A new scintillating fiber detector inside magnetic shielding tube was designed and assembled for use in the next round of fusion experiments in the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak to provide D–T neutron...A new scintillating fiber detector inside magnetic shielding tube was designed and assembled for use in the next round of fusion experiments in the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak to provide D–T neutron yield with time resolution.In this study,Geant4 simulations were used to obtain the pulse height spectra for ideal signals produced when detecting neutrons and gamma rays of multiple energies.One of the main sources of interference was found to be low-energy neutrons below 10–5 MeV,which can generate numerous secondary particles in the detector components,such as the magnetic shielding tube,leading to high-amplitude output signals.To address this issue,a compact thermal neutron shield containing a 1-mm Cd layer outside the magnetic shielding tube and a 5-mm inner Pb layer was specifically designed.Adverse effects on the measurement of fast neutrons and the shielding effect on gamma rays were considered.This can suppress the height of the signals caused by thermal neutrons to a level below the height corresponding to neutrons above 4 MeV because the yield of the latter is used for detector calibration.In addition,the detector has relatively flat sensitivity curves in the fast neutron region,with the intrinsic detection efficiencies(IDEs)of approximately 40%.For gamma rays with energies that are not too high(<8 MeV),the IDEs of the detector are only approximately 20%,whereas for gamma rays below 1 MeV,the response curve cuts off earlier in the low-energy region,which is beneficial for avoiding counting saturation and signal accumulation.展开更多
Vibration induced by shield construction can lead to liquefaction of saturated sand.Based on FLAC3D software,a numerical model of tunnel excavation is established and sinusoidal velocity loads with different frequenci...Vibration induced by shield construction can lead to liquefaction of saturated sand.Based on FLAC3D software,a numerical model of tunnel excavation is established and sinusoidal velocity loads with different frequencies are applied to the excavation face.The pattern of the excess pore pressure ratio with frequency,as well as the dynamic response of soil mass under different frequency loads before excavation,is analyzed.When the velocity sinusoidal wave acts on the excavation surface of the shield tunnel with a single sand layer,soil liquefaction occurs.However,the ranges and locations of soil liquefaction are different at different frequencies,which proves that the vibration frequency influences the liquefaction location of the stratum.For sand-clay composite strata with liquefiable layers,the influence of frequency on the liquefaction range is different from that of a single stratum.In the frequency range of 5-30 Hz,the liquefaction area and surface subsidence decrease with an increase in vibration frequency.The research results in this study can be used as a reference in engineering practice for tunneling liquefiable strata with a shield tunneling machine.展开更多
Rabies is an infectious disease that almost always leads to death as soon as the first signs appear, and is still endemic in several regions, including Côte d’Ivoire. Epidemiological investigations are carried o...Rabies is an infectious disease that almost always leads to death as soon as the first signs appear, and is still endemic in several regions, including Côte d’Ivoire. Epidemiological investigations are carried out and response measures implemented in the event of any death from human rabies. However, the quality of these investigations does not always allow the adoption of response measures. The aim of this work was to evaluate the reports of epidemiological investigations and response actions carried out during the occurrence of human rabies deaths from 2016 to 2018. This was a cross-sectional study that took place from April to September 2021 at the National Institute of Public Hygiene and focused on human rabies deaths notified from 206 to 2018. Of sixty-one (61) human rabies deaths recorded, sixty (60) were investigated, among which fifty-nine (59) deaths had been subject to response. Most deaths occurred in rural areas (75%), and the main vector was the dog (98%). Several shortcomings were noted: response actions were not carried out promptly;joint interventions bringing together human and animal health professionals were rare, there was little communication about rabies to communities (36%), and very little vaccination of the vector, the source of the disease (12%);an almost total absence of capacity-building for local players (7%);the health districts of Abobo-Ouest, Bondoukou, Divo and Fresco, which had regularly recorded human rabies deaths, had not benefited from dog vaccination, which is supposed to break the circulation of the virus. The persistence of rabies deaths in the health districts could probably be linked to these shortcomings. Faced with these realities, it is essential to strengthen the epidemiological investigation capacities of the players involved, in order to improve the quality of investigations and ensure an effective response.展开更多
The novelty of this research lies in the successful fabrication of a 3D-printed honeycomb structure filled with nanofillers for acoustic properties,utilizing an impedance tube setup in accordance with ASTM standard E ...The novelty of this research lies in the successful fabrication of a 3D-printed honeycomb structure filled with nanofillers for acoustic properties,utilizing an impedance tube setup in accordance with ASTM standard E 1050-12.The Creality Ender-3,a 3D printer,was used for printing the honeycomb structures,and polylactic acid(PLA)material was employed for their construction.The organic,inorganic,and polymeric compounds within the composites were identified using fourier transformation infrared(FTIR)spectroscopy.The structure and homogeneity of the samples were examined using a field emission scanning electron microscope(FESEM).To determine the sound absorption coefficient of the 3D printed honeycomb structure,numerous samples were systematically developed using central composite design(CCD)and analysed using response surface methodology(RSM).The RSM mathematical model was established to predict the optimum values of each factor and noise reduction coefficient(NRC).The optimum values for an NRC of 0.377 were found to be 1.116 wt% carbon black,1.025 wt% aluminium powder,and 3.151 mm distance between parallel edges.Overall,the results demonstrate that a 3Dprinted honeycomb structure filled with nanofillers is an excellent material that can be utilized in various fields,including defence and aviation,where lightweight and acoustic properties are of great importance.展开更多
In mountainous areas,snow avalanches could be triggered by the shaking produced by earthquakes.The forces induced by the earthquake can cause an irregular increase of shear strength load down the slope,for the presenc...In mountainous areas,snow avalanches could be triggered by the shaking produced by earthquakes.The forces induced by the earthquake can cause an irregular increase of shear strength load down the slope,for the presence of complex surface and buried morphologies.Topographic irregularities generate maximum effects of waves amplification linked to wavelengths comparable to the horizontal dimension of the topographic feature.For this reason,the selected time-histories represent an appropriate input for the two-dimensional numerical response analyses when a dynamic phenomenon produce the resonant motion of a whole mountain.This represents an important earthquake-induced hazard in snow-covered mountain areas with high probability of seismic events.Some valleys are located in regions with scare ground motion data and investments on infrastructures are not always accompanied by adequate protection against earthquake-induced avalanches.The paper points out a simple deterministic approach for selecting a set of real accelerograms applied to a real case of Siella Mountain(Central Italy)where a large avalanche destroying a tourist facility of Rigopiano resort on 18 January 2017.The selected time histories were used as input for the two-dimensional numerical model of the subsoil to evaluate the topographic seismic amplification in ridge and compare it with the results of other authors.These methods suggest that morphology-related inertial effects should be considered as an overload action on snow layers when controlling multi-hazard studies and spatial planning.展开更多
Rabies is an infectious disease that almost always leads to death as soon as the first signs appear, and is still endemic in several regions, including Côte d’Ivoire. Epidemiological investigations are carried o...Rabies is an infectious disease that almost always leads to death as soon as the first signs appear, and is still endemic in several regions, including Côte d’Ivoire. Epidemiological investigations are carried out and response measures implemented in the event of any death from human rabies. However, the quality of these investigations does not always allow the adoption of response measures. The aim of this work was to evaluate the reports of epidemiological investigations and response actions carried out during the occurrence of human rabies deaths from 2016 to 2018. This was a cross-sectional study that took place from April to September 2021 at the National Institute of Public Hygiene and focused on human rabies deaths notified from 206 to 2018. Of sixty-one (61) human rabies deaths recorded, sixty (60) were investigated, among which fifty-nine (59) deaths had been subject to response. Most deaths occurred in rural areas (75%), and the main vector was the dog (98%). Several shortcomings were noted: response actions were not carried out promptly;joint interventions bringing together human and animal health professionals were rare, there was little communication about rabies to communities (36%), and very little vaccination of the vector, the source of the disease (12%);an almost total absence of capacity-building for local players (7%);the health districts of Abobo-Ouest, Bondoukou, Divo and Fresco, which had regularly recorded human rabies deaths, had not benefited from dog vaccination, which is supposed to break the circulation of the virus. The persistence of rabies deaths in the health districts could probably be linked to these shortcomings. Faced with these realities, it is essential to strengthen the epidemiological investigation capacities of the players involved, in order to improve the quality of investigations and ensure an effective response.展开更多
AIM: To determine whether adding vitamin D, a potent immunomodulator, improves the hepatitis C virus (HCV) response to antiviral therapy. METHODS: Seventy-two consecutive patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 were rand...AIM: To determine whether adding vitamin D, a potent immunomodulator, improves the hepatitis C virus (HCV) response to antiviral therapy. METHODS: Seventy-two consecutive patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 were randomized into two groups: the treatment group (n = 36, 50% male, mean age 47 ± 11 years) received Peg-α-2b interferon (1.5 μg/kg per week) plus ribavirin (1000-1200 mg/d) together with vitamin D3 (2000 IU/d, target serum level > 32 ng/mL), and the control group (n = 36, 60% male, mean age 49 ± 7 years) received identical therapy without vitamin D. HCV-RNA was assessed by realtime polymerase chain reaction (sensitivity, 10 IU/mL). The sustained virologic response (SVR) was defined as undetectable HCV-RNA at 24 wk post-treatment. RESULTS: Clinical characteristics were similar in both groups. The treatment group had a higher mean bodymass index (27 ± 4 kg/m2 vs 24 ± 3 kg/m2, P < 0.01), viral load (50% vs 42%, P < 0.01), and fibrosis score (> F2: 42% vs 19%, P < 0.001) than the controls. At week 4, 16 (44%) treated patients and 6 (17%) controls were HCV-RNA negative (P < 0.001). At week 12, 34 (94%) treated patients and 17 (48%) controls were HCV-RNA negative (P < 0.001). At 24 wk post-treatment (SVR), 31 (86%) treated patients and 15 (42%) controls were HCV-RNA negative (P < 0.001). Viral load, advanced fibrosis and vitamin D supplementation were strongly and independently associated with SVR (multivariate analysis). Adverse events were mild and typical of Peg-α-2b/ribavirin. CONCLUSION: Adding vitamin D to conventional Peg-α-2b/ribavirin therapy for treatment-na■ve patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection significantly improves the viral response.展开更多
AIM: To study the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in patients with hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection and to evaluate the role of vitamin D supplementation in improving antiviral therapy.METHODS: Sixty-six children ag...AIM: To study the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in patients with hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection and to evaluate the role of vitamin D supplementation in improving antiviral therapy.METHODS: Sixty-six children aged from 7-14 years(mean ± SD, 11.17 ± 2.293) diagnosed with HCV infection were matched to 28 healthy controls. Serum levels of 25(OH) D3, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and plasma level of parathormone were measured. Quantitative PCR for HCV was performed Bone density was determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. All cases received conventional therapy, and only 33 patients received vitamin D supplementation.RESULTS: Children with HCV showed significantly increased levels of HCV RNA(P < 0.001), parathormone(P < 0.01) and decreased vitamin D levels(P < 0.05)(33.3% deficient and 43.3% insufficient) compared with controls. Abnormal bone status(Z score-1.98 ± 0.75) was found in ribs, L-spine, pelvis and total body. Cases treated with vitamin D showed significant higher early(P < 0.04) and sustained(P < 0.05) virological response. There was a high frequency of vitamin D deficiency among the Egyptian HCV children, with significant decrease in bone density. The vitamin D level should be assessed before the start of antiviral treatment with the correction of any detected deficiency. CONCLUSION: Adding vitamin D to conventional Peg/RBV therapy significantly improved the virological response and helped to prevent the risk of emerging bone fragility.展开更多
One-dimensional blast response of continuous-density graded cellular rods was investigated theoretically and numerically. Analytical model based on the rigid-plastic hardening(R-PH) model was used to predict the blast...One-dimensional blast response of continuous-density graded cellular rods was investigated theoretically and numerically. Analytical model based on the rigid-plastic hardening(R-PH) model was used to predict the blast response of density-graded cellular rods. Finite element(FE) analysis was performed using a new model based on the 3 D Voronoi technique. The FE results have a good agreement with the analytical predictions. The blast response and energy absorption of cellular rods with the same mass but different density distributions were examined under different blast loading. As a blast resistance structure, cellular materials with high energy absorption and low impulse transmit is attractive. However, high energy absorption and low impulse transmit cannot be achieved at the same time by changing the density distribution. The energy absorption capacity increases with the initial blast pressure and characteristic time of the exponentially decaying blast loading. By contract, when the blast loading exceeds the resistance capacity of cellular material, the transmitted stress will be enhanced which is detrimental to the structure being protected.展开更多
The three dimensional lead rubber dish spring bearing (3DB) is proposed in this paper. The 3DB is composed of lead rubber bearing (LRB) and dish spring bearing (DSB) with damper in series. The 3DB put forward in t...The three dimensional lead rubber dish spring bearing (3DB) is proposed in this paper. The 3DB is composed of lead rubber bearing (LRB) and dish spring bearing (DSB) with damper in series. The 3DB put forward in this paper is effective in the resolution of difficulties in strong vertical capacity and vertical damping of three dimensional isolation bearings. It effectively suppresses rocking motions as well. The analytical model and motion equations of multi dimensional seismic responses of 3D base isolated frame structures are established. Taking a five storey frame structure as an example, an extensive simulation analysis is carried out. The results show that the 3D base isolated structure with the proposed 3DB is effective in 3D isolation; it can reduce seismic responses by 50 % compared to a non isolated structure. Therefore, the 3D isolation problem in building can be solved easily and effectively with the 3DB proposed in this paper.展开更多
AIM: To examine whether vitamin D improved viral response and predicted treatment outcome in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2-3. METHODS: Fifty patients with chronic HCV genotype 2-3 were randomized co...AIM: To examine whether vitamin D improved viral response and predicted treatment outcome in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2-3. METHODS: Fifty patients with chronic HCV genotype 2-3 were randomized consecutively into two groups: Treatment group [20 subjects, age 48 ± 14 years, body mass index (BMI) 30 ± 6, 65% male], who received 180 μg pegylated α-interferon-2a plus oral ribavirin 800 mg/d (Peg/RBV), together with oral vitamin D3 (Vitamidyne D drops; 2000 IU/d, 10 drops/d, normal serum level > 32 ng/mL) for 24 wk; and control group (30 subjects, age 45 ± 10 years, BMI 26 ± 3, 60% male), who received identical therapy without vitamin D. HCV RNA was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Undetectable HCV RNA at 4, 12 and 24 wk after treatment was considered as rapid virological response, complete early virological response, and sustained virological response (SVR), respectively. Biomarkers of in? ammation were measured. RESULTS: The treatment group with vitamin D hadhigher BMI (30 ± 6 vs 26 ± 3, P < 0.02), and high viral load (> 400 000 IU/mL, 65% vs 40%, P < 0.01) than controls. Ninety-fi ve percent of treated patients were HCV RNA negative at week 4 and 12. At 24 wk after treatment (SVR), 19/20 (95%) treated patients and 23/30 (77%) controls were HCV RNA negative (P < 0.001). Baseline serum vitamin D levels were lower at baseline (20 ± 8 ng/mL) and increased after 12 wk vitamin D treatment, to a mean level of (34 ± 11 ng/ mL). Logistic regression analysis identifi ed vitamin D supplement [odds ratio (OR) 3.0, 95% CI 2.0-4.9, P < 0.001], serum vitamin D levels (< 15 or > 15 ng/mL, OR 2.2, P < 0.01), and BMI (< 30 or > 30, OR 2.6, P < 0.01) as independent predictors of viral response. Adverse events were mild and typical of Peg/RBV. CONCLUSION: Low vitamin D levels predicts negative treatment outcome, and adding vitamin D to conventional Peg/RBV therapy for patients with HCV genotype 2-3 signifi cantly improves viral response.展开更多
基金supported by the University Synergy Innovation Program of Anhui Province(No.GXXT-2022-001)the Institute of Energy,Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center(Anhui Energy Laboratory)under Grant No.21KZS205 and 21KZL401the Comprehensive Research Facility for Fusion Technology Program of China(No.2018-000052-73-01-001228).
文摘A new scintillating fiber detector inside magnetic shielding tube was designed and assembled for use in the next round of fusion experiments in the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak to provide D–T neutron yield with time resolution.In this study,Geant4 simulations were used to obtain the pulse height spectra for ideal signals produced when detecting neutrons and gamma rays of multiple energies.One of the main sources of interference was found to be low-energy neutrons below 10–5 MeV,which can generate numerous secondary particles in the detector components,such as the magnetic shielding tube,leading to high-amplitude output signals.To address this issue,a compact thermal neutron shield containing a 1-mm Cd layer outside the magnetic shielding tube and a 5-mm inner Pb layer was specifically designed.Adverse effects on the measurement of fast neutrons and the shielding effect on gamma rays were considered.This can suppress the height of the signals caused by thermal neutrons to a level below the height corresponding to neutrons above 4 MeV because the yield of the latter is used for detector calibration.In addition,the detector has relatively flat sensitivity curves in the fast neutron region,with the intrinsic detection efficiencies(IDEs)of approximately 40%.For gamma rays with energies that are not too high(<8 MeV),the IDEs of the detector are only approximately 20%,whereas for gamma rays below 1 MeV,the response curve cuts off earlier in the low-energy region,which is beneficial for avoiding counting saturation and signal accumulation.
基金Research Grants for Returned Students of China under Grant No.2020-038the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No.51408392。
文摘Vibration induced by shield construction can lead to liquefaction of saturated sand.Based on FLAC3D software,a numerical model of tunnel excavation is established and sinusoidal velocity loads with different frequencies are applied to the excavation face.The pattern of the excess pore pressure ratio with frequency,as well as the dynamic response of soil mass under different frequency loads before excavation,is analyzed.When the velocity sinusoidal wave acts on the excavation surface of the shield tunnel with a single sand layer,soil liquefaction occurs.However,the ranges and locations of soil liquefaction are different at different frequencies,which proves that the vibration frequency influences the liquefaction location of the stratum.For sand-clay composite strata with liquefiable layers,the influence of frequency on the liquefaction range is different from that of a single stratum.In the frequency range of 5-30 Hz,the liquefaction area and surface subsidence decrease with an increase in vibration frequency.The research results in this study can be used as a reference in engineering practice for tunneling liquefiable strata with a shield tunneling machine.
文摘Rabies is an infectious disease that almost always leads to death as soon as the first signs appear, and is still endemic in several regions, including Côte d’Ivoire. Epidemiological investigations are carried out and response measures implemented in the event of any death from human rabies. However, the quality of these investigations does not always allow the adoption of response measures. The aim of this work was to evaluate the reports of epidemiological investigations and response actions carried out during the occurrence of human rabies deaths from 2016 to 2018. This was a cross-sectional study that took place from April to September 2021 at the National Institute of Public Hygiene and focused on human rabies deaths notified from 206 to 2018. Of sixty-one (61) human rabies deaths recorded, sixty (60) were investigated, among which fifty-nine (59) deaths had been subject to response. Most deaths occurred in rural areas (75%), and the main vector was the dog (98%). Several shortcomings were noted: response actions were not carried out promptly;joint interventions bringing together human and animal health professionals were rare, there was little communication about rabies to communities (36%), and very little vaccination of the vector, the source of the disease (12%);an almost total absence of capacity-building for local players (7%);the health districts of Abobo-Ouest, Bondoukou, Divo and Fresco, which had regularly recorded human rabies deaths, had not benefited from dog vaccination, which is supposed to break the circulation of the virus. The persistence of rabies deaths in the health districts could probably be linked to these shortcomings. Faced with these realities, it is essential to strengthen the epidemiological investigation capacities of the players involved, in order to improve the quality of investigations and ensure an effective response.
文摘The novelty of this research lies in the successful fabrication of a 3D-printed honeycomb structure filled with nanofillers for acoustic properties,utilizing an impedance tube setup in accordance with ASTM standard E 1050-12.The Creality Ender-3,a 3D printer,was used for printing the honeycomb structures,and polylactic acid(PLA)material was employed for their construction.The organic,inorganic,and polymeric compounds within the composites were identified using fourier transformation infrared(FTIR)spectroscopy.The structure and homogeneity of the samples were examined using a field emission scanning electron microscope(FESEM).To determine the sound absorption coefficient of the 3D printed honeycomb structure,numerous samples were systematically developed using central composite design(CCD)and analysed using response surface methodology(RSM).The RSM mathematical model was established to predict the optimum values of each factor and noise reduction coefficient(NRC).The optimum values for an NRC of 0.377 were found to be 1.116 wt% carbon black,1.025 wt% aluminium powder,and 3.151 mm distance between parallel edges.Overall,the results demonstrate that a 3Dprinted honeycomb structure filled with nanofillers is an excellent material that can be utilized in various fields,including defence and aviation,where lightweight and acoustic properties are of great importance.
文摘In mountainous areas,snow avalanches could be triggered by the shaking produced by earthquakes.The forces induced by the earthquake can cause an irregular increase of shear strength load down the slope,for the presence of complex surface and buried morphologies.Topographic irregularities generate maximum effects of waves amplification linked to wavelengths comparable to the horizontal dimension of the topographic feature.For this reason,the selected time-histories represent an appropriate input for the two-dimensional numerical response analyses when a dynamic phenomenon produce the resonant motion of a whole mountain.This represents an important earthquake-induced hazard in snow-covered mountain areas with high probability of seismic events.Some valleys are located in regions with scare ground motion data and investments on infrastructures are not always accompanied by adequate protection against earthquake-induced avalanches.The paper points out a simple deterministic approach for selecting a set of real accelerograms applied to a real case of Siella Mountain(Central Italy)where a large avalanche destroying a tourist facility of Rigopiano resort on 18 January 2017.The selected time histories were used as input for the two-dimensional numerical model of the subsoil to evaluate the topographic seismic amplification in ridge and compare it with the results of other authors.These methods suggest that morphology-related inertial effects should be considered as an overload action on snow layers when controlling multi-hazard studies and spatial planning.
文摘Rabies is an infectious disease that almost always leads to death as soon as the first signs appear, and is still endemic in several regions, including Côte d’Ivoire. Epidemiological investigations are carried out and response measures implemented in the event of any death from human rabies. However, the quality of these investigations does not always allow the adoption of response measures. The aim of this work was to evaluate the reports of epidemiological investigations and response actions carried out during the occurrence of human rabies deaths from 2016 to 2018. This was a cross-sectional study that took place from April to September 2021 at the National Institute of Public Hygiene and focused on human rabies deaths notified from 206 to 2018. Of sixty-one (61) human rabies deaths recorded, sixty (60) were investigated, among which fifty-nine (59) deaths had been subject to response. Most deaths occurred in rural areas (75%), and the main vector was the dog (98%). Several shortcomings were noted: response actions were not carried out promptly;joint interventions bringing together human and animal health professionals were rare, there was little communication about rabies to communities (36%), and very little vaccination of the vector, the source of the disease (12%);an almost total absence of capacity-building for local players (7%);the health districts of Abobo-Ouest, Bondoukou, Divo and Fresco, which had regularly recorded human rabies deaths, had not benefited from dog vaccination, which is supposed to break the circulation of the virus. The persistence of rabies deaths in the health districts could probably be linked to these shortcomings. Faced with these realities, it is essential to strengthen the epidemiological investigation capacities of the players involved, in order to improve the quality of investigations and ensure an effective response.
文摘AIM: To determine whether adding vitamin D, a potent immunomodulator, improves the hepatitis C virus (HCV) response to antiviral therapy. METHODS: Seventy-two consecutive patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 were randomized into two groups: the treatment group (n = 36, 50% male, mean age 47 ± 11 years) received Peg-α-2b interferon (1.5 μg/kg per week) plus ribavirin (1000-1200 mg/d) together with vitamin D3 (2000 IU/d, target serum level > 32 ng/mL), and the control group (n = 36, 60% male, mean age 49 ± 7 years) received identical therapy without vitamin D. HCV-RNA was assessed by realtime polymerase chain reaction (sensitivity, 10 IU/mL). The sustained virologic response (SVR) was defined as undetectable HCV-RNA at 24 wk post-treatment. RESULTS: Clinical characteristics were similar in both groups. The treatment group had a higher mean bodymass index (27 ± 4 kg/m2 vs 24 ± 3 kg/m2, P < 0.01), viral load (50% vs 42%, P < 0.01), and fibrosis score (> F2: 42% vs 19%, P < 0.001) than the controls. At week 4, 16 (44%) treated patients and 6 (17%) controls were HCV-RNA negative (P < 0.001). At week 12, 34 (94%) treated patients and 17 (48%) controls were HCV-RNA negative (P < 0.001). At 24 wk post-treatment (SVR), 31 (86%) treated patients and 15 (42%) controls were HCV-RNA negative (P < 0.001). Viral load, advanced fibrosis and vitamin D supplementation were strongly and independently associated with SVR (multivariate analysis). Adverse events were mild and typical of Peg-α-2b/ribavirin. CONCLUSION: Adding vitamin D to conventional Peg-α-2b/ribavirin therapy for treatment-na■ve patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection significantly improves the viral response.
文摘AIM: To study the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in patients with hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection and to evaluate the role of vitamin D supplementation in improving antiviral therapy.METHODS: Sixty-six children aged from 7-14 years(mean ± SD, 11.17 ± 2.293) diagnosed with HCV infection were matched to 28 healthy controls. Serum levels of 25(OH) D3, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and plasma level of parathormone were measured. Quantitative PCR for HCV was performed Bone density was determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. All cases received conventional therapy, and only 33 patients received vitamin D supplementation.RESULTS: Children with HCV showed significantly increased levels of HCV RNA(P < 0.001), parathormone(P < 0.01) and decreased vitamin D levels(P < 0.05)(33.3% deficient and 43.3% insufficient) compared with controls. Abnormal bone status(Z score-1.98 ± 0.75) was found in ribs, L-spine, pelvis and total body. Cases treated with vitamin D showed significant higher early(P < 0.04) and sustained(P < 0.05) virological response. There was a high frequency of vitamin D deficiency among the Egyptian HCV children, with significant decrease in bone density. The vitamin D level should be assessed before the start of antiviral treatment with the correction of any detected deficiency. CONCLUSION: Adding vitamin D to conventional Peg/RBV therapy significantly improved the virological response and helped to prevent the risk of emerging bone fragility.
文摘One-dimensional blast response of continuous-density graded cellular rods was investigated theoretically and numerically. Analytical model based on the rigid-plastic hardening(R-PH) model was used to predict the blast response of density-graded cellular rods. Finite element(FE) analysis was performed using a new model based on the 3 D Voronoi technique. The FE results have a good agreement with the analytical predictions. The blast response and energy absorption of cellular rods with the same mass but different density distributions were examined under different blast loading. As a blast resistance structure, cellular materials with high energy absorption and low impulse transmit is attractive. However, high energy absorption and low impulse transmit cannot be achieved at the same time by changing the density distribution. The energy absorption capacity increases with the initial blast pressure and characteristic time of the exponentially decaying blast loading. By contract, when the blast loading exceeds the resistance capacity of cellular material, the transmitted stress will be enhanced which is detrimental to the structure being protected.
文摘The three dimensional lead rubber dish spring bearing (3DB) is proposed in this paper. The 3DB is composed of lead rubber bearing (LRB) and dish spring bearing (DSB) with damper in series. The 3DB put forward in this paper is effective in the resolution of difficulties in strong vertical capacity and vertical damping of three dimensional isolation bearings. It effectively suppresses rocking motions as well. The analytical model and motion equations of multi dimensional seismic responses of 3D base isolated frame structures are established. Taking a five storey frame structure as an example, an extensive simulation analysis is carried out. The results show that the 3D base isolated structure with the proposed 3DB is effective in 3D isolation; it can reduce seismic responses by 50 % compared to a non isolated structure. Therefore, the 3D isolation problem in building can be solved easily and effectively with the 3DB proposed in this paper.
文摘AIM: To examine whether vitamin D improved viral response and predicted treatment outcome in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2-3. METHODS: Fifty patients with chronic HCV genotype 2-3 were randomized consecutively into two groups: Treatment group [20 subjects, age 48 ± 14 years, body mass index (BMI) 30 ± 6, 65% male], who received 180 μg pegylated α-interferon-2a plus oral ribavirin 800 mg/d (Peg/RBV), together with oral vitamin D3 (Vitamidyne D drops; 2000 IU/d, 10 drops/d, normal serum level > 32 ng/mL) for 24 wk; and control group (30 subjects, age 45 ± 10 years, BMI 26 ± 3, 60% male), who received identical therapy without vitamin D. HCV RNA was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Undetectable HCV RNA at 4, 12 and 24 wk after treatment was considered as rapid virological response, complete early virological response, and sustained virological response (SVR), respectively. Biomarkers of in? ammation were measured. RESULTS: The treatment group with vitamin D hadhigher BMI (30 ± 6 vs 26 ± 3, P < 0.02), and high viral load (> 400 000 IU/mL, 65% vs 40%, P < 0.01) than controls. Ninety-fi ve percent of treated patients were HCV RNA negative at week 4 and 12. At 24 wk after treatment (SVR), 19/20 (95%) treated patients and 23/30 (77%) controls were HCV RNA negative (P < 0.001). Baseline serum vitamin D levels were lower at baseline (20 ± 8 ng/mL) and increased after 12 wk vitamin D treatment, to a mean level of (34 ± 11 ng/ mL). Logistic regression analysis identifi ed vitamin D supplement [odds ratio (OR) 3.0, 95% CI 2.0-4.9, P < 0.001], serum vitamin D levels (< 15 or > 15 ng/mL, OR 2.2, P < 0.01), and BMI (< 30 or > 30, OR 2.6, P < 0.01) as independent predictors of viral response. Adverse events were mild and typical of Peg/RBV. CONCLUSION: Low vitamin D levels predicts negative treatment outcome, and adding vitamin D to conventional Peg/RBV therapy for patients with HCV genotype 2-3 signifi cantly improves viral response.
