The spatiotemporal trajectory of a dengue epidemic in a medium-sized city

Understanding the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases is important to allow for improvements of control measures. To investigate the spatiotemporal pattern of an epidemic dengue occurred at a medium-sized city in the Northeast Region of Brazil in 2009, we conducted an ecological study of the notified dengue cases georeferenced according to epidemiological week (EW) and home address. Kernel density estimation and space-time interaction were analysed using the Knox method. The evolution of the epidemic was analysed using an animated projection technique. The dengue incidence was 6.918.7/100,000 inhabitants; the peak of the epidemic occurred from 8 February-1 March, EWs 6-9 (828.7/100,000 inhabitants). There were cases throughout the city and was identified space-time interaction. Three epicenters were responsible for spreading the disease in an expansion and relocation diffusion pattern. If the health services could detect in real time the epicenters and apply nimbly control measures, may possibly reduce the magnitude of dengue epidemics.

Coronary MR imaging using free-breathing 3D steady-state free precession with radial k-space sampling.

PURPOSE: To investigate the potential of free-breathing 3D steady-state free precession (SSFP) imaging with radial k-space sampling for coronary MR-angiography (MRA), coronary projection MR-angiography and coronary vessel wall imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A navigator-gated free-breathing T2-prepared 3D SSFP sequence (TR = 6.1 ms, TE = 3.0 ms, flip angle = 120 degrees, field-of-view = 360 mm(2)) with radial k-space sampling (384 radials) was implemented for coronary MRA. For projection coronary MRA, this sequence was combined with a 2D selective aortic spin tagging pulse. Coronary vessel wall imaging was performed using a high-resolution inversion-recovery black-blood 3D radial SSFP sequence (384 radials, TR = 5.3 ms, TE = 2.7 ms, flip angle = 55 degrees, reconstructed resolution 0.35 x 0.35 x 1.2 mm(3)) and a local re-inversion pulse. Six healthy volunteers (two for each sequence) were investigated. Motion artifact level was assessed by two radiologists. Results: In coronary MRA, the coronary lumen was displayed with a high signal and high contrast to the surrounding lumen. Projection coronary MRA demonstrated selective visualization of the coronary lumen while surrounding tissue was almost completely suppressed. In coronary vessel wall imaging, the vessel wall was displayed with a high signal when compared to the blood pool and the surrounding tissue. No visible motion artifacts were seen. Conclusion: 3D radial SSFP imaging enables coronary MRA, coronary projection MRA and coronary vessel wall imaging with a low motion artifact level.

El proyecto EMECAM: Estudio Multicéntrico Español sobre la Relación entre la Contaminación Atmosférica y la Mortalidad. Antecedentes, participantes, objetivos y métodología.

In recent years, a growing number of studies suggests that increases in air pollution levels may have short-term impact on human health, even at pollution levels similar to or lower than those which have been considered to be safe to date. The different methodological approaches and the varying analysis techniques employed have made it difficult to make a direct comparison among all of the findings, preventing any clear conclusions from being drawn. This has led to multicenter projects such as the APHEA (Short-Term Impact of Air Pollution on Health. A European Approach) within a European Scope. The EMECAM Project falls within the context of the aforesaid multicenter studies and has a wide-ranging projection nationwide within Spain. Fourteen (14) cities throughout Spain were included in this Project (Barcelona, Metropolitan Area of Bilbao, Cartagena, Castellón, Gijón, Huelva, Madrid, Pamplona, Seville, Oviedo, Valencia, Vigo, Vitoria and Saragossa) representing different sociodemographic, climate and environmental situations, adding up to a total of nearly nine million inhabitants. The objective of the EMECAM project is that to asses the short-term impact of air pollution throughout all of the participating cities on the mortality for all causes, on the population and on individuals over age 70, for respiratory and cardiovascular design causes. For this purpose, with an ecological, the time series data analyzed taking the daily deaths, pollutants, temperature data and other factors taken from records kept by public institutions. The period of time throughout which this study was conducted, although not exactly the same for all of the cities involved, runs in all cases from 1990 to 1996. The degree of relationship measured by means of an autoregressive Poisson regression. In the future, the results of each city will be combined by means of a meta-analysis.

Estrategia de reducción de costes en la artroplastia total de rodilla

Aim: Assess the clinical utility of plain radiography in the first postoperative outpatient visit after total knee arthroplasty. Patients and Methods: 200 patients which underwent a total knee arthroplasty from January to May 2012 were analyzed retrospectively, they had two previous control radiographs at hospital discharge and two more at 4-6 weeks after surgery, which were compared, seeking for radiographics signs that would induce a therapeutic changes in the patient’s clinical course. Results: No radiographics signs were observed in the cases studied in the first postoperative visit one month after the surgery, consequently the patient’s treatment plan had no change. Discussion: Our results support those of other authors who have recognized the benefits of reducing the number of postoperative radiographs, improve the cost effectiveness of outpatients care and avoid an extra damage to the patient’s health. We believe that repeated use of serial radiographs in outpatient is simply a custom that has become law, to calm down the patient, and his surgeon, with no scientific evidence to support it use. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the plain AP and L radiographic projection at the first visit, one month later after a TKA, does not provide any clinic information, adds substantial cost to the heath-care system and unnecessary harms the patient.

La Pacificación en el mundo actual. Estrategias europeas para la resolución de conflictos

¿Cómo se podría comprometer la Comunidad Internacional, en un mundo globalizado, para la resolución de conflictos?. En el siglo XXI, pasa necesariamente por un cuestionamiento de los métodos tradicionalmente empleados para la resolución de conflictos y la seguridad (frente a nuevos escenarios nuevas estrategias). Éstas toman forma en las doctrinas de la prevención, transformación, resolución de conflictos, gestión de crisis, y seguridad multidimensional/colectiva. Trasladándolo a Europa, la implantación de políticas comunes en las zonas en conflicto, urge cada día más. No existe una acción exterior colectiva ante el estallido de una crisis, porque al final siempre acaban prevaleciendo las decisiones de los Estados más poderosos. Es este mismo proceso decisional, anclado en las posturas realistas, el que bloquea o retarda todo intento de reacción común. Mientras, la violencia se sucede y asistimos impotentes a escenarios bélicos o escaladas, bajo la mirada atrapada de Occidente. La UE se enfrenta a un desafío cada vez más presente, por conseguir una acción globalizadora en materia de derechos humanos, porque frente a la globalización económica surge la necesidad de contrarestar sus efectos, globalizando también los derechos humanos. Cabría revisar las respuestas y capacidades europeas ante el estallido de una crisis.

Avaliação da adequação de aplicação de técnicas multivariadas em estudos do comportamento do consumidor em teses e dissertações de duas instituições de ensino superior

Este artigo faz parte de um amplo estudo de avaliação da adequação no uso de técnicas estatísticas multivariadas em teses e dissertações de duas instituições de ensino superior na área de marketing na temática do comportamento do consumidor, entre 1997 e 2006. Neste artigo são focalizadas onze técnicas multivariadas (análise de regressão, análise discriminante, análise de regressão logística, correlação canônica, análise multivariada de variância, análise conjunta, modelagem de equações estruturais, análise fatorial, análise de conglomerados, análise de correspondência, escalonamento multidimensional), as quais têm apresentado grande potencial de uso em estudos de marketing. Foi objetivo no trabalho relatado a análise da adequação do emprego dessas técnicas às necessidades dos problemas de pesquisa apresentados nas teses e dissertações e, também, a aferição do nível de adequação no atendimento de suas premissas. De forma geral, os resultados sugerem a necessidade de um aumento do comprometimento dos pesquisadores na verificação de todos os preceitos teóricos de aplicação das técnicas multivariadas.

Interchange of callosal and association projections in the developing visual cortex.

Neurons projecting transitorily into the corpus callosum from area 17 of the cat were retrogradely labeled by the fluorescent tracer Fast Blue (FB) injected into contralateral areas 17 and 18 on postnatal days 1-5. During the second postnatal month these neurons were still labeled by the early injection, although they had eliminated their callosal axon. At this time, 15-20% of these neurons could be retrogradely relabeled by injections of Diamidino Yellow (DY) into ipsilateral areas 17 and 18, but few or none by similar injections in the other areas that receive from area 17 (19, 21a, PMLS, 20a, 20b, DLS). Similarly, area 17 neurons projecting transitorily to contralateral area PMLS during the first postnatal week could be relabeled by DY injections in ipsilateral areas 17 and 18 but not in PMLS. Already around birth, many transitorily callosal neurons in area 17 send bifurcating axons both to contralateral areas 17 and 18 and ipsilateral area 18. It is probable that during postnatal development some of these neurons selectively eliminate their callosal axon collaterals and maintain the projection to ipsilateral area 18. In fact, some transitorily callosal neurons in area 17 can be double-labeled by simultaneous perinatal injections of FB in contralateral areas 17 and 18 and of a new long-lasting retrograde tracer, rhodamine-conjugated latex microspheres, in ipsilateral area 18. The same neurons can then be relabeled by reinjecting ipsilateral area 18 with DY during the second postnatal month. This finding, however, does not exclude the possibility that some transitorily callosal neurons send an axon to ipsilateral area 18 after eliminating their callosal axon. In conclusion, area 17 neurons that project transitorily through the corpus callosum later participate, probably permanently, in ipsilateral corticocortical projections but selectively to areas 17-18. The mechanism responsible for this selectivity is unknown, but it may be related to the differential radial distribution (i.e., to birth date) of area 17 neurons engaged in the various corticocortical projections. The problems raised by the use of long-lasting retrograde fluorescent tracers in neurodevelopmental studies and by the quantification of results of double- and triple-labeling paradigms are also discussed.

Imagem de preço de produto: proposição de um modelo conceitual

Dentre as várias competências das organizações, a gestão de preço assume um papel importante nas decisões estratégicas, na rentabilidade e na geração de renda. Em face dessa relevância, propõe-se um modelo conceitual visando à mensuração da imagem de preço de produto, do qual resultou a proposição de 19 hipóteses de pesquisa. A imagem de preço pode ser definida como uma variável latente e multidimensional. A partir de revisão, refinamento e integração de conceitos da literatura, identificaram-se sete dimensões que podem compor melhor a imagem de preço de produto: funcional, emocional positiva, emocional negativa, simbólica, justiça, axiomática e social. Essas sete dimensões auxiliam a entender melhor como pode ser configurada a imagem de preço, pois as múltiplas dimensões explicam melhor as escolhas do consumidor do que simplesmente o item valor para o dinheiro. Verificou-se, ainda, que essas dimensões da imagem do preço estão relacionadas entre si, e o envolvimento do consumidor modera a relação entre as dimensões da imagem e o valor percebido do produto. Dentre as contribuições deste artigo destacam-se: em primeiro lugar, a identificação da configuração da imagem de preço a partir do entendimento das principais dimensões que a formam; em segundo lugar, a proposição de um modelo teórico integrativo que serve de base para a mensuração da imagem de preço de produto.

The Associative Dimension of Issue Ownership

Issue ownership is commonly conceptualized as multidimensional, consisting of a "competence" dimension and an "associative" dimension. Because existing operationalizations of issue ownership tap only the former dimension, we focus on associative issue ownership: the spontaneous identification between specific issues and specific parties in the minds of voters. Survey evidence from Belgium shows that the associative dimension of issue ownership can be measured, that it differs from competence issue ownership, and that it is an independent determinant of voting behavior.

Adaptation en français et en allemand d'une échelle de pression des pairs pour jeunes adultes : le Peer Pressure Inventory [Adaptation of a peer pressure scale in French and German: the Peer Pressure Inventory].

BACKGROUND: Peer pressure is regarded as an important determinant of substance use, sexual behavior and juvenile delinquency. However, few peer pressure scales are validated, especially in French or German. Little is known about the factor structure of such scales or the kind of scale needed: some scales takes into account both peer pressure to do and peer pressure not to do, while others consider only peer pressure to do. The aim of the present study was to adapt French and German versions of the Peer Pressure Inventory, which is one of the most widely used scales in this field. We considered its factor structure and concurrent validity. METHODS: Five thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven young Swiss men filled in a questionnaire on peer pressure, substance use, and other variables (conformity, involvement) in a cohort study. RESULTS: We identified a four-factor structure, with the three factors of the initial Peer Pressure Inventory (involvement, conformity, misconduct) and adding a new one (relationship with girls). A non-valued scale (from no peer pressure to peer pressure to do only) showed stronger psychometric qualities than a valued scale (from peer pressure not to do to peer pressure to do). Concurrent validity was also good. Each behavior or attitude was significantly associated with peer pressure. CONCLUSION: Peer pressure seems to be a multidimensional concept. In this study, peer pressure to do showed the strongest influence on participants. Indeed, peer pressure not to do did not add anything useful. Only peer pressure to do affected young Swiss men's behaviors and attitudes and was reliable.

Questionário de dor McGill: proposta de adaptação para a língua portuguesa

Dor é uma experiência multidimensional e subjetiva. O desenvolvimento de instrumentos que possibilitem a avaliação da dor nos seus diversos aspectos, é fundamental para a compreensão do quadro álgico, implementação da terapêutica e apreciação de sua eficácia. O questionário McGill é considerado um dos melhores instrumentos para a avaliação das dimensões sensitiva-discriminativa, afetiva-motivacional e cognitiva-avaliativa da dor. Apresentar proposta de sua adaptação para a língua portuguesa é o objetivo deste estudo.

Fracture imaging within a granitic rock aquifer using multiple-offset single-hole and cross-hole GPR reflection data

The sparsely spaced highly permeable fractures of the granitic rock aquifer at Stang-er-Brune (Brittany, France) form a well-connected fracture network of high permeability but unknown geometry. Previous work based on optical and acoustic logging together with single-hole and cross-hole flowmeter data acquired in 3 neighbouring boreholes (70-100 m deep) has identified the most important permeable fractures crossing the boreholes and their hydraulic connections. To constrain possible flow paths by estimating the geometries of known and previously unknown fractures, we have acquired, processed and interpreted multifold, single- and cross-hole GPR data using 100 and 250 MHz antennas. The GPR data processing scheme consisting of timezero corrections, scaling, bandpass filtering and F-X deconvolution, eigenvector filtering, muting, pre-stack Kirchhoff depth migration and stacking was used to differentiate fluid-filled fracture reflections from source generated noise. The final stacked and pre-stack depth-migrated GPR sections provide high-resolution images of individual fractures (dipping 30-90°) in the surroundings (2-20 m for the 100 MHz antennas; 2-12 m for the 250 MHz antennas) of each borehole in a 2D plane projection that are of superior quality to those obtained from single-offset sections. Most fractures previously identified from hydraulic testing can be correlated to reflections in the single-hole data. Several previously unknown major near vertical fractures have also been identified away from the boreholes.

Differential transgene expression profiles from rAAV2/1 vectors using the tetON and CMV promoters in the rat brain.

The biodistribution of transgene expression in the CNS after localized stereotaxic vector delivery is an important issue for safety of gene therapy for neurological diseases. The cellular specificity of transgene expression from rAAV2/1 vectors using the tetON expression cassette in comparison with the CMV promoter was investigated in the rat nigrostriatal pathway. After intrastriatal injection, although GFP was mainly expressed into neurons with both vectors, the relative proportions of DARPP-32+ projection neurons and parvalbumin+ interneurons were respectively 13:1 and 2:1 for the CMV and tetON vectors. DARP32+ neurons projecting to the globus pallidus were strongly GFP+ with both vectors, whereas those projecting to the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNpr) were efficiently labeled by the CMV but poorly by the tetON vector. Numerous GFP+ cells were evidenced in the subventricular zone with both vectors. However, in the olfactory bulb (OB), GFP+ neurons were observed with the CMV but not the tetON vector. We conclude that the absence of significant amounts of transgene product in distant regions (SN and OB) constitutes a safety advantage of the AAV2/1-tetON vector for striatal gene therapy. Midbrain injections resulted in selective GFP expression in tyrosine hydroxylase+ neurons by the tetON vector whereas with the CMV vector, GFP+ cells covered a widespread area of the midbrain. The biodistribution of GFP protein corresponded to that of the transcripts and not of the viral genomes. We conclude that the rAAV2/1-tetON vector constitutes an interesting tool for specific transgene expression in midbrain dopaminergic neurons.

Optimal robust estimates using the Hellinger distance

Optimal robust M-estimates of a multidimensional parameter are described using Hampel's infinitesimal approach. The optimal estimates are derived by minimizing a measure of efficiency under the model, subject to a bounded measure of infinitesimal robustness. To this purpose we define measures of efficiency and infinitesimal sensitivity based on the Hellinger distance.We show that these two measures coincide with similar ones defined by Yohai using the Kullback-Leibler divergence, and therefore the corresponding optimal estimates coincide too.We also give an example where we fit a negative binomial distribution to a real dataset of "days of stay in hospital" using the optimal robust estimates.

From MuSIASEM theory to practice: report and reflections from field research in Kampot province, Cambodia

This document contains a report and summary of the field research activities in a rural community of rice farmers in Kampot province, Cambodia in 2011, which I conducted within the context of my PhD research at ICTA-UAB (Institute of Environmental Science and Technology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain). The purpose of the field research was to gather data for a MuSIASEM analysis (Multi-Scale Integrated Analysis of Societal and Ecosystem Metabolism) at the village and household level, in order to analyze the multidimensional challenges that small farmers may face nowadays within the context of global rural change and declining access to land. While the literature on MuSIASEM offers a great variety of theoretical explanations and practical applications, there is little information available for students regarding the practical steps required for doing a MuSIASEM analysis at the local level. Within this context, this report offers not only a documentation of the field research design and data collection methods, but further provides a general overview on some organizational and preparative aspects, including some personal reflections, that one may face when preparing and conducting field research for MuSIASEM analysis. In summary, this document thus serves three objectives: (i) to assure methodological transparency for the future work, based on the collected data during field research, (ii) to share my personal experience on the preparative and practical steps required for field research and data collection for a MuSIASEM analysis at the local level, and (iii) to make available for the further interested reader some more detailed background information on the case study village.