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Purpose: The present study aims to determine the rectoanal colonization rate and risk factors for the colonization of present multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRBs). In addition, the relationship between MDRB colonization and surgical site infection (SSI) following hemorrhoidectomy was explored. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Colorectal Surgery of two hospitals. Patients with hemorrhoid disease, who underwent hemorrhoidectomy, were included. The pre-surgical screening of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) colonization was performed using rectal swabs on the day of admission. Then, the MDRB colonization rate was determined through the rectal swab. Logistic regression models were established to determine the risk factors for MDRB colonization and SSI after hemorrhoidectomy. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 432 patients met the inclusion criteria, and the MDRB colonization prevalence was 21.06% (91/432). The independent risk factors for MDRB colonization were as follows: patients who received ≥ 2 categories of antibiotic treatment within 3 months (odds ratio (OR): 3.714, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.436–9.605, p = 0.007), patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD; OR: 6.746, 95% CI: 2.361–19.608, p < 0.001), and patients with high serum uric acid (OR: 1.006, 95% CI: 1.001–1.010, p = 0.017). Furthermore, 41.57% (37/89) of MDRB carriers and 1.81% (6/332) of non-carriers developed SSIs, with a total incidence of 10.21% (43/421). Based on the multivariable model, the rectoanal colonization of MDRBs (OR: 32.087, 95% CI: 12.052–85.424, p < 0.001) and hemoglobin < 100 g/L (OR: 4.130, 95% CI: 1.556–10.960, p = 0.004) were independently associated with SSI after hemorrhoidectomy. Conclusion: The rectoanal colonization rate of MDRBs in hemorrhoid patients is high, and this was identified as an independent risk factor for SSI after hemorrhoidectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-power turbine generators are needed in logging-while-drilling systems to supply power to the downhole instruments. The current high-power power supply system employs a rectifier-voltage regulator, and the rectified direct-current (DC) voltage increases with the mud flow rate. Moreover, as voltage regulator modules operate in limited ranges, various impellers and guide wheel combinations are generally used to generate electronic power. In practice, it is necessary to adjust different impeller and guide wheel combinations according to the mud pump discharge rate at the operation well site to change the flow rate of the mud on the impeller to meet the voltage range requirements of the DC conversion module. This study uses theoretical analysis and simulation calculations, applies a proportional–integral–differential closed-loop control model, and completes the design of a power supply system modulated and stabilized using pulse-width modulation (PWM). Moreover, the study involves analyzing its active-control rectification characteristics, conversion efficiency, and load-adjustment response time with an alternating-current (AC) voltage input of 60–150 Vms. The results suggest that the regulated power supply system can achieve active rectification over various AC inputs, ensuring that the bus voltage always meets the design requirements with high efficiency and satisfactory load adaptability. Therefore, a set of impeller and guide wheel combination based on this stabilized, modulated power supply system can be achieved to meet the operational needs of various AC power inputs under different mud flow ranges, improve applicability in different working wells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has illustrated the potential of flipped learning for assisting teachers in designing meaningful activities to promote students' higher order thinking skills; however, several previous studies have challenged the effects of flipped learning on students' learning. One of the key problems is the lack of an effective learning approach or tools to engage students in the flipped learning activity. In this study, a concept mapping-based Prediction-Observation-Explanation (POE) approach was incorporated into flipped learning (called CPOE-FL) to enhance students' scientific learning. Furthermore, a three-group experiment was conducted to assess the effects of the three flipped learning models, comprising the CPOE-FL approach, the POE-FL (incorporating POE into flipped learning) approach, and the C-FL (conventional flipped learning) approach. The experimental results displayed that the CPOE-FL approach can benefit the learning achievements and self-efficacy of the students with respectively lower prior knowledge and lower initial self-efficacy, in comparison with the POE-FL and C-FL approaches. Both the CPOE-FL and POE-FL approaches promoted the students' inner learning motivation, while the CPOE-FL approach enhanced the students' critical thinking. This proposed approach could provide a good reference for researchers or school teachers intending to implement POE-based flipped learning in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydro-sodalites are zeolitic materials with a wide variety of applications. Fly ash is an abundant industrial solid waste, rich in silicon and aluminum, from which hydro-sodalite can be synthesized. However, traditional hydrothermal synthesis methods are complex and cannot produce high-purity products. Therefore, there is a demand for processing routes to obtain high-purity hydro-sodalites. In the present study, high-purity hydro-sodalite (90.2wt%) was prepared from fly ash by applying a hydrothermal method to a submolten salt system. Samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FUR) to confirm and quantify conversion of the raw material into the product phase. Purity of the samples prepared with an H2O/NaOH mass ratio of 1.5 and an H2O/fly ash mass ratio of 10 was calculated and the conversion process of the product phase was studied. Crystallinity of the product was influenced more by the NaOH concentration, less by the H2O/fly ash mass ratio. The main reaction process of the system is that the S i O 3 2 - ions produced by dissolution of the vitreous body in the fly ash and Na+ ions in the solution reacted on the destroyed mullite skeleton to produce hydro-sodalite. This processing route could help mitigate processing difficulties, while producing high-purity hydro-sodalite from fly ash. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for preparing novel ceramics was developed in this study. Different ratios red muds were added to steel slags to optimize the preparation of novel ceramics by a traditional ceramic preparation process. The sintering mechanism, microstructure, and performance were studied by X-ray diffraction techniques, scanning electron microscopy, and combined experiments of linear shrinkage, water absorption, and flexural strength. The results confirmed that red mud can reduce the volumetric instabilities through the complementarity of red mud and ferroalloy slag. The crystal phases in the ceramics are all pyroxene group minerals, including diopside ferrian, augite, and diopside. The flexural strength of the ceramic that contains 40wt% red mud and was prepared at the optimal sintering temperature (1140°C) is greater than 93 MPa; its corresponding water absorption is less than 0.05%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the clinical characteristics of autoimmune rheumatic disease-related organizing pneumonia (AIRD-OP), the clinical presentation, radiological findings, treatment, and outcome of AIRD-OP patients were analyzed, in comparison with patients with cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP). A total of 131 OP patients were identified, including 57 cases of AIRD-OP, 35 cases of COP, and 39 cases of other disease-related OPs. Among AIRD-OP patients, 36 (63%) presented the symptoms of OP at onset. The primary disease of AIRDs included Sjogren’s syndrome (38%), polymyositis/dermatomyositis (23%), rheumatoid arthritis (23%), and undifferentiated AIRD. Compared with COP patients, the prevalence of patients having cough and malaise at baseline was significantly lower (54.4 vs 82.9%, P < 0.05; 49.1 vs 70.6%, P < 0.05), and the signs of moist rales and crackles were more common in AIRD-OP patients (54.4 vs 32.4%, P < 0.05; 49.1 vs 26.5%, P < 0.05). Lung function (TLC%, FVC%) was more significantly reduced in AIRD-OP patients (72 vs 97%, P < 0.05;75 vs 96%, P < 0.05). The dosage of corticosteroids prescribed was significantly higher in AIRD-OP patients (44 vs 37 mg/day, P < 0.05). The complete recovery rate was slightly lower in AIRD-OP patients (22.2 vs 29%, P > 0.05) with a tendency towards higher recurrence rate in AIRD-OP patients (32.7 vs 14.3%, P < 0.05). AIRD-OP may be the most common cause of OP. OP can be the initial presentation of AIRD. Compared with COP patients, AIRD-OP patients are characterized with occult onset but more severe lung involvement and higher recurrence rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe MDCT findings in adult patients of midgut malrotation and to correlate the types of adult midgut malrotation with its complications. Materials and methods: CT scans were performed on 14 adult patients with midgut malrotation. The images were reviewed retrospectively by one radiologist. Abnormal intestinal location, mesenteric vascular arrangement, extraintestinal anomalies and complications were evaluated and correlated with patterns of adult midgut malrotation. Results: The 14 cases of adult midgut malrotation revealed the following CT findings: intestinal malposition ( n = 14), abnormally oriented mesenteric vessels ( n = 8), extraintestinal anomalies ( n = 14). These cases were classified into six types: complete nonrotation ( n = 3), nonrotated duodenum and partially rotated colon ( n = 6), isolated nonrotation of the duodenum ( n = 2), partial rotation of the duodenum and colon ( n = 1), partially rotated duodenum ( n = 1) and isolated colonic partial rotation ( n = 1). Four of these patients had accompanying complications, including volvulus ( n = 2), right paraduodenal hernia ( n = 1) and gastroduodenal intussusception ( n = 1), respectively. Conclusion: Imaging features of adult midgut malrotation are characteristic. Adult midgut malrotation has various manifestations, and types of midgut malrotation may be closely related to their complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data corruption in SCADA systems refers to errors that occur during acquisition, processing, or transmission, introducing unintended changes to the original data. In SCADA-based power systems, the data gathered by remote terminal units (RTUs) is subject to data corruption due to noise interference or lack of calibration. In this study, an effective approach based on the fusion of the general regression neural network (GRNN) and the particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique is employed to deal with errors in RTU data. The proposed hybrid model, denoted as GRNN-PSO, is able to handle noisy data in a fast speed, which makes it feasible for practical applications. Experimental results show the GRNN-PSO model has better performance in removing the unintended changes to the original data compared with existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

n experimental investigation into the mass transfer of phosphorus in molten silicon under vacuum induction refining has been carried out. In a pilot-scale experiment, in the temperature range 1773 K (1500 °C) to 1873 K (1600 °C) and a vacuum of 0.1 to 0.035 Pa smelting for 7200 seconds (2 hours), phosphorus is decreased from 15 ppmw to 0.08 ppmw, which achieved the target for solar-grade silicon of less than 0.1 ppmw. Lab-scale experiments are used to determine the effects of vacuum, refining time, and temperature on the rate of mass transfer of phosphorus during vacuum refining. Hardly any phosphorus was removed when the vacuum pressure is greater than 100 Pa. Mass-transfer coefficients are nearly independent of pressure at 1783 K (1510 °C) when pressures are below 0.1 Pa and are highly correlated with vacuum pressures above 0.1 Pa. A model of vacuum refining of inductively stirred silicon melts is discussed to explain the transfer path of phosphorus out of the melt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the antiemetic effect of gingerol and its multi-targets effective mechanism on 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA) and substance P (SP). The antiemetic effect of gingerol was investigated on a vomiting model of mink induced by cisplatin (7.5 mg · kg−1, i.p.) in 6 h observation. The levels of 5-HT, DA and distribution of substance P in the area postrema and ileum were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and immunohistochemistry respectively. The frequency of cisplatin induced retching and vomiting was significantly reduced by pretreatment with gingerol in a dose-dependent manner ( P<0.05). Cisplatin produced a significant increase in 5-HT and DA levels in the area postrema and ileum of minks ( P<0.05), and this increase was significantly inhibited by gingerol in a dose-dependent manner ( P<0.05). Substance P-immunoreactive was mainly situated in the mucosa and submucosa of ileum as well as in the neurons of area postrema, and gingerol markedly suppressed the increase immunoreactivity of substance P induced by cisplatin in a dose-dependent manner ( P<0.05). Gingerol has good activity against cisplatin-induced emesis in minks possibly by inhibiting central or peripheral increase of 5-HT, DA and substance P. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]