A parasitic patch loaded staircase shaped UWB MIMO antenna having notch band for WBAN applications

A staircase-shaped quasi-fractal antenna is presented to meet the requirements of compact electronics operating in UWB or E-UWB spectrum. A conventional broadband monopole antenna is converted into UWB antenna utilizing three iterations of fractal patches. The resultant antenna offers wide impedance bandwidth ranges 2.3–17.8 GHz, having a notch band at 6.1–7.2 GHz. Afterwards, a two-port MIMO antenna is created by placing the second element orthogonally with an edge-to-edge distance of 8.5 mm, that is λ/15 where λ corresponds to free space wavelength at the lowest cut-off frequency. Hereafter, a meandered line-shaped stub is inserted to reduce the mutual coupling between closely spaced MIMO elements to less than −25 dB. As the intended application of the proposed work is On-body, Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) analyses are carried out at 2.4, 5.8 and 8 GHz, showing an acceptable range for both 1-g and 10-g averaged tissues standards. Moreover, various parameters of the MIMO antenna are studied, and a comparison is made between simulated and measured results as well as those of the state of the art

Ward Identities, B-> \rho Form Factors and |V_ub|

The exclusive FCNC beauty semileptonic decay B-> \rho is studied using Ward identities in a general vector meson dominance framework, predicting vector meson couplings involved. The long distance contributions are discussed which results to obtain form factors and |V_ub|. A detailed comparison is given with other approaches.Comment: 30 pages+four postscript figures, an Appendix adde

Identification of 2-(N-aryl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl) quinoline derivatives as antitubercular agents endowed with InhA inhibitory activity

The spread of drug-resistant tuberculosis strains has become a significant economic burden globally. To tackle this challenge, there is a need to develop new drugs that target specific mycobacterial enzymes. Among these enzymes, InhA, which is crucial for the survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a key target for drug development. Herein, 24 compounds were synthesized by merging 4-carboxyquinoline with triazole motifs. These molecules were then tested for their effectiveness against different strains of tuberculosis, including M. bovis BCG, M. tuberculosis, and M. abscessus. Additionally, their ability to inhibit the InhA enzyme was also evaluated. Several molecules showed potential as inhibitors of M. tuberculosis. Compound 5n displayed the highest efficacy with a MIC value of 12.5 μg/mL. Compounds 5g, 5i, and 5n exhibited inhibitory effects on InhA. Notably, 5n showed significant activity compared to the reference drug Isoniazid. Molecular docking analysis revealed interactions between these molecules and their target enzyme. Additionally, the molecular dynamic simulations confirmed the stability of the complexes formed by quinoline-triazole conjugate 5n with the InhA. Finally, 5n underwent in silico analysis to predict its ADME characteristics. These findings provide promising insights for developing novel small compounds that are safe and effective for the global fight against tuberculosis

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

The Saudi Critical Care Society practice guidelines on the management of COVID-19 in the ICU: Therapy section

BACKGROUND: The rapid increase in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases during the subsequent waves in Saudi Arabia and other countries prompted the Saudi Critical Care Society (SCCS) to put together a panel of experts to issue evidence-based recommendations for the management of COVID-19 in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: The SCCS COVID-19 panel included 51 experts with expertise in critical care, respirology, infectious disease, epidemiology, emergency medicine, clinical pharmacy, nursing, respiratory therapy, methodology, and health policy. All members completed an electronic conflict of interest disclosure form. The panel addressed 9 questions that are related to the therapy of COVID-19 in the ICU. We identified relevant systematic reviews and clinical trials, then used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach as well as the evidence-to-decision framework (EtD) to assess the quality of evidence and generate recommendations. RESULTS: The SCCS COVID-19 panel issued 12 recommendations on pharmacotherapeutic interventions (immunomodulators, antiviral agents, and anticoagulants) for severe and critical COVID-19, of which 3 were strong recommendations and 9 were weak recommendations. CONCLUSION: The SCCS COVID-19 panel used the GRADE approach to formulate recommendations on therapy for COVID-19 in the ICU. The EtD framework allows adaptation of these recommendations in different contexts. The SCCS guideline committee will update recommendations as new evidence becomes available

Synthesis of New S-Triazine Bishydrazino and Bishydrazido-Based Polymers and Their Application in Flame-Retardant Polypropylene Composites

In this study six new s-triazine bishydrazino and bishydrazido-based polymers were synthesized via condensation of bishydrazino s-triazine derivatives with terephthaldehyde or via nucleophilic substitution of dichloro-s-triazine derivatives with terephthalic acid hydrazide. The synthesized polymers were characterized by different techniques. The new polymers displayed good thermal behavior with great values in terms of limited oxygen indexed (LOI) 27.50%, 30.12% for polymers 5b,c (bishydrazino-s-triazine based polymers) and 27.23%, 29.86%, 30.85% for polymers 7a–c (bishydrazido-s-triazine based polymers) at 800 °C. Based on the LOI values, these polymers could be classified as flame retardant and self-extinguishing materials. The thermal results also revealed that the type of substituent groups on the triazine core has a considerable impact on their thermal behavior. Accordingly, the prepared polymers were mixed with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) in different proportions to form an intumescent flame-retardant (IFRs) system and were introduced into polypropylene (PP) to improve the flame-retardancy of the composites. The best results were obtained with a mass ratio of APP: 5a–c or 7a–c of 2:1, according to the vertical burning study (UL-94). In addition, the presence of 25% “weight ratio” of IFR in the composite showed great impact and passed UL-94 V-0 and V-1 tests

Influence of graphene oxide filler content on the dentin bond integrity, degree of conversion and bond strength of experimental adhesive. A SEM, micro-Raman, FTIR and microtensile study

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of graphene oxide (GO) nano-filler content in experimental dental adhesive on its degree of conversion (DC), microtensile bond strength ( μ TBS) and structural reliability, using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Micro-Raman spectroscopy and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A resin adhesive was fabricated (control adhesive - CA) and fabricated GO nano-particles were added at 0.5% and 2.0% (m/m) to produce adhesives GOA1 and GOA2 respectively. One hundred and two teeth (specimens) were prepared for dentin exposure and conditioned with 36% phosphoric acid. Specimens in each group (n = 34) were treated with formulated adhesives (CA, GOA1 & GOA2) and photo-polymerized for 20 s followed by composite build up. Sixty specimens were used for μ TBS testing in the adhesive groups (CA, GOA1 & GOA2), with half exposed to thermocycling (TC) whereas the remaining half (n = 10) stored in distilled water. Seven specimens each were assessed using SEM and Micro-Raman spectroscopy, in each adhesive group (n = 7). DC for the adhesives was assessed using FTIR. The means of μ TBS and DC were analyzed using ANOVA and post hoc Tukey multiple comparisons test. GO nano-filler content showed significant influence on the adhesive μ TBS in comparison to controls (p  0.05). DC was significantly higher in control adhesive [46.8 (3.6)%] compared to GOA2 [37.7 (4.2)%] specimens, however DC was comparable among GOA1 [42.3 (2.9)%] and GOA2 [37.7 (4.2)%] specimens (p > 0.05) respectively. GO exhibited interaction within adhesive and tooth dentin comparable to control adhesive. Increasing GO content showed increase in μ TBS of adhesive to dentin, but a decrease in degree of conversion. Under ideal conditions, experimental adhesive with 2% GO content showed acceptable bond strength and DC; and should be further assessed under dynamic conditions to recommend clinical use

Phenolics and Volatile Compounds of Fennel (<i>Foeniculum vulgare</i>) Seeds and Their Sprouts Prevent Oxidative DNA Damage and Ameliorates CCl₄-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Rats

Researchers recently focused on studying the nutritional and functional qualities of sprouts generated from seeds. The current study investigated the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids (TF), total flavonols (TFL), antioxidant activity (AOA), specific phenolic acids, and volatile chemicals in fennel seeds (FS) and fennel seed sprouts (FSS). The oxidative DNA damage prevention activity of selected FS and FSS extracts against DNA was examined. Consequently, the antioxidative stress potential of FS and FSS extracts at 300 and 600 mg kg−1 on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats weas investigated. The liver’s functions and oxidative stress biomarkers in rat blood were examined. FSS exhibited rich phytochemical content such as TPC, TF, TFL, and AOA with altered phenolics and volatiles. HPLC identified nineteen compounds of phenolic acids and their derivatives in FS. Thirteen phenolics and six flavonoids were predominantly identified as Vanillic acid and Kaempferol, respectively. GC-MS analysis identified fifty and fifty-one components in FS and FSS, respectively. The predominant component was Benzene, [1-(2-propenyloxy)-3-butenyl] (trans-Anethole) (38.41%), followed by trans-Anethole (Benzene, 1-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)) (23.65%), Fenchone (11.18%), and 1,7-Octadiene, 2-methyl-6-methylene- Cyclohexene (7.17%). Interestingly, α-Pinene, Fenchone, trans-Anethole (Benzene, 1-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)), 4-Methoxybenzaldehyde (4-Anisaldehyde), Benzeneacetic acid, α-hydroxy-4-methoxy, and Nonacosane contents were increased. While Dillapiole, 7-Octadecenoic acid, and methyl ester were newly identified and quantified in FSS. The oxidative DNA damage prevention capability of FSS and FS extracts indicated remarkable DNA protection. Administrating FS and FSS extracts at 300 and 600 mg kg−1 ameliorated AST, ALT, and ALP, as well as GSH, CAT, MDA, and SOD, in a dose-dependent manner. The most efficient treatment of FS or FSS was using a dose of 600 mg Kg−1, which recorded an improvement rate of 20.77 and 24.17, 20.36 and 24.92, and 37.49 and 37.90% for ALT, AST, and ALP, respectively. While an improvement rate of 40.08 and 37.87%, 37.17 and 46.52%, 114.56 and 154.13%, and 66.05 and 69.69% for GSH, DMA, CAT, and SOD compared to the CCl4-group, respectively. The observed protection is associated with increased phenolics and volatiles in F. vulgare. Therefore, FS and FSS are recommended as functional foods with bioactive functionality, health-promoting properties, and desired prevention capabilities that may help prevent oxidative stress-related diseases