Efficacy of 16S rRNA variable regions high-resolution melt analysis for bacterial pathogens identification in periprosthetic joint infections

Background: Accurate and rapid identification of microorganisms causing periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are necessary for choosing an appropriate antibiotic therapy. Therefore, molecular techniques are suggested for diagnosis in suspected PJIs. The Broad-range PCR and High-Resolution Melt Analysis (HRMA) were evaluated for the identification of causative organisms of PJIs in this study. Results: For 47 of 63 specimens, both the culture and broad-range PCR were positive. The culture was found to be able of organism�s detection in 74.6 (47/63) of patients. Of 47 positive cultures, 11 (23.4) were polymicrobial and 36 (76.59) were monomicrobial cultures, in which 34 (91.89) cases were detected by HRM assay. The sensitivity, specificity of HRMA vs monomicrobial culture were 91.89, 93.75, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity of total HRMA (mono + poly) vs culture were 82.92, 93.75. Conclusions: HRM assay coupled with broad-range PCR are effective screening, rapid, and relatively cost-effective methods for discrimination of PJIs especially in aiding culture method. Using computer programs such as the Matlab-2018b program for HRM data analysis is also valuable and helpful in diagnosis. © 2021, The Author(s)

A suitable mechanism for the interconnection phase of temporary coupling of adjacent microgrids

© 2016 IEEE. A microgrid is supposed to supply its demand self-sufficiently. However, the generation intermittency and load variations can result in the impermanent overloading of the microgrid. This can be addressed by allowing the microgrid to import some power from one or more adjacent microgrids, after their short interconnection. The transition phase of forming a system of coupled microgrids is focused in this paper, and a suitable mechanism is proposed which enables the interconnection of the microgrids after a proper synchronization. The performance of the proposed mechanism is evaluated by PSCAD/EMTDC-based time-domain simulation studies

Impact of the weightings of different criteria in selecting the suitable microgrids when forming a system of coupled microgrids

© 2016 IEEE.A microgrid (MG) is expected to supply its demand independently; however the load and generation intermittency may result in the overloading of an MG. This problem can be addressed by coupling suitable neighboring MGs with the overloaded one(s). The selection of the suitable MGs can be based on different criteria such as the level of the available surplus power, reliability, dependency on renewable energies, power losses, electricity costs and CO2 emissions in the neighboring MGs. Each criterion may have a different weighting. This paper evaluates the impact of the weightings of each criterion on the outcome of the alternative selection strategy and presents the sensitivity of the selection procedure on the weightings of each criterion

Selection of a suitable microgrid to couple with an overloaded neighboring microgrid based on decision making

It is expected that a microgrid (MG) can supply its local loads independently; however the load and generation intermittency may lead an MG to experience overloading. This problem can be mitigated by coupling the overloaded MG to another neighboring MG that has surplus power. It is a challenge to select a suitable MG within a distribution network composed of several islanded MGs, to be coupled to the overloaded MG. This paper presents a new decision-making-based method to select the suitable alternative. This selection is based on different criteria including the available surplus power, reliability, supply security, power loss, electricity cost and CO2 emissions in the alternative MGs. Moreover, the frequency and voltage deviation in the system of coupled MGs are considered in the selection. The performance of the developed method is evaluated within a cloud theory-based probabilistic analysis in MATLAB

Coupling Neighboring Microgrids for Overload Management Based on Dynamic Multicriteria Decision-Making

A microgrid (MG) is expected to supply its local loads independently; however, due to intermittency of wind and solar-based energy resources as well as the load uncertainty, it is probable that the MG experiences power deficiency (overloading). This problem can be mitigated by coupling the overloaded MG to another neighboring MG that has surplus power. Considering a distribution network composed of several islanded MGs, defining the suitable MGs (alternative) to be coupled with the overloaded MG is a challenge. An MG overload management technique is developed in this paper, which first identifies the overloaded MG(s) and then selects the most suitable alternative. The alternative selection is based on different criteria, such as available surplus power, reliability, supply security, power loss, electricity cost, and CO2 emissions in the alternative MGs. Moreover, the frequency and voltage deviation in the system of coupled MGs are considered in the selection. A dynamic multicriteria decision-making algorithm is developed for this purpose. To contemplate the uncertainties in the considered distribution network, a cloud theory-based probabilistic analysis is deployed as the research framework and the performance of the developed technique is evaluated in MATLAB

Oral Colonization by Nosocomial Pathogens During Hospitalization in Intensive Care Unit and Prevention Strategies

BACKGROUND: Critically ill patients are very susceptible to a variety of disorders and infections during hospitalization in Intensive Care Units ICU. Among these problems, nosocomial infections are major causes of morbidity and mortality. METHODS: Nosocomial pneumonias, specifically ventilator associated pneumonias have become a major health care issue. The implication of oral care in hospital presents challenges that can prevent or reduce the risk of nosocomial pneumonias in ICU. In this review article, we reviewed the most important nosocomial pathogens which colonize the oral cavity and causes severe infections during hospitalization in ICU. CONCLUSION: Finally, we discuss that the prevention strategies against oral colonization of nosocomial pathogens include classical methods and novel methods such as Photodynamic therapy, NO based therapy, anti-virulence therapy and other new under investigation antimicrobial strategies