnosis of this ectopic form of the disease was facilitated. In accordance, the number of cases of schistosomal myelopathy reported is increasing rapidly.

Temporal bone involvement in cherubism: case report.

Cherubism is a rare benign hereditary fibro-osseous disease involving the mandible and maxilla. We report a case of cherubism in a 10-year-old girl for which the panoramic radiograph was insufficient for diagnosis of the disease. Clinical, histological, and radiological findings were discussed. The CT was taken and it confirmed not only the involvement of the jaws but also of the temporal bone. This was not found in the conventional radiograph.

Mielorradiculopatia esquistossomótica / Schistosomal myeloradiculopathy

A mielorradiculopatia esquistossomótica é a forma ectópica mais grave e incapacitante da infecção pelo Schistosoma mansoni. A sua prevalência em área endêmica tem sido subestimada. O diagnóstico baseia-se na presença de sintomas neurológicos decorrentes de lesões da medula espinhal em nível torácico baixo e/ou lombar alto, na demonstração da infecção esquistossomótica por técnicas microscópicas ou sorológicas e na exclusão de outras causas de mielite transversa. O tratamento precoce, com esquistossomicidas e corticoesteróides, mostra-se eficaz na maioria dos casos e os pacientes não tratados não se recuperam ou morrem. Não há consenso sobre doses e duração do tratamento, mas estudo recente sugere que os corticoesteróides devam ser usados por pelo menos seis meses. Como o diagnóstico é presuntivo e o tratamento essencialmente clínico, há que se manter alerta para a presença da doença, aperfeiçoar a propedêutica e, dessa forma, evitar-se a laminectomia rotineira. Com o advento da ressonância magnética da medula espinhal houve grande avanço no diagnóstico da esquistossomose medular. Como conseqüência, o número de casos de mielopatia esquistossomótica relatados tem aumentado rapidamente.

Temporal bone involvement in Cherubism: case report

O querubismo é uma doença fibro-óssea benigna, hereditária, e que envolve maxila e mandíbula. Nós descrevemos um caso de uma menina de 10 anos de idade cuja radiografia panorâmica foi insuficiente para o diagnóstico da doença. Os achados clínicos, histológicos e radiográficos foram discutidos. Realizou-se, então, uma TC que não só confirmou o envolvimento de maxila e mandíbula mas também o comprometimento do osso temporal, o que não é visualizado em radiografias convencionais.