Exclusion of pulmonary embolism using C-reactive protein and D-dimer. A prospective comparison.

Our goal was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of C-reactive protein (CRP) alone or combined with clinical probability assessment in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE), and to compare its performance to a D-dimer assay. We conducted a prospective study in which we performed a common immuno-turbidimetric CRP test and a rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) D-dimer test in 259 consecutive outpatients with suspected PE at the emergency department of a teaching hospital. We assessed clinical probability of PE by a validated prediction rule overridden by clinical judgment. Patients with D-dimer levels > or = 500 microg/l underwent a work-up consisting of lower-limb venous ultrasound, spiral computerized tomography, ventilation-perfusion scan, or pulmonary angiography. Patients were followed up for three months. Seventy-seven (30%) of the patients had PE. The CRP alone had a sensitivity of 84% (95% confidence interval [CI).: 74 to 92%) and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 87% (95% CI: 78 to 93%) at a cutpoint of 5 mg/l. Overall, 61 (24%) patients with a low clinical probability of PE had a CRP < 5 mg/l. Due to the low prevalence of PE (9%) in this subgroup, the NPV increased to 97% (95% CI: 89 to 100%). The D-dimer (cutpoint 500 micro g/l) showed a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 95 to 100%) and a NPV of 100% (95% CI: 94 to 100%) irrespective of clinical probability and accurately rule out PE in 56 (22%) patients. Standard CRP tests alone or combined with clinical probability assessment cannot safely exclude PE.

La ceràmica d'engalba blanca: Una nova aportació a l'estudi del període baix-republicà (segles II-I a.C.) al nord-est del Principat

La ceràmica d'engalba és una de les produccions ind��genes més personals dels dos darrers segles abans de l'era vulgar. La seva distribució queda limitada, bàsicament, a les comarques costaneres de Girona i la seva tipologia de formes s'especialitza en urnes i gerres, molts de cops de dimensions considerables, esveltes. El centre de producció cal cercar-lo a “Emporiae”, i el seu estudi pot ajudar a aprofundir en el coneixement de la primera etapa de la romanització a casa nostra

Síntomas osteomusculares en el personal operativo de la empresa Emermédica S.A. en Bogotá D.C. 2012

Establecer la prevalencia de síntomas osteomusculares en el personal operativo de la empresa Emermédica S.A. durante los últimos 3 meses. Se realizó un estudio de corte trasversal en la empresa Emermédica S.A. de Bogotá en el año 2012, tomando una muestra de 75 trabajadores entre médicos, enfermeros y conductores del área operativa, a los cuales se les aplicó un instrumento de morbilidad sentida basada en el Cuestionario Nórdico y la Encuesta Europea, en búsqueda de síntomas osteomusculares asociados a la actividad desempeñada y a factores como edad, género, horas de trabajo por turno, tipo de vehículo, actividad deportiva, equipos utilizados y posturas adoptadas durante el desarrollo de sus actividades. Para el análisis de la información se creó una base de datos a partir de los cuestionarios contestados válidos y se utilizó el programa estad��stico SPSS.

Factores de riesgo del comportamiento y readiness de aficionados inscritos a carreras atléticas de fondo de 18-64 años en Bogotá D.C., 2014”

La participación en carreras atléticas de calle ha aumentado; esto requiere detectar riesgos previos al esfuerzo físico. Objetivo. Identificar factores de riesgo del comportamiento y readiness de inscritos a una carrera. Método. Estudio transversal en aficionados de 18-64 años. Encuesta digital con módulos de IPAQ, PARQ+ y STEP. Muestreo aleatorio sistemático con n=510, para una inactividad física esperada de 35% (±5%). Se evaluó nivel de actividad física, consumo de alcohol (peligroso), de fruta, verdura, tabaco y sal, y readiness. Resultados. El cumplimiento de actividad física fue 97,4%; 2,4% consume nivel óptimo de fruta o verdura (diferencias por edad, sexo y estrato), 3,7% fuma y 44,1% consumo peligroso de alcohol. El 19,8% reportó PARQ+ positivo y 5,7% requiere supervisión. Hay diferencias por trabajo y estudio. Discusión. Los aficionados cumplen el nivel de actividad física; pero no de otros factores. Una estrategia de seguridad en el atletismo de calle es evaluar los factores de riesgo relacionados con el estilo de vida así como el readiness.

Measurement of B-d mixing using opposite-side flavor tagging

We report on a measurement of the B-d(0) mixing frequency and the calibration of an opposite-side flavor tagger in the D0 experiment. Various properties associated with the b quark on the opposite side of the reconstructed B meson are combined using a likelihood-ratio method into a single variable with enhanced tagging power. Its performance is tested with data, using a large sample of reconstructed semileptonic B ->mu(DX)-X-0 and B ->mu(DX)-X-* decays, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of approximately 1 fb(-1). The events are divided into groups depending on the value of the combined tagging variable, and an independent analysis is performed in each group. Combining the results of these analyses, the overall effective tagging power is found to be epsilon D-2=(2.48 +/- 0.21(-0.06)(+0.08))%. The measured B-d(0) mixing frequency Delta m(d)=0.506 +/- 0.020(stat)+/- 0.016(syst) ps(-1) is in good agreement with the world average value.

Study of the decay B-s(0)->(DsDs(*))-D-(*)

We report a study of the decay B-s(0)->(DsDs(*))-D-(*) using a data sample corresponding to 1.3 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected by the D0 experiment in 2002-2006 during run II of the Fermilab Tevatron collider. One D-s((*)) meson was partially reconstructed in the decay D-s ->phi mu nu, and the other D-s((*)) meson was identified using the decay D-s ->phi pi where no attempt was made to distinguish D-s and D-s(*) states. For the branching fraction Br(B-s(0)->(DsDs(*))-D-(*)) we obtain a 90% C.L. range [0.002,0.080] and central value 0.039(-0.017)(+0.019)(stat)(-0.015)(+0.016)(syst). This was subsequently used to make the most precise estimate of the width difference Delta Gamma(CP)(s) in the B-s(0)-(B)over bar(s)(0) system: Delta Gamma(CP)(s)/Gamma(s)=0.079(-0.035)(+0.038)(stat)(-0.030)(+0.031)(syst).

Measurement of semileptonic branching fractions of B mesons to narrow D-** states - art. no. 1711803

Using the data accumulated in 2002-2004 with the D0 detector in proton-antiproton collisions at the Fermilab Tevatron collider with a center-of-mass energy of 1.96 TeV, the branching fractions of the decays B ->(D) over bar (0)(1)(2420)mu(+)nu(mu)X and B ->(D) over bar (*0)(2)(2460)mu(+)nu(mu)X and their ratio have been measured: B (b) over bar -> B)xB(B -> (D) over bar (0)(1)mu(+)nu(mu)X)xB((D) over bar (0)(1)-> D(*-)pi(+))=[0.087 +/- 0.007(stat)+/- 0.014(syst)]%; B((b) over bar -> B)xB(B ->(D) over bar (*0)(2)mu(+)nu(mu)X)xB((D) over bar (*0)(2)-> D(*-)pi(+))=[0.035 +/- 0.007(stat)+/- 0.008(syst)]% and [B(B ->(D) over bar (*0)(2)mu(+)nu(mu)X)xB((D) over bar (*0)(2)-> D(*-)pi(+))]/[B(B ->(D) over bar (0)(1)mu(+)nu(mu)X)xB((D) over bar (0)(1)-> D(*-)pi(+))]=0.39 +/- 0.09(stat)+/- 0.12(syst), where the charge conjugated states are always implied.

Evidence for the Decay B-s(0)->(DsDs(*))-D-(*) and a Measurement of Delta Gamma(CP)(s)/Gamma(s)

We search for the semi-inclusive process B-s(0)->(DsDs(*))-D-(*) using 2.8 fb(-1) of pp collisions at s=1.96 TeV recorded by the D0 detector operating at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. We observe 26.6 +/- 8.4 signal events with a significance above background of 3.2 standard deviations yielding a branching ratio of B(B-s(0)->(DsDs(*))-D-(*))=0.035 +/- 0.010(stat.)+/- 0.011(syst.). Under certain theoretical assumptions, these double-charm final states saturate CP-even eigenstates in the B-s(0) decays resulting in a width difference of Delta Gamma(CP)(s)/Gamma(s)=0.072 +/- 0.021(stat.)+/- 0.022(syst.).

Search for CP violation in B-s(0) -> mu(+) D-s(-) X decays in p(p)over-bar collisions at root s=1.96 TeV

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Cytotoxic non-aromatic B-ring flavanones from Piper carniconnectivum C. DC.

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

"Sub Tiberio quies"? Judaea’s Political Situation under the Prefects (6-41 c.e.), between Reality and Ideology

Deeply conflicting views on the political situation of Judaea under the Roman prefects (6-41 c.e.) have been offered. According to some scholars, this was a period of persistent political unrest and agitation, whilst according to a widespread view it was a quiescent period of political calm (reflected in Tacitus’ phrase sub Tiberio quies). The present article critically examines again the main available sources –particularly Josephus, the canonical Gospels and Tacitus– in order to offer a more reliable historical reconstruction. The conclusions drawn by this survey calls into question some widespread and insufficiently nuanced views on the period. This, in turn, allows a reflection on the non-epistemic factors which might contribute to explain the origin of such views.

Efectos de una intervención educativa en los conocimientos y comportamientos relacionados con la fotoprotección durante la práctica de la actividad física en los estudiantes de un colegio público de Bogotá D.C., Colombia

Introducción: La incidencia del cáncer de piel melanoma y no melanoma es un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. El incremento en la incidencia del cáncer de piel en los últimos años se debe a múltiples factores como: cambios en los estilos de vida, el envejecimiento de la población, cambios ambientales, el desconocimiento a la exposición a la radiación ultravioleta (RUV) durante la práctica de actividad física sin elementos de fotoprotección, siendo éste último reconocido como el principal factor de riesgo. Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos de una intervención educativa en los conocimientos y comportamientos relacionados con la fotoprotección durante la práctica de la actividad física en estudiantes de un colegio público de Bogotá D.C., Colombia. Métodos: Estudio de intervención, antes y después, no controlado en 281 estudiantes de los grados noveno, d��cimo y once de estratos 1-3 de un colegio público de Bogotá, con seguimiento a 1, 3 y 6 meses post-intervención. Se evaluaron los conocimientos y los hábitos de fotoprotección mediante un cuestionario Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) y el modelo Transteórico de cambio comportamental de Prochaska y Di Clemente. El estudio se realizó durante el primer semestre de 2015 con 4 sesiones educativas de 60 minutos apoyadas con material audiovisual y pedagógico, acorde a la Guía para la Comunicación Educativa en el marco el control del cáncer publicada por el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología. Resultados: Del grupo de estudiantes que participaron del estudio, el 52,3% eran hombres, el promedio de edad fue de 15,46 ± 1,2 años. El tipo de piel predominante fue la trigueña con 65,8%. La intervención educativa produjo cambios significativos en los conocimientos de foto protección, finalizado el seguimiento al sexto mes. En cuanto a la prevención los estudiantes refirieron tener conocimiento de cómo examinar su piel en el momento basal (12,5% n=35), presentándose un aumento significativo de 62,6% (n=211) al sexto mes (p<0,05). Conclusión: El estudio demostró la efectividad de la intervención educativa, evidenciando cambios significativos en los conocimientos en fotoprotección y comportamientos preventivos del cáncer de piel durante la práctica de la actividad física en estudiantes de un colegio público de Bogotá D.C., Colombia.

Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) and Hepatitis Delta (HDV) Viruses in the Colombian Population-How Is the Epidemiological Situation?

Background: Viral hepatitis B, C and delta still remain a serious problem worldwide. In Colombia, data from 1980s described that HBV and HDV infection are important causes of hepatitis, but little is known about HCV infection. The aim of this study was to determine the currently frequency of HBV, HCV and HDV in four different Colombian regions. Methodology/Principal Findings: This study was conducted in 697 habitants from 4 Colombian departments: Amazonas, Choco, Magdalena and San Andres Islands. Epidemiological data were obtained from an interview applied to each individual aiming to evaluate risk factors related to HBV, HCV or HDV infections. All samples were tested for HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs and anti-HCV markers. Samples that were positive to HBsAg and/or anti-HBc were tested to anti-HDV. Concerning the geographical origin of the samples, the three HBV markers showed a statistically significant difference: HBsAg (p = 0.033) and anti-HBc (p < 0.001) were more frequent in Amazonas and Magdalena departments. Isolated anti-HBs (a marker of previous vaccination) frequencies were: Choco (53.26%), Amazonas (32.88%), Magdalena (17.0%) and San Andres (15.33%) p < 0.001. Prevalence of anti-HBc increased with age; HBsAg varied from 1.97 to 8.39% (p = 0.033). Amazonas department showed the highest frequency for anti-HCV marker (5.68%), while the lowest frequency was found in San Andres Island (0.66%). Anti-HDV was found in 9 (5.20%) out of 173 anti-HBc and/or HBsAg positive samples, 8 of them from the Amazonas region and 1 from them Magdalena department. Conclusions/Significance: In conclusion, HBV, HCV and HDV infections are detected throughout Colombia in frequency levels that would place some areas as hyperendemic for HBV, especially those found in Amazonas and Magdalena departments. Novel strategies to increase HBV immunization in the rural population and to strengthen HCV surveillance are reinforced by these results.

Cold Nuclear Matter Effects on J/psi Yields as a Function of Rapidity and Nuclear Geometry in d plus A Collisions at root S(NN)=200 GeV

We present measurements of J/psi yields in d + Au collisions at root S(NN) = 200 GeV recorded by the PHENIX experiment and compare them with yields in p + p collisions at the same energy per nucleon-nucleon collision. The measurements cover a large kinematic range in J/psi rapidity (-2.2 < y < 2.4) with high statistical precision and are compared with two theoretical models: one with nuclear shadowing combined with final state breakup and one with coherent gluon saturation effects. In order to remove model dependent systematic uncertainties we also compare the data to a simple geometric model. The forward rapidity data are inconsistent with nuclear modifications that are linear or exponential in the density weighted longitudinal thickness, such as those from the final state breakup of the bound state.

Nuclear modification factors of phi mesons in d plus Au, Cu plus Cu, and Au plus Au collisions at root s(NN)=200 GeV

The PHENIX experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider has performed systematic measurements of phi meson production in the K(+)K(-) decay channel at midrapidity in p + p, d + Au, Cu + Cu, and Au + Au collisions at root s(NN) = 200 GeV. Results are presented on the phi invariant yield and the nuclear modification factor R(AA) for Au + Au and Cu + Cu, and R(dA) for d + Au collisions, studied as a function of transverse momentum (1 < p(T) < 7 GeV/c) and centrality. In central and midcentral Au + Au collisions, the R(AA) of phi exhibits a suppression relative to expectations from binary scaled p + p results. The amount of suppression is smaller than that of the pi(0) and the. in the intermediate p(T) range (2-5 GeV/c), whereas, at higher p(T), the phi, pi(0), and. show similar suppression. The baryon (proton and antiproton) excess observed in central Au + Au collisions at intermediate p(T) is not observed for the phi meson despite the similar masses of the proton and the phi. This suggests that the excess is linked to the number of valence quarks in the hadron rather than its mass. The difference gradually disappears with decreasing centrality, and, for peripheral collisions, the R(AA) values for both particle species are consistent with binary scaling. Cu + Cu collisions show the same yield and suppression as Au + Au collisions for the same number of N(part). The R(dA) of phi shows no evidence for cold nuclear effects within uncertainties.