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Abstract Background The Center for Personalized Precision Medicine of Tuberculosis (cPMTb) was constructed to develop personalized pharmacotherapeutic systems for tuberculosis (TB). This study aimed to introduce the cPMTb cohort and compare the distinct characteristics of patients with TB, non-tuberculosis mycobacterium (NTM) infection, or latent TB infection (LTBI). We also determined the prevalence and specific traits of polymorphisms in N-acetyltransferase-2 (NAT2) and solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B1 (SLCO1B1) phenotypes using this prospective multinational cohort. Methods Until August 2021, 964, 167, and 95 patients with TB, NTM infection, and LTBI, respectively, were included. Clinical, laboratory, and radiographic data were collected. NAT2 and SLCO1B1 phenotypes were classified by genomic DNA analysis. Results Patients with TB were older, had lower body mass index (BMI), higher diabetes rate, and higher male proportion than patients with LTBI. Patients with NTM infection were older, had lower BMI, lower diabetes rate, higher previous TB history, and higher female proportion than patients with TB. Patients with TB had the lowest albumin levels, and the prevalence of the rapid, intermediate, and slow/ultra-slow acetylator phenotypes were 39.2%, 48.1%, and 12.7%, respectively. The prevalence of rapid, intermediate, and slow/ultra-slow acetylator phenotypes were 42.0%, 44.6%, and 13.3% for NTM infection, and 42.5%, 48.3%, and 9.1% for LTBI, respectively, which did not differ significantly from TB. The prevalence of the normal, intermediate, and lower transporter SLCO1B1 phenotypes in TB, NTM, and LTBI did not differ significantly; 74.9%, 22.7%, and 2.4% in TB; 72.0%, 26.1%, and 1.9% in NTM; and 80.7%, 19.3%, and 0% in LTBI, respectively. Conclusions Understanding disease characteristics and identifying pharmacokinetic traits are fundamental steps in optimizing treatment. Further longitudinal data are required for personalized precision medicine. Trial registration This study registered ClinicalTrials.gov NO. NCT05280886.

Recently, the generalization of P2P (peer-to-peer) technology with enhanced security due to blockchain technology and the expansion of renewable energy-based distributed energy resources have led to blockchain technology being applied in power transactions, thus giving the potential to become a new platform for DC microgrid operation. Meanwhile, the voltage of a DC microgrid represents the balance of energy supply and demand and also serves as a stability index. The balance is represented as a steady state; the stability is represented during and after events. This paper examines the stability of the DC microgrid built on a university campus in Korea and, in particular, the blockchain technology-based power transactions performed in the DC microgrid. The test is based on the pre-planned transaction schedule applied in the DC microgrid. The transaction schedule has used day-ahead and real-time bidding data. Although many technologies are included in the project, this paper focuses on the voltage stability of the DC microgrid. In addition, the DC protection is applied and evaluated. To consider general DC protection, the DC breaker was simplified with several IGBTs, diodes, capacitors, and arrestors and was designed to interrupt the fault current within five milliseconds. The stability was evaluated using a PSCAD/EMTDCTM.

In order to meet the increasing demand for electricity to maintain electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide, this paper aims to improve our understanding of the impact of the load on the power grid generated by the charging and discharging of electric vehicles. The rapid development of the electric vehicle (EV) industry offers new economic and environmental benefits, such as mitigating global warming by reducing carbon dioxide. On the other hand, however, we will face the reality that the emergence of such large-scale EVs will undoubtedly put additional strain on the power grid. In this context, solving the problem of excessive power usage associated with charging large electric vehicles and reducing the impact on the grid is paramount. Accordingly, in order to meet the increasing demand for electricity to maintain electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide, this paper aims to improve our understanding of the impact of the load on the power grid generated by the charging and discharging of electric vehicles. A V2G strategy is presented with the goal of flattening the daily load curve by considering the charge and the discharge positions of EVs. First, in this paper, based on the estimated share of electric vehicles, we set the assumption that EVs travel to work in the morning and leave work in the afternoon. Second, we develop an efficient V2G strategy to equalize the daily load curve due to charging and discharging of electric vehicles in Seoul by applying a system marginal price (SMP) and time-of-use (TOU) rate system. The EV charging/discharging load and existing load using V2G modeling are added up, all daily load curves are calculated and analyzed based on the 2030 and 2040 EV share scenarios for Seoul, and the grid load is leveled. The analysis suggests measures to minimize the impact of EV loads on the power grid according to the V2G strategy based on charging and discharging plans. Overall, this paper aims to smooth the grid’s daily load curve and avoid grid overload by applying appropriate SMP and TOU plans; we also present an efficient V2G strategy, established through charge and discharge modeling and EV charge and discharge management techniques, in order to minimize grid expansion.

This paper presents a methodology to calculate daily charging load curves in Seoul, South Korea, by taking into account plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) charging stations, allowing Seoul’s government to determine the PEVs charging effect on the load. In particular, the study calculates the charging power of uncontrolled PEVs charging in terms of the daily operating characteristics of a vehicle traveling between home and workplace, with respect to PEVs charging stations in the city, according to the PEVs’ market share. For the controlled PEVs charging strategy based on morning and afternoon work-to-home and vice versa traffic characteristics and time-of-use (TOU) prices in Seoul, the study calculates daily load patterns of uncontrolled and controlled charging scenarios. After adding the calculated values to the existing load, the study assesses and compares their effects on the power grid. The results are as follows. If by 2030 the share of electric vehicles is 10%, compared to the existing load, the total load increases by about 13% between 9:00 and 11:00 in the morning for the uncontrolled mode and by about 10% for the controlled mode. The total load increases by about 16% between 20:00 and 22:00 for the uncontrolled mode and 17% for the controlled mode. However, if by 2040 the share of electric vehicles is 30%, compared to the existing load, the total load increases by about 35% between 9:00 and 11:00 in the morning for the uncontrolled mode and by about 32% for the controlled mode. Between 20:00 and 22:00, the uncontrolled mode’s total charging load increases by about 35% and the controlled mode’s total load by about 32%. The analysis also demonstrated that it was possible to achieve a significant load-leveling effect in all charging periods for the controlled mode, with the daily load pattern’s average leveling rate increasing by 8% and 13% in 2030 and 2040, respectively, based on the TOU price system compared with the uncontrolled mode. Based on these results, it is possible to determine the PEVs’ hourly charging load effect on the power grid in Seoul and establish a PEVs charging load management plan to prevent the power grid reinforcement and expansion and to satisfy its overload constraint by using an appropriate TOU price plan.

Background: The present study is undertaken to compare the conventional modes of ventilation namely pressure controlled and volume controlled ventilation and their impact on the ventilatory and hemodynamic parameters. This will throw light on the fluctuations in pressure and volume in a specific altered physiological state - obesity with pneumoperitoneum and add to the knowledge of optimizing ventilatory parameters to permit adequate oxygenation and establish superiority amongst the plethora of modes. Objectives: To assess and compare pressure controlled ventilation and volume controlled ventilation in patients with BMI=25Kg/m2 undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: A hospital based cross sectional comparative study was conducted in 42 overweight and obese patients of (18-60) years of either sex with ASA I and II who were scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia in Assam Medical College and hospital. Patients were ventilated using a definite algorithm that was previously determined and divided into PCV and VCV groups. Mechanical ventilation parameters - Respiratory Rate, ETCO2, Tidal volume, Peak airway pressure, Plateau pressure, were recorded at baseline - at the time of induction (before insufflation of pneumoperitoneum), at 15 minutes after insufflation of pneumoperitoneum, at 30 minutes and 45 minutes after pneumoperitoneum. Results: In the present study, we have found that the Tidal volume was higher for VCV group at 45 mins of pneumoperitoneum (p<0.01) than in the PCV group. In the present study, we have found statistically significant findings in the Peak Airway Pressure (Peak P) at 15 minutes (p<0.05),30 minutes (p<0.05) and 45 minutes(p<0.01) after insufflation of pneumoperitoneum. The Peak pressures were lower in the PCV group. In the present study, we have found statistically significant lower Plateau Airway Pressures (Plat P) at 15 minutes (p<0.05) and 30 minutes (p<0.05) in PCV group than VCV group after insufflation of pneumoperitoneum. Conclusion: Patients in the PCV group were able to maintain lower airway pressures while delivering target ETCO2 values which is desirable in obese patients. Hence, PCV can be considered as a more efficacious mode for ventilation in patients with BMI25 Kg/m2. However, both modes can be safely used in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the generalization of P2P (peer-to-peer) technology with enhanced security due to blockchain technology and the expansion of renewable energy-based distributed energy resources have led to blockchain technology being applied in power transactions, thus giving the potential to become a new platform for DC microgrid operation. Meanwhile, the voltage of a DC microgrid represents the balance of energy supply and demand and also serves as a stability index. The balance is represented as a steady state; the stability is represented during and after events. This paper examines the stability of the DC microgrid built on a university campus in Korea and, in particular, the blockchain technology-based power transactions performed in the DC microgrid. The test is based on the pre-planned transaction schedule applied in the DC microgrid. The transaction schedule has used day-ahead and real-time bidding data. Although many technologies are included in the project, this paper focuses on the voltage stability of the DC microgrid. In addition, the DC protection is applied and evaluated. To consider general DC protection, the DC breaker was simplified with several IGBTs, diodes, capacitors, and arrestors and was designed to interrupt the fault current within five milliseconds. The stability was evaluated using a PSCAD/EMTDCTM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to meet the increasing demand for electricity to maintain electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide, this paper aims to improve our understanding of the impact of the load on the power grid generated by the charging and discharging of electric vehicles. The rapid development of the electric vehicle (EV) industry offers new economic and environmental benefits, such as mitigating global warming by reducing carbon dioxide. On the other hand, however, we will face the reality that the emergence of such large-scale EVs will undoubtedly put additional strain on the power grid. In this context, solving the problem of excessive power usage associated with charging large electric vehicles and reducing the impact on the grid is paramount. Accordingly, in order to meet the increasing demand for electricity to maintain electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide, this paper aims to improve our understanding of the impact of the load on the power grid generated by the charging and discharging of electric vehicles. A V2G strategy is presented with the goal of flattening the daily load curve by considering the charge and the discharge positions of EVs. First, in this paper, based on the estimated share of electric vehicles, we set the assumption that EVs travel to work in the morning and leave work in the afternoon. Second, we develop an efficient V2G strategy to equalize the daily load curve due to charging and discharging of electric vehicles in Seoul by applying a system marginal price (SMP) and time-of-use (TOU) rate system. The EV charging/discharging load and existing load using V2G modeling are added up, all daily load curves are calculated and analyzed based on the 2030 and 2040 EV share scenarios for Seoul, and the grid load is leveled. The analysis suggests measures to minimize the impact of EV loads on the power grid according to the V2G strategy based on charging and discharging plans. Overall, this paper aims to smooth the grid's daily load curve and avoid grid overload by applying appropriate SMP and TOU plans; we also present an efficient V2G strategy, established through charge and discharge modeling and EV charge and discharge management techniques, in order to minimize grid expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extended use of ethambutol beyond 2 months for treating tuberculosis has increased risk of optic neuropathy. We performed a systematic review of studies evaluating optic neuropathy in extended ethambutol use since 2010 and compared the outcome with a similar systematic review (1965–2010) by Ezer et al. Literature search was conducted in PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Main outcome measures were visual acuity, color vision, visual field defects, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and visual evoked potential (VEP). The JBI Critical Appraisal Checklists were used for quality assessment. Twelve studies were selected (out of 639 studies) for analysis of ethambutol optic neuropathy. Visual acuity improvement after stopping ethambutol was statistically significant. Similar improvement was not noted for other outcome measures. On comparing the results of this review with those by Ezer et al., significant improvement was noted in visual acuity, color vision, and visual field defects. Moreover, more patients reported increased optic nerve toxicity, color vision defects, and visual field defects in the present review. Hence, we conclude that the extended use of ethambutol beyond 2 months results in significant optic nerve toxicity. Further randomized controlled trials with different populations are needed to understand the magnitude of this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current qualitative study explored perceptions and experiences of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among Korean male older adults. Six older adults participated in a narrative group interview. Responses were analyzed to describe perceptions and experiences of COPD. Social stigma, blaming others and the environment, stress to bear alone, and adaptation and management emerged as relevant themes for adaptation to COPD. In relation to obstacles to healthy behaviors after adapting to COPD, emergent themes were adapting to symptoms, external environmental factors, alternative treatments, and insufficient resources. Facilitators of healthy behaviors were past symptom experience, personal volition, and advice from health professionals. Older adult men with COPD trying to adapt to the disease need sufficient resources and social support from families, social networks, and health professionals. Development of interventions for older adults with COPD should include knowledge and understanding of experience and needs. [The current qualitative study explored perceptions and experiences of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among Korean male older adults. Six older adults participated in a narrative group interview. Responses were analyzed to describe perceptions and experiences of COPD. Social stigma, blaming others and the environment, stress to bear alone, and adaptation and management emerged as relevant themes for adaptation to COPD. In relation to obstacles to healthy behaviors after adapting to COPD, emergent themes were adapting to symptoms, external environmental factors, alternative treatments, and insufficient resources. Facilitators of healthy behaviors were past symptom experience, personal volition, and advice from health professionals. Older adult men with COPD trying to adapt to the disease need sufficient resources and social support from families, social networks, and health professionals. Development of interventions for older adults with COPD should include knowledge and understanding of experience and needs. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 46(2), 49–56.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abnormal expression of tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) serves an important role in the promotion of cancer progression. Homeobox C6 (HOXC6) and A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing 8 (ADAM8) are associated with the invasiveness of cancer cells. However, the exact relationship between these molecules and their downstream signaling pathways in chemoresistant colon cancer cells are largely unknown. Therefore, the current study investigated the association between TrkB/C with HOXC6 and ADAM8 in the induction of drug-resistant colon cancer cell metastasis. The results demonstrated that chemoresistant colon cancer cells exhibited upregulated TrkB/C, HOXC6 and ADAM8 expression. Additionally, but also chemoresistant colon cancer cells demonstrated higher migratory activities compared with parent colon cancer cells. The pharmacological inhibition of TrkB/C activity reduced the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/ERK and subsequently suppressed HOXC6 and ADAM8 expression. In addition, gene silencing of HOXC6 inhibited ADAM8 and MMP activity, and inhibited the migration and invasion of drug-resistant cancer cells. However, the targeted downregulation of ADAM8 using small interfering RNA failed to suppress TrkB/C-associated ERK-mediated HOXC6 signaling activity. Furthermore, pre-treatment with ADAM10- and ADAM17-specific inhibitors had no effect on attenuating the invasiveness of chemoresistant colon cancer cells. The results indicated that TrkB/C-mediated ERK activation serves an important role in the metastasis of drug-resistant colon cancer cells through the regulation of HOXC6/ADAM8 activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a methodology to calculate daily charging load curves in Seoul, South Korea, by taking into account plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) charging stations, allowing Seoul's government to determine the PEVs charging effect on the load. In particular, the study calculates the charging power of uncontrolled PEVs charging in terms of the daily operating characteristics of a vehicle traveling between home and workplace, with respect to PEVs charging stations in the city, according to the PEVs' market share. For the controlled PEVs charging strategy based on morning and afternoon work-to-home and vice versa traffic characteristics and time-of-use (TOU) prices in Seoul, the study calculates daily load patterns of uncontrolled and controlled charging scenarios. After adding the calculated values to the existing load, the study assesses and compares their effects on the power grid. The results are as follows. If by 2030 the share of electric vehicles is 10%, compared to the existing load, the total load increases by about 13% between 9:00 and 11:00 in the morning for the uncontrolled mode and by about 10% for the controlled mode. The total load increases by about 16% between 20:00 and 22:00 for the uncontrolled mode and 17% for the controlled mode. However, if by 2040 the share of electric vehicles is 30%, compared to the existing load, the total load increases by about 35% between 9:00 and 11:00 in the morning for the uncontrolled mode and by about 32% for the controlled mode. Between 20:00 and 22:00, the uncontrolled mode's total charging load increases by about 35% and the controlled mode's total load by about 32%. The analysis also demonstrated that it was possible to achieve a significant load-leveling effect in all charging periods for the controlled mode, with the daily load pattern's average leveling rate increasing by 8% and 13% in 2030 and 2040, respectively, based on the TOU price system compared with the uncontrolled mode. Based on these results, it is possible to determine the PEVs' hourly charging load effect on the power grid in Seoul and establish a PEVs charging load management plan to prevent the power grid reinforcement and expansion and to satisfy its overload constraint by using an appropriate TOU price plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the differences in airway mechanics and postoperative respiratory complications using two mechanical ventilation modalities and the relationship between biomarkers and postoperative respiratory complications in patients with colorectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic colectomy. Forty-six patients with colorectal cancer scheduled for laparoscopic colectomy were randomly allocated to receive mechanical ventilation using either volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) (n = 23) or pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) (n = 23). Respiratory parameters were measured and plasma sRAGE and S100A12 were collected 20 minutes after the induction of anesthesia in the supine position without pneumoperitoneum (T1), 40 minutes after 30° Trendelenburg position with pneumoperitoneum (T2), at skin closure in the supine position (T3), and 24 hours after the operation (T4). The peak airway pressure (Ppeak) at T2 was lower in the PCV group than in the VCV group. The plateau airway pressures (Pplat) at T2 and T3 were higher in the VCV group than in the PCV group. Plasma levels of sRAGE at T2 and T3 were 1.6- and 1.4-fold higher in the VCV group than in the PCV group, while plasma S100A12 levels were 2.6- and 2.2-fold higher in the VCV group than in the PCV group, respectively. There were significant correlations between Ppeak and sRAGE, and between Ppeak and S100A12. There were also correlations between Pplat and sRAGE, and between Pplat and S100A12. sRAGE and S100A12 levels at T2 and T3 showed high sensitivity and specificity for postoperative respiratory complications. Postoperative respiratory complications were 3-fold higher in the VCV group than in the PCV group. In conclusion, during laparoscopic colectomy in patients with colorectal cancer, the peak airway pressure, the incidence of postoperative respiratory complications, and plasma sRAGE and S100A12 levels were lower in the PCV group than in the VCV group. Intra- and postoperative plasma sRAGE and S100A12 were useful for predicting the development of postoperative respiratory complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]