Dysgeusia increases the risk for death and other side effects during antineoplastic systemic treatment for solid tumors: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy (QT) is a systemic treatment using a combination of antineoplastic drugs, orally or intravenously, that inhibit tumor growth and fast-growing normal cells. Due to its nonspecificity, chemotherapy can cause a series of adverse effects, such as altered taste (dysgeusia), associated with malnutrition and, consequently, other adverse effects in the gastrointestinal tract and increased mortality risk. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of dysgeusia on the incidence of other adverse effects and overall survival during antineoplastic chemotherapy (chemotherapy). MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Electronic Health Record system of the Cancer Institute of Ceará over two years. Before the CT session, the multi-professional team evaluated the patient for the presence and severity of adverse effects (AE), using scores from the CTCAE v5.0 scale. Dysgeusia scores were collected and associated with clinical pathological data, with other adverse effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, oral mucositis, anorexia, constipation), and with overall survival. Chi-square and Mantel-Cox log-rank tests were used. RESULTS: Of 5744 patients evaluated, dysgeusia presented a frequency of 50.6%, being directly associated with female gender (p=0.001), overweight (p=0.022), high tumor stages (p=0.009), a combination of adjuvant and neoadjuvant (p=0.010) and four-year survival (p=0.030). Dysgeusia frequency was directly associated with diarrhea (p<0.001), anorexia (p<0.001), oral mucositis (p<0.001), nausea (p<0.001), constipation (p<0.001) and vomiting (p<0.001), and inversely associated with fatigue (p=0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Dysgeusia during CT increases the risk of other adverse effects and negatively impacts prognosis.

Alpha 1-acid glycoprotein is upregulated in severe COVID-19 patients and decreases neutrophil NETs in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Orosomucoid, or alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP), is a major acute-phase protein expressed in response to systemic injury and inflammation. AGP has been described as an inhibitor of neutrophil migration on sepsis, particularly its immunomodulation effects. AGP's biological functions in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are not understood. We sought to investigate the role of AGP in severe COVID-19 infection patients and neutrophils infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Epidemiological data, AGP levels, and other laboratory parameters were measured in blood samples from 56 subjects hospitalized in the ICU with SARS-CoV-2 infection. To evaluate the role of AGP in NETosis in neutrophils, blood samples from health patients were collected, and neutrophils were separated and infected with SARS-CoV-2. Those neutrophils were treated with AGP or vehicle, and NETosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. AGP was upregulated in severe COVID-19 patients (p<0.05). AGP level was positively correlated with IL-6 and C-reactive protein (respectively, p=0.005, p=0.002) and negatively correlated with lactate (p=0.004). AGP treatment downregulated early and late NETosis (respectively, 35.7% and 43.5%) in neutrophils infected with SARS-CoV-2 and up-regulated IL-6 supernatant culture expression (p<0.0001). Our data showed increased AGP in COVID-19 infection and contributed to NETosis regulation and increased IL-6 production, possibly related to the Cytokine storm in COVID-19.

Progressive fibrotic interstitial lung disease.

Many interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) share mechanisms that result in a progressive fibrosing phenotype. In Brazil, the most common progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (PF-ILDs) are chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, unclassified ILD, and connective tissue diseases. PF-ILD is seen in approximately 30% of patients with ILD. Because PF-ILD is characterized by disease progression after initiation of appropriate treatment, a diagnosis of the disease resulting in fibrosis is critical. Different criteria have been proposed to define progressive disease, including worsening respiratory symptoms, lung function decline, and radiological evidence of disease progression. Although the time elapsed between diagnosis and progression varies, progression can occur at any time after diagnosis. Several factors indicate an increased risk of progression and death. In the last few years, antifibrotic drugs used in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis have been tested in patients with PF-ILD. The effects of nintedanib and placebo have been compared in patients with PF-ILD, a mean difference of 107.0 mL/year being observed, favoring nintedanib. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency have approved the use of nintedanib in such patients on the basis of this finding. Pirfenidone has been evaluated in patients with unclassified ILD and in patients with other ILDs, the results being similar to those for nintedanib. More studies are needed in order to identify markers of increased risk of progression in patients with ILD and determine the likelihood of response to treatment with standard or new drugs.

Concentration of inverted repeats along human DNA.

This work aims to describe the observed enrichment of inverted repeats in the human genome; and to identify and describe, with detailed length profiles, the regions with significant and relevant enriched occurrence of inverted repeats. The enrichment is assessed and tested with a recently proposed measure (z-scores based measure). We simulate a genome using an order 7 Markov model trained with the data from the real genome. The simulated genome is used to establish the critical values which are used as decision thresholds to identify the regions with significant enriched concentrations. Several human genome regions are highly enriched in the occurrence of inverted repeats. This is observed in all the human chromosomes. The distribution of inverted repeat lengths varies along the genome. The majority of the regions with severely exaggerated enrichment contain mainly short length inverted repeats. There are also regions with regular peaks along the inverted repeats lengths distribution (periodic regularities) and other regions with exaggerated enrichment for long lengths (less frequent). However, adjacent regions tend to have similar distributions.

Numerical Simulations of the Low-Velocity Impact Response of Semicylindrical Woven Composite Shells.

This paper presents an efficient and reliable approach to study the low-velocity impact response of woven composite shells using 3D finite element models that account for the physical intralaminar and interlaminar progressive damage. The authors' previous work on the experimental assessment of the effect of thickness on the impact response of semicylindrical composite laminated shells served as the basis for this paper. Therefore, the finite element models were put to the test in comparison to the experimental findings. A good agreement was obtained between the numerical predictions and experimental data for the load and energy histories as well as for the maximum impact load, maximum displacement, and contact time. The use of the mass-scaling technique was successfully implemented, reducing considerably the computing cost of the solutions. The maximum load, maximum displacement, and contact time are negligibly affected by the choice of finite element mesh discretization. However, it has an impact on the initiation and progression of interlaminar damage. Therefore, to accurately compute delamination, its correct definition is of upmost importance. The validation of these finite element models opens the possibility for further numerical studies on of woven composite shells and enables shortening the time and expenses associated with the experimental testing.

Progressive fibrotic interstitial lung disease / Doença pulmonar intersticial fibrosante progressiva

ABSTRACT Many interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) share mechanisms that result in a progressive fibrosing phenotype. In Brazil, the most common progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (PF-ILDs) are chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, unclassified ILD, and connective tissue diseases. PF-ILD is seen in approximately 30% of patients with ILD. Because PF-ILD is characterized by disease progression after initiation of appropriate treatment, a diagnosis of the disease resulting in fibrosis is critical. Different criteria have been proposed to define progressive disease, including worsening respiratory symptoms, lung function decline, and radiological evidence of disease progression. Although the time elapsed between diagnosis and progression varies, progression can occur at any time after diagnosis. Several factors indicate an increased risk of progression and death. In the last few years, antifibrotic drugs used in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis have been tested in patients with PF-ILD. The effects of nintedanib and placebo have been compared in patients with PF-ILD, a mean difference of 107.0 mL/year being observed, favoring nintedanib. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency have approved the use of nintedanib in such patients on the basis of this finding. Pirfenidone has been evaluated in patients with unclassified ILD and in patients with other ILDs, the results being similar to those for nintedanib. More studies are needed in order to identify markers of increased risk of progression in patients with ILD and determine the likelihood of response to treatment with standard or new drugs.

RESUMO Muitas doenças pulmonares intersticiais (DPI) compartilham mecanismos que resultam em um fenótipo fibrosante progressivo. No Brasil, as doenças pulmonares intersticiais fibrosantes progressivas (DPI-FP) mais comuns são a pneumonite de hipersensibilidade crônica, a fibrose pulmonar idiopática, a DPI não classificada e as doenças do tecido conjuntivo. A DPI-FP é observada em aproximadamente 30% dos pacientes com DPI. Como a DPI-FP é caracterizada pela progressão da doença após o início do tratamento adequado, é fundamental diagnosticar a doença que resulta em fibrose. Diferentes critérios foram propostos para definir doença progressiva, incluindo piora dos sintomas respiratórios, declínio da função pulmonar e evidências radiológicas de progressão da doença. Embora o tempo decorrido entre o diagnóstico e a progressão varie, a progressão pode ocorrer a qualquer momento após o diagnóstico. Vários fatores indicam risco aumentado de progressão e morte. Nos últimos anos, antifibróticos usados em pacientes com fibrose pulmonar idiopática foram testados em pacientes com DPI-FP. Os efeitos do nintedanibe e placebo foram comparados em pacientes com DPI-FP, com diferença média de 107,0 mL/ano a favor do nintedanibe. A Food and Drug Administration (EUA) e a Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária aprovaram o uso do nintedanibe em tais pacientes com base nesse achado. A pirfenidona foi avaliada em pacientes com DPI não classificada e em pacientes com outras DPI, e os resultados foram semelhantes aos do nintedanibe. Mais estudos são necessários para identificar marcadores de risco aumentado de progressão em pacientes com DPI e determinar a probabilidade de resposta ao tratamento com medicamentos-padrão ou novos.

Performance assessment of spatio-temporal regression kriging with GAMLSS models as trends.

The main objective of this study is to propose different probabilistic models for adjusting the trend component, since it significantly influences the quality of the spatio-temporal interpolation of rainfalls. We used the monthly total precipitation data of the São Francisco River Basin (SFRB) for the period of 31 years, 1989-2019. The SFRB occupies 8% of the whole Brazilian territory, mostly located in the Northeast Brazilian region. For the trend component, we propose the fitted GAMLSS models by comparing different probability distribution families, which in most cases include the characteristics of these data. The results indicate the existence of a spatio-temporal pattern of the residues obtained from the adjustment of the trend with zero adjusted Gamma distribution for the accumulated monthly precipitation. The adjustment revealed a spatial dependence of up to 873 km between the pluviometric stations and temporal autocorrelation of approximately 1.6 months. The methodology used in this study enabled us to create rainfall maps, interpolating unobserved locations in differences years. The projection of these maps to the SFRB is considered extremely important for planning and implementing activities related to water resources across the river basin.

Endocardite tardia na valva Melody: experiência multicêntrica no Brasil / Melody valve delayed endocarditis: multicentric experience in Brazil

INTRODUÇÃO E/OU FUNDAMENTOS: A valva Melody, indicada para revalvularização percutânea pulmonar, tem sido usada no Brasil desde 2013. Nos EUA a probabilidade de endocardite (EI) tardia é de 9,5% em 5 anos e 16,9% em 8 anos (mortalidade de 6,7%). Gradientes residuais (GR), faixa etária no implante e história prévia de EI têm sido implicados como fatores de risco. No Brasil, onde encontramos uma população heterogenea, não temos esta informação. Objetivo é determinar a incidência e os desfechos da EI tardia após implante de Melody no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte observacional, retrospectivo, de pacientes submetidos a implante da Melody. Todos os centros implantadores foram contatados para reportar o número total de implantes e dos casos de EI, incluindo o momento do diagnóstico, manejo e o desfecho final. O diagnóstico de EI foi baseado em critérios clínicos, culturas, ecocardiograma e, por vezes, tomografia. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: 87 pacientes foram submetidos ao implante em 10 centros no Brasil. Em 9 anos de seguimento, 7 pacientes tiveram EI tardia (8,0%), com 2 óbitos (2,2% do total e 28% dos casos de EI). Em 3 pacientes o quadro foi agudo e em 4 sub-agudo. Um caso acometeu uma criança, sendo o restante em adultos, todos após 1 ano ou mais do implante. Um paciente possuía GR elevado previamente por "mismatch". A EI foi associada a piora importante do gradiente em 3 pacientes: um submetido a dilatação com balão e os outros 2 a troca valvar, com 1 óbito após cirurgia tardia. Os germes identificados foram S. aureus (1), S. viridans (1), Pseudomonas (1) e S. Cristatus (1). Em 3 pacientes as hemoculturas foram negativas. O manejo incluiu, além da antibioticoterapia, explante valvar em 3 (um óbito em paciente crítico, estenose grave e falência do VD), valvoplastia com balão em 1 e tratamento conservador em 3 (com 1 óbito devido a embolia pulmonar). Dos 7 casos de EI, em 4 identificamos fatores de risco que poderiam ter sido evitados: injeção intramuscular de anabolizantes, tratamento dentário sem profilaxia adequada, presença de piercing e tatuagem e história prévia de EI. Nos 4 casos curados nos quais a Melody foi mantida, observou-se estenose e/ou insuficiência discreta a moderada da valva. CONCLUSOES: A incidência de EI tardia na valva Melody no Brasil é significativa, mas não difere significativamente dos dados de literatura. Encontramos fatores de risco diferentes dos relatados previamente, muitos deles evitáveis. Além da incidência significativa, a EI pode se apresentar de forma aguda e ser letal.

Experiência nacional com o implante percutâneo da prótese MyVal na posição pulmonar / National experience with the percutaneous implantation of the MyVal prosthesis in the pulmonary position

INTRODUÇÃO E/OU FUNDAMENTOS: O implante percutâneo da valva pulmonar tem sido realizado há mais de 20 anos, principalmente nos condutos e biopróteses na via de saída do ventrículo direito (VSVD). Algumas limitações são observadas com os sistemas disponíveis atuais incluindo diâmetros finais limitados a 22 mm (Melody) e/ou necessidade de bainhas de alto perfil (22-24 F) e rigidez do sistema (Sapien S3). O objetivo é avaliar a factibilidade, segurança e eficácia do implante da prótese MyVal (Meril) na posição pulmonar. MÉTODOS: Estudo piloto prospectivo observacional de pacientes com disfunção da VSVD (estenose e/ou insuficiência) necessitando de revalvularização segundo critérios clínicos. O procedimento foi realizado sob anestesia geral e a prótese MyVal colocada através de sistema 14-16 Fr após teste de complacência da VSVD e de compressão coronária. O seguimento foi clínico e ecocardiográfico. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: Oito pacientes (5 a 67 anos; 15-80 kgs) com VSVD disfuncional (2 condutos; 3 biopróteses; 2 com retalho transanular e uma nativa) foram submetidos ao procedimento com sucesso. Foram usadas próteses de 20 a 32 mm (estas nas VSVD mais dilatadas). Com exceção da criança de 15 kgs, não houve dificuldades para avanço do sistema. O implante no local desejado foi obtido em todos os casos com redução significativa do gradiente e/ou abolição da insuficiência. A criança de 15 kgs apresentou trombose femoral após. Em um seguimento variando de 1 mês a 1 ano e meio a função valvar permanece preservada na ecocadiografia. Houve melhora significativa da classe funcional. CONCLUSÕES: O implante da prótese MyVal na posição pulmonar foi factível, seguro e eficaz no curto prazo nesta experiência inicial. O sistema de menor perfil e mais flexível se mostrou versátil permitindo também abordar crianças pequenas. As VSVD dilatadas com ou sem retalhos puderam ser revalvularizadas com próteses 32 mm. Estudos com mais pacientes e com maior seguimento são necessários.

Implante percutâneo valvar em biopróteses cirúrgicas na posição tricúspide em pacientes com cardiopatias congênitas / Percutaneous valve implantation in surgical bioprostheses in the tricuspid position in patients with congenital heart disease

INTRODUÇÃO E/OU FUNDAMENTOS: Algumas cardiopatias congênitas cursam com anormalidades na valva tricúspide que requerem plastia ou troca valvar. A durabilidade das biopróteses na posição tricúspide é baixa com necessidade de reintervenção de cerca 50% em 5 anos. O implante percutâneo valvar dentro destas próteses ("valve-in-valve") tem sido descrito com resultados animadores. O objetivo é relatar a experiência inicial com este procedimento. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo observacional de pacientes previamente operados de cardiopatias congênitas com bipróteses com disfunção (estenose e/ou insuficiência) em posição tricúspide submetidos a revalvularização percutânea. Foram utilizadas as próteses Melody, Sapien XT e S3 e MyVal por via femoral ou jugular. A escolha do diâmetro foi 1-3 mm maior que o anel interno protético. O seguimento foi clínico e ecocardiográfico. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: Sete pacientes (11 a 35 anos; 32-80 kgs) previamente operados (4 Ebstein, 2 Fallot e 1 EPV crítica) com bioprótese tricúspide foram submetidos ao procedimento com sucesso e implante na posição desejada. A valva Melody implantada a 24 mm apresentou insuficiência moderada. Nas 3 biopróteses S3 e MyVal implantadas a 26-30 mm o funcionamento valvar foi adequado com abolição do gradiente e da insuficiência. Uma paciente apresentou bloqueio AV total revertido com corticóide 2 semanas após. Um paciente (da Melody) com anemia falciforme faleceu de sepsis 1 ano depois. Em um seguimento variando de 1 mês a 3 anos a função valvar permaneceu preservada na ecocadiografia nos 6 pacientes com melhora significativa da classe funcional. Conclusões: Nesta experiência inicial, a revalvularização percutânea da bioprótese tricúspide foi factível, segura e eficaz no curto prazo. Próteses disponíveis em diâmetros maiores (S3 e MyVal) parecem ser mais adequadas.

Reabilitação percutânea dos condutos extra cardíacos no PO tardio de Fontan. Para que esperar por complicações? / Percutaneous rehabilitation of extracardiac conduits in the late postoperative period of Fontan. Why wait for complications?

INTRODUÇÃO E/OU FUNDAMENTOS: Pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de Fontan podem apresentar complicações tardias que incluem congestão venosa crônica, hepatopatia, enteropatia perdedora de proteínas, bronquite plástica entre outros. Com o crescimento somático, os condutos colocados aos 2-5 anos de idade com diâmetros entre 16-20 mm se alongam longitudinalmente causando redução progressiva do diâmetro interno. Tal fenômeno pode estar envolvido nas complicações descritas. Objetivo é relatar nossa experiência com a reabilitação percutânea tardia destes condutos. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional de pacientes com complicações tardias de Fontan com redução significativa do diâmetro do conduto externo na angiografia em PA ou perfil. A presença de gradientes não foi considerada como parâmetro para intervenção. Stents implantados com diâmetros de 18-20 mm foram usados. O seguimento constou de reavaliação clínica e laboratorial. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: Quatro pacientes (mediana idade 18 anos) foram submetidos ao procedimento com sucesso e sem complicações. Três deles apresentavam sinais e sintomas de enteropatia perdedora de proteínas e o outro congestão venosa crônica e hepatopatia. Não foram observados gradientes de pressão no conduto. Entretanto, todos apresentavam dilatação significativa da VCI e supra-hepáticas com estase local. Os diâmetros médios dos condutos aumentaram de 12 +/- 3 para 19 +/- 2 mm. Alta hospitalar foi dada no dia seguinte. Todos apresentaram melhora dos parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais no seguimento. CONCLUSÕES: A reabilitação percutânea dos condutos extra cardíaco usados na Cirurgia de Fontan é uma modalidade terapêutica simples, segura e eficaz no manejo de possíveis complicações tardias. Postulamos que todos os pacientes no PO tardio de Fontan devam ser submetidos a investigação da redução do lumen do conduto após o estirão da puberdade e submetidos a este tipo de tratamento antes que possíveis complicações tardias se instalem. Esta conduta profilática mais agressiva deve ser investigada em experiências futuras com maior número de pacientes.

A Method for Statistical Processing of Magnetic Field Sensor Signals for Non-Invasive Condition Monitoring of Synchronous Generators.

Condition monitoring of synchronous generators through non-invasive methods is widely requested by maintenance teams for not interfering the machine operation. Among the techniques used, external magnetic field monitoring is a recent strategy with great potential for detecting incipient faults. In this context, this paper proposes the application of a simple strategy with low computational cost to process data of external magnetic field time derivative signals for the purposes of condition monitoring and fault detection in synchronous machines. The information of interest is extracted from changes in the magnetic signature of the synchronous generator, obtained from frequency spectra of monitored signals using induction magnetic field sensors. The process forms a set of time series that reflects constructive and operational characteristics of the machine. The Shewhart control chart method is applied for anomaly detection in these time series, allowing the detection of changes in the machine magnetic signature. This method is employed in an algorithm for continuous condition monitoring of synchronous generators, presenting as output a global change indicator for the multivariable problem associated with magnetic signature monitoring. Correlation matrices are used to improve the algorithm response, filtering series with similar variation patterns associated with detected events. The proposed method is validated through tests on an experimental bench that allows the controlled imposition of faults in a synchronous generator. The proposed global change indicator allows the automatic detection of stator and rotor faults with the machine synchronized with the commercial power grid. The proposed methodology is also applied on data obtained from an equipment installed in a 305 MVA synchronous generator of a hydroelectric power plant where the evolution of an incipient fault, i.e., a mechanical vibration fault, has been detected.

Risk factors for oral mucositis during chemotherapy treatment for solid tumors: a retrospective STROBE-guided study.

BACKGROUND: This study retrospectively analyzed the risk factors for transchemotherapy oral mucositis (OM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Before each chemotherapy cycle, patients were routinely evaluated for the presence/severity of OM based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0 scale for adverse effects and graded as follows: However, specific conditions such as mucositis are graded on a five-point scale: 0, absence of mucositis, grade 1 (Asymptomatic or mild), 2 (Presence of pain and moderate ulceration, without interference with food intake), 3 (severe pain with interference with food intake) or 4 (Life-threatening with the need for urgent intervention). Information from 2 years of evaluations was collected and patient medical records were reviewed to obtain data on chemotherapy cycle, sex, age, body mass index, body surface area, primary tumor, chemotherapy protocol, and history of head and neck radiotherapy. The X² test and multinomial logistic regression were used for statistical analysis (SPSS 20.0, p<0.05). RESULTS: Among 19,000 total evaluations of 3,529 patients during 5.32±4.7 chemotherapy cycles (CT) the prevalence of OM was 6.3% (n=1,195). Chemotherapy duration (p<0.001), female sex (p=0.001), adjuvant intention (p=0.008) and the use of carboplatin (p=0.001), cisplatin (p=0.029), docetaxel (p<0.001) and bevacizumab (p=0.026) independently increased the risk of mucositis. In head and neck tumors, 2018 year (p=0.017), chemotherapy duration (p=0.018), BMI>30 (p=0.008), radiotherapy (p=0.037) and use of carboplatin (p=0.046) and cyclophosphamide (p=0.010) increased this prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Cycles of chemotherapy, sex, cytotoxicity drugs, bevacizumab and head and neck radiotherapy increase the risk of OM in solid tumors.

Remote sensing-based assessment of land degradation and drought impacts over terrestrial ecosystems in Northeastern Brazil.

The spatio-temporal assessment of water and carbon fluxes in Brazil's Northeast region (NEB) allows for a better understanding of these surface flux patterns in areas with different vegetation physiognomies. The NEB is divided into four biomes: Amazon, Cerrado, Caatinga, and Atlantic Forest. Land degradation is a growing problem, particularly in susceptible areas of the Caatinga biome, such as the seasonally dry tropical forest. Furthermore, this region has experienced climatic impacts, such as severe droughts. Due to increasing human pressure, the Caatinga's natural land cover undergoes drastic changes, making it a region particularly vulnerable to desertification. In this study, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) estimates of evapotranspiration (ET) and gross primary production (GPP) were validated in two contrasting areas, dense Caatinga and sparse Caatinga, using eddy covariance (EC) data and then investigated their behavior over 21 years (2000-2021) for the NEB. MODIS products explained around 60% of the variations in ET and GPP, showing higher accuracy in dense Caatinga, while areas of sparse Caatinga presented the lowest GPP, indicating that land degradation has reduced the photosynthetic activity of the vegetation in this area. Based on the analysis of ET and GPP over 21 years, we observed a greater dependence of the sparse Caatinga on climate variability, demonstrating a stronger resilience of dense Caatinga to climate effects. In comparison with the other biomes of the NEB region, we found lower rates of ET and GPP in the Caatinga biome, with averages similar to the Sparse Caatinga. In comparison with the other biomes in the NEB region, we found the lowest averages of ET and GPP in the Caatinga biome, similar to values found in the sparse Caatinga. In forest areas, similar to the monitored DC, they allowed the Caatinga to behave closer to the other biomes present in the region.

Effects of human-induced land degradation on water and carbon fluxes in two different Brazilian dryland soil covers.

The Brazilian semiarid region presents a physical water scarcity and high seasonal and interannual irregularities of precipitation, known as a region with periodic droughts. This region is mainly covered by the Caatinga biome, recognized as a Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest (SDTF). Soil water availability directly impacts the ecosystem's functioning, characterized by low fertility and sparse vegetation cover during the dry season, making it a fragile ecosystem vulnerable to climatic variations. Additionally, this region has been suffering from several issues due to human activities over the centuries, which has resulted in extensive areas being severely degraded, which aggravates the impacts from climatic variations and the susceptibility to desertification. Thus, studying the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum in this region can help better understand the seasonal and annual behavior of the water and carbon fluxes. This study investigated the dynamics of water and carbon fluxes during four years (2013-2016) by using eddy covariance (EC) measurements within two areas of Caatinga (dense Caatinga (DC) and sparse Caatinga (SC)) that suffered anthropic pressures. The two study areas showed similar behavior in relation to physical parameters (air temperature, incoming radiation, vapor pressure deficit, and relative humidity), except for soil temperature. The SC area presented a surface temperature of 3 °C higher than the DC, related to their vegetation cover differences. The SC area had higher annual evapotranspiration, representing 74% of the precipitation for the DC area and 90% for the SC area. The two areas acted as a carbon sink during the study period, with the SC area showing a lower CO2 absorption capacity. On average, the DC area absorbs 2.5 times more carbon than the SC area, indicating that Caatinga deforestation affects evaporative fluxes, reducing atmospheric carbon fixation and influencing the ability to mitigate the effects of increased greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in plasma are altered and associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients.

Respiratory symptoms are one of COVID-19 manifestations, and the metalloproteinases (MMPs) have essential roles in the lung physiology. We sought to characterize the plasmatic levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in patients with severe COVID-19 and to investigate an association between plasma MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels and clinical outcomes and mortality. MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in plasma from patients with COVID-19 treated in the ICU (COVID-19 group) and Control patients were measured with the zymography. The study groups were matched for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, BMI, and obesity profile. MMP-2 levels were lower and MMP-9 levels were higher in a COVID-19 group (p < 0.0001) compared to Controls. MMP-9 levels in COVID-19 patients were not affected by comorbidity such as hypertension or obesity. MMP-2 levels were affected by hypertension (p < 0.05), but unaffected by obesity status. Notably, hypertensive COVID-19 patients had higher MMP-2 levels compared to the non-hypertensive COVID-19 group, albeit still lower than Controls (p < 0.05). No association between MMP-2 and MMP-9 plasmatic levels and corticosteroid treatment or acute kidney injury was found in COVID-19 patients. The survival analysis showed that COVID-19 mortality was associated with increased MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels. Age, hypertension, BMI, and MMP-2 and MMP-9 were better predictors of mortality during hospitalization than SAPS3 and SOFA scores at hospital admission. In conclusion, a significant association between MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels and COVID-19 was found. Notably, MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels predicted the risk of in-hospital death suggesting possible pathophysiologic and prognostic roles.

Development of a Real-Time Surface Solar Radiation Measurement System Based on the Internet of Things (IoT).

The determination of the levels of solar radiation incident on the terrestrial surface (W·m-2) is essential for several areas such as architecture, agriculture, health, power generation, telecommunications, and climate forecasting models. The high cost of acquiring and maintaining radiometric equipment makes it difficult to create and expand monitoring networks. It contributes to the limited Brazilian radiometric network and affects the understanding and availability of this variable. This paper presents the development of a new surface solar radiation measurement system based on silicon photodiodes (Si) with a spectral range between 300 nm and 1400 nm incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) technology with an estimated cost of USD 200. The proposed system can provide instantaneous surface solar radiation levels, connectivity to wireless networks and an exclusive web system for monitoring data. For the sake of comparison, the results were compared with those provided by a government meteorology station (INMet). The prototype validation resulted in determination coefficients (R2) greater than 0.95 while the statistical analysis referred to the results and uncertainties for the range of ±500 kJ·m-2, less than 4.0% for the developed prototypes. The proposed system operates similarly to pyranometers based on thermopiles providing reliable readings, a low acquisition and maintenance cost, autonomous operation, and applicability in the most varied climatological and energy research types. The developed system is pending a patent at the National Institute of Industrial Property under registration BR1020200199846.

Executive Summary: Diagnosis and Evaluation of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this summary is to provide a synopsis of evidence-based and consensus-derived guidance for clinicians to improve individual diagnostic decision-making for hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and decrease diagnostic practice variability. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Approved panelists developed key questions regarding the diagnosis of HP using the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcome) format. MEDLINE (via PubMed) and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for relevant literature, which was supplemented by manual searches. References were screened for inclusion and vetted evaluation tools were used to assess the quality of included studies, to extract data, and to grade the level of evidence supporting each recommendation or statement. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach. Graded recommendations and ungraded consensus-based statements were drafted and voted on using a modified Delphi technique to achieve consensus. RESULTS: The systematic review of the literature based on 14 PICO questions resulted in 14 key action statements: 12 evidence-based, graded recommendations, and 2 ungraded consensus-based statements. All evidence was of very low quality. INTERPRETATION: Diagnosis of HP should employ a patient-centered approach and include a multidisciplinary assessment that incorporates the environmental and occupational exposure history and CT pattern to establish diagnostic confidence prior to considering BAL and/or lung biopsy. Additional research is needed on the performance characteristics and generalizability of exposure assessment tools and traditional and new diagnostic tests in modifying clinical decision-making for HP, particularly among those with a provisional diagnosis.

Diagnosis and Evaluation of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this analysis is to provide evidence-based and consensus-derived guidance for clinicians to improve individual diagnostic decision-making for hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and decrease diagnostic practice variability. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Approved panelists developed key questions regarding the diagnosis of HP using the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) format. MEDLINE (via PubMed) and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for relevant literature, which was supplemented by manual searches. References were screened for inclusion, and vetted evaluation tools were used to assess the quality of included studies, to extract data, and to grade the level of evidence supporting each recommendation or statement. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach. Graded recommendations and ungraded consensus-based statements were drafted and voted on using a modified Delphi technique to achieve consensus. A diagnostic algorithm is provided, using supporting data from the recommendations where possible, along with expert consensus to help physicians gauge the probability of HP. RESULTS: The systematic review of the literature based on 14 PICO questions resulted in 14 key action statements: 12 evidence-based, graded recommendations and 2 ungraded consensus-based statements. All evidence was of very low quality. INTERPRETATION: Diagnosis of HP should employ a patient-centered approach and include a multidisciplinary assessment that incorporates the environmental and occupational exposure history and CT pattern to establish diagnostic confidence prior to considering BAL and/or lung biopsy. Criteria are presented to facilitate diagnosis of HP. Additional research is needed on the performance characteristics and generalizability of exposure assessment tools and traditional and new diagnostic tests in modifying clinical decision-making for HP, particularly among those with a provisional diagnosis.