The management of protected areas (PAs) is widely used in the conservation of endangered plant species under climate change. However, studies that have identified appropriate PAs for endangered fern species are rare. To...The management of protected areas (PAs) is widely used in the conservation of endangered plant species under climate change. However, studies that have identified appropriate PAs for endangered fern species are rare. To address this gap, we must develop a workflow to plan appropriate PAs for endangered fern species that will be further impacted by climate change. Here, we used endangered fern species in China as a case study, and we applied conservation planning software coupled with endangered fern species distribution data and distribution modeling to plan conservation areas with high priority protection needs under climate change. We identified appropriate PAs for endangered fern species under climate change based on the IUCN protected area categories (from Ia to VI) and planned additional PAs for endangered fern species. The high priority regions for protecting the endangered fern species were distributed throughout southern China. With decreasing temperature seasonality, the priority ranking of all endangered fern species is projected to increase in existing PAs. Accordingly, we need to establish conservation areas with low climate vulnerability in existing PAs and expand the conservation areas for endangered fern species in the high priority conservation regions.
This paper presents a novel strategy for implementing model predictive control (MPC) to a large gas turbine power plant as a part of our research progress in order to improve plant thermal efficiency and load-frequency c...This paper presents a novel strategy for implementing model predictive control (MPC) to a large gas turbine power plant as a part of our research progress in order to improve plant thermal efficiency and load-frequency control performance. A generalized state space model for a large gas turbine covering the whole steady operational range is designed according to subspace identification method with closed loop data as input to the identification algorithm. Then the model is used in developing a MPC and integrated into the plant existing control strategy. The strategy principle is based on feeding the reference signals of the pilot valve, natural gas valve, and the compressor pressure ratio controller with the optimized decisions given by the MPC instead of direct application of the control signals. If the set points for the compressor controller and turbine valves are sent in a timely manner, there will be more kinetic energy in the plant to release faster responses on the output and the overall system efficiency is improved. Simulation results have illustrated the feasibility of the proposed application that has achieved significant improvement in the frequency variations and load following capability which are also translated to be improvements in the overall combined cycle thermal efficiency of around 1.1 % compared to the existing one.
This paper applied the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) technique and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) procedure to evaluate the wastewater treatment for enterprises. Based on the characteristics of wastewater treatm...This paper applied the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) technique and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) procedure to evaluate the wastewater treatment for enterprises. Based on the characteristics of wastewater treatment for enterprises in Taihu basin, an evaluating index system was established for enterprise and analysis hierarchy process method was applied to determine index weight. Then the AHP and FCE methods were combined to validate the wastewater treatment level of 3 representative enterprises. The results show that the evaluation grade of enterprise 1, enterprise 2 and enterprise 3 was and respectively. Finally, the scores of 3 enterprises were calculated according to the hundred-mark system, and enterprise 3 has the highest wastewater treatment level, followed by enterprise 2 and enterprises 1. The application of this work can make the evaluation results more scientific and accurate. It is expected that this work may serve as an assistance tool for managers of enterprise in improving the wastewater treatment level.
HIV-positive individuals are at higher risk of Methicillin Resistant (MRSA) colonization and its related infection. There is limited data in the nation on the prevalence and risk factors of MRSA colonization among HIV p...HIV-positive individuals are at higher risk of Methicillin Resistant (MRSA) colonization and its related infection. There is limited data in the nation on the prevalence and risk factors of MRSA colonization among HIV patients. The aim of this study was to address the existing knowledge gap. Cross sectional study was carried out from September 2014 to February 2015 in three selected health centers and one general hospital. A standardized questionnaire was developed for collection of socio-demographic and clinical data. A total of 498 Nasal and throat swabs (two for each patient) were collected from 249 patients, transported and processed using standard bacteriological procedures. Data was analyzed using Chi square (X) test and associated risk factors were determined. < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Out of 249 study participants, was isolated from 81 (32.5 %) patients, with MRSA colonization rate of 6 (2.4 %). MRSA isolates were resistant to Ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (16.7 % each), clindamycin (33.3 %) and erythromycin (50 %). However, all MRSA isolates were 100 % sensitive to Amikacin. History of hospitalization, percutaneous device usage, patients with a household member's hospitalization and low CD count (<200 cells/mm) were significantly associated with colonization (p < 0.05).
In this paper, a synthesis method of epoxy resin toughening agent was presented, then the chemical composition and molecular number were studied, which include the DSC curves analysis, the fracture surface morphology and...In this paper, a synthesis method of epoxy resin toughening agent was presented, then the chemical composition and molecular number were studied, which include the DSC curves analysis, the fracture surface morphology and bonding strength. In addition, the mechanism of epoxy resin toughening agent and the effect of toughening agent's content to bonding strength were studied. The testing results reveal that this toughening agent can form a micro two-phase structure in epoxy-amine system, which results in the stable chemical properties and excellent physical properties.
Treatment for dental avulsion cases is early or late replantation of the traumatized teeth. Prognosis of the replanted tooth depends on the level of periodontal injury. Adipose tissue stem cells (ATSCs) were reported to...Treatment for dental avulsion cases is early or late replantation of the traumatized teeth. Prognosis of the replanted tooth depends on the level of periodontal injury. Adipose tissue stem cells (ATSCs) were reported to improve periodontal ligament tissue (PDL) regeneration. Fibrin sealant (FS) contains thrombin and fibrinogen to form an adhesive fibrin clot routinely used in surgical procedures. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of ATSCs + FS treatment on healing of PDL after tooth replantation in a rat model. After 60 min of extraction, maxillary central incisor teeth were replanted with ATSCs + FS. Two months later, the rats were sacrificed and hemimaxilla blocks were dissected out for histological analysis. The results showed that there was a significant improvement in histological findings of ATSCs + FS treated group compared to only FS treated and non-treated groups corresponding to reduced inflammatory resorption and increased new PDL formation. Furthermore, the ankylosis levels were lowered after ATSCs + FS treatment. Singular use of FS improved PDL healing moderately. Our results indicated that ATSCs + FS treatment improves PDL healing after tooth replantation suggesting a new therapeutic potential in the treatment of dental avulsion cases.
Abnormally increased skeletal-muscle-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase (MG53) is associated with the inhibition of insulin signalling and insulin resistance (IR) in animal models. Four community-based studies of Han Chinese p...Abnormally increased skeletal-muscle-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase (MG53) is associated with the inhibition of insulin signalling and insulin resistance (IR) in animal models. Four community-based studies of Han Chinese populations were included in this study to test the association of variants of and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The results showed that rs7186832 and rs12929077 in MG53 were significantly associated with T2D and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) of females in the discovery-stage case-control study and cohort study respectively of rural population but not in the replication sample of urban population. In rural population, the fasting insulin (mU/L) of the subjects with AA, AG and GG genotypes in rs12929077 were 8.70 ± 8.05, 10.71 ± 11.16 and 13.41 ± 14.26, respectively, and increased linearly in T2D cases without medication treatment (P = 0.04). This variant was significantly associated with HOMA-IR (P = 0.020) and HOMA-IS (P = 0.023). In individuals with IFG, the insulin and HOMA-IR of AG carriers were significantly higher than those of AA carriers. In urban population, after glucose loading, there were significant differences in the 30-min glucose, the area under the curve (AUC) of 30-min glucose and the AUC of 120-min glucose according to the genotypes of rs7186832 and rs12929077 in males but not females. Our findings suggest that MG53 variants might confer risk susceptibility to the development of T2D of females and IR particularly in rural population.
BACKGROUND: This study investigated on bacterial contamination of the rhinoplasty field. The effect of preoperative chlorhexidine treatment on decreasing bacterial contamination in the rhinoplasty field is examined. METH...BACKGROUND: This study investigated on bacterial contamination of the rhinoplasty field. The effect of preoperative chlorhexidine treatment on decreasing bacterial contamination in the rhinoplasty field is examined. METHODS: Thirty patients who underwent rhinoplasty were block randomized into a chlorhexidine, regular-soap, or control group comprising ten participants each. The chlorhexidine group was subjected to chlorhexidine showering, shampooing, and facial-cleansing 12 h prior to the operation. The regular-soap group was subjected to cleansing with regular soap, and the control group did not have any skin pretreatment. Bacterial cultures were done 12 h preoperatively from nasal cavity and perinasal skin, immediately preoperatively from perinasal skin and at 1 and 2 h intraoperatively from operation field. Culture results were compared between the three groups, according to operation time, or whether infection-prone procedure was performed. RESULTS: The bacterial species and colony-forming unit numbers at preoperative nasal cavity and perinasal skin were similar. In all three groups, - was the most common bacteria found in the rhinoplasty field. The numbers of and decreased rapidly after preoperative chlorhexidine treatment. The infection-prone procedure was associated with increased bacterial numbers over time during the operation. In all three groups, there was no postoperative infection in a follow-up period of 6 months. CONCLUSION: Rhinoplasty is confirmed as a clean contaminated operation with skin flora consistently found in the operation field. Chlorhexidine pretreatment in rhinoplasty patients has a tendency to decrease the numbers of and on the perinasal skin. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Randomized controlled trial, Level I.
BACKGROUND: Bagridae is an important family of catfishes and has a high market demand. Recently, more cultivable Bagridae fishes are being exploited in China, and hybridization of some species has been carried out to ach...BACKGROUND: Bagridae is an important family of catfishes and has a high market demand. Recently, more cultivable Bagridae fishes are being exploited in China, and hybridization of some species has been carried out to achieve better growth performance, favorable sex ratios and better disease resistance. Yet, these hybrids have further increased the difficulties of taxonomy identification due to morphological indistinguishableness. RESULTS: In this study, the molecular identification technologies for , sand their hybrids were successfully established by using mitochondrial and nuclear ITS sequences to identify the maternal and paternal lineage, respectively. CONCLUSION: These molecular diagnostic methods could also be used to manage breeding plans of hybrids, monitor and minimize the negative impacts of hybridization programs in aquaculture. Furthermore, our study could also provide a reference for establishing detection technique for hybrids in other groups of fishes.
BACKGROUND: Only drafts of regulatory guidelines for the registration of biosimilars are available in Lebanon. We analyzed the results of a regional survey conducted in Lebanon to understand the impact of different param...BACKGROUND: Only drafts of regulatory guidelines for the registration of biosimilars are available in Lebanon. We analyzed the results of a regional survey conducted in Lebanon to understand the impact of different parameters on the acceptance and future prescription of biosimilars. We also reviewed the current situation of biosimilars around the world. The study surveyed healthcare professionals from the Arab countries, Iran, Belgium and Italy. Data about the participants' specialty, country of residence, their knowledge about biosimilars, biosimilars' prescription, price influence and the manufacturer's credibility were collected. RESULTS: 117 questionnaires were completed and returned: 46 (39.3%) respondents were oncologists. 72 (61.5%) respondents were Lebanese, and the others from Egypt, Syria, Algeria, Iraq, Sudan, Jordan, Iran, Belgium and Italy. 77 (65.8%) respondents had knowledge about biosimilars, of whom 48 (62.3%) considered biosimilars as biologics that demonstrate bioequivalence with the original biodrug and have all preclinical and clinical trials equal to those already performed with the original biodrug. 74 (63.2%) out of 117 respondents agreed that biosimilars in the Arab and Middle Eastern market are already marketed. Among the 48 participants who prescribe biosimilars, the main prescription driver was the drug's approval by the FDA and EMA (68.8%). 71 (60.7%) respondents considered that the main advantage of biosimilars is their lower price and 41 (35%) out of the 117 respondents declared that they should know in which country the drug has been tested/created before using it in their own country. 35% of the respondents thought that the cost of a treatment should not come before its effectiveness or safety/tolerance, given that the biosimilar will be less expensive than the reference drug. CONCLUSIONS: Biosimilars' acceptance and use is increasing worldwide. Only few physicians are aware of biosimilars presence in the market and do prescribe them in Lebanon and the Arab region. This could be mainly explained by lack of confidence in efficacy, safety, manufacturing process and price of these products, and lack of clear legislation. Thus, WHO is finalizing a new guideline for similar biotherapeutic agents. This could be a starting point for the Lebanese government to support the authorization of biosimilars.
BACKGROUND: Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is an advance microscopic technique that provides three dimensional structures of cell surfaces with high resolution. In the present study AFM was used for comparative analysis o...BACKGROUND: Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is an advance microscopic technique that provides three dimensional structures of cell surfaces with high resolution. In the present study AFM was used for comparative analysis of surface topology of phage infected and uninfected Uropathogenic (UPEC) cells. Two UPEC strains NE and HN were isolated from urine samples of Urinary tract infection patients and their specific narrow host range lytic phages 3S and HNΦ were isolated from the sewage of different areas. RESULTS: On the basis of one step growth curve both phages characterized as short latent period phages with latency period of about 30 min. On AFM analysis significant difference in topology of healthy and infected cells were observed. It was hypothesized that progeny of both lytic phages released out from their respective host cells in different manner. The image of 3S infected UPEC host cells (NE) revealed multiple internal projections which showed progeny phages released out from host cells through these multiple sites. Whereas images of HNΦ infected HN host cells showed central depression which illustrated that new phages released out through single exit point from the middle of cell. CONCLUSIONS: These results are significant to extend future studies on isolated phages as an effective tool for phage therapy.
INTRODUCTION: The comprehension of legacy codes is difficult to understand. Various commercial reengineering tools are available that have unique working styles, and are equipped with their inherent capabilities and shor...INTRODUCTION: The comprehension of legacy codes is difficult to understand. Various commercial reengineering tools are available that have unique working styles, and are equipped with their inherent capabilities and shortcomings. The focus of the available tools is in visualizing static behavior not the dynamic one. Therefore, it is difficult for people who work in software product maintenance, code understanding reengineering/reverse engineering. Consequently, the need for a comprehensive reengineering/reverse engineering tool arises. We found the usage of Imagix 4D to be good as it generates the maximum pictorial representations in the form of flow charts, flow graphs, class diagrams, metrics and, to a partial extent, dynamic visualizations. CASE DESCRIPTION AND EVOLUTION: We evaluated Imagix 4D with the help of a case study involving a few samples of source code. The behavior of the tool was analyzed on multiple small codes and a large code gcc C parser. Large code evaluation was performed to uncover dead code, unstructured code, and the effect of not including required files at preprocessing level. The utility of Imagix 4D to prepare decision density and complexity metrics for a large code was found to be useful in getting to know how much reengineering is required. At the outset, Imagix 4D offered limitations in dynamic visualizations, flow chart separation (large code) and parsing loops. CONCLUSION: The outcome of evaluation will eventually help in upgrading Imagix 4D and posed a need of full featured tools in the area of software reengineering/reverse engineering. It will also help the research community, especially those who are interested in the realm of software reengineering tool building.
BACKGROUND: Bovine gene sequences were already reported, but further information about the gene properties is not yet available. The objective of the current study was to elucidate the structural properties of the bovin...BACKGROUND: Bovine gene sequences were already reported, but further information about the gene properties is not yet available. The objective of the current study was to elucidate the structural properties of the bovine gene mainly the promoter region and its possible functional role. If available, such information would help in assessing the functional properties of the gene, which was reported to confer antiviral action against recombinant VSV. RESULTS: Examinations on the bovine genomic BAC clone-confirmed to contain the gene-revealed 883-bp sequences. A computer scan unequivocally identified a 788-bp promoter region containing a typical TATA box, three ISREs and other promoter-specific motifs. Comparative analysis of nine bovine genomic DNA samples showed 19 nucleotide substitutions suggesting the existence of five different genotypes in the promoter region. The water buffalo promoter region was determined by using primers based on the bovine promoter region disclosing 893-bp, with 56 substitutions, two insertions, 9 and 1 nt at two different sites. A functional analysis of the putative ISRE indicated that ISRE played a synergetic role in the activation of bovine gene transcription. CONCLUSION: Bovine and water buffalo promoter region was identified disclosing, the conserved ISRE, located in the proximal end of the promoter region like other members of the antiviral family, suggesting functional activity under interferon stimulation.
INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is one of the causes of a postural headache in young people. In this study, the diagnosis and treatment results of a case of intracranial hypotension headache due to spi...INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is one of the causes of a postural headache in young people. In this study, the diagnosis and treatment results of a case of intracranial hypotension headache due to spinal cerebrospinal fluid leakage were reported. Up to now, there is not absolutely effective treatment for intracranial hypotension headache. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 32-year-old woman complained, a headache after prolonged sitting that presented with nausea; vomiting; increased pain during walking; and decreased or absent pain after lying down. The dramatic improvement of this cephalalgia with epidural blood patch treatment confirmed the diagnosis. DISCUSSION AND EVALUATION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported of radiographic contrast before and after epidural blood patch. Improved clinical diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. The patient didn't feel any discomfort, no complications such as infection etc. were observed. A small dose of intrathecal gadolthis is the first reported case ofinium during CEMRM allows for improved detection of CSF leakage. CONCLUSIONS: Leakage of spinal CSF is a major cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. In order to improve clinical diagnosis and provide effective treatment, the precise etiology of spontaneous intracranial hypotension should be investigated in each patient.
This study intends to investigate the correlations of miR-124a and miR-30d with clinicopathological features of breast cancer (BC) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 72 BC patients with T2DM (diabe...This study intends to investigate the correlations of miR-124a and miR-30d with clinicopathological features of breast cancer (BC) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 72 BC patients with T2DM (diabetic group) and 144 BC patients without T2DM (non-diabetic group) were enrolled in this study. Blood glucose was detected by glucose oxidase methods. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Fasting insulin (FIns) was measured by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect triglyceride, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Estradiol (E) was detected by radioimmunoassay. Homeostasis model assessment was applied to assess the insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β-cell insulin secretion (HOMA-IS). The expressions of miR124a and miR-30d were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). There were significant differences in age, the ratio of menopause, body mass index (BMI), HDL-C, TC, 2-h plasma glucose (2hPG), FIns, HbA1c, HOMA-IS and HOMA-IR between the diabetic and non-diabetic groups. The diabetic group had higher incidence of lymph node metastasis than non-diabetic group. The miR-124a expression was down-regulated while the miR-30d expression was up-regulated in BC patients with T2DM. The correlation analysis showed that miR-124a expression was positively correlated with HDL-C, while it was negatively correlated with age, HbA1c, LDL-C and E. However, the miR-30d expression was negatively correlated with HDL-C but positively correlated with age, HbA1c, LDL-C and E. In conclusion, miR-124a and miR-30d may be correlated with clinicopathological features of BC patients with T2DM. The miR-124a and miR-30d could serve as novel biomarkers for early diagnosis of BC in patients with T2DM.