The Role of Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis for Understanding COVID-19 Population Severity: A Systematic Review.

Remote sensing (RS), satellite imaging (SI), and geospatial analysis have established themselves as extremely useful and very diverse domains for research associated with space, spatio-temporal components, and geography. We evaluated in this review the existing evidence on the application of those geospatial techniques, tools, and methods in the coronavirus pandemic. We reviewed and retrieved nine research studies that directly used geospatial techniques, remote sensing, or satellite imaging as part of their research analysis. Articles included studies from Europe, Somalia, the USA, Indonesia, Iran, Ecuador, China, and India. Two papers used only satellite imaging data, three papers used remote sensing, three papers used a combination of both satellite imaging and remote sensing. One paper mentioned the use of spatiotemporal data. Many studies used reports from healthcare facilities and geospatial agencies to collect the type of data. The aim of this review was to show the use of remote sensing, satellite imaging, and geospatial data in defining features and relationships that are related to the spread and mortality rate of COVID-19 around the world. This review should ensure that these innovations and technologies are instantly available to assist decision-making and robust scientific research that will improve the population health diseases outcomes around the globe.

Human-environmental drivers and impacts of the globally extreme 2017 Chilean fires.

In January 2017, hundreds of fires in Mediterranean Chile burnt more than 5000 km2, an area nearly 14 times the 40-year mean. We contextualize these fires in terms of estimates of global fire intensity using MODIS satellite record, and provide an overview of the climatic factors and recent changes in land use that led to the active fire season and estimate the impact of fire emissions to human health. The primary fire activity in late January coincided with extreme fire weather conditions including all-time (1979-2017) daily records for the Fire Weather Index (FWI) and maximum temperature, producing some of the most energetically intense fire events on Earth in the last 15-years. Fire activity was further enabled by a warm moist growing season in 2016 that interrupted an intense drought that started in 2010. The land cover in this region had been extensively modified, with less than 20% of the original native vegetation remaining, and extensive plantations of highly flammable exotic Pinus and Eucalyptus species established since the 1970s. These plantations were disproportionally burnt (44% of the burned area) in 2017, and associated with the highest fire severities, as part of an increasing trend of fire extent in plantations over the past three decades. Smoke from the fires exposed over 9.5 million people to increased concentrations of particulate air pollution, causing an estimated 76 premature deaths and 209 additional admissions to hospital for respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. This study highlights that Mediterranean biogeographic regions with expansive Pinus and Eucalyptus plantations and associated rural depopulation are vulnerable to intense wildfires with wide ranging social, economic, and environmental impacts, which are likely to become more frequent due to longer and more extreme wildfire seasons.

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2-augmented transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for the treatment of chronic low back pain secondary to the homogeneous diagnosis of discogenic pain syndrome: two-year outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective observational study. OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical outcomes, perioperative complications, revision surgery rates, and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2)-related osteolysis, heterotopic bone, and unexplained postoperative radiculitis (BMPP) in a group of patients treated with BMP-2-augmented transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (bTLIF) for the homogeneous diagnosis of discogenic pain syndrome (DPS) and to put forth the algorithm used to make the diagnosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There is a paucity of literature describing outcomes of TLIF for the homogeneous diagnosis of DPS, an old but controversial member of the lumbar degenerative disease family. METHODS: The registry from a single surgeon was queried for patients who had undergone bTLIF for the homogeneous diagnosis of DPS, which was made via specific diagnostic algorithm. Clinical outcomes were determined by analyzing point improvement from typical outcome questionnaires and the data from Patient Satisfaction and Return to Work questionnaires. Independent record review was used to assess all outcomes. RESULTS: Eighty percent of the cohort (36/45) completed preoperative and postoperative outcome questionnaires at an average follow-up of 41.9 ± 11.9 months, which demonstrated significant clinical improvement: Oswestry Disability Index = 16.4 (P < 0.0001), 12-Item Short Form Health Survey physical component summary score = 10.0 (P < 0.0001), and a Numeric Rating Scale for back pain = 2.3 (P < 0.0001). The median patient satisfaction score was 9.0 (10 = complete satisfaction), and 84.4% (27/32) of the cohort were able to return to their preoperative job, with or without modification. There were 3 perioperative complications, 4 revision surgical procedures, and 11 cases of benign BMPP. There were no incidents of the intraoperative dural tears or nerve root injury, and litigation involvement (11/36, P > 0.17), preoperative depression (15/36, P > 0.19) or prior discectomy/decompression (14/36, P < 0.37) was not a predictor of outcomes. CONCLUSION: Although limited by retrospective design and small cohort, the results of this investigation suggest that bTLIF is a reasonable treatment option for patients who experience DPS and affords high patient satisfaction. A larger study is needed to confirm these findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

A high-resolution radiation hybrid map of the river buffalo major histocompatibility complex and comparison with BoLA.

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in mammals codes for antigen-presenting proteins. For this reason, the MHC is of great importance for immune function and animal health. Previous studies revealed this gene-dense and polymorphic region in river buffalo to be on the short arm of chromosome 2, which is homologous to cattle chromosome 23. Using cattle-derived STS markers and a river buffalo radiation hybrid (RH) panel (BBURH5000 ), we generated a high-resolution RH map of the river buffalo MHC region. The buffalo MHC RH map (cR5000 ) was aligned with the cattle MHC RH map (cR12000 ) to compare gene order. The buffalo MHC had similar organization to the cattle MHC, with class II genes distributed in two segments, class IIa and class IIb. Class IIa was closely associated with the class I and class III regions, and class IIb was a separate cluster. A total of 53 markers were distributed into two linkage groups based on a two-point LOD score threshold of ≥8. The first linkage group included 32 markers from class IIa, class I and class III. The second linkage group included 21 markers from class IIb. Bacterial artificial chromosome clones for seven loci were mapped by fluorescence in situ hybridization on metaphase chromosomes using single- and double-color hybridizations. The order of cytogenetically mapped markers in the region corroborated the physical order of markers obtained from the RH map and served as anchor points to align and orient the linkage groups.

Comparative RH maps of the river buffalo and bovine Y chromosomes.

Radiation hybrid maps were constructed for river buffalo and cattle Y chromosomes. A total of 41 cattle-derived Y-chromosome molecular markers were selected and tested with 2 previously described 5,000-rad whole-genome radiation hybrid (RH) panels (river buffalo - BBURH(5000) and cattle - BTARH(5000)) for generation of maps. Among the initial 41 selected markers, a subset of 26 markers generated PCR products suitable for scoring with the BBURH(5000) panel. Of these, 19 markers (73%) were distributed in 1 linkage group spanning 341.3 cR. Retention frequencies (RF) for individual markers ranged from 17.8% for SMCY to 56.7% for BTY1, with an average RF of 37.6%. From the selected markers, 37 generated reliable scores using the BTARH(5000) panel. The newly constructed BTAY RH map contains 28 markers distributed within 1 linkage group. Twenty-four of these markers had been previously mapped on BTAY using a 7,000-rad cattle-hamster WG-RH panel and 4 markers were mapped for the first time (ZFY, SeqRep, RepSeqS4 and BTY1). The length of the BTAY RH map was estimated to be 602.4 cR. Retention frequencies for individual mapped markers ranged from 10% (INRA126) to 63.3% (SeqRep), with an average RF of 35.3%. RH marker positions along the Y chromosome were compared between BBUY and BTAY, which revealed differences in the order of some of the markers. The BBUY pseudoautosomal region (PAR) is delineated by 3 BTAY PAR markers (MAF45, TGLA325 and UMN2008). These markers are telomeric in both species but are not found in the same order. Here we have demonstrated the effective use of bovine Y chromosome markers for the development of the first BBUY RH map. Likewise, these set of markers can be used for comparative assessment of Y chromosomes in other members of the Bovidae family.

An in vitro study to determine the effectiveness of a patellar ligament/fascia lata graft and new tibial suture anchor points for extracapsular stabilization of the cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifle in the dog

OBJECTIVE: (1) To determine whether an extracapsular patellar ligament/fascia lata graft would provide stability in the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL)-deficient stifle comparable with that of the intact stifle. (2) To determine if different tibial anchor points would enhance stability of the CrCLdeficient stifle when compared with the standard fabellar-tibial suture (FTS) placement. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental. ANIMALS: Twenty-eight canine cadaver hind limbs. METHODS: Stifles were mounted in a jig and tested between loads of -65 and 80 N. After testing the intact CrCL, 4 stabilization techniques were tested after CrCL transection: lateral graft technique (LGT) and 3 FTS with different tibial anchor points. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in displacement between the LGT and standard FTS, between the LGT and the intact CrCL, or between the FTS and the intact CrCL, in either the Securos or the Screw-washer experiments. Stiffness of the intact CrCL was significantly greater than that of any stabilization technique and the cut CrCL. The standard FTS showed the least displacement of all suture stabilization techniques. Differences in stiffness were not significant between the suture stabilization techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Securely anchored, the LGT results in a reduction in drawer motion similar to that of the intact CrCL and the standard FTS. Altering the tibial anchor point for the FTS does not improve stiffness or enhance stabilization of the CrCL-deficient stifle. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The LGT could be used for the treatment of CrCL ruptures in the dog. A clinical study is recommended.

[The role of psychological debriefing in the treatment of victims of trauma]. / A função do debriefing psicológico no tratamento de vítimas de trauma.

The application of psychological debriefing has become an expected and widespread intervention following exposure to trauma. This article assesses the wisdom of such an approach and reports upon expert consensus regarding its use. Meta-analytic and narrative reviews are summarised and areas of agreement and disagreement are outlined. In sum, it was concluded that the majority of people do not become traumatised from stressful events; that generic psychological debriefing, when applied to individuals, appears to have little impact on functioning; that a specific form of debriefing called Critical Incident Stress Debriefing holds the possibility of noxious effects for some participants and that those most deleteriously affected by debriefing appear to be those most distressed by the initial trauma; that there is no randomised controlled trial evidence to support the validity of group debriefing approaches; and that early intervention using Cognitive Behavioural techniques for those with clinically significant presentations appears the most promising approach. A generic set of guidelines for intervention following trauma is provided.

A função do debriefing psicológico no tratamento de vítimas de trauma / The role of psychological debriefing in the treatment of victims of trauma

A aplicaçäo do chamado debriefing psicológico (DP) tornou-se uma intervençäo disseminada e esperada após a exposiçäo ao trauma. Este artigo avalia a validade desse enfoque e relata o consenso entre os especialistas em relaçäo ao seu uso. Revisöes sistemáticas e narrativas säo resumidas e as áreas de acordo e desacordo säo delineadas. Em resumo, conclui-se que a maioria das pessoas näo fica traumatizada devido a eventos estressantes; que o DP parece ter pequeno impacto; que uma forma de DP chamada de "debriefing sobre o incidente crítico (DICE)" pode exercer efeitos nocivos em certos indivíduos e que aqueles com efeitos mais negativos devido ao DP parecem ser os que mais sofreram com o trauma inicial. Näo há ensaios clínicos randomizados que sustentem a validade do DP em grupo. A intervençäo precoce Cognitivo-Comportamental parece ser o enfoque mais promissor em pacientes com apresentaçöes clínicas bem definidas. É oferecido um conjunto genérico de diretrizes para a intervençäo pós-trauma

[A pilot community study of subjective memory in over and under 65 years old]. / Estudio piloto comunitario. Las preocupaciones por la memoria subjetiva en personas mayores y menores de 65 años.

Elderly adults are appropriate targets for objective memory assessment and cognitive testing in the promotion of earlier recognition of people with symptoms of a dementing process. The major change in memory with age is the decline in ability to recall things explicitly. There is a need for education of the general public and health professionals about memory impairment and its relationship with stress, depression, anxiety and dementia.

Estudio piloto comunitario. Las preocupaciones por la memoria subjetiva en personas mayores y menores de 65 años. / [A pilot community study of subjective memory in over and under 65 years old]

Elderly adults are appropriate targets for objective memory assessment and cognitive testing in the promotion of earlier recognition of people with symptoms of a dementing process. The major change in memory with age is the decline in ability to recall things explicitly. There is a need for education of the general public and health professionals about memory impairment and its relationship with stress, depression, anxiety and dementia.

Estudio piloto comunitario. Las preocupaciones por la memoria subjetiva en personas mayores y menores de 65 años / [A pilot community study of subjective memory in over and under 65 years old]

Elderly adults are appropriate targets for objective memory assessment and cognitive testing in the promotion of earlier recognition of people with symptoms of a dementing process. The major change in memory with age is the decline in ability to recall things explicitly. There is a need for education of the general public and health professionals about memory impairment and its relationship with stress, depression, anxiety and dementia.

Pemphigus

Pemphigus is a group of organ-specific autoimmune disorders with an established immunologic basis. The presence of intraepithelial blisters and erosions of the skin and variable involvement of the mucous menbranes characterize its three major variants, pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus follaceus, and paraneoplastic pemphigus. Prior to the use of corticosteroids in the 1950s, the natural history of pemphigus vulgaris was relentless progression, with a 50% mortality at 2 years, and almost 100% at 5 years. Today, with mortality rates less than 5% the focus has changed towards reducing corticosteroid side effects and maintaining optional quality of life under treatment. this can be achived by the appropriate use of steroid-spating agents. This article addresses the comprehensive management of patients with pemphigus

Wheat germ supplement reduces cyst and trophozoite passage in people with giardiasis.

The protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia is a major cause of waterborne enteric disease worldwide. Lectins are proteins that bind to carbohydrate (sugar) moieties. Potential targets for lectins are found on the surface of most single-celled organisms. Modest concentrations of wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) have been shown to inhibit G. lamblia excystation and trophozoite growth in vitro and can reduce cyst passage in mice infected with the closely related protozoan parasite, G. muris. Commercial preparations of wheat germ (WG) contain 13-53 microg of WGA per gram. We performed a double-masked, placebo-controlled study of dietary supplementation with WG in 63 subjects with giardiasis in Montreal and Lima (25 asymptomatic patients passing cysts; 38 patients with symptoms). Asymptomatic subjects received WG (2 g, 3 times a day) or placebo (cornstarch, 2 g, 3 times a day) for 10 days, followed by metronidazole (250 mg 3 times a day) for 7 days. Symptomatic subjects received metronidazole (250 mg 3 times a day) plus either WG or placebo for 7 days. Stool specimens were collected every day (Montreal) or every other day (Lima) for 10 days and on Day 35 for microscopic examination and coproantigen determination. Subjects kept a diary of symptoms for 10 days after recruitment. In asymptomatic subjects, both cyst passage and coproantigen levels were reduced by approximately 50% in those taking WG compared with the placebo group (P < 0.01 and P = 0.06, respectively). In symptomatic subjects, cyst passage and coproantigen levels fell precipitously in response to metronidazole therapy, and there were no clinically important differences between those receiving supplemental WG or placebo. However, symptoms appear to have resolved more rapidly in the subjects taking WG in addition to metronidazole. The WG supplement was well tolerated in both symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. These data suggest that components of WG, possibly WGA, either alone or in combination with antiprotozoal agents, can influence the course of human giardiasis.

Cardiac troponin I in pediatrics: normal values and potential use in the assessment of cardiac injury.

OBJECTIVE: To establish normal values and determine the impact of congenital or acquired heart disease on serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI). METHODS: Concentrations of cTnI were measured in two groups of children. Group A represented ambulatory pediatric patients with no apparent cardiac disease (n = 120) and patients in stable condition with known congenital or acquired cardiac abnormalities (n = 96); group B was composed of patients admitted to intensive care units with normal echocardiograms (n = 16), with abnormal echocardiograms (n = 36), and those with blunt chest trauma who were thought to have cardiac contusions (n = 7). RESULTS: The cTnI concentrations were generally less than 2.0 ng/ml in group A and frequently below the level of detection for the assay (1.5 ng/ml). There was no statistical difference between the two outpatient subgroups (p = 0.66). Nine intensive care patients had cTnI values greater than 2.0 ng/ml. Six of these patients, all with abnormal echocardiograms, had values less than 7.7 ng/ml. All improved and had subsequent normal cTnI concentrations. None of the three remaining patients (two with systemic illness (trauma and sepsis) and one with severe pulmonary hypertension), all with values greater than 8.0 ng/ml, survived. Three of the four patients with high likelihood of cardiac contusion had cTnI concentrations greater than 2.0 ng/ml (including one patient who died). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac troponin-I values are generally not elevated in children with stable cardiac disease or general pediatric conditions. In the context of severe acute illness, significant elevation of cTnI may be an indicator of poor outcome. Elevation of cTnI may also have diagnostic value in cases when cardiac contusion is suspected.

Pediatric emergency information sheet using a microcomputer.

Calculating the appropriate dosage of a drug and the right equipment size during an emergency situation can be a time-consuming, frustrating, and error-prone process, considering the shortage of time during a resuscitation. A microcomputer program was developed to aid in the care of pediatric patients in emergency or 'code' situations. This is accomplished by use of a printout of a patient-specific chart for most needed critical care drugs and equipment used during an emergency. This program is written in "C" language and is menu-driven.

Effect of intermittent versus continuous enteral feeding on energy expenditure in premature infants.

The purpose of this study was to examine whether premature infants have higher rates of energy expenditure and diet-induced thermogenesis during intermittent feeding compared with continuous feeding. Using open-circuit respiratory calorimetry, we measured energy expenditure in 11 premature newborn infants on 2 successive days for 5 to 7 hours during and after either intermittent or continuous feeding. Infants were fed the same quantity of formula each day, either for 5 minutes or by continuous drip for 2 to 3 hours. The order of feeding type was randomized. No response of diet-induced thermogenesis to continuous feeding was found, whereas a peak increase of 15% over baseline was observed after intermittent feeding. Overall energy expenditure during the study period was significantly greater after intermittent compared with continuous feeding (2.18 +/- 0.07 kcal/kg per hour vs 2.09 +/- 0.05 kcal/kg per hour; p less than 0.05). Thus there was a mean 4% difference (range up to 17%) in energy expenditure between the two feeding modes. These results are similar to those obtained with adults and support the concept of the increased energy efficiency of continuous feeding. Further study will be necessary to document whether the increased energy efficiency provided by continuous feeding may be clinically significant.