Parallel Searching for a First Solution

A parallel algorithm for conducting a search for a first solution to the problem of generating minimal perfect hash functions is presented. A message-based distributed memory computer is assumed as a model for parallel computations. A data structure, called reverse trie (r-trie), was devised to carry out the search. The algorithm was implemented on a transputer network. The experiments showed that the algorithm exhibits a consistent and almost linear speed-up. The r-trie structure proved to be highly memory efficient

Maternal and perinatal outcomes in placenta accreta spectrum disorders with prophylactic internal iliac artery balloon catheterization and embolization

Objectives: To summarize our five-year experience with managing patients diagnosed with wide range of PAS disorder and treated with prophylactic internal iliac balloon implantation prior to cesarean section and to assess maternal and fetal outcomes. Material and methods: Retrospective cohort study. Results: A total of 30 patients were included in the study. Hysterectomy was performed in 10 cases — partial hysterectomy in six and total hysterectomy in four. Median estimated blood loss was 1.18 L. In two cases technical complications were noted. In one case bilateral internal iliac artery thrombosis requiring urgent surgical intervention occurred. A total of 30 live infants were delivered. Mean birth weight was 2435 g and mean Apgar score at 1’, 5’ and 10’ minutes was 6.8, 8 and 8.7 respectively. After average 30 days of hospitalization all infants and their mothers were discharged in good clinical condition. Conclusions: Placenta accreta spectrum remains a challenge for obstetricians and gynecologists and despite interdisciplinary approach is associated with numerous complications with life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage being the most serious one. Prophylactic placement of iliac balloons is a minimally invasive and safe endovascular technique which allows rapid and effective control of postpartum bleeding in patients with PAS, with low complication rate for both mother and the child. 

Effect of Saccharomyces boulardii and Mode of Delivery on the Early Development of the Gut Microbial Community in Preterm Infants.

BACKGROUND:Recent advances in culture-independent approaches have enabled insights into the diversity, complexity, and individual variability of gut microbial communities. OBJECTIVES:To examine the effect of oral administration of Saccharomyces (S.) boulardii and mode of delivery on the intestinal microbial community in preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN:Stool samples were collected from preterm newborns randomly divided into two groups: a probiotic-receiving group (n = 18) or a placebo group (n = 21). Samples were collected before probiotic intake (day 0), and after 2 and 6 weeks of supplementation. The composition of colonizing bacteria was assessed by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing of fecal samples using the Ion 16S Metagenomics Kit and the Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine platform. RESULTS:A total of 11932257 reads were generated, and were clustered into 459, 187, and 176 operational taxonomic units at 0 days, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks, respectively. Of the 17 identified phyla, Firmicutes Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were universal. The microbial community differed at day 0 compared with at 2 weeks and 6 weeks. There was a tendency for increased bacterial diversity at 2 weeks and 6 weeks compared with day 0, and infants with a gestational age of 31 weeks or higher presented increased bacterial diversity prior to S. boulardii administration. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria remained stable during the observation period, whereas Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes increased in abundance, the latter particularly more sharply in vaginally delivered infants. CONCLUSION:While the mode of delivery may influence the development of a microbial community, this study had not enough power to detect statistical differences between cohorts supplemented with probiotics, and in a consequence, to speculate on S. boulardii effect on gut microbiome composition in preterm newborns

Boxplot of community α diversity at day 0 (prior to supplementation) according to the Simpson index and categorized according to gestational age at birth.

<p>Data are shown only for the weeks in which at least five infants were born.</p

PCA analysis of the infant gut microbiome, categorized according to time points and mode of delivery.

<p>Only the ten most abundant OTUs are shown. 0, prior to supplementation; 2w and 6w, 2 weeks and 6 weeks following commencement of supplementation; PC, principal component; var., variation; VD, vaginal delivery; and CC, cesarean section.</p

Boxplot of community α diversity expressed by the Simpson index in stool samples collected from preterm infants at day 0 (prior to supplementation), and 2 (2w) and 6 (6w) weeks following probiotic or placebo supplementation.

<p>P-values on the figure are p-values obtained by the pairwise t-test, adjusted for multiple testing by the Benjamini–Hochberg procedure.</p

Results of PCA analysis of infant gut microbiome in infants delivered vaginally compared with those of infants delivered by cesarean section.

<p>Only 10 of the most abundant OTUs are shown. PC, principal component; var., variance; 0, day 0; 2w, 2 weeks; and 6w, 6 weeks after probiotic or placebo supplementation.</p