Unveiling CO2 capture in tailorable green neoteric solvents: An ensemble learning approach informed by quantum chemistry.

In the relentless battle against the impending climate crisis, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as beacons of hope in the realm of green chemistry, igniting a resurgence of scientific exploration. These versatile compounds hold the promise of revolutionizing carbon capture, effectively countering the rising tide of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions responsible for global warming and climate instability. Their adaptability offers a tantalizing prospect, as they can be finely tailored for a multitude of applications, thereby encompassing the uncharted territory of potential DESs. Navigating this unexplored terrain underscores the vital need for predictive computational methods, which serve as our guiding compass in the expansive landscape of DESs. Thermodynamic modeling and solubility prognostications stand as our unwavering navigational aides on this treacherous odyssey. In this direction, the COSMO-RS model intertwined with the captivating Stochastic Gradient Boosting (SGB) algorithm. Together, they unveil the elusive truths pertaining to CO2 solubility in DESs, forging a path toward a sustainable future. Our quest is substantiated by two exhaustive datasets, a repository of knowledge encompassing 1973 and 2327 CO2 solubility data points spanning 132 and 150 distinct DESs respectively, encapsulating a spectrum of conditions. The SGB models, incorporating features derived from COSMO-RS, as well as accounting for pressure and temperature variables, furnishes predictions that harmonize seamlessly with experimental CO2 solubility values, boasting an impressive Average Absolute Relative Deviation (AARD) of a mere 0.85% and 2.30% respectively. When juxtaposed with literature-reported methodologies like different EoS, as well as Computational Solvation, and machine learning (ML) models, our SGB model emerges as the epitome of reliability, offering robust forecasts of CO2 solubility in DESs. It emerges as a potent tool for the design and selection of DESs for CO2 capture and utilization, heralding a sustainable and environmentally conscientious future in the battle against climate change.

Sixty-month follow up of three different universal adhesives used with a highly-filled flowable resin composite in the restoration of non-carious cervical lesion.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this clinical trial was to evaluate and compare the performances of three different universal adhesives used with a highly filled flowable universal resin composite in the restoration of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) over a 60-month period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-nine NCCLs were restored at 18 participants. NCCLs were divided into three different universal adhesive groups: Clearfil Universal Bond (CU) (n = 31), iBOND Universal (IU) (n = 33), and G-Premio Bond (GP) (n = 35). Prior to the adhesive procedures, selective enamel etching was performed with 37% phosphoric acid in all experimental groups. Adhesive systems were applied following the manufacturers' instructions, and the lesions were restored with a highly filled flowable resin composite (G-ænial Universal Flo). Restorations were finished and polished immediately after placement. All restorations were scored with regard to retention, marginal discoloration, marginal adaptation, sensitivity, surface texture, and color match using modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria after 1 week (baseline) and 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 60 months. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square and McNemar's and Kaplan Meier tests. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: After 60 months, the recall rate was 72.2%. Survival rates of CU, IU, and GP restorations were 87%, 85.2%, and 96.5%, respectively. Five CU (25%), 8 IU (34.8%), and 12 GP (42.9%) restorations exhibit bravo scores for marginal adaptation. However, no differences were seen among them. CU showed lower bravo score than IU and GP for marginal discoloration (CU, 0%; IU, 26.1%; GP, 32.1%). Two CU, 7 IU, and 6 GP restorations showed bravo scores for surface texture, and 2 (9.1%) CU and 1 (3.3%) GP restorations were scored as bravo score for color match (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The tested universal adhesives showed similar success rates during the 60-month follow-up. However, CU showed better clinical performance than IU and GP in terms of marginal adaptation and discoloration. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03415412 CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The long-term clinical performances of the three universal adhesives in the restoration of NCCLs using selective enamel etching mode were successful after 60 months.

Clinical usefulness of fully automated chemiluminescent immunoassay for quantitative antibody measurements in COVID-19 patients.

Since December 2019, we have been in the battlefield with a new threat to the humanity, known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), characterized by viral pneumonia. It may be asymptomatic or cause various symptoms, ranging from flu-like symptoms to acute respiratory distress syndrome and eventually death. At present, the only reliable test for COVID-19 diagnosis is quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Assessing the immune response against SARS-CoV-2 could increase the detection sensitivity of infected population. Hereby, we report the performances of a fully automated chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) on 276 serum samples. One hundred samples obtained from COVID-19 negative subjects (COVID-19 free) were analyzed to evaluate the diagnostic specificity of antibody (Ab) detection. Thereafter, 176 samples obtained from 125 patients with confirmed COVID-19 (COVID-19 patients) were selected to assess the diagnostic sensitivity of the CLIA. All samples were analyzed on MAGLUMI 800 platform. All COVID-19 free samples had Ab levels below the cutoff values. Hence, the diagnostic specificity was estimated at 100% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 96.3-100.0; positive predictive value = 100%). By the 18th day from the onset of symptoms, we reached an optimal diagnostic sensitivity (more than 95.0%) In fact, the diagnostic sensitivity increased over time and between 15 and 25 days after symptoms onset, reached 95.5% (95% CI = 84.9-99.2). The new automated CLIA analyzer appeared to be a robust and reliable method to measure specific Ab against COVID-19 at high throughput. Our data suggest that combining Ab and nucleic acid detection could increase diagnostic sensitivity.

Rapid COVID-19 antigenic tests: Usefulness of a modified method for diagnosis.

The current reliable recommended test for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis is quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Rapid antigen test devices could be useful as they are less expensive, faster without the need of specialized laboratories to perform the test. We report the performances of two rapid immunochromatographic antigen testing devices compared with RT-qPCR for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection in nasopharyngeal samples. We carried out a lateral-flow tests study on 401 nasopharyngeal swab samples from nonduplicated suspected COVID-19 subjects. An equal volume of universal transport medium tubes-containing samples (dilution ratio = 1:15) were added to the manufacturer's extraction buffer solution (dilution ratio = 1:2) and analyzed on BioSpeedia COVID19Speed-Antigen Test and on Abbott Panbio™ COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test, devices. Qualitative results were compared to those obtained by the RT-qPCR (Allplex™ SARS-CoV-2 Assay Seegene). Based on our data, the overall sensitivity for BioSpeedia and Panbio devices was estimated at 65.5% and 75.0%, respectively. The sensitivity was greater for cycle threshold values less than 25 achieving 90.4 and 96.8 for BioSpeedia and Panbio devices, respectively. A perfect specificity of 100.0% was observed for both devices.

First detection of a plasmid-encoded New-Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) producing Acinetobacter baumannii using whole genome sequencing, isolated in a clinical setting in Benin.

BACKGROUND: Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is considered a top priority pathogen by the World Health Organization for combatting increasing antibiotic resistance and development of new drugs. Since it was originally reported in Klebsiella pneumoniae in 2009, the quick spread of the blaNDM-1 gene encoding a New-Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) is increasingly recognized as a serious threat. This gene is usually carried by large plasmids and has already been documented in diverse bacterial species, including A. baumannii. Here, we report the first detection of a NDM-1-producing A. baumannii strain isolated in Benin. CASE PRESENTATION: A 31-year-old woman was admitted to a surgical unit with a diagnosis of post-cesarean hematoma. An extensively-drug resistant A. baumannii strain solely susceptible to amikacin, colistin and ciprofloxacin, and resistant to several other antibiotics including ceftazidime, imipenem, meropenem, gentamicin, tobramycin, ceftazidime/avibactam, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, was isolated from the wound. Production of NDM-1 was demonstrated by immunochromatographic testing. Whole genome sequencing of the isolate confirmed the presence of blaNDM-1, but also antibiotic resistance genes against multiple beta-lactamases and other classes of antibiotics, in addition to several virulence genes. Moreover, the blaNDM-1 gene was found to be present in a Tn125 transposon integrated on a plasmid. CONCLUSIONS: The discovery of this extensively-drug resistant A. baumannii strain carrying blaNDM-1 in Benin is worrying, especially because of its high potential risk of horizontal gene transfer due to being integrated into a transposon located on a plasmid. Strict control and prevention measures should be taken, once NDM-1 positive A. baumannii has been identified to prevent transfer of this resistance gene to other Enterobacterales. Capacity building is required by governmental agencies to provide suitable antibiotic treatment options and strategies, in combination with strengthening laboratory services for detection and surveillance of this pathogen.

Overuse of brain CT scan for evaluating mild head trauma in adults.

INTRODUCTION: CT scan is crucial in evaluating head trauma. However, its inappropriate use will cause unnecessary radiation exposure to patient and financial burden to health systems. Our aim is appraising amount of brain CT scans performed in our Emergency Department (ED) for evaluating mild head trauma which are not indicated according to four standardized guidelines as well as analyzing contributing factors. METHODS: This was a descriptive prospective study. We included randomly selected adult patients under 75 years old with minor head trauma evaluated by brain CT scan at our ED. For all patients, we completed a checklist including demographic data, mechanism of trauma, specialty of the requesting physician, and whether the patient meets the brain CT guidelines criteria. Brain CT overuse was defined as scans performed for patients without criteria of any of the standardized guidelines. RESULTS: We evaluated 170 patients. The mean age of patients was 38.38 ± 19.73 years old. The most common mechanism of trauma was falling (37.6%). The overall brain CT scan overuse was 15.3%. Most of the overused scans were performed in younger patients, and patient's age was inversely correlated to overuse. There was no significant difference based on the mechanism of trauma and the specialty of requesting physician. DISCUSSION: Our study accentuates the high frequency of brain CT scan overuse, leading to unnecessary radiation exposure and financial burden on healthcare systems. We emphasize that using a guideline for requesting brain CT scan can eliminate unnecessary scans along with detecting patients with important decisive damages.

Biotin interference: evaluation of a new generation of electrochemiluminescent immunoassays for high-sensitive troponin T and thyroid-stimulating hormone testing.

Background Biotin is currently a matter of concern for laboratories using biotin-streptavidin-based immunoassays. Biotin interferences have been reported for high-sensitive troponin T (hsTnT) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) assays. We aimed to evaluate the new generation of hsTnT and TSH electrochemiluminescent immunoassays announced to be less sensitive to biotin. Methods Firstly, we assessed the analytical performances of new generation assays (imprecision, bias, total error, limit of quantification) and compared previous and new generation assays in the absence of biotin. Secondly, we challenged both generations of assays with samples spiked with seven different biotin levels. The efficiency of new generation assays was also compared to the streptavidin beads treatment. Results New generation assays presented suitable analytical performances. Previous and new generations of hsTnT and TSH assays were commutable in the absence of biotin. In the presence of biotin, we confirmed that previous generation assays were affected by biotin concentration as low as 40.5 ng/mL and that new generation assays were not affected up to the announced tolerance threshold of 1200 ng/mL. After the streptavidin beads treatment, we observed a higher imprecision for both parameters and a constant 10% negative bias for TSH compared to new generation assays. Conclusions New generation of electrochemiluminescent immunoassays appears as a reliable systematic solution to prevent biotin interference for hsTnT and TSH testing.

Macro vitamin B12: an underestimated threat.

Background The correct identification of the macro-B12 interference (macroforms) is paramount to avoid potential erroneous clinical decisions. Our objectives were to determine whether immunoassays are affected by the presence of macro-B12 and to validate a polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation procedure to detect it. Methods Sixty-two serum samples obtained from healthy volunteers were analyzed to determine recovery and reference intervals (RIs) following PEG precipitation. Thereafter, 50 serum samples with very high levels of B12 (>1476 pmol/L) were randomly selected to search for macro-B12 interferences. Serum samples obtained from healthy volunteers and related PEG aliquots were analyzed on a Cobas® immunoassay. Patients' samples were analyzed on both Cobas® and Architect® immunoassays. Finally, samples suspected to contain macro-B12 were analyzed by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) to confirm the presence of macro-B12. Results Recovery and post-PEG RIs determined on a Cobas 8000® in healthy volunteers ranged from 68.3% to 108.4% and from 122.1 to 514.4 pmol/L, respectively. Fifteen samples (30%) were found to show macro-B12 while using the recovery criteria, and nine samples (18%) while using the post-PEG RI. The other immunoassay ran on the Architect i2000® was also affected by the presence of macro-B12. Size-exclusion chromatography studies confirmed the presence of macro-B12 (immunoglobulin-B12 complexes). Conclusions The prevalence of macro-B12 in elevated B12 samples is high. We suggest to systematically screen for the presence of macro-B12 with PEG precipitation procedure in samples with elevated B12 levels to avoid potential misdiagnosis or harmful clinical consequences.

An 18-month clinical evaluation of three different universal adhesives used with a universal flowable composite resin in the restoration of non-carious cervical lesions.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomized, controlled prospective clinical trial was to evaluate and compare the performances of three different universal adhesives using a flowable universal composite resin in the restoration of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) over an 18-month period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen participants recieved 99 restorations from a single operator. NCCLs were divided into three groups according to adhesive systems used: Clearfil Universal Bond (CU), iBOND Universal (IU), and G-Premio Bond (GP). No enamel bevel was placed and no mechanical retention was created for the NCCLs. Prior to adhesive procedures, selective etching was performed with 37% phosphoric acid. Adhesive systems were applied following manufacturers' instructions and the lesions were restored with a flowable composite resin (G-ænial Universal Flo). Restorations were finished and polished immediately after placement and scored with regard to retention, marginal discoloration, marginal adaptation, sensitivity, surface texture, and color match using modified USPHS criteria after a week (baseline) and 6, 12, and 18 months. Descriptive statistics were performed using chi-square tests. RESULTS: The 18-month recall rate was 88.8% and retention rates for CU, IU, and GP were 100%, 96.8%, and 100%, respectively. No restorations exhibited post-operative sensitivity and secondary caries. After 18 months, CU, IU, and GP groups showed similar alpha rates for marginal adaptation (CU 93.1%, IU 90%, GP 81.8%) and marginal discoloration (CU 100%, IU 90%, GP 87.9%). A total of ten (CU 2, IU 3, GP 5) restorations exhibited bravo scores for surface texture and three (CU 2, GP 1) restorations showed bravo score for color match. No statistical differences were found among the tested adhesives for any criteria evaluated (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The three adhesive systems demonstrated similar performances during the 18-month follow-up in the restoration of NCCLs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Universal adhesives could be used successfully in the restoration of NCCLs.

Structure-based modeling of critical micelle concentration (CMC) of anionic surfactants in brine using intelligent methods.

Critical micelle concentration (CMC) is one of the main physico-chemical properties of surface-active agents, also known as surfactants, with diverse theoretical and industrial applications. It is influenced by basic parameters such as temperature, pH, salinity, and the chemical structure of surfactants. Most studies have only estimated CMC at fixed conditions based on the surfactant's chemical parameters. In the present study, we aimed to develop a set of novel and applicable models for estimating CMC of well-known anionic surfactants by considering both the molecular properties of surfactants and basic affecting factors such as salinity, pH, and temperature as modeling parameters. We employed the quantitative-structural property relationship technique to employ the molecular parameters of surfactant ions. We collected 488 CMC values from literature for 111 sodium-based anionic surfactants, including sulfate types, sulfonate, benzene sulfonate, sulfosuccinate, and polyoxyethylene sulfate. We computed 1410 optimized molecular descriptors for each surfactant using Dragon software to be utilized in the modelling processes. The enhanced replacement method was used for selecting the most effective descriptors for the CMC. A multivariate linear model and two non-linear models are the outputs of the present study. The non-linear models were produced using two robust machine learning approaches, stochastic gradient boosting (SGB) trees and genetic programming (GP). Statistical assessment showed highly applicable and acceptable accuracy of the newly developed models (RSGB2 = 0.999395 and RGP2 = 0.954946). The ultimate results showed the superiority and greater ability of the SGB method for making confident predictions.

A theoretical probe into the separation of CO2/CH4/N2 mixtures with polysulfone/polydimethylsiloxane-nano zinc oxide MMM.

In the current investigation, molecular dynamics (MD) and Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation as remarkable and competent approaches have been employed for understanding structural and transport properties of MMMs in the realm of gas separation. The two commonly used polymers i.e. polysulfone (Psf) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as well as zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle (NP) were used to carefully examine the transport properties of three light gasses (CO2, N2 and CH4) through simple Psf, Psf/PDMS composite loaded by different amounts of ZnO NP. Also, the fractional free volume (FFV), X-ray diffraction (XRD), glass transition temperature (Tg), and Equilibrium density were calculated to scrutinize the structural characterizations of the membranes. Moreover, the effect of feed pressure (4-16 bar) on gas separation performance of simulated MMMs was investigated. Results obtained in different experiments showed a clear improvement in the performance of simulated membranes by adding PDMS to PSf matrix. The selectivity of studied MMMs was in the range from 50.91 to 63.05 at pressures varying from 4 to 16 bar for the CO2/N2 gas pair, whereas the corresponding value for CO2/CH4 system was found to be in the range 27.27-46.24. For 6 wt% ZnO in 80%PSf + 20%PDMS membrane, high permeabilities of 78.02, 2.86 and 1.33 barrers were observed for CO2, CH4 and N2 gases, respectively. The 90%PSf + 10%PDMS membrane with 2% ZnO had a highest CO2/N2 selectivity value of 63.05 and its CO2 permeability at 8 bar was 57 barrer.

Insights into the estimation of surface tensions of mixtures based on designable green materials using an ensemble learning scheme.

Precise estimation of the physical properties of both ionic liquids (ILs) and their mixtures is crucial for engineers to successfully design new industrial processes. Among these properties, surface tension is especially important. It's not only necessary to have knowledge of the properties of pure ILs, but also of their mixtures to ensure optimal utilization in a variety of applications. In this regard, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Stochastic Gradient Boosting (SGB) tree in modeling surface tensions of binary mixtures of various ionic liquids (ILs) using a comprehensive dataset. The dataset comprised 4010 experimental data points from 48 different ILs and 20 non-IL components, covering a surface tension range of 0.0157-0.0727 N m-1 across a temperature range of 278.15-348.15 K. The study found that the estimated values were in good agreement with the reported experimental data, as evidenced by a high correlation coefficient (R) and a low Mean Relative Absolute Error of greater than 0.999 and less than 0.004, respectively. In addition, the results of the used SGB model were compared to the results of SVM, GA-SVM, GA-LSSVM, CSA-LSSVM, GMDH-PNN, three based ANNs, PSO-ANN, GA-ANN, ICA-ANN, TLBO-ANN, ANFIS, ANFIS-ACO, ANFIS-DE, ANFIS-GA, ANFIS-PSO, and MGGP models. In terms of the accuracy, the SGB model is better and provides significantly lower deviations compared to the other techniques. Also, an evaluation was conducted to determine the importance of each variable in predicting surface tension, which revealed that the most influential factor was the mole fraction of IL. In the end, William's plot was utilized to investigate the model's applicability range. As the majority of data points, i.e. 98.5% of the whole dataset, were well within the safety margin, it was concluded that the proposed model had a high applicability domain and its predictions were valid and reliable.

Variability among commercial batches of normal pooled plasma in lupus anticoagulant testing.

INTRODUCTION: Lupus anticoagulant (LA) testing requires normal pooled plasma (NPP) in performing mixing studies and can be used for normalized ratios of clotting times (CTs). The aims were to demonstrate whether significant differences in clotting times between two batches of a same commercial NPP (CRYOcheck™) directly affect NPP-based cut-off values. METHODS: Diluted Russell Viper venom time (DRVVT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were used for LA testing. Screening, mixing and confirm tests were performed with Stago® instruments and reagents. Two batches of commercial NPP (A1291 and A1301 from CRYOcheck™; frozen) were compared in the determination of cut-off values. Cut-off values were defined as 99th percentile values of 60 healthy donors and compared with Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Cut-off values obtained with the two NPP batches were significantly different for DRVVT (screen normalized ratio: 1.09 vs. 1.24, screen mix: 41.9 s vs. 38.9 s; index of circulating anticoagulant: 5.0 vs. 8.4; all had p-value <.001). On the contrary, no significant differences were observed for aPTT (screen normalized ratio: 1.32 vs. 1.34; p-value = .4068, screen mix: 37.8 s vs. 38.1 s; p-value = .1153) except for index of circulating anticoagulant: 9.6 versus 10.4 (p-value <.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that differences between two commercial NPP batches produced by a same manufacturer influenced LA cut-off values used for mixing studies and normalized ratios. Adequate cut-off setting, taking into account NPP CTs, is important to provide accurate conclusion about the presence or absence of a LA and avoid potential clinical impact.

Performance enhancement of an uncertain nonlinear medical robot with optimal nonlinear robust controller.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation refers to the process of sending oxygen and blood to the body's vital organs during cardiac arrest. For this reason, designing and controlling an accurate robot is crucial to saving the lives of patients. This study aims to optimize two nonlinear robust controllers for the first time for the parallel manipulator for cardiopulmonary resuscitation to reduce overshoot, increase accuracy, increase convergence speed, and increase robustness to destructive factors affecting the precision of the robots. The paper first presents the kinematics and dynamics of a translational parallel manipulator robot. Then, to reduce the difference between the practical and simulation results, the paper presents a nonlinear model under uncertainties, disturbances, and noise. Then, the ONSTSMC awaiting the uncertainty band is designed to eliminate the singularity problem and increase the accuracy and robustness to destructive factors, as well as improve stability using the Lyapunov principle. Furthermore, the results of applying this robust controller to the robot are compared with the results of a non-singular terminal sliding mode controller without considering the uncertainty band, a conventional sliding mode controller, and a PID controller for the same model. The developed controller exhibits better performance in terms of accuracy and convergence time even when external and internal destructive factors are present. The accuracy is 0.21 mm and the convergence time is 0.7 seconds when compared with PID. Furthermore, it is approximately 0.17 mm and 0.4 seconds faster compared with conventional sliding mode controllers.

Propofol + Granisetron vs. Propofol + Metoclopramide in Symptom Management of Acute Migraine Headache; a Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Acute headache is one of the most common reasons for emergency department (ED) visits. This study aimed to compare the combination of propofol and granisetron with propofol and metoclopramide in symptom management of acute migraine headache. Methods: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 60 adult patients with acute migraine headache who referred to ED were randomly divided into two groups of propofol + metoclopramide and propofol + granisetron. Pain and nausea/vomiting severity as well as blood pressure were compared between groups 30, 45, and 60 minutes after treatment. Results: The two groups had similar situation regarding mean age (p = 0.606), sex distribution (p = 0.793), baseline severity of pain (p = 0.642), frequency of nausea/vomiting (p = 0.488), and vital signs (p > 0.05). The severity of pain was similar in the two groups 30 (p = 0.731), 45 (p = 0.460), and 60 (p = 0.712) minutes after treatment. The number of patients with resistant nausea and vomiting 60 minutes after treatment was significantly higher in metoclopramide group (30.0% versus 10.0%; p = 0.033). Diastolic pressure 60 minutes after treatment (81.43 ±8.94 vs. 74.97 ± 4.8; p = 0.001) and heart rate 30 minutes after treatment (68.87 ±6.52 vs. 73.57± 7.62; p = 0.013) had statistically significant differences between the groups. Conclusion: The combination of propofol and granisetron was superior to propofol and metoclopramide in case of controlling nausea and vomiting of cases with acute migraine headache; meanwhile, no differences were observed in case of pain relief and hemodynamic status between the two groups.

Carbapenem-Resistant Organisms Isolated in Surgical Site Infections in Benin: A Public Health Problem.

An alarming worldwide increase in antimicrobial resistance is complicating the management of surgical site infections (SSIs), especially in low-middle income countries. The main objective of this study was to describe the pattern of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in hospitalized patients and to highlight the challenge of their detection in Benin. We collected pus samples from patients suspected to have SSIs in hospitals. After bacterial identification by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, antimicrobial susceptibility was performed according to the Kirby-Bauer method. Carbapenem-resistant strains were characterized using, successively, the Modified Hodge Test (MHT), the RESIST-5 O.K.N.V.I: a multiplex lateral flow and finally the polymerase chain reaction. Six isolates were resistant to three tested carbapenems and almost all antibiotics we tested but remained susceptible to amikacin. Four (66.7%) of them harbored some ESBL genes (blaCTX-M-1 and blaTEM-1). The MHT was positive for Carbapenems but not for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. As surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis, five of the six patients received ceftriaxone. The following carbapenems genes were identified: bla OXA-48(33.3%, n = 2), blaNDM (33.3%, n = 2) and blaVIM (33.3%, n = 2). These findings indicate a need for local and national antimicrobial resistance surveillance and the strengthening of antimicrobial stewardship programs in the country.

Multicentre interlaboratory analysis of routine susceptibility testing with a challenge panel of resistant strains.

OBJECTIVES: In order to elaborate a new national challenge panel of resistant Gram-negative bacilli and Gram-positive cocci strains for the validation of routine antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methods, an interlaboratory evaluation was organised. METHODS: The results of 12 well-characterised multidrug-resistant strains tested by nine laboratories using local disk diffusion (DD) and automated AST (AUST) methods were compared with the reference broth microdilution method. RESULTS: Overall categorical agreement ranged from 70% to 100% both for DD and AUST and was >90% for all but one strain for all antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Our multicentre AST study showed good reproducibility and the panel can be used as national resistant reference strains for routine AST validation.

Usefulness of a multiplex immunodot in case of discordant results between automated COVID-19 serological assays.

BACKGROUND: At present, the only reliable test for COVID-19 diagnosis is RT-qPCR. Serological assays have been widely used to increase the detection sensitivity of infected population. Hereby, we report the performance of a new pan-IgG multiplex Enzyme Immunoassay (immunodot) method for exploration of discrepant SARS-COV-2 serological results. METHODS: A retrospective study on 38 residual serum samples from recovered COVID-19 subjects with discordant serological results on Roche and Snibe platforms, were reanalyzed on a new semi-automated pan-IgG immunodot Enzyme Immunoassay, namely COVIDOT-TEST, in order to find the source of discrepancies and to evaluate the latter method. All samples were analyzed on the BlueDiver® Instrument and all strips were read by the BlueScan® Scanner using Dr DOT® Software. RESULTS: Based on our data, subject samples showed specific IgG reactions on ≥ 2 different antigens on immunodot strips. Of these 38 samples, 97.4 % of samples showed specific IgG reaction against S1 + S2 antigens, 89.5 % showed against RBD antigen, 86.8 % against S2 antigen reaction on the COVIDOT-TEST kit. Specific IgG-S1 antigen and IgG-N antigen reactions were detected in 73.7 % and 65.8 % of the samples, respectively. CONCLUSION: The new semi-automated pan-IgG immunodot Enzyme Immunoassay method appeared to be a reliable assay to confirm suspicious COVID-19 serological screening results.

Reduced fertilization after ICSI and abnormal phospholipase C zeta presence in spermatozoa from the wobbler mouse.

Failed fertilization after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be due to a reduced oocyte-activation capacity caused by reduced concentrations and abnormal localization of the oocyte-activation factor phospholipase C (PLC) zeta. Patients with this condition can be helped to conceive by artificial activation of oocytes after ICSI with calcium ionophore (assisted oocyte activation; AOA). However some concern still exists about this approach. Mouse models could help to identify potential oocyte-activation strategies and evaluate their safety. In this study, the fertilizing capacity of wobbler sperm cells was tested and the efficiency of AOA with two exposures to ionomycin to restore fertilization and embryo development was studied. The quality of the obtained blastocysts was assessed and embryo transfer was performed to evaluate post-implantation development. The presence of PLCzeta in the spermatozoa and testis of the wobbler mouse was evaluated by PLCzeta immunostaining and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Sperm cells from wobbler mice had reduced fertilizing capacity and abnormalities in PLCzeta localization, but not in its expression. Artificially activating the oocytes restored fertilization and embryo development. Therefore, the wobbler mouse can be a model for failed fertilization after ICSI to study PLCzeta dynamics and aid in optimization of the AOA method.

MRI Changes After Platelet Rich Plasma Injection in Knee Osteoarthritis (Randomized Clinical Trial).

PURPOSE: Few papers have studied the objective effects of PRP on cartilage. In this study, we investigated the effect of PRP on cartilage characteristics by special MRI sequencing in knee osteoarthritis (IRCT registration number: 2014020413442N6). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this double blind randomized clinical trial, patients with bilateral knees osteoarthritis-grade 1, 2, and 3 were included in the study. Each patient's knees were randomly allocated to either control or treatment groups. PRP was injected in two sessions with 4 week intervals in PRP group. The VAS (visual analog scale) and WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index) were utilized and MRI was performed for all patients, before, and 8 months after treatment. The MRI sequences taken were transverse 3D TRUFISP and coronal and sagittal fat saturated proton-density. Imaging was scored according to four cartilage characteristics. RESULTS: 46 knees (from 23 patients) were included in this study. 23 knees in the case group and 23 knees in control group were studied. All patients were female with mean age of 57.57±5.9 years. Mean total WOMAC and VAS changes before and after treatment in control group were 11.61±8.5 and 1.3±1.1 respectively. In PRP group, mean total WOMAC and VAS changes showed better improvement with 20±12.3 and 3.2±1.6 respectively (P-value <0.05). In PRP group, all of the radiologic variables (patellofemoral cartilage volume, synovitis and medial and lateral meniscal disintegrity), with the exception of subarticular bone marrow abnormality, had significant improvement (P-value <0.05). In a comparison between the two groups, patellofemoral cartilage volume and synovitis had significantly changed in the PRP group (P-value <0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, in addition to the effect of PRP on VAS and WOMAC, there was a significant effect on radiologic characteristics (patellofemoral cartilage volume and synovitis). For further evaluation, a longer study with a larger sample size is recommended.