Enhanced transmission of electromagnetic waves through split-ring resonator-shaped apertures

The design of aperture shape is a promising approach for enhanced transmission through a subwavelength aperture. We designed split-ring-resonator (SRR)-shaped apertures in order to increase the transmission through subwavelength apertures by making use of the strong localization of the electromagnetic field in SRR-shaped apertures. We obtained a promising result of 104-fold enhancement by utilizing SRR-shaped apertures. It is possible to use these proposed structures at optical frequencies by making several modifications such as decreasing the sharpness of edges and increasing the gap width. Since SRRs are already being realized at optical frequencies, our proposed SRR-shaped aperture structures are promising candidates for novel applications

A surveillance of nosocomial candida infections: epidemiology and influences on mortalty in intensive care units

Introduction: it was aimed to investigate the frequency of Candida infections (CI) in the intensive care units (ICU), to determine typing of candida to evaluate risk factors associated with CI and mortality, and to evaluate influence of CI on mortality. Methods: the prospective cohort study was carried out between Jan 1, 2009 and Dec 31, 2010 in ICUs, and the patients were observed with active surveillance. VITEK 2 Compact System (BioMerieux, France) kits were used for the identification of isolates from various clinical samples. Results: a total of 2362 patients had enrolled for 16135 patients-days into the study. During the study, 63 (27,5%) of patients developed 77 episodes of CI were observed. Of the patients; 54% were male, 46% were female. Duration of hospitalization (OR=1,03, p=0,007), hyperglycemia (OR=17,93, p=0,009), and co- infections (OR=3,98, p=0,001) were identified as independent risk factors for CI. The most common infections were bloodstream (53%). 77 of 135 candida strains was isolated as causative pathogens. C. albicans (63,6%) was the most frequent species. Overall mortality rate was 78%. The rates of mortality attiributable to CI and candidemia were 27%, and 18,3% respectively. Species- specific mortality rates of C.albicans and C.tropicalis were determined as 12%. High APACHE II scores (OR=1,37; p=0,002), and the use of central venous catheter (OR=9,01; p=0,049) were assigned as independent risk factors for mortality. Conclusion: CI is an important problem in our hospital. CI and associated mortalty can be prevented by controlling of risk factors. Updating of epidemiological data is required for successful antifungal treatment

Hypoglossal-Facial Nerve Reconstruction Using a Y-Tube-Conduit Reduces Aberrant Synkinetic Movements of the Orbicularis Oculi and Vibrissal Muscles in Rats

The facial nerve is the most frequently damaged nerve in head and neck trauma. Patients undergoing facial nerve reconstruction often complain about disturbing abnormal synkinetic movements of the facial muscles (mass movements, synkinesis) which are thought to result from misguided collateral branching of regenerating motor axons and reinnervation of inappropriate muscles. Here, we examined whether use of an aorta Y-tube conduit during reconstructive surgery after facial nerve injury reduces synkinesis of orbicularis oris (blink reflex) and vibrissal (whisking) musculature. The abdominal aorta plus its bifurcation was harvested (N = 12) for Y-tube conduits. Animal groups comprised intact animals (Group 1), those receiving hypoglossal-facial nerve end-to-end coaptation alone (HFA; Group 2), and those receiving hypoglossal-facial nerve reconstruction using a Y-tube (HFA-Y-tube, Group 3). Videotape motion analysis at 4 months showed that HFA-Y-tube group showed a reduced synkinesis of eyelid and whisker movements compared to HFA alone

The threat on your plate: Do we just eat Sarpa salpa or more?

Caulerpin (CPN), a secondary metabolite in the Caulerpa genus, has a detrimental effect on some fish native to the Mediterranean Sea. CPN levels in the tissues of invasive Caulerpa cylindracea and non-invasive C. prolifera were studied, as well as the accumulation of CPN in Sarpa salpa (dream fish) tissues. Maximum CPN levels were found in the C. cylindracea, liver, muscle and brain tissues of S. salpa to be 11.82 +/- 0.2 mg/g dry weight; 11.28 +/- 7.68 mu g/g wet weight, 0.38 +/- 0.11 mu g/g wet weight; and 0.50 +/- 0.02 mu g/g wet weight, respectively. In conclusion, we showed that CPN migrates from Caulerpa taxa to S. salpa. The negative health effects of CPN accumulation in S. salpa have already been reported in various reported papers. As such, to prevent any possible health consequences, the consumption of S. salpa may not be recommended during August when CPN concentrations are higher than the levels observed in other months. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier B.V

A surveillance of nosocomial candida infections: epidemiology and influences on mortalty in intensive care units

Introduction: it was aimed to investigate the frequency of Candida infections (CI) in the intensive care units (ICU), to determine typing of candida to evaluate risk factors associated with CI and mortality, and to evaluate influence of CI on mortality. Methods: the prospective cohort study was carried out between Jan 1, 2009 and Dec 31, 2010 in ICUs, and the patients were observed with active surveillance. VITEK 2 Compact System (BioMerieux, France) kits were used for the identification of isolates from various clinical samples. Results: a total of 2362 patients had enrolled for 16135 patients-days into the study. During the study, 63 (27,5%) of patients developed 77 episodes of CI were observed. Of the patients; 54% were male, 46% were female. Duration of hospitalization (OR=1,03, p=0,007), hyperglycemia (OR=17,93, p=0,009), and coinfections (OR=3,98, p=0,001) were identified as independent risk factors for CI. The most common infections were bloodstream (53%). 77 of 135 candida strains was isolated as causative pathogens. C. albicans (63,6%) was the most frequent species. Overall mortality rate was 78%. The rates of mortality attiributable to CI and candidemia were 27%, and 18,3% respectively. Species-specific mortality rates of C. albicans and C. tropicalis were determined as 12%. High APACHE II scores (OR=1,37; p=0,002), and the use of central venous catheter (OR=9,01; p=0,049) were assigned as independent risk factors for mortality. Conclusion: CI is an important problem in our hospital. CI and associated mortalty can be prevented by controlling of risk factors. Updating of epidemiological data is required for successful antifungal treatment

Effects of Nasal CPAP Treatment on Insulin Resistance, Lipid Profile, and Plasma Leptin in Sleep Apnea

Background Obstructive sleep apnea has been linked with metabolic syndrome characterized by dyslipidemia, dyscoagulation, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus type 2 and their cardiovascular consequences. This study was designed to determine the effects of 8 weeks of therapy with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on insulin resistance, glucose, and lipid profile, and the relationship between leptin and insulin-resistance parameters in patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea