Characterization of ten white matter tracts in a representative sample of Cuban population

Background: The diffusion tensor imaging technique (DTI) combined with tractography methods, has achieved the tridimensional reconstruction of white matter tracts in the brain. It allows their characterization in vivo in a non-invasive way. However, one of the largest sources of variability originates from the location of regions of interest, is therefore necessary schemes which make it possible to establish a protocol to be insensitive to variations in drawing thereof. The purpose of this paper is to stablish a reliable protocol to reconstruct ten prominent tracts of white matter and characterize them according to volume, fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity. Also we explored the relationship among these factors with gender and hemispheric symmetry. Methods: This study aims to characterize ten prominent tracts of white matter in a representative sample of Cuban population using this technique, including 84 healthy subjects. Diffusion tensors and subsequently fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity maps were calculated from each subject's DTI scans. The trajectory of ten brain tracts was estimated by using deterministic tractography methods of fiber tracking. In such tracts, the volume, the FA and MD were calculated, creating a reference for their study in the Cuban population. The interactions between these variables with age, cerebral hemispheres and gender factors were explored using Repeated Measure Analysis of Variance. Results: The volume values showed that a most part of tracts have bigger volume in left hemisphere. Also, the data showed bigger values of MD for males than females in all the tracts, an inverse behavior than FA values. Conclusions: This work showed that is possible reconstruct white matter tracts using a unique region of interest scheme defined from standard to native space. Also, this study indicates differing developmental trajectories in white matter for males and females and the importance of taking gender into account in developmental DTI studies and in underlie gender-related cognitive differences

Crystallized and fluid intelligence are predicted by microstructure of specific white-matter tracts

Studies of the neural basis of intelligence have focused on comparing brain imaging variables with global scales instead of the cognitive domains integrating these scales or quotients. Here, the relation between mean tract‐based fractional anisotropy (mTBFA) and intelligence indices was explored. Deterministic tractography was performed using a regions of interest approach for 10 white‐matter fascicles along which the mTBFA was calculated. The study sample included 83 healthy individuals from the second wave of the Cuban Human Brain Mapping Project, whose WAIS‐III intelligence quotients and indices were obtained. Inspired by the “Watershed model” of intelligence, we employed a regularized hierarchical Multiple Indicator, Multiple Causes model (MIMIC), to assess the association of mTBFA with intelligence scores, as mediated by latent variables summarizing the indices. Regularized MIMIC, used due to the limited sample size, selected relevant mTBFA by means of an elastic net penalty and achieved good fits to the data. Two latent variables were necessary to describe the indices: Fluid intelligence (Perceptual Organization and Processing Speed indices) and Crystallized Intelligence (Verbal Comprehension and Working Memory indices). Regularized MIMIC revealed effects of the forceps minor tract on crystallized intelligence and of the superior longitudinal fasciculus on fluid intelligence. The model also detected the significant effect of age on both latent variables

El trabajo comunitario integrado: su aplicación en el Trabajo Social

La utilización de la metodología de Trabajo Comunitario Integrado. Su aplicación en el contexto comunitario desde la perspectiva del trabajo social son las cuestiones que los autores del presente artículo pretenden dar a conocer a los investigadores sociales, ya que puede favorecer el éxito, la efectividad y sostenibilidad de los proyectos en que se aplique. Se tienen en cuenta las dimensiones operativas de trabajo en la comunidad. El desarrollo endógeno, la autogestión y la mejora de la calidad de vida, constituyen el principal objetivo de la propuesta de trabaj

A new Colombian pest species of the genus \u3ci\u3ePoecilocloeus\u3c/i\u3e Bruner (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Proctolabinae) on coffee, with a key to the Neotropical species

A remarkable new species of Poecilocloeus (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Proctolabinae) found damaging coffee plantations in the Western Andes of Colombia is described and named P. coffeaphilus n. sp. This new species is part of a distinct and colorful group of Proctolabinae grasshoppers, with most species found at low altitudes in the rainforest of the Amazon basin. In contrast, the new species is found at elevations of 1600 to 1800 m in the canopy of dense cloud forests, in the southwestern part of the department of Antioquia (Western Cordillera, Colombian Andes). Information about the natural history, behavior, natural enemies and control strategies in coffee plantations is given for this new species of masked grasshopper. A key to the Neotropical species of the fruticolus species group is presented. Una nueva y notable especie de Poecilocloeus (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Proctolabinae) encontrada afectando plantaciones de café en la cordillera occidental de Colombia es descrita y nombrada como P. coffeaphilus. La nueva especie hace parte de un grupo distintivo y colorido de saltamontes de la subfamilia Proctolabinae, con la mayoría de especies distribuidas a bajas altitudes en las selvas lluviosas de la cuenca amazónica. Por el contrario, la nueva especie se encuentra a altitudes entre 1.600 a 1.800 m en el dosel del bosque nublado, en el suroeste del departamento de Antioquia (Andes colombianos, Cordillera Occidental). Se da información acerca de la historia natural, comportamiento, enemigos naturales y estrategias de control de esta nueva especie de saltamonte enmascarado en cultivos de café. Se presenta una clave para las especies del grupo fruticolus de la región Neotropical

Homecare physiotherapy in the iberian peninsula public health system

Objetivos - Conocer los principales servicios de fisioterapia domiciliaria que oferta el Sistema Sanitario Público para las personas mayores dependientes de la Península Ibérica (España y Portugal). Estrategia de búsqueda - Revisión bibliográfica actualizada y exhaustiva sobre los estudios previos; estancia de investigación en Hospitales, Centros de Salud y organismos financiados por la Administración Pública en ambos países; entrevistas en profundidad a informantes estratégicos. Síntesis de los resultados - Se describe la situación de la fisioterapia domiciliaria en España, desde el año 1987 hasta agosto de 2008. Se detecta que en Portugal la fisioterapia domiciliaria está recogida en la cartera de servicios de atención primaria (Decreto-Ley no 28/2008, del 22 de febrero). Conclusiones - Existen pocas investigaciones a nivel de la Península que ofrezcan datos objetivos basados en la evidencia científica sobre la efectividad de estos servicios de fisioterapia, la satisfacción del usuario y las repercusiones que producen con respecto a otros tratamientos; sin embargo, estos estudios son necesarios para la evaluación de las políticas sanitarias, la distribución adecuada de recursos, la revisión de los programas, la metodología de actuación, etc.ABSTRACT - Objectives: To become acquainted with the principal homecare physiotherapy services that are offered by the Public Health System for dependent elderly patients in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal). Methods: A thorough and updated review of the literature regarding previous studies, research stays in Hospitals, Primary Health Care Centers and Public Health institutions in both countries financed by the Public Health Administration; in-depth interviews with specific informants. Results: The situation of homecare physiotherapy in Spain from the year 1987 to the August 2008 is described. In Portugal, these services are established within the services regulated by Primary Health Care (Decree-Law no. 28/2008, of February 22). Conclusions: There are few studies in the Iberian Peninsula that offer scientific evidence-based information on the effectiveness of these physiotherapy services, user satisfaction and the effect they have in relation to other treatments. However, these studies are needed in order to evaluate the current health legislation, appropriate distribution of resources, to review the clinical programs, clinical action methodologies, etc.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio