An adaptive grid voltage/frequency tracking method based on SOGIs on a shipboard PV-diesel-battery hybrid power system

This paper addresses the unbalanced voltage, subharmonic/dc-offset voltage, and low-frequency (LF)/high-frequency (HF) harmonics of a grid voltage tracking method based on second-order generalized integrators (SOGIs) in high voltage/frequency swing on a shipboard photovoltaic (PV)-diesel-battery hybrid power system. To perform this work, a kind of shipboard PV–diesel-battery hybrid power system structure was first analyzed, emphasizing both the active and reactive power (PQ) control strategy and the sensitivity of the phase-locked loop (PLL) that is crucial to the vessel’s electrical networks. Then, the effect of grid voltage harmonics in SOGIs and of voltage/frequency swing on SOGI frequency-locked loop (SOGI-FLL) was studied. Meanwhile, aiming to the adverse power qualities of a shipboard power system (SPS), a SOGI-based structure with prefilter, a dc-offset block, and a positive sequence extractor (SOGI-FDE) was proposed. Finally, to overcome all of the vessel’s grid problems, a new SOGI-based voltage tracking structure, SOGI-FDE-FLL, consisting of SOGI-FDE and SOGI-FLL, was proposed to achieve accurate grid voltage tracking rapidly. This proposed schematic was used as an adaptive grid voltage tracking method to a three-phase three-wire shipboard PV–diesel-battery hybrid power system. Experimental results were obtained validating this proposal

A six-generation Chinese family in haplogroup B4C1C exhibits high penetrance of 1555A > G-induced hearing Loss

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The 1555A > G mutation is the most common cause of aminoglycoside-induced and non-syndromic deafness. However, the variable clinical phenotype and incomplete penetrance of A1555G-induced hearing loss complicate our understanding of this mutation. Environmental factors, nuclear genes, mitochondrial haplotypes/variants and a possible threshold effect have been reported to may be involved in its manifestation.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Here, we performed a clinical, molecular, genetic and phylogenic analysis in a six-generation Chinese family.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A clinical evaluation revealed that affected individuals without aminoglycoside exposure developed hearing loss extending gradually from 12000 Hz to 8000 Hz and then to 4000 Hz. Using pyrosequencing, we detected an identical homoplasmic 1555A > G mutation in all individuals except one. We did not find any correlation between the mutation load and the severity of hearing loss. T123N coexisted with the 1555A > G mutation in six affected subjects in our pedigree. Analysis of the complete mtDNA genome of this family revealed that this family belonged to haplotype B4C1C and exhibited high penetrance. Upon the inclusion of subjects that had been exposed to aminoglycosides, the penetrance of the hearing loss was 63.6%.; without exposure to aminoglycosides, it was 51.5%. This pedigree and another reported Chinese pedigree share the same haplotype (B4C1C) and lack functionally significant mitochondrial tRNA variants, but nevertheless they exhibit a different penetrance of hearing loss.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our results imply that the factors responsible for the higher penetrance and variable expression of the deafness associated with the 1555A > G mutation in this pedigree may not be mtDNA haplotype/variants, but rather nuclear genes and/or aminoglycosides.</p

Passive immunotherapy for influenza A H5N1 virus infection with equine hyperimmune globulin F(ab')(2 )in mice

BACKGROUND: Avian influenza virus H5N1 has demonstrated considerable pandemic potential. Currently, no effective vaccines for H5N1 infection are available, so passive immunotherapy may be an alternative strategy. To investigate the possible therapeutic effect of antibody against highly pathogenic H5N1 virus on a mammal host, we prepared specific equine anti-H5N1 IgGs from horses vaccinated with inactivated H5N1 virus, and then obtained the F(ab')(2 )fragments by pepsin digestion of IgGs. METHODS: The horses were vaccinated with inactivated H5N1 vaccine to prepare anti-H5N1 IgGs. The F(ab')(2 )fragments were purified from anti-H5N1 hyperimmune sera by a protocol for 'enhanced pepsin digestion'. The protective effect of the F(ab')(2 )fragments against H5N1 virus infection was determined in cultured MDCK cells by cytopathic effect (CPE) assay and in a BALB/c mouse model by survival rate assay. RESULTS: By the protocol for 'enhanced pepsin digestion', total 16 g F(ab')(2 )fragments were finally obtained from one liter equine antisera with the purity of over 90%. The H5N1-specific F(ab')(2 )fragments had a HI titer of 1:1024, and the neutralization titre of F(ab')(2 )reached 1: 2048. The in vivo assay showed that 100 μg of the F(ab')(2 )fragments could protect BALB/c mice infected with a lethal dose of influenza H5N1 virus. CONCLUSION: The availability of highly purified H5N1-specific F(ab')(2 )fragments may be promising for treatment of influenza H5N1 infection. Our work has provided experimental support for the application of the therapeutic equine immunoglobulin in future large primate or human trials

How many cases are required to achieving early proficiency in purely off-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy?

Background and purposeOff-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (Offc-RAPN) is a technically challenging procedure that can effectively avoid renal ischemia owing to the absence of hilar vessel preparation and clamping. However, data on the learning curve (LC) for this technique are limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the LC of Offc-RAPN and compare the perioperative outcomes between different learning phases.MethodsThis retrospective study included 50 consecutive patients who underwent purely Offc-RAPN between January 2022 and April 2023. Multidimensional cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis method was used to assess LC. Spearman's correlation and LOWESS analysis were performed to analyze the continuous variables of perioperative outcomes. Baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes were compared using χ2-test, t-test and U-test.ResultsCUSUM analysis identified two LC phases: phase I (the first 24 cases) and phase II (the subsequent 26 cases). Phase II showed significant reductions in mean operative time (133.5 vs. 115.31 min; p = 0.04), mean console time (103.21 vs. 81.27 min; p = 0.01), and mean postoperative length of stay (5.33 vs. 4.30 days; p = 0.04) compared to phase I. However, no significant differences were observed in other perioperative outcomes or baseline characteristics between the two LC phases.ConclusionsOffc-RAPN performed by a surgeon with experience in laparoscopic and robotic surgeries achieved early proficiency in 24 cases. Moreover, Offc-RAPN alone is safe and feasible even in the initial phase of the LC for an experienced surgeon

Effect of liver histopathology on islet cell engraftment in the model mimicking autologous islet cell transplantation

Background: The inflammatory milieu in the liver as determined by histopathology is different in individual patients undergoing autologous islet cell transplantation. We hypothesized that inflammation related to fatty-liver adversely impacts islet survival. To test this hypothesis, we used a mouse model of fatty-liver to determine the outcome of syngeneic islet transplantation after chemical pancreatectomy. Methods: Mice (C57BL/6) were fed a high-fat-diet from 6 weeks of age until attaining a weight of ≥28 grams (6–8 weeks) to produce a fatty liver (histologically > 30% fat);steatosis was confirmed with lipidomic profile of liver tissue. Islets were infused via the intra-portal route in fatty-liver and control mice after streptozotocin induction of diabetes. Outcomes were assessed by the rate of euglycemia, liver histopathology, evaluation of liver inflammation by measuring tissue cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α by RT-PCR and CD31 expression by immunohistochemistry. Results: The difference in the euglycemic fraction between the normal liver group (90%, 9/10) and the fatty-liver group (37.5%, 3/8) was statistically significant at the 18th day post- transplant and was maintained to the end of the study (day 28) (p = 0.019, X2 = 5.51). Levels of TNF–α and IL-1β were elevated in fatty-liver mice (p = 0.042, p = 0.037). Compared to controls cytokine levels were elevated after islet cell transplantation and in transplanted fatty-liver mice as compared to either fatty- or islet transplant group alone (p = NS). A difference in the histochemical pattern of CD31 could not be determined. Conclusion: Fatty-liver creates an inflammatory state which adversely affects the outcome of autologous islet cell transplantation

Modified hood technique for single-port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy contributes to early recovery of continence

Background and purposeUrinary incontinence is one of the common side effects of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Here, we described the modified Hood technique for single-port RARP (sp-RARP) and assessed the interest of this new technique for early continence recovery.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 24 patients who underwent sp-RARP modified hood technique from June 2021 to December 2021. The pre-and intraoperative variables, postoperative functional and oncological outcomes of patients were collected and analyzed. The continence rates were estimated at 0 day, 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months and 12 months after catheter removal. Continence was defined as wearing no pad over a 24 h period.ResultsMean time of operation and estimated blood loss were 183 min and 170 ml, respectively. The postoperative continence rates at 0 day, 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months and 12 months after catheter removal were 41.7%, 54.2%, 75.0%, 91.7% and 95.8%, respectively. There were two patients who detected positive surgical margins and no patients observed complications requiring further treatment.ConclusionThe modified hood technique is a safe and feasible method that provides better outcomes in terms of early return of continence, without increasing estimated blood loss and compromising oncologic outcomes

Case report and literature review: Robot-assisted laparoscopic left renal mucinous cystadenocarcinoma radical nephrectomy

BackgroundMucinous cystadenocarcinoma (MC) of the kidney is a rare renal epithelial tumor originating from the renal pelvic urothelium. There are only a few published reports on MC. Due to its rare and unknown tissue origin, its diagnosis is difficult which almost can be diagnosed through the pathological method.Case presentationIn this case report, we report a female patient whose chief complaint was low back pain lasting for one month. The three-dimensional computed tomography scan of the urinary system detected approximately 7 cm of a left renal cystic mass. The renal cystic mass was diagnosed as MC after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. The MC originated from the kidney after completing colorectal adenocarcinoma and ovarian adenocarcinoma.ConclusionsWe reported a case of MC of the kidney which was a rare renal tumor. We not only aimed to present an unusual case of MC and review the previous literature on its pathology and differential diagnosis, but also used new method to treat this type of tumor

Effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound JieDuTongLuoShengJin Granules Treatment in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Objective. To evaluate the clinical therapeutic efficacy and safety of JieDuTongLuoShengJin granules + HCQ in patients with pSS. Methods. 40 patients with low-activity-level pSS and without visceral involvement participated in this study and were randomized to receive either JieDuTongLuoShengJin granules with HCQ or placebo with HCQ. Patients and investigators were blinded to treatment allocation. The primary endpoint was week 12 ESSPRI score, while secondary endpoints included ESSDAI, salivary and lacrimal gland function, and some laboratory variables. Safety-related data were also assessed. Results. Comparing with the placebo group, the treatment group experienced statistically significant improvement in the mean change from baseline for the primary endpoint of ESSPRI score and also in PGA. Moreover, in comparison with baseline values, the treatment group had significantly improved ESSDAI score, unstimulated saliva flow rate, and several laboratory variables. However, upon comparison of the two groups, there were no significant differences for them. The incidence of AEs was 10.0%, one in treatment group and three in placebo group. Conclusion. Treatment with a combination of JieDuTongLuoShengJin granules with HCQ is effective in improving patients’ subjective symptoms and some objective indicators of pSS. These results indicate that JieDuTongLuoShengJin is promising as a safe and effective treatment of pSS