Differential impact of socioeconomic position across life on oral cancer risk in Kerala, India: An investigation of life-course models under a time-varying framework

OBJECTIVES: The incidence of oral cancer has been rapidly increasing in India, calling for evidence contributing to a deeper understanding of its determinants. Although disadvantageous life‐course socioeconomic position (SEP) is independently associated with the risk of these cancers, the explanatory mechanisms remain unclear. Possible pathways may be better understood by testing which life‐course model most influences oral cancer risk. We estimated the association between life‐course SEP and oral cancer risk under three life‐course models: critical period, accumulation and social mobility. METHODS: We recruited incident oral cancer cases (N = 350) and controls (N = 371) frequency‐matched by age and sex from two main referral hospitals in Kozhikode, Kerala, India, between 2008 and 2012. We collected information on childhood (0‐16 years), early adulthood (17‐30 years) and late adulthood (above 30 years) SEP and behavioural factors along the life span using interviews and a life‐grid technique. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated for the association between life‐course SEP and oral cancer risk using inverse probability weighted marginal structural models. RESULTS: Relative to an advantageous SEP in childhood and early adulthood, a disadvantageous SEP was associated with oral cancer risk [(OR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.99, 3.81) and (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.21, 2.79), respectively]. In addition, participants who were in a disadvantageous (vs advantageous) SEP during all three periods of life had an increased oral cancer risk (OR = 4.86, 95% CI: 2.61, 9.06). The childhood to early adulthood social mobility model and overall life‐course trajectories indicated strong influence of exposure to disadvantageous SEP in childhood on the risk for oral cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Using novel approaches to existing methods, our study provides empirical evidence that disadvantageous childhood SEP is critical for oral cancer risk in this population from Kerala, India

FATORES SOCIOCULTURAIS QUE INFLUENCIAM A PRÁTICA DA AMAMENTAÇAO ENTRE MULHERES DE BAIXA RENDA EM FORTALEZA, CEARÁ, BRASIL: UMA PERSPECTIVA A PARTIR DO MODELO DO SOL NASCENTE DE LEININGER

This study was developed to analyze socio-cultural factors that may influence the breastfeeding practices of low-income women in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. This observational study utilized Leininger’s Culture Care Theory to identify and analyze key socio-cultural factors. The study was based on 12 pregnant and breastfeeding women. Using an observational data sheet created in concordance with the Sunrise model (Leininger), we visited the homes of pregnant and breastfeeding women and observed their living conditions. Our observations were recorded and photographs were taken of the overall housing conditions, the surrounding neighborhood, and the local clinic. Living conditions were impoverished. Most homes had inadequate refrigeration, structural problems, and provided small living space. This indicated the severity of the residents’ economic situations. The women observed were usually self-employed and living with at least one family member. The factors that appeared to have the most influence on women’s decisions regarding breastfeeding were familial and economic factors. It is expected that the findings of this study will lead to more culturally appropriate and effective interventions aimed at increasing breastfeeding initiation and duration.Esta investigación fue desarrollada para analizar los factores socioculturales que pueden influir en la práctica de la lactancia entre mujeres de baja renta en Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. Este estudio de observación utilizó la Teoría del Cuidado Cultural de Leininger para identificar y analizar los factores socioculturales clave. El estudio involucró a 12 gestantes y nodrizas. Usando un formulario de observación creado de acuerdo con el modelo del Sol Naciente (Leininger), fueron llevadas a cabo visitas en los domicilios de las mujeres y observadas sus condiciones de vida. Las observaciones fueron registradas en el formulario y se sacaron fotografías de las condiciones generales de la morada, de la vecindad y del servicio de salud local. Las condiciones de vida son pobres. La mayoría de las casas tiene refrigeración inadecuada, problemas estructurales y poco espacio. Eso revela la gravedad de las condiciones económicas de los residentes. Las mujeres observadas en general eran autónomas y vivían con por lo menos un miembro de la familia. Los factores que aparentemente ejercían mayor influencia sobre la decisión de las mujeres a favor de la lactancia fueron los económicos y familiares. Se espera que los hallazgos de este estudio lleven a intervenciones más efectivas y culturalmente apropiadas con objeto de aumentar el inicio y la duración de la lactancia.Este estudo foi desenvolvido para analisar os fatores socioculturais que podem influenciar a prática da amamentação entre mulheres de baixa renda em Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. Este estudo observacional utilizou a Teoria do Cuidado Cultural de Leininger para identificar e analisar os fatores socioculturais chave. O estudo envolveu 12 gestantes e nutrizes. Usando um formulário de observação criado de acordo com o modelo do Sol Nascente (Leininger) foram realizadas visitas nos domicílios das mulheres e observadas suas condições de vida. As observações foram registradas no formulário e foram realizadas fotografias das condições gerais da moradia, da vizinhança e do serviço de saúde local. As condições de vida são pobres. A maioria das casas tem refrigeração inadequada, problemas estruturais e pouco espaço. Isso revela a gravidade das condições econômicas dos residentes. As mulheres observadas em geral eram autônomas e viviam com pelo menos um membro da família. Os fatores que pareceram ter mais influência sobre a decisão das mulheres em amamentar foram os fatores econômicos e familiares. Espera-se que os achados deste estudo levem a intervenções mais efetivas e culturalmente apropriadas visando o aumento do início e duração da amamentação

Interpolation and harmonic majorants in big Hardy-Orlicz spaces

Free interpolation in Hardy spaces is caracterized by the well-known Carleson condition. The result extends to Hardy-Orlicz spaces contained in the scale of classical Hardy spaces $H^p$, $p>0$. For the Smirnov and the Nevanlinna classes, interpolating sequences have been characterized in a recent paper in terms of the existence of harmonic majorants (quasi-bounded in the case of the Smirnov class). Since the Smirnov class can be regarded as the union over all Hardy-Orlicz spaces associated with a so-called strongly convex function, it is natural to ask how the condition changes from the Carleson condition in classical Hardy spaces to harmonic majorants in the Smirnov class. The aim of this paper is to narrow down this gap from the Smirnov class to ``big'' Hardy-Orlicz spaces. More precisely, we characterize interpolating sequences for a class of Hardy-Orlicz spaces that carry an algebraic structure and that are strictly bigger than $\bigcup_{p>0} H^p$. It turns out that the interpolating sequences are again characterized by the existence of quasi-bounded majorants, but now the weights of the majorants have to be in suitable Orlicz spaces. The existence of harmonic majorants in such Orlicz spaces will also be discussed in the general situation. We finish the paper with an example of a separated Blaschke sequence that is interpolating for certain Hardy-Orlicz spaces without being interpolating for slightly smaller ones.Comment: 19 pages, 2 figure

HI Narrow Line Absorption in Dark Clouds

We have used the Arecibo telescope to carry out an survey of 31 dark clouds in the Taurus/Perseus region for narrow absorption features in HI ($\lambda$ 21cm) and OH (1667 and 1665 MHz) emission. We detected HI narrow self--absorption (HINSA) in 77% of the clouds that we observed. HINSA and OH emission, observed simultaneously are remarkably well correlated. Spectrally, they have the same nonthermal line width and the same line centroid velocity. Spatially, they both peak at the optically--selected central position of each cloud, and both fall off toward the cloud edges. Sources with clear HINSA feature have also been observed in transitions of CO, \13co, \c18o, and CI. HINSA exhibits better correlation with molecular tracers than with CI. The line width of the absorption feature, together with analyses of the relevant radiative transfer provide upper limits to the kinetic temperature of the gas producing the HINSA. Some sources must have a temperature close to or lower than 10 K. The correlation of column densities and line widths of HINSA with those characteristics of molecular tracers suggest that a significant fraction of the atomic hydrogen is located in the cold, well--shielded portions of molecular clouds, and is mixed with the molecular gas. The average number density ratio [HI]/[\h2] is $1.5\times10^{-3}$. The inferred HI density appears consistent with but is slightly higher than the value expected in steady state equilibrium between formation of HI via cosmic ray destruction of H$_2$ and destruction via formation of H$_2$ on grain surfaces. The distribution and abundance of atomic hydrogen in molecular clouds is a critical test of dark cloud chemistry and structure, including the issues of grain surface reaction rates, PDRs, circulation, and turbulent diffusion.Comment: 40 pages, 10 figures, accepted by Ap

The laparoscopic treatment of perforated duodenal ulcer in Romania – a multicentric study

Clinica Chirurgie 2, Timișoara, România, Clinica Chirurgie, Spitalul de Urgență, București, Al XI-lea Congres al Asociației Chirurgilor „Nicolae Anestiadi” din Republica Moldova și cea de-a XXXIII-a Reuniune a Chirurgilor din Moldova „Iacomi-Răzeșu” 27-30 septembrie 2011Aims. This retrospective study was evaluated the results of laparoscopic treatment of the perforated duodenal ulcer (PDU) in 6 Romanian centres with an important experience in laparoscopic surgery.Methods. Between 2000 and 2010, 221 patients (38 females and 183 men) aged from 18 to 78 years, were operated laparoscopicaly for PDU, by using 3 (66.0%), 4 (27%) or 5 (7.0%) trocars. Forty six (20.8%) of them had a weak, 143(64.7%) an important and 32(14.5%) a grave peritonitis. Procedures performed were: simple suture 84(38.1%) patients, suture with epiplonoplasty 135(61.1%) patients, only epiplonoplasty 1(0.4%) patients, excision with suture 1(0.4%) patients. All patients had abundant peritoneal cavity washing and tub drainage (1-3 tubs).Results. The interventions lasted between 30 and 120 min, with an average of 63 min. No mortality was reported. Postoperative oral nutrition began after 24 hours for 114(51.6%) patients and after intestinal transit has restarted for 107(48.4%) patients. The intestinal transit has restarted after 1-6 days (average 3.5 days), depending of the gravity of peritonitis. Complications were: parietal infections 3 (1.3%), duodenal fistula 1 (0.4%), abdominal abcesses 1(0.4%), digestive haemorrhage 1(0.4%) and duodenal stenosis 1 (0.4%). Hospitalization lasted between 2 and 13 days (average 5.5 days). In comparison with open techniques, patients had the same intravenous perfusions, less pain, less antibiotics, less dressings, less complications during postoperative evolution. Conclusion. Laparoscopic treatment of PDU is safe even in case of severe peritonitis, with faster patient’s recovery. with less complications and with less postoperative medical care than open procedures. Aims. This retrospective study was evaluated the results of laparoscopic treatment of the perforated duodenal ulcer (PDU) in 6 Romanian centres with an important experience in laparoscopic surgery.Methods. Between 2000 and 2010, 221 patients (38 females and 183 men) aged from 18 to 78 years, were operated laparoscopicaly for PDU, by using 3 (66.0%), 4 (27%) or 5 (7.0%) trocars. Forty six (20.8%) of them had a weak, 143(64.7%) an important and 32(14.5%) a grave peritonitis. Procedures performed were: simple suture 84(38.1%) patients, suture with epiplonoplasty 135(61.1%) patients, only epiplonoplasty 1(0.4%) patients, excision with suture 1(0.4%) patients. All patients had abundant peritoneal cavity washing and tub drainage (1-3 tubs). Results. The interventions lasted between 30 and 120 min, with an average of 63 min. No mortality was reported. Postoperative oral nutrition began after 24 hours for 114(51.6%) patients and after intestinal transit has restarted for 107(48.4%) patients. The intestinal transit has restarted after 1-6 days (average 3.5 days), depending of the gravity of peritonitis. Complications were: parietal infections 3 (1.3%), duodenal fistula 1 (0.4%), abdominal abcesses 1(0.4%), digestive haemorrhage 1(0.4%) and duodenal stenosis 1 (0.4%). Hospitalization lasted between 2 and 13 days (average 5.5 days). In comparison with open techniques, patients had the same intravenous perfusions, less pain, less antibiotics, less dressings, less complications during postoperative evolution. Conclusion. Laparoscopic treatment of PDU is safe even in case of severe peritonitis, with faster patient’s recovery. with less complications and with less postoperative medical care than open procedures

Filaments in the edge confinement region of TJ-II

Autor colectivo: TJ-II TeamFloating potential measurements from two remote reciprocating probes in the plasma edge region of the TJ-II stellarator are analyzed using the transfer entropy, revealing the spatial dimensions and propagation properties of filamentary structures. The results are corroborated by performing simulations with a resistive MHD model and analyzing data from synthetic diagnostics. The transfer entropy captures the rotation of the filaments and allows the calculating of their rotation velocity. This deduced velocity was compared to the (known) poloidal velocity of the plasma and showed a relatively good agreement

Uma aplicação desktop interativa para desenvolvedores e usuários de modelos de sistemas dinâmicos em R.

A aplicação apresentada neste artigo propõe facilitar o desenvolvimento e uso de simuladores de modelos de sistemas dinâmicos contínuos. Seu ambiente, intuitivo e didático, permite a definição e simulação dos modelos de forma rápida e organizada. Os modelos desenvolvidos podem ser salvos em arquivos, possibilitando a criação de repositórios e o compartilhamento de simuladores. Assim, a aplicação permite que usuários de diversas áreas do conhecimento, tal como a agropecuária, colaborem no processo de desenvolvimento e simulação de modelos de sistemas dinâmicos.SBIAgro 2017. Na publicação: Luís Gustavo Barionni

sdsim: um pacote para modelagem e simulação de sistemas dinâmicos contínuos em R.

Este artigo apresenta o pacote sdsim, um framework livre para definição, prototipação e simulação de modelos de sistemas dinâmicos contínuos em R, e sua aplicação. Por meio de uma abordagem orientada a objetos, o pacote define uma arquitetura genérica e estruturada para facilitar a implementação de simuladores e o compartilhamento de modelos. A integração com interface gráfica simplifica e torna amigável o uso do pacote por usuários com diferentes níveis. Seu suporte inovador ao acoplamento de modelos permite a definição de sistemas complexos que interagem entre si. Como resultado, o sdsim conta com um repositório de modelos que podem auxiliar no desenvolvimento de novos modelos e fomentar o uso do pacote na comunidade de modelagem e simulação em diversas áreas do conhecimento.SBIAgro 2017. Na publicação: Luís Gustavo Barionni

Longer-term oral antiplatelet use in stable post-myocardial infarction patients: Insights from the long Term rIsk, clinical manaGement and healthcare Resource utilization of stable coronary artery dISease (TIGRIS) observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe contemporary patient characteristics and treatment patterns, including antithrombotic management, of post-myocardial infarction (MI) stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients at high atherothrombotic risk from different geographical regions. METHODS: Patients ≥50years with prior MI 1-3years ago and ≥1 risk factor (age ≥65years, diabetes, 2nd prior MI >1yr ago, multivessel CAD, creatinine clearance 15-1year was highest (39%) in Asia-Pacific and lowest (12%) in Europe. CONCLUSIONS: Despite guideline recommendations, 1 in 4 post-MI patients did not receive DAPT for ~1year. In contrast to guideline recommendations supporting newer ADPris, clopidogrel was mainly prescribed. Prior to recent RCT data supporting DAPT >1year post-MI/PCI, >1 in 4 patients have continued on DAPT, though with substantial international variability

Measurement of the atmospheric muon flux with the NEMO Phase-1 detector

The NEMO Collaboration installed and operated an underwater detector including prototypes of the critical elements of a possible underwater km3 neutrino telescope: a four-floor tower (called Mini-Tower) and a Junction Box. The detector was developed to test some of the main systems of the km3 detector, including the data transmission, the power distribution, the timing calibration and the acoustic positioning systems as well as to verify the capabilities of a single tridimensional detection structure to reconstruct muon tracks. We present results of the analysis of the data collected with the NEMO Mini-Tower. The position of photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) is determined through the acoustic position system. Signals detected with PMTs are used to reconstruct the tracks of atmospheric muons. The angular distribution of atmospheric muons was measured and results compared with Monte Carlo simulations.Comment: Astrop. Phys., accepte