Cloud computing is an emerging new computing paradigm for delivering computing services. The approach relies on a number of existing technologies e.g., the Internet, virtualization and grid ...computing. However, the provision of this service in a pay-as-you-go way through the popular medium of the Internet renders this computing service approach unique compared with currently available computing service modalities. This article highlights some aspects of this uniqueness and also explores some of the concerns that might be preventing some companies from adopting it. Notwithstanding these concerns, it is argued in this article that cloud computing is likely to prove commercially viable for many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) due to its flexibility and pay-as-you-go cost structure, particularly in the current climate of economic difficulties. A case study of a cloud experience by a British SME is also presented in this study in order to further highlight the perceived values of cloud computing in terms of cost and efficiency for real small enterprises.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
This paper presents a novel high-frequency soft-switching power conversion circuit for high-power induction heating (IH) applications such as the following: (1) heat treatment of metals; (2) hot ...water; and (3) superheated steam producers. This high-frequency power conversion circuit can operate from single-phase or three-phase systems to produce high current for high-power IH applications under the principles of soft-switching operation. It can regulate its ac output power from the rated value to a low power level. A dual-mode control scheme based on high-frequency pulse width modulation (PWM), in synchronization with the utility frequency positive and negative half-cycles, and pulse density modulation (PDM) is proposed to extend the soft-switching operating range for wide-output power regulation. A dual-pack heat exchanger assembly is designed to be used in consumer and industrial fluid pipeline systems and it is proved to be suitable for hot water, steam, and superheated steam producers. Experimental and simulation results are given to verify the operating principles of the proposed power conversion circuit and to evaluate its power regulation and conversion efficiency.
Background. Nephrotoxicity of cisplatin has been recognized since its introduction more than 25 years ago. However, despite intense efforts to develop less toxic and equally effective alternatives, ...cisplatin continues to be widely prescribed. Aim and Objectives. The study is aimed at assessing the possible prophylactic effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) (separately or in combination) on experimentally cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Subjects and Methods. An experimental study was performed on adult male albino rats (n = 40), weighing 200–250 g. Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: group I (normal saline control), group II (cisplatin control), group III (CoQ10 and cisplatin), group IV (ALA and cisplatin), and group V (CoQ10, ALA, and cisplatin). CoQ10 and/or ALA were given as pretreatment for 9 days, followed by cisplatin injection in the 10th day of the study, followed by a short posttreatment course for 3 days. Renal functions, tissue antioxidant activity, and inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor, TNF) were estimated along with histopathological study. Results. Renal function tests and urinary proteins were significantly higher within group II compared with other groups (P value <0.001). Creatinine clearance was significantly higher with combination therapy (group V compared to other groups). Both TNF and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly higher within group II whereas GSH content, catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly lower in group II. MDA level was significantly lower when combination therapy was used. Marked renal damage was histologically detected in the cisplatin group, whereas the least renal damage was noticed in the combination group. Conclusion. The study confirmed the role of antioxidants in preventing nephrotoxicity caused by cisplatin; the prophylactic effect of combined therapy with CoQ10 and ALA is superior to that of monotherapy.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect tumors consistency, but it can’t predict tumor stiffness or adherence of the tumor to nearby structures. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) ...is a known non-invasive MRI based imaging technique used to assess the viscoelasticity of the tissues particularly liver fibrosis. This study discussed the importance of preoperative MRE in skull base tumors and the future implications of this new imaging modality. We did review of the English literature (by searching PubMed) regarding the use of MRE in preoperative assessment of skull base tumours stiffness and adherence to surrounding tissues. Recent research demonstrated that MRE can detect the stiffness and adherence of skull base tumors to surrounding structures by recording the spread of mechanical waves in the different tissues. In addition to non-radiation exposure, this technique is fast and can be incorporated into the conventional (MRI) study. MRE can palpate skull base tumours by imaging, allowing the stiffness of the tumour to be assessed. Preoperative assessment of brain tumours consistency, stiffness, and adherence to surrounding tissues is critical to avoid injury of important nearby structures and better preoperative patient counselling regarding surgical approach (endoscopic or open), operative time, and suspected surgical complications. However, the accuracy of MRE is less in small and highly vascular tumors. Also, MRE can’t accurately detect tumour-brain adherence, but the new modality (slip-interface imaging) can. Hence, adding MRE to the conventional MRI study may help in preoperative diagnosis and treatment of skull base tumours.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
As immune-based therapies for cancer become potent, more effective, and more widely available, optimal management of their unique toxicities becomes increasingly important. Cytokine release syndrome ...(CRS) is a potentially life-threatening toxicity that has been observed following administration of natural and bispecific antibodies and, more recently, following adoptive T-cell therapies for cancer. CRS is associated with elevated circulating levels of several cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6 and interferon γ, and uncontrolled studies demonstrate that immunosuppression using tocilizumab, an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, with or without corticosteroids, can reverse the syndrome. However, because early and aggressive immunosuppression could limit the efficacy of the immunotherapy, current approaches seek to limit administration of immunosuppressive therapy to patients at risk for life-threatening consequences of the syndrome. This report presents a novel system to grade the severity of CRS in individual patients and a treatment algorithm for management of CRS based on severity. The goal of our approach is to maximize the chance for therapeutic benefit from the immunotherapy while minimizing the risk for life threatening complications of CRS.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Occult hepatitis B virus （HBV） infection （OBI）, alternatively defined as occult hepatitis B （OHB）, is a challenging clinical entity. It is recognized by two main characteristics： absence of HBsAg, ...and low viral replication. The previous two decades have witnessed a remarkable progress in our understanding of OBI and its clinical implications. Appropriate diagnostic techniques must be adopted. Sensitive HBV DNA amplification assay is the gold standard assay for detection of OBI. Viral as well as host factors are implicated in the pathogenesis of OBI. However, published data reporting the infectivity of OBI by transfusion are limited. Several aspects including OBI transmission, infectivity and its relation to the development of chronic liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma have to be resolved. The aim of the present review is to highlight recent data on OBI with a focus on its virological diagnosis and clinical outcome.
In this study, temperature-responsive polymer-protein conjugate was synthesized using a "grafting from" concept by introducing a chain transfer agent (CTA) into bovine serum albumin (BSA). The ...BSA-CTA was used as a starting point for poly(
-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) through reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The research investigations suggest that the thermally responsive behavior of PNIPAAm was controlled by the monomer ratio to CTA, as well as the amount of CTA introduced to BSA. The study further synthesized the human serum albumin (HSA)-PNIPAAm conjugate, taking the advantage that HSA can specifically adsorb indoxyl sulfate (IS) as a uremic toxin. The HSA-PNIPAAm conjugate could capture IS and decreased the concentration by about 40% by thermal precipitation. It was also revealed that the protein activity was not impaired by the conjugation with PNIPAAm. The proposed strategy is promising in not only removal of uremic toxins but also enrichment of biomarkers for early diagnostic applications.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Background: Apoptotic cells’ phosphoserine (PS) groups have a significant immunosuppressive effect. They inhibit proinflammatory signals by interacting with various immune cells, including ...macrophages, dendritic cells, and CD4+ cells. Previously, we synthesized PS-group-immobilized polymers and verified their immunomodulatory effects. Despite its confirmed immunomodulatory potential, the PS group has not been considered as a payload for antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) in a targeted anti-inflammatory approach. Aim: We conducted this research to introduce an apoptotic-cell-inspired antibody–drug conjugate for effective immunomodulation. Method: Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylserine) (p(HEMA-co-MPS)) was synthesized as a payload using RAFT polymerization, and goat anti-mouse IgG was selected as a model antibody, which was conjugated with the synthesized p(HEMA-co-MPS) via 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide/N-Hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) reaction. The antibody-binding affinity, anti-inflammatory potential, and cytotoxicity measurements were evaluated. Results: We successfully synthesized ADCs with a significant anti-inflammatory effect and optimized the antibody–polymer ratio to achieve the highest antibody-binding affinity. Conclusion: We successfully introduced p(HEMA-co-MPS) to IgG without decreasing the anti-inflammatory potential of the polymer while maintaining its targeting ability. We suggest that the antibody–polymer ratio be appropriately adjusted for effective therapy. In the future, this technology can be applied to therapeutic antibodies, such as Tocilizumab or Abatacept.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
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