63 research outputs found
Performance of 16S rRNA Gene Next-Generation Sequencing and the Culture Method in the Detection of Bacteria in Clinical Specimens
No full textEffective treatment of infectious diseases requires prompt and accurate bacterial identification and tailored antimicrobial treatments. Traditional culture methods are considered the gold standard, but their effectiveness diminishes for fastidious and hard-to-grow microorganisms. In recent years, molecular diagnostic tools such as 16S rRNA gene next-generation sequencing (16S NGS) have gained popularity in the field. We analysed data from samples submitted for 16S NGS between July 2022 and July 2023 at the Department of Advanced Translational Microbiology in Trieste, Italy. The study included samples submitted for both culture-based identification and 16S NGS. Conventional media were used for culture, and bacterial identification was performed using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced using the Ion PGM platform. Among the 123 samples submitted, drainage fluids (38%) and blood (23%) were the most common, with requests predominantly from the Infectious Diseases (31.7%) and Orthopedic (21.13%) Units. In samples collected from patients with confirmed infections, 16S NGS demonstrated diagnostic utility in over 60% of cases, either by confirming culture results in 21% or providing enhanced detection in 40% of instances. Among the 71 patients who had received antibiotic therapies before sampling (mean 2.3 prior antibiotic days), pre-sampling antibiotic consumption did not significantly affect the sensitivity of 16S NGS. In routine microbiology laboratories, combining 16S NGS with culture method enhances the sensitivity of microbiological diagnostics, even when sampling is conducted during antibiotic therapy
Fluoroquinolones and Biofilm: A Narrative Review
No full textBackground: Biofilm-associated infections frequently span multiple body sites and represent a significant clinical challenge, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach involving surgery and antimicrobial therapy. These infections are commonly healthcare-associated and frequently related to internal or external medical devices. The formation of biofilms complicates treatment, as they create environments that are difficult for most antimicrobial agents to penetrate. Fluoroquinolones play a critical role in the eradication of biofilm-related infections. Numerous studies have investigated the synergistic potential of combining fluoroquinolones with other chemical agents to augment their efficacy while minimizing potential toxicity. Comparative research suggests that the antibiofilm activity of fluoroquinolones is superior to that of beta-lactams and glycopeptides. However, their activity remains less effective than that of minocycline and fosfomycin. Noteworthy combinations include fluoroquinolones with fosfomycin and aminoglycosides for enhanced activity against Gram-negative organisms and fluoroquinolones with minocycline and rifampin for more effective treatment of Gram-positive infections. Despite the limitations of fluoroquinolones due to the intrinsic characteristics of this antibiotic, they remain fundamental in this setting thanks to their bioavailability and synergisms with other drugs. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using online databases (PubMed/MEDLINE/Google Scholar) and books written by experts in microbiology and infectious diseases to identify relevant studies on fluoroquinolones and biofilm. Results: This review critically assesses the role of fluoroquinolones in managing biofilm-associated infections in various clinical settings while also exploring the potential benefits of combination therapy with these antibiotics. Conclusions: The literature predominantly consists of in vitro studies, with limited in vivo investigations. Although real world data are scarce, they are in accordance with fluoroquinolones’ effectiveness in managing early biofilm-associated infections. Also, future perspectives of newer treatment options to be placed alongside fluoroquinolones are discussed. This review underscores the role of fluoroquinolones in the setting of biofilm-associated infections, providing a comprehensive guide for physicians regarding the best use of this class of antibiotics while highlighting the existing critical issues
DLPC@ 323K, CHARMM36UA force field
No full text<p>Files required for a simulation of a DLPC bilayer in LAMMPS (<strong>lammps</strong>.sandia.gov/). Force field is taken from http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jp410344g</p>
<p>This data is used in the project "Matching lipid force fields with NMR data", see: http://nmrlipids.blogspot.fi </p>The following lines should be added into in.lmp file instead of "neigh_modify delay 0 every 1 check yes":
kspace_style pppm 1.0e-4
neighbor 2.0 bin
neigh_modify delay
A detailed flowsheet of a 100 MW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell plant modeled in ASPEN PLUS
No full textFiles required for modeling a 100 MW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Plant (Power-to-Gas Mode) in Aspen Plus. The plant was designed by Butera et al.[1]. A detailed capital cost estimate was made using the AspenTech Process Economic Analyzer and written in ESA.xlsx.
Further details are available upon request: [email protected]
[1] Butera, G., Jensen, S.H., and Clausen, L.R. "A novel system for large-scale storage of electricity as synthetic natural gas" submitted to J. Energ
Региональная политика Российской Федерации и КНР: приграничное и межрегиональное сотрудничество
No full textТема ВКР: «Региональная политика Российской Федерации и КНР: приграничное и межрегиональное сотрудничество».
Атвор: Лю Ботань
Научный руководитель: д.э.н., профессор Коростышевская Е.М.
Рецензент: д.э.н., профессор Миэринь Л.А.
Объем работы составляет 80 страниц, включающей 15 таблиц и 5 рисунков. При написании использовалось 82 источника.
Объектом исследования служит экономическое сотрудничество России и Китая. Предметом исследования являются приграничное и межрегиональное сотрудничество России и Китая.
Работа состоит из введения, двух глав, заключения и списка использованной литературы. Первая глава посвящена стержневым понятиям «регион» и «приграничное сотрудничество», российскому и китайскому законодательствам о приграничном сотрудничестве. Во второй главе анализируется современное состояние приграничного и межрегионального сотрудничества на примере приграничного сотрудничества между Дальним Востоком России и Северо-Востоком Китая, и межрегионального сотрудничества в рамках механизма «Волга – Янцзы».Master’s thesis: Regional policy of Russia and China: cross-border and trans-regional cooperation.
Author: Liu Botan
Research Adviser: Ph.D. in Economics, Prof. Korostyshevskaia E.M.
Reviewer: Ph.D. in Economics, Prof. Mierin L.A.
Master’s thesis 80 pages, 15 tables, 5 figures, 82 sources.
The object of research is economic cooperation between Russia and China. The subject of research is cross-border and trans-regional cooperation between Russia and China.
The research paper consists of Introduction, two Chapters, Conclusion, Reference. The first Chapter is devoted to the concepts of “region” and “cross-border cooperation”, Russian and Chinese legislations on cross-border cooperation. The second Chapter analyzes the current situation of cross-border and trans-regional cooperation between the Russian Far East and the Northeast China, and trans-regional cooperation within the frameworks of “Volga-Yangtze” mechanism
A Comparative Analysis of Rheometer and Pipe Rig Methods for Rheological Characterization of Microfibrillated Cellulose Suspensions as a Model Fluid for Wastewater Sludge
No full textIn the pursuit of optimizing material handling processes, gaining a thorough understanding of material behavior and its underlying properties is crucial. Among these properties, the apparent viscosity holds a pivotal role in estimating the energy required for efficient transportation within a processing plant. This thesis aims to assess the viability of using a laboratory rheometer to analyze the flow behavior of sewage sludge in pipes. The utilization of Exilva, a microfibrillated cellulose, as a model fluid for wastewater sludge, is suggested to facilitate a more convenient and consistent exploration of flow properties.
This project further focuses on establishing a reliable and reproducible technique for obtaining rheological data using a laboratory rheometer. Initially, experiments were conducted on Newtonian fluids to develop and verify the method, which was subsequently adjusted to accommodate non-Newtonian fluids. The method involves determining the effective dimensions of vane geometries and employing non-Newtonian correction factors to calculate shear rate and shear stress across the vane-to-container gap. The resulting flow data were fitted numerically to the Herschel-Bulkley non-Newtonian rheology model. Consistent rheometer results were obtained for concentrations up to 2.44%, while higher concentrations exhibited highly complex behavior.
To capture realistic flow behavior, a pipe testing rig was constructed to gather data on Exilva suspensions in pipes. These data were then fitted numerically to the Herschel-Bulkley model to estimate flow parameters. To assess the feasibility of using a laboratory-scale rheometer for estimating fluid flow in pipes, a comparison was made between the rheometer and pipe rig methods. For lower-concentration materials, both rheometer apparent viscosity and pipe rig measurements yielded similar outcomes when applying the Herschel-Bulkley model. However, notable discrepancies arose when dealing with higher-concentration materials, indicating challenges in accurately characterizing their rheological properties.I jakten på å optimalisere materialhåndteringsprosesser er det avgjørende å få en grundig forståelse av materialers underliggende egenskaper. Blant disse egenskapene spiller viskositeten en sentral rolle i å estimere energien som kreves for effektiv transport i et prosessanlegg. Denne oppgaven tar sikte på å vurdere muligheten til å bruke et laboratoriereometer for å analysere strømningsatferden til kloakkslam i rør. Bruken av Exilva, en mikrofibrillert cellulose, som et modellfluid for avløpsslam, foreslås for å muliggjøre en mer praktisk og konsistent utforskning av strømningsegenskapene.
Dette prosjektet fokuserer på å etablere en pålitelig og reproduserbar metode for innhenting av reologiske data ved bruk av et laboratoriereometer. Først ble det utført eksperimenter på newtonske væsker for å utvikle og verifisere metoden, som deretter ble justert for å imøtekomme ikke-newtonske væsker. Metoden innebærer å bestemme de effektive dimensjonene til vane-geometrier og bruke ikke-newtonske korreksjonsfaktorer for å beregne skjærhastighet og skjærspenning over mellomrummet mellom vane-geometrien og beholderen. De resulterende strømningsdata ble numerisk tilpasset til en Herschel-Bulkley ikke-newtonsk reologimodell. Konsistente resultater fra reometeret ble oppnådd for konsentrasjoner opp til 2,44%, mens høyere konsentrasjoner viste svært kompleks oppførsel.
For å undersøke realistisk strømningsatferd, ble det konstruert en rør-rigg for å samle data om strømning av Exilva i rør. Disse dataene ble deretter numerisk tilpasset til HerschelBulkley-modellen for å estimere strømningsparametere. For å vurdere muligheten til å bruke et laboratorieskala-reometer til å estimere væskestrøm i rør, ble det foretatt en sammenligning mellom reometer- og rørriggmetoden. For materialer med lavere konsentrasjon ga både reometermålinger og rørriggmålinger lignende resultater ved bruk av Herschel-Bulkley-modellen. Imidlertid oppsto det bemerkelsesverdige avvik når det gjelder materialer med høyere konsentrasjon, noe som indikerer utfordringer med å nøyaktig karakterisere deres reologiske egenskaper
Molecular simulation of clays in contact with a CO2 reservoir
No full textPARIS-BIUSJ-Biologie recherche (751052107) / SudocSudocFranceF
Making or Breaking the Republic of Moldova? The Autonomy of Gagauzia. EDAP 2/2013
No full textThis article describes the process of self-determination and the creation of a territorial autonomy of the Gagauz people in the Republic of Moldova. It also analyses the situation in the autonomy after the change of government in Chisinau in 2009 and evaluates the current status of accommodation of the Gagauz’ interests in the country. Aspects of state-building and the influence of external actors are explored as well. Gagauzia (Gagauz Yeri) is one of the first post-Soviet autonomies. Since its establishment in 1994, no violent conflict has taken place there. However, the Gagauz language and culture remain relatively unprotected, and incentives as well as support for the integration of the Gagauz are low. The article outlines the potential for future disputes between the central government and local authorities, due to continuous attempts to limit Gagauzia’s self-governance and conflicting interpretations of how the autonomy should work. Furthermore, struggles between Gagauz political leaders and other local realities hamper the successful realization of Gagauz Yeri.
With respect to Moldova’s efforts to resolve the Transnistrian conflict and to integrate with the European Union, compromises and cooperation through an ongoing dialogue between the centre and autonomy are clearly due. Resolving the remaining stumbling blocks could make Gagauzia a living, rather than symbolic autonomy
Aoko Matsuda y la reformulación feminista de «Botan Dōrō»
No full textEn 1666 el monje budista Asai Ryōi adaptó un cuento de origen chino, titulado en japonés «Botan Dōrō», que desde entonces y hasta el día de hoy ha sido numerosas veces versionado. La atención de las sucesivas adaptaciones que se hicieron de la historia centraban la atención del relato en la necrofilia, sexualizando de esta manera a la mujer fantasma que protagoniza el relato. En el año 2016, la escritora japonesa Aoko Matsuda, reformula la historia en el cuento «Botangara no dōrō» de su colección Obachan tachi no iru tokoro mediante un enfoque feminista que erradica la cosificación sexual del espectro y facilita la supervivencia de la historia en el siglo XXI.This article examines the story "Botangara no dōrō" by the Japanese writer Aoko Matsuda, based on a contrastive analysis based on the study of the defining elements that underlie the previous versions of this story. The purpose of the review of these elements is to highlight the subversion of the patriarchal discourse carried out by the author regarding the sexualization of the female ghost protagonist of the story. Thus, while the successive adaptations that were made of the story of Chinese origin on Japanese soil focused the plot's attention on necrophilia, in 2016 the Japanese writer Aoko Matsuda reformulated the story through a feminist approach that eradicates the sexual objectification of the spectrum and facilitates the survival of the story in the 21st century
Radical research as research at the roots: Practitioner self-image, public relations and ethics
No full textSemantically, radical derives from ‘radix’, the Latin for root. This paper argues that little public relations research goes back to the roots of actual practice and addresses this neglect through a project focusing on practitioner accounts of their work. When considering public relations ethics, practitioner self-images and cultural values become an essential research component. In addressing this neglected area of research, this paper examines the subjective perceptions of public relations practitioners regarding their role, commitments, and responsibilities within the framework of their specific culture and national history. In considering practitioner testimonials about professional integrity, briefs, and goals, especially as members of the society and nation to which they belong, the paper engages with ethical aspects of the practice from a cultural perspective that assumes different cultures can have different ethical expectations. In revealing the impact of features that are often ‘taken for granted’ in one country, the paper uses the example of four generations of practitioners who served one major institution in Israel to suggest how similar research at the professional roots in other nations might enable knowledge of international similarities and difference in relation to ethics in action
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