Interregional Trade Changes in Spain Caused by the Introduction of a Road Fee-Charge for Heavy Goods Vehicles

SUMMARY The introduction of a homogeneous road charging system according to the Directive 2011/76/EU for the use of roads is still under development in most European Union (EU) member states. Spain, like other EU members, has been encouraged to introduce a charging system for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) throughout the country. This nationwide charge has been postponed because there are serious concerns about their advantages from an economic point of view. Within this context, this paper applies an integrated modeling approach to shape elastic trade coefficients among regions by using a random utility based multiregional InputOutput (RUBMRIO) approach and a road transport network model in order to determine regional distributive and substitutive economic effects by simulating the introduction of a distance-based charge (€/km) considering 7,053.8 kilometers of free highways linking the capitals of the Spanish regions. In addition, an in-depth analysis of interregional trade changes is developed to evaluate and characterize the role of the road charging approach in trade relations among regions and across freight intensive economic sectors. For this purpose, differences in trade relations are described and assessed between a base-case or "do nothing" scenario and a road fee-charge setting scenario. The results show that the specific amount of the charge set for HGVs affect each region differently and to a different extent because in some regions the price of commodities and the Generalized Transport Cost will decrease its competiveness within the country

Hipovitaminose de ingestão de cálcio em população adulta

Background: Daily dietary calcium intake below the requirements has been related to lowlevels of vitamin D (Vit-D) and osteoarticular diseases. Objective: To determine the prevalence of Vit-D deficiency in the general population living in Bogotá, its relationship to dietary calcium intake, and the influence of socio-demographic factors and sunlight exposure. Materials and methods: In a pro-spective cohort of the general population (randomly selected), excluding individuals with conditions affecting calcium absorption or adequate Vit-D action, the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D (95 % ci) and regular consumption of calcium (rci, mg/day) is measured according to socio-demographic, anthropometric, biochemical, and sunlight exposure variables. A multiple regression model is implemented (no intercept) to predict Vit-D concentration based on the factors described. Results: Ninety-seven patients are included, 61 % of which are women, with a median age of 23 years, a weight of 65 kg (iqr: 55.2–70.5), a height of 165 cm ± 8.9, and bmi of 22.8 kg/m2 (iqr: 21.2–25.2). The rci was 393.7 mg/day, less than the benchmark for Colombian adults (p < 0.001); serum calcium concentration was 9.7 mg/dL. The mean Vit-D concentration (95 % ci) was 23.7 ng/mL (22.6–24.7); hypovitaminosis D was identified in 87 % of the sample (80.6–94.7 %), 24.7 % were classified as poor (15.6–33.8 %) and 62.9 % as insufficient (52.8–73 %). Vit-D concentration was predicted in a quadratic function by the interaction between sex, sunlight exposure, and rci (R2 > 90 %). Conclusion: The suspected high prevalence of Vit-D deficiency is confirmed in the general Colombian adult population as a result of low dietary calcium intake, demographic factors, and sunlight exposure.El consumo diario de calcio en la dieta por debajo de los requerimientos se ha relacionado con bajos niveles de Vitamina D (Vit-D) y con enfermedades osteoarticulares. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de la deficiencia de Vit-D en la población general que vive en Bogotá, su relación con la ingesta de calcio en la dieta y la influencia de factores sociodemográficos y de la exposición a la luz solar. Materiales y métodos: en una cohorte prospectiva seleccionada aleatoriamente de la población general, excluyendo individuos con condiciones que afectaran la absorción de calcio o la acción de la Vit-D, se midió la prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D (ic 95 %) y el consumo habitual de calcio (chc, mg/día), según variables sociodemográficas, antropométricas, bioquímicas y de exposición solar; se implementó un modelo de regresión múltiple (sin el intercepto) para predecir la concentración de Vit-D en función de los factores descritos. Resultados: se incluyeron 97 pacientes, edad mediana 23 años, 61 % mujeres; con peso mediano 65 kg (ric; 55,2-70,5), estatura 165 cm ± 8,9 e imc 22,8 kg/m2 (ric; 21,2-25,2). El chc fue 393,7 mg/día, menor que el recomendado para adultos colombianos (p < 0,001); la concentración de calcio sérico fue 9,7 mg/dL. La concentración media (ic 95 %) de Vit-D fue 23,7 ng/mL (22,6-24,7), se identificó hipovitaminosis D en 87 % (80,6-94,7 %); 24,7 % se clasificaron como deficientes (15,6-33,8 %) y 62,9 % como insuficientes (52,8-73 %). La concentración de Vit-D se logró predecir, en función cuadrática, por la interacción entre el sexo, la exposición solar y el chc (R2 > 90 %). Conclusiones: teniendo en cuenta los resultados obtenidos, se confirma la sospecha de alta prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D en población general colombiana adulta, relacionada con un bajo consumo de calcio en la dieta habitual, factores demográficos y de exposición solar.Introdução: o consumo diário de cálcio na dieta abaixo dos requerimentos necessários tem sido relacionado com baixos níveis de vitamina D (Vit-D) e com doenças osteoarticulares. Objetivo: determinar a prevalência da deficiência de Vit-D na população geral que vive em Bogotá, Colômbia, sua relação com a ingestão de cálcio na dieta, a influência de fatores sociodemográficos e a exposição à luz solar. Materiais e métodos: em uma coorte prospectiva selecionada aleatoriamente da população geral, excluindo indivíduos com condições que afetassem a absorção de cálcio ou a ação de Vit-D, foi medida a prevalência de hipovitaminose D (IC 95 %) e o consumo habitual de cálcio (CHC, mg/dia), segundo variáveis sociodemográficas, antropométricas, bioquímicas e exposição solar; foi implementado um modelo de regressão múltipla (sem o intercepto) para predizer a concentração de Vit-D em função dos fatores descritos. Resultados: foram incluídos 97 pacientes, com idade média 23 anos, 61 % mulheres; com peso médio de 65 kg (RIC; 55,2-70,5), estatura 165 cm ± 8,9 e IMC 22,8 kg/m2 (RIC; 21,2-25,2). O CHC foi 393,7 mg/dia, menor do que o recomendado para adultos colombianos (p < 0,001); a concentração sérica de cálcio foi 9,7 mg/dL. A concentração média (IC 95 %) de Vit-D foi 23,7 ng/mL (22,6-24,7), foi identificada hipovitaminose D em 87 % (80,6-94,7 %), foram classificados deficientes 24,7 % (15,6-33,8 %) e insuficientes 62,9 % (52,8-73 %). A concentração de Vit-D foi possível predizer, em função quadrática, pela interação entre sexo, exposição solar e CHC (R2 > 90 %). Conclusões: a partir dos resultados obtidos, é confirmada a suspeita de alta prevalência de hipovitaminose D em população geral colombiana adulta, relacionada com um baixo consumo de cálcio na dieta habitual, fatores demográficos e exposição solar

A 5LCHB Inverter for PV transformerless applications with reduced leakage ground current

Transformerless inverters for photovoltaic systems are widely used as it features low cost, volume, and weight. Thus, in recent years, its study has been of great interest to the research community. In this paper a transformerless cascade multilevel inverter for photovoltaic applications with leakage ground current compensation capability is presented. The proposed solution involves a second-order LC output filter with a particular connection, which is referred to as the DC-link-tied LC output filter. This solution is aimed to deal with the leakage-ground current issue, regardless of the considered PWM strategy. The mathematical model of the system involving such a particular LC output passive filter configuration is presented, out of which, both the differential-mode and the common-mode models are obtained. These models are used to explain the leakage-ground current improvement of the proposed DC-link-tied LC output filter. This hardware solution is evaluated under different modulation schemes to contrast the converter output response and the leakage-ground current performance. Finally, simulation and experimental results are performed using a 1 kW academic prototype to assess the performance of the proposed DC-link-tied LC output filter used in a transformerless inverter application.Peer ReviewedObjectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::7 - Energia Assequible i No ContaminantObjectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::11 - Ciutats i Comunitats SosteniblesPostprint (published version

Endemic and epidemic human alphavirus infections in eastern Panama: An analysis of population-based cross-sectional surveys

Madariaga virus (MADV) has recently been associated with severe human disease in Panama, where the closely related Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) also circulates. In June 2017, a fatal MADV infection was confirmed in a community of Darien Province. We conducted a cross-sectional outbreak investigation with human and mosquito collections in July 2017, where sera were tested for alphavirus antibodies and viral RNA. In addition, by applying a catalytic, force-of-infection (FOI) statistical model to two serosurveys from Darien Province in 2012 and 2017, we investigated whether endemic or epidemic alphavirus transmission occurred historically. In 2017, MADV and VEEV IgM seroprevalences were 1.6% and 4.4%, respectively; IgG antibody prevalences were MADV: 13.2%, VEEV: 16.8%, Una virus (UNAV): 16.0%, and Mayaro virus: 1.1%. Active viral circulation was not detected. Evidence of MADV and UNAV infection was found near households, raising questions about its vectors and enzootic transmission cycles. Insomnia was associated withMADVand VEEV infections, depression symptoms were associated with MADV, and dizziness with VEEV and UNAV. Force-of-infection analyses suggest endemic alphavirus transmission historically, with recent increased human exposure to MADV and VEEV in Aruza and Mercadeo, respectively. The lack of additional neurological cases suggests that severe MADV and VEEV infections occur only rarely. Our results indicate that over the past five decades, alphavirus infections have occurred at low levels in eastern Panama, but that MADV and VEEV infections have recently increased-potentially during the past decade. Endemic infections and outbreaks of MADV and VEEV appear to differ spatially in some locations of eastern Panama.National Institute for Health ResearchRevisión por pare

Higher risk of malaria transmission outdoors than indoors by Nyssorhynchus darlingi in riverine communities in the Peruvian Amazon.

BACKGROUND: Malaria remains an important public health problem in Peru where incidence has been increasing since 2011. Of over 55,000 cases reported in 2017, Plasmodium vivax was the predominant species (76%), with P. falciparum responsible for the remaining 24%. Nyssorhynchus darlingi (previously Anopheles darlingi) is the main vector in Amazonian Peru, where hyperendemic Plasmodium transmission pockets have been found. Mazán district has pronounced spatial heterogeneity of P. vivax malaria. However, little is known about behavior, ecology or seasonal dynamics of Ny. darlingi in Mazán. This study aimed to gather baseline information about bionomics of malaria vectors and transmission risk factors in a hyperendemic malaria area of Amazonian Peru. METHODS: To assess vector biology metrics, five surveys (two in the dry and three in the rainy season), including collection of sociodemographic information, were conducted in four communities in 2016-2017 on the Napo (Urco Miraño, URC; Salvador, SAL) and Mazán Rivers (Visto Bueno, VIB; Libertad, LIB). Human-biting rate (HBR), entomological inoculation rate (EIR) and human blood index (HBI) were measured to test the hypothesis of differences in entomological indices of Ny. darlingi between watersheds. A generalized linear mixed effect model (GLMM) was constructed to model the relationship between household risk factors and the EIR. RESULTS: Nyssorhynchus darlingi comprised 95% of 7117 Anophelinae collected and its abundance was significantly higher along the Mazán River. The highest EIRs (3.03-4.54) were detected in March and June in URC, LIB and VIB, and significantly more Ny. darlingi were infected outdoors than indoors. Multivariate analysis indicated that the EIR was >12 times higher in URC compared with SAL. The HBI ranged from 0.42-0.75; humans were the most common blood source, followed by Galliformes and cows. There were dramatic differences in peak biting time and malaria incidence with similar bednet coverage in the villages. CONCLUSIONS: Nyssorhynchus darlingi is the predominant contributor to malaria transmission in the Mazán District, Peru. Malaria risk in these villages is higher in the peridomestic area, with pronounced heterogeneities between and within villages on the Mazán and the Napo Rivers. Spatiotemporal identification and quantification of the prevailing malaria transmission would provide new evidence to orient specific control measures for vulnerable or at high risk populations

Canagliflozin and Renal Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes and Nephropathy

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide, but few effective long-term treatments are available. In cardiovascular trials of inhibitors of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), exploratory results have suggested that such drugs may improve renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS In this double-blind, randomized trial, we assigned patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuric chronic kidney disease to receive canagliflozin, an oral SGLT2 inhibitor, at a dose of 100 mg daily or placebo. All the patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 30 to 300 to 5000) and were treated with renin–angiotensin system blockade. The primary outcome was a composite of end-stage kidney disease (dialysis, transplantation, or a sustained estimated GFR of <15 ml per minute per 1.73 m 2), a doubling of the serum creatinine level, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes. Prespecified secondary outcomes were tested hierarchically. RESULTS The trial was stopped early after a planned interim analysis on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring committee. At that time, 4401 patients had undergone randomization, with a median follow-up of 2.62 years. The relative risk of the primary outcome was 30% lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group, with event rates of 43.2 and 61.2 per 1000 patient-years, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59 to 0.82; P=0.00001). The relative risk of the renal-specific composite of end-stage kidney disease, a doubling of the creatinine level, or death from renal causes was lower by 34% (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.81; P<0.001), and the relative risk of end-stage kidney disease was lower by 32% (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.86; P=0.002). The canagliflozin group also had a lower risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.95; P=0.01) and hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.80; P<0.001). There were no significant differences in rates of amputation or fracture. CONCLUSIONS In patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular events was lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group at a median follow-up of 2.62 years

Canagliflozin and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes and nephropathy

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide, but few effective long-term treatments are available. In cardiovascular trials of inhibitors of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), exploratory results have suggested that such drugs may improve renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS In this double-blind, randomized trial, we assigned patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuric chronic kidney disease to receive canagliflozin, an oral SGLT2 inhibitor, at a dose of 100 mg daily or placebo. All the patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 30 to &lt;90 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area and albuminuria (ratio of albumin [mg] to creatinine [g], &gt;300 to 5000) and were treated with renin–angiotensin system blockade. The primary outcome was a composite of end-stage kidney disease (dialysis, transplantation, or a sustained estimated GFR of &lt;15 ml per minute per 1.73 m2), a doubling of the serum creatinine level, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes. Prespecified secondary outcomes were tested hierarchically. RESULTS The trial was stopped early after a planned interim analysis on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring committee. At that time, 4401 patients had undergone randomization, with a median follow-up of 2.62 years. The relative risk of the primary outcome was 30% lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group, with event rates of 43.2 and 61.2 per 1000 patient-years, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59 to 0.82; P=0.00001). The relative risk of the renal-specific composite of end-stage kidney disease, a doubling of the creatinine level, or death from renal causes was lower by 34% (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.81; P&lt;0.001), and the relative risk of end-stage kidney disease was lower by 32% (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.86; P=0.002). The canagliflozin group also had a lower risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.95; P=0.01) and hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.80; P&lt;0.001). There were no significant differences in rates of amputation or fracture. CONCLUSIONS In patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular events was lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group at a median follow-up of 2.62 years

Elective cancer surgery in COVID-19-free surgical pathways during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: An international, multicenter, comparative cohort study

PURPOSE As cancer surgery restarts after the first COVID-19 wave, health care providers urgently require data to determine where elective surgery is best performed. This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19–free surgical pathways were associated with lower postoperative pulmonary complication rates compared with hospitals with no defined pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS This international, multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent elective surgery for 10 solid cancer types without preoperative suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. Participating hospitals included patients from local emergence of SARS-CoV-2 until April 19, 2020. At the time of surgery, hospitals were defined as having a COVID-19–free surgical pathway (complete segregation of the operating theater, critical care, and inpatient ward areas) or no defined pathway (incomplete or no segregation, areas shared with patients with COVID-19). The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications (pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, unexpected ventilation). RESULTS Of 9,171 patients from 447 hospitals in 55 countries, 2,481 were operated on in COVID-19–free surgical pathways. Patients who underwent surgery within COVID-19–free surgical pathways were younger with fewer comorbidities than those in hospitals with no defined pathway but with similar proportions of major surgery. After adjustment, pulmonary complication rates were lower with COVID-19–free surgical pathways (2.2% v 4.9%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.86). This was consistent in sensitivity analyses for low-risk patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1/2), propensity score–matched models, and patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 preoperative tests. The postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was also lower in COVID-19–free surgical pathways (2.1% v 3.6%; aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.76). CONCLUSION Within available resources, dedicated COVID-19–free surgical pathways should be established to provide safe elective cancer surgery during current and before future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks

Elective Cancer Surgery in COVID-19-Free Surgical Pathways During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: An International, Multicenter, Comparative Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: As cancer surgery restarts after the first COVID-19 wave, health care providers urgently require data to determine where elective surgery is best performed. This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19-free surgical pathways were associated with lower postoperative pulmonary complication rates compared with hospitals with no defined pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This international, multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent elective surgery for 10 solid cancer types without preoperative suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. Participating hospitals included patients from local emergence of SARS-CoV-2 until April 19, 2020. At the time of surgery, hospitals were defined as having a COVID-19-free surgical pathway (complete segregation of the operating theater, critical care, and inpatient ward areas) or no defined pathway (incomplete or no segregation, areas shared with patients with COVID-19). The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications (pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, unexpected ventilation). RESULTS: Of 9,171 patients from 447 hospitals in 55 countries, 2,481 were operated on in COVID-19-free surgical pathways. Patients who underwent surgery within COVID-19-free surgical pathways were younger with fewer comorbidities than those in hospitals with no defined pathway but with similar proportions of major surgery. After adjustment, pulmonary complication rates were lower with COVID-19-free surgical pathways (2.2% v 4.9%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.86). This was consistent in sensitivity analyses for low-risk patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1/2), propensity score-matched models, and patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 preoperative tests. The postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was also lower in COVID-19-free surgical pathways (2.1% v 3.6%; aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.76). CONCLUSION: Within available resources, dedicated COVID-19-free surgical pathways should be established to provide safe elective cancer surgery during current and before future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks