No abstract

Motivated by the absence of Misner string in the Euclidean Taub-Bolt/NUT solutions with flat horizons, we present a new treatment for studying the thermodynamics of these spactimes. This treatment is based on introducing a new charge, N = σ n (where n is the nut charge and σ is some constant) and its conjugate thermodynamic potential Φ N. Upon identifying one of the spatial coordinates, the boundary of these solutions contains two annulus-like surfaces in addition to the constant-r surface. For these solutions, we show that these annuli surfaces receive electric, magnetic and mass/energy fluxes, therefore, they have nontrivial contributions to these conserved charges. Calculating these conserved charges we find, Q

Background The irrational use of carbapenems in the last years lead to the emergence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). This study aimed at determining the prevalence of CRE intestinal carriage among admitted patients in a tertiary care hospital in Egypt, to characterize carbapenemase-producing genes and to identify possible risk factors of CRE colonization. One hundred rectal swabs were collected from patients within 48 h of hospital admission. Culture was done on chromogenic media and then identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were done using Vitek 2 compact system. Carbapenemase production was confirmed by Rapidec Carba NP test and by multiplex PCR for blaOXA-48-like, blaNDM-like, blaVIM-like, blaIMP-like and blaKPC-like. Results A total number of 36 CRE isolates were recovered from 28 patients. Thus, the prevalence of CRE colonization was 28%. Escherichia coli (83%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (17%) were the main species. History of recent hospitalization and prior antibiotic intake were statistically significant risk factors predisposing to CRE colonization. Rapidec Carba NP gave positive results in 29/36 CRE isolates, whereas seven isolates gave negative results; six of them harbored blaOXA-48-like. Overall, the blaOXA-48-like was detected in 24/36 (66.7%), followed by blaNDM-like in 11/36 (30.6%) and lastly blaVIM-like in 1/36 (2.8%). Conclusions Our findings confirm that CRE colonization is disseminating in our healthcare facility, a fact that should be considered as possible pathogens causing infections in high risk patients. Strict infection control measures should be applied to all CRE carriers at hospital admission and a proper antimicrobial stewardship program should be followed in clinical settings.