Publications by authors named "L A Merlo"

The immunomodulatory enzyme IDO2 is an essential mediator of autoantibody production and joint inflammation in preclinical models of autoimmune arthritis. Although originally identified as a tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme, we recently discovered a previously unknown nonenzymatic pathway is essential for the proarthritic function of IDO2. We subsequently identified Runx1 (Runt-related transcription factor 1) as a potential component of the nonenzymatic pathway IDO2 uses to drive arthritis.

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Concerns about sexual misconduct by health care professionals have been highlighted by recent high-profile cases. Professional health monitoring programs (PHPs) offer an additional layer of protection when health care professionals with a history of unprofessional sexual behavior (USB) return to practice; however, little is known about the characteristics or outcomes of clinicians referred to a PHP because of USB. Data were extracted from over 35 years of PHP records involving USB-related referrals ( = 570).

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Although it is well documented that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM) increases the risk of several adverse health outcomes, less is known about its relationship with economic opportunity. Previous studies have relied on regression modeling, which implied strict assumptions regarding confounding adjustments and did not explore geographical heterogeneity. We obtained data for 63,165 US census tracts (86% of all census tracts in the United States) on absolute upward mobility (AUM) defined as the mean income rank in adulthood of children born to families in the 25th percentile of the national income distribution.

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Objective: In peritoneal dialysis (PD), ultrafiltration (UF) failure is commonly attributed to dysfunction of the peritoneal membrane, resulting in decreased ultrafiltration volume (UFV). Our objective was to evaluate whether fluid absorption and UF can be assessed by monitoring intraperitoneal fluid using segmental bioimpedance analysis (sBIA).

Methods: Twenty PD patients were studied during either a peritoneal equilibration test (PET; n = 7) or automated PD (APD; n = 13).

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The COVID-19 pandemic has led to long-lasting consequences for workers leading to what has been termed a "psychological pandemic". Some categories, such as healthcare workers (HCWs), are considered high risk due to factors such as increased exposure and stressful working conditions. In this study, we investigate whether levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms and COVID-19-related fear (IES-6 and PSI-4) are associated with illness severity in a sample of 318 infected HCWs in Italy.

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