Biodiversity assessment of Phlebotomine (Diptera: Psychodidae) in an environmental impacted area in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

ABSTRACT From October 1994 to September 1996, in the municipality of Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro State, phlebotomines were captured on the walls of the houses by means of a manual suction tube and light traps, in the household, the peridomicile and in the forest. As it is an area undergoing a real expansion and an increment in the local tourism, with the purpose of assessing changes in the phlebotomine fauna caused by environmental changes in the region, new captures were made in the same location from October 2015 to September 2016, this time using only light traps. In the two phases of the study, a total of 6,681 phlebotomines were captured. The results indicated that Ny. intermedia and Mg. migonei are fully adapted to this anthropic environment, while Pi. fischeri was more abundant and eclectic, and was probably attracted to exercise hematophagy. Nyssomyia intermedia can be suggested as the main vector of the etiological agent of the American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis in the studied areas. Pintomyia fischeri can also transmit Leishmania braziliensis, both in the environment altered by human action, and in the wild environment. Phlebotomines were captured in greater numbers between 6 and 8 pm in the peridomicile and between 9 and 11 pm in the household. The highest densities of phlebotomines were recorded in December, January and February. Despite almost 20 years between the two studies in the municipality of Mangaratiba, there was no change in the profile of the phlebotomine fauna in general; however, there was a greater density of species of medical importance in areas that suffered environmental impacts.

Application of ARIMA model to predict schistosomiasis cases in China / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:An autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was used to predict the number of monthly reported cases of schistosomiasis in China (excluding Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan), so as to provide a scientific basis for prevention and control of schistosomiasis.Methods:Using ARIMA model, taking the time series of monthly reported cases of schistosomiasis in China from January 2009 to December 2018 as the training set, after stabilizing analysis with R 3.6.2 software, ARIMA models were selected by using screening parameters such as akaike information criterion and bayesian information criterion. Taking the number of monthly reported cases of schistosomiasis in China from January to December 2019 as the test set for verification and monthly optimization, an optimal ARIMA model was obtained. The prediction effect of the optimal ARIMA model was verified by the number of monthly reported cases of schistosomiasis in China from January 2019 to October 2020.Results:Based on the data of monthly reported cases of schistosomiasis in China from January 2009 to December 2018, four ARIMA models were obtained, namely ARIMA(2,0,2)(1,0,1)[12], ARIMA(2,0,2)(0,0,1)[12], ARIMA(2,0,2)(1,0,0)[12] and ARIMA(2,0,2). By comparing the actual number of cases from January to December 2019 with the predicted values of the four ARIMA models, the optimal prediction model of monthly reported cases of schistosomiasis was ARIMA(2,0,2)(1,0,1)[12], and the mean relative error of the prediction was 0.51%.Conclusions:The ARIMA model constructed in this study has high accuracy and is suitable for short-term prediction and analysis of the number of schistosomiasis cases in China. It can provide data support for prevention and control of the disease, and has certain practical guiding significance.

Comparison on predictive capacity of ARIMA model and LSTM model for incidence of hand, foot and mouth disease in Shijiazhuang / 中华疾病控制杂志

Objective To predict the incidence of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Shijiazhuang using the multiple seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA) and long short term memory (LSTM) model, lay theoretical foundation for the prevention and control of HFMD. Methods Multiple seasonal ARIMA model and LSTM model were established separately by using Eviews 8.0 and python 3.7.1 according to the data of monthly incidence of HFMD from January 2013 to May 2018 in Shijiazhuang, and the data from June 2018 to May 2019 were used to verify the prediction precision of model. Finally, the monthly incidence from June to August 2019 was predicted. Results Based on the monthly incidence from January 2013 to May 2018, the optimal models, ARIMA(1,0,0)×(1,1,2)12 and LSTM model were established. Mean absolute percentage of error (MAPE) of ARIMA and LSTM model were 22.14 and 10.03 respectively based on the monthly incidence from June to December 2018, while MAPE of ARIMA and LSTM model were 43.84 and 25.26 respectively based on the monthly incidence from June 2018 to May 2019. These results indicated that LSTM model was superior to ARIMA model in model fitting degree and predicting accuracy, which was relatively consistent with the actual situation. Conclusions LSTM model is able to fit and predict the incidence trend of HFMD well in Shijiazhuang. It can provide guidance to HFMD epidemic prediction and alerting.

Efficacy and safety of paliperidone palmitate 3-month formulation in Latin American patients with schizophrenia: A subgroup analysis of data from two large phase 3 randomized, double-blind studies

Objective: To analyze the efficacy and safety of paliperidone palmitate 3-monthly (PP3M) in Latin American patients with schizophrenia vs. rest-of-world (ROW). Methods: We analyzed data from two multinational, double-blind (DB), randomized, controlled phase 3 studies including patients with schizophrenia (DSM-IV-TR) previously stabilized on PP1M/PP3M (open-label [OL] phase). Patients were randomized to PP3M or PP1M (noninferiority study A) and PP3M or placebo (study B) in DB phase. The subgroup analysis included Latin American (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico) patients. Primary efficacy endpoints were relapse-free rates (study A) and time-to-relapse (study B). Results: In study A, 63/71 (88.7%) and in study B 38/43 (88.4%) Latin American patients completed the DB phase. In study A, relapse-free percentage was similar in Latin America (PP3M: 97%, PP1M: 100%) and ROW (PP3M: 91%, PP1M: 89%). In study B, median time-to-relapse was not estimable in the Latin American subgroup for either placebo or PP3M groups, nor for the ROW PP3M group; the median time-to-relapse in the ROW placebo group was 395 days. Caregiver burden improved in patients switching from oral antipsychotics (OL baseline) to PP3M/PP1M in DB phase (Involvement Evaluation Questionnaire score mean ± SD change, -9.4±15.16; p < 0.001). Treatment emergent adverse events with PP3M during DB phase were similar in Latin America (study A: 24/34 [70.6%]; study B: 15/21 [71.4%]) and ROW (study A: 318/470 [67.7%]; study B: 84/139 [60.4%]) subgroups. Conclusion: PP3M was efficacious and showed no new safety concerns in patients with schizophrenia from Latin America, corroborating ROW findings. Clinical trial registration: NCT01515423, NCT01529515

Factors related to decreased vitamin D levels in men with spinal cord injury living in a subtropical region / Fatores relacionados a níveis reduzidos de vitamina D em homens com lesão da medula espinhal vivendo em uma região subtropical

AIMS: To evaluate the levels of vitamin D, parathyroid hormone and calcium in individuals with spinal cord injury and to identify related factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study included men with spinal cord injury, living in the South Region of Brazil. A questionnaire was applied to evaluate socioeconomic data, life habits and health. The time elapsed since the spinal cord injury was considered. Vitamin D was evaluated in plasma via liquid chromatography; calcium and PTH were measured in serum by a colorimetric method and electrochemiluminescence respectively. For data analysis, linear regression and chi-square test were utilized. Values of p<0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The study included 39 paraplegic or tetraplegic men with spinal cord injury. The mean age was 35.52±9.78 years, and the mean time since injury was 6.09±5.55 years. The mean biochemical levels were: 19.0 ±6.98 ng/mL for vitamin D; 9.54±0.52 mg/dL for total calcium; and 34.81±10.84 pg/mL for parathyroid hormone. Individuals with sun exposure for more than two hours daily had higher vitamin D levels than those exposed up to one hour per day (p=0.001). Linear regression identified an inverse relationship between lesion time and vitamin D levels (regression coefficient: -0.424; p=0.029), while the other parameters did not show significant differences regarding the time elapsed since the lesion. Subjects with income above four minimum wages had higher vitamin D values (mean 25.67±5.45 ng/mL) when compared to those with income up to four minimum wages (mean 18.43±6.79 ng/mL) (p=0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Levels of vitamin D were inversely correlated to the time elapsed since the spinal cord injury, probably due to insufficient sun exposure resulting from prolonged limitation of mobility. In addition, lower levels of vitamin D were associated to lower income. These factors may aggravate bone loss associated with decreased mobility resulting from spinal cord injury.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar os níveis de vitamina D, hormônio paratireoide e cálcio em indivíduos com lesão medular e identificar fatores relacionados. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal incluiu homens com lesão da medula espinhal, vivendo na Região Sul do Brasil. Foi aplicado um questionário para avaliar dados socioeconômicos, hábitos de vida e saúde. Foi investigado o tempo transcorrido após a lesão medular. A vitamina D foi avaliada no plasma por meio de cromatografia líquida; o cálcio e o hormônio paratireoideo foram dosados no soro por um método colorimétrico e eletroquimioluminescência respectivamente. Para a análise de dados, foram utilizadas regressão linear e teste do qui-quadrado. Valores de p<0,05 foram considerados significativos. RESULTADOS: O estudo incluiu 39 homens paraplégicos ou tetraplégicos com lesão da medula espinhal. A média de idade foi de 35,52±9,78 anos e o tempo médio de lesão foi de 6,09±5,55 anos. As médias dos níveis bioquímicos foram: 19,0±6,98 ng/mL para vitamina D, 9,54±0,52 mg/dL para cálcio total e 34,81±10,84 pg/mL para hormônio paratireoideo. Indivíduos com exposição ao sol por mais de duas horas por dia apresentaram maiores níveis de vitamina D do que os expostos até uma hora por dia (p=0,001). A regressão linear identificou uma relação inversa entre o tempo de lesão e os níveis de vitamina D (coeficiente de regressão: -0,424; p=0,029), enquanto os outros parâmetros não apresentaram diferença significativa em relação ao tempo decorrido desde a lesão. Os indivíduos com renda acima de quatro salários mínimos apresentaram maiores valores de vitamina D (média de 25,67±5,45 ng/mL) quando comparados com aqueles com renda até quatro salários mínimos (média 18,43±6,79 ng/mL) (p=0,021). CONCLUSÕES: Os níveis de vitamina D foram inversamente correlacionados com o tempo decorrido desde a lesão da medula espinhal, provavelmente devido à exposição insuficiente ao sol resultante da limitação prolongada da mobilidade. Níveis mais baixos de vitamina D foram associados a menor renda. Estes fatores podem agravar a perda óssea associada à diminuição da mobilidade resultante da lesão da medula espinhal.

Study on the ARIMA model application to predict echinococcosis cases in China / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To predict the monthly reported echinococcosis cases in China with the autoregressive integrated mov-ing average(ARIMA)model,so as to provide a reference for prevention and control of echinococcosis. Methods SPSS 24.0 software was used to construct the ARIMA models based on the monthly reported echinococcosis cases of time series from 2007 to 2015 and 2007 to 2014,respectively,and the accuracies of the two ARIMA models were compared. Results The model based on the data of the monthly reported cases of echinococcosis in China from 2007 to 2015 was ARIMA(1,0,0)(1,1, 0)12,the relative error among reported cases and predicted cases was-13.97%,AR(1)=0.367(t=3.816,P<0.001),SAR (1)=-0.328(t=-3.361,P=0.001),and Ljung-Box Q=14.119(df=16,P=0.590).The model based on the data of the monthly reported cases of echinococcosis in China from 2007 to 2014 was ARIMA(1,0,0)(1,0,1)12,the relative error among reported cases and predicted cases was 0.56%,AR(1)=0.413(t=4.244,P<0.001),SAR(1)=0.809(t=9.584, P<0.001),SMA(1)=0.356(t=2.278,P=0.025),and Ljung-Box Q=18.924(df=15,P=0.217).Conclusions The different time series may have different ARIMA models as for the same infectious diseases.It is needed to be further verified that the more data are accumulated,the shorter time of predication is,and the smaller the average of the relative error is.The estab-lishment and prediction of an ARIMA model is a dynamic process that needs to be adjusted and optimized continuously accord-ing to the accumulated data,meantime,we should give full consideration to the intensity of the work related to infectious diseas-es reported(such as disease census and special investigation).

Application of ARIMA model in predicting monthly incidence of syphilis / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To explore the value of the autoregressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA) applied to predict monthly incidence of syphilis so as to provide basis for prevention and control of syphilis . Methods Eviews 8 .0 was used to establish the ARIMA model based on the data of monthly incidence of syphilis in China from January 2009 to December 2015 .Then the data of the first half of 2016 were used to verify the predicted results .The predictions were evaluated by RMSE ,MAE ,MAPE and MRE models .Then the monthly incidence of syphilis in the second half of 2016 was predicted .Results The optimal model for the monthly incidence of syphilis from January 2009 to June 2016 was the model of ARIMA (2 ,1 ,1) × (0 ,1 ,1)12 ,its equation was (1 - B)(1 - B12 ) (1+0 .820 B)(1+0 .566 B2 ) x2t = (1+0 .365 B) (1+0 .897 B12 )εt ,its parameters are as follows :R2 =0 .832 ,RMSE=0 .181 ,MAE=0 .118 ,MAPE=5 .088 .The predicted monthly incidence values (10-5 ) of the second half of 2016 were 3 .124 ,3 .008 ,2 .906 ,2 .691 ,2 .714 ,and 2 .717 .Conclusion ARIMA model has a relatively good prediction precision .Therefore , it can make short-term prediction based on the evolution trend of monthly incidence of syphilis in China .

Effectiveness of bisphosphonate combined with activated vitamin D in patients with aromatase inhibitor-induced osteoporosis after breast cancer operation

OBJECTIVES: We compared the effectiveness of bisphosphonates combined with activated vitamin D administered for therapy of aromatase inhibitor-induced osteoporosis after a breast cancer operation and primary postmenopausal osteoporosis through propensity score matching. METHODS: Forty-eight postmenopausal patients with estrogen receptor-positive early breast cancer, who had postoperative adjuvant treatment with aromatase inhibitors and whose T-score of bone mineral density (BMD) decreased below −2.5 (AI group), and 48 patients of primary postmenopausal osteoporosis (PO group) enrolled in this retrospective observational study. They were administered monthly risedronate or minodronate, and daily alfacalcitol or eldecalcitol were combined. Their BMD (L2–4, L-BMD), serum-corrected calcium, serum phosphate, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b), bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), estimated glomerular filtration rate, urine calcium/creatinine ratio, intact-parathyroid hormone, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D were measured before treatment and until 24 months. RESULTS: L-BMD values increased with time compared with the baseline values in each group, and there was no significant difference in the groups. Percentage value of TRACP-5b decreased rapidly after 6 months and maintained low level until 24 months in both groups. Percentage value of BAP in the AI group decreased continuously until 24 months. In contrast, the percentage change in the PO group plateaued after 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that monthly oral bisphosphonate combined with activated Vitamin D is an effective therapy to increase BMD in the aromatase inhibitor-induced osteoporosis after breast cancer operation. Monitoring of kidney function and concentration of Ca in blood and urine may be necessary.

Cluster analysis identified rainfall homogeneous regions in Tocantins state, Brazil / Análises de agrupamento identificaram regiões pluviometricamente homogêneas no estado de Tocantis, Brasil

Identifying homogeneous regions regarding the monthly rainfall is relevant in agricultural planning, especially in relation to the installation of crops. Thus, the aim of this study was to apply the cluster analysis using Ward's algorithm to identify homogeneous regions in Tocantins State. Rainfall database of 34 stations (sites) of Tocantins, from 1976 to 2012, it were obtained of the Database of the Agência Nacional de Águas, Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia and Serviço Meteorológico do Brasil. Thus, were formed 408 time series (12 months × 34 sites) wherein AA technique was applied in conjunction with Ward's algorithm. Three homogeneous regions in relation to monthly rainfall were identified. Group 1, located in the extreme north of the state, has intermediate average values (135.58 mm) to the other groups. Group 2 showed the greatest variance (13,543.68 mm²) and higher average (162.19 mm) for the studied period. On the other hand, group 3 has the lowest average rainfall (117.93 mm) among the homogeneous groups. Separating the groups followed a north-south alignment which suggests that latitude is the physiographic factor that most influences the occurrence of monthly rainfall in the State of Tocantins.

A identificação de regiões homogêneas quanto a chuva mensal é relevante no planejamento agrícola, sobretudo no que diz respeito à instalação de culturas. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi aplicar a análise de agrupamento (AA) em conjunto com o algoritmo de Ward para identificar regiões homogêneas no Estado do Tocantins. Dados de precipitação mensal de 34 estações (locais) do Tocantins, de 1976 a 2012, foram obtidos do banco de dados da Agência Nacional de Águas, Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia e Serviço Meteorológico do Brasil. Assim, foram formadas 408 séries temporais (12 meses x 34 locais) em que foi aplicada a técnica AA em conjunto com o algoritmo de Ward. Foram identificadas três regiões homogenias quanto a precipitação mensal. O grupo 1, localizado no extremo-norte do estado, possui valores médios intermediários (135.58 mm) aos outros grupos. O grupo 2 apresentou a maior variância (13,543.68 mm²) e maior média (162.19 mm) para o período de estudo. Por outro lado, o grupo 3 possui a menor média pluviométrica (117,93 mm) dentre os grupos homogêneos. A separação dos grupos seguiu um alinhamento Norte-Sul, o que sugere que a latitute é o fator fisiográfico que mais influência na ocorrência da precipitação mensal no Estado do Tocantins.

Monthly Dynamics of Physical and Chemical Indexes of Achyranthes Bidentatae Radix Stored in Simple and Cool Warehouses / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To study the monthly dynamics of physical and chemical indexes in Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix(ABR, the dried root of Achyranthes bidentata Bl.) stored in simple and cool warehouses. METHODS: ABR was stored in simple and cool warehouses for 27 months. The color was observed. The water content was determined based on the drying method. The contents of β-ecdysone and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) were determined by HPLC method. The accumulation of temperature difference between the simple and cool warehouses was evaluated with a relative temperature cumulation (RTC) method. The monthly dynamics of physical and chemical indexes of ABR was analyzed with RTC. RESULTS: As the extension of storage time, the ABR stored in the simple warehouse showed deeper color and harder texture, but the ABR stored in the cool warehouse still had soft texture without significant color change. The contents of β-ecdysone in ABR stored in the two warehouses both gradually decreased and dropped to lower than the limit of 0.030% ruled by China Pharmacopoeia when being stored for up to 27 months. The contents of 5-HMF of ABR stored in the two warehouses both increased and were higher for the sample in the simple warehouse than that in the cool warehouse. CONCLUSION: The concept of RTC is put forward and used to study the monthly dynamics of chemical constituents in traditional Chinese medicine during storage for the first time. The physical and chemical indexes of ABR varies during storage. Two years of storage time of ABR is suggested.

Study on the current employment situation of targeted admission medical graduates in rural areas / 中国卫生政策研究

Objective: In order to describe the employment status of the first group of targeted admission medical graduates, evaluate the effects of targeted admission medical education program, find out the existing problems and provide relevant policy recommendations.Methods: This study conducted follow-up survey among 305 medical graduates and 315 clinical medical graduates in four medical colleges of the central and western regions.Data analyses of the contract fulfillment, their employment status, and their participation in the standardized residency training are carried out.Results: The contract fulfillment rate of rural-oriented medical graduates is 99.3%, while the percentages of rural-oriented medical graduates and clinical medical graduates are 90.7% and 2.8%, respectively.Their average monthly incomes are respectively 2,011 and 2,774 yuan, and their proportions of participating in standardized residency training are 77.8% and 43.3% respectively.From the findings it can be seen that the employment situation of the first group of targeted admission medical graduates in four medical colleges and universities is quite good, but the policy implementation process in terms of permanent post and income is less satisfactory.However, the way how medical graduates should participate in the standardized residency training is not yet clearly regulated.This paper recommends that medical colleges and universities should well coordinate with local health administrative departments and human resources and social security departments to systematically deploy medical graduates.At the same time, full consultations should be conducted to make appropriate arrangement for medical graduates to participate in standardized residency training.

The Association of Parent Education and Family Monthly Income on Intelligence Quotient (IQ) among Students with Special Needs in Kelantan, Malaysia / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

This paper investigate the effect of parents’ education background and family monthly income on the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of students with special needs in Kelantan, Malaysia. This cross-sectional method study was employed multistage random sampling to obtain information drawn from 130 participants from 10 selected school in Kelantan, Malaysia. Questionnaire was used to obtain parents’ education background, family monthly income and demographic variables. Students IQ were assessed using Comprehensive Test for Non-Verbal Intelligence (CTONI 2nd Edition). Data analysis involve independent sample t-test, one-way between group ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression. From analysis of IQ score, 63.8% of the special needs students scored very poor IQ, 12.3% scored below average and only 1.5% score average IQ. Significant mean difference were revealed between age group (p = 0.002), parents’ education (p = 0.018) and family monthly income (p < 0.05) on special needs students IQ. Post-hoc tukey shows significance between parents who never went to school, went to secondary school (p = 0.037) and university/college (p = 0.021). In term of family monthly income, significance difference were found between family with low and high monthly income (p < 0.05). Family monthly income (r = 0.393, p < 0.01) showed positive moderate correlation on special needs students IQ. After being forwarded by multiple linear regression, it was found that family monthly income (B = 3.605, p < 0.05) and age group of special needs students (B = 0.879, p = 0.002) were significant predictor for IQ score and explained 22.5% of the variance (R2 = 0.225, F (5,124) = 83.94, p < 0.05. Overally, majority of special needs students in current study have very poor IQ score. Further explanation are discussed on the paper.

Relação entre a renda mensal e o desejo de ter filhos procurados no parceiro afetivo por homens e mulheres homossexuais e heterossexuais / Relations between sexual partner's income and their desire to have children wanted by homosexual and heterosexual men and women

A eficácia do desempenho sexual, de um modo geral, depende de uma seleção rigorosa de parceiros feita pelos membros de cada espécie. Entre os humanos, o critério financeiro é um dos aspectos que caracterizam a diferença sexual na seleção de parceiros. Contudo, o comportamento sexual não pode ser definido apenas pelos aspectos característicos de pessoas heterossexuais, pois também existem relacionamentos homossexuais. A partir desta perspectiva, investigou-se, através de um website, as preferências de homossexuais e heterossexuais por renda mensal e desejo de ter filhos no parceiro. Constatou-se que os heterossexuais desejam mais ter filhos do que os homossexuais. Além disso, para ambas as orientações, a "renda mensal" não demonstrou ser um critério seletivo na hora de escolher um parceiro

The effectiveness of sexual performance generally depends on a selection made by rigorous partners members of each species. Among humans, the financial test is one of the aspects that characterize the sexual difference in the selection of partners. However, sexual behavior cannot be defined only by the characteristic aspects of heterosexual people, because there are also homosexual relationships. From this perspective, it was investigated, through a website, the preferences of homosexual and heterosexual by monthly income and partner's desire to have children. It was found that heterosexual's desire to have children is bigger than homosexuals. In addition, for both orientations, the "monthly income" not proved to be a selective criterion when choosing a partner

Monthly rifampicin, ofloxacin, and minocycline therapy for generalized and localized granuloma annulare.

Background: The localized form of granuloma annulare is usually self‑limiting, resolving within 2 years. Generalized granuloma annulare, on the other hand, runs a protracted course, with spontaneous resolution being rare. It is also characterized by a later age of onset, an increased incidence of diabetes mellitus, poor response to therapy, and an increased prevalence of HLA Bw35. Objective: To assess the efficacy of monthly pulsed rifampicin, ofloxacin, and minocycline (ROM) therapy in the management of granuloma annulare.Methods: Six biopsy proven patients of granuloma annulare were included in the study, five of the generalized variety, and one localized. Three of these patients were resistant to standard modalities of treatment. All six patients were treated with pulses of once monthly ROM till complete resolution of all lesions. Results were analyzed in terms of complete resolution of lesions and side effects. Presence of comorbid conditions was noted. Result: All six patients were successfully treated with 4-8 pulses of monthly ROM. None of the patients reported any adverse effects. Limitations: Small sample size and the lack of a control group are limitations. Conclusion: Treatment with pulses of once monthly ROM caused complete resolution of lesions in both localized and generalized granuloma annulare, even in cases recalcitrant to conventional therapy. There were no side effects in any of the patients. Larger trials are needed to substantiate the efficacy of monthly ROM in granuloma annulare.

Comparison of Processed Food Intake by Allowance Level in College Students in Chungnam

Diet is closely related to an economic level, but few studies have reported on the relationship between the economic level and eating habits, especially in college students. Therefore, this study was conducted to clarify differences in eating habits with a focus on processed foods according to allowance level in college students. This study was a cross-sectional survey of 500 college students using a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of general characteristics, eating behaviors, purchase of processed foods, and preference and intake frequency of processed foods. All subjects were classified based on monthly allowance: less than Won 300,000 (n=149), Won 300,000~400,000 (n=177), and more than Won 400,000 (n=124). All survey results were comparatively analyzed among the spending money groups. As the level of spending money of the subjects increased, the rate of skipping meals, eating out, and unbalanced diet increased (P<0.05). The reason for consuming processed foods was because they are easy to prepare. The factor considered the most when buying processed foods was price. However, these results showed no significant difference according to level of spending money. As spending money increased preference for retort, convenience, canned, and bottled foods significantly increased. Intake frequency of dairy products was lower, and the frequency of processed foods was significantly higher with more spending money. This study found that a higher level of monthly allowance in college students, was associated with higher rate of skipping meals, eating out, and unbalanced diet, and the preference and intake frequency of processed foods were also high. These results suggest that spending money level in college students, as an economic indicator, is relevant to intake of processed foods.

Clima e incidencia de infecciones respiratorias agudas en Ancash, Perú (2005-2013) / Climate and the incidence of acute respiratory infection in Ancash, Peru (2005-2013)

Introducción: algunas variables meteorológicas pudieran influir en el estado de salud de las personas y se admite un cambio climático antrópico y global en marcha. Objetivo: identificar el comportamiento de las temperaturas secas extremas del aire y su posible relación con las infecciones respiratorias agudas. Métodos: se efectúa un análisis de series cronológicas en Ancash, Perú. El análisis se dirige a las temperaturas secas extremas del aire y la incidencia de las infecciones respiratorias agudas, en un período reciente sobre una base mensual. Se utilizó el método no paramétrico de espectro de potencia bivariado, se consideraron densidades espectrales, coherencias y fases para identificar regularidades en las estructuras de frecuencias de las series temporales. La variable dependiente en la fortaleza de enlace y relación de fase fue la incidencia de las infecciones respiratorias agudas. También su empleó el método paramétrico univariado ARIMA (p,d,q) para modelación univariada. Resultados: se identificaron periodicidades anuales de la temperatura diaria mínima mensual promedio en contrafase con análoga periodicidad de la incidencia local de las infecciones respiratorias agudas; y de la temperatura diaria máxima mensual promedio cuasi en fase con las infecciones respiratorias agudas. Conclusiones: el calentamiento no fue confirmado. Las infecciones respiratorias agudas mostraron tendencia oscilante en el periodo analizado(AU)

Introduction: some meteorological variables could influence the health of individuals and anthropogenic global climate change and launch is supported. Objectives: this study attempts to identify regularities of behavior of extreme dry air temperatures and their possible relation to acute respiratory infections (SARI). Method: a time series analysis in Ancash, Peru is made. The analysis addresses the extreme dry air temperatures and the incidence of HCAI, in a recent period on a monthly basis. Nonparametric method of bivariate power spectrum, considering spectral densities, coherences and phases to identify regularities in the structure of the time series frequencies, bond strength and phase relationship, where the dependent variable was the incidence of HCAI was used ; Also the parametric method univariate ARIMA (p, d, q) for univariate modeling. Result: annual periodicity of the average monthly daily minimum temperature in antiphase with periodicity comparable to the local incidence of HCAI and the monthly average daily maximum temperature in quasi-phase with the IRAS identified. To this persistence process first order is added. Conclusions: the heating was not confirmed. The IRAS showed oscillating trend in the period analyzed(AU)

Development of Information Skills for Reading Periodicals - A study on Village Library.

Everybody in the world is a reader. A Reader may be an individual or a group of persons who are the end users of any Library. A Reader refers and uses a large number of Books and Periodicals services to satisfy his/her needs and wants. They have much time to read everything by themselves. Hence, this paper attempts to ascertain the development of information skills and the readers’ preference towards Periodicals. For analytical purpose, statistical tools are used. The results reveal the fact that age, education, gender and monthly income do most preferable area of Periodicals in village library. Further there is no significant relationship between monthly time spent and Reader Habits of Periodicals reading.

Long-Term Precipitation Trends in Eastern Slovakia.

The objective of this study was to investigate precipitation trends in climatic stations in eastern Slovakia. We investigated 20 climatic stations in Slovakia. The studied period was from 1981 to 2010. Monthly precipitation trends were detected by nonparametric Mann- Kendall statistical test. Positive trends of annual as well as monthly precipitation were found in the analyzed rainfall gauging stations in eastern Slovakia. March was observed to have the highest decreasing trends. All other months displayed mostly increasing trends. In quartile research mostly the summer period shows positive trends in precipitation. In conclusion, Slovakia has an increasing trend of precipitation time series.

Statistical analysis of articles in Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism since the monthly issue alteration / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To analyze the articles published in Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism (CJEM) from 2010 to 2012.Methods The articles published monthly in CJEM from 2010 to 2012 were compared with those published bimonthly frnm 2003 to 2005.Results There were 254 papers published per year in monthly CJEM,being increased 19.2％.The average number of articles per issue was 21,being decreased 40％ ; the average number of articles per page was 0.26,heing decreased 29.7％ ; the average publishing cycle of the articles was 8.8 months,being shortened 37.1％.The papers with funded projects accounted for 51.1％,being increased 34.5％.The papers with citation accounted for 15.9,being improved 78.7％.The price's indicator was 53.5％,being decreased 6.63％.Conclusions The quantity,quality,and average publishing cycle of articles,as well as citation in CJEM were improved by shifting bimonthly to monthly issues.

Analysis of Seasonal Variations in The Incidence of Primary Acute Cerebral Infarction / 天津医药

Objective Investigating the relationship between the incidence of Primary Acute Cerebral Infarction (PACI) and seasonal variation to employ measures to prevent PACI with climate change. Methods A retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with PACI between 2009 and 2013 in the department of Neurology of Second hospital of Tian Jin Medi-cal University (n=1 198 patients) was carried out. Combined with the general clinical data, we analyzed seasonal, monthly and weekly variation among PACI incidents. Results The incidence of PACI increases over years between 2009 to 2013 (P ＜ 0.01). Significant difference of incidents of PACI was observed between each season (P=0.047). Incidence of PACI peaked in winter(30.33 ± 9.63/month), while bottomed in spring(21.83 ± 5.36/month). Significant difference of incidents of PACI was also observed between each months(P=0.010). The monthly incidence was highest in January and February (33.25 ± 9.62/month)and lowest in March and April(20.75 ± 4.89/month). The seasonal variation was only found in the pa-tients who are complicated with pulmonary infection (P＜0.01) regardless of the presence or absence of other risk factors, such as smoking, drinking ,hypertension, coronary heart disease, and diabetes mellitus. The weekly variation of PACI was on-ly significant in patients younger than 65 years old(P=0.043). The peak incidence among a week was Monday(17.86%),and incidence bottomed on Friday (13.36%). Conclusion Our study revealed that the incidence of PACI increase over year be-tween 2009 to 2013 and it shew a characteristic variation with respect to season, month and week. Based on these results, we can formulate prevention measures accordingly.