Brain abscess caused by Streptococcus anginosus group:Three case reports

BACKGROUND This case series investigated the clinical manifestations,diagnoses,and treatment of cerebral abscesses caused by Streptococcus anginosus.We retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of three cases of cerebral abscesses caused by Streptococcus anginosus and conducted a comprehensive review of relevant literature.CASE SUMMARY Case 1 presented with a history of left otitis media and exhibited high fever,confusion,and vomiting as primary symptoms.Postoperative pus culture indicated a brain abscess caused by Streptococcus constellatus infection.Case 2 experienced dizziness for two days as the primary symptom.Postoperative pus culture suggested an intermediate streptococcal brain abscess.Case 3:Enhanced head magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)and diffusion-weighted imaging revealed occupancy of the left temporal lobe,initially suspected to be a metastatic tumor.However,a postoperative pus culture confirmed the presence of a brain abscess caused by Streptococcus anginosus infection.The three cases presented in this case series were all patients with community-acquired brain abscesses resulting from angina caused by Streptococcus group infection.All three patients demonstrated sensitivity to penicillin,ceftriaxone,vancomycin,linezolid,chloramphenicol,and levofloxacin.Successful treatment was achieved through stereotaxic puncture,drainage,and ceftriaxone administration with a six-week course of antibiotics.CONCLUSION Preoperative enhanced head MRI plays a critical role in distinguishing brain tumors from abscesses.Selecting the correct early diagnostic methods for brain abscesses and providing timely intervention are very important.This case series was in accordance with the CARE guidelines.

Spatiotemporal Differentiation of Urban Spatial Form and Carbon Emissions in Poyang Lake City Group

In response to the inherent requirements of low-carbon land spatial planning in Jiangxi Province and the lack of existing research,this paper explored the mechanism of spatial form elements of Poyang Lake urban agglomeration on urban carbon emissions.Based on generalized linear regression and geographically weighted regression models,this paper analyzed the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of carbon emissions,the spatiotemporal relationship between urban form index and carbon emissions,and the spatial differentiation of the intensity of dominant factors from 63 county-level administrative units in the Poyang Lake city group from 2005 to 2020.The results showed that:①The carbon emissions of urban agglomerations around Poyang Lake are generally increasing,and the spatial distribution of carbon emissions is characterized by high-value concentration in the middle and low-value agglomeration in pieces;②The main driving factor for the spatial heterogeneity of carbon emissions was the expansion of built-up area;③Improving urban compactness and optimizing urban form could effectively reduce urban carbon emissions.The results showcased the correlation between urban spatial landscape pattern and the spatiotemporal distribution of carbon emissions,which could make the low-carbon land spatial planning in the Poyang Lake city group more reasonable and practical.

Group Investigation in a College English Program at a Chinese University:A Case Study

This study investigated the application and the effect of Group Investigation(GI) in the College English Program in a Chinese University. A qualitative case study method was used to understand the GI system used by Chinese instructors as well as the achievements acquired and challenges met by the participants. Three instructors and fifteen second-year-undergraduates taking a course titled Sources of European Culture participated. Interviews, observations, and documents were used to collect the data. Data analysis showed Chinese instructors applied a GI technique similar to that discussed by Johnson and Johnson(1999); however, GI in the Chinese context demanded more effort from the teacher for designing tasks and provided help in modeling uses of English and in preparing visual, especially Power Point, presentations. Although participants used their mother tongue at some stages, their autonomy over English learning was activated, and horizons in the course content were broadened.

Hydrodynamic effects of reconnecting lake group with Yangtze River in China

The hydrodynamic effects of reconnecting a lake group with the Yangtze River were simulated using a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model. The model was calibrated and validated using the measured water temperature and total phosphorous. The circulation patterns, water temperature, and water exchange conditions between sub-lakes were simulated under two conditions： （1） the present condition, in which the lake group is isolated from the Yangtze River; and （2） the future condition, with a proposed improvement in which connecting the lake group with the Yangtze River will allow river water to be diverted into the lake group. The simulation period selected was characterized by extremely high temperature and very little rain. The results show that the cold inflow from the river has a significant effect on the water temperature only near the inlets, and the effect is more obvious in the lower water layers than that in the upper ones. The circulation pattern changes significantly and small-scale vortices only exist in part of the lake regions. The water exchange between sub-lakes is greatly enhanced with the proposed improvement. The water replacement rate increases with water diversion but varies in different sub-lakes. Finally, a new water diversion scheme was proposed to avoid contamination of some lakes in the early stage.

Population sizes and group characteristics of Siberian Crane(Leucogeranus leucogeranus) and Hooded Crane(Grus monacha) in Poyang Lake Wetland

Both the Siberian Crane(Leucogeranus leucogeranus) and Hooded Crane(Grus monacha) have limited population sizes and are considered endangered by domestic Chinese and international agencies.To document the current size of their respective populations and characterize their groups,between October 2012 and April 2013 we undertook fieldwork at four nature reserve areas within the Poyang Lake wetlands.We divided Poyanghu National Nature Reserve(PYH) into the Wucheng(PWC) and Hengfeng areas(PHF),because each are each located in different counties.Our fieldwork showed that the Siberian Crane occurred mainly in PYH(364 in the PHF,158 in the PWC) and the Nanjishan Wetland National Nature Reserve(NJS,with 200 individuals).The Hooded Crane was mainly distributed in PYH(302 in the PHF and 154 in the PWC).Family groups accounted for more than 50% of the total number of groups among both species,with Hooded Cranes forming more family groups than Siberian Cranes.Typically,these groups were formed of two adults with one offspring(Siberian Crane),and two adults with two offspring(Hooded Crane),with the mean family group size of the Siberian Crane and Hooded Crane being respectively 2.65±0.53(n=43) and 3.09±0.86(n=47) individuals per group.The mean collective group size of the Siberian Crane and Hooded Crane included 28.09±24.94(n=23) and 28.94±27.97(n=16) individuals per group,respectively,with the proportion of juveniles among Hooded Cranes being more than double that seen among the Siberian Cranes.

Pedestrian evacuation simulation in multi-exit case:An emotion and group dual-driven method

This paper analyzes the characteristics of emotion state and group behavior in the evacuation process.During the emergency evacuation,emotion state and group behavior are interacting with each other,and indivisible.The emotion spread model with the effect of group behavior,and the leader-follower model with the effect of emotion state are proposed.On this basis,exit choice strategies with the effect of emotion state and group behavior are proposed.Fusing emotion spread model,leader-follower model,and exit choice strategies into a cellular automata(CA)-based pedestrian simulation model,we simulate the evacuation process in a multi-exit case.Simulation results indicate that panic emotion and group behavior are two negative influence factors for pedestrian evacuation.Compared with panic emotion or group behavior only,pedestrian evacuation efficiency with the effects of both is lower.

AN HARMONIC ANALYSIS FOR OPERATORS IN THE CASE OF A LOCALLY COMPACT ABELIAN GROUP：F．AND M．RIESZ THEOREMS

Let G be a locally compact Abelian group, B a homogeneous Banach algebra without the order on G. at denotes the set of all integrable operators with respect to right translation on B(see [2]). Under some convenient conditions we obtain the following results:both the first F. and M. Riesz Theorem for operators in and the second F. and M. Riesz Theorem for operators in hold.

Risk of group aggregative behavior during COVID-19 outbreak: A case report

BACKGROUND At the end of 2019,a new epidemic of viral pneumonia emerged in China and was determined to be caused by a novel coronavirus,which was named coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)by the World Health Organization.The epidemic quickly spread,causing a worldwide pandemic.Scientists and clinicians across the globe have shifted their research efforts towards understanding the virus itself and its epidemiology.CASE SUMMARY In mid-January 2020,a Chinese family made a visit to a local city,and within the next 2 wk one after another fell ill with COVID-19.At the beginning of their first illness onset,the family had eaten in a restaurant,which led to the subsequent illness onset in another two families.All cases were diagnosed as COVID-19 by real-time fluorescent reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.Epidemiological investigation showed that the transmission chain was complete.CONCLUSION This chain of social exposure highlights the danger of group aggregative behavior for spread of COVID-19.

Research and Design of Consistent Project Cases for the Software Engineering Course Group

In order to enhance the abilities of practical innovation and solving complex engineering problems of students in the engineering context,we design a course cluster teaching model based on a unified enterprise-level project case.The program divides the knowledge points required by the project into the corresponding courses,and divides their realization into the practical teaching cases,so as to realize the design of teaching practice cases embodied in the unified project framework.This model allows students to practice projects based on the unified project background while learning knowledge from different courses.It not only allows students to learn abstract,fragmented,and difficult-to-understand knowledge systems thoroughly,but also integrates the knowledge into the practice of the enterprise-level project development,helping students experience the value of knowledge in complex engineering projects and thus improving their ability to solve complex engineering problems while learning theoretical knowledge.

The Roadmap for Lenovo to Go Global——A Case study of Lenovo Group Strategies

I.Lenovo: refocus on PC operation On December 8th, 2004, Lenovo consummated a deal with IBM whereby Lenovo was to acquire IBM’s desktop and laptop PC unit and its R&D and procurement operations worldwide for the sum of US$1.25 billion. On May 1st 2005, Lenovo completed its acquisition of IBM’s PC Unit. "Using an analogy, our enterprise is well likened to a tortoise but our foreign competitor is more like a rabbit. Instead of racing against the rabbit heads-on, we would rather ride on its back and let it carry us forward," said former Lenovo Chairman Liu Chuanzhi.

Link between mutations in ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A genes and chronic intestinal ulcers:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Genetic factors of chronic intestinal ulcers are increasingly garnering attention.We present a case of chronic intestinal ulcers and bleeding associated with mu-tations of the activin A receptor type II-like 1(ACVRL1)and phospholipase A2 group IVA(PLA2G4A)genes and review the available relevant literature.CASE SUMMARY A 20-year-old man was admitted to our center with a 6-year history of recurrent abdominal pain,diarrhea,and dark stools.At the onset 6 years ago,the patient had received treatment at a local hospital for abdominal pain persisting for 7 d,under the diagnosis of diffuse peritonitis,acute gangrenous appendicitis with perforation,adhesive intestinal obstruction,and pelvic abscess.The surgical treat-ment included exploratory laparotomy,appendectomy,intestinal adhesiolysis,and pelvic abscess removal.The patient’s condition improved and he was dis-charged.However,the recurrent episodes of abdominal pain and passage of black stools started again one year after discharge.On the basis of these features and results of subsequent colonoscopy,the clinical diagnosis was established as in-flammatory bowel disease(IBD).Accordingly,aminosalicylic acid,immunotherapy,and related symptomatic treatment were administered,but the symptoms of the patient did not improve significantly.Further investigations revealed mutations in the ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A genes.ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A are involved in angiogenesis and coagulation,respectively.This suggests that the chronic intestinal ulcers and bleeding in this case may be linked to mutations in the ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A genes.Oral Kangfuxin liquid was administered to promote healing of the intestinal mucosa and effectively manage clinical symptoms.CONCLUSION Mutations in the ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A genes may be one of the causes of chronic intestinal ulcers and bleeding in IBD.Orally administered Kangfuxin liquid may have therapeutic potential.

Ecology of macrozoobenthic communities in two plateau lakes of Southwest China

Ecological studies on macrozoobenthos were conducted in two small plateau lakes in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Southwest China： Xingyun Lake （XL）, a eutrophic lake whose main source of primary production was phytoplankton （Chl α=99.76±24.01 μg/L）, and Yangzong Lake （YL）, a mesotrophic lake. Sampling was carried out from October 2002 to May 2004. Altogether 23 benthic taxa were identified in XL and 21 taxa in YL. The density of benthos in XL was much lower than that in YL, but the biomass was about equal in the two lakes, being I 423 ind/m^2 and 8.71 g/m^2 in XL and 4 249 ind/m^2 and 8.60 g/m^2 in YL. The dominant species were Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri, Branchiura sowerbyi, Aulodrilus pluriseta and Chironomus sp. in XL and Limnodrilus hoffrneisteri, Aulodrilus pluriseta and Bellamya sp. in YL. Seasonal fluctuation occurred, showing richer species in summer and winter, but the density and biomass varied in different ways in the two lakes. Analyses on functional feeding groups indicate that collector-gatherers were predominant, but the relative abundances of other groups were different. Stepwise multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the water depth, conductivity and chlorophyll a were the key factors affecting macrozoobenthic abundance in the lakes.

Bone remodeling in sigmoid sinus diverticulum after stenting for transverse sinus stenosis in pulsatile tinnitus: A case report

BACKGROUND Pulsatile tinnitus(PT)is a potentially disabling symptom that has received increasing attention.Multiple causes of PT have been confirmed by targeted treatment.However,dynamic changes of related structures in PT patients with multiple causes after stenting for ipsilateral transverse sinus stenosis(TSS)have not been previously reported.We report such a case and present postoperative computed tomography venography(CTV)follow-up findings to demonstrate the decreased sigmoid sinus diverticulum and bone remodeling.CASE SUMMARY A 45-year-old man suffered from left-sided PT for 15 years that was occasionally accompanied by headache and dizziness.Pre-operative CTV revealed left-sided sigmoid sinus wall anomalies(SSWAs),TSS,outflow dominance,large posterior condylar emissary vein,and an empty sella turcica.A cerebrospinal fluid pressure of 270 mmH2O was further detected.The sound disappeared immediately after stenting for ipsilateral TSS,with no recurrence during 2 years of follow-up.After the procedure,the patient underwent four consecutive CTV examinations.The diverticulum decreased 6 mo after the procedure with new bone remodeling.The density of the remodeled bone was further increased 1 year later,and a hardened edge was formed 2 years later.CONCLUSION PT associated with SSWAs,TSS,and idiopathic intracranial hypertension can be cured by stenting for TSS alone.And bone remodeling around SSWAs is a more significant finding.

Percutaneous transhepatic access for catheter ablation of a patient with heterotaxy syndrome complicated with atrial fibrillation:A case report

BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation(AF)is one of the most common arrhythmias,and radiofrequency catheter ablation is the most effective treatment strategy.The inferior vena cava(IVC)is a common approach for radiofrequency ablation of AF.However,this approach may not be applied to some cases such as chronic venous occlusions,surgical ligation of the IVC,and heterotaxy syndrome(HS).CASE SUMMARY A 68-year-old man with HS suffered from severely symptomatic persistent AF for 9 years,and we successfully ablated by percutaneous transhepatic access.CONCLUSION In patients without femoral vein access,the use of the hepatic vein for pulmonary vein isolation is a viable alternative for invasive electrophysiology procedures.

Can we suppress excessive post-surgical scar formation:A case report

BACKGROUND Hypertrophic scars(HSs)formation is a complication that occurs after wounds heal with secondary intention and sometimes after clean surgical incisions.Many treatments are in vogue now with varying successes.Although the mechanism or mechanisms that cause a HS to form are not clearly understood,one thing that is clear is that once scar tissue matures,any intervention will not be successful.In this paper,we report on a case where a patient who was known to develop HS was treated with a new combination of ingredients(Phyto-chemicals+Silicone JUMI)to suppress HS formation.CASE SUMMARY A 68-year-old female of African descent presented a severe HS post total knee replacement(TKR),which the patient describes as itchy and painful.Due to complications caused by the scar,she was apprehensive about undergoing TKR on her other knee.However,after the TKR of the contralateral side post-removal of skin clips,JUMI anti-scar cream(JASC)was used to suppress excessive scar formation.CONCLUSION JASC appears potent and efficacious at suppressing excessive scar formation.We believe that this warrants further studies on larger patient groups and on different surgical sites.

Inflammatory pseudotumors in the liver associated with influenza:A case report

BACKGROUND Inflammatory pseudotumor(IPT)is a rare and benign lesion that mimics malignancy and can develop in any part of the body.The pathophysiology and etiology of these quasineoplastic lesions remain unclear.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a 65-year-old male who presented with fevers,night sweats,and unintentional weight loss following an influenza infection and was found to have multiple hepatic IPT’s following an extensive work up.CONCLUSION Our case highlights the importance of considering hepatic IPT’s in the differential in a patient who presents with symptoms and imaging findings mimicking malignancy shortly following a viral infection.

Composition, Structure and Functional Feeding of Aquatic Entomofauna in KodjobouéLake: Water Quality Assessment

The composition, structure and Functional Feeding Groups (FFGs) of aquatic insects were investigated in Kodjoboué lake (South-East of Côte d’Ivoire) to assess water quality. Four sites (K1 - K4) were sampled during eight campaigns. At each site aquatic insects were collected using a kick-net (25 × 20 cm, 500 μm mesh size). Environmental variables were also recorded during this period. Water was collected from each sampling site for nutrient (phosphorus, nitrate) analysis in laboratory. A total of 68 aquatic insect taxa belonging to six orders and 32 families were recorded during the study. Site K4, subject to intense agricultural activity, had the lower diversity and least balanced stand with the lowest values of Shannon-Weaver index, Pielou’s Evenness index and rarefied richness. The functional approach revealed five major FFGs: predators, scrapers, shredders, gatherers-collectors and filter-collectors. Among the different functional feeding groups, the percentage of predators was higher than that of other groups at all the sites. The P/R report indicated that our four sites are characterized as heterotrophic with K1 as the least heterotrophic. Focused Principal Component Analysis (FPCA) showed that parameters of water, like pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrate were statistically correlated with species abundance. The diversity and Functional Feeding Groups metrics of aquatic insects used to describe the state of Kodjoboué lake reveal its disturbed state.

Unusual breast metastasis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor:A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs)are the most frequent mesenchymal tumors of gastrointestinal tract.The most common sites of metastases are the liver and the peritoneum,whereas breast metastases from GIST are extremely rare.We present a second case of GIST breast metastasis.CASE SUMMARY We found a case of breast metastasis from rectum GIST.A 55-year-old female patient presented with rectum tumor with multiply liver lesions and metastasis in the right breast.Abdominal-perineal extirpation of rectum was performed,histology and immunohistochemistry study showed GIST,mixed type with CD117 and DOG-1 positive staining.The patient was taking imatinib 400 mg for 22 mo with stable disease.Because of growth of the breast metastasis the treatment was changed twice:The dose of imatinib was doubled with further progression in the breast lesion and then the patient was receiving sunitinib for 26 mo with partial response in the right breast and stable disease in the liver lesions.The breast lesion increased and right breast resection was done–surgery on local progression,the liver metastases were stable.Histology and immunohistochemistry studies revealed GIST metastasis,CD 117 and DOG 1 positive with KIT exon 11 mutation.After surgery the patient resumed imatinib.Until now the patient has been taking imatinib 400 mg for 19 mo without progression,last follow up was in November 2022.CONCLUSION GISTs breast metastases are extremely rare,we described the second case.At the same time second primary tumors have been reported frequently in patients diagnosed with GISTs and breast cancer is one of the most common second primary tumors in patients with GISTs.That is why it is very important to distinguish primary from metastatic breast lesions.Surgery on local progression made it possible to resume less toxic treatment.

Individualized treatment for gastric cancer with rib metastasis: Acase report

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) with bone metastasis is rare, and rib metastasis is even lesscommon. The clinical prognosis of GC with bone metastasis is poor given the lackof an effective treatment.CASE SUMMARY A 70 year old man was referred to Shaoxing People’s Hospital with left chest painand slight dyspnea. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a metastaticlesion in the left 3rd rib. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed several ulcers inthe angle and antrum of the stomach, and tumor biomarkers including CEA andCA-199 were clearly increased. In addition, lymph node metastasis in the lessercurvature of the stomach was identified by positron emission tomography/CTscanning. Further pathological examination confirmed metastatic adenocarcinomain the rib and medium-low differentiated adenocarcinoma in the gastric space.The patient had GC with rib metastasis, and was clinically staged as T3NxM1 (IVB).Based on multidisciplinary team opinions, the patient received five courses ofchemotherapy (CAPOX plus aptinib), and then underwent rib resection andlaparoscopic radical distal gastrectomy. The patient started four courses ofchemotherapy after surgery, and then capecitabine and aptinib were administeredorally for 3 mo. Follow-up was performed on an outpatient basis usingabdominal/chest CT and tumor biomarkers. The patient exhibited an overallsurvival greater than 2 years, and the disease-free survival was approximately 18mo. His adverse events were tolerable.CONCLUSION The incidence of GC with rib metastases is extremely low, and patients can obtainmore benefits from individualized treatment formulated by multidisciplinaryteam. Chemotherapy plus surgery might represent an alternative option for GCwith rib metastasis.