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One of the significant hazards in the event of a fire in high-rise residential buildings in cities is the length of time taken to completely evacuate a large number of occupants. On a city scale, it is important that a city's fire and rescue services are in place to minimize the consequences which can be incurred in any potential fire incident. The paper presents the methodology and results of a study that evaluates the city-wide vulnerability in high-rise residential building fires in the City of Istanbul, Turkey. In the context of fire and rescue service arrival to burning buildings, a high-rise building can be considered vulnerable if the fire and rescue service arrives at the building site only after the expected completion of evacuation of the building, thus unable to fulfill its intended purpose of saving the occupants. The study is based on comparison of an agent-based evacuation model of safe escape times for 1167 high-rise residential buildings against their fire and rescue service arrival times estimated using GPS data. This methodology can be used to inform the decision about optimal locations of a city's fire and rescue services. As an example, this study indicates that adding a single new fire station in the City of Istanbul can improve its preparedness for fire accidents by reducing the risk of its most vulnerable district by more than 26%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The mechanisms by which Neisseria meningitidis cause persistent human carriage and transition from carriage to invasive disease have not been fully elucidated.Methods: Georgia and Maryland high school students were sampled for pharyngeal carriage of N. meningitidis during the 2006-2007 school year. A total of 321 isolates from 188 carriers and all 67 invasive disease isolates collected during the same time and from the same geographic region underwent whole-genome sequencing. Core-genome multilocus sequence typing was used to compare allelic profiles, and direct read mapping was used to study strain evolution.Results: Among 188 N. meningitidis culture-positive students, 98 (52.1%) were N. meningitidis culture positive at 2 or 3 samplings. Most students who were positive at >1 sampling (98%) had persistence of a single strain. More than a third of students carried isolates that were highly genetically related to isolates from other students in the same school, and occasional transmission within the same county was also evident. The major pilin subunit gene, pilE, was the most variable gene, and no carrier had identical pilE sequences at different time points.Conclusion: We found strong evidence of local meningococcal transmission at both the school and county levels. Allelic variation within genes encoding bacterial surface structures, particularly pilE, was common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe 2 human cases of infection with a new Neisseria species (putatively N. brasiliensis), 1 of which involved bacteremia. Genomic analyses found that both isolates were distinct strains of the same species, were closely related to N. iguanae, and contained a capsule synthesis operon similar to N. meningitidis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recipients of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) generator replacement with multiple medical comorbidities may be at higher risk of adverse outcomes that attenuate the benefit of ICD replacement. The aim of this investigation was to study the association between the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and outcomes after ICD generator replacement. Methods: All patients undergoing first ICD generator replacement at Mayo Clinic, Rochester and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston between 2001 and 2011 were identified. Outcomes included: (a) all‐cause mortality, (b) appropriate ICD therapy, and (c) death prior to appropriate therapy. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to assess association between CCI and outcomes. Results: We identified 1421 patients with mean age of 69.6 ± 12.1 years, 81% male and median (range) CCI of 3 (0‐18). During a mean follow‐up of 3.9 ± 3 years, 52% of patients died, 30.6% experienced an appropriate therapy, and 23.6% died without experiencing an appropriate therapy. In multivariable analysis, higher CCI score was associated with increased all‐cause mortality (Hazard ratio, HR 1.10 [1.06‐1.13] per 1 point increase in CCI, P < .001), death without prior appropriate therapy (HR 1.11 [1.07‐1.15], P < .0001), but not associated with appropriate therapy (HR 1.01 [0.97‐1.05], P = .53). Patients with CCI ≥5 had an annual risk of death of 12.2% compared to 8.7% annual rate of appropriate therapy. Conclusions: CCI is predictive of mortality following ICD generator replacement. The benefit of ICD replacement in patients with CCI score ≥5 should be investigated in prospective studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is a healthcare-associated pathogen with high rates of carbapenem resistance. Colistin is now routinely used for treatment of infections by this pathogen. However, colistin use has been associated with development of resistance to this agent.Objectives: To elucidate the phylogenomics of colistin-susceptible and -resistant A. baumannii strain pairs from a cohort of hospitalized patients at a tertiary medical centre in the USA.Methods: WGS data from 21 pairs of colistin-susceptible and -resistant, XDR clinical strains were obtained and compared using phylogeny of aligned genome sequences, assessment of pairwise SNP differences and gene content.Results: Fourteen patients had colistin-resistant strains that were highly genetically related to their own original susceptible strain with a median pairwise SNP distance of 5.5 (range 1-40 SNPs), while seven other strain pairs were divergent with ≥84 SNP differences. In addition, several strains from different patients formed distinct clusters on the phylogeny in keeping with closely linked transmission chains. The majority of colistin-resistant strains contained non-synonymous mutations within the pmrAB locus suggesting a central role for pmrAB mutations in colistin resistance. Excellent genotype-phenotype correlation was also observed for carbapenems, aminoglycosides and tetracyclines.Conclusions: The findings suggest that colistin resistance in the clinical setting arises through both in vivo evolution from colistin-susceptible strains and reinfection by unrelated colistin-resistant strains, the latter of which may involve patient-to-patient transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansion of hypervirulent sequence type 4821 clonal complex (CC4821) lineage Neisseria meningitidis bacteria has led to a shift in meningococcal disease epidemiology in China, from serogroup A (MenA) to MenC. Knowledge of the evolution and genetic origin of the emergent MenC strains is limited. In this study, we subjected 76 CC4821 isolates collected across China during 1972-1977 and 2005-2013 to phylogenetic analysis, traditional genotyping, or both. We show that successive recombination events within genes encoding surface antigens and acquisition of quinolone resistance mutations possibly played a role in the emergence of CC4821 as an epidemic clone in China. MenC and MenB CC4821 strains have spread across China and have been detected in several countries in different continents. Capsular switches involving serogroups B and C occurred among epidemic strains, raising concerns regarding possible increases in MenB disease, given that vaccines in use in China do not protect against MenB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorophyll-a concentration is one of the major indicators of phytoplankton production in the ocean. Identification of chlorophyll-a distribution and productivity is important to understand physical and biological processes in the ocean. The objectives of this study are to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of chlorophyll-a and to identify influence of sea surface temperature (SST) and current on chlorophyll-a concentration variation in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) waters of Peninsular Malaysia. Satellite data of chlorophyll-a concentration and SST (2007 to 2014) were derived from MODISAqua and geostrophic current was obtained from NOAA Ocean Watch. Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis was used to determine the spatial and temporal variation of chlorophyll-a. Five modes represented the variation of chlorophyll-a. Mode 1 (60.62%) explained seasonal pattern, Mode 2 (27.83%) indicated patterns during the southwest monsoon, Mode 3 (19.96%) highlighted the inter monsoon of northeast to southwest. Mode 4 (19.57%) represented the northeast monsoon and Mode 5 (18.98%) explained inter monsoon of southwest to northeast. Variation of chlorophyll-a concentration was influenced by variability in SST and current during the monsoons. Variability in magnitude and direction of current circulation was observed to affect SST distribution thus influences concentration and distribution of chlorophyll-a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focused on data analysis, with aim of determining the actual variables that affect the load consumption in short term electric load forecasting. Correlation analysis was used to determine how the load consumption is related to the forecasting variables (model inputs), and hypothesis test was used to justify the correlation coefficient of each variable. Three different models based on data selection criteria where tested using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). Subtractive Clustering (SC) and Fuzzy c-means (FCM) rules generation algorithms ware compared in all the three models. It was observed that forecasting using Hypothesis test data with SC algorithm gave better accuracy compared to the other two approaches. But FCM algorithm is faster in all the three approaches. In conclusion, hypothesis test on the correlation coefficient of the data is a commendable practice for data selection and analysis in shortterm load forecasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neisseria meningitidis is an important cause of meningococcal disease globally. Sequence type (ST)-11 clonal complex (cc11) is a hypervirulentmeningococcal lineage historically associated with serogroupCcapsule and is believed to have acquired theWcapsule through a C toWcapsular switching event.We studied the sequence of capsule gene cluster (cps) and adjoining genomic regions of 524 invasiveWcc11 strains isolated globally.We identified recombination breakpoints corresponding to two distinct recombination events withinWcc11: A 8.4-kb recombinant region likely acquired fromWcc22 including the sialic acid/glycosyl-transferase gene, csw resulted in a C→W change in capsular phenotype and a 13.7-kb recombinant segment likely acquired from Y cc23 lineage includes 4.5 kbof cps genes and8.2 kbdownstreamof the cps cluster resulting in allelic changes in capsule translocation genes.Avast majority ofWcc11strains (497/524,94.8%) retainbothrecombination events as evidencedby sharing identicalor very closely related capsular allelic profiles. These data suggest that theW cc11 capsular switch involved two separate recombination events and that current globalWcc11 meningococcal disease is caused by strains bearing this mosaic capsular switch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following an outbreak in Mecca Saudi Arabia in 2000, meningococcal strains expressing capsular group W (W) emerged as a major cause of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) worldwide. The Saudi Arabian outbreak strain (Hajj clone) belonging to the ST-11 clonal complex (cc11) is similar to W cc11 causing occasional sporadic disease before 2000. Since 2000, W cc11 has caused large meningococcal disease epidemics in the African meningitis belt and endemic disease in South America, Europe and China. Traditional molecular epidemiologic typing suggested that a majority of current W cc11 burden represented global spread of the Hajj clone. However, recent whole genome sequencing (WGS) analyses revealed significant genetic heterogeneity among global W cc11 strains. While continued spread of the Hajj clone occurs in the Middle East, the meningitis belt and South Africa have co-circulation of the Hajj clone and other unrelated W cc11 strains. Notably, South America, the UK, and France share a genetically distinct W cc11 strain. Other W lineages persist in low numbers in Europe, North America and the meningitis belt. In summary, WGS is helping to unravel the complex genomic epidemiology of group W meningococcal strains. Wider application of WGS and strengthening of global IMD surveillance is necessary to monitor the continued evolution of group W lineages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colon cancer is the second most common type of cancer in females and the third in males, worldwide. The most common sites of colon cancer metastasis are the regional lymph nodes, liver, lung, bone and brain. In this study, an extremely rare case of colon adenocarcinoma with extensive metastasis to the mediastinal lymph nodes without any other organ involvement is presented. A 44-year-old Caucasian male presented with abdominal pain, a change in bowel habits, melena and weight loss. Colonoscopy revealed a large friable, ulcerated, circumferential mass in the ascending colon. Biopsies were consistent with the diagnosis of invasive moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. Subsequently, right colon resection was performed, and pathological analysis revealed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the right colon with extensive regional lymph node involvement. Computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest, abdomen and pelvis were performed preoperatively as part of routine staging for colon cancer. No liver or lung pathology was identified; however, multiple pathologically enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes were observed. Endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle aspiration of the largest mediastinal lymph node, which measured 5.2x3.5 cm on CT scans, was performed. The pathology was again consistent with the diagnosis of metastatic colorectal primary adenocarcinoma. At present, no optimum treatment has been identified for metastatic colon cancer to the mediastinal lymph nodes. The patient in the current case received chemotherapy with folinic acid, fluorouracil and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX), as well as with bevacizumab. Initial follow-up CT scans of the chest revealed a positive response to treatment. Physicians, in particular, radiologists, must consider the mediastinum during the first evaluation and further follow-up of patients with colorectal carcinoma even in the absence of metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritional composition of two fish species dried with solar driers were compared with other common methods of drying. For fish dried with solar driers, moisture content was 10.77-11.20 for C. gariepinus and 3.60-3.99 for O. niloticus; protein was 64.88-66.48 for C. gariepinus and 58.75-63.28 for O. niloticus; crude fibre was low in the two species <1.00%; fat was 8.19-8.96 for C. gariepinus and 6.80-7.82 for O. niloticus; carbohydrate was 4.68-5.68 for C. gariepinus and 11.03-17.00 for O. niloticus. The nutrient compositions of the species dried with the solar driers were high and compared well with other methods of open drying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper reported on the work performed to study the formation of silicon nitride and silicon carbide whiskers using the carbothermal nitridation process. A distinctive aspect of the present study lies in the use of the mechanical milling method to alter the regularity of the crystalline network of the silica sand. In order to optimise the processing parameters for the synthesis of silicon carbide, the concept of Taguchi's Design of Experiments was considered, the analysis being based on Taguchi's signal to noise ratio and variance techniques to obtain optimum combination of process parameters. Important factors influencing the formation of silicon carbide were the duration of the mechanical milling, followed by temperature, time and heating rate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simple Summary: Understanding the demography, population size, and dynamics of free-roaming dogs (FRD) is essential for developing an effective dog-population-management and rabies-control programme. The existence of an uncontrolled FRD population in Herat, Afghanistan, is causing threats to public health and has raised concerns for their welfare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the demographic structures and estimate the FRD population size in Herat city, Afghanistan. The photographic sight–resight method utilized and human-to-FRD ratio in this study yielded a density of 10 dogs/km2 and an estimated ratio of 315:1. Dogs were predominantly adult males with a good health status and ideal body-condition score. The knowledge of FRD demography and population size provided by this study could be used by the local government for much more effective planning, implementation and monitoring of dog-population-control programmes. FRDs pose a serious challenge in countries where dog-bite-related rabies is endemic. Understanding the size and core demographic characteristics of FRD populations is essential for the planning and implementation of effective dog-population and canine-rabies-control programmes. The photographic sight–resight method was used to estimate the FRD population and evaluate its demographic characteristics in Herat city. A total of 928 free-roaming dogs (FRD) were identified through 3172 sightings, and the total free-roaming population was estimated to amount to 1821 (95% CI: 1565–2077), which led to the estimation of 10 dogs/km2 and the human-to-FRD ratio of 315:1. The male-to-female ratio was 2.85:1. The majority of them were healthy, with an ideal body score. Although the FRD density is considered low, it is still a concern and significant, since the majority of the people are unaware of the importance of canine populations in the transmission of zoonotic diseases such as rabies, and there were no specific measures for managing and controlling FRD populations. The information gained can be useful in animal health planning to design effective dog-population-control programmes, and for the planning of national rabies-prevention programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgical training involves acquisition of knowledge and skills. The district hospitals are known to play complementary role in surgical training in many parts of the world; it is time to evaluate for the possible role Federal Medical Centers (FMC) in Nigeria can play to complement the training of urologists. Against this background, we retrospectively reviewed the relative frequency of urologic procedures performed in one of the FMC as a case study. Materials and Methods: Hospital data were retrospectively reviewed from January 2007 to June 2010 and records of urologic procedures were extracted for analysis. The total numbers of operations done within same period were also recorded. Result: Urological procedures formed 24.6% of the surgical operation in the hospital during the study period. Uncomplicated prepuce, bladder outflow obstruction, uro-oncology and congenital urological lesion topped the list and accounted for 31.3%, 22.7%, 11.9%, and 11.0% of the cases, respectively. The most frequently performed urological operation in the center was circumcision. Nephrectomy, ureteroneocystostomy, pyeloplasty, cystectomy, and urinary diversion were other procedures performed. Conclusion: The varieties and volume of urologic cases recorded in this centre is comparable with those documented in other established training institutions and thus, it is recommended that the trainees should find time to visit some of these centers and acquaint themselves with hands-on surgical exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is aimed at investigating the proximate contents and concentrations of some micro/macro elements of the root bark of Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen with the view of validating its used medicinally by man in the treatment of cough, headache, arthritis, diarrhoea, rheumatism, inflammation and host of other as commonly known in Hausa uwar magunguna "mother of medicine". The root bark were collected from Dalwa village of Konduga, Borno State, Nigeria. Proximate analysis was done following methods of Association of official Analytical Chemist and the results showed that Dry matter had (94.5%), Carbohydrate (89.28%), Nitrogen free extract (64.74%), Crude fiber (30.0%), Moisture (5.5%),Fats(2.1%), Ash (2.0%) and Protein (1.22%). The levels of 12 elements (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Cd, Cr, Fe, Ni, Zn, Co, Mn, and Pb.) were determined using the smart spectrophotometer. The results of the study in both proximate and elemental concentrations of the root bark of Sucuridaca longepedunculata Fresen were mostly found within the permissible limit set by World Health Organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]