Relationship between magnetic rigidity cutoff and chaotic behavior in cosmic ray time series using visibility graph and network analysis techniques.

Cosmic rays are highly energetic particles originating from astrophysical events outside the Solar System. In this study, we analyze the time series of cosmic ray flux measured by neutron detectors at 16 monitoring stations distributed worldwide. By applying visibility graph analysis, we explore the relationship between the magnetic rigidity cutoff (Rc) and the fractality exhibited from topology of the cosmic ray time series. Our results reveal a significant association between the magnetic rigidity cutoff and the fractality of the cosmic ray time series. Specifically, the analysis of visibility graphs and network properties demonstrates that the magnetic rigidity is inversely related to the magnetic rigidity cutoff. The identified relationship between magnetic rigidity and fractality provides insights into the chaotic nature of cosmic ray variations and their potential uses for predictability.

Dataset for Sun dynamics from topological features.

The present study presents an extensive dataset meticulously curated from solar images sourced from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), encompassing a range of spectral bands. This collaborative effort spans multiple disciplines and culminates in a robust and automated methodology that traverses the entire spectrum from solar imaging to the computation of spectral parameters and relevant characteristics. The significance of this undertaking lies in the profound insights yielded by the dataset. Encompassing diverse spectral bands and employing topological features, the dataset captures the multifaceted dynamics of solar activity, fostering interdisciplinary correlations and analyses with other solar phenomena. Consequently, the data's intrinsic value is greatly enhanced, affording researchers in solar physics, space climatology, and related fields the means to unravel intricate processes. To achieve this, an open-source Python library script has been developed, consolidating three pivotal stages: image acquisition, image processing, and parameter calculation. Originally conceived as discrete modules, these steps have been unified into a single script, streamlining the entire process. Applying this script to various solar image types has generated multiple datasets, subsequently synthesised into a comprehensive compilation through a data mining procedures. During the image processing phase, conventional libraries like OpenCV and Python's image analysis tools were harnessed to refine images for analysis. In contrast, image acquisition utilised established URL libraries in Python, facilitating direct access to original SOHO repository images and eliminating the need for local storage. The computation of spectral parameters involved a fusion of standard Python libraries and tailored algorithms for specific attributes. This approach ensures precise computation of a diverse array of attributes crucial for comprehensive analysis of solar images.

Predictors of Beta-Hexachlorocyclohexane blood levels among people living close to a chemical plant and an illegal dumping site.

BACKGROUND: Hexachlorocyclohexane is a synthetic chemical with several isomers, including ß-Hexachlorocyclohexane (ß-HCH). In 2005, a large contamination of crude milk from some bovine farms along the Sacco River (Central Italy) was detected; it was related to the illegal disposal of large quantities of processing waste by a chemical industry of the area. A biomonitoring study, conducted in 2007 on a sample of the residing population, found high values of ß-HCH in people living close to the river. These results led to the establishment of a clinical and epidemiological surveillance program on all the exposed population. The aim of the study was to evaluate the determinants of ß-HCH blood levels in people living within 1 Km of the Sacco River, focusing on the role of specific foods, body mass index and risk factors not yet identified. METHODS: The program involved all people living within 1 km of the river. A descriptive analysis of ß-HCH blood levels was done in relation to the potential determinants including specific foods. Regression analysis was used to study the association between potential determinants and (natural log) ß-HCH haematic concentration. The results were expressed as geometric mean ratios (GMR). To take into account similarities within the families we adjusted for family clustering. RESULTS: A total of 602 subjects (87.2%) agreed to participate in the surveillance. The ß-HCH geometric mean serum concentration was 72 ng/g lipid. The regression analysis showed that being female (GMR: 1.32, 95%CI: 1.14-1.53), elderly (GMR> 70yy: 10.04, 95%CI: 6.65-15.15), obese (GMR: 1.63, 95%CI: 1.28-2.08), eating food of local/own production (GMR 1.47, 95%CI: 1.15-1.88) and using water from private wells (GMRdrink:1.47, 95%CI: 1.00-2.14 and GMRwash: 1.48, 95%CI: 1.17-1.87) were associated with higher ß-HCH values. There was inverse association with breastfeeding (GMR: 0.64, 95%CI: 0.47-0.86). The focus on specific foods showed that the most important factors were eggs and beef. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicated a greater contamination for older people, and those drinking and washing with water from private wells and consuming locally produced food, especially eggs and beef.

Aplicação de medida socioeducativa de semi liberdade para adolescentes nos contextos do Brasil e de Portugal / The semi liberty measure application to adolescents in the context of Brazil and Portugal

O comportamento infrator e a aplicação de medida socioeducativa na adolescência representam uma dimensão relevante de estudo. O presente artigo visou conhecer as características de duas instituições que atendem adolescentes em conflito com a lei. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa e exploratória, na qual foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com 44 adolescentes, que cumpriam medida socioeducativa em regime semiaberto em Portugal e no Brasil. A partir da análise de conteúdo, verificou-se que as instituições pesquisadas diferem em seus modelos de funcionamento e regras internas, bem como nas oportunidades oferecidas aos meninos. Estes aspectos refletem as diferenças culturais, socioeconômicas e jurídicas desses países. Entretanto, ambas as instituições possibilitam a ocorrência de processos proximais, favorecendo o desenvolvimento dos adolescentes(AU)

Phenotyping asthma, rhinitis and eczema in MeDALL population-based birth cohorts: an allergic comorbidity cluster.

BACKGROUND: Asthma, rhinitis and eczema often co-occur in children, but their interrelationships at the population level have been poorly addressed. We assessed co-occurrence of childhood asthma, rhinitis and eczema using unsupervised statistical techniques. METHODS: We included 17 209 children at 4 years and 14 585 at 8 years from seven European population-based birth cohorts (MeDALL project). At each age period, children were grouped, using partitioning cluster analysis, according to the distribution of 23 variables covering symptoms 'ever' and 'in the last 12 months', doctor diagnosis, age of onset and treatments of asthma, rhinitis and eczema; immunoglobulin E sensitization; weight; and height. We tested the sensitivity of our estimates to subject and variable selections, and to different statistical approaches, including latent class analysis and self-organizing maps. RESULTS: Two groups were identified as the optimal way to cluster the data at both age periods and in all sensitivity analyses. The first (reference) group at 4 and 8 years (including 70% and 79% of children, respectively) was characterized by a low prevalence of symptoms and sensitization, whereas the second (symptomatic) group exhibited more frequent symptoms and sensitization. Ninety-nine percentage of children with comorbidities (co-occurrence of asthma, rhinitis and/or eczema) were included in the symptomatic group at both ages. The children's characteristics in both groups were consistent in all sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION: At 4 and 8 years, at the population level, asthma, rhinitis and eczema can be classified together as an allergic comorbidity cluster. Future research including time-repeated assessments and biological data will help understanding the interrelationships between these diseases.

Metrical assessment of cutmarks on bone: is size important?

Extrapolating type of blade from a bone lesion has always been a challenge for forensic anthropologists: literature has mainly focused on the morphological characteristics of sharp force lesions, whereas scarce indications are available concerning the metrical assessment of cut marks and their correlation with the size of blade. The present study aims at verifying whether it is possible to reconstruct the metrical characteristics of the blade from the measurements taken from the lesion. Eleven blades with different thickness, height and shape were used for this study. A metallic structure was built, in order to simulate incised wounds and reiterate hits with the same energy. Perpendicular and angled tests were performed on fragments of pig femurs, in order to produce 110 lesions (10 for each blade). Depth, height and angle were measured and compared with metrical characteristics of each blade. Results showed a wide superimposition of metrical characteristics of width and angle of lesions regardless the type and the orientation of blade: for symmetric blades a high correlation index was observed between the depth of the lesion and the angle of the blade in perpendicular tests (0.89) and between the angle of lesion and the height of the blade in angled tests (-0.76); for asymmetric blades in both the tests a high correlation was observed between the angle of the blade and angle and width of the lesion (respectively 0.90 and 0.76 for perpendicular tests, and 0.80 and 0.90 for angled ones). This study provides interesting data concerning the interpretation of cutmarks on bone and suggests caution in assessing the size of weapons from the metrical measurements of lesions.

The persistence of ligature marks: towards a new protocol for victims of abuse and torture.

One of the most frequently observed lesions in clinical forensic practice concerns the patterned abrasion on skin due to constriction by various types of ligature. Detection of ligature marks and their patterns may be fundamental for reconstructing events and supporting testimony of an aggression, sexual abuse, or maltreatment. But very little actually exists in literature concerning their detectability and how long they last. This study aims at evaluating the time of persistence and detectability of skin signs left by different types of ligatures in living persons: on the arms of three volunteers, eight different ligatures were applied; 123 tests were performed, with time of contact ranging between 1 min and 2 h and 45 min. In addition, the persistence of the shape and pattern of the ligature was evaluated 15, 30, and 60 min after a 5- and 15-min compression. Polyvinyl siloxane, applied by a gun dispenser, was used to perform a cast of the skin mark. The results show that the pattern was less distinguishable with the decrease of time of contact, going from 75 % after 10 and 15 min of contact, to 45.8 % after 1 min. Above 15 min, the specific pattern was always recognizable. In addition, a progressive decrease of the detectability of the pattern with time, respectively, up to 12.5 and 37.5 % in 5- and 15-min tests was observed. This study provides useful results for the assessment of patterned injuries in forensic pathology and clinical forensic medicine, both on dead and living persons: in addition, the use of silicone casts seems to be a reliable and cheap method for easily recording and preserving the morphological profile of skin lesions.

Detection of metal residues on bone using SEM-EDS--part II: Sharp force injury.

Scanning electron microscopy coupled with X-ray energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS) is extensively seen in the literature for the improvement of the macroscopic analysis of sharp lesions, but very few indications concerning its real potential in the forensic context, particularly in forensic anthropology, are at the moment available. This paper represents a pilot study for the analysis of the behaviour of metallic residues found on bone after sharp force injury. Fourteen lesions were made on human bone (radius), cleaned of all soft tissues, with seven different sharp tools (three metal instruments, three metal saws and a baked-clay knife). Tools and lesions underwent SEM-EDS. From 3 to 18 particles were detected on each lesion, whose diameter was included between 0.5 and 150 µm. In 58% of cases, particle composition was concordant with the instrument used. The results seem to suggest that sharp force injury frequently leaves relatively few residues on bone, particularly in the case of common types of metal. Saws showed slightly more contamination with other residues than knives, which may be explained by the capability of the saw's teeth to retain the residues of previously encountered material. In addition, metal residues related to the tool used to cut the bone were located on the edges/walls of lesions in the case of saw marks, whereas they were more frequently found on the kerf floor in the case of knives/scissors, with the exception of the baked clay knife which when it leaves residues at all, seemed to leave them equally divided between the floor, the edges and the surrounding bone.

Fracture propagation in the human cranium: a re-testing of popular theories.

Bone trauma interpretation is an important area of forensic anthropology. Notwithstanding the recent realization of the validity of fracture pattern interpretation, knowledge of trauma is largely based on case studies and older experimental work. Gurdjian and coauthors conducted a number of studies on blunt force fracture propagation that are still used today. Fracture propagation was noted to initiate in an area other than the point of impact, then radiate back toward it. Gurdjian's results are often used to suggest that the point of impact is at a location other than the fracture epicenter. This study is an examination and retesting of Gurdjian's theories of fracture propagation using current biomechanics research and technology. Specifically, the relationship of impact site and fracture patterning was tested using cadaver heads. The results demonstrate that fractures radiate from the point of impact, contrary to the theories of Gurdjian.

Unidentified bodies and human remains: an Italian glimpse through a European problem.

The identification of cadavers (the main activity of forensic odontologists and anthropologists) is a crucial issue in forensic pathology, but the official entity of this problem is still poorly known in most countries, apart from a few American reports. In this article the authors present a descriptive study of unidentified decedents over a 14-year period (1995-2008) in Milan. The number of cadavers or human remains arriving at the morgue with no identity amounts to 454 - 3.1% of all autopsies at the Institute of Legal Medicine, with a mean of 32 unidentified subjects every year; 62% reached a positive identification in a period of time ranging from a few days to 10 years. 17% on an average remain unidentified. Most identification processes involved forensic odontology and anthropology. This study aims at revealing the problem and hopefully may provide some food for thought for forensic pathologists, anthropologists and odontologists so that they may focus on this issue and on possible solutions in their countries.

[Protection of health and safety of rescue workers to non-profit organizations]. / Tutela della salute e sicurezza degli operatori del Soccorso di organizzazioni onlus.

74% of accidents to staff assistance is linked to transport activities in both normal and emergency. The accident rate is much higher ambulances during his way to siren (22.2 incidents per 100,000 journeys) than normal distances (1.46 per 100,000). Also 60% of accidents and 58% of accidents with serious outcomes for rescuers is on the move for emergency response. The unknown danger, requiring operator safety of relief, that the normal work clothing becomes a D.P.I. standing and adaptable, modular almost without causing discomfort or inconvenience.

Traffic-related air pollution in relation to respiratory symptoms, allergic sensitisation and lung function in schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND: Urban air pollution can trigger asthma exacerbations, but the effects of long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution on lung function or onset of airway disease and allergic sensitisation in children is less clear. METHODS: All 2107 children aged 9-14 years from 40 schools in Rome in 2000-1 were included in a cross-sectional survey. Respiratory symptoms were assessed on 1760 children by parental questionnaires (response rate 83.5%). Allergic sensitisation was measured by skin prick tests and lung function was measured by spirometry on 1359 children (77.2%). Three indicators of traffic-related air pollution exposure were assessed: self-reported heavy traffic outside the child's home; the measured distance between the child's home and busy roads; and the residential nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels estimated by a land use regression model (R2 = 0.69). RESULTS: There was a strong association between estimated NO2 exposure per 10 microg/m3 and lung function, especially expiratory flows, in linear regression models adjusted for age, gender, height and weight: -0.62% (95% CI -1.05 to -0.19) for forced expiratory volume in 1 s as a percentage of forced vital capacity, -62 ml/s (95% CI -102 to -21) for forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of forced vital capacity and -85 ml/s (95% CI -135 to -35) for peak expiratory flow. The other two exposure indicators showed similar but weaker associations. The associations appeared stronger in girls, older children, in children of high socioeconomic status and in those exposed to parental smoking. Although lifetime asthma was not an effect modifier, there was a suggestion of a larger effect on lung function in subjects with a positive prick test. Multiple logistic regression models did not suggest a consistent association between traffic-related air pollution exposure and prevalence of respiratory symptoms or allergic sensitisation. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that residential traffic-related air pollution exposure is associated with reduced expiratory flows in schoolchildren.

Meta-analysis of determinants for pet ownership in 12 European birth cohorts on asthma and allergies: a GA2LEN initiative.

BACKGROUND: Studies on pet ownership as a risk or protective factor for asthma and allergy show inconsistent results. This may be on account of insufficient adjustment of confounding factors. AIM: The objective of this study was to describe determinants of cat and dog ownership in European families with and without allergies. METHODS: Within the EU-funded network of excellence GA(2)LEN, we performed meta-analyses with data from 12 ongoing European birth cohort studies on asthma and allergy. Each of the birth cohort studies enrolled between 485 and 4089 children. Pet ownership, allergic status (asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema) of parents and siblings, parental education, access to ground floor, and number of people living at home were assessed by questionnaires. RESULTS: Among the 25 056 families from seven European countries cats (14.9%) were more common than dogs (12.0%). Allergic family history significantly reduced the odds to own a cat (adjusted combined random-effect OR 0.91; 95% CI 0.85-0.99), or dog (0.90; 0.86-0.94). A higher parental educational level had even more pronounced effects on cat (0.84; 0.71-0.98), and dog ownership (0.61; 0.54-0.70). Elder siblings reduced the odds to own cats, but not dogs. Convenient ground access significantly increased the odds, whereas crowding at home was not associated with cat or dog ownership. CONCLUSIONS: The chances to own a cat or dog were significantly reduced in allergic families, in parents with a higher educational level, and in homes without convenient ground access. In addition to parental allergies, social and housing factors should be considered as potential confounders in studies on pet exposure and allergic diseases.

[Prevalence and comorbidity of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease]. / Prevalencia y comorbilidad de síntomas neuropsiquiátricos en la enfermedadde Alzheimer.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to describe the frequency and severity of behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPS) in a group of 125 patients diagnosed of Alzheimer's disease (AD) (DSM-IV-TR and NINCDSADRDA criteria). METHODS: The evaluation of the BPS was carried out using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI; Cummings et al., 1994). The sociodemographic and personal background data of the patients were gathered and the dementia stage was established with the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS Reisberg, 1982). RESULTS: A total of 122 patients (98%) presented BPS, with an average of five symptoms per patient. Frequency of presentation was the following: apathy (75%), irritability (66%), depression (60%), agitation (55%), anxiety (54%), aberrant motor activity (47%), delirium (38%), sleeping disorders (36%), disinhibition (29%), eating disorders (28%), hallucinations (20%) and euphoria (4%). CONCLUSIONS: These results show the high incidence of BPS in AD patients and point to the necessity and importance of treating these disorders appropriately.

Comparison between various indices of exposure to traffic-related air pollution and their impact on respiratory health in adults.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of different indices of traffic-related air pollution (self-report of traffic intensity, distance from busy roads from geographical information system (GIS), area-based emissions of particulate matter (PM), and estimated concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) from a land-use regression model) with respiratory health in adults. METHODS: A sample of 9488 25-59-year-old Rome residents completed a self-administered questionnaire on respiratory health and various risk factors, including education, occupation, housing conditions, smoking, and traffic intensity in their area of residence. The study used GIS to calculate the distance between their home address and the closest high-traffic road. For each subject, PM emissions in the area of residence as well as estimated NO2 concentrations as assessed by a land-use regression model (R(2) value = 0.69), were available. Generalised estimating equations (GEE) were used to analyse the association between air pollution measures and prevalence of "ever" chronic bronchitis, asthma, and rhinitis taking into account the effects of age, gender, education, smoking habits, socioeconomic position, and the correlation of variables for members of the same family. RESULTS: Three hundred and ninety seven subjects (4% of the study population) reported chronic bronchitis, 472 (5%) asthma, and 1227 (13%) rhinitis. Fifteen per cent of subjects reported living in high traffic areas, 11% lived within 50 m of a high traffic road, and 28% in areas with estimated NO2 greater than 50 microg/m(3). Prevalence of asthma was associated only with self-reported traffic intensity whereas no association was found for the other more objective indices. Rhinitis, on the other hand, was strongly associated with all traffic-related indicators (eg, OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.22 for 10 microg/m(3) NO2, especially among non-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Indices of exposure to traffic-related air pollution are consistently associated with an increased risk of rhinitis in adults, especially among non-smokers. The results for asthma are weak, possibly due to ascertainment problems.

Sensitivity of autopsy and radiological examination in detecting bone fractures in an animal model: implications for the assessment of fatal child physical abuse.

Skeletal injuries are often strong indicators of child abuse and their detection is therefore crucial. The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity of three diagnostic approaches, namely autopsy, traditional (conventional) radiology, and computed tomography on "battered" piglets, in order to verify the sensitivity of each method, with respect to the true number of bone fractures assessed once the piglet was skeletonised (osteological control). Four newborn cadaver piglets who had died from natural causes were severely beaten post-mortem in every district of the body. Traditional radiography, computed tomography (CT) and autopsy were performed. The piglet was then macerated until skeletonised and the number of all fractures present recorded (osteological control). On the cranium, traditional radiology revealed only 35% circa of actual fractures, autopsy detected only 31% (P<0.01 for both comparisons versus osteological control), whereas CT imaging detected all fractures actually present. For ribs, radiology detected only 47% of all fractures present, and autopsy 65% circa (P>0.05 for both comparisons versus osteological control), while CT scans detected 34% (P<0.01). In suspected cases of fatal child abuse, we suggest that the bones of specific districts be directly analysed either at autopsy or by collecting specific diagnostic sites, such as parts of the rib cage, and subjecting them to maceration. The removed areas could be replaced with artificial material for cosmetic purposes. The authors stress the importance of combined radiological, CT scan, autopsy and osteological survey in the detection of perimortem bone fractures.

European birth cohort studies on asthma and atopic diseases: I. Comparison of study designs -- a GALEN initiative.

BACKGROUND: The reasons for the rise in asthma and allergies remain unclear. To identify risk or protective factors, it is essential to carry out longitudinal epidemiological studies, preferably birth cohort studies. In Europe, several birth cohort studies on asthma and atopic diseases have been initiated over the last two decades. AIM: One of the work packages within the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA(2)LEN) project was designed to identify and compare European birth cohorts on asthma and atopic diseases. The present review (part I) describes their objectives, study settings, recruitment process and follow-up rates. A subsequent review (part II) will compare outcome and exposure parameters. METHODS: For each birth cohort, we collected detailed information regarding recruitment process, study setting, baseline data (pregnancy, birth, parents/siblings) as well as follow-up rates, outcome and exposure parameters at each time point. RESULTS: We identified and assessed 18 European birth cohorts on asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema. Six of these studies also focused on food allergies. The birth cohorts were mostly initiated in the 1990s with predominantly urban/metropolitan settings. Many studies were able to maintain high follow-up rates, even after five or more years. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the unique cooperation within the GA(2)LEN project a common database was established containing study characteristics of European birth cohorts on asthma and atopic diseases. This can be used as a basis for evaluating the possibility to pool data and perform meta-analyses, as well as to recommend criteria for conducting future birth cohorts.

A case of branchial cyst with an ectopic thyroid papillary carcinoma.

We report the fifth case worldwide described of thyroid papillary carcinoma arising in a branchial cyst. A metastatic lesion from occult primary thyroid carcinoma has to be ruled out. The embryology of this cervical lesion is also discussed in order to point out the diagnostic criteria and the therapeutic guidelines.

A pure primary squamous cell breast carcinoma presenting as a breast abscess: case report and review of literature.

We report the fourth worldwide case of pure primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast presenting as an abscess. An inflammatory breast lesion in postmenopausal woman must be suspected as a malignant one and drainage of the abscess has to be followed by an accurate excision. The finding of a pure squamous cell carcinoma bears the necessity of an accurate diagnostic work up, to exclude a skin lesion or a metastasis from other district. Also histological criteria are discussed. More difficult to outline therapeutic options, due to the rarity of disease and great difference in outcome observed.

Adult intestinal intussusception: a case report of a rare clinical entity.

Intussusception in adult is a rare entity that challenges the surgeon opening a wide range of issues in order to define the etiology and therapeutic strategy. Whether to resect or not the bowel is the main question. The answer can be given only after having seen the site of obstruction and the etiology. Colonic intussusception is best treated by resection. Also small bowel intussusception can require resection if a neoplasm is the cause. Peutz Jeghers can be one of these causes as is seen in the case we report.