Influence of Alignment on the Scattering Properties Atmospheric Mineral Dust

We carry out an investigation of the influence of particle alignment on the scattering properties of mineral dust layers. Our modelling indicates that in addition to modifying optical thickness, the alignment can significantly alter the scattering properties, including polarization. Influence of the alignment on remote sensing retrievals is also examined, and it is concluded that satellite and to a lesser extent sun photometry retrievals would be significantly affected

Electrodeposition behavior, physicochemical properties and corrosion resistance of Ni-Co coating modified by gelatin additive

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Mycoplasma genitalium screening in a specialized French unit: A retrospective study

International audienceOBJECTIVE: Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) infection accounts for 10-35% of non-gonococcal non-chlamydial (NGNC) urethritis. However, given that most people infected with MG do not develop symptoms and that antimicrobial resistance is increasing worldwide, there is no evidence of any benefits of screening asymptomatic individuals. We conducted this study to describe MG screening practices and outcomes at a French Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) center in which MG testing was performed selectively and multiplex assays were not carried out [i.e., simultaneous screening for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and MG]. METHODS: A retrospective, observational, single-center study was conducted at the STI unit of Saint-Louis Hospital in Paris. The records of all patients undergoing MG testing from January 1st, 2017, to December 31st, 2018, were reviewed. The primary aim of the study was to describe and evaluate the proportion of MG-positive (MG+) patients among those tested. Secondary objectives were determination of the prevalence of MG+ status among symptomatic patients, risk factors associated with MG infection, and therapeutic modalities and efficacy. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-nine patients underwent MG testing, 28 (11%) of whom were positive (MG+). The prevalence of MG+ status among symptomatic NGNC patients was 12%. HIV-positive (HIV+) status was significantly associated with MG+ status in univariate and multivariate analyses (Odds Ratio=7.3, 95% Confidence Interval 1.3-41.7; P=0.02). Twenty-three patients (85%) received antibiotics. Eighteen (67%) received azithromycin for 5 days, but 7 had clinical resistance. No quinolone resistance was reported. CONCLUSION: Despite unavailability of multiplex testing at our facility, which led to targeted-only screening for MG, its relatively high local prevalence is in keeping with what is generally observed at similar facilities across the world, where use of multiplex tests enables systematic screening for MG alongside NG and CT. This reinforces the current recommendations in Europe, France and the US against systematic MG testing or treatment in asymptomatic patients

Nigella sativa: an alternative solution for the corrosion of mild steel in hydrochloric acid medium

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