scholarly journals Age-Related Immunoreactivity Profiles to Diverse Mycobacterial Antigens in BCG-Vaccinated Chinese Population

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing-yuan Yang ◽  
Yu-tong Zhang ◽  
Jia-ni Xiao ◽  
Yu-shuo Liang ◽  
Ping Ji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elispot Assay ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Healthy Donors ◽  
Latent Tb ◽  
Latent Tb Infection ◽  
Mycobacterial Antigens ◽  
Selection Of

Long-term immunoreactivity to mycobacterial antigens in Bovis Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-vaccinated population is not well investigated. Herein, 361 volunteer healthy donors (HDs) with neonatal BCG vaccination from Shanghai region (China) were enrolled. They were subdivided into ESAT-6/CFP10- (E6C10-) and ESAT-6/CFP10+ (E6C10+) groups based on gamma-interferon release assays (IGRAs). Three mycobacterial antigens, including Rv0934, Rv3006, and Rv3841, were subjected to the determination of immunoreactivity by ELISPOT assay. The immunoreactivities to three mycobacterial antigens were firstly compared among TB patients (N=39), E6C10+ HDs (N=78, 21.61% of HDs) and E6C10- HDs (N=283, 78.39% of HDs). It was revealed that Rv3006 was dominant upon M.tb infection, while Rv3841 was likely to be more responsive upon latent TB infection. In E6C10- population, the immunoreactivity to Rv3841 maintained along with aging, whereas those to Rv3006 and Rv0934 attenuated in E6C10- HDs older than 45 years old. Our study implies the shift of dominant antigens at different infection statuses, providing the clues for the selection of mycobacterial antigens in vaccine development and precision revaccination in the future.

scholarly journals Selection of Satellite Image Series for the Determination of Forest Pathology Dynamics Taking Into Account Cloud Coverage and Image Distortions Based on the Data Obtained from the Key Point Detector

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Евгений Трубаков ◽  
Evgeniy Trubakov ◽  
Андрей Трубаков ◽  
Andrey Trubakov ◽  
Дмитрий Коростелёв ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Satellite Image ◽  
Forest Pathology ◽  
Acceptable Result ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Cloud Coverage ◽  
Point Detector ◽  
Automated Methods ◽  
Selection Of

Remote sensing of the earth and monitoring of various phenomena have been and still remain an important task for solving various problems. One of them is the forest pathology dynamics determining. Assuming its dependence on various factors forest pathology can be either short-term or long-term. Sometimes it is necessary to analyze satellite images within a period of several years in order to determine the dynamics of forest pathology. So it is connected with some special aspects and makes such analysis in manual mode impossible. At the same time automated methods face the problem of identifying a series of suitable images even though they are not covered by clouds, shadows, turbulence and other distortions. Classical methods of nebulosity determination based either on neural network or decision functions do not always give an acceptable result, because the cloud coverage by itself can be either of cirrus intortus type or insignificant within the image, but in case of cloudiness it can be the reason for wrong analysis of the area under examination. The article proposes a new approach for the analysis and selection of images based on key point detectors connected neither with cloudiness determination nor distorted area identification, but with the extraction of suitable images eliminating those that by their characteristics are unfit for forest pathology determination. Experiments have shown that the accuracy of this approach is higher than of currently used method in GIS, which is based on cloud detector.

Strategic analysis of the competitiveness of the enterprise

2021 ◽  
pp. 35-46
Author(s):  
Yuliia Grynchuk ◽  
Andrii Muzychenko ◽  
Kseniia Prykhod’ko
Keyword(s):  
Price Policy ◽  
Strategic Analysis ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Macroeconomic Factors ◽  
Modern Computer ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Essential Components ◽  
Selection Of

The purpose of the article is to develop a methodology of strategic analysis of enterprise competitiveness. The methodological basis of the research is the use of general scientific methods: the method of analysis and synthesis, theoretical generalization and comparison, and the means of modern computer technology for data visualization. The scientific novelty of the received results consists of developing a logical and linguistic methodology of competitiveness analysis in the long term. The article is devoted to the development of strategic analysis of the competitiveness of the enterprise. Relevance of research is caused by enterprises management in the modern markets that use innovations of products or technologies, constantly face competition, and according to its condition, should make decisions on strategic development in conformity with the country’s development market inquiries the society. Thus, the problem is not only for new companies but also for those that already function in the market and carry out planning of economic activity to become the market leader, not to lose leadership, to keep the positions. The given methodology can be used by any enterprise irrespective of the type of activity, form of ownership, or strategic goals. Conclusions. According to the study results, the methodology of strategic analysis, which is based on the study of potential internal development of the enterprise, taking into account the influence of external factors, which include macroeconomic factors of influence and market conditions. The basic approaches to the analysis of the competitiveness of the enterprise of foreign and domestic researchers are investigated in the article. The essential components of competitive advantages, which include price and non-price factors, are considered. Peculiarities of carrying out the analysis of the competitiveness of the enterprise after Porter are defined. The methodology of competitiveness analysis in the long term is developed. The main components of the strategic analysis are the estimation of activity scale in a long-term prospect, determination of strategic aims of the company, determination of aims of market coverage, selection of strategy type, selection of basic subjects of influence on competitive advantages, assessment of future relations with suppliers and buyers, assessment of cost price level, assessment of the quality of products and services and unique properties of products, formation of internal price policy. Key words: strategy, strategic analysis, competitiveness, competitive advantages.

scholarly journals Age associated level of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (4) influence IL-8 response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) antigens in women.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priscillia Virginie Liesse MBOUROU MENSAH ◽  
Marielle LEBOUENY ◽  
Paulin NDONG ESSONE ◽  
Anicet Christel MALOUPAZOA SIAWAYA ◽  
Amel Kévin ALAME-EMANE ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis ◽  
Active Tuberculosis ◽  
Specific Response ◽  
Hormonal Changes ◽  
Infection Site ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Menopausal Women ◽  
Latent Tb ◽  
Latent Tb Infection ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Abstract Tuberculosis (TB) is an intracellular infection controlled the effective recruitment of effectors immune cells at infection site. In aged premenopausal or menopausal women, there is an increased pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion suggesting an underlying link between cytokines response and estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels. In this study we compared women aged 40 years old and above (premenopausal) and women aged below 40 years old with and without latent TB infection to determine the link between E2, P4 and cytokines response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) stimuli. E2 and P4 levels were significantly higher in women under 40 years old than in women above 40 years old irrespective their LTB status (p < [0.0001–0.05]). In women under 40 years old, E2 and P4 were found to correlate negatively and significantly with IL-8 response to M. tuberculosis antigens stimulation ((p < [0.001–0.01]). Furthermore, M. tuberculosis IL-8 specific response was significantly higher in women above 40 years old than women under 40 years old. This study demonstrates that women aging and the linked hormonal changes are associated with hence IL-8 response to M. tuberculosis antigen, which may have implications for the age-related susceptibility or resistance to active tuberculosis.

scholarly journals Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Specific Memory B cells to Delineate Long-Term COVID-19 Immunity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Constantin Thieme ◽  
Mohamed Abou-el-Enein ◽  
Enrico Fritsche ◽  
Moritz Anft ◽  
Sarah Skrzypczyk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
B Cells ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Specific Memory ◽  
Healthy Donors ◽  
Health Response ◽  
Standard Flow Cytometry ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Background: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, represents a serious worldwide health concern. A deeper understanding of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 will be required to refine vaccine development and efficacy as well as to evaluate long-term immunity in convalescent patients. With this in mind, we investigated the formation of SARS-CoV-2 specific BMEMORY cells from patient blood samples. Methods: A standard flow cytometry-based protocol for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 specific B cells was applied using fluorochrome-coupled SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) full-length protein. Cohorts of 26 central European convalescent mild/moderate COVID-19 patients and 14 healthy donors were assessed for the levels of SARS-CoV-2 S- specific BMEMORY cells. Results: Overall B cell composition was not affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection in convalescent patients. Our analysis of SARS-CoV-2 specific BMEMORY cells in samples collected at different time points revealed that S-protein specific B cells remain in peripheral blood at least up to 6 months after COVID-19 diagnosis. Conclusions: Detection of SARS-CoV-2 specific BMEMORY cells may improve our understanding of the long-term adaptive immunity in response to SARS-CoV-2, allowing for an improved public health response and vaccine development during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further validation of the study in larger and more diverse populations and a more extended observation period will be required.

Unnoticed Adverse Effect of Isoniazid during Childhood Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment: Hyperuricemia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bahar Kandemir ◽  
Ipek Duman ◽  
Yasemin Durduran ◽  
Ozge Metin Akcan ◽  
Muhammed Burak Selver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Uric Acid ◽  
Median Duration ◽  
Preventive Treatment ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Positive Tuberculin Skin Test ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Latent Tb ◽  
Latent Tb Infection ◽  
Elevated Transaminases

Abstract Objective Isoniazid for 6 to 9 months is the most widely used form of tuberculosis (TB) preventive treatment. We aimed to assess the adverse effects of isoniazid by using the serum levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and uric acid (SUA) in children and adolescents receiving long-term isoniazid for latent TB infection. Methods The study included children ≤18 years of age who underwent TB preventive treatment with isoniazid (IPT) between 2015 and 2019 at a university hospital. Serum transaminase, SUA, urea, and creatinine levels of patients were measured before the initiation of IPT, 15th day, and once a month during treatment. Patients with ALT, AST, or SUA results above cut-off levels during treatment were evaluated. The final values in follow-up were included in the data analysis. Results A total of 141 children who underwent IPT were included. In total, 70 children had family members with confirmed TB disease, and 71 children had a positive tuberculin skin test. SUA increased above cut-off values in 16 children (11.3%), and half of them had uric acid levels over 7 mg/dL. The median duration of the development of hyperuricemia was 4.0 months. ALT or AST increased above cut-off values in 23 children (16.3%). ALT was above cut-off values in seven patients, AST was high in 20 patients. The median duration to the development of AST and/or ALT levels above cut-off was 4.0 months. Two patients had hepatotoxic transaminase levels. Three patients had both elevated transaminases and SUA levels. Conclusion Isoniazid may also cause hyperuricemia besides elevation in transaminases in children.

A Comparative Research on Computation Methods for Wave Loads of Semi-Submersible Platform

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiyong Pei ◽  
Shenyi Wu ◽  
Keqiang Chen ◽  
Xiaoming Hu ◽  
Weiguo Wu
Keyword(s):  
Wave Method ◽  
Wave Loads ◽  
Wave Load ◽  
Fundamental Research ◽  
Wave Methods ◽  
Long Term Prediction ◽  
External Loads ◽  
Selection Of

Wave load is one of the main external loads for semi-submersible platform, which is usually calculated by design wave method. In the present research, three design wave methods are investigated and compared on design wave parameters determination of semi-submersible platforms, i.e., the deterministic design wave method, stochastic design wave method and long-term prediction design wave method. Moreover, the specified calculation methods and the detailed wave load computation procedure are summarized considering the load characteristics of global hydrodynamic response. Finally, a semi-submersible platform is regarded as objective and the design wave results of three design wave methods are compared and analyzed. The fundamental research can provide reference for rational selection of wave loads calculation method.

scholarly journals Determination of the importance of evaluation criteria during the process of recruitment and selection of personnel based on the application of the SWARA method

Ekonomika ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Milica Popović ◽  
Gabrijela Popović ◽  
Darjan Karabašević
Keyword(s):  
Personnel Selection ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Evaluation Criteria ◽  
Domain Experts ◽  
Recruitment And Selection ◽  
Weighting Coefficients ◽  
Final Selection ◽  
Selection Of

Personnel selection for an organization is an extremely important process. Modern organizations strive to improve the process of recruitment and selection of personnel as much as possible, in order to provide the organization with quality personnel and thus long-term competitiveness. In addition, the evaluation criteria on which the recruitment and selection process is based is also important, as it has a large impact on the final selection of candidates. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to propose the application of multi-criteria decision-making methods for the process of determining the weighting coefficients of evaluation criteria. Accordingly, the SWARA (Step-Wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis) method for determining weights was applied in the paper. The SWARA method proved to be extremely reliable when it comes to defining the weights of evaluation criteria, primarily due to its simplicity and the fact that respondents and domain experts could easily express their views on the issue.

scholarly journals Vaccines against Coronavirus Disease: Target Proteins, Immune Responses, and Status of Ongoing Clinical Trials

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 2253-2263
Author(s):  
Rike Syahniar ◽  
Maria Berlina Purba ◽  
Heri Setiyo Bekti ◽  
Mardhia Mardhia
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Rapid Transmission ◽  
Adequate Dosage ◽  
Immunogenic Response ◽  
Selection Of

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has infected more than 26 million individuals and caused 871,166 deaths globally. Various countries are racing against time to find a vaccine for controlling the rapid transmission of infection. The selection of antigen targets to trigger an immune response is crucial for vaccine development strategies. The receptor binding domain of the subunit of spike 1 protein is considered a promising vaccine candidate because of its ability to prevent attachment and infection of host cells by stimulating neutralizing antibodies. The vaccine is expected to mount a sufficient immunogenic response to eliminate the virus and store antigenic information in memory cells for long-term protection. Here, we review the ongoing clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines and discuss the immune responses in patients administered an adequate dosage to prevent COVID-19.

After the Dance is over: Some Issues and Suggestions for Follow-up Assessment in Behavior Therapy

1977 ◽  
Vol 41 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1287-1308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric J. Mash ◽  
Leif G. Terdal
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Therapy ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Time Periods ◽  
Research Recommendations ◽  
Selection Of

Behavioral intervention programs have thus far failed to provide sufficient follow-up information for the evaluation of long-term effects. This omission is believed to be related to an inadequate conceptualization of follow-up assessment, as well as to the methodological and practical difficulties inherent in assessing behavior over long time periods. A framework for follow-up assessment that is consistent with current behavioral efforts to program generalization is described and is contrasted with traditional views of follow-up that look for effects following the termination of treatment. Several methodological features of follow-up assessment are discussed, along with research recommendations, including the determination of length of appropriate follow-up intervals, the frequency of follow-up assessments, the need for standardization of measures both within and between studies, reactivity of follow-up assessment, the selection of follow-up measures and attrition of subjects.

Decommissioning Strategy Options for MR Reactor at the Kurchatov Institute, Moscow

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. T. Cross ◽  
N. F. Harman ◽  
D. Charles ◽  
A. Harper ◽  
B. K. Bylkin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reactor Power ◽  
Materials Testing ◽  
Spent Fuel ◽  
Kurchatov Institute ◽  
Attribute Analysis ◽  
Fuel Reactor ◽  
Contamination Levels ◽  
Selection Of

The principal decommissioning goal for the nuclear installations of the Kurchatov Institute is the removal of spent fuel, reactor facilities and radioactive waste from the Institute’s site. As the result of decommissioning, the buildings, constructions and areas should be cleaned to residual contamination levels acceptable to the stakeholders. These levels are determined in view of possible options for the rehabilitation of the Institute’s areas under conditions of compliance with acting legislation for safety provisions for staff, population noting the proximity of the site to the local urban environment. Research reactor MR was commissioned in 1963 for reactor materials testing and finally shutdown in 1993. The reactor power with the experimental loops was 50 MWt. Several features were identified for the development of a decommissioning strategy for this reactor, namely: – the strategy should consider many factors in a broad approach with international, inter-industry and long-term perspectives; – the current situation for decommissioning is uncertain and must account for the views of a variety of stakeholders on possible final conditions and further use of the site and the route to achieve these; and – a lack of sufficiency in the national legislation base for execution of the work and the possible options for its completion. On the basis of worldwide experience, the strategy for decommissioning of reactor MR was determined as follows: – determination of the options for the final rehabilitation of the Institute’s areas; – determination of the stakeholders and their priority concerns; – determination of the strategy options for achievement of the final status; – determination of the main factors influencing the selection of the decommissioning strategy; – selection of the most acceptable strategies on the basis of a multi-attribute analysis; – determination of the main stages and principles of implementation of the selected strategy; and – development of the decommissioning activities considering the work that will be required. As the result of the multi-attribute analysis, the following conclusion has been made: – the preferred final status of the facility is for a nuclear re-use application; – the preferred decommissioning option is immediate dismantling.

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