Zika virus infection and Guillain-Barré syndrome in three patients from Suriname

We present three patients from Suriname who were diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) during the Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak in this country. One patient had a positive ZIKV urine real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) result. The other two patients had a negative ZIKV urine qRT-PCR but a positive virus neutralization test and presence of IgG antibodies against ZIKV in the serum. Considering the evidence of a past ZIKV infection and absence of evidence for recent infections with the most common preceding infections of GBS, it is very likely that these GBS cases were triggered by ZIKV

Reflected Wave Modeling Techniques for PWM AC Motor Drives

: Reflected wave transient voltages that are impressed on drive output cables and low voltage ac induction motors are simulated with an excitation source of steep fronted dv/dt pulse waveforms from a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) voltage source inverter. Motivation for system simulation arises from a need to correlate reflected wave peak voltage and risetime with the dielectric insulation capability of both motor and cable. Simulations based on an accurate system model also allow investigation into the effects of changing wire gauge, motor hp, cable distance or addition of drive output filters. System parameters of the inverter, cable and motor model are investigated in detail. Special emphasis is given to the importance of modeling cable skin and proximity effects. Simulation, measured lab and field results are compared. The main objective of the paper is to propose a reflected wave building block model that uses existing software on the market, is simple, computationally fast, easily c..

Reflected waves and their associated current

Abstract: Reflected wave transient voltages that result from fast IGBT voltage source inverters have received considerable investigation. The modeling and simulation of these transients requires sophisticated motor and cable models. Most voltage source PWM adjustable speed drive suppliers now provide combinations of passive and active control techniques to mitigate the adverse effects of over voltage stress, however, the cost of the passive fixes often exceed the cost of the drive. Another aspect of low rise time devices, heretofore not examined to the extent of the over voltage problem, is the resulting current from traveling waves. In this paper a historical perspective of the over voltage problem is presented. Models of system components are reviewed and simulation results are compared with experimental results. These models are then employed to predict the peak currents from voltag

Evaluation of sex differences in patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarction: an observational cohort study in Amsterdam and surrounding region

Introduction: Women with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) present with different symptoms compared to men. This can result in delays in diagnosis and in the timely treatment of women. The aim of this study is to examine these differences, including the short- and long-term mortality in women and men. Methods: This quality registry study included all patients with STEMI who received primary percutaneous coronary intervention in 2015 or 2016 in Amsterdam and the surrounding region. Results: Three PCI centres and the Emergency Medical Service in Amsterdam participated. In total, 558 men (71%) and 229 women (29%) were included. Women were on average 7 years older than men (68 vs 61 years, p < 0.001), and suffered more often from hypertension (46% vs 34%, p = 0.002) and monovascular disease (69% vs 57%, p = 0.002). A higher percentage of men were current smokers (41% vs 49%, p = 0.043). Patient delay, system delay and overall ischaemic times were similar in both women and men (medians: 51, 94 and 157 min, respectively). Initiation of treatment was achieved within 90 min after STEMI diagnosis in 85% of patients (87% in women, 85% in men). Thirty-day and 1‑year mortality adjusted hazard ratio for women versus men was 1.60 (95% CI 0.9–3.0) and 1.24 (95% CI 0.8–2.0), respectively. Discussion: Recognition of cardiac complaints remains challenging for patients. In the Amsterdam region, time delays and mortality were not significantly different between men and women presenting with STEMI. These results are in contrast to findings in similar registries. This suggests that implementation of current knowledge and national campaigns are effective in increasing awareness of the signs and symptoms suggestive of myocardial infarction

Evaluation of sex differences in patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarction: an observational cohort study in Amsterdam and surrounding region

Introduction: Women with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) present with different symptoms compared to men. This can result in delays in diagnosis and in the timely treatment of women. The aim of this study is to examine these differences, including the short- and long-term mortality in women and men. Methods: This quality registry study included all patients with STEMI who received primary percutaneous coronary intervention in 2015 or 2016 in Amsterdam and the surrounding region. Results: Three PCI centres and the Emergency Medical Service in Amsterdam participated. In total, 558 men (71%) and 229 women (29%) were included. Women were on average 7 years older than men (68 vs 61 years, p < 0.001), and suffered more often from hypertension (46% vs 34%, p = 0.002) and monovascular disease (69% vs 57%, p = 0.002). A higher percentage of men were current smokers (41% vs 49%, p = 0.043). Patient delay, system delay and overall ischaemic times were similar in both women and men (medians: 51, 94 and 157 min, respectively). Initiation of treatment was achieved within 90 min after STEMI diagnosis in 85% of patients (87% in women, 85% in men). Thirty-day and 1‑year mortality adjusted hazard ratio for women versus men was 1.60 (95% CI 0.9–3.0) and 1.24 (95% CI 0.8–2.0), respectively. Discussion: Recognition of cardiac complaints remains challenging for patients. In the Amsterdam region, time delays and mortality were not significantly different between men and women presenting with STEMI. These results are in contrast to findings in similar registries. This suggests that implementation of current knowledge and national campaigns are effective in increasing awareness of the signs and symptoms suggestive of myocardial infarction