Exploring potential storage-based flexibility gains of electric vehicles in smart distribution grids

Flexibility is one of the most important solutions for facilitating the variability of renewable energy sources (RESs) in a distribution network. It is predicted that electric vehicles (EVs) can play an effective role in improving it in the distribution networks. So, this paper presents multiobjective scheduling of batteries of EVs in parking lots (EVPLs) to improve the storage-based flexibility of smart distribution networks (SDNs). The proposed formulation minimizes the energy cost and the voltage deviation function and maximizes the system flexibility (SF) as multiobjective functions that will be optimized subject to the AC load flow, RES and EV constraints, and the allowable limits of the flexibility and operation indices. The resulting model is in the form of a nonlinear programming (NLP) model. Therefore, an equivalent linear programming (LP) formulation is obtained for the original problem to achieve the global optimum result. The stochastic programming approach is used to model uncertainties of the load, active power generation of RESs, price of energy, and EV parameters. The flexible power management is formulated as one of the objective functions of the proposed multiobjective framework, which is solved by using the ε-constraint method, reaching the best possible compromise solution by a fuzzy decision-maker. The proposed framework is tested by using a 33-bus radial test distribution network in the GAMS software environment to evaluate the EVs capability in improving the flexibility indices. Based on the numerical results, it is observed that the proposed scheme with optimal energy management of EVs is able to obtain a high flexibility for SDN. It can also reduce energy losses in terms of network operation and provide a rather smooth voltage profile

Pulmonary Nocardiosis in Suspected Tuberculosis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cross-Sectional Studies

Background: nocardiosis is an opportunistic infectious disease in immunocompromised patients. The most common form of nocardiosis infection in humans is pulmonary nocrdiosis caused by inhaling Nocardia species from the environment. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the pulmonary nocardiosis in patients with suspected tuberculosis using systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: We conducted a systematic search for cross-sectional studies focused on the pulmonary nocardiosis among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) published from January 2001 to October 2019. The search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Science Direct databases, and Iranian databases. Medical subject headings (MeSH) and text words were searched: "pulmonary nocardiosis", "nocardiosis", OR "nocardial infection", "pulmonary nocardial infections/agents", AND "pulmonary tuberculosis", OR "pulmonary TB", AND "Iran". Two of the reviewers enrolled independently articles published in English and Persian languages according to the inclusion and the exclusion criteria. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 3.3.070) was used for meta-analysis. Results: Only 4 studies met the eligibility criteria. The pulmonary nocardiosis prevalence varied from 1.7 to 6.7. The combined prevalence of nocardiosis among patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis in Iran was 4.8 (95 CI: 3-7.3, Q=5.8, Z=12.7). No heterogeneity was observed between studies because I2 was 48.3. N. cyriacigeorgica and N. asteroides were reported as the prevalent isolates, respectively. Conclusions: This review showed in patients suspected TB when they were negative in all diagnosis laboratory tests, nocardiosis cases which be considered. © 2020 Susan MM., et al

Survival rates of patients with breast cancer in countries in the eastern mediterranean region: A systematic review and meta-analysis Taux de survie des patients atteints de cancer du sein dans les pays de la région de la méditerranée orientale: Analyse systématique et méta-analyse

Background: Breast cancer is the fourth leading cause of death and disability in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR); although the incidence is lower than in the developed regions, there has been an increasing trend in recent decades. Aims: Our aim was to calculate the pooled survival rate of patients with breast cancer in the EMR. Methods: We searched electronic databases from 1946 to 19 January 2018, without language restrictions. We used a random effect model to estimate pooled 1-, 3-, 5-and 10-year survival rates for patients with breast cancer. Chi-squared and I2 index were used to assess between-study heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used to investigate the potential source of heterogeneity. Results: We found 80 articles eligible for inclusion in our review. The pooled 1-, 3-, 5-and 10-year survival rates in women with breast cancer in the EMR were 0.95, 0.80, 0.71, and 0.56, respectively. The I2 index indicated considerable between-study heterogeneity (all I2 > 50). The 5-year survival rate in the male subgroup was 0.63. The 5-year survival rate of women with breast cancer in age groups � 39, 40�64, and 65+ years were 0.74, 0.76 and 0.58, respectively. There was a statistically significant association between the Human Development Index (β = 9, P = 0.01) and decade of study (β = 8.2, P = 0.04) and 5-year survival rate. Conclusions: The survival rate of women with breast cancer in those countries in the EMR which have better health care systems improved in the past decade; women aged 40�64 years had the best survival rate. © World Health Organization (WHO) 2020

Survival rate of colorectal cancer in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Different studies have been conducted to estimate the survival rate of colorectal cancer in Iran but there is no overall estimate of the survival rate. The aim of this study was to calculate the pooled 1, 3, and 5-year survival rate of the patients with colorectal cancer in Iran. Methods: To retrieve relevant studies, we conducted a systematic search in Iranian databases, including Iran Medex, Magiran, SID, and international databases such as Medlin/PubMed, Scopus, and Google scholar using "Colorectal Neoplasms" and "Survival Rate" as keywords up to December 1st, 2017. We used random effect model to estimate pooled 1, 3, and 5-year survival rates of the patients with colorectal cancer in Iran. To assess the heterogeneity, we used Chi-squared test at the 5 significance level (p < 0.05) and I2 Index. We used meta-regression and subgroup analysis to find a potential source of heterogeneity. Results: After a systematic search, 196 articles were found, of the 38 studies met the eligibility criteria and are included in our meta-analysis. The pooled 1, 3, and 5-year survival rates in patient with colorectal cancer were 0.84 (95 CI: 0.81-0.87), 0.64 (95CI: 0.59-0.70), and 0.54 (95CI: 0.49-0.58) respectively. The 5-year survival rate in the subgroup of women was 0.5 (0.44-0.56) and in male subgroup was 0.44 (0.40-0.48). In a subgroup of the tumor site, the 5-year survival rate in colon cancer was 0.6 (0.49-0.75) and rectum cancer was 0.54 (0.36-0.69). In multivariable models, there was a significant association between years of study and 5-year survival rate as a source of heterogeneity (β = 18.9, P=0.01). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, women had a better survival rate than men, and according to the tumor site, the 5-year survival rate in colon cancer was better than the rectum cancer. © 2019 Asian Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention

Migration and infant immunization timeliness in New Zealand: Evidence from the Growing Up in New Zealand study

Background Migration has been recognized as an important determinant of child health outcomes including childhood vaccination status. This paper aims to examine the association between parental migration status and a less studied aspect of child immunization outcomes, namely timeliness, within the context of New Zealand (NZ), a country characterized by a substantial proportion of its resident population born overseas. Additionally, the study explored the impact of residential duration on children’s immunization timeliness. Methods The data was taken from a large, representative population-based cohort study in NZ (Growing Up in NZ study). A total of 6156 children and their parents, comprising 2241 foreign-born and 3915 NZ-born mothers and a sub-group of their partners were included in the analysis. The survey data was linked with the National Immunization Register dataset. Timely immunization was defined as receiving two vaccines at each scheduled vaccination point (at six-week, three-month, and five-month, totaling six doses of vaccines) within 30 days of their due date. We examined the associations between parental migration status, maternal residential duration, and child immunization timeliness while controlling for socio-economic variations. The results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Results The findings revealed that after adjustment for socioeconomic differences, children of foreign-born mothers exhibited higher odds of receiving all six studied vaccine doses on time compared to children of native-born mothers (AOR 1.51, 95 %CI:1.27–1.78). Similarly, having a foreign-born father was also significantly associated with timely completion of all six vaccine doses. Children of recent immigrants who had resided in the country for less than five years demonstrated higher odds of timely vaccination of all six vaccine doses compared to children of settled immigrants who had lived in the country for five or more years (AOR 1.65, 95 %CI: 1.25–2.19). Conclusion This study revealed a significant pattern in NZ where immigrants exhibited higher rates of timely immunization for their children compared to native-born parents. However, the findings also underscore the importance of providing support to settled immigrants, as their children experienced declines in timely vaccination rates compared to children of recent immigrants and even those born to NZ-born parents

Molecular detection of simultaneous occurrence of antibiotic- and heavy metal-resistance in Klebsiella Pneumoniae isolated from urinary tract infection

Background: Microorganisms resistant to both antibiotics and metals have been isolated from nosocomial and urinary tract infection. Most heavy metal-resistant hospital infections including Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) harbor plasmids with different molecular sizes. The aim of this study was the molecular detection of simultaneous occurrence of antibiotic and heavy metal resistance in Klebsiella isolated from urinary tract infection (UTI). Methods: Overall, 144 K. pneumonia strains were isolated from UTI samples in the laboratories of hospitals and clinics. Primary selection of β-lactam-resistant strains was conducted using combined disk and double-disk (DD) synergy methods according to the guidelines of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was also performed to detect TEM-1 and SHV-1 genes in resistant strains. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the heavy metals were determined for Hg2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, and Cd2+. Findings: Among the 61.81 antibiotic-resistant strains, 42.69 were β-lactamase producers. After performing PCR, from 38 positive extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) strains, 28.94 of Klebsiella strains harbored SHV gene and; harbored TEM gene. The highest resistance was to Hg2+ (35 mg/L), Cu2+ (650 mg/L), Pb2+ (350 mg/L), and Cd2+ (200 mg/L). A significant difference was observed between antibiotic-resistant and heavy metals-resistant strains (P = 0.012). Conclusion: Plasmid-carrying isolates that showed resistant to heavy metals were highly resistant to antibiotics. The results showed that it is possible for the plasmids which carry genes for resistance to antibiotics and heavy metals to be exchanged by bacterial strains

The effects of green coffee extract supplementation on glycemic indices and lipid profile in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of clinical trials

Background: The role of coffee consumption in the risk of cardiovascular diseases has been debated for many years. The current study aimed to summarize earlier evidence on the effects of green coffee extract (GCE) supplementation on glycemic indices and lipid profile. Methods: We searched available online databases for relevant clinical trials published up to October 2019. All clinical trials investigating the effect of GCE supplementation, compared with a control group, on fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum insulin, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were included. Overall, 14 clinical trials with a total sample size of 766 participants were included in the current meta-analysis. Results: We found a significant reducing effect of GCE supplementation on FBG (weighted mean difference (WMD): -2.35, 95 CI: - 3.78, - 0.92 mg/dL, P = 0.001) and serum insulin (WMD: -0.63, 95 CI: - 1.11, - 0.15 μU/L, P = 0.01). With regard to lipid profile, we observed a significant reduction only in serum levels of TC following GCE supplementation in the overall meta-analysis (WMD: -4.51, 95 CI: - 8.39, - 0.64, P = 0.02). However, subgroup analysis showed a significant reduction in serum TG in studies enrolled both genders. Also, such a significant reduction was seen in serum levels of LDL and HDL when the analyses confined to studies with intervention duration of �8 weeks and those included female subjects. In the non-linear dose-response analyses, we found that the effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) dosage, the main polyphenol in GCE, on FBG, TG and HDL were in the non-linear fashions. Conclusion: In conclusion, we found that GCE supplementation improved FBG and serum levels of insulin and TC. Also, there was a significant improvement in other markers of lipid profile in some subgroups of clinical trials. © 2020 The Author(s)

Systematic review of studies examining transtibial prosthetic socket pressures with changes in device alignment

Suitable lower-limb prosthetic sockets must provide an adequate distribution of the pressures created from standing and ambulation. A systematic search for articles reporting socket pressure changes in response to device alignment perturbation was carried out, identifying 11 studies. These were then evaluated using the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists guidelines for a state-of-the-science review. Each study used a design where participants acted as their own controls. Results were available for 52 individuals and 5 forms of alignment perturbation. Four studies were rated as having moderate internal and external validity, the remainder were considered to have low validity. Significant limitations in study design, reporting quality and in representation of results and the suitability of calculations of statistical significance were evident across articles. Despite the high inhomogeneity of study designs, moderate evidence supports repeatable changes in pressure distribution for specific induced changes in component alignment. However, there also appears to be a significant individual component to alignment responses. Future studies should aim to include greater detail in the presentation of results to better support later meta-analyses

A comprehensive meta-analysis of antibiotic resistance pattern among biofilm production strains of Acinetobacter baumannii recovered from clinical specimens of patients

Acinetobacter baumannii can persist and circulate in the hospital environment due to multiple resistance mechanisms including biofilm formation. This study aimed to determine the pattern of antibiotic resistance, the biofilm formation rate, and the correlation between biofilm production and antibiotic resistance. We performed a comprehensive search in different international and Iranian databases according to PRISMA protocol. We searched for English studies addressing drug resistance and biofilm formation from January 2000 to 31th December 2019. The Mesh terms used were; �A. baumanii� OR �Acinetobacter baumannii� AND �Multidrug resistance� OR �MDR� AND �antimicrobial drug resistance� OR �Antibiotic resistance� AND �biofilm formation� OR �Biofilms� AND �clinical samples� AND �hospital settings� AND �prevalence� AND �patients� AND �Iran�. The search process was done by two researchers independently. Data analyzed using CMA software. The combined Biofilm formation rate was 69.1 (95 CI 53.9�81). 39.1, 31.5, and 38.5 of strains had weak, moderate, and strong-adherence activity, respectively. The pooled prevalence of MDR isolates was 96.1. The highest combined antibiotic resistance was against to Ceftazidime (95.5). The least resistance was against colistin, followed by Tigecycline with frequencies of 4.1 and 5.7, respectively. Four out of 11 studies showed a significant correlation between biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance. Our study reported a high combined biofilm formation rate. So, this research can help control and implement appropriate strategies against infections mediated by MDR A. baumannii strains. Also, our findings showed that effective antibiotics were colistin and Tigecycline against infections caused by A. baumannii. © 2020 Elsevier Inc

Evaluate the presence of class 1 integrons among uropathogenic Escherichia coli recovered from children urinary tract infection; a systematic review and meta-analysis

Uropathogenic E. coli is the main agent of urinary tract infection with frequency > 80. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of class 1 integrons in uropathogenic E. coli recovered from UTI samples from Iranian children during 2008�2020. We searched electronic databases including ISI, MEDLINE, Scopus, also Scientific information database (SID.ir) from Iran for studies reported the prevalence of class 1 integrons in uropathogenic E. coli isolated from children with urinary infection from 2008 to 2020. We used of following key keywords: �children�, �pediatric�, �pediatrics� �Escherichia coli�, �uropathogenic Escherichia coli�, �urinary tract infections�, �UTI�, �prevalence�, �Iran�, �class 1 integron�, �Inti1�, and �distribution�. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) Software was used for analysis. Random effect model was used to calculate pooled prevalence. 4 articles entered in the present study. The prevalence of class1 integrons varied from 6.2 to 52. The combined prevalence of Int1 in included studies was reported 32.7 (95 CI: 27.6�38.3), z = 5.7, Q = 41.6, I2 = 92.8, t = 2.5, p = 0.09. Findings of funnel plot didn't show any publication bias between studies. Likewise, regarding p value = 0.09 achieved from Egger's linear regression test, no publication bias was observed. According to the high prevalence of class 1 integrons in UPEC isolates from UTI samples of children in the present review and their significance in the spread of antibiotic resistance among species of a genus and other bacteria, we must use molecular techniques for detection of integrons. Also, serious infection control measures must be done for the prevention of the spread of antibiotic resistance among bacteria in Pediatrics units. © 2020 Elsevier Inc