Routes for breaching and protecting genetic privacy

We are entering the era of ubiquitous genetic information for research, clinical care, and personal curiosity. Sharing these datasets is vital for rapid progress in understanding the genetic basis of human diseases. However, one growing concern is the ability to protect the genetic privacy of the data originators. Here, we technically map threats to genetic privacy and discuss potential mitigation strategies for privacy-preserving dissemination of genetic data.Comment: Draft for comment

Protostars in the Elephant Trunk Nebula

The optically dark globule IC 1396A is revealed using Spitzer Space Telescope images at 3.6, 4.5, 5.8, 8, and 24 mum to be infrared-bright and to contain a set of previously unknown protostars. The mid-infrared colors of the 24 mum detected sources indicate several very young (Class I or 0) protostars and a dozen Class II stars. Three of the new sources (IC 1396A:gamma, 1396A:delta, and 1396A:epsilon) emit over 90% of their bolometric luminosities at wavelengths greater than 3 mum, and they are located within similar to0.02 pc of the ionization front at the edge of the globule. Many of the sources have spectra that are still rising at 24 mum. The two previously known young stars LkHalpha 349a and 349c are both detected, with component c harboring a massive disk and component a being bare. On the order of 5% of the mass of material in the globule is presently in the form of protostars in the 10(5)-10(6) yr age range. This high star formation rate was likely triggered by radiation from a nearby O star.</p

Incidence and Predictors of Death, Retention, and Switch to Second-Line Regimens in Antiretroviral-Treated Patients in Sub-Saharan African Sites with Comprehensive Monitoring Availability

Background. Antiretroviral treatment programs in sub-Saharan Africa have high rates of early mortality and loss to follow-up. Switching to second-line regimens is often delayed because of limited access to laboratory monitoring. Methods. Retrospective analysis was performed of a cohort of adults who initiated a standard first-line antiretroviral treatment at 5 public sector sites in 3 African countries. Monitoring included routine CD4 cell counts, human immunodeficiency virus RNA measures, and records of whether appointments were kept. Incidence and predictors of death, loss to follow-up, and switch to second-line regimens were analyzed by time-to-event approaches. Results. A total of 3749 patients were analyzed; at baseline, 37.1% were classified as having World Health Organization disease stage 3 or 4, and the median CD4 cell count was 192 cells/μL. First-line regimens were nevirapine based in 96.5% of patients; 17.7% of patients attended <95% of their drug pickup appointments. During 4545 person-years of follow-up, mortality was 8.6 deaths per 100 person-years and was predicted by lower baseline CD4 cell count, lower hemoglobin level, and lower body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters); more-advanced clinical stage of infection; male sex; and more missed drug pickup appointments. Dropouts (which accrued at a rate of 2.1 dropouts per 100 person-years) were predicted by a lower body mass index, more missed visits and missed drug pickup appointments, and later calendar year. Incidence of switches to second-line regimens was 4.9 per 100 person-years; increased hazards were observed with lower CD4 cell count and earlier calendar year at baseline. In patients who switched, virological failure was predicted by combined clinical and CD4 criteria with 74% sensitivity and 30% specificity. Conclusions. In an antiretroviral treatment program employing comprehensive monitoring, the probability of switching to second-line therapy was limited. Regular pickup of medication was a predictor of survival and was also strongly predictive of patient retention