Experimental and Computational Studies of Single-Molecule Conductance of Ru(II) and Pt(II) trans-Bis(acetylide) Complexes

The single-molecule conductance of metal complexes of the general forms trans-Ru(C≡CArC≡CY)2(dppe)2 and trans-Pt(C≡CArC≡CY)2(PPh3)2 (Ar = 1,4-C6H2-2,5-(OC6H13)2; Y = 4-C5H4N, 4-C6H4SMe) have been determined using the STM I(s) technique. The complexes display high conductance (Y = 4-C5H4N, M = Ru (0.4 ± 0.18 nS), Pt (0.8 ± 0.5 nS); Y = 4-C6H5SMe, M = Ru (1.4 ± 0.4 nS), Pt (1.8 ± 0.6 nS)) for molecular structures of ca. 3 nm in length, which has been attributed to transport processes arising from tunneling through the tails of LUMO state

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

Insulated molecular wires: inhibiting orthogonal contacts in metal complex based molecular junctions

Metal complexes are receiving increased attention as molecular wires in fundamental studies of the transport properties of metal|molecule|metal junctions. In this context we report the single-molecule conductance of a systematic series of d8 square-planar platinum(II) trans-bis(alkynyl) complexes with terminal trimethylsilylethynyl (C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiMe3) contacting groups, e.g. trans-Pt{C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CC6H4C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiMe3}2(PR3)2 (R = Ph or Et), using a combination of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) experiments in solution and theoretical calculations using density functional theory and non-equilibrium Green's function formalism. The measured conductance values of the complexes (ca. 3–5 × 10−5G0) are commensurate with similarly structured all-organic oligo(phenylene ethynylene) and oligo(yne) compounds. Based on conductance and break-off distance data, we demonstrate that a PPh3 supporting ligand in the platinum complexes can provide an alternative contact point for the STM tip in the molecular junctions, orthogonal to the terminal C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiMe3 group. The attachment of hexyloxy side chains to the diethynylbenzene ligands, e.g. trans-Pt{C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CC6H2(Ohex)2C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiMe3}2(PPh3)2 (Ohex = OC6H13), hinders contact of the STM tip to the PPh3 groups and effectively insulates the molecule, allowing the conductance through the full length of the backbone to be reliably measured. The use of trialkylphosphine (PEt3), rather than triarylphosphine (PPh3), ancillary ligands at platinum also eliminates these orthogonal contacts. These results have significant implications for the future design of organometallic complexes for studies in molecular junctions

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

Ramucirumab plus docetaxel versus placebo plus docetaxel in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma after platinum-based therapy (RANGE): a randomised, double-blind, phase 3 trial

Few treatments with a distinct mechanism of action are available for patients with platinum-refractory advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma. We assessed the efficacy and safety of treatment with docetaxel plus either ramucirumab-a human IgG1 VEGFR-2 antagonist-or placebo in this patient population

Induce Cancer by Ochratoxin A

Mycotoxins are microbial agents which cause food or feed-borne intoxications. Mycotoxins are undesirable compounds often found in cereal grains and forages. Ochratoxin A (OTA) is mycotoxin creates by more than a few type of Aspergillus in addition to Penicillium and can cause benign and/or malignant tumors. Due to that, this study was planned to induce cancer in mice mammary gland by (OTA). Twenty mice were caged to tow experimental groups and treated (10ppb OTA) for 6 months. The results showed that the mammary gland gross appearance gave enlargement with irregular shape while the histopathological changes showed pleomorphic hyperchromatic malignant cells indication for malignant adenocarcinoma of mammary gland. These results clearly indicated that OTA has carcinogenic compound that cause cancer in mammary gland of mice

Comparative efficacy of different CIDR protocols for the treatment of postpartum anestrous in Iraqi buffaloes

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of different CIDR protocols including some hormonal preparations for the treatment of postpartum anestrous of Iraqi northern buffaloes. The present study was conducted on 70 anestrous buffaloes suffering from postpartum ovarian inactivity. Buffaloes were randomly assigned to three treatment groups. Buffaloes in Treatment 1 (n=20) injected on day 0 of the experiment, GnRH 250 &amp;#956;g and a CIDR was placed in the anterior vagina. On day 7, they were injected with 25 mg of PGF2&amp;#945; and on the following day (day 8) the CIDR were removed. On day 9 a second dose of GnRH (250 &amp;#956;g) was injected. Buffaloes in Treatment 2 (n=20) received on day 0 GnRH (250 &amp;#956;g) and a CIDR were placed in the anterior vagina. On day 7, CIDR were removed and injected with GnRH (250 &amp;#956;g). Treatment 3 (n=20) on day 0 a CIDR were placed in the anterior vagina. On day 6, they were injected with 1000 IU of eCG. CIDR were removed on day 7 and injected with GnRH (250 &amp;#956;g). A control group (n=10) received no treatments. Results showed that in treatment 1 (GnRH+CIDR&amp;#151;8days&amp;#151;7 PGF2&amp;#945;+9 GnRH), 15 out of 20 buffaloes received treatment exhibited estrus within 69.4 &amp;#177; 8.4 h after CIDR removal. The estrus induction rate was 75%. Total number of buffaloes became pregnant was 4 (26.7%). In treatment 2 (GnRH+CIDR&amp;#151;7 days&amp;#151;GnRH), 65% of the buffaloes received treatment exhibited estrus within 77.8 &amp;#177; 5.6 h after CIDR removal. Total number of buffaloes became pregnant was 4 (26.7%). In treatment 3 (CIDR&amp;#151;7 days&amp;#151; 6 eCG+7 GnRH), 100% of the buffaloes received treatment exhibited estrus within 78.3 &amp;#177; 11.8 h after CIDR removal. In conclusion, our results indicate that the addition of GnRH and eCG to a progesterone-based CIDR protocol substantially improves the estrus induction and pregnancy rates in postpartum anestrous buffaloes. [Vet. World 2012; 5(4.000): 201-205

Effect of Sliding Speed on the Thermal Stresses of Single-Disk Friction Clutches

The friction clutch is considered an essential machine element in the power transmission system, whereas the friction clutches are used widely in many applications of mechanical engineering, especially in the automotive vehicles. Most of failures happen in the elements surfaces of the clutch system due to the excessive heat generated through the early stage of the engagement period. In this paper, the finite element technique is applied to compute the variation of the heat generated due to friction, temperature and thermal stresses through the heating stage of the friction clutch. The simulation of working of the friction clutch has been accomplished using developed axisymmetric finite element models. The results present the distributions of frictional heat generated and thermal stress during the sliding period. The results proved that the non-uniformity of the pressure distribution is responsible for generating the high local frictional heat generated in some zones of nominal contact area through the heating stage and this will lead to a high increase in the thermal stresses

[In Press] A review-based taxonomy for secure health care monitoring : wireless smart cameras

Health records data security is one of the main challenges in e-health systems. Authentication is one of the essential security services to support the stored data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This research focuses on the secure storage of patient and medical records in the healthcare sector where data security and unauthorized access is an ongoing issue. A potential solution comes from biometrics, although their use may be time-consuming and can slow down data retrieval. The aim of this research is to overcome these challenges and enhance data access control in the healthcare sector through the addition of biometrics in the form of fingerprints. The proposed model for application in the healthcare sector consists of Collection, Network communication, and Authentication (CNA) using biometrics which replaces an existing, password-based access control method. A sensor then collects data, and by using a network (wireless or Zig-bee), a connection is established, after connectivity analytics and data management work which processes and aggregate the data. Subsequently, access is granted to authenticated users of the application. This IoT-based biometric authentication system facilitates effective recognition and ensures confidentiality, integrity, and reliability of patients’ records and other sensitive data. The proposed solution provides reliable access to healthcare data and enables secure access through the process of user and device authentication. The proposed model has been developed for access control to data through authentication of users in healthcare to reduce data manipulation or theft