Antibacterial ZnO@CeO2 nanocrystals: Prospective material for control of foodborne pathogens.

Foodborne microbial infections are leading cause of many deadly illnesses. As a result, there is an anticipated need for the development of innovative packaging materials with effective antibacterial potential. This article describes preparation and characterization of innovative ZnO@CeO2 nanocrystals through a facile hydrothermal method, as well as their outstanding antibacterial properties. The ZnO@CeO2 nanocrystals used were prepared using precursors zinc acetate and cerium nitrate at 180°C. Various sophisticated physicochemical parameters were used to assess nanocrystals. The antibacterial activity was examined using minimum inhibitory concentration technique against four major foodborne pathogenic bacteria, namely Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive), Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium and Klebsiella pneumoniae (Gram negative) at four distinct concentrations (0-400 µg/mL). The in vitro cell compatibility test was done on fibroblasts. According to our findings, the lowest concentration of ZnO@CeO2 nanocrystals limiting development of tested strains is 100 µg/mL. Additionally, the results show that the combination of ZnO and CeO2 can be synergistic, resulting in ZnO@CeO2 nanocrystals with enhanced antibacterial activity. To summarize, unique ZnO@CeO2 nanocrystals with a high surface-to-volume ratio with outstanding antibacterial activity and no harmful impact to mouse fibroblasts were shaped. The ZnO@CeO2 can be utilized to competently suppress microbial growth spoiling the food and could be utilized as economical and efficient future packaging material for food industries.

Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica: Case Report with Literature Review for Possible Pathological Association.

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system which is characterized by attacks of optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. An association between NMO and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has been rarely recognized, having been reported only 3 times before. Here we report on a patient with NMO who eventually developed subarachnoid hemorrhage, in order to emphasize that the association between NMO and ICH is mostly not incidental and that the pathological basis for this association should be investigated thoroughly.

Elective Surgical Cancellations in a Tertiary Hospital in the Middle East: Quality Improvement Process.

PURPOSE: Cancellation of elective surgery negatively affects patient outcomes and the efficiency of the work environment. The purpose of this project was to analyze the cancellation of elective surgeries and identify the best evidence-based interventions to address cancellations in a tertiary hospital in the Middle East. DESIGN: A quality improvement study design. METHODS: A retrospective review of cancellations conducted over two 3-month periods in 2016 and 2017. FINDINGS: In both phases of the audit, patient-related reasons were the leading cause of cancellations. Conducting a preoperative call 2 days before surgery and doing a weekly review of the surgery schedule reduced cancellations from 3.8% to 3.5%. Cancellations because of patient-related reasons reduced from 81% to 79.7% whereas cancellations because of hospital-related reasons reduced from 17.5% to 15.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Cancellation of surgeries is a worldwide health care issue and without understanding the causes of cancellations, it is difficult to devise an effective intervention to address this issue.

Tandem Aldol-Michael reactions in aqueous diethylamine medium: a greener and efficient approach to dimedone-barbituric acid derivatives.

BACKGROUND: Green chemistry is a rapidly developing new field that provides us with a proactive avenue for the sustainable development of future science and technologies. Green chemistry uses highly efficient and environmentally benign synthetic protocols to deliver lifesaving medicines, accelerating lead optimization processes in drug discovery, with reduced unnecessary environmental impact. From this view point, it is desirable to use water instead of organic solvents as a reaction medium, since water is safe, abundant and an environmentally benign solvent. RESULTS: A convenient one-pot method for the efficient synthesis of the novel Zwitterion derivatives 4a-pvia a three-component condensation reaction of barbituric acid derivatives 1a,b, dimedone 2, and various aldehydes 3 in the presence of aqueous diethylamine media is described. This new approach is environmentally benign, with clean synthetic procedure, short reaction times and easy work-up procedure which proceeded smoothly to provide excellent yield (88-98%). The synthesized products were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, MS, NMR and CHN analysis. The structure of 4a was further confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with α = 14.6669 (5) Å, b = 18.3084 (6) Å, c = 19.0294 (6) Å, α = 90°, ß = 90°, = 90°, V = 5109.9 (3) Å3, and Z = 8. The molecules are packed in crystal structure by weak intermolecular C-H⋅ ⋅ ⋅O hydrogen bonding interactions. CONCLUSIONS: An environmentally benign Aldol-Michael protocol for the synthesis of dimedone-barbituric derivatives using aqueous diethylamine medium is achieved.

Possession by 'Jinn' as a cause of epilepsy (Saraa): a study from Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE: Epilepsy has been linked to divine, demonic and supernatural powers throughout its long history. This study was conducted to explore if misconceptions such as possession by demons (Jinns) are still believed to be a cause of epilepsy among educated Saudis today. METHOD: This study was conducted among university-educated school teachers and undergraduate students. The findings are based on a structured questionnaire enquiring about familiarity with epilepsy, sources of knowledge, and depth of knowledge about specific aspects of epilepsy. RESULTS: Responses from 398 participants were included in the analysis of the results. Most participants had witnessed epileptic seizures. 2/3 of the participants reported that they had learned about epilepsy from friends and relatives. 172 (43.1%) members believed that epilepsy is a psychiatric disease. 62 (40.3%) of the school teachers and 123 (50.4%) of the students in the study considered possession as a cause of epilepsy. The majority of the cohort believed medical treatment for the condition exists despite the fact that a significant number believed that faith healers and traditional medicine can be of help in the treatment of epilepsy. CONCLUSION: Jinn possession is still believed to be a cause of epilepsy in Saudi society, even among fairly well-educated people. This finding emphasizes the urgent need for public education campaigns at all levels of education.

A Protective Mechanism in Lungs of Rats Experimentally Infected with Aspergillus fumigatus.

Aspergillus fumigatus is associated with invasive disease aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals. The major aim of this study was to investigate the biochemical and immunological responses of male Wistar rats against A. fumigatus experimentally-induced pulmonary fungal infection. Nostril experimental exposure of male Wistar rats to a high dose of A. fumigatus freeze-dried preparation for only 24 hr resulted in a significant increase in levels of catalase, nitric oxide and lipid peroxide in lung homogenates, compared to those of the control animals. However, the oxidative status of the lungs of rats challenged with killed fungus did not change significantly, except for the stimulation in the level of lipid peroxide. IgG level was significantly elevated only in rats that received two low doses of fungus, compared to unexposed animals (p<0.005). Examining the lung of rats exposed to A. fumigatus revealed no abnormal changes, except for pus in bronchial lumen spaces and per bronchial inflammation. Histologically, large numbers of granuloma cells were evident in the lungs of challenged rats, while no granuloma formation was evident in the lungs of rats exposed to killed fungus.

Long-term (up to 18 years) clinical and echocardiographic results of mitral balloon valvuloplasty in 531 consecutive patients and predictors of outcome.

OBJECTIVES: The study aim was to assess the long-term results (up to 18 years) of mitral balloon valvuloplasty (MBV) and to identify predictors of restenosis and event-free survival. METHODS: The immediate and long-term results for 531 consecutive patients (mean age 31 +/- 11 years) who underwent successful MBV and were followed up for a mean of 8.5 +/- 4.8 years (range: 1.5-18 years) are reported. RESULTS: The mitral valve area (MVA) increased from 0.92 +/- 0.17 to 1.95 +/- 0.29 cm(2) (p < 0.0001). Restenosis was 31 and 19% in patients with mitral echocardiographic score (MES) < or =8. Actuarial freedom from restenosis at 10, 15 and 18 years was 77 +/- 2, 46 +/- 3 and 18 +/- 4% and 86 +/- 2, 62 +/- 4 and 31 +/- 7% for MES < or =8, respectively (p < 0.001). Event-free survival (death, redo MBV, mitral valve replacement, NYHA class III or IV) at 10, 15 and 18 years was 88 +/- 1, 53 +/- 4, and 21 +/- 5% and 93 +/- 2, 65 +/- 5 and 38 +/- 8% for MES < or =8, respectively (p < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified MES >8 (p < 0.0001) and previous surgery (p = 0.043) as predictors of restenosis, and MES >8 (p < 0.0001) and baseline atrial fibrillation (p = 0.03) as predictors of combined events. CONCLUSION: MBV provides excellent long-term results. The baseline clinical and MES characteristics are predictors of outcome.