Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns in Patients with Vaginal Discharge: A 2019-2022 Analysis at the National Health Laboratory in Eritrea.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant global threat to the treatment of bacterial infections, particularly in low- and middle-income regions such as Africa. This study is aimed at analyzing antimicrobial resistance patterns in vaginal swab samples from patients at the National Health Laboratory from 2019 to 2022. Methods: This retrospective study examined patient records from vaginal swab analyses performed at the National Health Laboratory between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2022. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ministry of Health Research Ethical Approval and Clearance Committee on 15/02/2023. Results: Of the 622 samples, 83% underwent microbial isolation and identification. Citrobacter spp. exhibited high resistance (>43%) to antibiotics such as cephalexin, ceftazidime, nalidixic acid, ampicillin, gentamicin, and tetracycline. E. coli showed resistance rates of more than 50% to ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline. Klebsiella spp. and Proteus spp. exhibited resistance rates that exceeded 47% to specific antibiotics. Gram-positive bacteria have resistance rates of more than 49% with ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, oxacillin, vancomycin, and penicillin G. In particular, S. aureus demonstrated no resistance to rifampicin or clindamycin, while Streptococcus spp. showed 100% resistance to rifampicin and vancomycin. Several species, including Proteus species, Streptococcus spp., S. aureus, and Klebsiella spp. exhibited multidrug resistance. Conclusion: Most gram-negative bacteria displayed higher resistance of >45% to ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline. Among gram-positive bacteria, a higher resistance rate with ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, oxacillin, vancomycin, and penicillin G was recorded. S. aureus showed no resistance to rifampicin and clindamycin, and Strep. spp. indicated 100% resistance to rifampicin and vancomycin. This study highlights critical gaps and areas for further exploration. Expanding the spectrum of antibiotics tested and investigating underlying multidrug resistance mechanisms would provide a more comprehensive understanding of resistance patterns.

Enhanced Emission of Tellurite Glass Doped with Pr3+/Ho3+ and Their Applications.

The shielding and spectroscopic properties of Pr+3 and Pr3+/Ho3+-codoped tellurite glass were investigated. The intensity parameters (Ω2 = 3.24-, Ω4 = 1.64-, Ω6 = 1.10 × 10-20 cm2) as well as the radiative lifetimes of 3F4 + 5S2 and 5I6 excited states of Ho3+ ions were equal to 301 µs and 3.0 µs, respectively. The former value appears to be much higher than that obtained from the lifetime measurement, indicating the presence of various energy transfer processes. The NIR spectrum of Pr3+/Ho3+-co-doped tellurite glass is dominated by strong Ho3+: 5I6 emission at around 1200 nm, being the result of the energy transfer from Pr3+ to Ho3+ ions. The shielding effectiveness of the prepared glasses showed good performance against high-energy photons. These findings suggest that the prepared glasses could be used in laser technology such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment procedures and as shielding for radiation protection.

Enhancement of Optical Telecommunication Bands: Pr3+-Doped Halide Phosphate Glasses Display Broadband NIR Photoluminescence Emission.

In the optical energy gap, visible and near-IR emission of halide phosphate glasses with a composition of 40P2O5-30ZnO-20LiCl-10BaF2 in mol% doped with 3.5 × 104 ppm Pr2O3, referred to as PZLBPr, were synthesized. The UV-VIS-NIR and spectroscopic properties of these glasses were also predicted. The current glasses had broadband emission photoluminescence covering a wavelength range of 1250 to 1700 nm when excited at 455 nm. These bands for near-infrared emission luminescence relate to the transitions 1G4 → 3H5, 1D2 → 1G4, and 3H4 → 3F3, 3F4 in the optical telecommunication window. The significant PL emission wideband was caused by the radiative transition from Pr3+: 1D2 to 1G4. At 445 nm excitation, these glasses exhibited emission bands that corresponded to blue/reddish orange spectral ranges in visible ranges. The prepared glass has a high lasing quality factor (Ω4/Ω6 = 0.9), high optical energy (4.72 eV), and quantum efficiency = 87.3% with FWHM = 156 nm of transition emission from the 1D2 → 1G4 level. As a result, broadband near infrared optical amplifiers can be fabricated from the prepared glasses.

Biological Control and Plant Growth Promotion Properties of Volatile Organic Compound-Producing Antagonistic Trichoderma spp.

Trichoderma is environmentally vital due to their plant growth-promoting effects (such as enhancement of nutrients supply, suppression of plant pathogens, and promotion of plant defense). Biogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are diverse chemical substances emitted by Trichoderma spp. The potential role of VOCs in biological control and plant growth promotion has recently been recognized. Here, the Trichoderma-VOCs' performance for plant growth promotion and suppression of plant pathogens are evaluated. We further investigated VOC emission profiles of T. harzianum using GC-MS. The Trichoderma-VOCs exhibited significant (p < 0.05) antifungal properties against all tested pathogenic fungi. T. atroviride-VOCs showed a decisive inhibition of Alternaria panax, Botrytis cinerea, Cylindrocarpon destructans, and Sclerotinia nivalis. The germinating seeds demonstrated growth enhancement in the presence of Trichoderma-VOCs emitted by different strains. Low levels of cyclopentasiloxane, decamethyl, cyclotetrasiloxane, and octamethyl were found in T. harzianum KNU1 strain whereas cyclopentasiloxane, decamethyl, cyclotetrasiloxane, and octamethyl showed higher emission levels as Si-containing compounds. The results reveal the potentiality of VOCs as a biocontrol resource against deleterious rhizosphere microorganisms and underline the importance of Trichoderma-VOCs emissions in regulating plant growth and development.

Evaluation of the Radiation Shielding Properties of a Tellurite Glass System Modified with Sodium Oxide.

In this study, the X-ray and gamma attenuation characteristics and optical properties of a synthesized tellurite-phosphate-sodium oxide glass system with a composition of (85 - x)TeO2-10P2O5-xNa2O mol% (where x = 15, 20, and 25) were evaluated. The glass systems we re fabricated by our research group using quenching melt fabrication. The shielding parameters of as-synthesized systems, such as the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), effective atomic number (Zeff), half-value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), and effective electron density (Neff) in a wide energy range between 15 keV and 15 MeV, were estimated using well-known PHY-X/PSD software and recently developed MIKE software. Herein, the optical parameters of prepared glasses, such as molar volume (VM), oxygen molar volume (VO), oxygen packing density (OPD), molar polarizability (αm), molar refractivity (Rm), reflection loss (RL), and metallization (M), were estimated using MIKE software. Furthermore, the shielding performance of the prepared glasses was compared with that of commonly used standard glass shielding materials. The results show that the incorporation of sodium oxide into the matrix TeO2/P2O5 with an optimum concentration can yield a glass system with good shielding performance as well as good optical and physical properties, especially at low photon energy.

Thermal Stability, Optical Properties, and Gamma Shielding Properties of Tellurite Glass Modified with Potassium Chloride.

The synthesized glass system with a composition of (80-x) TeO2-10P2O5-10Nb2O5-xKCl mol% (where x = 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25) was successfully fabricated. The density (ρ) and molar volume (Vm) have been calculated. The investigated glasses were characterized using different analysis methods (differential thermal analysis (DTA) and UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy). The radiation shielding effectiveness of the synthesized glass system was evaluated using different shielding parameters, such as mass and linear attenuation coefficients (MAC, LAC), half-value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic number (Zeff), and effective electron number (Neff). The results showed that with the increasing potassium chloride (KCl) concentration and decreasing tellurium oxide (TeO2) concentration, the density, refractive index, Urbach energy (Eu), and glass transition temperature (Tg) decreased, while the optical energy gap (Eopt) and thermal stability increased. As the KCl concentration increases, the values of MAC, LAC, and Zeff increase in the following order: TPNK5 % > TPNK10 % > TPNK15 % > TPNK20 % > TPNK25 %. Additionally, the shielding effectiveness of TPNK glass system showed good performance compared with some standard materials. The synthesized glass with a minimum KCl content has both good shielding effectiveness and good optical properties, in addition to reasonable thermal stability, which makes it suitable for shielding and optical applications.

The Effect of ZnO, MgO, TiO2, and Na2O Modifiers on the Physical, Optical, and Radiation Shielding Properties of a TeTaNb Glass System.

Novel glass samples with the composition 75TeO2-5Ta2O5-15Nb2O5-5x (where x = ZnO, MgO, TiO2, or Na2O) in mole percent were prepared. The physical, optical, and gamma radiation shielding properties of the glass samples were studied over a wide energy spectrum ranging between 0.015 and 20 MeV. The glasses' UV-vis spectra were utilized to evaluate the optical energy gap and refractive index. Glass samples had a refractive index ranging from 2.2005 to 2.0967. The results showed that the sample doped with zinc oxide (ZnO) recorded the highest density (ρglass), molar polarizability (αm), molar refraction (Rm), refractive index (n), and third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility (χ3) and the lowest optical energy gap (Eopt) among the samples under investigation. When comparing the current glass system with various standard glass shielding materials, the prepared glass system showed superior shielding performance at energies ranging between 40 and 85 keV. These findings indicate that the prepared glass systems can be used in diagnostic X-rays, especially in dental applications.

Optical and radiation shielding characteristics of tellurite glass doped with different rare-earth oxides.

Shielding glass materials doped with heavy metal oxides show an improvement in the effectiveness of the materials used in radiation shielding. In this work, the photon shielding parameters of six tellurite glass systems doped with several metal oxides namely, 70TeO2-10P2O5- 10ZnO- 5.0PbF2- 0.0024Er2O3- 5.0X (where X represents different doped metail oxides namely, Nb2O5, TiO2, WO3, PbO, Bi2O3, and CdO) in a broad energy spectrum, ranging from 0.015 MeV to 15 MeV, were evaluated. The shielding parameters were calculated using the online software Phy-X/PSD. The highest linear and mass attenuation coefficients recorded were obtaibed from the samples containing bismuth oxide (Bi2O3), and the lowest half-value layer and mean free path were recorded among the other samples. Furthermore, the shielding effectiveness of tellurite glass systems was compared with commercial shielding materials (RS-369, RS-253 G18, chromite, ferrite, magnetite, and barite). The optical parameters viz, dispersion energy, single-oscillator energy, molar refraction, electronic polarizability, non-linear refractive indices, n2, and third-order susceptibility were measured and reported at a different wavelength. Bi2O3 has a strong effect on enhancing the optical and shielding properties. The outcome of this study suggests the potential of using the proposed glass samples as radiation-shielding materials for a broad range of imaging and therapeutic applications.

GABA transaminase deficiency. Case report and literature review.

GABA transaminase deficiency should be considered in the differential diagnosis of early onset epileptic encephalopathies. This case was diagnosed post-mortem, but increased vigilance to this will allow for earlier diagnoses in other infants and families. This is a case study which involved diagnosis of a rare neurometabolic disorder in one of the babies in the family and eventual genetic counselling of the family. The family has been offered pre-implantation genetic diagnosis for future pregnancies. This case reporting has been approved by the hospital research and ethical committee.

Optically transparent glass modified with metal oxides for X-rays and gamma rays shielding material.

BACKGROUND: Metal oxide glass composites have attracted huge interest as promising shielding materials to replace toxic, heavy, and costly conventional shielding materials. OBJECTIVE: In this work, we evaluate shielding effectiveness of four novel tellurite-based glasses samples doped with oxide metals (namely, A, B, C, and D, which are 75TeO2- 10P2O5- 10ZnO- 5PbF2- 0.24Er2O3 ; 70TeO2- 10P2O5- 10ZnO- 5PbF2 -5MgO- 0.24Er2O3; 70TeO2- 10P2O5- 10ZnO- 5PbF2- 5BaO- 0.24Er2O3 ; and 70TeO2- 10P2O5-10ZnO- 5PbF2- 5SrO; respectively) by assessing them through a wide range of ionizing radiation energies (0.015-15 MeV). METHODS: The radiation-shielding parameters including mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), half-value layer (HVL), mean free path, (MFP), effective atomic number (Zeff), effective electron number (Neff), and the transmission factor are computed in the selected range of ionizing radiation energies. Furthermore, the proposed samples were compared with the most common shielding glass materials. The optical parameters viz oscillator, dispersion energy, nonlinear refractive indices, molar, and electronic polarizability of these transparent glasses are reported at different wavelengths. RESULTS: The results show that the proposed samples have considerable effectiveness as transparent shielding glass materials at various ionizing radiation energies. They can be employed for effective radiation-protection outcomes. Sample C demonstrated slightly better shielding properties than the other samples with differences of 1.33%, 4.6%, and 4.2% for samples A, B, and D, respectively. A similar trend is observed regarding the mass attenuation coefficients. Nevertheless, sample B shows better optical properties than the other prepared glass samples. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the proposed novel glass samples have good shielding properties and optical characteristics, which can pave the way for their utilization as transparent radiation-shielding materials in medical and industrial applications.

Development of a computational tool for estimating computed tomography dose parameters.

BACKGROUND: Computed Tomographic (CT) imaging procedures have been reported as the main source of radiation in diagnostic procedures compared to other modalities. To provide the optimal quality of CT images at the minimum radiation risk to the patient, periodic inspections and calibration tests for CT equipment are required. These tests involve a series of measurements that are time consuming and may require specific skills and highly-trained personnel. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to develop a new computational tool to estimate the dose of CT radiation outputs and assist in the calibration of CT scanners. It may also provide an educational resource by which radiological practitioners can learn the influence of technique factors on both patient radiation dose and the produced image quality. METHODS: The computational tool was developed using MATLAB in order to estimate the CT radiation dose parameters for different technique factors. The CT radiation dose parameters were estimated from the calibrated energy spectrum of the x-ray tube for a CT scanner. RESULTS: The estimated dose parameters and the measured values utilising an Adult CT Head Dose Phantom showed linear correlations for different tube voltages (80 kVp, 100 kVp, 120 kVp, and 140 kVp), with R2 nearly equal to 1 (0.99). The maximum differences between the estimated and measured CTDIvol were under 5 %. For 80 kVp and low tube currents (50 mA, 100 mA), the maximum differences were under 10%. CONCLUSIONS: The prototyped computational model provides a tool for the simulation of a machine-specific spectrum and CT dose parameters using a single dose measurement.

Expression of SidD gene and physiological characterization of the rhizosphere plant growth-promoting yeasts.

There is increasing evidence that rhizosphere microbes contribute to the stress mitigation process, but the mechanisms of this plant-microbe interaction are not yet understood. Siderophores-producing microorganisms have been considered important for enhancing metal tolerance in plants. In this study, rhizosphere yeasts were isolated from wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and examined for siderophores production and heavy metal resistance. Out of thirty-five isolates, only eight yeast strains showed heavy metal-resistance and plant-growth promotion properties. The highest inorganic phosphate-solubilization was shown by Trichosporon ovoides IFM 63839 (2.98 mg ml-1) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae FI25-1F (2.54 mg ml-1). Two strains, namely YEAST-6 and YEAST-16 showed high siderophore production and heavy metal-resistance, were investigated for sidD gene expression under different levels of Cd2+ and Pb2+ toxicity stress. The heavy metal-resistant yeast strains were characterized and identified based on the phenotypic characteristics and their 18S rRNA genes sequence. SidD gene expression was induced by yeasts growing under iron-limiting conditions and excess of other heavy metal, suggesting that expression of sidD gene increases in the presence of 600-800 µM heavy metal but under iron limitation. Extensive studies of the microbe-plant micronutrient interactions will enrich our understanding of the rhizosphere role in the terms of plant growth promotion.

Radiologists' Knowledge and Attitudes towards CT Radiation Dose and Exposure in Saudi Arabia-A Survey Study.

Computed tomography (CT) is a key imaging technique in diagnostic radiology, providing highly sensitive and specific information. While its use has increased dramatically in recent years, the quantity and associated risks of radiation from CT scans present major challenges, particularly in paediatrics. The fundamental principles of radiation protection require that radiation quantities be as low as reasonably achievable and CT use must be justified, particularly for paediatric patients. CT radiation knowledge is a key factor in optimising and minimising radiation risk. The objective of this study was to analyse knowledge level, expertise, and competency regarding CT radiation dose and its hazards in paediatrics among radiologists in Saudi Arabian hospitals. A self-reported, multiple-choice questionnaire assessed the attitudes and opinions of radiologists involved in imaging studies using ionising radiation. Among the total respondents, 65% ± 13.5% had a good comprehension of the dangers of carcinogenicity to the patient resulting from CT scans, with 80% presuming that cancer risks were elevated. However, only 48.5%, 56.5%, and 65% of the respondents were aware of specific radiation risks in head, chest, and abdominal paediatric examinations, respectively. Regular, frequent, and specific training courses are suggested to improve the fundamental knowledge of CT radiation among radiologists and other physicians.

Effect of Rosemary Essential Oil and Trichoderma koningiopsis VOCs on Pathogenic Fungi Responsible for Ginseng Root-rot Disease.

Rosemary essential oil was evaluated for antifungal potentiality against six major ginseng pathogens: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Sclerotinia nivalis, Cylindrocarpon destructans, Alternaria panax, Botrytis cinerea, and Fusarium oxysporum. The in vitro fungicidal effects of two commonly used fungicides, namely mancozeb and fenhexamid, and the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of Trichoderma koningiopsis T-403 on the mycelial growth were investigated. The results showed that rosemary essential oil is active against all of the pathogenic strains of ginseng root rot, whereas rosemary oil displayed high ability to inhibit the Sclerotinia spp. growth. The highest sensitivity was S. nivalis, with complete inhibition of growth at 0.1% v/v of rosemary oil, followed by Alternaria panax, which exhibited 100% inhibition at 0.3% v/v of the oil. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of rosemary oil ranged from 0.1 % to 0.5 % (v/v). Chemical analysis using GC-MS showed the presence of thirty-two constituents within rosemary oil from R. officinals L. Camphore type is the most frequent sesquiterpene in rosemary oil composition. Mancozeb and fenhexamid showed their highest inhibition effect (45% and 30%, respectively) against A. panax. T. koningiopsis T-403 showed its highest inhibition effect (84%) against C. destructans isolate. This study may expedite the application of antifungal natural substances from rosemary and Trichoderma in the prevention and control of phytopathogenic strains in ginseng root infections.

Zinc Ions Affect Siderophore Production by Fungi Isolated from the Panax ginseng Rhizosphere.

Although siderophore compounds are mainly biosynthesized as a response to iron deficiency in the environment, they also bind with other metals. A few studies have been conducted on the impact of heavy metals on the siderophore-mediated iron uptake by microbiome. Here, we investigated siderophore production by a variety of rhizosphere fungi under different concentrations of Zn²âº ion. These strains were specifically isolated from the rhizosphere of Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng). The siderophore production of isolated fungi was investigated with chrome azurol S (CAS) assay liquid media amended with different concentrations of Zn²âº (50 to 250 µg/ml). The percentage of siderophore units was quantified using the ultra-violet (UV) irradiation method. The results indicated that high concentrations of Zn²âº ion increase the production of siderophore in iron-limited cultures. Maximum siderophore production by the fungal strains was detected at Zn²âº ion concentration of 150 µg/ml except for Mortierella sp., which had the highest siderophore production at 200 µg/ml. One potent siderophore-producing strain (Penicillium sp. JJHO) was strongly influenced by the presence of Zn²âº ions and showed high identity to P. commune (100% using 18S-rRNA sequencing). The purified siderophores of the Penicillium sp. JJHO strain were chemically identified using UV, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF-MS) spectra.

Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Improved Salinity Tolerance of Lactuca sativa and Raphanus sativus.

Salinity stress is an important environmental problem that adversely affects crop production by reducing plant growth. The impacts of rhizobacterial strains to alleviate salinity stress on the germination of Lactuca sativa and Raphanus sativus seeds were assessed using different concentrations of NaCl. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains were also examined to improve the early germination of Chinese cabbage seeds under normal conditions. Lactobacillus sp. and P. putida inoculation showed higher radicle lengths compared with non-inoculated radish (Raphanus sativus) seeds. LAP mix inoculation increased the radicle length of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) seedlings by 2.0 and 0.5 cm at salinity stress of 50 and 100 mM NaCl concentration, respectively. Inoculation by Azotobacter chroococcum significantly increased the plumule and radicle lengths of germinated seeds compared with non-inoculated control. A. chroococcum increased the radicle length relative to the uninoculated seeds by 4.0, 1.0, and 1.5 cm at 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl concentration, respectively. LAP mix inoculation significantly improved the radicle length in germinated radish seeds by 7.5, 1.3, 1.2, and 0.6 cm under salinity stress of 50, 100, 150, and 200 mM NaCl concentration, respectively. These results of this study showed that PGPR could be helpful to mitigate the salinity stress of different plants at the time of germination.

Report of a case of Raine syndrome and literature review.

We report on a case of Raine syndrome with a mutation in FAM20C and typical phenotypic features consisting of midface hypoplasia, hypoplastic nose, choanal atresia, wide fontanelle, exophthalmos, generalized osteosclerosis and intracranial calcification. New features in our patient are cerebellar hypoplasia and pachygyria. We review the literature and conclude that the triad of hypoplastic nose, exophthalmos and generalized osteosclerosis and/or intracranial calcification is consistent in all molecularly confirmed cases.

Infants of diabetic mothers. A cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome of infants born to diabetic mothers at Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and compare the complications seen in these infants with infants of non-diabetic mothers. METHODS: This is a concurrent prospective cohort study of a population of newborn infants delivered at Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for diabetic mothers between January 2011 and November 2011. RESULTS: A total of 601 infants were enrolled in the study consisting of 319 infants of non-diabetic mothers, and 282 infants of diabetic mothers. Infants of diabetic mothers showed significantly higher rates of associated complications and prolonged hospital stay reflected in their admission to the neonatal intensive care when compared with infants of non-diabetic mothers. There was no difference in rate of complications between infants of gestational diabetics and pre-gestational diabetics. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that diabetic pregnancies are associated with an increased incidence of neonatal complications. These seem to be related to the degree of maternal glycemic control. The higher rates of complications among our infants of diabetic mothers, particularly major congenital malformations call for those involved in the care of diabetic mothers to consolidate their efforts to facilitate early booking in specialist clinics.

Potential of siderophore production by bacteria isolated from heavy metal: polluted and rhizosphere soils.

Recently, heavy metals have been shown to have a stimulating effect on siderophore biosynthesis in various bacteria. In addition, several studies have found that siderophore production is greater in bacteria isolated from soil near plant roots. The aim of this study was to compare the production of siderophores by bacterial strains isolated from heavy metal-contaminated and uncontaminated soils. Chrome azurol sulphonate was used to detect siderophore secretion by several bacterial strains isolated from heavy metal-contaminated and rhizosphere-uncontaminated soils with both a qualitative disc diffusion method and a quantitative ultraviolet spectrophotometric method. Siderophore production by rhizosphere bacteria was significantly greater than by bacteria isolated from contaminated soil. The Pearson's correlation test indicated a positive correlation between the amount of siderophore produced by bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere using the quantitative and qualitative detection methods and the amount of heavy metal in the soil. However, a significant negative correlation was observed between the amount of siderophore produced by bacteria isolated from heavy metal-contaminated soil and the amount of heavy metal (r value of -0.775, P < 0.001).