Densità di popolazione e SARS-CoV-2: uno studio epidemiologico di urban health.

Despite SARS-CoV-2 transmission being a complex phenomenon, greater population density seems to be a risk factor. The aim of this study was to analyze through an epidemiologic urban health approach the relationship between population density and SARS-CoV-2 incidence using data which are comparable with regard to testing strategies. All 10,300 SARS-CoV-2 confirmed cases between October and December 2020 were included. We conducted separate analysis by gender standardizing and stratifying by age and month. In the Province Capital (p.d.=765 inhabitants/km2), standardized SARS-CoV-2 incidence rate was higher than the expected, both in men (SIR=1.17, 95%CI=1.12;1.22, p<0.0001) and women (SIR=1.20, 95%CI=1.15;1.25, p<0.0001). In municipalities with p.d. >200 inhabitants/km2, standardized SARS-CoV-2 incidence rate was similar to the expected (p>0.05). In municipalities with p.d. <200 inhabitants/km2, standardized SARS-CoV-2 incidence rate was lower than the expected, both in men (SIR=0.85, 95%CI=0.81;0.90, p<0.0001) and women (SIR=0.84, 95%CI=0.80;0.88, p<0.0001). Stratified analysis by months with likelihood ratio test showed heterogeneity of the p.d. effect in men and women (p<0.05). SARS-CoV-2 incidence rate seemed to be higher in most densely populated areas, both in men and women. Our results confirmed the great importance of restrictive measures as well as the importance of limiting the epidemic wave in the initial stages and could help guide pandemic management strategies according to urban context and population density.

Avaliação da eficiência de cal virgem na inativação de ovos de nematoides (Strongyloides sp. ) parasitos de pacas (Cuniculus paca) criadas em cativeiro / Evaluation of quicklime efficiency in inactivating nematode eggs (Strongyloides sp. ) parasites of paca (Cuniculus paca) created in captivity

Criadores de animais silvestres sempre buscam métodos eficientes de manter sua criação. Parasitos intestinais afetam os animais em cativeiro, diminuindo sua sobrevivência e reprodução. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia do uso de cal virgem na desinfecção do solo e na prevenção da reinfestação de endoparasitos em pacas (Cuniculus paca) em cativeiro. Amostras de solo das baias de criação foram analisadas usando-se o método de Rugai modificado. Duas etapas foram avaliadas: a primeira aos cinco, 45 e 105 minutos após os tratamentos, e a segunda aos sete dias e aos 14 dias após os tratamentos. Os valores de pH das amostras foram verificados após a aplicação de quatro tratamentos. Foram aplicados 400g/m2 de cal virgem a lanço ou 500mL/m2 de três soluções de cal virgem (10%, 20% ou 40% p/v). Na primeira etapa, a cal a lanço foi ineficaz na modificação do pH do solo e no controle de parasitos. A solução a 10% proporcionou o melhor controle dos parasitos. Na segunda etapa, as soluções foram eficazes na elevação do pH, porém não houve diferença significativa nos achados larvais. Concluiu-se que, nas condições do estudo, a solução a 10% aumentou o pH do solo e teve boa capacidade de inativação dos ovos de Strongyloides sp., o que economicamente é interessante. Porém, para o controle eficiente de Strongyloides sp. em cativeiros de pacas, deve-se considerar a frequência da aplicação de soluções com até 20% de cal, juntamente com a adoção de um programa de vermifugação.(AU)

Wild animal breeders are always looking for effective ways to care for their livestock. Intestinal parasites affect animals in captivity, reducing their survival and reproduction. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of quicklime for use in soil disinfection and prevention of reinfection of endoparasites in paca (Cuniculus paca) kept in captivity. Soil samples of pacas' stalls were analyzed using the modified Rugai method. Two experimental stages were evaluated; the first at 5, 45 and 105 minutes after treatment and the second at 7 days and 14 days after treatment. The pH values of the samples were checked after the application of four treatments. An application of 400g/m2 of quicklime spread out on ground or 500mL/m2 of three lime solutions (10%, 20% or 40%, w / v) applied on ground. In the first stage, the lime spread out on soil was ineffective in parasites control, while the 10% solution provided the best control of parasites. In the second stage, the solutions were effective in raising the pH, but there was no significant difference in larval findings. In conclusion, under the conditions of the study, 10% solution increased the soil pH and had good ability to inactivate the eggs of Strongyloides sp.; that is economically interesting. However, for effective control of Strongyloides sp. in pacas kept captive, both the frequency of application of solutions up to 20% of lime and the adoption of a good worming schedule should be taken into consideration.(AU)

A diagnosis of prostate cancer and pursuit of active surveillance is not followed by weight loss: potential for a teachable moment.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a risk factor for incident prostate cancer (PC) as well as risk of disease progression and mortality. We hypothesized that men diagnosed with lower-risk PC and who elected active surveillance (AS) for their cancer management would likely initiate lifestyle changes that lead to weight loss. METHODS: Patients were enrolled in the Prostate Active Surveillance Study (PASS), a multicenter prospective biomarker discovery and validation study of men who have chosen AS for their PC. Data from 442 men diagnosed with PC within 1 year of study entry who completed a standard of care 12-month follow-up visit were analyzed. We examined the change in weight and body mass index (BMI) over the first year of study participation. RESULTS: After 1 year on AS, 7.5% (33/442) of patients had lost 5% or more of their on-study weight. The proportion of men who lost 5% or more weight was similar across categories of baseline BMI: normal/underweight (8%), overweight (6%) and obese (10%, χ2 test P=0.44). The results were similar for patients enrolled in the study 1 year or 6 months after diagnosis. By contrast, after 1 year, 7.7% (34/442) of patients had gained >5% of their weight. CONCLUSIONS: Only 7.5% of men with low-risk PC enrolled in AS lost a modest (⩾5%) amount of weight after diagnosis. Given that obesity is related to PC progression and mortality, targeted lifestyle interventions may be effective at this 'teachable moment', as men begin AS for low-risk PC.

Patterns of adaptation to children's food allergies.

BACKGROUND: Families with food allergy (FA) are at risk of reduced quality of life and elevated anxiety. A moderate level of anxiety may be beneficial to sustain vigilance for food avoidance; however, excessive anxiety may increase risk for burden and maladjustment. The current study presents a framework for understanding the patterns of adaptation to FA across families and to identify typologies of families that would benefit from intervention. METHODS: Participants included 57 children, 6-12 years old with documented FA, and their mothers. Families were assessed using the Food Allergy Management and Adaptation Scale. Families also completed measures of quality of life, anxiety, FA management, and psychosocial impairment. RESULTS: A hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that 56 of the 57 families of food-allergic children were categorized into four groups that differed on their adequacy of family FA management, levels of anxiety, and balanced psychosocial functioning: balanced responders (n = 23; 41%), high responders (n = 25; 45%), and low responders (n = 3; 5%). The fourth group, anxious high responders (n = 5; 9%), was characterized by extremely high maternal FA anxiety scores and low scores for balanced integration of FA management and psychosocial functioning. Families in clusters differed across illness and psychosocial outcome variables. CONCLUSION: Families with FA were characterized by patterns of FA management, anxiety, and ability to integrate FA demands into daily life. Identified adaptation patterns correspond with clinical impressions and provide a framework for identifying families in need of intervention.

Incidence and costs of hip fractures compared to acute myocardial infarction in the Italian population: a 4-year survey.

INTRODUCTION: Few data are available about the incidence and costs of hip fractures in Italy. We aimed to determine the impact of hip fractures vs. acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: We studied the national hospitalization database to calculate their incidence and costs in adults aged >or=45 between 1999 and 2002. RESULTS: In 2002, there were 86,719 hip fractures with a 10.0% increase over 4 years. We observed a predominance of women (77.1%) and a strong age effect: 92.7% of patients were >or=65 years old and 80% of fractures occurred in women aged >or=75, showing a clear relationship with the incidence of osteoporosis. Hospitalizations due to AMI after 45 years of age in 1999 were only 9% higher than those for hip fracture, although this difference increased over the 4 examined years up to 24%. Considering the DRGs costs, hip fractures resulted in being more expensive than AMI overall and concerning elderly people. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that in the Italian population aged >or=45, hospitalizations following hip fracture and AMI between 1999 and 2002 were comparable, while hip fractures' direct costs were higher and grew faster than costs for AMI. Hip fractures in Italy are a serious medical problem and a leading health-cost driver.