The aim of this study was to develop a simple and derivatization free method for the Quantification of S-Epichlorohydrin in R-Epichlorohydrin by using a gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detector (FID)....The aim of this study was to develop a simple and derivatization free method for the Quantification of S-Epichlorohydrin in R-Epichlorohydrin by using a gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detector (FID). Enantiopure epichlorohydrin was a valuable epoxide key starting material for preparing optically active Rivaroxaban. The enantiomeric separations of S-Epichlorohydrin and R-Epichlorohydrin were achieved on Gamaa-Dex-225 (30 meters × 0.25 mm I.D, 0.25 μm) column with a total run time of 30 min. Nitrogen was used as a carrier gas with constant pressure 25.0 psi. The critical experimental parameters such as, column selection, flow rate, injection volume and diluent were studied and optimized. Excellent correlation coeffient between peak responses and concentrations was >0.9998. The recoveries of S-Epichlorohydrin spiked in R-Epichlorohydrin were in the range from 98.2% to 102.8%. Limit of quantitation for S-Epichlorohydrin was sufficiently lower than limits specified by ICH. The method has validated as per International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. A precise, accurate, linear and robust Gas Chromatography method was developed for the quantification of S-Epichlorohydrin in R-Epichlorohydrin for Rivaroxaban.展开更多
The Makiso municipality is located in an urban area influenced by a very high rate of land occupation by houses. This land use has an impact on the quality of the groundwater exploited by wells and springs. This groun...The Makiso municipality is located in an urban area influenced by a very high rate of land occupation by houses. This land use has an impact on the quality of the groundwater exploited by wells and springs. This groundwater helps to make up for the deficit caused by the lack of a water distribution network. It is also threatened by pollution from human activities. In order to protect the groundwater in Makiso municipality from pollution, the study of the intrinsic vulnerability assessment in the aquifers was carried out by applying the DRASTIC method and the Geographic Information System (GIS). The results obtained using this method were grouped into two degrees of vulnerability (medium and high), with variations in DRASTIC indices of [141 - 145] for the medium degree and [146 - 175] for the high degree. The high vulnerability class is the most dominant, with a percentage of 96.5% of the study area. The medium vulnerability class, which represents 3.5% of the area of the Makiso municipality, is mainly located in the western (medical plateau district), central (Lualaba district) and southern (commercial district) sectors in the form of isolated pockets. A comparison of the nitrate distribution map with the final vulnerability map shows that the areas defined as highly vulnerable by the DRASTIC method and the areas with high nitrate concentrations (above 0.11 mg/l) are in agreement. On the other hand, there are other areas with low nitrate concentrations (below 0.05 mg/l) which correspond to the high vulnerability indices.展开更多
Background: Continuous spinal anesthesia (CSA) is an underused technique in modern anesthesia practice. Compared with other techniques of neuraxial anesthesia, CSA allows incremental dosing of an intrathecal local ane...Background: Continuous spinal anesthesia (CSA) is an underused technique in modern anesthesia practice. Compared with other techniques of neuraxial anesthesia, CSA allows incremental dosing of an intrathecal local anesthetic for an indefinite duration, whereas traditional single-shot spinal anesthesia (SSA) usually involves larger doses, a finite, unpredictable duration, and greater potential for detrimental hemodynamic effects including hypotension, and epidural anesthesia via a catheter may produce lesser motor block and suboptimal anesthesia in sacral nerve root distributions. It is indicated in elderly patients undergoing lower limbs and sub umbilical surgery. Aim: This work aims to highlight the advantages of CSA on hemodynamic stability and as an alternative to heavy anesthetic procedures in already fragile patients. Case presentation: Our cases were two elderly patients, both of them with past stories of cardiac diseases. Both of them were undergoing amputation indicated for wet gangrene on lower limbs. They had unstable hemodynamics states due to inflammatory state. They were all rated ASA 3. CSA was performed with low doses of local anesthetics and maintenance by reinjections of mixture with the same doses. The interventions took place without major incidents and all patients survived. Conclusion: CSA is an underused technique in modern anesthesia. However, there is renewed interest due to the quality of the blocs and the hemodynamics stability. We report a case series of 2 elderly patients with past stories of cardiac diseases undergoing amputation for dry gangrene that had been operated under CSA.展开更多
Viral infections like Herpes simplex increasingly pose a serious threat to European health care systems and welfare of the population. Indirect transmission routes of infections via inanimate surfaces are often undere...Viral infections like Herpes simplex increasingly pose a serious threat to European health care systems and welfare of the population. Indirect transmission routes of infections via inanimate surfaces are often underestimated. In this study, we investigated the adhesion and persistence of Herpes simplex virus on cotton fabrics as well as its inactivation by domestic laundry. Virus adhesion to textile fibers was distinct, because viral DNA was detectable on fabrics for at least 48 hours after contamination as well as after home laundry. Particles remained infectious for several hours at room temperature and partially for 48 hours at 2℃ - 8℃. Nevertheless, domestic laundry was able to inactivate virus particles given that detergents were adequately used. This confirmed that standard household laundry processes, as established in Europe, are a suitable tool to reduce infectious Herpes virus particles from textiles, thereby supporting the prevention of infections circulating in the household and community.展开更多
Streptococcus mitis （S. mitis） is a pioneer commensal bacterial species colonizing many of the surfaces of the oral cavity in healthy individuals. Yet, not much information is available regarding its interaction wit...Streptococcus mitis （S. mitis） is a pioneer commensal bacterial species colonizing many of the surfaces of the oral cavity in healthy individuals. Yet, not much information is available regarding its interaction with the host. We used examination of its transcriptional regulation in oral keratinocytes to elucidate some of its potential roles in the oral cavity. Transcription factor analysis of oral keratinocytes predicted S. mitis.mediated activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor （AhR）, Activation and functionality of AhR was confirmed through nuclear translocation determined by immunofluorescence microscopy and real-time polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcription analysis of CYPIA1, the hallmark gene for AhR activation. Addition of Streptococcus mutans or Streptococcus gordonfi did not induce CYPIA1 transcription in the keratinocyte cultures. Introduction of an AhR-specific inhibitor revealed that S. mitis-mediated transcription of CXCL2 and CXCL8 was regulated by AhR. Elevated levels of pmstaglandin E2 （enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay） in supernatants from S. mitis-treated oral epithelial cells were also attenuated by inhibition of AhR activity. The observed AhR-regulated activities point to a contribution of S. mitis in the regulation of inflammatory responses and thereby to wound healing in the oral cavity. The concept that the oral commensal microbiota can induce AhR activation is important, also in view of the role that AhR has in modulation of T-cell differentiation and as an anti-inflammatory factor in macrophaees.展开更多
This work presents a study of the Paleogene sandstones of the Manika plateau in Kolwezi, DR Congo. These sandstones belong to the “Grès polymorphes” group, which together with the overlying “Sables ocre” make...This work presents a study of the Paleogene sandstones of the Manika plateau in Kolwezi, DR Congo. These sandstones belong to the “Grès polymorphes” group, which together with the overlying “Sables ocre” makes up the Kalahari Supergroup. Sedimentological and geochemical analyses have enabled us to characterize these sandstones and determine their origin, the conditions of their formation and the tectonic context in which they were developed. The results show that the sandstones are quartz arenites with a high level of mineralogical, textural and chemical maturity. They are recycled sandstones, formed in an intracratonic sedimentary basin, in the context of a passive continental margin, after a long fluvial transport of sediments. These sandstones initially come from intense alteration of magmatic rocks with felsic composition, mainly tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) complexes, in hot, humid palaeoclimatic conditions and oxidizing environments.展开更多
Some diseases require medical mitigation following the diagnosis, and sometimes the situation means that the patient has to undertake strong medication. However, this medicine is designed pharmacodynamically to intera...Some diseases require medical mitigation following the diagnosis, and sometimes the situation means that the patient has to undertake strong medication. However, this medicine is designed pharmacodynamically to interact with other organs before they reach the intended organ. Some mitigation imposes challenges on the involved organ. While the main organ will be healed, some drugs’ footprints will be left out to other organs. These are called iatrogenic injuries. In the case of anastomosis, it requires the alteration of surgical methods or the origin of iatrogenic injury in the arm;thus, the knowledge of anastomosis is very important to the field of medical practice. In addition, carpal tunnel release becomes vital in curing carpal tunnel syndrome. The paper focuses on a case of a 42-year-old woman found to have a complication to her middle finger. This case becomes important for studying Berrettini anastomosis iatrogenic injury, which relates to carpal tunnel syndrome. The Berrettini branch is a complication that facilitates communication between the superficial ulnar and median nerve. The analysis also provides the electro-diagnostic evidence of Berrettini anastomosis on how it can give a position three-finger and thus contribute to a force explanation of the median neuropraxia. Lastly, the paper provides information on the implication of the Berrettini branch for surgical use. The implication of pictures in the digital era can be used to analyze the varied connection and length between the median nerve and ulnar section. It’s easy to locate the position of high risk of iatrogenic injury in the palm due to the consistent location of Berrettini communication branches. The precaution is that operations have to be conducted moderately for a clear vision as the carefully mitigated practice ensures protection from the destruction and injury of the surrounding structures.展开更多
<span style="font-family:Verdana;">The “Axillary web syndrome” (AWS) is an early complication following breast cancer surgery with axillary lymph nodes dissection. <strong>Case Report:</stro...<span style="font-family:Verdana;">The “Axillary web syndrome” (AWS) is an early complication following breast cancer surgery with axillary lymph nodes dissection. <strong>Case Report:</strong> The patient is a 69-year-old woman, retired ex-employee, with outcome surgery right axillary lymphadenectomy with shoulder pain and functional limitation with diagnosis AWS it where it was recommended the physiotherapy. The patient had improvement in terms of shoulder function and pain and quality of life. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> The description of the clinical case afflicted with AWS and the treatment protocol applied, highlighted the good performance of the results, notably as concerns patient’s quality of life. This result could represent a starting point for creating clinical trials aimed at building appropriate rehabilitation route in territorial rehabilitation services.</span>展开更多
Hydrological modeling plays a crucial role in efficiently managing water resources and understanding the hydrologic behavior of watersheds. This study aims to simulate daily streamflow in the Godavari River Basin in M...Hydrological modeling plays a crucial role in efficiently managing water resources and understanding the hydrologic behavior of watersheds. This study aims to simulate daily streamflow in the Godavari River Basin in Maharashtra using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). SWAT is a process-based hydrological model used to predict water balance components, sediment levels, and nutrient contamination. In this research, we used integrated remote sensing and GIS data, including Digital Elevation Models (DEM), land use and land cover (LULC) maps, soil maps, and observed precipitation and temperature data, as input for developing the SWAT model to assess surface runoff in this large river basin. The Godavari River Basin under study was divided into 25 sub-basins, comprising 151 hydrological response units categorized by unique land cover, soil, and slope characteristics using the SWAT model. The model was calibrated and validated against observed runoff data for two time periods: 2003-2006 and 2007-2010 respectively. Model performance was assessed using the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) and the coefficient of determination (R2). The results show the effectiveness of the SWAT2012 model, with R2 value of 0.84 during calibration and 0.86 during validation. NSE values also ranged from 0.84 during calibration to 0.85 during validation. These findings enhance our understanding of surface runoff dynamics in the Godavari River Basin under study and highlight the suit-ability of the SWAT model for this region.展开更多
Zatua Hills are located at Haut Uélé Province of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), between northern Bafwasende and southern Paulis (Isiro) Squarred Degrees. Belonging to greenstone belt of Ngayu, that area...Zatua Hills are located at Haut Uélé Province of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), between northern Bafwasende and southern Paulis (Isiro) Squarred Degrees. Belonging to greenstone belt of Ngayu, that area is identified by the high elevated zone which is remained the witness of stable zone, not affected by the ancienst erosion process. Zatua Hills are in the superior Kibalian formation dated to Neoarchaen, hosted in Upper Congo Granites Massifs of DRC covering a large central zone of NE of DRC, and consisting to dolerite, phyllade, clay rich sediment, poor Banded Iron Formations (BIFs), enriched BIFs, friable hematite, hard hematite, mineralized and unmineralized brechias. Magnetite, martite and hematite are associated to some secondary minerals such as goethite, gibbsite, kaolinite, strengite, variscite and others clay minerals present in BIFs. Petrographic analysis made from the samples collected in situ showed, as well as BIFs and iron ore associated, that magnetite was much abundant oxide mineral which is oxided to martite before to stabilize to hematite during the deposition time. Having about hundred meters of thickness, the rich iron ore of this area content, in the majority less deleterious elements which, are harmful in metallurgic process of iron. These secondary minerals were precipitated at various degrees in the leached cavities of rocks between martite and hematite aggregates to botryoidal texture and, are rich to Al, and are mainly consisting to gibbsite and solid solution series of variscite-strengite (AlPO<sub>4</sub>·2H<sub>2</sub>O and FePO<sub>4</sub>·2H<sub>2</sub>O). Low degree of metamorphism played when magnetite was converted to martite, with the presence of variscite and anatase like witnesses of this event in which, martite was crystalized to hematite.展开更多
Zatua Hills are located in the northeastern part of the DR Congo in Haut Uélé Province, formerly known as Province Orientale. This part of DR Congo is identified by the high elevated zone, which has rem...Zatua Hills are located in the northeastern part of the DR Congo in Haut Uélé Province, formerly known as Province Orientale. This part of DR Congo is identified by the high elevated zone, which has remained a witness to a stable zone not affected by the ancient erosion process. BIFs are most abundant and are dated to the Neoarchaean and Late Kibalian, hosted in the Upper Congo Granites Massifs of the DR. Congo. Zatua Hills consist of dolerite, phyllade, clay-rich sediment, poor itabirite, enriched BIFs, friable hematite, hard hematite, and mineralized and unmineralized breccias. Field study and geochemistry analysis by XRF, XRD, and ICP-MS are executed in order to know the geochemistry signature and paragenesis of Zatua Hills and the probably process could lead the BIFs to iron ore. The geochemistry analysis by XRF, XRD, and ICP-MS shows that Iron ore content has an iron rate between 57% and 69% with less deleterious elements such as Si, P, and Al. These deleterious elements are secondary and have silicium composition (probably quartz or chert, goethite, and Kaolinite), aluminum (probably gibbsite, variscite, cadwaladérite, goethite, and Kaolinite), phosphorous (probably variscite), and hydrated minerals, which are grown LOI in the samples. Hypogen and supergen processes are played in BIFs for iron ore conversion and, respectively, silica dissolution and leaching. Metamorphism was also impacted and marked by the Ti element (anatase) in samples, contributing to the crystallization of martite to hematite after magnetite oxidation.展开更多
Background: Rare pathological conditions are frequently a diagnostic challenge in intensive care. Posterior-reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical and imaging diagnosis recently individualized. It occ...Background: Rare pathological conditions are frequently a diagnostic challenge in intensive care. Posterior-reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical and imaging diagnosis recently individualized. It occurs in various conditions such as collagenosis or vasculitis of the central nervous system, electrolytic disorders and the use of cytotoxics or immunosuppressive treatment. It is responsible for non-specific neurological manifestations such as confusion, coma, convulsions or visual disturbances. The diagnosis is suggested by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The lesions correspond to vasogenic edema and are therefore generally reversible after etiologic treatment and control of blood pressure. Aim: This clinical case aims to show the diagnostic complexity of rare pathologies in the intensive care unit. Case presentation: We present a case of a 14-year-old child received in the pediatrics department for generalized tonic-clonic convulsions with tongue biting in a febrile context. Malaria was negative, with hyperleukocytosis, slightly elevated C-reactive protein, anemia and hypokliemia, lumbar puncture was performed and all cerebrospinal fluid examinations revealed nothing. The seizures were controlled by titrated cumulative doses of diazepam with a total of 12mg, antibiotic therapy with ceftriaxone, corticotherapy with dexamethasone 12mg and blood transfusion without any improvement in his condition. He was then transferred to intensive care where the clinical and paraclinical assessment highlighted a neurological deficit Glasgow coma scale of 12/15 and biological hyponatremia. Brain CT-scan was normal. Hydroelectrolytic equilibration was undertaken, antibiotics continued, anti-comital prophylaxis and general resuscitation measures were provided. He regained consciousness on the 3rd day. On the 4th day, he presented high blood pressure and on the 5th, a resumption of convulsions without any obvious biological disorder, cerebrospinal fluid control was once more non-pathological. An MRI was performed and revealed Posterior-reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Conclusion: Posterior-reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a rare disease. It is necessary to keep rare diseases in mind.展开更多
Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform medical diagnostics by enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of diagnostic processes. Its application in clinical practice can greatly support me...Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform medical diagnostics by enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of diagnostic processes. Its application in clinical practice can greatly support medical professionals by offering improved tools for faster and more precise diagnoses. Understanding AI’s capabilities is essential for its successful integration into medical diagnostics. In this context, evaluating the performance of different AI models in the diagnostic process becomes particularly important. The objective of this study is to qualitatively evaluate the diagnostic performance of three AI models—ChatGPT-4o, CodyMD, and Dr. Gupta—based on patient-reported symptoms. Objectives: The aim of the study is to compare the three AI models in terms of diagnostic accuracy, the level of detail in the provided information, the interaction between the models and patients, and the number of differential diagnoses offered. Results: ChatGPT-4o achieved the highest accuracy, correctly diagnosing 90% of the cases. The model provides basic information and focuses on a single most likely diagnosis. CodyMD and Dr. Gupta achieved 50% accuracy, with CodyMD using an interactive approach and offering differential diagnoses with probability percentages for each. Dr. Gupta provided educational medical information and differential diagnoses without probability estimates. Conclusions: The AI models assessed can assist medical professionals in the diagnostic process, but they require further refinement and optimization. ChatGPT-4o stands out for its high accuracy, though increased patient interaction is needed. CodyMD excels in offering an interactive approach and more detailed responses, but requires improved accuracy. Dr. Gupta provided differential diagnoses, but the information provided is suitable for educational purposes. While these models show potential for clinical use, further research is needed to optimize and validate them in real-world settings.展开更多
Background: Vaginal discharge is one of most common and nagging problems that women face. About 20% - 25% of women who visit gynecology department complain of vaginal discharge and leucorrhoea. An orally administered ...Background: Vaginal discharge is one of most common and nagging problems that women face. About 20% - 25% of women who visit gynecology department complain of vaginal discharge and leucorrhoea. An orally administered combination kit, containing 2 g secnidazole, 1 g azithromycin and 150 mg fluconazole (Azimyn FS Kit), has been successfully evaluated in clinical trials and used in several countries for management syndromic vaginal discharge due to infections. Methods: This is a longitudinal study which aimed to verify the clinical efficacy of the combined oral kit containing secnidazole, azithromycin and fluconazole (Azimyn FS Kit<sup><sup>®</sup></sup>) in the syndromic treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge in patients received in outpatient consultations in Kinshasa/DR Congo from March to September 2023. Results: Majority of patients had whitish vaginal discharge (51.6%) of average abundance (56.2%), accompanied by pruritus in 72.1% of cases, and dyspareunia in 23.5% of cases and hypogastralgia in 40.2% of cases. One week after treatment with the Azimyn FS<sup><sup>®</sup></sup> combined kit, at the greatest majority of patients (97.3%), abnormal vaginal discharge had decreased by more than 50% (84.1%). Two weeks after treatment with the Azimyn FS<sup><sup>®</sup></sup> combined kit, almost all patients (97.3%) no longer had abnormal vaginal discharge which had completely disappeared. Conclusion: A single dose of secnidazole, azithromycin and fluconazole in the form of an oral combi-kit (Azimyn FS Kit) has shown excellent therapeutic effectiveness in the syndromic treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge wherein patients were treated without diagnostic confirmation.展开更多
Background: Vaginal discharge is one of the most common troubles faced by childbearing age women. About 20% - 25% of women who visit service of gynecology complain of vaginal discharge and leucorrhoea. Management of v...Background: Vaginal discharge is one of the most common troubles faced by childbearing age women. About 20% - 25% of women who visit service of gynecology complain of vaginal discharge and leucorrhoea. Management of vaginal discharge in low-income countries generally depends on syndromic approach, which limits the understanding of specific responsible agents. Thus targeted management is based on the identification of causal organism and targeting of therapy against it, while syndromic management is based on presence of high risk factors. Thus the oral combination kit (Azimyn FS Kit®) offers convenience of a one-day treatment compared to other multidose treatments, which will also ensure high patient adherence to treatment, thus increasing chances of desired results. Due to its widespread use, it is proposed to evaluate the effectiveness of this oral association kit therapy in management of vaginal discharge in the population of our milieu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) particularly those received in outpatient consultation in some medical facilities in city of Kinshasa. Expensive laboratory tests and the associated waiting period for result mean that patient remains without treatment while waiting for test results. Therefore, by adopting a syndromic management approach, patient’s eligibility for treatment will be decided based on abnormal vaginal discharge, their characteristics, severity and other presentations symptomatic. This approach will also avoid losing sight of patients during follow-up and will help to reduce financial burden for patients. Objectives: To determine the efficacy and safety of oral combination kit therapy containing secnidazole, azithromycin and fluconazole (Azimyn FS Kit®) in syndromic treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge in patients received in outpatient consultation in some medical facilities in the city of Kinshasa;to measure rate of recurrence of abnormal vaginal discharge in these patients. And to identify the adverse effects observed in these patients who received treatment with the combined oral kit containing secnidazole, azithromycin and fluconazole (Azimyn FS Kit®) in outpatient consultation in some medical facilities in the city of Kinshasa. Methods: It will be a cross-sectional descriptive study. Sample size will be 319 women of childbearing age who consult the gynecology department with complaint of abnormal vaginal discharge and suspicion of vaginal infection, who agree to abstain from sex during treatment and who have given their written consent to use their personal and/or health data in the study. Conclusion: A study on clinical efficacy of oral combination therapy based on secnidazole, azithromycin and fluconazole is beneficial.展开更多
Background: Achondroplasia is a rare autosomal dominant disorder resulting in skeletal dysplasia. Any injury to the anterior cruciate ligament among people already suffering from achondroplasia results in devastating ...Background: Achondroplasia is a rare autosomal dominant disorder resulting in skeletal dysplasia. Any injury to the anterior cruciate ligament among people already suffering from achondroplasia results in devastating effects. In this report, the outcome of the hamstring graft arthroscopic reconstruction technique for anterior cruciate ligament injury in achondroplasia patients is assessed. The patient in the present case report exhibits the potential for excellent outcomes four months post-surgical follow-up on Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale. This encouraging result, ought to persuade surgeons to use the hamstring graft arthroscopic restoration approach in achondroplasia instances like these. Timely and excellent recovery in such complicated surgical cases, would reduce the obstacle to surgery for several patients with achondroplasia. It would also improve the methods of managing these patients with this particular surgical technique.展开更多
White piedra is a superficial, chronic, asymptomatic mycoses caused by yeast fungi of the genus Trichosporon. It affects the hair, especially of the head, less frequently of the pubis, perineum, armpit, beard, mustach...White piedra is a superficial, chronic, asymptomatic mycoses caused by yeast fungi of the genus Trichosporon. It affects the hair, especially of the head, less frequently of the pubis, perineum, armpit, beard, mustache, eyebrows and eyelashes, and is characterized by the formation of soft nodules or fungal clusters. It affects all age groups and both sexes, predominantly women. Diagnosis is made by direct examination of the affected hair and culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar. The identification of species occurs through more specific identification procedures, such as mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) and PCR). The objective of this work is to report two cases of familial white piedra caused by T. inkin identified by PCR.展开更多
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of interferon-γ release assay (IGRA), a sensitive microbiological diagnostic method, in children and adolescents with suspected tuberculosis in a country ...Background: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of interferon-γ release assay (IGRA), a sensitive microbiological diagnostic method, in children and adolescents with suspected tuberculosis in a country with a high burden of tuberculosis. Method: This study included 581 children and adolescents aged 4 - 19 years who were suspected of having tuberculosis, were latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and had received at least one dose of BCG vaccine between April 17, 2019, and February 24, 2021. The study evaluated the TST results of 106 patients who had a positive Quantiferon test and were suspected of having tuberculosis. Results: The study included 581 patients aged between 4 and 19 years. Of these, 106 patients tested positive for the Quantiferon test, while 19 were indeterminate and 456 were negative. The Quantiferon test positivity rate was 18.24%. Among the 106 QFT-Plus-positive cases, 23 patients also tested positive for TST. The difference in distribution was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The QFT-Plus test is considered an alternative to TST and other microbiological diagnostic methods for early tuberculosis diagnosis, particularly in children and adolescents.展开更多
This study was conducted to evaluate the water application uniformity for a drip irrigation system, considering the water quality and the duration of usage. The uniformity parameters, Emission Uniformity (EU %) and Un...This study was conducted to evaluate the water application uniformity for a drip irrigation system, considering the water quality and the duration of usage. The uniformity parameters, Emission Uniformity (EU %) and Uniformity Coefficient (UC %) were determined for the drip irrigation system </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">installed over a year of performance. The procedures are based on taking</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> measurements of emitter discharge along selected driplines on a sub-main. The catch can </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">be</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> identified as L1A, L1B, L1C, L1D, same for L2A to L2D, L3A to L3D and L4A to L4D. This gave a total of sixteen (16) measurement positions as there were 4 driplines. Results indicated that the uniformity of water application was 90% indicating that the emitter was still good after a year of installation. The average discharge rate was 0.57</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">l/h. The uniformity coefficient (UC %) for the gravity-fed drip irrigation system was 78%, indicating good water application and was quite significant for the evaluation of the uniform distribution of water for the design. The expansion of this irrigation method in rural communities could contribute to relevant water savings in most areas of the Upper West Region of Ghana.展开更多
Climate change, mainly caused by the use of non-renewable fuels, has raised global concerns and led to the search for less polluting energy sources, making hydrogen a promising energy alternative with the potential to...Climate change, mainly caused by the use of non-renewable fuels, has raised global concerns and led to the search for less polluting energy sources, making hydrogen a promising energy alternative with the potential to contribute to changes in the energy mix of various countries through the use of technologies that enable its production and use with low or zero carbon emissions. In this context, Brazil has aroused great interest from other countries in exploring its renewable resources for the production of hydrogen (green hydrogen). In this sense, the use of natural gas pipelines and the use of hydrogen in mixtures with natural gas have become the subject of studies due to their economically viable alternative for the immediate use of this energy vector. However, there are still technical and regulatory challenges regarding the integration of hydrogen into the existing natural gas pipeline network. In this context, the present study aims to address the effects of hydrogen interaction with the structure of natural gas pipeline steel and the regulatory barriers to the use of this network for the transportation of green hydrogen, particularly in the state of Ceará/Brazil. After extensive analysis of literature and regulatory documents, it was concluded that: 1) Ceará/Brazil has strong potential to meet the demand for green hydrogen through the use of solar and wind energy sources;2) there is feasibility for the adaptation or conversion of natural gas infrastructure for the transportation of green hydrogen;3) discussions regarding the regulatory competence of green hydrogen transportation and distribution through the natural gas network in Brazil are still incipient;4) the current regulation of the natural gas industry can serve as a subsidy for the regulation of green hydrogen and natural gas transportation.展开更多
文摘The aim of this study was to develop a simple and derivatization free method for the Quantification of S-Epichlorohydrin in R-Epichlorohydrin by using a gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detector (FID). Enantiopure epichlorohydrin was a valuable epoxide key starting material for preparing optically active Rivaroxaban. The enantiomeric separations of S-Epichlorohydrin and R-Epichlorohydrin were achieved on Gamaa-Dex-225 (30 meters × 0.25 mm I.D, 0.25 μm) column with a total run time of 30 min. Nitrogen was used as a carrier gas with constant pressure 25.0 psi. The critical experimental parameters such as, column selection, flow rate, injection volume and diluent were studied and optimized. Excellent correlation coeffient between peak responses and concentrations was >0.9998. The recoveries of S-Epichlorohydrin spiked in R-Epichlorohydrin were in the range from 98.2% to 102.8%. Limit of quantitation for S-Epichlorohydrin was sufficiently lower than limits specified by ICH. The method has validated as per International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. A precise, accurate, linear and robust Gas Chromatography method was developed for the quantification of S-Epichlorohydrin in R-Epichlorohydrin for Rivaroxaban.
文摘The Makiso municipality is located in an urban area influenced by a very high rate of land occupation by houses. This land use has an impact on the quality of the groundwater exploited by wells and springs. This groundwater helps to make up for the deficit caused by the lack of a water distribution network. It is also threatened by pollution from human activities. In order to protect the groundwater in Makiso municipality from pollution, the study of the intrinsic vulnerability assessment in the aquifers was carried out by applying the DRASTIC method and the Geographic Information System (GIS). The results obtained using this method were grouped into two degrees of vulnerability (medium and high), with variations in DRASTIC indices of [141 - 145] for the medium degree and [146 - 175] for the high degree. The high vulnerability class is the most dominant, with a percentage of 96.5% of the study area. The medium vulnerability class, which represents 3.5% of the area of the Makiso municipality, is mainly located in the western (medical plateau district), central (Lualaba district) and southern (commercial district) sectors in the form of isolated pockets. A comparison of the nitrate distribution map with the final vulnerability map shows that the areas defined as highly vulnerable by the DRASTIC method and the areas with high nitrate concentrations (above 0.11 mg/l) are in agreement. On the other hand, there are other areas with low nitrate concentrations (below 0.05 mg/l) which correspond to the high vulnerability indices.
文摘Background: Continuous spinal anesthesia (CSA) is an underused technique in modern anesthesia practice. Compared with other techniques of neuraxial anesthesia, CSA allows incremental dosing of an intrathecal local anesthetic for an indefinite duration, whereas traditional single-shot spinal anesthesia (SSA) usually involves larger doses, a finite, unpredictable duration, and greater potential for detrimental hemodynamic effects including hypotension, and epidural anesthesia via a catheter may produce lesser motor block and suboptimal anesthesia in sacral nerve root distributions. It is indicated in elderly patients undergoing lower limbs and sub umbilical surgery. Aim: This work aims to highlight the advantages of CSA on hemodynamic stability and as an alternative to heavy anesthetic procedures in already fragile patients. Case presentation: Our cases were two elderly patients, both of them with past stories of cardiac diseases. Both of them were undergoing amputation indicated for wet gangrene on lower limbs. They had unstable hemodynamics states due to inflammatory state. They were all rated ASA 3. CSA was performed with low doses of local anesthetics and maintenance by reinjections of mixture with the same doses. The interventions took place without major incidents and all patients survived. Conclusion: CSA is an underused technique in modern anesthesia. However, there is renewed interest due to the quality of the blocs and the hemodynamics stability. We report a case series of 2 elderly patients with past stories of cardiac diseases undergoing amputation for dry gangrene that had been operated under CSA.
文摘Viral infections like Herpes simplex increasingly pose a serious threat to European health care systems and welfare of the population. Indirect transmission routes of infections via inanimate surfaces are often underestimated. In this study, we investigated the adhesion and persistence of Herpes simplex virus on cotton fabrics as well as its inactivation by domestic laundry. Virus adhesion to textile fibers was distinct, because viral DNA was detectable on fabrics for at least 48 hours after contamination as well as after home laundry. Particles remained infectious for several hours at room temperature and partially for 48 hours at 2℃ - 8℃. Nevertheless, domestic laundry was able to inactivate virus particles given that detergents were adequately used. This confirmed that standard household laundry processes, as established in Europe, are a suitable tool to reduce infectious Herpes virus particles from textiles, thereby supporting the prevention of infections circulating in the household and community.
基金supported by the Norwegian Research Council grant no.241011the Norwegian Dental Depot Fund for Dental Research
文摘Streptococcus mitis （S. mitis） is a pioneer commensal bacterial species colonizing many of the surfaces of the oral cavity in healthy individuals. Yet, not much information is available regarding its interaction with the host. We used examination of its transcriptional regulation in oral keratinocytes to elucidate some of its potential roles in the oral cavity. Transcription factor analysis of oral keratinocytes predicted S. mitis.mediated activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor （AhR）, Activation and functionality of AhR was confirmed through nuclear translocation determined by immunofluorescence microscopy and real-time polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcription analysis of CYPIA1, the hallmark gene for AhR activation. Addition of Streptococcus mutans or Streptococcus gordonfi did not induce CYPIA1 transcription in the keratinocyte cultures. Introduction of an AhR-specific inhibitor revealed that S. mitis-mediated transcription of CXCL2 and CXCL8 was regulated by AhR. Elevated levels of pmstaglandin E2 （enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay） in supernatants from S. mitis-treated oral epithelial cells were also attenuated by inhibition of AhR activity. The observed AhR-regulated activities point to a contribution of S. mitis in the regulation of inflammatory responses and thereby to wound healing in the oral cavity. The concept that the oral commensal microbiota can induce AhR activation is important, also in view of the role that AhR has in modulation of T-cell differentiation and as an anti-inflammatory factor in macrophaees.
文摘This work presents a study of the Paleogene sandstones of the Manika plateau in Kolwezi, DR Congo. These sandstones belong to the “Grès polymorphes” group, which together with the overlying “Sables ocre” makes up the Kalahari Supergroup. Sedimentological and geochemical analyses have enabled us to characterize these sandstones and determine their origin, the conditions of their formation and the tectonic context in which they were developed. The results show that the sandstones are quartz arenites with a high level of mineralogical, textural and chemical maturity. They are recycled sandstones, formed in an intracratonic sedimentary basin, in the context of a passive continental margin, after a long fluvial transport of sediments. These sandstones initially come from intense alteration of magmatic rocks with felsic composition, mainly tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) complexes, in hot, humid palaeoclimatic conditions and oxidizing environments.
文摘Some diseases require medical mitigation following the diagnosis, and sometimes the situation means that the patient has to undertake strong medication. However, this medicine is designed pharmacodynamically to interact with other organs before they reach the intended organ. Some mitigation imposes challenges on the involved organ. While the main organ will be healed, some drugs’ footprints will be left out to other organs. These are called iatrogenic injuries. In the case of anastomosis, it requires the alteration of surgical methods or the origin of iatrogenic injury in the arm;thus, the knowledge of anastomosis is very important to the field of medical practice. In addition, carpal tunnel release becomes vital in curing carpal tunnel syndrome. The paper focuses on a case of a 42-year-old woman found to have a complication to her middle finger. This case becomes important for studying Berrettini anastomosis iatrogenic injury, which relates to carpal tunnel syndrome. The Berrettini branch is a complication that facilitates communication between the superficial ulnar and median nerve. The analysis also provides the electro-diagnostic evidence of Berrettini anastomosis on how it can give a position three-finger and thus contribute to a force explanation of the median neuropraxia. Lastly, the paper provides information on the implication of the Berrettini branch for surgical use. The implication of pictures in the digital era can be used to analyze the varied connection and length between the median nerve and ulnar section. It’s easy to locate the position of high risk of iatrogenic injury in the palm due to the consistent location of Berrettini communication branches. The precaution is that operations have to be conducted moderately for a clear vision as the carefully mitigated practice ensures protection from the destruction and injury of the surrounding structures.
文摘<span style="font-family:Verdana;">The “Axillary web syndrome” (AWS) is an early complication following breast cancer surgery with axillary lymph nodes dissection. <strong>Case Report:</strong> The patient is a 69-year-old woman, retired ex-employee, with outcome surgery right axillary lymphadenectomy with shoulder pain and functional limitation with diagnosis AWS it where it was recommended the physiotherapy. The patient had improvement in terms of shoulder function and pain and quality of life. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> The description of the clinical case afflicted with AWS and the treatment protocol applied, highlighted the good performance of the results, notably as concerns patient’s quality of life. This result could represent a starting point for creating clinical trials aimed at building appropriate rehabilitation route in territorial rehabilitation services.</span>
文摘Hydrological modeling plays a crucial role in efficiently managing water resources and understanding the hydrologic behavior of watersheds. This study aims to simulate daily streamflow in the Godavari River Basin in Maharashtra using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). SWAT is a process-based hydrological model used to predict water balance components, sediment levels, and nutrient contamination. In this research, we used integrated remote sensing and GIS data, including Digital Elevation Models (DEM), land use and land cover (LULC) maps, soil maps, and observed precipitation and temperature data, as input for developing the SWAT model to assess surface runoff in this large river basin. The Godavari River Basin under study was divided into 25 sub-basins, comprising 151 hydrological response units categorized by unique land cover, soil, and slope characteristics using the SWAT model. The model was calibrated and validated against observed runoff data for two time periods: 2003-2006 and 2007-2010 respectively. Model performance was assessed using the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) and the coefficient of determination (R2). The results show the effectiveness of the SWAT2012 model, with R2 value of 0.84 during calibration and 0.86 during validation. NSE values also ranged from 0.84 during calibration to 0.85 during validation. These findings enhance our understanding of surface runoff dynamics in the Godavari River Basin under study and highlight the suit-ability of the SWAT model for this region.
文摘Zatua Hills are located at Haut Uélé Province of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), between northern Bafwasende and southern Paulis (Isiro) Squarred Degrees. Belonging to greenstone belt of Ngayu, that area is identified by the high elevated zone which is remained the witness of stable zone, not affected by the ancienst erosion process. Zatua Hills are in the superior Kibalian formation dated to Neoarchaen, hosted in Upper Congo Granites Massifs of DRC covering a large central zone of NE of DRC, and consisting to dolerite, phyllade, clay rich sediment, poor Banded Iron Formations (BIFs), enriched BIFs, friable hematite, hard hematite, mineralized and unmineralized brechias. Magnetite, martite and hematite are associated to some secondary minerals such as goethite, gibbsite, kaolinite, strengite, variscite and others clay minerals present in BIFs. Petrographic analysis made from the samples collected in situ showed, as well as BIFs and iron ore associated, that magnetite was much abundant oxide mineral which is oxided to martite before to stabilize to hematite during the deposition time. Having about hundred meters of thickness, the rich iron ore of this area content, in the majority less deleterious elements which, are harmful in metallurgic process of iron. These secondary minerals were precipitated at various degrees in the leached cavities of rocks between martite and hematite aggregates to botryoidal texture and, are rich to Al, and are mainly consisting to gibbsite and solid solution series of variscite-strengite (AlPO<sub>4</sub>·2H<sub>2</sub>O and FePO<sub>4</sub>·2H<sub>2</sub>O). Low degree of metamorphism played when magnetite was converted to martite, with the presence of variscite and anatase like witnesses of this event in which, martite was crystalized to hematite.
文摘Zatua Hills are located in the northeastern part of the DR Congo in Haut Uélé Province, formerly known as Province Orientale. This part of DR Congo is identified by the high elevated zone, which has remained a witness to a stable zone not affected by the ancient erosion process. BIFs are most abundant and are dated to the Neoarchaean and Late Kibalian, hosted in the Upper Congo Granites Massifs of the DR. Congo. Zatua Hills consist of dolerite, phyllade, clay-rich sediment, poor itabirite, enriched BIFs, friable hematite, hard hematite, and mineralized and unmineralized breccias. Field study and geochemistry analysis by XRF, XRD, and ICP-MS are executed in order to know the geochemistry signature and paragenesis of Zatua Hills and the probably process could lead the BIFs to iron ore. The geochemistry analysis by XRF, XRD, and ICP-MS shows that Iron ore content has an iron rate between 57% and 69% with less deleterious elements such as Si, P, and Al. These deleterious elements are secondary and have silicium composition (probably quartz or chert, goethite, and Kaolinite), aluminum (probably gibbsite, variscite, cadwaladérite, goethite, and Kaolinite), phosphorous (probably variscite), and hydrated minerals, which are grown LOI in the samples. Hypogen and supergen processes are played in BIFs for iron ore conversion and, respectively, silica dissolution and leaching. Metamorphism was also impacted and marked by the Ti element (anatase) in samples, contributing to the crystallization of martite to hematite after magnetite oxidation.
文摘Background: Rare pathological conditions are frequently a diagnostic challenge in intensive care. Posterior-reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical and imaging diagnosis recently individualized. It occurs in various conditions such as collagenosis or vasculitis of the central nervous system, electrolytic disorders and the use of cytotoxics or immunosuppressive treatment. It is responsible for non-specific neurological manifestations such as confusion, coma, convulsions or visual disturbances. The diagnosis is suggested by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The lesions correspond to vasogenic edema and are therefore generally reversible after etiologic treatment and control of blood pressure. Aim: This clinical case aims to show the diagnostic complexity of rare pathologies in the intensive care unit. Case presentation: We present a case of a 14-year-old child received in the pediatrics department for generalized tonic-clonic convulsions with tongue biting in a febrile context. Malaria was negative, with hyperleukocytosis, slightly elevated C-reactive protein, anemia and hypokliemia, lumbar puncture was performed and all cerebrospinal fluid examinations revealed nothing. The seizures were controlled by titrated cumulative doses of diazepam with a total of 12mg, antibiotic therapy with ceftriaxone, corticotherapy with dexamethasone 12mg and blood transfusion without any improvement in his condition. He was then transferred to intensive care where the clinical and paraclinical assessment highlighted a neurological deficit Glasgow coma scale of 12/15 and biological hyponatremia. Brain CT-scan was normal. Hydroelectrolytic equilibration was undertaken, antibiotics continued, anti-comital prophylaxis and general resuscitation measures were provided. He regained consciousness on the 3rd day. On the 4th day, he presented high blood pressure and on the 5th, a resumption of convulsions without any obvious biological disorder, cerebrospinal fluid control was once more non-pathological. An MRI was performed and revealed Posterior-reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Conclusion: Posterior-reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a rare disease. It is necessary to keep rare diseases in mind.
文摘Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform medical diagnostics by enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of diagnostic processes. Its application in clinical practice can greatly support medical professionals by offering improved tools for faster and more precise diagnoses. Understanding AI’s capabilities is essential for its successful integration into medical diagnostics. In this context, evaluating the performance of different AI models in the diagnostic process becomes particularly important. The objective of this study is to qualitatively evaluate the diagnostic performance of three AI models—ChatGPT-4o, CodyMD, and Dr. Gupta—based on patient-reported symptoms. Objectives: The aim of the study is to compare the three AI models in terms of diagnostic accuracy, the level of detail in the provided information, the interaction between the models and patients, and the number of differential diagnoses offered. Results: ChatGPT-4o achieved the highest accuracy, correctly diagnosing 90% of the cases. The model provides basic information and focuses on a single most likely diagnosis. CodyMD and Dr. Gupta achieved 50% accuracy, with CodyMD using an interactive approach and offering differential diagnoses with probability percentages for each. Dr. Gupta provided educational medical information and differential diagnoses without probability estimates. Conclusions: The AI models assessed can assist medical professionals in the diagnostic process, but they require further refinement and optimization. ChatGPT-4o stands out for its high accuracy, though increased patient interaction is needed. CodyMD excels in offering an interactive approach and more detailed responses, but requires improved accuracy. Dr. Gupta provided differential diagnoses, but the information provided is suitable for educational purposes. While these models show potential for clinical use, further research is needed to optimize and validate them in real-world settings.
文摘Background: Vaginal discharge is one of most common and nagging problems that women face. About 20% - 25% of women who visit gynecology department complain of vaginal discharge and leucorrhoea. An orally administered combination kit, containing 2 g secnidazole, 1 g azithromycin and 150 mg fluconazole (Azimyn FS Kit), has been successfully evaluated in clinical trials and used in several countries for management syndromic vaginal discharge due to infections. Methods: This is a longitudinal study which aimed to verify the clinical efficacy of the combined oral kit containing secnidazole, azithromycin and fluconazole (Azimyn FS Kit<sup><sup>®</sup></sup>) in the syndromic treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge in patients received in outpatient consultations in Kinshasa/DR Congo from March to September 2023. Results: Majority of patients had whitish vaginal discharge (51.6%) of average abundance (56.2%), accompanied by pruritus in 72.1% of cases, and dyspareunia in 23.5% of cases and hypogastralgia in 40.2% of cases. One week after treatment with the Azimyn FS<sup><sup>®</sup></sup> combined kit, at the greatest majority of patients (97.3%), abnormal vaginal discharge had decreased by more than 50% (84.1%). Two weeks after treatment with the Azimyn FS<sup><sup>®</sup></sup> combined kit, almost all patients (97.3%) no longer had abnormal vaginal discharge which had completely disappeared. Conclusion: A single dose of secnidazole, azithromycin and fluconazole in the form of an oral combi-kit (Azimyn FS Kit) has shown excellent therapeutic effectiveness in the syndromic treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge wherein patients were treated without diagnostic confirmation.
文摘Background: Vaginal discharge is one of the most common troubles faced by childbearing age women. About 20% - 25% of women who visit service of gynecology complain of vaginal discharge and leucorrhoea. Management of vaginal discharge in low-income countries generally depends on syndromic approach, which limits the understanding of specific responsible agents. Thus targeted management is based on the identification of causal organism and targeting of therapy against it, while syndromic management is based on presence of high risk factors. Thus the oral combination kit (Azimyn FS Kit®) offers convenience of a one-day treatment compared to other multidose treatments, which will also ensure high patient adherence to treatment, thus increasing chances of desired results. Due to its widespread use, it is proposed to evaluate the effectiveness of this oral association kit therapy in management of vaginal discharge in the population of our milieu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) particularly those received in outpatient consultation in some medical facilities in city of Kinshasa. Expensive laboratory tests and the associated waiting period for result mean that patient remains without treatment while waiting for test results. Therefore, by adopting a syndromic management approach, patient’s eligibility for treatment will be decided based on abnormal vaginal discharge, their characteristics, severity and other presentations symptomatic. This approach will also avoid losing sight of patients during follow-up and will help to reduce financial burden for patients. Objectives: To determine the efficacy and safety of oral combination kit therapy containing secnidazole, azithromycin and fluconazole (Azimyn FS Kit®) in syndromic treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge in patients received in outpatient consultation in some medical facilities in the city of Kinshasa;to measure rate of recurrence of abnormal vaginal discharge in these patients. And to identify the adverse effects observed in these patients who received treatment with the combined oral kit containing secnidazole, azithromycin and fluconazole (Azimyn FS Kit®) in outpatient consultation in some medical facilities in the city of Kinshasa. Methods: It will be a cross-sectional descriptive study. Sample size will be 319 women of childbearing age who consult the gynecology department with complaint of abnormal vaginal discharge and suspicion of vaginal infection, who agree to abstain from sex during treatment and who have given their written consent to use their personal and/or health data in the study. Conclusion: A study on clinical efficacy of oral combination therapy based on secnidazole, azithromycin and fluconazole is beneficial.
文摘Background: Achondroplasia is a rare autosomal dominant disorder resulting in skeletal dysplasia. Any injury to the anterior cruciate ligament among people already suffering from achondroplasia results in devastating effects. In this report, the outcome of the hamstring graft arthroscopic reconstruction technique for anterior cruciate ligament injury in achondroplasia patients is assessed. The patient in the present case report exhibits the potential for excellent outcomes four months post-surgical follow-up on Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale. This encouraging result, ought to persuade surgeons to use the hamstring graft arthroscopic restoration approach in achondroplasia instances like these. Timely and excellent recovery in such complicated surgical cases, would reduce the obstacle to surgery for several patients with achondroplasia. It would also improve the methods of managing these patients with this particular surgical technique.
文摘White piedra is a superficial, chronic, asymptomatic mycoses caused by yeast fungi of the genus Trichosporon. It affects the hair, especially of the head, less frequently of the pubis, perineum, armpit, beard, mustache, eyebrows and eyelashes, and is characterized by the formation of soft nodules or fungal clusters. It affects all age groups and both sexes, predominantly women. Diagnosis is made by direct examination of the affected hair and culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar. The identification of species occurs through more specific identification procedures, such as mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) and PCR). The objective of this work is to report two cases of familial white piedra caused by T. inkin identified by PCR.
文摘Background: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of interferon-γ release assay (IGRA), a sensitive microbiological diagnostic method, in children and adolescents with suspected tuberculosis in a country with a high burden of tuberculosis. Method: This study included 581 children and adolescents aged 4 - 19 years who were suspected of having tuberculosis, were latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and had received at least one dose of BCG vaccine between April 17, 2019, and February 24, 2021. The study evaluated the TST results of 106 patients who had a positive Quantiferon test and were suspected of having tuberculosis. Results: The study included 581 patients aged between 4 and 19 years. Of these, 106 patients tested positive for the Quantiferon test, while 19 were indeterminate and 456 were negative. The Quantiferon test positivity rate was 18.24%. Among the 106 QFT-Plus-positive cases, 23 patients also tested positive for TST. The difference in distribution was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The QFT-Plus test is considered an alternative to TST and other microbiological diagnostic methods for early tuberculosis diagnosis, particularly in children and adolescents.
文摘This study was conducted to evaluate the water application uniformity for a drip irrigation system, considering the water quality and the duration of usage. The uniformity parameters, Emission Uniformity (EU %) and Uniformity Coefficient (UC %) were determined for the drip irrigation system </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">installed over a year of performance. The procedures are based on taking</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> measurements of emitter discharge along selected driplines on a sub-main. The catch can </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">be</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> identified as L1A, L1B, L1C, L1D, same for L2A to L2D, L3A to L3D and L4A to L4D. This gave a total of sixteen (16) measurement positions as there were 4 driplines. Results indicated that the uniformity of water application was 90% indicating that the emitter was still good after a year of installation. The average discharge rate was 0.57</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">l/h. The uniformity coefficient (UC %) for the gravity-fed drip irrigation system was 78%, indicating good water application and was quite significant for the evaluation of the uniform distribution of water for the design. The expansion of this irrigation method in rural communities could contribute to relevant water savings in most areas of the Upper West Region of Ghana.
文摘Climate change, mainly caused by the use of non-renewable fuels, has raised global concerns and led to the search for less polluting energy sources, making hydrogen a promising energy alternative with the potential to contribute to changes in the energy mix of various countries through the use of technologies that enable its production and use with low or zero carbon emissions. In this context, Brazil has aroused great interest from other countries in exploring its renewable resources for the production of hydrogen (green hydrogen). In this sense, the use of natural gas pipelines and the use of hydrogen in mixtures with natural gas have become the subject of studies due to their economically viable alternative for the immediate use of this energy vector. However, there are still technical and regulatory challenges regarding the integration of hydrogen into the existing natural gas pipeline network. In this context, the present study aims to address the effects of hydrogen interaction with the structure of natural gas pipeline steel and the regulatory barriers to the use of this network for the transportation of green hydrogen, particularly in the state of Ceará/Brazil. After extensive analysis of literature and regulatory documents, it was concluded that: 1) Ceará/Brazil has strong potential to meet the demand for green hydrogen through the use of solar and wind energy sources;2) there is feasibility for the adaptation or conversion of natural gas infrastructure for the transportation of green hydrogen;3) discussions regarding the regulatory competence of green hydrogen transportation and distribution through the natural gas network in Brazil are still incipient;4) the current regulation of the natural gas industry can serve as a subsidy for the regulation of green hydrogen and natural gas transportation.
