Epidemic Percolation Networks, Epidemic Outcomes, and Interventions

Epidemic percolation networks (EPNs) are directed random networks that can be used to analyze stochastic “Susceptible-Infectious-Removed” (SIR) and “Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Removed” (SEIR) epidemic models, unifying and generalizing previous uses of networks and branching processes to analyze mass-action and network-based S(E)IR models. This paper explains the fundamental concepts underlying the definition and use of EPNs, using them to build intuition about the final outcomes of epidemics. We then show how EPNs provide a novel and useful perspective on the design of vaccination strategies

Tamarisk biocontrol using Tamarisk Beetles: Potential consequences for riparian birds in the southwestern United Stains

The tamarisk beetle (Diorhabda spp.), a non-native biocontrol agent, has been introduced to eradicate tamarisk (Tamarix spp.), a genus of non-native tree that has become a dominant component of riparian woodlands in the southwestern United States. Tamarisk beetles have the potential to spread widely and defoliate large expanses of tamarisk habitat, but the effects of such a widespread loss of riparian vegetation on birds remains unknown. We reviewed literature on the effects of other defoliating insects on birds to investigate the potential for tamarisk beetles to affect birds positively or negatively by changing food abundance and vegetation structure. We then combined data on the temporal patterns of tamarisk defoliation by beetles with nest productivity of a well studied riparian obligate, the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), to simulate the potential demographic consequences of beetle defoliation on breeding riparian birds in both the short and long term. Our results highlight that the effects of tamarisk biocontrol on birds will likely vary by species and population, depending upon its sensitivity to seasonal defoliation by beetles and net loss of riparian habitat due to tamarisk mortality. Species with restricted distributions that include areas dominated by tamarisk may be negatively affected both in the short and long term. The rate of regeneration and/or restoration of native cottonwoods (Populus spp.)and willows (Salix spp.) relative to the rate of tamarisk loss will be critical in determining the long-term effect of this large-scale ecological experiment

Analysis of Factors Influencing Consumer Purchase Decisions for Coffee Shops in Tomohon City

The coffee shop has now become a phenomenon in the community, drinking coffee is now no longer just to eliminate sleepiness, but as part of a lifestyle where the coffee shop is a very popular gathering place. The city of Tomohon is also inseparable from the phenomenon of coffee shops where coffee shops have begun to appear in various locations around the Tomohon city. This study aims to determine the factors that influence consumer purchasing decisions on coffee shops in Tomohon City by conducting a case study at Elmonts Coffee & Roastery Tomohon. The method used in this research is a qualitative case study method. Data collection techniques are carried out by in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. The data validity technique used is source triangulation and triangulation techniques with data analysis techniques namely Miles and Huberman model analysis techniques. The results showed 6 factors that influenced purchasing decisions at a coffee shop in Tomohon City, namely product, atmosphere, social, promotion, location, and brand

Age, habitat, and yearly variation in the diet of a generalist insectivore, the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher

The article presents a study which examines the age, habitat, and yearly variation in the diet of a generalist insectivore, the southwestern Willow Flycatcher at Roosevelt Lake in central Arizona. It focuses on the five prey categories which were accounted for 70% of the proportional abundance in flycatcher diet, including Hymenoptera, Diptera, Cicadellidae, Coleoptera, and Formicide. It states that there were no detected differences in diet between sexes of adults, but adults and nestling samples differed, with higher proportions of Hymenoptera in adult samples and more Diptera in nestling samples. It discusses the comparison between flycatcher diet in habitat patches dominated by native cottonwood and willow, exotic salt cedar, or a mix of the three species

Caracterización de lesiones en columna vertebral mediante tomografía computarizada en canes de Lima, Perú

The objective of this study was to characterize spine injuries in dogs by computed tomography. The tomographic diagnoses were related to the demographic characteristics of dogs under study (sex, size, breed, and age). A total of 79 tomographic diagnoses were evaluated between June 2010 and July 2014. The results showed a greater frequency of lesions in males of defined breed, medium size and in the age group of 4-7 years. Twentytwo tomographic diagnoses were obtained, the most frequent being medial disc herniation (32.8%, 26/79) and laminar calcification of the dural sac (11.4%, 9/79). A total of 115 lesions were identified in the spine, the lower spine being more affected (48.7%, 56/115). At the level of the intervertebral spaces, the thoracic region T12-T13 presented the largest number of lesions (14%, 16/115), especially discopathies.El objetivo del presente estudio fue caracterizar, mediante tomografía computarizada, lesiones en columna vertebral en canes. Los diagnósticos tomográficos fueron relacionados con las características demográficas de cada can en estudio (sexo, tamaño, raza y edad). Se evaluaron 79 diagnósticos tomográficos realizados entre junio de 2010 y julio de 2014. Los resultados indicaron mayor frecuencia de lesiones en canes machos de raza definida, tamaño mediano y en el estrato etario de 4-7 años. Se obtuvieron 22 diagnósticos tomográficos, siendo los más frecuentes la hernia discal medial (32.8%, 26/79) y la calcificación laminar del saco dural (11.4%, 9/79). Se identificaron 115 lesiones en columna vertebral, siendo más afectada la región lumbar (48.7%, 56/115). A nivel de los espacios intervertebrales, la región torácica T12-T13 presentó el mayor número de lesiones (14%, 16/115), especialmente discopatías

Concordancia entre el diagnóstico presuntivo y tomográfico en canes con enfermedades encefálicas y de columna vertebral

The aim of this study was to determine the concordance between the clinical and tomographic diagnosis in dogs with brain and spine illnesses. An analytical retrospective observational study was carried out, evaluating 196 clinical histories and tomographic reports of veterinary clinics in Metropolitan Lima during the period 2009-2015. This included 76 brain and 120 spinal tomography scans. Of the total of patients, 113 were males (58%) and 83 females (42%) and 120 cases (61.2%) corresponded to purebreds. The main diseases diagnosed clinically and by computed tomography (CT) were thoracolumbar hernia, canine epilepsy, hydrocephalus, and cervical hernia. The clinical diagnosis was related to the presence of a pathology diagnosed by CT using the kappa index and the concordance was classified as poor (k = 0.38). It is concluded that the presumptive clinical diagnosis and CT have very low concordance when diagnosing a disease or injury in the brain or spinal cord.El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la concordancia entre el diagnóstico clínico y tomográfico en canes con enfermedades en encéfalo y columna vertebral. Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo analítico, evaluándose 196 historias clínicas e informes tomográficos de clínicas veterinarias de Lima Metropolitana durante el periodo 2009-2015. Se incluyeron en el estudio 76 tomografías encefálicas y 120 de la columna vertebral. Del total de pacientes, 113 fueron machos (58%) y 83 hembras (42%) y 120 casos (61.2%) correspondieron a razas definidas. Las principales enfermedades diagnosticadas clínicamente y por tomografía computarizada (TC) fueron: hernia toracolumbar, epilepsia canina, hidrocefalia y hernia cervical. Se relacionó el diagnóstico clínico con la presencia de una patología diagnosticada por TC mediante el índice de kappa, clasificándose la concordancia como pobre (k=0.38). Se concluye que el diagnóstico clínico presuntivo y la TC tienen muy baja concordancia al diagnosticar una enfermedad o lesión en encéfalo o medula espinal

Localized light chain amyloidosis: A self-limited plasmacytic B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder

Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis can be either systemic or localized. Although these conditions share a similar name, they are strikingly different. Localized light chain amyloidosis has been challenging to characterize due to its lower incidence and highly heterogeneous clinical presentation. Here, we review the emerging literature, emphasizing recent reports on large cohorts of patients with localized amyloidosis, and provide insights into this condition’s pathology and natural history. We find that patients with localized amyloidosis have an excellent prognosis with overall survival similar to that of the general population. Furthermore, the risk of progression to systemic disease is low and likely represents initial mischaracterization as localized disease. Therefore, we argue for the incorporation of more sensitive techniques to rule out systemic disease at diagnosis. Despite increasing mechanistic understanding of this condition, much remains to be discovered regarding the cellular clonal evolution and the molecular processes that give rise to localized amyloid formation. While localized surgical resection of symptomatic disease is typically the treatment of choice, the presentation of this disease across the spectrum of plasmacytic B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders, and the frequent lack of an identifiable neoplastic clone, can make therapy selection a challenge in the uncommon situation that systemic chemotherapy is required

Determinación de lesiones encefálicas en canes mediante tomografía computarizada en Lima, Perú

The aim of this study was to determine encephalic lesions by computed tomography (CT scan) in 71 dogs that were submitted to the encephalic study by medical recommendation between 2011 and 2015 in Lima, Peru. The tomographic diagnoses were related to the sex, age, size and breed of the patients. Thirty-eight positive tomographic diagnoses of brain injury were identified (53.5%). The most frequent positive age group to brain injury was between 1 and 7 years and in medium-size dogs. The most frequent diagnosed lesions were ventricular dilation (29%, 11/38), brain neoformations (15.8%, 6/38) and hydrocephalus (15.8%, 6/38). Ventricular dilation occurred more frequently between 1 and 7 years and in Maltese and Poodle breeds, brain neoformations in dogs older than 7 years and in the Labrador breed, while hydrocephalus in dogs between 1 and 7 years old, mostly in Chihuahua and Pug.  El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar lesiones encefálicas mediante tomografía computarizada (TC) en 71 canes que fueron sometidos al estudio encefálico por recomendación médica entre 2011 y 2015 en Lima, Perú. Los diagnósticos tomográficos fueron relacionados con el sexo, edad, tamaño y raza de cada paciente. Se identificaron 38 diagnósticos tomográficos positivos a lesión encefálica (53.5%). El grupo etario positivo a lesión cerebral más frecuente fue el comprendido entre 1 y 7 años; así como el tamaño de perro mediano. Las lesiones diagnosticadas más frecuentes fueron dilatación ventricular (29%, 11/38), neoformaciones encefálicas (15.8%, 6/38) e hidrocefalia (15.8%, 6/38). La dilatación ventricular se presentó con mayor frecuencia entre 1 y 7 años, en razas Maltés y Poodle, las neoformaciones cerebrales en canes mayores de 7 años y en la raza Labrador, en tanto que la hidrocefalia en canes entre 1 y 7 años, mayormente en Chihuahua y Pug