Planet Hunters. VI: An Independent Characterization of KOI-351 and Several Long Period Planet Candidates from the Kepler Archival Data

We report the discovery of 14 new transiting planet candidates in the Kepler field from the Planet Hunters citizen science program. None of these candidates overlapped with Kepler Objects of Interest (KOIs) at the time of submission. We report the discovery of one more addition to the six planet candidate system around KOI-351, making it the only seven planet candidate system from Kepler. Additionally, KOI-351 bears some resemblance to our own solar system, with the inner five planets ranging from Earth to mini-Neptune radii and the outer planets being gas giants; however, this system is very compact, with all seven planet candidates orbiting $\lesssim 1$ AU from their host star. A Hill stability test and an orbital integration of the system shows that the system is stable. Furthermore, we significantly add to the population of long period transiting planets; periods range from 124-904 days, eight of them more than one Earth year long. Seven of these 14 candidates reside in their host star's habitable zone.Comment: 27 pages, 6 figures, 5 tables, Accepted to AJ (in press) (updated title from original astro-ph submission

High Rate of Microbleed Formation Following Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background We sought to investigate the frequency of microbleed development following intracerebral hemorrhage in a predominantly African-American population and to identify predictors of new microbleed formation. Aims and/or hypothesis To investigate the frequency and predictors of new microbleeds following intracerebral hemorrhage. Methods The DECIPHER study was a prospective, longitudinal, magnetic resonance-based cohort study designed to evaluate racial/ethnic differences in risk factors for microbleeds and to evaluate the prognostic impact of microbleeds in this intracerebral hemorrhage population. We evaluated new microbleed formation in two time periods: from baseline to 30 days and from 30 days to year 1. Results Of 200 subjects enrolled in DECIPHER, 84 had magnetic resonance imaging at all required time points to meet criteria for this analysis. In the baseline to day 30 analysis, 11 (13·1%) had new microbleeds, compared with 25 (29·8%) in the day 30 to year 1 analysis. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that baseline number of microbleeds [odds ratio 1·05 (95% confidence interval 1·01, 1·08), P = 0·01] was associated with new microbleed formation at 30 days. A logistic regression model predicting new microbleed at one-year included baseline number of microbleeds [odds ratio 1·05 (1·00, 1·11), P = 0·046], baseline age [odds ratio 1·05 (1·00, 1·10), P = 0·04], and white matter disease score [odds ratio 1·18 (0·96, 1·45). P = 0·115]. Overall, 28 of 84 (33·3%) intracerebral hemorrhage subjects formed new microbleeds at some point in the first year post-intracerebral hemorrhage. Conclusions We found that one-third of intracerebral hemorrhage subjects in this cohort surviving one-year developed new microbleeds, which suggests a dynamic and rapidly progressive vasculopathy. Future studies are needed to examine the impact of new microbleed formation on patient outcomes

Comparative study of bioethanol production from sugarcane molasses by using Zymomonas mobilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The study was designed to compare the bioethanol production from Zymomonas mobilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae using molasses as production medium. The focus was on the retention time at lab scale. Bioethanol and petroleum blend can be used in existing gasoline engines. Present study showed a more cost-effective procedure for production of ethanol from sugar-cane molasses by using bacterial strain "Z. mobilis". Laboratory scale unit was designed to perform the experiments through batch fermentation and to determine the impact of leading parameters, including fermentation temperature, pH, sugar concentration, and nutrients. S. cerevisiae produced 8.3% (v/v) bioethanol provided sugar concentration 14 g /100 ml with the fermentation efficiency of 92.5%. On the contrary, Z.mobilis produced 9.3% (v/v) bioethanol by utilizing 16 g/100 ml sugar with the fermentation efficiency of 90.5%. Effect of nutrients on fermentation was determined using molasses as feedstock. Thin layer chromatography was also performed to assess the possible impurities in molasses as compared to the pure sugar. The pH and fermentation temperature was optimized for the enhanced yield of bioethanol.Key words: Bioethanol, molasses, fermentation, Zymomonas mobilis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Why Are Outcomes Different for Registry Patients Enrolled Prospectively and Retrospectively? Insights from the Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD-Atrial Fibrillation (GARFIELD-AF).

Background: Retrospective and prospective observational studies are designed to reflect real-world evidence on clinical practice, but can yield conflicting results. The GARFIELD-AF Registry includes both methods of enrolment and allows analysis of differences in patient characteristics and outcomes that may result. Methods and Results: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and ≥1 risk factor for stroke at diagnosis of AF were recruited either retrospectively (n = 5069) or prospectively (n = 5501) from 19 countries and then followed prospectively. The retrospectively enrolled cohort comprised patients with established AF (for a least 6, and up to 24 months before enrolment), who were identified retrospectively (and baseline and partial follow-up data were collected from the emedical records) and then followed prospectively between 0-18 months (such that the total time of follow-up was 24 months; data collection Dec-2009 and Oct-2010). In the prospectively enrolled cohort, patients with newly diagnosed AF (≤6 weeks after diagnosis) were recruited between Mar-2010 and Oct-2011 and were followed for 24 months after enrolment. Differences between the cohorts were observed in clinical characteristics, including type of AF, stroke prevention strategies, and event rates. More patients in the retrospectively identified cohort received vitamin K antagonists (62.1% vs. 53.2%) and fewer received non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (1.8% vs . 4.2%). All-cause mortality rates per 100 person-years during the prospective follow-up (starting the first study visit up to 1 year) were significantly lower in the retrospective than prospectively identified cohort (3.04 [95% CI 2.51 to 3.67] vs . 4.05 [95% CI 3.53 to 4.63]; p = 0.016). Conclusions: Interpretations of data from registries that aim to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of patients with AF must take account of differences in registry design and the impact of recall bias and survivorship bias that is incurred with retrospective enrolment. Clinical Trial Registration: - URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier for GARFIELD-AF (NCT01090362)

Inventarisasi dan Identifikasi Jenis-Jenis Tanaman Kana (Canna spp.) di Kabupaten Deli Serdang dan Serdang Bedagai: Inventory and identification of kana (Canna spp.) in Deli Serdang and Serdang Bedagai regency

Inventory and identification of kana (Canna spp.) in Deli Serdang and Serdang Bedagai regency. Supervised by Ir. E. Harso Kardhinata, M.Sc., and Ir. Eva Sartini Bayu, MP., The purpose of the research is to inventory and identify of kana (Canna sp.) in Deli Serdang and Serdang Bedagai regency. The research was conducted in Deli Serdang and Serdang Bedagai regency from February to March 2017, The research was dessigned by descriptive methode and the samples were collected based on accidental sampling technique. Morfological characteristic of kana were identified based on Tanaka (2001). The result showed that there were 11 genotip of kana are genotip genotip A, genotip B, genotip C, genotip D, genotip E, genotip F, genotip G, genotip H, genotip I, genotip J, gnotip K, based on identified by Tanaka (2001) is that genotip A as C. flaccid, genotip B as C. ‘King Humbert’, genotip C as C. edulis, genotip D as C. pedunculata, genotip E as C. cleopatra, genotip F as C. glauca, genotip G as C. jacobiniflora, genotip H as C. ‘Bengal Tiger’, genotip I as C. liliiflora, genotip J as C. discolour, genotip K as C. indica.. Some specieses of kana grow wild and have not been cultivated by community except C. indica and C. edulis. Inventarisasi dan identifikasi jenis-jenis tanaman kana (Canna spp.) di Kabupaten Deli Serdang dan Serdang Bedagai. Dibimbing oleh Ir. E. Harso Kardhinata, M.Sc. dan Ir. Eva Sartini Bayu, MP., Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menginventarisasi dan mengidentifikasi jenis-jenis tanaman kana (Canna sp.) di Kabupaten Deli Serdang dan Serdang Bedagai. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Kabupaten Deli Serdang dan Serdang Bedagai mulai bulan Februari sampai dengan Maret 2017. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif dan pengambilan sampel dilakukan menggunakan metode accidental sampling. Karakter morfologi kana diidentifikasi berdasarkan Tanaka (2001). Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat 11 genotip Kana yaitu genotip A, genotip B, genotip C, genotip D, genotip E, genotip F, genotip G, genotip H, genotip I, genotip J, genotip K, berdasarkan identifikasi dari Tanaka (2001) maka genotip A sebagai C. flaccid, genotip B sebagai C. ‘King Hunbert, genotip C sebagai C. edulis, genotip D sebagai C. pedunculata, genotip E sebagai C. cleopatra, genotip F sebagai C. glauca, genotip G sebagai C. jacobiniflora, genotip H sebagai C. ‘Bengal Tiger’, genotip I sebagai C. liliiflora, genotip J sebagai C. discolour, genotip K sebagai C. indica. Jenis-jenis tanaman kana ini tumbuh liar dan belum dibudidayakan oleh masyarakat kecuali C. indica dan C. edulis

Different Case Finding Approaches to Optimise COPD Diagnosis: Evidence from the RADICALS Trial

Aim: Diagnosis of COPD in primary care is hindered by underuse of spirometry. Case finding using validated symptom and health status questionnaires, and simple handheld devices in high-risk populations may improve diagnosis. This study aimed to determine the best combination of measures to optimise COPD diagnosis in the primary care setting. Methods: We recruited 335 current or ex-smokers, including those with an established diagnosis of COPD from general practices. Participants’ FEV1 and FEV6 were measured using a handheld spirometry device (COPD-6®). Each completed the COPD assessment test (CAT), a modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnoea scale, St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and smoking history questionnaire. From these data we calculated the predictive validity for spirometry-confirmed diagnosis of COPD. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were calculated for each. Kappa coefficient was used to measure the agreement between the Fixed-Ratio (FR) and Lower Limit of Normal (LLN) spirometric criteria in diagnosing COPD. Results: FEV1/FEV6 <0.70 alone showed significant association (p<0.0001) with COPD diagnosis and good predictive accuracy (AUROC=0.725). However, no further improvement was found after combining SGRQ, CAT and mMRC with FEV1/FEV6. FEV1 /FEV6 <0.70 using the COPD-6® handheld device had moderate sensitivity (65.7%) and high PPV (90.1%), high specificity (79.3%) and NPV (44.8%). There was good agreement between FR and LLN definitions (κ=0.70). Conclusion: Handheld micro-spirometers can facilitate case finding of COPD in smokers and ex-smokers attending general practice. The fixed ratio criterion currently recommended by COPD-X guidelines offers the simplest method for diagnosing COPD in Australian primary care

Impact of improved client-provider interaction on women\u27s achievement of fertility goals in Egypt

A two-phase operations research study was launched in Egypt in early 2000 with the goal of demonstrating how improving the quality of client–provider interaction (CPI) could be achieved in large healthcare systems, specifically in relation to family planning. The study was designed to explore how CPI improvements could enhance family planning knowledge, method continuation rates, client satisfaction, and achievement of fertility goals. Client outcome variables were expected to improve as a result of improving client–provider interaction. The study recommends continued development and testing of innovative, attractive, and well-designed IEC messages that influence woman\u27s fertility preferences; continuous training of health providers; and policies that consider reasonable and realistic mechanisms to train private physicians and service providers of other programs so women receive the same basic information and counseling regardless of the facility

Preventing recurrence of thromboembolic events through coordinated treatment in the District of Columbia

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/87024/1/j.1747-4949.2011.00654.x.pd

Decreased GFR estimated by MDRD or Cockcroft-Gault equation predicts incident CVD: the Strong Heart Study

Background—Kidney function, expressed as glomerular filtration rate (GFR), is commonly estimated from serum creatinine (Scr) and, when decreased, may serve as a nonclassical risk factor for incident cardiovascular disease (CVD). The ability of estimated GFR (eGFR) to predict CVD events during 5–10 years of follow-up is assessed using data from the Strong Heart Study (SHS), a large cohort with a high prevalence of diabetes. Methods—eGFRs were calculated with the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease study (MDRD) and the Cockcroft-Gault (CG) equations. These estimates were compared in participants with normal and abnormal Scr. The association between eGFR and incident CVD was assessed. Results—More subjects were labeled as having low eGFR (<60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) by the MDRD or CG equation, than by Scr alone. When Scr was in the normal range, both equations labeled similar numbers of participants as having low eGFRs, although concordance between the equations was poor. However, when Scr was elevated, the MDRD equation labeled more subjects as having low eGFR. Persons with low eGFR had increased risk of CVD. Conclusions—The MDRD and CG equations labeled more participants as having decreased GFR than did Scr alone. Decreased eGFR was predictive of CVD in this American Indian population with a high prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Longitudinal immune profiling reveals key myeloid signatures associated with COVID-19.

COVID-19 pathogenesis is associated with an exaggerated immune response. However, the specific cellular mediators and inflammatory components driving diverse clinical disease outcomes remain poorly understood. We undertook longitudinal immune profiling on both whole blood and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of hospitalized patients during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Here, we report key immune signatures present shortly after hospital admission that were associated with the severity of COVID-19. Immune signatures were related to shifts in neutrophil to T cell ratio, elevated serum IL-6, MCP-1 and IP-10, and most strikingly, modulation of CD14+ monocyte phenotype and function. Modified features of CD14+ monocytes included poor induction of the prostaglandin-producing enzyme, COX-2, as well as enhanced expression of the cell cycle marker Ki-67. Longitudinal analysis revealed reversion of some immune features back to the healthy median level in patients with a good eventual outcome. These findings identify previously unappreciated alterations in the innate immune compartment of COVID-19 patients and lend support to the idea that therapeutic strategies targeting release of myeloid cells from bone marrow should be considered in this disease. Moreover, they demonstrate that features of an exaggerated immune response are present early after hospital admission suggesting immune-modulating therapies would be most beneficial at early timepoints