| 1. |
- Drake, TM, et al.
(författare)
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Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in children: an international, multicentre, prospective cohort study
- 2020
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Ingår i: BMJ global health. - : BMJ. - 2059-7908. ; 5:12
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). However, there is a lack of data available about SSI in children worldwide, especially from low-income and middle-income countries. This study aimed to estimate the incidence of SSI in children and associations between SSI and morbidity across human development settings.MethodsA multicentre, international, prospective, validated cohort study of children aged under 16 years undergoing clean-contaminated, contaminated or dirty gastrointestinal surgery. Any hospital in the world providing paediatric surgery was eligible to contribute data between January and July 2016. The primary outcome was the incidence of SSI by 30 days. Relationships between explanatory variables and SSI were examined using multilevel logistic regression. Countries were stratified into high development, middle development and low development groups using the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI).ResultsOf 1159 children across 181 hospitals in 51 countries, 523 (45·1%) children were from high HDI, 397 (34·2%) from middle HDI and 239 (20·6%) from low HDI countries. The 30-day SSI rate was 6.3% (33/523) in high HDI, 12·8% (51/397) in middle HDI and 24·7% (59/239) in low HDI countries. SSI was associated with higher incidence of 30-day mortality, intervention, organ-space infection and other HAIs, with the highest rates seen in low HDI countries. Median length of stay in patients who had an SSI was longer (7.0 days), compared with 3.0 days in patients who did not have an SSI. Use of laparoscopy was associated with significantly lower SSI rates, even after accounting for HDI.ConclusionThe odds of SSI in children is nearly four times greater in low HDI compared with high HDI countries. Policies to reduce SSI should be prioritised as part of the wider global agenda.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Abouhmad, Adel, et al.
(författare)
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Exploring the enzymatic and antibacterial activities of novel mycobacteriophage lysin b enzymes
- 2020
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Ingår i: International Journal of Molecular Sciences. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-6596 .- 1422-0067. ; 21:9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Mycobacteriophages possess different sets of lytic enzymes for disruption of the complex cell envelope of the mycobacteria host cells and release of the viral progeny. Lysin B (LysB) enzymes are mycolylarabinogalactan esterases that cleave the ester bond between the arabinogalactan and mycolic acids in the mycolylarabinogalactan-peptidoglycan (mAGP) complex in the cell envelope of mycobacteria. In the present study, four LysB enzymes were produced recombinantly and characterized with respect to their enzymatic and antibacterial activities. Examination of the kinetic parameters for the hydrolysis of para-nitrophenyl ester substrates, shows LysB-His6 enzymes to be active against a range of substrates (C4-C16), with a catalytic preference towards p-nitrophenyl laurate (C12). With p-nitrophenyl butyrate as substrate, LysB-His6 enzymes showed highest activity at 37◦C. LysB-His6 enzymes also hydrolyzed different Tween substrates with highest activity against Tween 20 and 80. Metal ions like Ca2+ and Mn2+ enhanced the enzymatic activity of LysB-His6 enzymes, while transition metal ions like Zn2+ and Cu2+ inhibited the enzymatic activity. The mycolylarabinogalactan esterase activity of LysB-His6 enzymes against mAGP complex was confirmed by LC-MS. LysB-His6 enzymes showed marginal antibacterial activity when tested alone against Mycobacterium smegmatis, however a synergetic activity was noticed when combined with outer membrane permealizers. These results confirm that LysB enzymes are lipolytic enzymes with potential application as antimycobacterials.
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| 4. |
- Adel, Amany, et al.
(författare)
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Genetic Variations among Different Variants of G1-like Avian Influenza H9N2 Viruses and Their Pathogenicity in Chickens
- 2022
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Ingår i: Viruses. - : MDPI AG. - 1999-4915. ; 14:5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Since it was first discovered, the low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H9N2 subtype has established linages infecting the poultry population globally and has become one of the most prevalent influenza subtypes in domestic poultry. Several different variants and genotypes of LPAI H9N2 viruses have been reported in Egypt, but little is known about their pathogenicity and how they have evolved. In this study, four different Egyptian LPAI H9N2 viruses were genetically and antigenically characterized and compared to representative H9N2 viruses from G1 lineage. Furthermore, the pathogenicity of three genetically distinct Egyptian LPAI H9N2 viruses was assessed by experimental infection in chickens. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the H9N2 virus of the Egy-2 G1-B lineage (pigeon-like) has become the dominant circulating H9N2 genotype in Egypt since 2016. Considerable variation in virus shedding at day 7 post-infections was detected in infected chickens, but no significant difference in pathogenicity was found between the infected groups. The rapid spread and emergence of new genotypes of the influenza viruses pinpoint the importance of continuous surveillance for the detection of novel reassortant viruses, as well as monitoring the viral evolution.
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| 5. |
- Eldeeb, Tarek M., et al.
(författare)
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Novel three-dimensional chitosan-carbon nanotube–PVA nanocomposite hydrogel for removal of Cr6+ from wastewater
- 2020
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Ingår i: Desalination and Water Treatment. - : Desalination Publications. - 1944-3994. ; 184, s. 163-177
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A novel hybrid nanocomposite adsorbent was prepared by encapsulation of multi-walled carbon nano-tubes within polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan hydrogel (Cs/MWCNT/PVA) and cross-linked with glu-taraldehyde. The chemical reactions between the components affected the position and intensities of the infrared bands. This nanocomposite has excellent Cr6+ ions adsorption efficiency. The optimal conditions of the process as a function of the solution pH, contact time, ionic strength, and sorbent weight were investigated. The batch equilibrium experiments revealed that the most suitable pH for chromium adsorption was at 1.5. The maximum adsorption capacity for the hydrogel was 217.4 mg g–1 as estimated by the Langmuir model. Other isotherm models, such as Freundlich and Temkin, were used to analyze the experimental data and the models’ parameters were evaluated. The pseudo-first and second-order, Elovich, intraparticle diffusion, and film diffusion kinetic models were also inves-tigated. The obtained results enabled to estimate the possibility to use the Cs/MWCNT/PVA hydrogel in the removal of Cr6+ ions from wastewater by adsorption.
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| 6. |
- Ghazy, Ramy Mohamed, et al.
(författare)
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Quality of life among health care workers in Arab countries 2 years after COVID-19 pandemic
- 2022
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Public Health. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2296-2565. ; 10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Assessment of the quality of life (QoL) among healthcare workers (HCWs) is vital for better healthcare and is an essential indicator for competent health service delivery. Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic strike, the frontline position of HCWs subjected them to tremendous mental and psychological burden with a high risk of virus acquisition. Aim: This study evaluated the QoL and its influencing factors among HCWs residing in the Arab countries. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using a self-administered online questionnaire based on the World Health Organization QoL-BREF instrument with additional questions related to COVID-19. The study was conducted in three different languages (Arabic, English, and French) across 19 Arab countries between February 22 and March 24, 2022. Results: A total of 3,170 HCWs were included in the survey. The majority were females (75.3%), aged 18–40 years (76.4%), urban residents (90.4%), married (54.5%), and were living in middle-income countries (72.0%). The mean scores of general health and general QoL were 3.7 ± 1.0 and 3.7 ± 0.9, respectively. Those who attained average physical, psychological, social, and environmental QoL were 40.8, 15.4, 26.2, and 22.3%, respectively. The income per capita and country income affected the mean scores of all QoL domains. Previous COVID-19 infection, having relatives who died of COVID-19, and being vaccinated against COVID-19 significantly affected the mean scores of different domains. Conclusion: A large proportion of the Arab HCWs evaluated in this study had an overall poor QoL. More attention should be directed to this vulnerable group to ensure their productivity and service provision.
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| 7. |
- Mohamed, Tarek, et al.
(författare)
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Nonlinear Optical Properties of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Colloids Prepared by Pulsed Laser Ablation in Distilled Water
- 2022
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Ingår i: Nanomaterials. - : MDPI AG. - 2079-4991. ; 12:23
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The nonlinear optical properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) in distilled water were measured using a femtosecond laser and the Z-scan technique. The ZnONPs colloids were created by the ablation of zinc bulk in distilled water with a 532 nm Nd: YAG laser. Transmission electron microscopy, an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer, and atomic absorption spectrophotometry were used to determine the size, shape, absorption spectra, and concentration of the ZnONPs colloids. The nonlinear absorption coefficient and nonlinear refractive index were measured at different excitation wavelengths and intensities. The nonlinear absorption coefficient of the ZnONPs colloids was found to be positive, caused by reverse saturable absorption, whereas the nonlinear refractive index was found to be negative due to self-defocusing in the ZnONPs. Both laser parameters, such as excitation wavelength and input intensity, and nanoparticle features, such as concentration and size, were found to influence the nonlinear optical properties of the ZnONPs.
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| 8. |
- Selim, Tarek, et al.
(författare)
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Can Potato Crop on Sandy Soil Be Safely Irrigated with Heavy Metal Polluted Water?
- 2022
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Ingår i: Water (Switzerland). - : MDPI AG. - 2073-4441. ; 14:8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Heavy metal (HM) accumulation in soil and plants can occur when water contaminated with HMs is used as a source of irrigation (El-Salam Canal, Egypt). In this study, the effect of watering potato crop in sandy soil from a polluted water source under flood irrigation (FI), sprinkler irrigation (SI), and surface drip irrigation (DI) on the transport of the HMs copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in the root zone was experimentally investigated. HM concentrations in potato plant parts was also determined. The field experiments were conducted in a completely randomized block with three replicates for each irrigation method by using nine field lysimeters. Soil and plant samples were collected at the end of the growing season to determine their HM content. The results showed that regardless of irrigation method, irrigation with HM contaminated water raised HM concentrations in both soil and potato plants. DI produced the highest concentrations of most HMs (Cu, Mn, and Pb) in the upper soil layer (0–40 cm) and highest Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations in plant tubers as well. Maximum Zn concentration in the upper soil layer and maximum Mn concentration in plant tubers occurred under SI. The maximum concentrations of Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn in both the upper soil layer and plant tubers were 12.0, 140.0, 11.6 and 67.9 mg/kg and 6.3, 9.4, 2.3 and 23.9 mg/kg, respectively. However, FI produced the highest concentrations in the deep soil layer (40–60 cm) and the least concentration of HMs in plant tubers. These concentrations were 18.8, 203.8, 13.3 and 70 mg/kg and 4.0, 6.0, 0.6 and 17.1 mg/kg in soil and plant tubers for Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn, respectively. The maximum concentrations of HMs in soil and potato plants were lower than the maximum permissible limits. Therefore, El-Salam Canal water appears not to be harmful in the short term. However, as shown in the results, HM accumulation depends on irrigation technique; thus, more studies are needed to determine harmful effects in the long term.
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| 9. |
- Selim, Tarek, et al.
(författare)
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Heavy Metal Transport in Different Drip-Irrigated Soil Types with Potato Crop
- 2023
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Ingår i: Sustainability (Switzerland). - 2071-1050. ; 15:13
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Heavy metal (HM)-polluted soil is a serious concern, especially as brackish water is widely used for irrigation purposes in water-scarce countries. In this study, the HYDRUS-2D model was used to simulate HM (copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)) transport through agricultural land cultivated with potato crops under surface drip irrigation to explore the potential groundwater contamination risk. Three soil types, namely, silty clay loam, sandy loam, and sandy soil, and two irrigation schemes, irrigation every two days (scheme A) and irrigation every four days (scheme B), were considered during the simulations. Firstly, the ability of HYDRUS-2D to simulate water flow was validated using data obtained from a full growing season of the potato crop in a lysimeter irrigated by surface drip irrigation using El-Salam Canal water, Egypt (i.e., water contaminated by HMs). Secondly, the model was calibrated for solute transport parameters. After that, the investigated simulation scenarios were executed. The results showed that HYDRUS-2D effectively simulated water flow. Moreover, a good agreement between the simulations and experimental results of HM concentrations under the calibrated solute parameters was obtained with R2 values of 0.99, 0.91, and 0.71 for Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations, respectively. HM distribution is considerably influenced by the HMs’ adsorption isotherm. The results of the investigated scenarios reveal that soil texture has a greater impact on HM concentrations in the simulation domain and on the contamination risk of the groundwater than the irrigation scheme. Under both irrigation schemes, lower HM concentrations were observed in sand, while higher values were observed in silty clay loam. Subsequently, the potential shallow groundwater contamination risk is greater when cultivating potatoes in sand, as higher HM concentrations were found in drainage water compared to the two other investigated soils, regardless of the irrigation scheme. The cumulative Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations in drainage water corresponding to scheme A for silty clay loam and sandy loam were 1.65, 1.67, and 1.67 and 1.15, 1.14, and 1.15 times higher, respectively, than scheme B. To safeguard the sustainability of groundwater and agricultural lands irrigated with water contaminated by HMs, it is recommended to adopt an irrigation frequency of once every four days in soils with silty clay loam and sandy loam textures.
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| 10. |
- Solmi, Marco, et al.
(författare)
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Physical and mental health impact of COVID-19 on children, adolescents, and their families :
- 2022
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Ingår i: Journal of Affective Disorders. - : Elsevier. - 0165-0327 .- 1573-2517. ; 299, s. 367-376
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has altered daily routines and family functioning, led to closing schools, and dramatically limited social interactions worldwide. Measuring its impact on mental health of vulnerable children and adolescents is crucial. Methods: The Collaborative Outcomes study on Health and Functioning during Infection Times (COH-FIT - www. coh-fit.com) is an on-line anonymous survey, available in 30 languages, involving >230 investigators from 49 countries supported by national/international professional associations. COH-FIT has thee waves (until the pandemic is declared over by the WHO, and 6-18 months plus 24-36 months after its end). In addition to adults, COH-FIT also includes adolescents (age 14-17 years), and children (age 6-13 years), recruited via nonprobability/snowball and representative sampling and assessed via self-rating and parental rating. Nonmodifiable/modifiable risk factors/treatment targets to inform prevention/intervention programs to promote health and prevent mental and physical illness in children and adolescents will be generated by COH-FIT. Co primary outcomes are changes in well-being (WHO-5) and a composite psychopathology P-Score. Multiple behavioral, family, coping strategy and service utilization factors are also assessed, including functioning and quality of life. Results: Up to June 2021, over 13,000 children and adolescents from 59 countries have participated in the COHFIT project, with representative samples from eleven countries. Limitations: Cross-sectional and anonymous design. Conclusions: Evidence generated by COH-FIT will provide an international estimate of the COVID-19 effect on childrens, adolescents and families, mental and physical health, well-being, functioning and quality of life, informing the formulation of present and future evidence-based interventions and policies to minimize adverse effects of the present and future pandemics on youth.
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