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Background Contemporary management of uncomplicated type B aortic dissections (uTBAD) is based on the acuity and various morphological features. Medical therapy is mandatory, while the risks of early thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) are balanced against the potential for rupture, complex surgery, and death. Improved aortic morphology following TEVAR is documented, but evidence for improved overall survival is lacking. The costs and impact on quality of life are also needed. Methods The trial is a randomized, open-label, superiority clinical trial with parallel assignment of subjects at 23 clinical sites in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. Eligibility includes patients aged ≥ 18 with uTBAD of Discussion This trial will evaluate the primary question of whether early TEVAR improves survival at 5 years among uTBAD patients. Moreover, the costs and the impact on quality of life should provide sorely needed data on other factors that play a role in treatment strategy decisions. The common Nordic healthcare model, with inclusion of all aortic centers, provides a favorable setting for carrying out this trial, while the robust healthcare registries ensure data validity. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05215587. Registered on January 31, 2022.

The paper presents the problems of evaluating the standard uncertainty of measuring a quantity using the type B method, the result of which is the average value of the results obtained from two channels with the same parameters, for example, as the indications of two measuring instruments of the same type. It is shown that for given values of maximum permissible errors (MPE) of measuring instruments and their readings x1 and x2, the uncertainty of the result determined a posteriori is not equal to the uncertainty determined by the conventional method (GUM). It is shown that when the measurement result is determined as arithmetic mean y=(x1+x2)/2, additional information as the half distance of readings v=|x1-x2|/2 can be used to correctly determine the standard uncertainty of such measurement. Depending on the half distance of readings, the standard uncertainty can theoretically vary from its maximum value (the readings of both meters are equal) to zero (with maximum difference in readings). The analysis of the uncertainty was carried out for uniform distributions of possible deviations of the readings of measuring instruments within their MPE. The results of simulations by the modified Monte-Carlo method, which show good convergence with theoretical results, are given., У статті розглянуто проблеми оцінювання стандартної невизначеності вимірювання величини методом типу В, результатом якого є середнє значення результатів, отриманих із двох каналів з однаковими параметрами, наприклад, як покази двох однотипних засобів вимірювання. Такі вимірювання виконують, наприклад, з метою покращення надійності отримуваних результатів. Загалом для правильного оцінювання невизначеності типу В, подібно як і у випадку оцінювання невизначеності типу А, потрібно мати розподіл a posteriori можливих значень вимірюваної величини навколо отриманого результату. Показано, що коли результат вимірювання визначається як середнє арифметичне показів х1 та х2 засобів, y=(x1+x2)/2, то для отримання потрібного розподілу a posteriori може бути використано додаткову інформацію у вигляді половини відстані v=|x1-x2|/2 між показами засобів. У такому разі стандартна невизначеність типу В є функцією від цієї відстані й теоретично вона може змінюватись від максимального значення (при однакових показах обох засобів) до нуля (при максимальній різниці показів). Теоретичний аналіз стандартної невизначеності проводився для рівномірного a priori розподілу (розподілу можливих відхилень показів засобів у межах ΔMДП), для якого розподіл a posteriori є теж рівномірним, але в інших межах: y-(∆МРЕ-v)≤X≤y+(∆МРЕ-v). У цьому випадку маємо лінійне зменшення стандартної невизначеності від збільшення половини відстані між показами засобів. З метою перевірки правильності отриманих результатів виконано моделювання модифікованим методом Монте-Карло. Модифікація полягає у тому, що звичайний метод Монте-Карло виконується багаторазово для різних можливих значень вимірюваної величини навколо отриманого результату в межах ±ΔMДП та різних можливих значень 2v відстані між показами засобів. У результаті такого моделювання отримується оцінка розподілу a posteriori вимірюваних величин, на основі якого визначають оцінки стандартної невизначеності для різних значень половини відстані v. Представлено результати такого моделювання, які показали добру збіжність із теоретичними результатами.

Objectif : le but de cette étude comparative était d'évaluer l'évolution du diamètre de l'aorte distale après traitement par la technique STABILISE dans les dissections aortiques compliquées de type B.Conception : c’est une étude rétrospective comparative monocentrique. Méthodes : tous les patients traités par la technique STABILISE pour une dissection aortique de type B compliquée entre 2018 et 2020 ont été inclus.L'évolution du diamètre aortique à 6 niveaux anatomiques différents sur l'aorte thoracique et abdominale a été comparée à une cohorte historique TEVAR à 1 et 2 ans après la procédure.Les critères d'exclusion étaient l'absence de scanner de suivi à 1 ou 2 ans.Le critère de jugement principal était l'évolution des diamètres aortiques à 1 et 2 ans. Résultats : un total de 55 patients a été inclus, 24 dans le groupe TEVAR et 31 dans le groupe STABILISE.Au niveau de l'endoprothèse couverte, il y avait une diminution des diamètres aortiques dans les deux groupes, sans différences statistiques significatives. Au niveau de l'aorte distale, on a constaté une augmentation des diamètres aortiques dans les deux groupes, sans différence statistique significative.Il y avait significativement plus de patients dans le groupe TEVAR avec une évolution défavorable (augmentation du diamètre aortique >5mm) au niveau de l'aorte distale à 2 ans que dans le groupe STABILISE : 8 (33%) vs 1 (3%) (p=.01).Pour les dissections aortiques chroniques, une augmentation significativement plus importante des diamètres aortiques de l'aorte distale a été observée dans le groupe STABILISE. Conclusion : la technique STABILISE est associée à de meilleurs résultats sur l'aorte distale que le TEVAR seul à 2 ans avec un taux de patients avec une évolution défavorable du diamètre aortique plus important dans le groupe TEVAR comparé au groupe STABILISE.Le taux élevé d’évolution anévrismale de l'aorte distale et de ré intervention après TEVAR seul suggère que la technique STABILISE pourrait améliorer les résultats à long terme sur l'aorte distale en induisant un remodelage aortique positif plus étendu. Cependant, le risque d'évolution de l'aorte distale après STABILISE dans les dissections chroniques doit faire utiliser cette technique avec prudence dans cette indication.

Objectives: Several factors determining differences between types A and B aortic dissection (AD) have been reported; however, little data exist examining their differences in left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). We compared the prevalence of LVH in patients with types A and B AD. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 334 patients with acute AD (227 type A; 107 type B). Concentric hypertrophy (CH; increased left ventricular mass index [LVMI] and relative wall thickness [RWT]) is one of four types of left ventricular (LV) geometry thought to be most associated with hypertension. We compared LVMI and the prevalence of CH in patients with types A or B AD. Multivariate logistic regression analyses of variables associated with type B AD were performed. Results: Comparing type A and B AD, LVMI (95 ± 26 vs.107 ± 28, p

Background: Aortic intramural hematoma constitutes one of the three classifications of acute aortic syndrome (AAS). Type B intramural hematoma (IMH-B) is localized to the descending thoracic aorta and can be managed through medical, endovascular or surgical means. Data comparing contemporary management with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) versus traditional medical management (MM) is sparse and only moderate strength recommendations for TEVAR are provided in guidelines. This meta-analysis aimed to pool available data from comparative studies between TEVAR and MM and examine differences in outcomes. Methods: Literature search of electronic medical databases was conducted to identify studies comparing TEVAR and MM for management of IMH-B. Data extraction from studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria was performed by two authors and meta-analysis using a random-effects model applied to pool baseline data and examine risk ratios (RR) for management outcomes. Results: Of the initial 2,349 studies, nine studies were identified for analysis. There were 161 TEVAR patients and 166 who were medically managed. The mean age of the cohort was 62.2 years [95% confidence interval (CI): 55.8–68.7 years]. Patients with complicating features of IMH-B at presentation were more likely to appear in the TEVAR group, with more penetrating atheromatous ulcer (PAU) [risk difference (RD), 0.565, 95% CI: 0.240–0.889, P=0.001], ulcer-like projection (ULP) (RD 0.240, 95% CI: 0.965–0.384, P=0.001), and greater IMH size (mean difference, MD 5.47 mm, 95% CI: 0.320–10.6, P=0.037). There was no statistical difference between TEVAR and MM for the primary endpoints of aortic-related death (RR 0.535, 95% CI: 0.191–1.5, P=0.234) or IMH-B regression (RR 1.25, 95% CI: 0.859–1.81, P=0.246). Of the secondary endpoints, TEVAR had both significantly less dissection during follow-up (RR 0.295, 95% CI: 0.0881–0.989, P=0.048) and less rupture during follow-up (RR 0.206, 95% CI: 0.0462–0.921, P=0.039). Conclusions: A small number of series comparing TEVAR and MM for management of IMH-B are available and random-effects meta-analysis did not reveal any statistically significant difference between treatments for aortic related death or IMH-B regression at a mean follow-up of 37 months. TEVAR was found to be associated with lower risk of dissection and lower risk of rupture during follow-up. Baseline data meta-analysis showed patients with complicating features of PAU, ULP, and larger IMH size were more likely to be managed with TEVAR.

Background: Four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging (4D flow MRI) can accurately visualize and quantify flow and provide hemodynamic information such as wall shear stress (WSS). This imaging technique can be used to obtain more insight in the hemodynamic changes during cardiac cycle in the true and false lumen of uncomplicated acute Type B Aortic Dissection (TBAD). Gaining more insight of these forces in the false lumen in uncomplicated TBAD during optimal medical treatment, might result in prediction of adverse outcomes. Methods: A porcine aorta dissection model with an artificial dissection was positioned in a validated ex-vivo circulatory system with physiological pulsatile flow. 4D flow MR images with 3 set heartrates (HR; 60 bpm, 80 bpm and 100 bpm) were acquired. False lumen volume per cycle (FLV), mean and peak systolic WSS were determined from 4D flow MRI data. For validation, the experiment was repeated with a second porcine aorta dissection model. Results: During both experiments an increase in FLV (initial experiment: ΔFLV = 2.05 ml, p < 0.001, repeated experiment: ΔFLV = 1.08 ml, p = 0.005) and peak WSS (initial experiment: ΔWSS = 1.2 Pa, p = 0.004, repeated experiment: ΔWSS = 1.79 Pa, p = 0.016) was observed when HR increased from 60 to 80 bpm. Raising the HR from 80 to 100 bpm, no significant increase in FLV ( p = 0.073, p = 0.139) was seen during both experiments. The false lumen mean WSS increased significant during initial (2.71 to 3.85 Pa; p = 0.013) and non-significant during repeated experiment (3.22 to 4.00 Pa; p = 0.320). Conclusion: 4D flow MRI provides insight into hemodynamic dimensions including WSS. Our ex-vivo experiments showed that an increase in HR from 60 to 80 bpm resulted in a significant increase of FLV and WSS of the false lumen. We suggest that strict heart rate control is of major importance to reduce the mean and peak WSS in uncomplicated acute TBAD. Because of the limitations of an ex-vivo study, 4D flow MRI will have to be performed in clinical setting to determine whether this imaging model would be of value to predict the course of uncomplicated TBAD.

Background Pasteurella multocida is the etiological agent responsible for several diseases in a wide range of hosts around the world and thus, causes serious economic losses. Acute septicemia associated with capsular type B P. multocida has recently emerged in Europe and continuous outbreaks of these acute processes have been described in Spain since they were first detected in pigs in 2009 and cattle in 2015. The scarcity of studies on the antimicrobial susceptibility of this capsular type of P. multocida and growing concern about the general increase of antimicrobial resistance mean that studies related to the performance of type B P. multocida against antibiotics are necessary to establish accurate treatments and to monitor antimicrobial resistances. Results Seventy-six isolates of P. multocida type B from pigs and cattle with acute septicemia were tested for susceptibility to 10 different antimicrobials. Bovine isolates were susceptible to all the antibiotics we tested except for lincomycin (94.4% of isolates were resistant). However, the antimicrobials we tested were less effective against swine isolates, of which none were susceptible to lincomycin. Furthermore, 29.3% swine isolates were resistant to tetracycline, 27.6% to penicillin, 20.7% to oxytetracycline, 17.3% to chloramphenicol, 15.5% to gentamicin, and 3.4% to enrofloxacin; no resistance to ceftiofur was detected. No multidrug resistant isolates were detected from cattle, while 25.86% of swine isolates were resistant to three or more antibiotic classes. Conclusions In this study, the lower resistance rates and multidrug resistant isolates reported for P. multocida type B derived from cattle compared to those isolated from pigs may be related to the increased use of antibiotics in the porcine industry in Spain. Lincomycin is not recommended for the treatment of acute septicemia in pigs or cattle, rather, the use of ceftiofur, enrofloxacin, or gentamicin is indicated as an emergency treatment in the early stages of disease; once the susceptibility results are known, the use of tetracyclines, penicillin, or chloramphenicol should be prioritized. The increase in multidrug resistant isolates and antimicrobial resistance rates indicates that more attention should be paid to prevention as well as the responsible use of antibiotics.

The timing and choice of surgical method for type B aortic dissection, is still a topic of much debate. We performed total arch replacement using frozen elephant trunk (TAR-FET) as a means of preventing distant aortic events, such as retrograde type A aortic dissection (RTAD). We conducted analysis of 142 patients with acute type B dissection who were admitted between January of 2010 and July of 2017. Fifty-five cases required surgical intervention to treat enlargement of the false lumen diameter and ULP formation 2 weeks after the onset of symptoms. 17 TAR-FET were performed with a mean of 42±26 days period from onset to surgery. There were no complications of RTAD or paraplegic, and 90% of patient demonstrated aortic event free survival (5 years) and false lumen reduction ratio of 35%. Based on our analysis, using TAR-FET properly avoids serious complications like RTAD, and is a viable treatment option for type B dissection. (This is a translation of J Jpn Coll Angiol 2018; 58: 151-157.).

Thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR) is an effective treatment for type B aortic dissection (TBAD). Here, we evaluated the early-midterm effectiveness and safety of TEVAR for treating TBAD patients after renal transplantation. Six patients with TBAD treated with TEVAR after renal transplantation were recruited between February 2012 and December 2016. They were then followed up with clinical examinations and computed tomography angiography (CTA). TEVAR was successfully performed in all patients (100%), and the primary tear sites were well covered by stents with or without coverage of the left subclavian artery. No severe complications occurred in any patient during perioperative period. The one-year survival rate was 100%, one patient died of renal graft failure and heart failure four years after TEVAR; the remaining five patients (83.3%) survived and exhibited no severe complications. Our findings show that TEVAR provides satisfactory short-midterm results for TBAD patients after renal transplantation. Moreover, our experience shows that it need relative longer proximal landing zone to prevent the endoleak and recurrence. However, regular hematodialysis, long-term immunosuppressive therapy, and blood pressure control remain crucial factors to prolong survival. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to evaluate the long-term prognosis in these patients.

Background: Niemann-Pick diseases are rare inherited lipid storage disorders caused by mutations in the SMPD1, NPC1, and NPC2 genes. The aim of this study was to assess the mutation spectrum of a cohort of Iranian Niemann-Pick patients. Methods: A consanguineous couple with a child suspected of having Niemann-Pick disease type A (died at age 2) was screened for gene mutations in the SMPD1 gene. Sanger sequencing was performed for all exons and exon-intron boundary regions. A literature review on SMPD1, NPC1, and NPC2 genes mutations in Iran was conducted using published original papers on this subject. Results: A novel frameshift c.762delG (p.Leu256fs*) at a heterozygous state was identified in the parents. According to the review study, identified mutations in 39 Iranian patients were concentrated in exon 2 of the SMPD1 gene and exons 8 and 9 of the NPC1 gene. Conclusion: Niemann-Pick diseases genes mutation analysis (SMPD1, NPC1, and NPC2) in Iran shows the genetic heterogeneity of these diseases in this country. More studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to further examine genetic changes associated with Niemann-Pick diseases in Iran.

The outcome of patients with acute type B aortic dissection (BAAD) is largely dictated by whether or not the case is “complicated.” The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors leading to in-hospital death among patients with BAAD and then to develop a predictive model to estimate individual risk of in-hospital death. A total of 188 patients with BAAD were enrolled. Risk factors for in-hospital death were investigated with univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Significant risk factors were used to develop a predictive model. The in-hospital mortality rate was 9% (17 of 188 patients). Univariate analysis revealed 7 risk factors to be statistically significant predictors of in-hospital death (P

Background . Influenza remains the cause of many seasonal infections, leading even to death, in all age groups, for all patient health states, under all health policies, and in all latitudes. Influenza infection needs to be thought of not only in terms of the loss of health and the exacerbation of existing diseases, but also in terms of the quantifiable financial consequences borne by the state. Objectives . The aim of the study was to compare two influenza seasons: 2013/14 and 2014/15 through an analysis of the number of samples in different age groups, collected on a weekly basis for 52 weeks, and to interpret the results in terms of type and subtype. Material and methods. Virological and epidemiological data were obtained from the SENTIN EL and NON -SENTIN EL programs. Virological tests were performed using RT-PCR and multiplex RT-PCR biological molecular methods. Results . The maximum number of confirmed cases of influenza coincides in time with the maximum number declared cases and suspected cases of influenza and influenza-like viruses. The peak occurrence of influenza-like virus detection was earlier than the peak detection of influenza virus. In the 2014/15 influenza season, significant differences in the percentage of positive samples were observed between the 5–9 and 10–14 age groups. During the 2013/14 influenza season, there was no statistically significant difference in the percentage of positive samples between the 15–25, 26–44, and 45–64 year old age groups. Conclusions . A new division of age groups allows more accurate assessment of the incidence of influenza and influenza-like illnesses and can assist health workers in preventing multiorgan influenza-related complications and deaths.

Arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15) and arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase, type B (ALOX15B) catalyze the dioxygenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and are upregulated in human alternatively activated macrophages (AAMs) induced by Th2 cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4) and/or interleukin-13. Known primarily for roles in bioactive lipid mediator synthesis, 15-lipoxygenases (15-LOXs) have been implicated in various macrophage functions including efferocytosis and ferroptosis. Using a combination of inhibitors and siRNAs to suppress 15-LOX isoforms, we studied the role of 15-LOXs in cellular cholesterol homeostasis and immune function in naïve and AAMs. Silencing or inhibiting the 15-LOX isoforms impaired sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-2 signaling by inhibiting SREBP-2 processing into mature transcription factor and reduced SREBP-2 binding to sterol regulatory elements and subsequent target gene expression. Silencing ALOX15B reduced cellular cholesterol and the cholesterol intermediates desmosterol, lanosterol, 24,25-dihydrolanosterol, and lathosterol as well as oxysterols in IL-4-stimulated macrophages. In addition, attenuating both 15-LOX isoforms did not generally affect IL-4 gene expression but rather uniquely impacted IL-4-induced CCL17 production in an SREBP-2-dependent manner resulting in reduced T cell migration to macrophage conditioned media. In conclusion, we identified a novel role for ALOX15B, and to a lesser extent ALOX15, in cholesterol homeostasis and CCL17 production in human macrophages.

Arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15) and arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase, type B (ALOX15B) catalyze the dioxygenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and are upregulated in human alternatively activated macrophages (AAMs) induced by Th2 cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4) and/or interleukin-13. Known primarily for roles in bioactive lipid mediator synthesis, 15-lipoxygenases (15-LOXs) have been implicated in various macrophage functions including efferocytosis and ferroptosis. Using a combination of inhibitors and siRNAs to suppress 15-LOX isoforms, we studied the role of 15-LOXs in cellular cholesterol homeostasis and immune function in naïve and AAMs. Silencing or inhibiting the 15-LOX isoforms impaired sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-2 signaling by inhibiting SREBP-2 processing into mature transcription factor and reduced SREBP-2 binding to sterol regulatory elements and subsequent target gene expression. Silencing ALOX15B reduced cellular cholesterol and the cholesterol intermediates desmosterol, lanosterol, 24,25-dihydrolanosterol, and lathosterol as well as oxysterols in IL-4-stimulated macrophages. In addition, attenuating both 15-LOX isoforms did not generally affect IL-4 gene expression but rather uniquely impacted IL-4-induced CCL17 production in an SREBP-2-dependent manner resulting in reduced T cell migration to macrophage conditioned media. In conclusion, we identified a novel role for ALOX15B, and to a lesser extent ALOX15, in cholesterol homeostasis and CCL17 production in human macrophages.

The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) nasopharyngeal (NP) colonisation among healthy children where Hib vaccination using a 3p+0 dosing schedule has been routinely administered for 10 years with sustained coverage (> 90%). NP swabs were collected from 2,558 children who had received the Hib vaccine, of whom 1,379 were 12-< 24 months (m) old and 1,179 were 48-< 60 m old. Hi strains were identified by molecular methods. Hi carriage prevalence was 45.1% (1,153/2,558) and the prevalence in the 12-< 24 m and 48-< 60 m age groups were 37.5% (517/1,379) and 53.9% (636/1,179), respectively. Hib was identified in 0.6% (16/2,558) of all children in the study, being 0.8% (11/1,379) and 0.4% (5/1,179) among the 12-< 24 m and 48-< 60 m age groups, respectively. The nonencapsulate Hi colonisation was 43% (n = 1,099) and was significantly more frequent at 48-< 60 m of age (51.6%, n = 608) compared with that at 12-< 24 m of age (35.6%, n = 491). The overall resistance rates to ampicillin and chloramphenicol were 16.5% and 3.7%, respectively; the co-resistance was detected in 2.6%. Our findings showed that the Hib carrier rate in healthy children under five years was very low after 10 years of the introduction of the Hib vaccine.

Here, we report a patient with Niemann-Pick disease type B, with early severe onset of disease and pulmonary involvement, treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) from a bone marrow matched unrelated donor. We confirm that HSCT is feasible and potentially beneficial for patients with severe phenotype. Noteworthy, we discussed the potential usefulness of the activity of peripheral chitotriosidase for the longitudinal evaluation of HSCT success and effectiveness.

Background and Purpose: Nurses constitute the largest group of human resources in healthcare systems of almost all countries; they also play a significant role in community health promotion. Nurses' job satisfaction is of great importance in the promotion of healthcare quality. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the relationship between personality type (type A & B) and job satisfaction in nurses. Methods: In this correlational study, personality type and job satisfaction were evaluated, using Friedman & Rosenman questionnaire and Varo questionnaire, respectively. Overall, 142 nurses were selected via stratified random sampling from Bu-Ali Sina Treatment and Educational Center of Sari, Iran. For data analysis, t-test, Pearson's correlation test and ANOVA were performed, using SPSS version 14. Results: As the results indicated, the majority of samples were female (90.1%) and staff nurses (81.7%); also, 92.3% of the participants had bachelor's degrees. Overall, the mean score of job satisfaction was estimated at 48±10. The findings suggested a significant relationship between personality type and job satisfaction (P=0.032). Also, subjects with type B personality were more satisfied with their careers, compared to those with type A personality; the observed difference was statistically significant (P=0.035). Additionally, nurses' job satisfaction was significantly associated with their educational level (P=0.025). Conclusion: A Considering the characteristics of nurses with type B personality, they were more satisfied with their careers, compared to others. In order to increase nurses' job satisfaction, practitioners are recommended to conduct interviews and psychological tests to identify nurses' personality type and accordingly, provide them with systematic, regular psychological consultation.

Lesson This report provides a rare histological example and the appropriate management of spontaneous aortic dissection secondary to giant cell arteritis.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the perioperative and short-term results in a cohort of patients treated during the last year at our institution with the stent-assisted balloon-induced intimal disruption and relamination in aortic dissection repair (STABILISE) technique for acute complicated aortic dissection. Methods Between June 2016 and June 2017, 10 patients (all male; mean age, 62.6 ± 7.4 years) received treatment for acute complicated aortic dissection with the STABILISE technique. After a standard provisional extension to induce complete attachment procedure using the commercially available endovascular dissection system (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind), the distal stent graft area and the bare stent area were ballooned to completely exclude the thoracic false lumen (FL) and to obtain a single-channeled abdominal aorta. Computed tomography was routinely performed within the first postoperative week before discharge and then at 3 months, at 6 months, and yearly thereafter. The technical and clinical success rates were analyzed. Results The 30-day technical and clinical success rates were 100%, with complete thrombosis of the thoracic FL and no type I endoleak. Malperfusion was resolved in all cases. No aortic ruptures were recorded, and no open conversion was required. One case of delayed spinal cord ischemia fully resolved within the discharge period. Predischarge computed tomography showed complete thrombosis of the thoracic FL in all cases. In two cases, some degree of patency of the abdominal FL was observed. At short-term follow-up, the overall aortic diameters remained stable with no further dilation. Conclusions The STABILISE technique was safe and feasible in this cohort of patients, with complete thrombosis of the thoracic FL and creation of a single-channeled aorta in most cases. Further studies are needed to ascertain the long-term behavior of the treated aorta.

Background: Previous research regarding relationship between personality traits and physical activity has been mainly focused on big five personality traits whereas the studies regarding Type A behavior pattern in relation to physical activity are scarce. The present study is aimed to relate personality types and PA levels. Methods: To attain the objective, a total of 132 young male adults were recruited and asked to fill two questionnaires: Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and a personality assessment scale. Associations between the categorical variables were examined by applying Chi-Square test. Results: Findings revealed that associations between personality types and physical activity levels were statistically significant (p< .05). Conclusions: Participants having Type A behavior pattern had high levels of physical activity whereas Type B personalities were largely low active. Furthermore, participants with balanced personality type were found to have moderate to high activity levels.&nbsp

As the world’s population grows, access to a safe food supply will continue to be a global priority. In recent years, the world has experienced an increase in mycotoxin contamination of grains due to climatic and agronomic changes that encourage fungal growth during cultivation. A number of the molds that are plant pathogens produce trichothecene mycotoxins, which are known to cause serious human and animal toxicoses. This review covers the types of trichothecenes, their complexity, and proposed biosynthetic pathways of trichothecenes.

Digital Pacinian corpuscle hyperplasia is an extremely rare, painful condition that generally follows local trauma. We report a case of painful digital Pacinian corpuscle hyperplasia of the right index finger that was preceded by a dog bite at the same site over one and a half years ago. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first instance of a Pacinian corpuscle hyperplasia following dog bite. The literature is reviewed and immunohistological features are outlined.

Kazhdan and Lusztig have shown that the partition of the symmetric group of degree $n$ into left cells is given by the Robinson-Schensted correspondence. The aim of this paper is to provide a similar description of the left cells in type $B_n$ for a special class of choices of unequal parameters. This is based on a generalization of the Robinson-Schensted correspondence for type $B_n$. We also give an explicit description of the left cell representations and show that they are irreducible and constructible., Comment: 26 pages

To generate homogeneous clusters of alcoholics and to check the empirical stability of the clusters. Patients from consecutive admissions were assessed by face to face interview on 7 or 8 post abstinence day in a cross-sectional design. 73 male inpatients satisfying DSM-IV criteria of alcohol dependence syndrome without significant physical or cognitive deficits formed the sample. Apart from socio demographic variables, twelve other parameters were assessed with appropriate instruments over a span of last six months. Cluster analysis was followed by ANOVA on the twelve variables between the clusters. Stability of the clusters was checked by a three step statistical technique. Two clusters with 61 subjects and 12 subjects were accepted. ANOVA showed significant difference on nine out of twelve variables. Throughout the three steps of the check mechanism eight variables were found to consistently discriminate the two clusters. On a small sample of hospitalized alcoholics using twelve parameters we could obtain a preliminary evidence that subtypes simulating Type A - Type B could occur in a different sociocultural setting. Further studies on a bigger sample with data on treatment response are indicated.

To the Editor: Francisella tularensis, the etiologic agent of tularemia, is highly infectious and considered a potential bioweapon (1–3). Although 4 subspecies of F. tularensis are recognized, most cases of tularemia are due to infection by subsp. tularensis (type A) or holarctica (type B). North America is the only region where both type A and type B cause human disease. Subspecies novicida is also found in North America, but it is of reduced virulence. Disease incidence attributable to either type A or type B is essentially unknown because the traditional method for classification of these subspecies is glycerol fermentation, which requires culture recovery (4). F. tularensis is fastidious and slow growing, with isolates recovered in a small percentage of cases. We developed real-time TaqMan PCR assays for classification of F. tularensis type A and type B after F. tularensis is identified by culture or, in the absence of culture, by a PCR method such as the F. tularensis multitarget TaqMan assay (5). The type A TaqMan assay targets pdpD, which is present in type A, almost entirely absent from type B, and contains a 144-bp insert in novicida (6,7) (F: 5´-GAGACATCAATTAAAAGAAGCAATACCTT-3´; R: 5´-CCAAGAGTACTATTTCCGGTTGGT-3´; probe: 5´-AAAATTCTGC"T"CAGCAGGATTTTGATTTGGTT-3´). The type B assay targets a junction between ISFtu2 and a flanking 3´ region (GenBank AY06) (F: 5´- CTTGTACTTTTATTTGGCTACTGAGAAACT-3´; R: 5´- CTTGCTTGGTTTGTAAATATAGTGGAA-3´; probe: 5´- ACCTAGTTCAACC"T"CAAGACTTTTAGTAATGGGAATGTCA-3´). In type A and novicida, ISFtu2 is absent from this position (8). Oligonucleotides were designed with Primer Express version 2.0 (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA). Probes were synthesized with a 5´ 6-carboxy-fluorescein reporter and an internal quencher (either BHQ1 [type A] or QSY-7[type B]) at the nucleotide position indicated by the quotation marks. Assays were optimized by using 1 ng of type A (strain SchuS4) or type B (strain LVS) DNA on the LightCycler 1.2 (Roche Applied Science, Indianapolis, IN, USA). Optimized concentrations (20 μL final volume) were 1× LightCycler Fast Start DNA Master Hybridization Probe mix (Roche), 750 nmol/L primers, 200 nmol/L probe, 5 mmol/L MgCl2 and 0.5 U uracil-DNA glycosylase. PCR conditions were 50°C for 2 min, 95°C for 10 min, 45 cycles of 95°C for 10 s and 65°C for 30 s, then 45°C for 5 min. Cycle threshold (Ct) values were calculated by using the second derivative maximum method with the y-axis at F1/F3 (LightCycler software version 3.5). Sensitivity of each assay was assessed by using 10-fold serial dilutions (100,000 to 1 genomic equivalents [GE]) of SchuS4 or LVS DNA. Testing was performed in triplicate, with a reproducible detection limit of 10 GE for both assays. Specificity of each assay was tested with 1 ng of DNA from a panel of 62 Francisella isolates (Table A1) and 22 non-Francisella isolates (Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Brucella, Corynebacterium, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Escherichia, Haemophilus, Klebsiella, Legionella, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Serratia, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Yersinia species). Isolates were grown, DNA purified, and quantified as previously described (5). Specificity was also evaluated with DNA (2 μL) extracted as previously described from Francisella-like tick endosymbionts of Dermacentor variabilis and Francisella-like soil bacteria (Table A1) (9,10). The type A assay recognized all type A isolates with an average Ct value of 17.9 (n = 19). The type B assay detected all type B strains with an average Ct value of 17.1 (n = 21). Neither assay displayed cross-reactivity with F. tularensis subsp. novicida (n = 7), F. philomiragia (n = 15), Francisella-like tick endosymbionts (n = 3), Francisella-like soil bacteria (n = 7) (Table A1), or non-Francisella spp. (n = 22). To evaluate the ability of the type A and type B TaqMan assays, in conjunction with the multitarget assay, to identify F. tularensis and classify subspecies in primary specimens, human, animal, and tick samples were tested (Table ). DNA was extracted from 200 μL fluid, 25 mg liver, and 10 mg spleen or lung by using the QIAamp DNA MiniKit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA, USA) and 1 μL tested. Multitarget PCR conditions were as described (5). Table Comparison of standard diagnostic methods with the multitarget Francisella tularensis TaqMan assay and type A and type B assays using primary specimens The multitarget and subspecies-specific PCR assays accurately identified and classified F. tularensis in all specimens positive by standard diagnostic methods (Table). In addition, the type A and type B assays provided subspecies information for positive specimens in which an isolate was not recovered for glycerol fermentation testing (Table ). All specimens negative by standard diagnostic methods tested negative by PCR. These preliminary results suggest that a F. tularensis PCR identification method, in combination with the type A and type B assays, provides the capability to identify F. tularensis and determine subspecies in the absence of culture. We describe real-time PCR assays capable of classifying F. tularensis type A and type B and distinguishing these subspecies from the less virulent subsp. novicida. These assays are designed for use after F. tularensis has been identified by culture or by PCR. Supplemental use of these assays will allow laboratories to actively subtype F. tularensis isolates and primary specimens, thus providing subspecies information for a higher percentage of tularemia cases. Improved subspecies information will further understanding of the disease incidence and geographic distribution of F. tularensis type A and type B in North America.

ObjectiveThe VIRTUE Registry describes the mid-term clinical and morphological results of thoracic endovascular repair (TEVR) in patients with type B aortic dissection.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study. The VIRTUE Registry is a prospective, multicentre clinical trial that enrolled patients with complicated acute (92 days) type B aortic dissections treated with the Valiant endograft. One hundred patients were enrolled and the clinical outcomes described at the 3-year follow-up. Analysis of the aortic area and false lumen thrombosis rates defined the morphological response to TEVR in the three clinical groups.ResultsThree-year all-cause mortality (18%, 4%, and 24%), dissection related mortality (12%, 4%, and 9%), aortic rupture (2%, 0%, and 4%), retrograde type A dissection (5%, 0%, and 0%), and aortic reintervention rates (20%, 22%, and 39%) were, respectively, defined for patients with acute (n = 50), subacute (n = 24), and chronic (n = 26) dissections. Analysis of aortic morphology observed that patients with subacute dissection demonstrated a similar degree of aortic remodelling to patients with acute dissection. Patients with acute and subacute dissection exhibited greater aortic plasticity than patients with chronic dissection.ConclusionsThe principle clinical findings suggest that TEVR is able to provide good protection from aortic-related death in the mid-term, but with a high rate of aortic reintervention. Analysis of aortic morphology suggested that aortic remodelling in subacute patients is similar to the acute group. Retention of aortic plasticity in the subacute group lengthens the therapeutic window for the treatment of uncomplicated type B dissection.

We aimed to characterize Haemophilus influenzae invasive isolates recovered in Portugal over a 9-year period (2002-2010) following the inclusion of H. influenzae serotype b (Hib) conjugate vaccination in the National Immunization Program (NIP) in the year 2000 and compare the results with those obtained in a similar study from the pre-vaccination era (1989-2001) previously described by us. As part of a laboratory-based passive surveillance system, 144 invasive isolates obtained in 28 Portuguese hospitals were received at the National Reference Laboratory for Bacterial Respiratory Infections and were characterized. Capsular types and antibiotic susceptibility patterns were determined. The ftsI gene encoding PBP3 was sequenced for β-lactamase-negative ampicillin-resistant (BLNAR) isolates. Genetic relatedness among isolates was examined by multilocus sequencing typing (MLST). Most isolates (77.1%) were non-capsulated, a significant increase compared to the pre-vaccination era (19.0%, p < 0.001). Serotype b strains decreased significantly (from 81.0 to 13.2%, p < 0.001) and serotype f increased significantly (from 0.8 to 6.9%, p = 0.03). Ten percent of the isolates were β-lactamase producers, a value lower than that previously observed (26.9%, p = 0.005). Eight percent of all isolates were BLNAR. A high genetic diversity among non-capsulated isolates was found. By contrast, capsulated isolates were clonal. The implementation of Hib vaccination has resulted in a significant decline in the proportion of serotype b H. influenzae invasive disease isolates. Most episodes of invasive disease occurring in Portugal are now due to fully susceptible, highly diverse, non-capsulated strains. Given the evolving dynamics of this pathogen and the increase in non-type b capsulated isolates, continuous surveillance is needed. This work was supported by the National Institute of Health, Lisbon, Portugal.

3 pages; International audience; Based on a combinatorial result about the domino insertion algorithm [2], which appears to be false, the proof of our main result in [5] is not complete. We explain here what can be saved from [5]: more precisely, we explain what is the scope of validity of [5, Theorem 1.5].

We prove that, for any choice of parameters, the Kazhdan-Lusztig cells of a Weyl group of type $B$ are unions of combinatorial cells (defined using the domino insertion algorithm)., 32 pages

Objectives Fenestrated/branched thoracic endovascular repair (F/Br-TEVAR) is increasingly applied for atherosclerotic thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA); however, use in post-dissection TAAAs is still very limited. Experience with F/Br-TEVAR in the treatment of post-dissection TAAA is presented. Methods Data were analysed from prospectively maintained databases including all patients with post-dissection TAAAs that underwent F/Br-TEVAR within the period January 2010 to July 2013 in two vascular institutions. Evaluated outcomes included initial technical success, operative mortality and morbidity, late survival, endoleak, aneurysm diameter regression, renal function, and reintervention during follow-up (FU). Results A total of 31 patients (25 male, mean age 65 ± 11.4 years) were treated. Technical success was 93.5% and 30-day mortality 9.6%. Temporary spinal cord ischaemia occurred in four (12.6%) patients, with no case of permanent paraplegia. Mean FU was 17.0 ± 10 months. There were seven late deaths, all aneurysm unrelated. Estimated overall survival rates were 83.9 ± 6.7, 76.4 ± 7.9 and 71.6 ± 8.7% at 6, 12, and 18 months, respectively. Impairment of renal function occurred in two (6.4%) patients. Endoleaks were diagnosed in 12 patients during FU, including six type IB endoleaks and six type II endoleaks. Reintervention was required in seven (22.5%) patients. Mean aneurysm sac regression was 9.3 ± 8.7 mm, with a false lumen thrombosis rate of 66.7% and 88.2% for patients with a FU longer than 6 and 12 months respectively. Conclusions F/Br-EVAR is feasible for patients with a post-dissection TAAA. Although associated with additional technical challenges, and a significant need for reintervention, it leads to favourable aneurysm morphologic changes, and may play a more prominent role in the future for this type of pathology if long-term results confirm the good initial outcome.

Advancement in science and technology excels control system into a sophisticated level of automation; success of which is hidden in precise measurement. Accuracy of a system is measured in terms of performance uncertainty, the study of which is almost disregarded in engineering and science education though the knowledge of uncertainty measurement is essential to get a high-quality control in automation. Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) which is recognized universally, provides guidelines for uncertainty measurement in detail. Because of underpinned mathematical expressions of GUM, it is difficult to understand and follow the same without having long term involvement in the similar field. This paper is an effort to explain uncertainty in comparatively simple way to give an idea about the error propagation in a measurement and the calculation of associated uncertainty.

Kesintili arkus aorta nadir rastlanan, fatal seyirli konjenital kardiyak bir anomali olup, aorta ascendens ile aorta descendens arasındaki bir segmentte atrezinin olması şeklinde tanımlanır ve %98 oranında diğer kardiovasküler anomalilerle birlikte bulunur. Üç tipi mevcuttur. Tip A’ da kesinti, a. subclavia sinistra’nın distalindedir. Tip B’de, a. carotis communis sinistra ile a. subclavia sinistra, tip C’de, a. carotis communis sinistra ile a. carotis communis dextra arasındadır. Selçuk Üniversitesi pediatrik kardiyoloji kliniğine başvuran postnatal 5. gününde bir erkek bebeğin çekilen ekokardiyografisinde; truncus brachiocephalicus’un distalinden itibaren tip B kesintili arkus aorta, ventriküler septal defekt, biküspit aorta, patent ductus arteriosus, atrial septal defekt, annulus aorticus hipoplazisi tespit edildi. Bilgisayarlı tomografi anjiyografisinde ise, a. carotis communis sinistra ile a. subclavia sinistra arasında bağlantı olmadığı görüldü. Bu vakada, arcus aorta anomalisi ve eşlik eden diğer kardiovasküler anomalilerin erken tanı ve tedavisinde radyolojik görüntüleme yöntemlerinin önemi vurgulanmaktadır., Interrupted aortic arch is a rare, fatal, congenital cardiac anomaly characterized by the presence of a segmental atresia between the descending and ascending aorta. In type A, the interruption is distal to left subclavian artery. In type B, between left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery; in type C, between left and right common carotid artery. Interrupted aortic arch is present to 98% with other cardiovascular anomalies. Echocardiography of a male baby at the 5th postnatal day referring to Selçuk University pediatric cardiology clinic revealed; type B interrupted aortic arch starting from distal truncus brachiocephalicus, ventricular septal defect, bicuspid aorta, patent ductus arteriosus, atrial septal defect and aortic annulus hipoplasia. The computer tomograpy angiography revealed interruption between left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery. This study highlights the importance of radiologic imaging methods in the early diagnosis and treatment of aortic arch anomaly and accompanying other cardiovascular anomalies.

Objective and design The role of Thoracic Endovascular Repair (TEVAR) in chronic type B aortic dissection remains controversial and its mid-term success as an alternative to open repair or best medical therapy remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to provide a systematic review of mid-term outcomes of TEVAR for chronic type B aortic dissection. Materials and methods Medline, trial registries, conference proceedings and article reference lists from 1950 to January 2011 were searched to identify case series reporting mid-term outcomes of TEVAR in chronic type B dissection. Data were extracted for review. Results 17 studies of 567 patients were reviewed. The technical success rate was 89.9% (range 77.6–100). Mid-term mortality was 9.2% (46/499) and survival ranged from 59.1 to 100% in studies with a median follow-up of 24 months. 8.1% of patients (25/309) developed endoleak, predominantly type I. Re-intervention rates ranged from 0 to 60% in studies with a median follow-up of 31 months. 7.8% of patients (26/332) developed aneurysms of the distal aorta or continued false lumen perfusion with aneurysmal dilatation. Rare complications included delayed retrograde type A dissection (0.67%), aorto-oesophageal fistula (0.22%) and neurological complications (paraplegia 2/447, 0.45%; stroke 7/475, 1.5%). Conclusion The absolute benefit of TEVAR over alternative treatments for chronic B-AD remains uncertain. The lack of natural history data for medically treated cases, significant heterogeneity in case selection and absence of consensus reporting standards for intervention are significant obstructions to interpreting the mid-term data. High-quality data from registries and clinical trials are required to address these challenges.