The role of surface wettability of copper and its alloys CuSn6, CuZn37 in antimicrobial efficacy standardized tests

The spread of bacterial infections often occurs through indirect contact with infected individuals. Thus, surfaces with antimicrobial properties have gained prominence in healthcare and public spaces. Testing standards exist for assessing the antibacterial effectiveness of these materials, but they do not consider surface properties, particularly surface wettability during microbiological tests. An experiment was conducted to modify copper and its alloys’ surfaces through chemical treatment, altering contact angles. The results revealed that contact angles significantly influence the contact area between droplets and test surfaces, as well as the evaporation time of droplets. These factors can ultimately impact the results of antimicrobial efficacy tests

Stavudine dosage reduction: Effect on symptomatic hyperlactataemia and lactic acidosis in patients at Dr George Mukhari Hospital, Pretoria

A range of studies have demonstrated that symptomatic hyperlactataemia and lactic acidosis are associated with antiretroviral combinations containing stavudine. Following a meta-analysis showing that lower doses of stavudine are safer and as effective, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a statement that only a low dose of stavudine (30 mg) should be used. We performed a retrospective review of the records of 86 patients (aged 27 - 59 years) initiated on 30 mg or 40 mg stavudine-containing antiretroviral therapy regimens between 2004 and 2006 at the adult HIV clinic at Dr George Mukhari Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa. Our analysis demonstrated that stavudine dose reduction increased the odds of patients being more stable on treatment with fewer reported side-effects. Stavudine-containing regimens should be avoided in obese female patients. Low-dose stavudine (20 mg) may offer alternative solutions in poor or resource-limited settings, with a lower associated risk of toxicity and side-effects; however, virological non-inferiority to the first-line treatment option should be established

Scientific Letter: Stavudine dosage reduction: Effect on symptomatic hyperlactataemia and lactic acidosis in patients at Dr George Mukhari Hospital, Pretoria

Scientific Letter: No Abstrac

Impact of the heat treatment parameters on ultimate tensile strength, microstructure and wire drawing process of Zn-Al15

Research conducted in the current paper examines the impact of the heat treatment at temperatures from 150 °C to 300 °C with time intervals between 1 and 6 hours on susceptibility to drawing process of Zn-Al15 wire rod manufactured within the industrial continuous casting and rolling line. The mechanical properties studies proved that the heat treatment caused the increase in the ultimate tensile strength values of the alloy whereas the drawing process caused a significant decrease, which suggests that this alloy after the specific heat treatment cannot be subjected to strain hardening

Determinants and coverage of seasonal influenza vaccination among women of childbearing age in Poland

Objectives: Vaccination is the most effective method of controlling influenza in the human population, where pregnant women belong to a risk group that is especially vulnerable to influenza-related morbidity and mortality. The objectives of the survey were to report estimates of maternal vaccination coverage and assess reasons for the lack of influenza vaccination among Polish women of childbearing age. Material and methods: The survey analysis included 564 pregnant women who had been surveyed in a self-reported questionnaire during the 2017–2018 influenza season in Warsaw, Poland. Results: Over 95% of Polish women of childbearing age did not vaccinate against influenza due to the low perception of risk and a lack of providing evidence-based information on vaccine by physicians and midwives. General practitioners were most often indicated as healthcare workers who educated women about influenza risk factors and recommended influenza vaccine to them. Conclusions: The results of the survey suggest that women of childbearing age did not vaccinate against influenza due to the low perception of risk and a lack of providing evidence-based information by healthcare workers (including obstetrician-gynaecologists and midwives), while their recommendations appear to be a powerful method of overcoming barriers to influenza vaccination among patients

Pertussis vaccination in pregnancy — current data on safety and effectiveness

Whooping cough/pertussis is a respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified whooping cough as one of the least controlled diseases in all age groups. Clinically, the catarrhal phase manifests itself as flu-like, nonspecific symptoms: cough, runny nose, mild fever, which, regrettably, makes early diagnosis difficult. The severe course is more specific (an audible inspiratory whoop followed by paroxysmal cough and vomiting). Currently, in Poland the highest percentage of cases is observed in children aged 0–4 years, followed by children over 15 years of age, with peaks among teens and seniors. Notably, hospitalization, morbidity and mortality rates are considerable in children (especially infants). Vaccinating pregnant women against pertussis provides approximately 90% protection to infants in their first two months of life. It is an effective form of preventing pertussis in infants. Moreover, it is safe for pregnant women and their children. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends Tdap vaccination to every pregnant woman between 27–36 weeks of pregnancy

Experimental investigation of mid-infrared laser action from DY3+ doped fluorozirconate fiber

Efficient continuous-wave laser operation at 2.982 μm is achieved with a Dy3:fluoride fiber pumped using an inhouse-built 1.1 μm ytterbium (III) fiber laser. The laser output power reached is 554 mW, with a maximum slope efficiency of 18% with respect to the launched pump power. Additionally, the measured spontaneous luminescence within the visible wavelength range, under 1.1 μm pumping, is presented and attributed to excited state absorption (ESA). The influence of the ESA on the laser performance is discussed. The results confirm that high output powers from Dy: fluoride fiber laser pumped at 1.1 μm are possible