Co-Morbidity of Pituitary Adenoma and Frontal Convexity Meningioma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Instruction: The current study reports a woman with pituitary adenoma and frontal convexity meningioma that was detected accidentially. To the best of our knowledge, this case is considered as a rare clinical scenario.Case presentation: A 37 years old woman suffering from amenorrhea and galactorrhea had her detail investigation showed hyperprolactinemia. The patient was diagnosed with a prolactinoma, and a frontal convexity meningioma was discovered on MRI. The prolactinoma controlled with Bromocriptine therapy, while the meningioma monitored through medical observation. After two months of pharmaceutical medication, her symptoms improved with the decrease in serum prolactin.Conclusion: Thanks to sophisticated MRI techniques, meningioma and prolactinoma were incidentally detected. It should be noted that co-morbidity of prolactinoma and meningioma is very rare. The mechanism of the association between these two familiar types of intracranial tumors has not yet been clarified, which indicates the need for further studies to offer possible targeted treatment for patients.Keyword: Meningiomas; Prolactinomas; Pituitary adenomas

Characterization of salmonella spp. Isolates from swine: Virulence and antimicrobial resistance

Salmonella is one of the most important zoonotic pathogens worldwide. Swine represent typical reservoirs of this bacterium and a frequent source of human infection. Some intrinsic traits make some serovars or strains more virulent than others. Twenty-nine Salmonella spp. isolated from pigs belonging to 16 different serovars were analyzed for gastric acid environment resistance, presence of virulence genes (mgtC, rhuM, pipB, sopB, spvRBC, gipA, sodCI, sopE), antimicrobial resistance and presence of antimicrobial resistance genes (blaTEM, blaPSE-1, aadA1, aadA2, aphA1-lab, strA-strB, tetA, tetB, tetC, tetG, sul1, sul2, sul3). A percentage of 44.83% of strains showed constitutive and inducible gastric acid resistance, whereas 37.93% of strains became resistant only after induction. The genes sopB, pipB and mgtC were the most often detected, with 79.31%, 48.28% and 37.93% of positive strains, respectively. Salmonella virulence plasmid genes were detected in a S. enterica sup. houtenae ser. 40:z4,z23:-strain. Fifteen different virulence profiles were identified: one isolate (ser. Typhimurium) was positive for 6 genes, and 6 isolates (3 ser. Typhimurium, 2 ser. Typhimurium monophasic variant and 1 ser. Choleraesuis) scored positive for 5 genes. None of the isolates resulted resistant to cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin, while all isolates were susceptible to ceftazidime, colistin and gentamycin. Many strains were resistant to sulfonamide (75.86%), tetracycline (51.72%), streptomycin (48.28%) and ampicillin (31.03%). Twenty different resisto-types were identified. Six strains (4 ser. Typhimurium, 1 ser. Derby and 1 ser. Typhimurium monophasic variant) showed the ASSuT profile. Most detected resistance genes sul2 (34.48%), tetA (27.58%) and strA-strB (27.58%). Great variability was observed in analyzed strains. S. ser. Typhimurium was confirmed as one of the most virulent serovars. This study underlines that swine could be a reservoir and source of pathogenic Salmonella strains

On some multiplicity and mixed multiplicity formulas (Forum Math. 26(2014), 413-442)

This paper gives the additivity and reduction formulas for mixed multiplicities of multi-graded modules $M$ and mixed multiplicities of arbitrary ideals, and establishes the recursion formulas for the sum of all the mixed multiplicities of $M.$ As an application of these formulas we get the recursion formulas for the multiplicity of multi-graded Rees modules

Probing the dynamics of quasicrystal growth using synchrotron live imaging

The dynamics of quasicrystal growth remains an unsolved problem in condensed matter. By means of synchrotron live imaging, facetted growth proceeding by the tangential motion of ledges at the solid-melt interface is clearly evidenced all along the solidification of icosahedral AlPdMn quasicrystals. The effect of interface kinetics is significant so that nucleation and free growth of new facetted grains occur in the melt when the solidification rate is increased. The evolution of these grains is explained in details, which reveals the crucial role of aluminum rejection, both in the poisoning of grain growth and driving fluid flow

DNA metabarcoding unveils multiscale trophic variation in a widespread coastal opportunist

A thorough understanding of ecological networks relies on comprehensive information on trophic relationships among species. Since unpicking the diet of many organisms is unattainable using traditional morphology‐based approaches, the application of high‐throughput sequencing methods represents a rapid and powerful way forward. Here, we assessed the application of DNA metabarcoding with nearly universal primers for the mitochondrial marker cytochrome c oxidase I in defining the trophic ecology of adult brown shrimp, Crangon crangon, in six European estuaries. The exact trophic role of this abundant and widespread coastal benthic species is somewhat controversial, while information on geographical variation remains scant. Results revealed a highly opportunistic behaviour. Shrimp stomach contents contained hundreds of taxa (>1,000 molecular operational taxonomic units), of which 291 were identified as distinct species, belonging to 35 phyla. Only twenty ascertained species had a mean relative abundance of more than 0.5%. Predominant species included other abundant coastal and estuarine taxa, including the shore crab Carcinus maenas and the amphipod Corophium volutator. Jacobs’ selectivity index estimates based on DNA extracted from both shrimp stomachs and sediment samples were used to assess the shrimp's trophic niche indicating a generalist diet, dominated by crustaceans, polychaetes and fish. Spatial variation in diet composition, at regional and local scales, confirmed the highly flexible nature of this trophic opportunist. Furthermore, the detection of a prevalent, possibly endoparasitic fungus (Purpureocillium lilacinum) in the shrimp's stomach demonstrates the wide range of questions that can be addressed using metabarcoding, towards a more robust reconstruction of ecological networks

Моделирование пропускной способности пунктов сбора электронных бытовых отходов в городах

This paper presents guidelines for modeling the capacity of electronic household waste collection points. These points are used as infrastructure elements with a multi-stage logistic support scheme for the electronic waste disposal process. This paper includes theoretical and methodological information on the procedure for placing points of waste collection in cities using the processes of determining the parameters of waste accumulation, calculating the design capacity of warehouses at these points, and developing routes for the transportation of waste to the places of their disposal. We represent the dependence of the logistic support costs, including the costs of maintaining waste collection points, and waste disposal to utilization facilities, on the duration of the waste accumulation period. A mathematical model for optimizing the logistic support costs is developed, which takes into account the most important parameters of the waste disposal system, namely, the topology of the collection points, the intensity of waste accumulation, the configuration of the routes, and the vehicle carrying capacity. Using the example of the Vietnamese capital, the city of Hanoi, the required number of waste collection points is calculated, the volume of waste accumulation at each point is determined, the optimal period of waste accumulation, in which the total costs for logistic support for the disposal process will be minimal, is determined. Recommendations on the organization of waste transportation, depending on the actual level of filling the capacity of collection and accumulation points, are given.Рассматриваются методические рекомендации по проектированию вместительной способности электронных пунктов по сбору коммунально-бытовых отходов. Данные пункты используются как элементы инфраструктуры с многоступенчатой схемой материально-технического обеспечения процесса вывоза мусора. Работа содержит теоретическую и методическую информацию о процедуре размещения пунктов сбора отходов в городах с помощью установления параметров процесса накопления мусора, расчета проектной емкости мусорохранилищ в установленных пунктах, а также разработки маршрутов транспортировки отходов к месту их захоронения. Представлена зависимость затрат на материально-техническое обеспечение, которое включает затраты на содержание пунктов по сбору коммунально-бытовых отходов и их вывоз на полигоны, от длительности периода накопления отходов. Разработана математическая модель по оптимизации затрат на логистическую поддержку, принимающая во внимание наиболее важные параметры системы вывоза и захоронения мусора, такие как топология пунктов сбора, интенсивность накопления отходов, конфигурация маршрутов, грузовместимость транспорта. На примере столицы Вьетнама – г. Ханой – подсчитано необходимое количество пунктов сбора мусора и рассмотрен объем накопления отходов на каждом из них, установлен оптимальный период накопления мусора, при котором совокупные расходы на логистическую поддержку вывоза и захоронения бытовых отходов минимальны. Выработаны рекомендации по организации транспортировки бытового мусора в зависимости от непосредственного уровня наполняемости емкостей пунктов сбора коммунально-бытовых отходов

Mapping for engagement: setting up a community based participatory research project to reach underserved communities at risk for Hepatitis C in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Background: Approximately 1. 07 million people in Vietnam are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). To address this epidemic, the South East Asian Research Collaborative in Hepatitis (SEARCH) launched a 600-patient cohort study and two clinical trials, both investigating shortened treatment strategies for chronic HCV infection with direct-acting antiviral drugs. We conducted ethnographic research with a subset of trial participants and found that the majority were aware of HCV infection and its implications and were motivated to seek treatment. However, people who inject drugs (PWID), and other groups at risk for HCV were under-represented, although injecting drug use is associated with high rates of HCV. Material and Methods: We designed a community-based participatory research (CBPR) study to engage in dialogues surrounding HCV and other community-prioritized health issues with underserved groups at risk for HCV in Ho Chi Minh City. The project consists of three phases: situation analysis, CBPR implementation, and dissemination. In this paper, we describe the results of the first phase (i.e., the situation analysis) in which we conducted desk research and organized stakeholder mapping meetings with representatives from local non-government and community-based organizations where we used participatory research methods to identify and analyze key stakeholders working with underserved populations. Results: Twenty six institutions or groups working with the key underserved populations were identified. Insights about the challenges and dynamics of underserved communities were also gathered. Two working groups made up of representatives from the NGO and CBO level were formed. Discussion: Using the information provided by local key stakeholders to shape the project has helped us to build solid relationships, give the groups a sense of ownership from the early stages, and made the project more context specific. These steps are not only important preliminary steps for participatory studies but also for other research that takes place within the communities

Организация логистических операций при перевозке электронных бытовых отходов в городах

The paper presents the methodological provisions for the organization of logistics operations during the transportation of household electronic waste in large cities. Human activity is accompanied by the formation of waste, the amount of which has recently increased. In modern conditions, households actively use electronic and electrical devices. Therefore, a lot of household electronic and electrical waste is generated, which is hazardous to the environment and must be disposed of in accordance with legal requirements. The efficiency of disposal of household electronic waste depends on the organization of logistics operations for the collection, accumulation and removal of such waste. The main methodological stages of logistical support for the recycling process include the formation of a hierarchy of territorial formations (taxons), standardization of waste generation indicators for taxa of each level in the hierarchy, designing the configuration of a network of collection points for acceptance and temporary storage of waste within the boundaries of the service area, substantiating the rational storage capacity of each point and deadlines for waste storage; planning the transportation of waste from accumulation points to objects of their further processing. When planning the transportation of waste, the actual volume of waste accumulation at each collection point is taken into account, transportation routes are designed for the shortest distances, taking into account the capacity of vehicles. The main feature of the developed method of waste removal is the operational adjustment of routes so that the car drives only to those accumulation points where the actual volume of waste has reached the maximum storage capacity. This approach ensures timely waste collection and lower transportation costs compared to existing methods that organize waste collection at a specified frequency. The developed methodology was tested on the basis of statistical data from Hanoi (Vietnam). The results of numerical experiments show that the application of methods provides a reduction in transport costs for the removal of household electronic waste, and also increases the level of their collection and disposal.В статье представлены методические положения организации логистических операций при перевозке электронных бытовых отходов в крупных городах. Жизнедеятельность человека сопровождается формированием отходов, количество которых в последнее время возрастает. В современных условиях домохозяйства активно используют электронные и электрические устройства. Поэтому образуется много электронных и электрических бытовых отходов, которые представляют опасность для окружающей среды и должны быть утилизированы с соблюдением законодательных требований. Эффективность утилизации электронных бытовых отходов зависит от организации логистических операций по сбору, накоплению и вывозу таких отходов. Основные методические этапы логистической поддержки процесса утилизации включают: формирование иерархии территориальных образований (таксонов), нормирование показателей генерации отходов для таксонов каждого уровня в иерархии, проектирование конфигурации сети сборных пунктов для приемки и временного хранения отходов в границах обслуживаемой территории, обоснование рациональной складской емкости каждого пункта и предельных сроков хранения отходов, планирование перевозки отходов от пунктов накопления до объектов их последующей обработки. При планировании перевозки отходов учитывается фактический объем накопления отходов в каждом пункте сбора, проектируются маршруты перевозок по кратчайшим расстояниям с учетом вместимости транспортных средств. Главная особенность разработанной методики вывоза отходов заключается в оперативной корректировке маршрутов, чтобы автомобиль заезжал только в те пункты накопления, в которых фактический объем отходов достиг предельной емкости складирования. Данный подход обеспечивает своевременный вывоз отходов и снижение затрат на перевозку по сравнению с существующими методами, которые организуют вывоз отходов с установленной периодичностью. Разработанная методика апробирована на основе статистических данных г. Ханой (Вьетнам). Результаты численных экспериментов показывают, что применение методик обеспечивает снижение транспортных затрат на вывоз электронных бытовых отходов, а также повышает уровень их собираемости и утилизации

Well-posed results for nonlocal biparabolic equation with linear and nonlinear source terms

In this paper, we consider the biparabolic problem under nonlocal conditions with both linear and nonlinear source terms. We derive the regularity property of the mild solution for the linear source term while we apply the Banach fixed-point theorem to study the existence and uniqueness of the mild solution for the nonlinear source term. In both cases, we show that the mild solution of our problem converges to the solution of an initial value problem as the parameter epsilon tends to zero. The novelty in our study can be considered as one of the first results on biparabolic equations with nonlocal conditions.This research was funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea under grant number NRF-2020K1A3A1A05101625 and the support from Institute of Construction and Environmental Engineering at Seoul National University

Investigation of Dense Family of Closure Operations

As a basic notion in algebra, closure operations have been successfully applied to many fields of computer science. In this paper we study dense family in the closure operations. In particular, we prove some families to be dense in any closure operation, in which the greatest and smallest dense families, including the collection of the whole closed sets and the minimal generator of the closed sets, are also pointed out. More important, a necessary and sufficient condition for an arbitrary family to be dense is provided in our paper. Then we use these dense families to characterize minimal keys of the closure operation under the viewpoint of transversal hypergraphs and construct an algorithm for determining the minimal keys of a closure operation