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This paper presents a groundbreaking control strategy for a bidirectional battery charger that allows power to be injected into the smart grid while simultaneously compensating for the grid’s reactive power using an electric vehicle battery. An artificial neural network (ANN) controller is utilized for precise design to ensure optimal performance with minimal error. The ANN technique is applied to generate sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) for a bidirectional AC–DC inverter, with the entire algorithm simulated in MATLAB Simulink.The core innovation of this study is the creation of the ANN algorithm, which supports grid compensation using electric vehicle batteries, an approach termed “vehicle-for-grid”. Additionally, the paper details the PCB circuit design of the system controlled by the DSP F28379D board, which was tested on a three-phase motor. The total harmonic distortion (THD) of the proposed ANN algorithm is approximately 1.85%, compared to the MPC algorithm’s THD of about 2.85%. This indicates that the proposed algorithm is more effective in terms of the quality of the power injected into the grid. Furthermore, it demonstrates effective grid compensation, with the reactive power effectively neutralized to 0KVAR in the vehicle-for-grid mode.

This paper investigates optimizing the power exchange between electric vehicles (EVs) and the grid, with a specific focus on the DC-DC converters utilized in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems. It specifically explores using model predictive control (MPC) in synchronous boost converters to enhance efficiency and performance. Through experiments and simulations, this paper shows that replacing diodes with SIC MOSFETs in boost converters significantly improves efficiency, particularly in synchronous mode, by minimizing the deadtime of SIC MOSFETs during switching. Additionally, this study evaluates MPC’s effectiveness in controlling boost converters, highlighting its advantages over traditional control methods. Real-world validations further validate the robustness and applicability of MPC in V2G systems. This study utilizes TMS320F28379D, one of Texas Instruments’ leading digital signal processors, enabling the implementation of MPC with a high PWM frequency of up to 200 MHz. This processor features dual 32-bit CPUs and a 16-bit ADC, allowing for high-resolution readings from sensors. Leveraging digital signal processing technologies and advanced electronic circuits, this study advances the development of high-performance boost converters, achieving power outputs of up to 48 watts and output voltages of 24 volts. Electronic circuits (PCB boards) have been devised, implemented, and evaluated to showcase their significance in advancing efficient V2G integration.

Abstract Background Although risk factors of occlusive acute mesenteric ischemia are well known, triggering factors of nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) remain unclear. Alongside to the known risk factors for NOMI, the role of atherosclerosis is not fully elucidated. The purpose of our study was to evaluate whether abdominal atherosclerosis is a risk factor for NOMI. Methods From January 2018 to December 2021, all consecutive patients admitted to the intensive care unit who underwent contrast-enhanced CT for suspicion of NOMI were evaluated for inclusion. Clinical and biological data at the time of the CT scan were retrospectively extracted from medical charts and reviewed by a single radiologist. The cohorts were matched by a 1:1 propensity score based on the patient clinical, biological data, and abdominal CT features associated with NOMI. Noncontrast CT acquisitions were used to calculate calcium scores of the abdominal aorta, celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and common iliac artery according to the Agatston method. Analyses were performed before and after propensity score matching. Results Among the 165 critically ill patients included, 59 (36%) had NOMI. Before matching analysis, the SMA and total abdominal Agatston calcium scores were not different between patients without and with NOMI (52.00 [IQR = 0, 473] vs. 137.00 [IQR = 0, 259], P = 0.857, respectively, and 7253 [IQR = 1220, 21738] versus 5802 [IQR = 2075, 15,084]; P = 0.723). The results were similar after matching 38 patients with NOMI and 38 without: 153 [IQR = 0, 665] versus 85 [IQR = 0, 240] (P = 0.312) for the SMA calcium score, and 7915 [IQR = 1812, 21561] versus 4139 [IQR = 1440, 9858] (P = 0.170) for the total abdominal Agatston calcium score. Conclusion Our results suggest that atherosclerosis is not a risk factor for NOMI in critically ill patients.

Let $\mathcal{A}$ be a commutative complex semisimple Banach algebra. Denote by ${\rm kh}({\rm soc}(\mathcal{A}))$ the kernel of the hull of the socle of $\mathcal{A}$. In this work we give some new characterizations of this ideal in terms of minimal idempotents in $\mathcal{A}$. This allows us to show that a "result" from Riesz theory in commutative Banach algebras is not true.

We report the case of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who presented with endobronchial nodules. Endobronchial biopsy showed a large B cell lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma rarely involves the endobronchial tree, and is typically treated with systemic chemotherapy, but in this case additional treatment with argon plasma coagulation was used for local control of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prediction of the persistent pure ground-glass nodule (pGGN) growth is challenging and limited by subjective assessment and variation across radiologists. A chest computed tomography (CT) image-based deep learning classification model (DLCM) may provide a more accurate growth prediction., Methods: This retrospective study enrolled consecutive patients with pGGNs from January 2010 to December 2020 from two independent medical institutions. Four DLCM algorithms were built to predict the growth of pGGNs, which were extracted from the nodule areas of chest CT images annotated by two radiologists. All nodules were assigned to either the study, the inner validation, or the external validation cohort. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and areas under the ROC curve (AUROCs) were analyzed to evaluate our models., Results: A total of 286 patients were included, with 419 pGGN. In total, 197 (68.9%) of the patients were female and the average age was 59.5±12.0 years. The number of pGGN assigned to the study, the inner validation, and the external validation cohort were 193, 130, and 96, respectively. The follow-up time of stable pGGNs for the primary and external validation cohorts were 3.66 (range, 2.01-10.08) and 4.63 (range, 2.00-9.91) years, respectively. Growth of the pGGN occurred in 166 nodules [83 (43%), 39 (30%), and 44 (45%) in the study, inner and external validation cohorts respectively]. The best-performing DLCM algorithm was DenseNet_DR, which achieved AUROCs of 0.79 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.70, 0.86] in predicting pGGN growth in the inner validation cohort and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.60, 0.79) in the external validation cohort., Conclusions: DLCM algorithms that use chest CT images can help predict the growth of pGGNs., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://tlcr.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/tlcr-23-666/coif). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2023 Translational Lung Cancer Research. All rights reserved.)

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common complication of thoracic and extrathoracic malignancies and is associated with high mortality. Treatment is mainly palliative, with symptomatic management achieved via effusion drainage and pleurodesis. Pleurodesis may be hastened by administering a sclerosing agent through a thoracostomy tube, thoracoscopy, or an indwelling pleural catheter (IPC). Over the last decade, several randomized controlled studies shaped the current management of MPE in favor of an outpatient-based approach with a notable increase in IPC usage. Patient preferences remain essential in choosing optimal therapy, especially when the lung is expandable. In this article, we reviewed the last 10 to 15 years of MPE literature with a particular focus on the diagnosis and evolving management.

Since the endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscope was introduced to clinical practice, endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has become the procedure of choice to sample hilar and mediastinal adenopathy. Multiple studies have been conducted in the last two decades to look at the different technical aspects of the procedure and their effects on the final cytopathological yield. In addition, newer modes of ultrasound scanning and newer tools with the potential to optimize the selection and sampling of the target lymph node have been introduced. These have the potential to reduce the number of passes, reduce the procedure time, and increase the diagnostic yield, especially in rare tumors and benign diseases. Herein, we review the latest updates related to the technical aspects of EBUS-TBNA and their effects on the final cytopathological yield in malignant and benign diseases.

Background: Pleural fluid glucose (PFG) has diagnostic and therapeutic implications for the management of pleural effusion. The literature examining point-of-care testing of PFG is limited, and no studies exist for the bedside measurement of PFG using a glucometer (B-PFG). In this study, we compared the accuracy of B-PFG measurement to standard in-lab measurement (Lab-PFG)., Methods: Patients undergoing thoracentesis or thoracostomy were enrolled. PFG was measured at the bedside with a finger stick blood glucometer (ACCU-CHEK ® Inform II, Roche) and in the laboratory. Two consecutive measurements were taken using the glucometer, and their mean was compared to the glucose concentration measured in the laboratory. Pearson correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman Plot analysis were used to compare the two measurements., Results: Sixty patients were included. Mean age was 64.1 years. Forty-nine patients had exudative effusions (41% malignant, 26% parapneumonic, and 33% others). There was a significant correlation between the B-PFG and the Lab-PFG (r=0.98, 95% CI of 0.97 to 0.99; P<0.0001). There was good agreement between the B-PFG and the Lab-PFG with a mean difference of 14.8 mg/dL [95% limit of agreement (LOA) of -2.2 to 31.8 mg/dL]. This agreement was even better at glucose values less than 80 mg/dL., Conclusions: PFG measured at the bedside with a glucometer closely correlates with the laboratory measurement. Further studies are needed prior to incorporating this test in clinical practice., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: Prior Abstract Presentation—Presented at the American Thoracic Society meeting in San Diego, USA, on 5/21/2018. Role of Sponsor—Oklahoma City Veteran Affairs Health Care System provided ACCU-CHECK Inform II test strips and control solutions., (2019 Journal of Thoracic Disease. All rights reserved.)

A solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) is a well-defined radiographic opacity up to 3 cm in diameter that is surrounded by unaltered aerated lung. Frequently, it is an incidental finding on chest radiographs and chest CT scans. Determining the probability of malignancy is the first step in the evaluation of SPN. This can be done by looking at specific risk factors and the rate of radiographic progression. Subsequent management is guided by the type of the nodule. Patients with solid nodules and low pretest probability can be followed radiographically; those with high probability, who are good surgical candidates, can be referred for surgical resection. When the pretest probability is in the intermediate range additional testing such as biopsy should be done. Various modalities are now available to obtain tissue diagnosis. These modalities differ in their yield and complication rate. Patients with SPN should be well informed of each approach's risks and benefits and should be able to make an informed decision regarding the different diagnostic and therapeutic modalities., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome remains a major source of morbidity and mortality in the modern intensive care unit (ICU). Major advances in the understanding and management of this condition were made in the last two decades. The use of low tidal ventilation is a well-established therapy. Conservative fluid management is now another cornerstone of management. However, much remains to be understood in this arena. Assessing volume status in these patients may be challenging and the tools available to do so are far from perfect. Several dynamic measures including pulse pressures variation are used. Ultrasound of the lungs and the vascular system may also have a role. In addition, the type of fluid to administer when needed is still open to debate. Finally, supportive measures in these patients, early during their ICU stay and later after discharge continue to be crucial for survival and adequate recovery.

Malignant aerodigestive fistula (ADF) is an uncommon condition complicating thoracic malignancies. It results in increased morbidity and mortality and warrants therapeutic intervention. The management approach depends on symptoms, configuration, location, and extent of the fistula. This article will discuss the therapeutic considerations in the management of ADF., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Although, bronchoscopy is a relatively safe procedure, small amount of bleeding in the airway can have serious consequences. Careful consideration of the risks of diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopic intervention can help minimize potential complications. With increasing number of patients using antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapies, strategies for minimizing thromboembolic and operative bleeding events need to be included in the risk and benefit analyses. Growing evidence suggests that aspirin is safe and does not increase bleeding during bronchoscopy. In addition, despite small studies reporting that it may be safe to perform bronchoscopic procedures that have low risk for bleeding such as endobronchial ultrasound with transbronchial needle aspiration on clopidogrel, it is still recommended to hold it for 7 days prior to performing elective bronchoscopy. It is recommended to hold vitamin K antagonist, as well as new oral anticoagulation agents prior to bronchoscopy. The timing for pre-procedural discontinuation of anticoagulation therapy and the decision to bridge depend on the agent used, the renal function and the thromboembolic risk. In this review article, we will discuss available data regarding management of anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy as it applies to bronchoscopic procedures., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare disease characterized by alveolar accumulation of surfactant material with resulting hypoxemia and reduced lung function. Whole lung lavage (WLL) to physically remove the proteinaceous material from the affected lung is the standard treatment. Since its original description in 1964, there have been increasing numbers of WLL procedures done worldwide and the technique has been variously refined and modified. When done in experienced centers, WLL provides long lasting benefit in the majority of patients. It is considered safe and effective. There are no guidelines standardizing the procedure. Our preferred method is to lavage one lung at a time, with the patient supine, filling to functional residual capacity (FRC) and repeating cycles of drainage and instillation with chest percussion until the effluent is clear. The aim of this article is to provide a detailed description of the technique, equipment needed and logistic considerations as well as providing a physiologic rationale for each step of WLL. We will also review the available data concerning variations of the technique described in the literature., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Objective: To determine whether the inferior vena cava (IVC) measurement by bedside ultrasound (US-IVC) predicts improvement in renal function in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI)., Design: Prospective observational study., Setting: Medical intensive care unit., Patients: 33 patients with AKI were included., Intervention: US-IVC was done on admission. The patients' management was done by the primary teams, who were unaware of the US-IVC findings. Two groups of patients were identified. Group 1 included patients who were managed in concordance with their US-IVC (potential volume responders who had a positive fluid balance at 48 h after admission and potential volume nonresponders who had an even or negative fluid balance at 48 hours after admission). Group 2 included patients in whom the fluid management was discordant with their US-IVC., Measurements and Main Results: At 48 hours, Group 1 patients had a greater improvement in creatinine [85% versus 31%, p = 0.0002], creatinine clearance (78 ± 93% versus 8 ± 64%, p = 0.002), and urine output (0.86 ± 0.54 versus 0.45 ± 0.36 ml/Kg/h, p = 0.03)., Conclusion: In critically ill patients with AKI, concurrence of fluid therapy with IVC predicted fluid management, as assessed by bedside ultrasound, was associated with improved renal function at 48 hours. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov registration number : NCT02064244.

Severe and critical central airway obstruction causing impaired ventilation and/or oxygenation can impose tremendous challenges on the interventional pulmonologist. Near total airway obstruction can rapidly evolve into potentially fatal complete airway occlusion during bronchoscopic airway manipulation under moderate sedation; as well as during the induction of the general anesthesia. Although there are currently interventional pulmonary procedures available to tackle the critical airway obstruction in extreme situations, cardio-pulmonary bypass should be considered prior to the intervention to maintain the adequate gas exchange during the procedure. Orotracheal intubation with mechanical ventilation in this situation can be fatal itself if the obstructing airway lesion functions as a "one way valve" allowing air to follow distally during inspiration but impeding expiratory flow leading to gas trapping, high intrathoracic pressure, tension pneumothorax, and ultimately a cardiac arrest., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Lung herniation, defined as the protrusion of lung tissue outside the normal boundaries of thoracic cage, is an unusual event. This most commonly occurs as a consequence of thoracic trauma. Spontaneous subtypes of lung herniation are rare with only a few cases reported in medical literature. We present a 63-year-old male who presented with spontaneously herniated lung after an episode of vigorous sneezing. The possible underlying mechanisms, important physical examination and diagnostic imaging findings, and aspects of management considerations are briefly discussed.

Spontaneous pneumothorax (SPTX) is a potentially devastating rare complication of the thoracic radiation therapy. Most of the cases in the medical literature, have been described in lymphoma patients receiving radiation therapy. The pathogenesis of this adverse event remains undefined although different mechanisms have been proposed. We present a case of post-radiation therapy SPTX in a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), following intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), which to our knowledge is the first such reported case related to this newer mode of radiation therapy. This report highlights the importance of keeping a close eye for this complication as timely treatment with chest tube insertion and drainage of the pneumothorax can be a lifesaving in these patients.

Background: Improvement in PFT after bronchodilators is characteristic of obstructive airway diseases such as COPD. However, improvement in patients with restrictive pattern is occasionally seen. We aim to determine the clinical significance of a bronchodilator responsive restrictive defect., Methods: Patients with restrictive spirometry and a bronchodilator study were identified at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City VAMC between September 2003 and December 2009. Restriction was defined as a decreased FVC and FEV1, with normal FEV1/FVC. Responsiveness to bronchodilators was defined as an improvement in FEV1 and/or FVC of at least 12% and 200 mL. Patients with lung volume measurements had their clinical and radiographic records reviewed., Results: Twenty-one patients were included in the study. Most were current or ex-smokers, with most being on bronchodilators. The average FVC and FEV1 were 65 ± 11% and 62 ± 10% of the predicted, respectively. Most patients (66%) had a normal TLC, averaging 90 ± 16% of the predicted. RV, RV/TLC, and the TLC-VA values strongly suggested an obstructive defect., Conclusions: Reversible restrictive pattern on spirometry appears to be a variant of obstructive lung disease in which early airway closure results in air trapping and low FVC. In symptomatic patients, a therapeutic trial of bronchodilators may be beneficial.

Background: Despite the lack of randomized trials, nebulized Dornase alpha and hypertonic saline are used empirically to treat atelectasis in mechanically ventilated patients. Our objective was to determine the clinical and radiological efficacy of these medications as an adjunct to standard therapy in critically ill patients., Methods: Mechanically ventilated patients with new onset (<48 h) lobar or multilobar atelectasis were randomized into three groups: nebulized Dornase alpha, hypertonic (7%) saline or normal saline every 12 h. All patients received standard therapy, including chest percussion therapy, kinetic therapy, and bronchodilators. The primary endpoint was the change in the daily chest X-ray atelectasis score., Results: A total of 33 patients met the inclusion criteria and were randomized equally into the three groups. Patients in the Dornase alpha group showed a reduction of 2.18±1.33 points in the CXR score from baseline to day 7, whereas patients in the normal saline group had a reduction of 1.00±1.79 points, and patients in the hypertonic saline group showed a score reduction of 1.09±1.51 points. Pairwise comparison of the mean change of the CXR score showed no statistical difference between hypertonic saline, normal saline, and dornase alpha. Airway pressures as well as oxygenation, expressed as PaO(2)/F(I)O(2) and time to extubation also were similar among groups. During the study period the rate of extubation was 54% (6/11), 45% (5/11), and 63% (7/11) in the normal saline, hypertonic saline, and Dornase alpha groups, respectively (p=0.09). No treatment related complications were observed., Conclusions: There was no significant improvement in the chest X-ray atelectasis score in mechanically ventilated patients with new onset atelectasis who were nebulized with Dornase alpha twice a day. Hypertonic saline was no more effective than normal saline in this population. Larger randomized control trials are needed to confirm our results.