Human Escherichia coli O157:H7 Genetic Marker in Isolates of Bovine Origin

The antiterminator Q gene of bacteriophage 933W (Q933) was identified upstream of the stx2 gene in 90% of human disease–origin Escherichia coli O157:H7 isolates and in 44.5% of bovine isolates. Shiga toxin production was higher in Q933-positive isolates than Q933-negative isolates. This genetic marker may provide a useful molecular tool for epidemiologic studies

Phase transitions in MgSiO3 post-perovskite in super-Earth mantles

The highest pressure form of the major Earth-forming mantle silicate is MgSiO3 post-perovskite (PPv). Understanding the fate of PPv at TPa pressures is the first step for understanding the mineralogy of super-Earths-type exoplanets, arguably the most interesting for their similarities with Earth. Modeling their internal structure requires knowledge of stable mineral phases, their properties under compression, and major element abundances. Several studies of PPv under extreme pressures support the notion that a sequence of pressure induced dissociation transitions produce the elementary oxides SiO2 and MgO as the ultimate aggregation form at ~3 TPa. However, none of these studies have addressed the problem of mantle composition, particularly major element abundances usually expressed in terms of three main variables, the Mg/Si and Fe/Si ratios and the Mg#, as in the Earth. Here we show that the critical compositional parameter, the Mg/Si ratio, whose value in the Earth's mantle is still debated, is a vital ingredient for modeling phase transitions and internal structure of super-Earth mantles. Specifically, we have identified new sequences of phase transformations, including new recombination reactions that depend decisively on this ratio. This is a new level of complexity that has not been previously addressed, but proves essential for modeling the nature and number of internal layers in these rocky mantles.Comment: Submitted to Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., 28 pages, 6 figure

Early Imaging Prediction of Malignant Cerebellar Edema Development in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose-Malignant cerebellar edema (MCE) is a life-threatening complication of acute ischemic stroke that requires timely diagnosis and management. Aim of this study was to identify imaging predictors in initial multiparametric computed tomography (CT), including whole-brain CT perfusion (WB-CTP). Methods-We consecutively selected all subjects with cerebellar ischemic WB-CTP deficits and follow-up-confirmed cerebellar infarction from an initial cohort of 2635 patients who had undergone multiparametric CT because of suspected stroke. Follow-up imaging was assessed for the presence of MCE, measured using an established 10-point scale, of which scores >= 4 are considered malignant. Posterior circulation-Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT Score (pc-ASPECTS) was determined to assess ischemic changes on noncontrast CT, CT angiography (CTA), and parametric WB-CTP maps (cerebellar blood flow [CBF];cerebellar blood volume;mean transit time;time to drain). Fisher's exact tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and receiver operating characteristics analyses were performed for statistical analyses. Results-Out of a total of 51 patients who matched the inclusion criteria, 42 patients (82.4%) were categorized as MCE-and 9 (17.6%) as MCE+. MCE+ patients had larger CBF, cerebellar blood volume, mean transit time, and time to drain deficit volumes (all with P0.05). Receiver operating characteristics analyses yielded the largest area under the curve values for the prediction of MCE development for CBF (0.979) and cerebellar blood volume deficit volumes (0.956) and pc-ASPECTS on CBF (0.935), whereas pc-ASPECTS on noncontrast CT (0.648) and CTA (0.684) had less diagnostic value. The optimal cutoff value for CBF deficit volume was 22 mL, yielding 100% sensitivity and 90% specificity for MCE classification. Conclusions-WB-CTP provides added diagnostic value for the early identification of patients at risk for MCE development in acute cerebellar stroke

PLANEJAMENTO E ORDENAÇÃO DO TRÂNSITO URBANO EM MÉDIAS CIDADES: UM ESTUDO DE CASO DA RUA DO COMÉRCIO – IJUÍ / RS

O trânsito de veículos automotores é um fator de poluição ambiental e sonora, onde o congestionamento e a elevação do número de automóveis nas vias, aparentemente é o resultado do progresso, todavia, há exemplos no Brasil e no mundo, que é possível se estruturar o trânsito de maneira a reduzir os impactos negativos, mas isso, somente é possível, se houver um bom planejamento que integre os transportes e o trânsito com a estrutura urbana de maneira que sua natural interação seja harmoniosa (DAROS, 2007). A presente pesquisa baseia-se em uma reflexão crítica reflexiva a respeito da mobilidade urbana presente na Rua do Comércio, no Bairro Universitário, principal conexão entre o campus da Unijuí e a área central de Ijuí/RS. Nessa perspectiva, tal análise baseia-se na estimativa do fluxo de veículos presente na via, focando-se nos horários de pico, sendo estes os horários de entrada e saída de alunos da universidade, realizando leituras em intervalos de 15min até completar uma hora, conforme recomenda a metodologia HCM 2000, adotando-se como o fluxo crítico o valor máximo do intervalo de uma hora. Essa gama de informações determinou que a via tem um nível de serviço D nos horários de pico, caracterizada por fluxo instável, podendo ser necessária uma adequação ou até mesmo a realização de uma via alternativa de conexão entra a cidade e o campus da universidade no futuro

Crossed cerebellar diaschisis in acute ischemic stroke: Impact on morphologic and functional outcome

Crossed cerebellar diaschisis (CCD) is the phenomenon of hypoperfusion and hypometabolism of the contralateral cerebellar hemisphere caused by dysfunction of the related supratentorial region. Our aim was to analyze its influence on morphologic and functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke. Subjects with stroke caused by a large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation were selected from an initial cohort of 1644 consecutive patients who underwent multiparametric CT including whole-brain CT perfusion. Two experienced readers evaluated the posterior fossa in terms of CCD absence (CCD-) or presence (CCD+). A total of 156 patients formed the study cohort with 102 patients (65.4%) categorized as CCD- and 54 (34.6%) as CCD+. In linear and logistic regression analyses, no significant association between CCD and final infarction volume (beta = -0.440, p = 0.972), discharge mRS2 (OR = 1.897, p = 0.320), or 90-day mRS <= 2 (OR = 0.531, p = 0.492) was detected. CCD+ patients had larger supratentorial cerebral blood flow deficits (median: 164 ml vs. 115 ml;p = 0.001) compared to CCD-patients. Regarding complications, CCD was associated with a higher rate of parenchymal hematomas (OR = 4.793, p = 0.035). In conclusion, CCD is frequently encountered in acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation. CCD was associated with the occurrence of parenchymal hematoma in the ipsilateral cerebral infarction but did not prove to significantly influence patient outcome

The Physical Activity and Redesigned Community Spaces (PARCS) Study: Protocol of a Natural Experiment to Investigate The Impact of Citywide Park Redesign and Renovation

Background: The built environment plays a critical role in promoting physical activity and health. The association between parks, as a key attribute of the built environment, and physical activity, however, remains inconclusive. This project leverages a natural experiment opportunity to assess the impact of the Community Parks Initiative (CPI), a citywide park redesign and renovation effort in New York City, on physical activity, park usage, psychosocial and mental health, and community wellbeing. Methods: The project will use a longitudinal design with matched controls. Thirty intervention park neighborhoods are socio-demographically matched to 20 control park neighborhoods. The study will investigate whether improvements in physical activity, park usage, psychosocial and mental health, and community wellbeing are observed from baseline to 3 years post-renovation among residents in intervention vs. control neighborhoods. Discussion: This study represents a rare opportunity to provide robust evidence to further our understanding of the complex relationship between parks and health. Findings will inform future investments in health-oriented urban design policies and offer evidence for addressing health disparities through built environment strategies

Urban traffic ordination in medium cities, vehicle flow analysis in the night period at the comércio street, universitario district, IJUÍ/RS

In the cities, the transportation importance for the economic development and social equity is fundamental, however, it also generates environment impacts. From this point, the development of a more sustainable perspective for urban mobility has been required (Costa, 2003). This study was carried out at the Comércio street, the main link between UNIJUÍ and the center of Ijuí/RS, and it is based on a reflexive critical analysis of the urban mobility, by estimating the flow of vehicles on the road at the entry and exit time of students at the university. This study includes one-hour readings composed by 15-minute intervals, as recommended by the HCM 2000 methodology, with the critical value being the maximum flow between the four readings in the one hour. Based on this information, it is sought to determine if the route satisfy the service level efficiently, pondering the possible need for adaptations and seeking solutions to improve the region transportation flow

Intermodal container reuse in sustainable residential buildings

The shipping containers use in buildings presents difficult acceptance due to the lack of information about its efficiency. The container emerged as a solution for the transportations of goods around the world, but it is discarded at the life’s end. The traditional construction market is responsible for most of the environmental impact sources, and because of that, the container reuse is an expression of an economical and sustainable alternative, further, it may generate a significant cost reduction compared to the traditional process, creating greater efficiency and speed in the work. In contrast, the main obstacles are the thermal conductivity of the manufacture material, and also the lack of specialized labor, especially in rural cities. In this way, it is sought a reflection about possibilities of shipping container use in civil construction by a bibliographical study in means that present the theme in an actual way

The effect of leisure-time physical activity on the risk of acute myocardial infarction depending on Body Mass Index: a population-based case-control study

BACKGROUND: High body mass index (BMI) and lack of physical activity have been recognized as important risk factors for coronary heart disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether leisure-time physical activity compensates for the increased risk of acute myocardial infarction associated with overweight and obesity. METHODS: Data from the SHEEP (Stockholm Heart Epidemiology Program) study were used. The SHEEP study is a large Swedish population-based case-control study, comprising 1204 male and 550 female cases, and 1538 male and 777 female controls, conducted in Stockholm County, Sweden, during the period 1992–1994. Odds ratios (OR), together with 95 % confidence intervals (95% CI), were calculated using unconditional logistic regression, as estimates of the relative risks. RESULTS: Regular leisure-time physical activity was associated with a decreased risk of myocardial infarction among lean, normal-weight and overweight subjects, but not among obese subjects. Obese (BMI ≥ 30) and physically active persons had an almost twofold risk of myocardial infarction, compared with normal-weight and sedentary persons (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.07–3.18). The results were similar for men and women. CONCLUSION: While regular leisure-time physical activity seems to provide protection against myocardial infarction among lean, normal-weight and overweight subjects, this does not appear to be the case in obese subjects

Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status and Use of Colonoscopy in an Insured Population – A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Low-socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with a higher colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality. Screening with colonoscopy, the most commonly used test in the US, has been shown to reduce the risk of death from CRC. This study examined if, among insured persons receiving care in integrated healthcare delivery systems, differences exist in colonoscopy use according to neighborhood SES. Methods We assembled a retrospective cohort of 100,566 men and women, 50–74 years old, who had been enrolled in one of three US health plans for $\geq$ 1 year on January 1, 2000. Subjects were followed until the date of first colonoscopy, date of disenrollment from the health plan, or December 31, 2007, whichever occurred first. We obtained data on colonoscopy use from administrative records. We defined screening colonoscopy as an examination that was not preceded by gastrointestinal conditions in the prior 6-month period. Neighborhood SES was measured using the percentage of households in each subject's census-tract with an income below 1999 federal poverty levels based on 2000 US census data. Analyses, adjusted for demographics and comorbidity index, were performed using Weibull regression models. Results: The average age of the cohort was 60 years and 52.7% were female. During 449,738 person-years of follow-up, fewer subjects in the lowest SES quartile (Q1) compared to the highest quartile (Q4) had any colonoscopy (26.7% vs. 37.1%) or a screening colonoscopy (7.6% vs. 13.3%). In regression analyses, compared to Q4, subjects in Q1 were 16% (adjusted HR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.80–0.88) less likely to undergo any colonoscopy and 30%(adjusted HR = 0.70, CI: 0.65–0.75) less likely to undergo a screening colonoscopy. Conclusion: People in lower-SES neighborhoods are less likely to undergo a colonoscopy, even among insured subjects receiving care in integrated healthcare systems. Removing health insurance barriers alone is unlikely to eliminate disparities in colonoscopy use