Trusted networks: a study of communication flow and access to abortion information in Argentina.

In December 2020, Argentina approved a new abortion law following decades of feminist and social advocacy. This paper presents qualitative findings from interviews and focus group discussions with people in local communities focusing on how individuals of reproductive age access and communicate sexual and reproductive health information, particularly regarding abortion. Sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants working in the field of SRHR and four focus group discussions took place with cisgender women and girls, transmasculine people and non-binary people of reproductive age. We found that information exchange and communication about sexual and reproductive health issues, particularly abortion, took place mainly through informal social networks engaging with activists and feminist grass-root organisations. These informal social networks were built on trust as a collective affect that enabled open communication about abortion. Information sharing through word of mouth, in person and via digital means using different social media platforms, is an important means of information sharing and communication in Argentina. Monitoring the implementation of abortion policies in this country should include investigating the impact of people accessing abortion through informal social networks in terms of abortion pathways and intersections with the formal health system.

Big data analysis of endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke: a study based on bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND: While bibliometric analyses are prevalent in the medical field, few have focused on ther endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). OBJECTIVE: To employ big data analysis to examine the research status, trends, and hotspots in endovascular treatment for AIS. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search using the Web of Science (WOS) database to identify relevant articles on the endovascular treatment for AIS from 1980 to the present. We used various tools for data analysis, including an online platform (https://bibliometric.com/app), the Citespace software, the Vosviewer software, and the ArcMap software, version 10.8. A number of bibliometric indicators were collected and analyzed, such as publication date, country where the studies were conducted, institutions to which the authors were affiliated, authors, high-frequency keywords, cooperative relationship etc. RESULTS: A total of 5,576 articles were retrieved. A substantial increase in the number of articles occurred after 2010. High-frequency keywords included terms such as large vessel occlusion, reperfusion, outcome, and basilar artery occlusion. Among the top 10 most productive authors, Raul G. Nogueira ranked first, with 136 published articles. Among the journals, The New England Journal of Medicine ranked first, with 5,631 citations. The United States has the closest collaborative ties with other nations. CONCLUSION: In the present study, we found that the reports of endovascular treatment for AIS gradually increased after 2010. Among them, Raul G. Nogueira was the most productive author in this field. The New England Journal of Medicine was the most cited, and it had the greatest impact. The Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands (MR CLEAN) trial study was the most cited, and it was a landmark study. There are many interesting studies on endovascular treatment for AIS, such as ischemic penumbra, collateral circulation, bridging therapy etc.

ANTECEDENTES: Embora as análises bibliométricas sejam predominantes na área médica, poucas se concentraram no tratamento endovascular para acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCI) agudo. OBJETIVO: Empregar análise de big data para examinar o status da pesquisa, tendências e pontos críticos no tratamento endovascular para AVCI. MéTODOS: Realizamos uma pesquisa abrangente usando o banco de dados Web of Science (WOS) para identificar artigos relevantes sobre o tratamento endovascular para AVCI de 1980 até o presente. Usamos várias ferramentas para análise de dados, incluindo uma plataforma on-line (https://bibliometric.com/app), os softwares Citespace, Vosviewer e ArcMap, versão 10.8. Vários indicadores bibliométricos foram coletados e analisados, como data de publicação, país onde os estudos foram conduzidos, instituições às quais os autores eram afiliados, autores, palavras-chave de alta frequência, relacionamento cooperativo etc. RESULTADOS: Um total de 5.576 artigos foram coletados. Um aumento substancial no número de artigos ocorreu após 2010. Palavras-chave de alta frequência incluíram termos como oclusão de grandes vasos, reperfusão, desfecho e oclusão da artéria basilar. Entre os dez autores mais produtivos, Raul G. Nogueira ficou em primeiro lugar, com 136 artigos publicados. Entre os periódicos, The New England Journal of Medicine ficou em primeiro lugar, com 5.631 citações. Os Estados Unidos têm os laços de colaboração mais próximos com outras nações. CONCLUSãO: No presente estudo, descobrimos que os relatos de tratamento endovascular para AVCI aumentaram gradualmente após 2010. Entre eles, Raul G. Nogueira foi o autor mais produtivo neste campo. A revista The New England Journal of Medicine foi a mais citada e teve o maior impacto. O estudo clínico Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands (MR CLEAN) foi o mais citado e foi um estudo de destaque. Existem muitos estudos interessantes sobre tratamento endovascular para AVCI, como penumbra isquêmica, circulação colateral, terapia de ponte etc.

Big data analysis of endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke: a study based on bibliometric analysis / Análise de big data de tratamento endovascular de acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico agudo: um estudo baseado em análise bibliométrica

Abstract Background While bibliometric analyses are prevalent in the medical field, few have focused on ther endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Objective To employ big data analysis to examine the research status, trends, and hotspots in endovascular treatment for AIS. Methods We conducted a comprehensive search using the Web of Science (WOS) database to identify relevant articles on the endovascular treatment for AIS from 1980 to the present. We used various tools for data analysis, including an online platform (https://bibliometric.com/app), the Citespace software, the Vosviewer software, and the ArcMap software, version 10.8. A number of bibliometric indicators were collected and analyzed, such as publication date, country where the studies were conducted, institutions to which the authors were affiliated, authors, high-frequency keywords, cooperative relationship etc. Results A total of 5,576 articles were retrieved. A substantial increase in the number of articles occurred after 2010. High-frequency keywords included terms such as large vessel occlusion, reperfusion, outcome, and basilar artery occlusion. Among the top 10 most productive authors, Raul G. Nogueira ranked first, with 136 published articles. Among the journals, The New England Journal of Medicine ranked first, with 5,631 citations. The United States has the closest collaborative ties with other nations. Conclusion In the present study, we found that the reports of endovascular treatment for AIS gradually increased after 2010. Among them, Raul G. Nogueira was the most productive author in this field. The New England Journal of Medicine was the most cited, and it had the greatest impact. The Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands (MR CLEAN) trial study was the most cited, and it was a landmark study. There are many interesting studies on endovascular treatment for AIS, such as ischemic penumbra, collateral circulation, bridging therapy etc.

Resumo Antecedentes Embora as análises bibliométricas sejam predominantes na área médica, poucas se concentraram no tratamento endovascular para acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCI) agudo. Objetivo Empregar análise de big data para examinar o status da pesquisa, tendências e pontos críticos no tratamento endovascular para AVCI. Métodos Realizamos uma pesquisa abrangente usando o banco de dados Web of Science (WOS) para identificar artigos relevantes sobre o tratamento endovascular para AVCI de 1980 até o presente. Usamos várias ferramentas para análise de dados, incluindo uma plataforma on-line (https://bibliometric.com/app), os softwares Citespace, Vosviewer e ArcMap, versão 10.8. Vários indicadores bibliométricos foram coletados e analisados, como data de publicação, país onde os estudos foram conduzidos, instituições às quais os autores eram afiliados, autores, palavras-chave de alta frequência, relacionamento cooperativo etc. Resultados Um total de 5.576 artigos foram coletados. Um aumento substancial no número de artigos ocorreu após 2010. Palavras-chave de alta frequência incluíram termos como oclusão de grandes vasos, reperfusão, desfecho e oclusão da artéria basilar. Entre os dez autores mais produtivos, Raul G. Nogueira ficou em primeiro lugar, com 136 artigos publicados. Entre os periódicos, The New England Journal of Medicine ficou em primeiro lugar, com 5.631 citações. Os Estados Unidos têm os laços de colaboração mais próximos com outras nações. Conclusão No presente estudo, descobrimos que os relatos de tratamento endovascular para AVCI aumentaram gradualmente após 2010. Entre eles, Raul G. Nogueira foi o autor mais produtivo neste campo. A revista The New England Journal of Medicine foi a mais citada e teve o maior impacto. O estudo clínico Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands (MR CLEAN) foi o mais citado e foi um estudo de destaque. Existem muitos estudos interessantes sobre tratamento endovascular para AVCI, como penumbra isquêmica, circulação colateral, terapia de ponte etc.

Weight loss exercise prescription effects on obese female college students physical health / Efeito da prescrição de exercícios de emagrecimento na saúde física de estudantes universitárias obesas / Efecto de la prescripción de ejercicios para adelgazar en la salud física de estudiantes universitarias obesas

ABSTRACT Introduction The discussion about the impact on the physical and mental health of obese college students is a current issue. The implementation of "weight loss exercise prescription" seeks to discuss weight loss techniques and their effects, problems most faced by obese girls. Objective Explore the effect of sports intervention on the physical and mental health of obese female students. Methods 20 female college students with simple obesity were selected for an 18-week intervention experiment of fitness exercise associated with long-distance running. The physical and mental health of the volunteers was measured before and after the experiment for statistical analysis. Results After 18 weeks of exercise, it was observed that interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, and SCL-90 scores decreased significantly, indicating that the implementation of the exercise prescription had a positive impact on the mental health of obese girls. Across the study, compared to a single exercise method, associated aerobic exercise had a significant effect on improving BMI indicators, body weight, and body fat rate in obese adolescent girls. Conclusion By prescribing exercise for weight loss, one can significantly improve the cardiopulmonary function of obese college students and promote physical health, manifesting in the indices of vital capacity and cardiopulmonary function. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução A discussão sobre o impacto na saúde física e mental de estudantes universitárias obesas é um tema atual. Através da implementação da "prescrição de exercícios de emagrecimento", busca-se discutir tópicos sobre as técnicas de perda de peso e seus efeitos, problemas mais enfrentados pelas meninas obesas. Objetivo Explorar o efeito da intervenção esportiva sobre a saúde física e mental das estudantes obesas. Métodos 20 estudantes universitárias com obesidade simples foram selecionadas para uma experiência de intervenção de 18 semanas de exercício físico de aptidão física associada a corrida de longa distância. A saúde física e mental das voluntárias foi medida antes e depois do experimento para uma análise estatística. Resultados Após 18 semanas de exercícios observou-se que a sensibilidade interpessoal, a depressão, a ansiedade, e a pontuação de SCL-90 diminuíram significativamente, indicando que a implementação da prescrição de exercícios teve um impacto positivo sobre a saúde mental das meninas obesas. Através do estudo, comparado com um único método de exercício, o exercício aeróbico associado apresentou um efeito significativo na melhoria dos indicadores de IMC, no peso corporal e na taxa de gordura corporal das adolescentes obesas. Conclusão Através da prescrição de exercício para perda de peso, pode-se melhorar significativamente a função cardiopulmonar de estudantes universitárias obesas e promover a saúde física, resultado manifestado nos índices de capacidade vital e função cardiopulmonar. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción El debate sobre el impacto en la salud física y mental de las estudiantes universitarias obesas es un tema de la actualidad. A través de la aplicación de la "prescripción de ejercicios para adelgazar", se pretende debatir temas sobre las técnicas de adelgazamiento y sus efectos, los problemas a los que más se enfrentan las chicas obesas. Objetivo Explorar el efecto de la intervención deportiva sobre la salud física y mental de las estudiantes obesas. Métodos Se seleccionaron 20 estudiantes universitarias con obesidad simple para un ensayo de intervención de 18 semanas de ejercicio físico asociado a carreras de larga distancia. Para el análisis estadístico se midió la salud física y mental de los voluntarios antes y después del experimento. Resultados Tras 18 semanas de ejercicio se observó que las puntuaciones de sensibilidad interpersonal, depresión, ansiedad y SCL-90 disminuyeron significativamente, lo que indica que la aplicación de la prescripción de ejercicio tuvo un impacto positivo en la salud mental de las chicas obesas. En todo el estudio, en comparación con un único método de ejercicio, el ejercicio aeróbico asociado mostró un efecto significativo en la mejora de los indicadores del IMC, el peso corporal y el índice de grasa corporal en chicas adolescentes obesas. Conclusión Mediante la prescripción de ejercicio para la pérdida de peso, se puede mejorar significativamente la función cardiopulmonar de las estudiantes universitarias obesas y promover la salud física, resultado que se manifiesta en los índices de capacidad vital y función cardiopulmonar. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Rare Functional Variants Associated with Antidepressant Remission in Mexican-Americans: Short title: Antidepressant remission and pharmacogenetics in Mexican-Americans.

INTRODUCTION: Rare genetic functional variants can contribute to 30-40% of functional variability in genes relevant to drug action. Therefore, we investigated the role of rare functional variants in antidepressant response. METHOD: Mexican-American individuals meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) participated in a prospective randomized, double-blind study with desipramine or fluoxetine. The rare variant analysis was performed using whole-exome genotyping data. Network and pathway analyses were carried out with the list of significant genes. RESULTS: The Kernel-Based Adaptive Cluster method identified functional rare variants in 35 genes significantly associated with treatment remission (False discovery rate, FDR <0.01). Pathway analysis of these genes supports the involvement of the following gene ontology processes: olfactory/sensory transduction, regulation of response to cytokine stimulus, and meiotic cell cycleprocess. LIMITATIONS: Our study did not have a placebo arm. We were not able to use antidepressant blood level as a covariate. Our study is based on a small sample size of only 65 Mexican-American individuals. Further studies using larger cohorts are warranted. CONCLUSION: Our data identified several rare functional variants in antidepressant drug response in MDD patients. These have the potential to serve as genetic markers for predicting drug response. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00265291.

Characterization, modes of action, and application of a novel broad-spectrum bacteriocin BM1300 produced by Lactobacillus crustorum MN047.

Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized peptides with antibacterial activity against food-borne pathogenic bacteria that cause spoilage, possessing important potential for use as a natural preservative in the food industry. The novel bacteriocin BM1300 produced by Lactobacillus crustorum MN047 was identified after purification in this study. It displayed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against some selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of BM1300 against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 were 13.4 µg/mL and 6.7 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, BM1300 showed excellent thermal (between 60 and 120 °C), pH (2-11), and chemical (Tween-40, Tween-80, Triton X-100, and EDTA) stabilities. Time-kill curves revealed that BM1300 exhibited bactericidal activity against S. aureus and E. coli. The scanning and transmission electron microscopy indicated that BM1300 acted by disrupting the cell membrane integrity and increasing cell membrane permeabilization of indicator bacteria. The disruption of cell membrane integrity caused by BM1300 was further demonstrated by the uptake of propidium iodide (PI) and the release of intracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and nucleic acid and proteins. Moreover, BM1300 affected cell cycle distribution to exert antibacterial activity collaboratively. Meanwhile, BM1300 inhibited the growth of S. aureus and E. coli of beef meat and improved the microbiological quality of beef meat. These findings place BM1300 as a potential biopreservative in the food industry.

Association of water quality with soil-transmitted helminthiasis and diarrhea in Nueva Santa Rosa, Guatemala, 2010.

Improved water quality reduces diarrhea, but the impact of improved water quality on Ascaris and Trichuris, soil-transmitted helminths (STH) conveyed by the fecal-oral route, is less well described. To assess water quality associations with diarrhea and STH, we conducted a cross-sectional survey in households of south-eastern Guatemala. Diarrhea was self-reported in the past week and month. STH was diagnosed by stool testing using a fecal parasite concentrator method. We explored associations between Escherichia coli-positive source water (water quality) and disease outcomes using survey logistic regression models. Overall, 732 persons lived in 167 households where water was tested. Of these, 79.4% (581/732) had E. coli-positive water, 7.9% (58/732) had diarrhea within the week, 14.1% (103/732) had diarrhea within the month, and 6.6% (36/545) tested positive for Ascaris or Trichuris, including 1% (6/536) who also reported diarrhea. Univariable analysis found a statistically significant association between water quality and STH (odds ratio [OR] = 5.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1-24.5) but no association between water quality and diarrhea. Waterborne transmission and effects of water treatment on STH prevalence should be investigated further. If a causal relationship is found, practices such as household water treatment including filtration might be useful adjuncts to sanitation, hygiene, and deworming in STH control programs.

Census-derived migration data as a tool for informing malaria elimination policy.

BACKGROUND: Numerous countries around the world are approaching malaria elimination. Until global eradication is achieved, countries that successfully eliminate the disease will contend with parasite reintroduction through international movement of infected people. Human-mediated parasite mobility is also important within countries near elimination, as it drives parasite flows that affect disease transmission on a subnational scale. METHODS: Movement patterns exhibited in census-based migration data are compared with patterns exhibited in a mobile phone data set from Haiti to quantify how well migration data predict short-term movement patterns. Because short-term movement data were unavailable for Mesoamerica, a logistic regression model fit to migration data from three countries in Mesoamerica is used to predict flows of infected people between subnational administrative units throughout the region. RESULTS: Population flows predicted using census-based migration data correlated strongly with mobile phone-derived movements when used as a measure of relative connectivity. Relative population flows are therefore predicted using census data across Mesoamerica, informing the areas that are likely exporters and importers of infected people. Relative population flows are used to identify community structure, useful for coordinating interventions and elimination efforts to minimize importation risk. Finally, the ability of census microdata inform future intervention planning is discussed in a country-specific setting using Costa Rica as an example. CONCLUSIONS: These results show long-term migration data can effectively predict the relative flows of infected people to direct malaria elimination policy, a particularly relevant result because migration data are generally easier to obtain than short-term movement data such as mobile phone records. Further, predicted relative flows highlight policy-relevant population dynamics, such as major exporters across the region, and Nicaragua and Costa Rica's strong connection by movement of infected people, suggesting close coordination of their elimination efforts. Country-specific applications are discussed as well, such as predicting areas at relatively high risk of importation, which could inform surveillance and treatment strategies.

Olmesartan restores the protective effect of remote ischemic perconditioning against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

OBJECTIVES: Remote ischemic perconditioning is the newest technique used to lessen ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, its effect in hypertensive animals has not been investigated. This study aimed to examine the effect of remote ischemic perconditioning in spontaneously hypertensive rats and determine whether chronic treatment with Olmesartan could influence the effect of remote ischemic perconditioning. METHODS: Sixty rats were randomly divided into six groups: vehicle-sham, vehicle-ischemia/reperfusion injury, vehicle-remote ischemic perconditioning, olmesartan-sham, olmesartan-ischemia/reperfusion and olmesartan-remote ischemic perconditioning. The left ventricular mass index, creatine kinase concentration, infarct size, arrhythmia scores, HIF-1α mRNA expression, miR-21 expression and miR-210 expression were measured. RESULTS: Olmesartan significantly reduced the left ventricular mass index, decreased the creatine kinase concentration, limited the infarct size and reduced the arrhythmia score. The infarct size, creatine kinase concentration and arrhythmia score during reperfusion were similar for the vehicle-ischemia/reperfusion group and vehicle-remote ischemic perconditioning group. However, these values were significantly decreased in the olmesartan-remote ischemic perconditioning group compared to the olmesartan-ischemia/reperfusion injury group. HIF-1α, miR-21 and miR-210 expression were markedly down-regulated in the Olmesartan-sham group compared to the vehicle-sham group and significantly up-regulated in the olmesartan-remote ischemic perconditioning group compared to the olmesartan-ischemia/reperfusion injury group. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that (1) the protective effect of remote ischemic perconditioning is lost in vehicle-treated rats and that chronic treatment with Olmesartan restores the protective effect of remote ischemic perconditioning; (2) chronic treatment with Olmesartan down-regulates HIF-1α, miR-21 and miR-210 expression and reduces hypertrophy, thereby limiting ischemia/reperfusion injury; and (3) recovery of the protective effect of remote ischemic perconditioning is related to the up-regulation of HIF-1α, miR-21 and miR-210 expression.

Olmesartan restores the protective effect of remote ischemic perconditioning against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in spontaneously hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVES: Remote ischemic perconditioning is the newest technique used to lessen ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, its effect in hypertensive animals has not been investigated. This study aimed to examine the effect of remote ischemic perconditioning in spontaneously hypertensive rats and determine whether chronic treatment with Olmesartan could influence the effect of remote ischemic perconditioning. METHODS: Sixty rats were randomly divided into six groups: vehicle-sham, vehicle-ischemia/reperfusion injury, vehicle-remote ischemic perconditioning, olmesartan-sham, olmesartan-ischemia/reperfusion and olmesartan-remote ischemic perconditioning. The left ventricular mass index, creatine kinase concentration, infarct size, arrhythmia scores, HIF-1α mRNA expression, miR-21 expression and miR-210 expression were measured. RESULTS: Olmesartan significantly reduced the left ventricular mass index, decreased the creatine kinase concentration, limited the infarct size and reduced the arrhythmia score. The infarct size, creatine kinase concentration and arrhythmia score during reperfusion were similar for the vehicle-ischemia/reperfusion group and vehicle-remote ischemic perconditioning group. However, these values were significantly decreased in the olmesartan-remote ischemic perconditioning group compared to the olmesartan-ischemia/reperfusion injury group. HIF-1α, miR-21 and miR-210 expression were markedly down-regulated in the Olmesartan-sham group compared to the vehicle-sham group and significantly up-regulated in the olmesartan-remote ischemic perconditioning group compared to the olmesartan-ischemia/reperfusion injury group. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that (1) the protective effect of remote ischemic perconditioning is lost in vehicle-treated rats and that chronic treatment with Olmesartan restores the protective effect of remote ischemic perconditioning; (2) chronic treatment with Olmesartan down-regulates HIF-1α, ...

Using mobile phone data to predict the spatial spread of cholera.

Effective response to infectious disease epidemics requires focused control measures in areas predicted to be at high risk of new outbreaks. We aimed to test whether mobile operator data could predict the early spatial evolution of the 2010 Haiti cholera epidemic. Daily case data were analysed for 78 study areas from October 16 to December 16, 2010. Movements of 2.9 million anonymous mobile phone SIM cards were used to create a national mobility network. Two gravity models of population mobility were implemented for comparison. Both were optimized based on the complete retrospective epidemic data, available only after the end of the epidemic spread. Risk of an area experiencing an outbreak within seven days showed strong dose-response relationship with the mobile phone-based infectious pressure estimates. The mobile phone-based model performed better (AUC 0.79) than the retrospectively optimized gravity models (AUC 0.66 and 0.74, respectively). Infectious pressure at outbreak onset was significantly correlated with reported cholera cases during the first ten days of the epidemic (p < 0.05). Mobile operator data is a highly promising data source for improving preparedness and response efforts during cholera outbreaks. Findings may be particularly important for containment efforts of emerging infectious diseases, including high-mortality influenza strains.

Predictability of population displacement after the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

Most severe disasters cause large population movements. These movements make it difficult for relief organizations to efficiently reach people in need. Understanding and predicting the locations of affected people during disasters is key to effective humanitarian relief operations and to long-term societal reconstruction. We collaborated with the largest mobile phone operator in Haiti (Digicel) and analyzed the movements of 1.9 million mobile phone users during the period from 42 d before, to 341 d after the devastating Haiti earthquake of January 12, 2010. Nineteen days after the earthquake, population movements had caused the population of the capital Port-au-Prince to decrease by an estimated 23%. Both the travel distances and size of people's movement trajectories grew after the earthquake. These findings, in combination with the disorder that was present after the disaster, suggest that people's movements would have become less predictable. Instead, the predictability of people's trajectories remained high and even increased slightly during the three-month period after the earthquake. Moreover, the destinations of people who left the capital during the first three weeks after the earthquake was highly correlated with their mobility patterns during normal times, and specifically with the locations in which people had significant social bonds. For the people who left Port-au-Prince, the duration of their stay outside the city, as well as the time for their return, all followed a skewed, fat-tailed distribution. The findings suggest that population movements during disasters may be significantly more predictable than previously thought.

Improved response to disasters and outbreaks by tracking population movements with mobile phone network data: a post-earthquake geospatial study in Haiti.

BACKGROUND: Population movements following disasters can cause important increases in morbidity and mortality. Without knowledge of the locations of affected people, relief assistance is compromised. No rapid and accurate method exists to track population movements after disasters. We used position data of subscriber identity module (SIM) cards from the largest mobile phone company in Haiti (Digicel) to estimate the magnitude and trends of population movements following the Haiti 2010 earthquake and cholera outbreak. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Geographic positions of SIM cards were determined by the location of the mobile phone tower through which each SIM card connects when calling. We followed daily positions of SIM cards 42 days before the earthquake and 158 days after. To exclude inactivated SIM cards, we included only the 1.9 million SIM cards that made at least one call both pre-earthquake and during the last month of study. In Port-au-Prince there were 3.2 persons per included SIM card. We used this ratio to extrapolate from the number of moving SIM cards to the number of moving persons. Cholera outbreak analyses covered 8 days and tracked 138,560 SIM cards. An estimated 630,000 persons (197,484 Digicel SIM cards), present in Port-au-Prince on the day of the earthquake, had left 19 days post-earthquake. Estimated net outflow of people (outflow minus inflow) corresponded to 20% of the Port-au-Prince pre-earthquake population. Geographic distribution of population movements from Port-au-Prince corresponded well with results from a large retrospective, population-based UN survey. To demonstrate feasibility of rapid estimates and to identify areas at potentially increased risk of outbreaks, we produced reports on SIM card movements from a cholera outbreak area at its immediate onset and within 12 hours of receiving data. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that estimates of population movements during disasters and outbreaks can be delivered rapidly and with potentially high validity in areas with high mobile phone use.

The generation and utilization of a cancer-oriented representation of the human transcriptome by using expressed sequence tags.

Whereas genome sequencing defines the genetic potential of an organism, transcript sequencing defines the utilization of this potential and links the genome with most areas of biology. To exploit the information within the human genome in the fight against cancer, we have deposited some two million expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from human tumors and their corresponding normal tissues in the public databases. The data currently define approximately 23,500 genes, of which only approximately 1,250 are still represented only by ESTs. Examination of the EST coverage of known cancer-related (CR) genes reveals that <1% do not have corresponding ESTs, indicating that the representation of genes associated with commonly studied tumors is high. The careful recording of the origin of all ESTs we have produced has enabled detailed definition of where the genes they represent are expressed in the human body. More than 100,000 ESTs are available for seven tissues, indicating a surprising variability of gene usage that has led to the discovery of a significant number of genes with restricted expression, and that may thus be therapeutically useful. The ESTs also reveal novel nonsynonymous germline variants (although the one-pass nature of the data necessitates careful validation) and many alternatively spliced transcripts. Although widely exploited by the scientific community, vindicating our totally open source policy, the EST data generated still provide extensive information that remains to be systematically explored, and that may further facilitate progress toward both the understanding and treatment of human cancers.