Biomimetics Design Optimization and Drag Reduction Analysis for Indonesia N219 Seaplanes Catamaran Float

Design optimization on the Indonesia N219 seaplane catamaran is necessary to provide better service to rural islands of Indonesia. This research aims at decreasing drag using a design based on biomimicry by imitating the hydrodynamic characteristics of sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) for pontoon floats. The design is then validated using a numerical fluid test using ANSYS Fluent to see the reduction in drag due to the change from a conventional or Wipeline® 13000 design to a biomimetics adaptation design. Next, further optimization was carried out based on the adaptation design based on trim tests, clearance tests, and deadrise angle dimensions suitable for biomimicry designs at Froude number speeds of 0.4 to 0.7. The design results with the adaptation of biomimicry show that a change in the design with this optimization affects a drag reduction that reaches 30% of the total drag generated by the conventional design.

Comparison of clinical features and prognosis in patients with cryptogenic and secondary organizing pneumonia

Background Organizing pneumonia (OP) can be diagnosed pathologically, and cryptogenic OP (COP) and secondary OP (SOP) have been classified by cause and particular underlying context. Because it is clinically difficult to differentiate between COP and SOP, this study investigated characteristics that could distinguish between COP and SOP. Methods The medical records of patients who underwent lung biopsy for a diagnosis of OP at a single tertiary hospital from January 2016 to December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Results Eighty-five patients had pathologically proven OP, including 16 diagnosed with COP and 69 diagnosed with SOP. The most common cause of SOP was infectious pneumonia, observed in 57 (82.6%) of the 69 patients, followed by cancer and radiation pneumonitis. The pathogens causing infectious pneumonia were identified in 45 (65.2%) patients. There were no differences in age, sex, and lung function between the COP and SOP groups. Median body mass index was significantly lower (P = 0.030), and median time from symptom onset to hospital admission significantly shorter (P = 0.006), in the SOP than in the COP group. Fever was more common in the SOP group (P = 0.024), and CURB 65, an index of pneumonia severity, tended to be higher in the SOP group (P = 0.017). Some laboratory results differed significantly between the two groups. Lymphocyte counts in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were significantly higher in the COP than in the SOP group (P = 0.012). Radiologic findings showed that effusion was more common in the SOP group (P = 0.036). There were no between-group differences in steroid use, 30 day and in-hospital mortality rates, and rates of OP outcomes and recurrences. Pneumonia recurrence rate was significantly higher in SOP patients who were than were not treated with steroids (P = 0.035). Conclusions Infection is the main cause of SOP. Symptom onset is more rapid in patients with SOP than with COP. Some blood and BAL fluid test results differed significantly in the COP and SOP groups. Pleural effusion was more common in the SOP group but there were no differences in clinical course. Recurrence in patients with SOP was more common in those who were than were not treated with steroids.

A-10 High Score Multivariate Base Rates for the Spanish-Language NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery: Potential Resource for Assessing High-Functioning Spanish-Speaking Patients

Objective This study involved the preparation of high score multivariate base rates for the Spanish-language NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) to inform neuropsychological practice with high-functioning Spanish-speaking patients. Method Participants included 250 healthy adults from the Spanish-language NIHTB-CB normative sample (M = 38.8 ± 13.7 years-old; 72.0% women; 100% Latinx) who completed the full battery (2 crystallized and 5 fluid cognition tests). Multivariate base rates quantified the frequency at which participants obtained 1+ fluid test scores ≥50th, ≥63rd, ≥75th, ≥84th, ≥91st, ≥95th, and ≥ 98th percentile based on age-adjusted and demographic-adjusted normed scores, with stratifications based on education, crystallized ability, and sociocultural characteristics. Results It was common for participants in the normative sample to obtain 1+ high scores (50.8% obtained 1+ scores ≥84th percentile) and uncommon for participants to obtain no high scores, especially when using lower, non-conventional thresholds for defining a high score (10.8% obtained no scores ≥50th percentile). The frequency of participants obtaining no high scores varied by education (36.8% with <12 years obtained no scores ≥63rd percentile vs. 2.1% with ≥16 years), crystallized ability (47.8% with below average ability obtained no scores ≥75th percentile vs. 21.9% with above average ability), and sociocultural characteristics (37.1% from households below national median income obtained no scores ≥75th vs. 6.9% from households above). Conclusion(s) The frequency of high scores varied by education, crystallized ability, and sociocultural characteristics, which was not fully accounted for by use of demographic-adjusted norms. In high-functioning patients and patients of higher socioeconomic status, the absence of high scores is uncommon and may indicate cognitive decline.

Rheologic Behavior of Bovine Calf Serum

Recent studies have illuminated the rheological behavior of synovial fluid and the role of protein and hyaluronan (HA). However, with respect to artificial joint replacement in standardized wear simulations, bovine serum is used as fluid test medium. Little is known about the rheological characteristics of bovine serum, which are needed for precise tribological investigations. The steady shear viscosity η of bovine calf serum is determined for protein concentrations used in standardized wear simulations depending on shear rate γ˙ and temperature T. Additionally, the density of the serum is determined for both protein concentrations. The results show shear thinning behavior of bovine calf serum with a nearly Newtonian behavior in the range of high shear rates. Within the range of high shear rates, mean viscosities of η = 0.82–0.88 mPa·s were found for protein concentrations of 20 g/L and mean viscosities of η = 0.88–0.94 mPa·s for 30 g/L, decreasing with temperature. Densities of 1.004–1.005 g/cm3 and 1.007–1.008 g/cm3 were found for 20 and 30 g/L protein concentrations, respectively.

Web-based multifaceted approach in community-based screening in HIV self-testing: protocol for randomized community trial among female sex workers in Indonesia (Preprint)

BACKGROUND The HIV epidemic in Indonesia continues to be concentrated among key populations including female sex workers (FSW). However, increasing HIV testing among this sub-population continues to be a challenge, necessitating exploration into alternatives testing modalities. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to test whether the addition of oral fluid test as an alternative testing modality will increase the number of FSW who receive HIV testing. METHODS We undertook a community-randomized trial in 23 national priority districts with existing package of HIV community outreach services. The trial consisted of 15 intervention districts and 8 control districts. In the control districts, implementing units of HIV program administered the standard of care while in the intervention districts, an additional HIV self-testing option using oral fluid test was given as a community-based screening. Participants with reactive screening results will be encouraged to undergo HIV testing at a health facility to confirm their diagnosis and subsequent antiretroviral treatment. Multiple means of recruitment were deployed including through outreach workers and social media campaign. Due in large part to the COVID-19 pandemic, most research activities were conducted online. RESULTS 17,962 FSWs were reached in the intervention sites, 45.5% (n=8,176/17,962) accepted testing, 18.9% of whom accepted OFT (n= 1,545/8,176). A total of 1.3% (n=106/8,176) participants were confirmed HIV positive. In the control districts, 7,653 FSWs were reached, 45.4% (n=3,471/7.653) received testing, 0.8% (n=29/3,471) were confirmed HIV positive. Post-test surveys for participants receiving OFT indicated overall high satisfaction and intention to use. Through the social media campaign, there were also people who registered independently for OFT but did not identify as FSW. They were eventually not eligible to participate but their interest point to the possibility of implementing HIV self-testing to general population. CONCLUSIONS The addition of HIV self-testing to standard of care supported by a web-based data collection system was able to result in higher HIV testing and higher case finding among female sex workers in Indonesia. High satisfaction of OFT users and the interest of general population towards this alternative testing modality are promising for scaling up this strategy nationally. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04578145

Cerebrospinal fluid microscopy as an index for predicting the prognosis of cryptococcal meningitis patients with and without HIV

Aim: To evaluate the clinical data and quantitative cerebrospinal fluid for associations with the outcome of cryptococcal meningitis (CM) patients in the hospital. Patients & methods: We retrospectively analyzed a total of 139 CM patients comprising 108 without HIV and 31 with HIV admitted in a Jiang Xi hospital. Resμlts: We found that CM patients with the high fungal burden (≥10 yeasts/μl) (26.3%) had a worse prognosis than those with the low fungal burden (<10 yeasts/μl). (4.9%) (p = 0.0007 <0.05). Conclusion: In CM patients, a fungal burden of 10 yeasts/μl in the first cerebrospinal fluid test may be used as an indicator of patient prognosis, and we can personalize patients’ treatment based on the fungal burden to improve prognosis.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Heralding the Diagnosis of Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Case Report

Lymphoma is a prevalent type of lymphoid tissue malignancy that is seldom associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). In the majority of instances, both Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are not proceeded by GBS. Here, we report on a case of a young patient with a manifestation and investigation suggestive of GBS, signaling an unconfirmed diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. A cerebrospinal fluid test revealed an albuminocytological dissociation with a noteworthy rise in protein (2.32 g/L). The patient was initiated on intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment and then showed dramatic improvement after the third dose of IVIG. His constitutional presentation alongside high inflammatory labs prompted further investigation. An enhanced pan-computed tomography scan showed multiple enlarged mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes that were confirmed as Hodgkin’s lymphoma after biopsy. Brentuximab was initiated immediately after IVIG therapy. This case highlights consideration of Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a differential diagnosis under the auspices of GBS.

Test Rig and Method for Comparative Evaluation of Conventional and Bio-Based Hydraulic Fluids and Lubricants for Agricultural Transmissions

The use of lubricants and hydraulic fluids of both mineral and synthetic origin in agricultural processes could have a deep impact on the environment as a result of their possible dispersion in the ground and aquifers. Replacing them with bio-based fluids, developed to provide good tribological properties and high biodegradability, could contribute to reducing their negative effects. The evaluation of the capacity of such innovative fluids to replace the conventional ones is based on work cycles lasting as long as their lifetime, during which their characteristics must prove to be at least equal to those of the fluids they replace. To shorten the evaluation process, CREA (Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia Agraria) developed a fluid test rig (FTR) and related test method, able to apply severe work cycles on small oil volumes, thereby accelerating the aging of the fluid beyond what typically occurs. This paper reports the results of the tests on FTR’s functionality carried out comparing two UTTO (Universal Tractor Transmission Oil) fluids: a widespread conventional fluid and an experimental vegetable-based oil. The FTR will permit, in a relatively short time, the assessment of the most promising formulations to be tested later under real working conditions, e.g., in agricultural tractors, reducing the risk of damage, before their ultimate introduction into the operating reality.

Meningoencephalitis case with listeriosis etiology in an immunocompetent female patient

Nervous forms of listeriosis are observed in 5%10% of persons suffering from this disease and in 75% of children with bacteriologically confirmed listeriosis as well. The most widespread clinical variant is Listeria meningitis, making up 15% of all cases of bacterial and serous meningitides. The mortality rate at neurolisteriosis reaches 30%40%. A case of acute meningoencephalitis associated with Listeria monocytogenes 4b in a 37-year-old immunocompetent woman is described. The disease was characterized by subacute onset, manifested intoxication, long-lasting and high-grade fever, cerebral coma, bulbar syndrome, right-side hemiparesis, bilateral hypertonus of the wrist flexors, strabism, anisocoria, manifested leukocytosis with leukocyte formula stab shift, ESR 4559 mm/hour. Cerebrospinal fluid test: cytosis 663 сells in 1 mcl, neutrophils 79%, lymphocytes 21%, protein 1451 mg/l, glucose 3.8 mmol/l. Diagnosis had been confirmed with detection of IgM against Listeria monocytogenes 4b in liquor using the indirect immunofluorescence reaction and Listeria monocytogenes by means of PCR. Antibacterial therapy had been conducted using Meropenem, Ampicillinum, endolumbal administration of 4 mg once daily of Gentamycinum combined with intravenous administration of 24 million of units/day of Penicillin. On day 50, she was transferred for rehabilitation treatment to the Department of Neurology.