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- Perez-Nadales, Elena, et al.
(author)
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Predictors of mortality in solid organ transplant recipients with bloodstream infections due to carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales : The impact of cytomegalovirus disease and lymphopenia
- 2020
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In: American Journal of Transplantation. - : WILEY. - 1600-6135 .- 1600-6143. ; 20:6, s. 1629-1641
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Treatment of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales bloodstream infections in solid organ transplant recipients is challenging. The objective of this study was to develop a specific score to predict mortality in solid organ transplant recipients with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales bloodstream infections. A multinational, retrospective (2004-2016) cohort study (INCREMENT-SOT, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02852902) was performed. The main outcome variable was 30-day all-cause mortality. The INCREMENT-SOT-CPE score was developed using logistic regression. The global cohort included 216 patients. The final logistic regression model included the following variables: INCREMENT-CPE mortality score >= 8 (8 points), no source control (3 points), inappropriate empirical therapy (2 points), cytomegalovirus disease (7 points), lymphopenia (4 points), and the interaction between INCREMENT-CPE score >= 8 and CMV disease (minus 7 points). This score showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76-0.88) and classified patients into 3 strata: 0-7 (low mortality), 8-11 (high mortality), and 12-17 (very-high mortality). We performed a stratified analysis of the effect of monotherapy vs combination therapy among 165 patients who received appropriate therapy. Monotherapy was associated with higher mortality only in the very-high (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.82, 95% CI 1.13-7.06, P = .03) and high (HR 9.93, 95% CI 2.08-47.40, P = .004) mortality risk strata. A score-based algorithm is provided for therapy guidance.
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2. |
- Eiroa, C., et al.
(author)
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Cold DUst around NEarby Stars (DUNES). First results A resolved exo-Kuiper belt around the solar-like star zeta(2) Ret
- 2010
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 518, s. L131-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present the first far-IR observations of the solar-type stars delta Pav, HR 8501, 51 Peg and zeta(2) Ret, taken within the context of the DUNES Herschel open time key programme (OTKP). This project uses the PACS and SPIRE instruments with the objective of studying infrared excesses due to exo-Kuiper belts around nearby solar-type stars. The observed 100 mu m fluxes from delta Pav, HR 8501, and 51 Peg agree with the predicted photospheric fluxes, excluding debris disks brighter than L-dust/L-star similar to 5 x 10(-7) (1 sigma level) around those stars. A flattened, disk-like structure with a semi-major axis of similar to 100 AU in size is detected around zeta(2) Ret. The resolved structure suggests the presence of an eccentric dust ring, which we interpret as an exo-Kuiper belt with L-dust/L-star approximate to 10(-5).
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3. |
- Eiroa, C., et al.
(author)
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DUst around NEarby Stars. The survey observational results
- 2013
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 555, s. A11-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. Debris discs are a consequence of the planet formation process and constitute the fingerprints of planetesimal systems. Their solar system counterparts are the asteroid and Edgeworth-Kuiper belts. Aims. The DUNES survey aims at detecting extra-solar analogues to the Edgeworth-Kuiper belt around solar-type stars, putting in this way the solar system into context. The survey allows us to address some questions related to the prevalence and properties of planetesimal systems. Methods. We used Herschel/PACS to observe a sample of nearby FGK stars. Data at 100 and 160 mu m were obtained, complemented in some cases with observations at 70 mu m, and at 250, 350 and 500 mu m using SPIRE. The observing strategy was to integrate as deep as possible at 100 mu m to detect the stellar photosphere. Results. Debris discs have been detected at a fractional luminosity level down to several times that of the Edgeworth-Kuiper belt. The incidence rate of discs around the DUNES stars is increased from a rate of similar to 12.1% +/- 5% before Herschel to similar to 20.2% +/- 2%. A significant fraction (similar to 52%) of the discs are resolved, which represents an enormous step ahead from the previously known resolved discs. Some stars are associated with faint far-IR excesses attributed to a new class of cold discs. Although it cannot be excluded that these excesses are produced by coincidental alignment of background galaxies, statistical arguments suggest that at least some of them are true debris discs. Some discs display peculiar SEDs with spectral indexes in the 70-160 mu m range steeper than the Rayleigh-Jeans one. An analysis of the debris disc parameters suggests that a decrease might exist of the mean black body radius from the F-type to the K-type stars. In addition, a weak trend is suggested for a correlation of disc sizes and an anticorrelation of disc temperatures with the stellar age.
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4. |
- de Vera, Jean Paul, et al.
(author)
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EUROX (Europa Explorer): An astrobiology mission concept to the Jovian icy moon Europa.
- 2008
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In: Geophysical Research Abstracts. ; 10, EGU2008-A-01483, 2008
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The discovery of so-called extremophiles indicates how robust life is. That microbial life can resist extreme and harsh environmental conditions as e.g. very high and cold temperatures, desiccation, acidity, salinity and wide ranges of radiation spectra including UV and X-rays, suggests that micro organisms are capable of surviving and maintaining essential living functions, or often thriving, in conditions previously thought impossible. Recently it seems that only liquid water and an energy source are the core prerequisites for the development of life, greatly expanding the range of potential habitats for life both on Earth and in the solar system. In light of these discoveries, the definition of the “Habitable Zone” as the region where liquid water can exist at a planetary surface may need revision. Energy in the form of heat may be found on several volcanic worlds in our solar system, and subsurface liquid water may exist there, too. One likely candidate for such a reserve of water is the jovian icy moon Europa. Imaged by the Voyager and Galileo probes, this icy body appears to have a geologically young outer surface. Spectroscopic studies from Earth have confirmed that the European crust is composed of water ice. Long cracks across its surface may be suggestive of huge ice blocks rafting upon an underlying liquid layer. Darker non ice material also covers much of the surface and is spatially associated with the cracks. Recent modeling suggests that tidal forces imparted upon the moon by Jupiter may cause heating in the depth – raising the possibility of a liquid water ocean beneath Europa’s icy crust. Further on it is supposed that a weak induced magnetic field is present on the moon. This classifies Europa as an object of great scientific interest, warranting investigation for habitability and even the presence of life within the supposed ocean of the moon. The Europa Explorer (EUROX) mission complements other proposed missions to study Europa. EUROX will characterize the habitability potential of Europa, with the aim of understanding whether life could exist there or not. The mission will address the following key questions: (i) existence or non- existence of a liquid ocean beneath the surface, (ii) the nature of the non icy material visible upon the surface cracks, (iii) the physical characteristics of the ice crust, (iv) effects by local radiation on the surface chemistry, (v) the depth of radiation penetration in the ice and probably shielding effects by a magnetic field and (vi) the presence of organic compounds on or in the Europan ice crust. Our proposed mission will operate as a fully European and further on international mission, with the aim of providing the initial information required for later, larger missions to visit Europa. EUROX will involve both remote-sensing and in-situ research. Its mission architecture sees a single space craft deployed to Europa, launched by an Ariane 5. This vehicle will use conventional propulsion and a Venus-Earth-Earth flight path to travel to the jovian system in six years. Upon arrival at Europa, the space craft will commence remote observations of the icy moon, to determine the physical nature of the ice crust, and to investigate the presence of a subsurface liquid ocean. The orbiter will carry two independent vehicles (two penetrators) that will then separate, de-orbit, and penetrate the crust nearby or in the cracks to a depth of several meters. A suite of compact instruments will address the physical and chemical properties of the crust, as well as seeking organic compounds and pre-biotic material in the ice. The use of a laser communication system removes the need for a relay spacecraft in orbit around Jupiter, decreasing overall mission cost. Expected orbiter mission duration is on the order of two months, with each penetrator functioning for approximately 24 hours.
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