Meningitis after elective intracranial surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence

Abstract Meningitis is a potential complication of elective intracranial surgery (EIS). The prevalence of meningitis after EIS varies greatly in the literature. The objective of this study was to estimate the overall pooled prevalence of meningitis following EIS. Four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase) were searched to identify relevant studies. Meta-analyses of proportions were used to combine data. Cochran's Q and I 2 statistics were used to assess and quantify heterogeneity. Additionally, several subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate the source of heterogeneity and examine differences in the prevalence based on variables such as geographical regions, income level, and meningitis type. The meta-analysis included 83 studies (30 959 patients) from 26 countries. The overall pooled prevalence of meningitis after EIS was 1.6% (95% CI 1.1–2.1), with high heterogeneity present (I 2 = 88%). The pooled prevalence in low- to middle-income countries and high-income countries was 2.7% (95% CI 1.6–4.1) and 1.2% (95% CI 0.8–1.7), respectively. Studies that reported only aseptic meningitis had a pooled prevalence of 3.2% (95% CI 1.3–5.8). The pooled prevalence was 2.8% (95% CI 1.5–4.5) in studies that reported only bacterial meningitis. Similar prevalence rates of meningitis were observed in the subgroups of tumor resection, microvascular decompression, and aneurysm clipping. Meningitis is a rare but not exceptional complication following EIS, with an estimated prevalence of 1.6%

The Influence of Bottom Sediments and Inoculation with Rhizobacterial Inoculants on the Physiological State of Plants Used in Urban Plantings

Bottom sediments accumulate rapidly in urban reservoirs and should be periodically removed. Their high organic matter content makes them valuable fertilizers, but they often contain toxic substances. The present study compares the responses of the dicotyledonous Tagetes patula and monocotyledon Festuca arundinacea to the presence of such sediments in soil and to soil inoculation with two rhizobacterial strains (Massilia niastensis p87 and Streptomyces costaricanus RP92) isolated from contaminated soil. Total soluble protein, total chlorophyll content, as well as chlorophyll a/b ratio, degree of lipid peroxidation (TBARS), α-tocopherol content, total phenolic compounds (TPC) content and anthocyanins content were examined in the leaves of investigated plants. T. patula was more sensitive to the toxic substances in the sediments than F. arundinacea. Rhizobacterial inoculation reduced the toxic effect of the sediment. RP92 has a more favorable effect on the condition of T. patula than p87. F. arundinacea was not adversely affected by the addition of sediments or inoculation with the p87 or RP92 strains. Both tested plant species are suitable for planting on soils enriched with urban sediments, and the addition of bacterial inoculums promote plant growth and reduce the damage caused by the xenobiotics contained in the sediments.This research was supported by the European Commission under the Seventh Framework Program for Research (FP7-KBBE-266124, Greenland) and University of Lodz Grant No. B17 11 000 000 052.01.Peer reviewe

Fabrication of network films of conducting polymer-linked polyoxometallate-stabilized carbon nanostructures

The ability of a Keggin-type polyoxometallate, phosphododecamolybdate (PMo12O403−), to form stable anionic monolayers on carbon nanoparticles and multi-wall nanotubes is explored here to produce stable colloidal solutions of polyoxometallate covered carbon nanostructures and to disperse them within conducting polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), i.e. PEDOT, or polyaniline multilayer films. By repeated alternate treatments in the colloidal suspension of PMo12O403−-protected carbon nanoparticles or nanotubes, and in the acid solution of a monomer (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene or aniline), the amount of the material can be increased systematically (layer-by-layer) to form stable three-dimensional organized arrangements (networks) of interconnected organic and inorganic layers on electrode (e.g. glassy carbon) surfaces. In hybrid films, the negatively charged polyoxometallate-covered carbon nanostructures interact electrostatically with positively charged conducting polymer ultra-thin layers. Consequently, the attractive electrochemical charging properties of conducting polymers, reversible redox behavior of polyoxometallate, as well as the mechanical and electrical properties of carbon nanoparticles or nanotubes can be combined. The films are characterized by fast dynamics of charge transport, and they are of potential importance to electrocatalysis and charge storage in redox capacitors