The effects of delayed annealing on the luminescent activity of heavy metal cadmium zinc phosphate glasses activated by: Er3+ and Tb3+ ions.

The luminescent spectra of the RE2O3-doped P2O5-CdO-ZnO glasses (RE = Er, and Tb) were investigated to separate the effects of two studied rare-earth elements and the annealing regime on the emission performance of the prepared glasses. The glasses undergo a series of collective measurements including UV-visible absorption, luminescence, thermal expansion, XRD, TEM, and FTIR. The optical UV-visible spectra of the two doped glasses reveal a UV band due to undoped glass beside and extra extended 11 peaks with the Er3+ ions with high distinct features while the Tb3+ ions samples exhibit peaks within the visible region. These peaks are correlated with transitions from the ground state in each case to specific energy transitions. The overall optical data indicate that the two rare earth ions are present in a stable trivalent state. Under UV excitation, both Er3+ and Tb3+ emit a characteristic green light corresponding to 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 and 5D4 → 7F5 transitions, respectively. The performance of the green light was identified to be enhanced by increasing the concentration of rare earth and the effect of annealing temperature. Moreover, the intensity of the infrared emission of Er3+ at 1532 nm corresponds to the (4I13/2 → 4I15/2) transition which is assumed to be developed with the effect of heating. The resultant IR spectra show distinct vibrational peaks due to phosphate groups that undergo only minor modifications when doped with rare earth elements or over-annealed.

Evaluation of human monkeypox knowledge and beliefs regarding emerging viral infections among healthcare workers.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate possible factors that might be accompanied by high level of human monkey pox (HMPX) knowledge and to explain the relationship between HMPX knowledge and Beliefs regarding emerging viral infections. STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted for the implementation of this study. METHODS: Study was conducted at two general hospitals in Mansoura City (Old General Hospital and International Hospital) El Dakahlia Governorate among 620 healthcare workers (HCWs) using a self-managed questionnaire for 1 week (1 to 7 January 2023). The questionnaire has items adapted from the previously published literature to assess HMPX knowledge and Beliefs regarding emerging viral infections. RESULTS: The mean age of the study sample was 27.97 years and most of them were female (86.1%). Physicians and other HCWs (nurses, laboratory technicians, radiographer technicians, and pharmacists) had significantly different levels of knowledge of monkeypox for the majority of the questions. A higher belief was found among two items: viruses are biological weapons manufactured by the superpowers to take global control and the government is misleading the public about the cause of the virus. CONCLUSION: This study discovered lower levels of knowledge of HMPX among HCWs in Egypt. Beliefs about emerging viral infections were widespread, and future research should look into their potential negative impact on health behavior.

Satisfaction and anxiety level during clinical training among nursing students.

BACKGROUND: Quality is a primary concern of health care agencies worldwide. A conducive clinical training environment is essential for nursing students to be capable of enhancing their learning experiences and achieving the desired training outcomes. AIM: This study aimed to examine the satisfaction and anxiety levels during clinical training among nursing students. TYPE OF STUDY: A descriptive -analytical cross-sectional study design was utilized. The research was conducted at the Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University and Colleges of Applied Medical Sciences in Alnamas and Bisha, University of Bisha. Sampling method: A convenience sampling technique was used. SAMPLE SIZE: a sample of 1052 undergraduate nursing students. The data was gathered via a structured questionnaire including the socio-demographic characteristics and nursing students' satisfaction with the hospital and laboratory training. Additionally, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) was adopted to measure the anxiety level. RESULTS: The mean age of the studied sample was 21.9 ± 1.83 years, and 56.9% are females. Moreover, 90.1% & 76.4% of the nursing students were satisfied with their hospital and laboratory training. Furthermore, 61.1% & 54.8% of the students had mild levels of anxiety regarding their hospital training and laboratory training, respectively. CONCLUSION: The undergraduate nursing students had a high level of satisfaction with their clinical training at the hospitals and laboratories. Moreover, they had mild anxiety related to hospital and laboratory clinical training. RECOMMENDATIONS: Developing clinical orientation and training programs and improvement strategies to enhance the effectiveness of the clinical training environment. The establishment of a modern, tastefully designed, and fully stocked skill lab for the college's student training should receive more attention. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Through the provision of ongoing education about different method of practice, nursing was intended to shape future professional nurses who master core competencies of the profession. Organizations may benefit from developing a comprehensive strategy to achieve an effective teaching program.

Sperm tendency to agglutinate in motile bundles in relation to sperm competition and fertility duration in chickens.

A unique sperm behavior was observed in Egyptian chickens. Sperm showed a tendency to agglutinate forming motile thread-like bundles. Sperm agglutination behavior, kinematics, and some morphometric measures were studied in relation to sperm competition and fertility duration in Sharkasi and Dandarawi chickens. Sperm tendency to agglutinate was assessed by examining sperm morphology using scanning electron microscopy, Acridine orange-stained semen smears using fluorescence microscopy, and recording videos of sperm under phase contrast microscope. Sperm velocity and morphometric measures were evaluated using image-J software. To assess sperm competition, Sharkasi and Dandarawi hens were artificially inseminated by semen pools possessing equal number of Sharaksi and Dandarawi sperm. Artificial insemination was repeated ten times. The eggs obtained were incubated, and the hatchlings were discriminated as descending from Sharkasi or Dandarawi fathers according to their phenotype. To assess the fertility duration, Sharkasi and Dandarawi hens were inseminated by semen collected from roosters of the same strain. Eggs were collected for a period of 28 days post-insemination and incubated. Sharkasi spermatozoa showed higher tendency to agglutinate forming longer and thicker motile bundles. No significant differences were observed in sperm curvilinear and straight line velocity and in sperm morphometric measures between Sharkasi and Dandarawi chickens. Sharkasi roosters fathered 81.6% and 67.7% of the hatchlings produced by Sharkasi and Dandarawi mothers, respectively. The fertility period in Sharkasi and Dandarawi was 22 and 14 days, respectively. We suggest that the differences seen in sperm competitiveness and fertility duration can be attributed to sperm agglutination behavior.

Crystallization effects on the photoluminescence efficiency of SrO-B2O3 glass activated by W6+, Eu3+, Dy3+ or Pr3+ ions.

Binary strontium borate host glass together with samples doped with 0.25 %WO3 and one of the rare - earth ions (0.125% Eu3+, Dy3+ or Pr3+) were prepared by conventional melting - annealing technique. DTA analysis of the host base glass was carried out to derive the proper temperatures which are necessary to convert glasses into their corresponding glass -ceramic through controlled thermal heat -treatment regime. Measurements of optical, FTIR, and PL spectra were carried out with special analysis of the spectral properties. The identity of glass - ceramic derivatives were investigated through x-ray diffraction, and TEM & SEM tools to identify their crystalline morphological features. The absorption spectrum of WO3 - doped glass refers to the existence of dominant hexavalent tungsten ions. The RE- doped glass reveal characteristic visible - NIR absorption peaks due to the respective rare earth ions. FTIR spectra show absorption bands due to both triangular and tetravalent borate groups (BO3, BO4).PL spectra reveal excitation and emission characteristic peaks due to each specific rare earth ions. XRD indicate the preference of the host glass to form strontium pyroborate (SrB4O7) crystalline phase. This facilitates the clear knowledge of the crystallization behavior and hence can justify the effect of the crystallization on the studied properties.

Campylobacter fetus Meningitis: A diagnosis to suggest in immunocompromised patients.

Campylobacter fetus causes in humans mostly gastroenteritis. Systemic infection occurs almost exclusively in immunocompromised patients with chronic debilitating diseases. We report the case of a Campylobacter fetus meningitis in a woman aged 48 years with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs. Cerebrospinal fluid culture was positive for Campylobacter fetus. The evolution was favorable using imipenem and ciprofloxacin.

Lymphatic spread in an immunocompetent adult.

Cutaneous tuberculosis with lymphatic spread is rarely described. We report the case of a woman aged 38, immunocompetent, working in a fruit sorting center, who consulted us for ulceration of the left third finger that had persisted for four months, following a prick from a prickly pear. Physical examination revealed a nodular, erythematous, and ulcerative lesion of the left third finger, associated with inflammatory subcutaneous nodules arranged in a line along the ipsilateral upper extremity and an ipsilateral axillary lymph node. Laboratory tests and chest X-ray were normal. Pathological examination revealed granulomatous chronic inflammation without necrosis. PCR detected DNA from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. No extracutaneous tuberculosis locations were detected. A tuberculous chancre by direct inoculation was therefore diagnosed. The patient received quadruple therapy (rifampicin + isoniazid + pyrazinamide + ethambutol) for 2 months, followed by a combination therapy based on isoniazid and rifampicin for 6 months. Marked regression of the cutaneous lesions occurred after 1 month of first-line therapy. A tuberculous chancre is a rare form of cutaneous tuberculosis, with possible lymphatic spread, in immunocompromised patients but also in immunocompetent children and young adults.

NASA's Satellite Laser Ranging Systems for the 21st Century.

For over 40 years, NASA's global network of satellite laser ranging (SLR) stations has provided a significant percentage of the global orbital data used to define the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF). The current NASA legacy network is reaching its end-of-life and a new generation of systems must be ready to take its place. Scientific demands of sub-millimeter precision ranging and the ever-increasing number of tracking targets give aggressive performance requirements to this new generation of systems. Using lessons learned from the legacy systems and the successful development of a prototype station, a new network of SLR stations, called the Space Geodesy Satellite Laser Ranging (SGSLR) systems, is being developed. These will be the state-of-the-art SLR component of NASA's Space Geodesy Project (SGP). Each of SGSLR's nine subsystems has been designed to produce a robust, kilohertz laser ranging system with 24/7 operational capability and with minimal human intervention. SGSLR's data must support the aggressive goals of the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS), which are 1 millimeter (mm) position accuracy and 0.1 mm per year stability of the ITRF. This paper will describe the major requirements and accompanying design of the new SGSLR systems, how the systems will be tested, and the expected system performance.

Optical, structural and thermal properties of sodium metaphosphate glasses containing Bi2O3 with interactions of gamma rays.

Sodium metaphosphate glasses with successive increasing added Bi2O3 contents (5-40%) were prepared to improve their chemical stability and increase their optical and thermal properties through the additional building BiO6 and BiO3 units. The optical spectrum of the base metaphosphate glass reveals strong UV absorption due to the presence of trace iron (Fe3+) ions present as impurities. Glasses containing additional 5, 7.5 and 10% Bi2O3 show further band around 406nm which can be related to absorption of Bi3+ ions. With increasing the Bi2O3 content, this near visible band is observed to disappear indicating peculiar behavior needing further work. Gamma irradiation causes only minor changes in the position of the strong UV peaks but an obvious induced visible broad band centered at 452-460nm in the base and Bi2O3 containing glasses. This induced band is related to the generation of phosphorus oxygen hole center or non bridging oxygen hole center as revealed by various authors. FTIR results reveal characteristic vibrational bands due to phosphate groups and with the addition of Bi2O3, some interference of BiO vibrational units are expected. Gamma irradiation causes limited changes in the IR spectra due to suggested shielding effect of the heavy metal oxide Bi2O3.

Identification of clinically relevant Corynebacterium strains by Api Coryne, MALDI-TOF-mass spectrometry and molecular approaches.

We evaluated the Bruker Biotyper matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) for the identification of 97 Corynebacterium clinical in comparison to identification strains by Api Coryne and MALDI-TOF-MS using 16S rRNA gene and hypervariable region of rpoB genes sequencing as a reference method. C. striatum was the predominant species isolated followed by C. amycolatum. There was an agreement between Api Coryne strips and MALDI-TOF-MS identification in 88.65% of cases. MALDI-TOF-MS was unable to differentiate C. aurimucosum from C. minutissimum and C. minutissimum from C. singulare but reliably identify 92 of 97 (94.84%) strains. Two strains remained incompletely identified to the species level by MALDI-TOF-MS and molecular approaches. They belonged to Cellulomonas and Pseudoclavibacter genus. In conclusion, MALDI-TOF-MS is a rapid and reliable method for the identification of Corynebacterium species. However, some limits have been noted and have to be resolved by the application of molecular methods.

[Analysis of severe Legionellosis hospitalized in intensive care units in Tunisia]. / Analyse des cas de légionellose grave hospitalisés dans les services de réanimation en Tunisie.

This study is the first one that describes the situation of Legionnaires' disease (LD) in Tunisia, with its clinical and epidemiological characteristics and investigates the risk factors associated with Legionella infections in our country. We conducted a retrospective multicentric study during 5 years (2008-2012) concerning all confirmed LD cases in Tunisia and we investigated risk factors for infection. The total of confirmed LD cases was 14. Incidence was 0.03. Mean age: 53.1, sex ratio (M/F): 2.6. Summer-autumnal peak was noted. Risk factors for infection were: the great humidity at home (n=4), living in community (n=3) and practice ablutions (before prayer) in public places (n=4). Community acquired legionellosis (n=9) and nosocomial (n=2). Pulmonary symptoms (n=11)+/-gastrointestinal (n=6) and/or neurological signs (n=4). Beta lactams therapy failed (n=11). CXR showed bilateral lesions (n=6). Abnormalities in laboratory values were noted: hyponatremia (n=9), high CPK levels (n=9). Diagnosis was confirmed by positive urinary Legionella antigens test (n=10) and by direct immunofluorescence (n=1). Treatment was based on bitherapy (n=10). Five patients died. The incidence of LD appears lower than other countries. Some risk factors, as ablutions, are different from that reported in Western countries and seem to be specific to our society. Given the seriousness of its consequences, it is strongly recommended to improve the national surveillance system up and register LD as notifiable disease.

[Profile and susceptibility to antibiotics in urinary tract infections in children and newborns from 2012 to 2013: Data from 1879 urine cultures]. / Profil et sensibilité aux antibiotiques de 1879 bactéries urinaires pathogènes isolées chez l'enfant (2012-2013).

INTRODUCTION: We present recent data on the bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility of uropathogenic bacteria isolated in children and newborns in our region over the past 2 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study on the positive urine cultures from pediatric and neonatal populations during 2012-2013. Bacteria were identified using conventional methods. Susceptibility testing was performed and interpreted as recommended by the committee of the susceptibility of the French Society of Microbiology (CA-SFM). RESULTS: We collected 1879 non-redundant bacteria with more than 73% Escherichia coli. Children and infants (mean age, 32 months [range, 1 month to 14 years]) accounted for 84% of the bacteria collected and newborns (mean age, 12 days [range, 1 day to 1 month]) 16%. A female predominance was observed in the pediatric population (M:F sex ratio, 3.2), whereas for the neonatal population, the proportions were almost identical in both sexes (M:F sex ratio, 1.1). Most of the positive urine cultures (n=1234) were from the community. Hospitalized patients (n=636) were divided into pediatric (60%) and neonatal units (40%). Five bacterial genera dominated the bacteriological profile: E. coli, Klebsiella sp., Proteus sp., Enterobacter sp., and Enterococcus. The susceptibility of the main BUP antibiotics used for treatment of frequent UTI showed the effectiveness of furadoine, imipenem, fosfomycin, and colistin. Amoxicillin kept constant activity against Enterococcus and Streptococcus agalactiae. The rates of resistance of Enterobacteriaceae to beta-lactam antibiotics were high, especially in the neonatal population. The production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) was noted in 12.8% of pediatric Enterobacteria vs. 22.6% of the neonatal strains. For community Enterobacteriaceae, the activity of beta-lactam antibiotics was limited with 11.2% resistance to third-generation cephalosporins (C3G), including 8.6% ESBL production. CONCLUSION: The impact of widespread use of beta-lactam antibiotics in neonatal and pediatric environments is felt. Colistin, imipenem, and fosfomycin are the most frequently used antibiotics active against bacteria responsible for neonatal and pediatric UTI; however, they cannot be used as probabilistic treatment. Nitrofurans seem to be active antibiotics on UTI, but they present limits in their use in neonatal and pediatric populations. Their indication in case of pyelonephritis should be discussed.

Isolation and identification of efficient Egyptian malathion-degrading bacterial isolates.

Bacterial isolates degrading malathion were isolated from the soil and agricultural waste water due to their ability to grow on minimal salt media amended with malathion as a sole carbon source. Efficiencies of native Egyptian bacterial malathion-degrading isolates were investigated and the study generated nine highly effective malathion-degrading bacterial strains among 40. Strains were identified by partial sequencing of 16S rDNA analysis. Comparative analysis of 16S rDNA sequences revealed that these bacteria are similar with the genus Acinetobacter and Bacillus spp. and RFLP based PCR of 16S rDNA gave four different RFLP patterns among strains with enzyme HinfI while with enzyme HaeI they gave two RFLP profiles. The degradation rate of malathion in liquid culture was estimated using gas chromatography. Bacterial strains could degrade more than 90% of the initial malathion concentration (1000 ppm) within 4 days.

Chorioamnionitis due to Lactococcus lactis cremoris: A case report.

Lactococcus lactis cremoris is rarely involved in human pathology. A thirty two-year old pregnant woman with premature rupture of membrane history presented with chorioamnionitis due to L. lactis cremoris. She underwent an emergency caesarian section and was treated with antibiotics including the association of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. She was completely recovered. This is the first case to our knowledge of chorioamnionitis due to this organism.

Magnetic glass ceramics for sustained 5-fluorouracil delivery: characterization and evaluation of drug release kinetics.

In the present study, magnetic glass ceramics in the system Fe2O3 ∙ TiO2 ∙ P2O5 ∙ SiO2 ∙ MO (M=Mg, Ca, Mn, Cu, Zn or Ce) are prepared. The effect of adding different cations on the thermal behavior, developed phases, microstructure and magnetic properties is studied using differental thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), FT-infrared transmission (FT-IR) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) respectively. The magnetic glass ceramics are tested as delivery systems for 5-fluorouracil. Modeling and analysis of release kinetics are addressed. The application of Higuchi square root of time model and the first order release model indicated that, 5-FU is released by diffusion controlled mechanisms, and that its released rate depends greatly on the concentration of loaded drug during the loading stage. The obtained results suggested that, the prepared magnetic glass ceramics can be used for cancer treatment by hyperthermia and/or by localized delivery of therapeutic doses of 5-fluorouracil.

Phenotype, genotype, and serotype distribution of macrolide resistant invasive and non-invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae strains, in Sousse, Tunisia.

OBJECTIVE: We determined the macrolide resistance phenotypes and genotypes in Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates in Sousse and assessed the serotype distribution. METHODS: We included S. pneumoniae strains isolated at our laboratory (2010-2013). The antimicrobial susceptibility was tested according to CA-SFM specifications. Serotyping was performed by agglutination of latex particles, to identify a subset of serotypes included in pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. The presence of macrolide resistance genes (ermB, mefA, mel) was detected by PCR. RESULTS: A total of 52.8% of 140 S. pneumoniae isolates were macrolide-resistant: MLSB (89.2%) and M (10.8%). The MLSB phenotypes were genotypically confirmed by ermB gene presence. 62% had decreased susceptibility to penicillin. The serotypes were: 14, 1, 23F, and 19A. Serotype coverage by PCV7, PCV10 and PCV13 was 44.2%, 73.6%, and 75.6% respectively. CONCLUSION: 50% of S. pneumoniae isolates were macrolide resistant. The MLSB phenotype encoded by the ermB gene was the most frequent. Serotype coverage seems inadequate.

In vitro evaluation of some types of ferrimagnetic glass ceramics.

The present study aimed at studying the acceleration of the bioactive layer on the surface of ferrimagnetic glass ceramic with a basic composition 40Fe2O3-15P2O5-20SiO2-5TiO2 through the addition of 20% of different types of metal oxides like MgO or CaO or MnO or CuO or ZnO or CeO2. SEM, EDAX, and ICP were applied to present the results of the study. SEM and EDAX measurements indicated the presence of apatite layer formed on the surface of the prepared glass ceramics after immersion in SBF within 7 to 30 days. The investigation of the results clarified that the addition of CaO or ZnO accelerated the formation of apatite on the surfaces of the samples in the simulated body fluid faster than other metal oxides. Inductive coupled plasma (ICP) analysis shows the evolution of ion extraction by the simulated body fluid solution (SBF) with time in relation to the elemental composition.

Leaf extract of Markhamia platycalyx: polyphenolic profile, acute toxicity, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and in vitro antioxidant activities.

10 polyphenols were identified from 80% aqueous methanol extract (AME) of Markhamia platycalyx [(Baker) Sprague] leaf. Their structures were characterized as protocatechuic acid (1), E-caffeic acid (2), E-methyl caffeate (3), isoverbascoside (4), verbascoside (5), jacraninoside-I (6), cosmosiin (7), cinaroside (8), luteolin (9) and apigenin (10) based on chemical and extensive spectral studies (UV, ESI-MS, (1)H, (13)C and 1D/2D NMR). Biological evaluation indicated that AME is non-toxic to the experimental animals. It exhibited a significant inhibition of oedema after 1, 2, 3 and 4 h for all examined doses (250, 500 and 1 000 mg/kg). In comparison with silymarin, the AME demonstrated a significant hepatoprotective effect in the form of high reduction in elevated ALT and AST serum levels in regard to paracetamol treated group. As well as, it revealed a marked significant scavenging activity by 62.9, 82.5, 88.3, 83.7 and 83.7%, for the concentrations 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/ml of the extract, respectively, relative to L-ascorbic acid (86.8%), which was used as a reference antioxidant drug.

Ultraviolet and infrared absorption spectra of Cr2O3 doped-sodium metaphosphate, lead metaphosphate and zinc metaphosphate glasses and effects of gamma irradiation: a comparative study.

The effects of gamma irradiation on spectral properties of Cr2O3-doped phosphate glasses of three varieties, namely sodium metaphosphate, lead metaphosphate and zinc metaphosphate have been investigated. Optical spectra of the undoped samples reveal strong UV absorption bands which are attributed to the presence of trace iron impurities in both the sodium and zinc phosphate glasses while the lead phosphate glass exhibits broad UV near visible bands due to combined absorption of both trace iron impurities and divalent lead ions. The effect of chromium oxide content has been investigated. The three different Cr2O3-doped phosphate glasses reveal spectral visible bands varying in their position and intensity and splitting due to the different field strengths of the Na(+), Pb(2+), Zn(2+) cations, together with the way they are housed in the network and their effects on the polarisability of neighboring oxygens ligands. The effects of gamma irradiation on the optical spectral properties of the various glasses have been compared. The different effects for lead and zinc phosphate are related to the ability of Pb(2+), and Zn(2+) to form additional structural units causing stability of the network towards gamma irradiation. Also, the introduction of the transition metal chromium ions reveals some shielding behavior towards irradiation. Infrared absorption spectra of the three different base phosphate glasses show characteristic vibrations due to various phosphate groups depending on the type of glass and Cr2O3 is observed to slightly affect the IR spectra. Gamma irradiation causes minor variations in some of the intensities of the IR spectra but the main characteristic bands due to phosphate groups remain in their number and position.