1st Week Research Articles

[Comparison of surgical outcomes between Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy and Trabectome surgery in patients with open-angle glaucoma].

Objective: To compare the medium-term therapeutic effects of Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) goniotomy and Trabectome surgery in the treatment of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: This study was a non-randomized prospective interventional controlled clinical study. POAG patients who underwent KDB goniotomy or Trabectome surgery at Beijing Tongren Hospital from May 2017 to April 2022 were enrolled. The definition of successful surgery was postoperative average intraocular pressure (IOP)≤21 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and IOP decrease≥20%. Follow-up visits were conducted on the 1st day, 1st week, 1st, 3rd and 6th month after surgery. The IOP value, the number of IOP-lowering medications, the proportion of surgical success (average IOP≤21 mmHg at 6 months), and complications were evaluated. Statistical methods included independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney rank sum test, χ2 test, repeated measures two-factor analysis of variance, Bonferroni, Friedman M test, Wilcoxon, and Log-rank. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the cumulative success rate of each group. Results: Seventeen male patients (17 eyes) and 10 female patients (10 eyes) were included. The mean age was (39.9±17.7) years old. There were 11 patients in the KDB group and 16 patients in the Trabectome group. There was no significant difference in clinical baseline conditions between the two groups (P>0.05). The IOPs in the KDB and Trabectome groups at postoperative 1 week [(16.6±6.3) and (16.4±4.1) mmHg) and 6 months [(17.8±5.3) and (19.9±4.4) mmHg) were lower than those before surgery [(25.1±9.3) and (27.4±9.1) mmHg) (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the overall IOP between groups (P>0.05). The IOP reduction rates in the KDB and Trabectome groups were 23.4% and 19.0%, with no significant difference (P=0.674). The numbers of IOP-lowering medications used in the KDB and Trabectome groups at 3 months [2.0 (1.0, 4.0) and 2.0 (1.0, 2.3)] and 6 months [2.0 (0.0, 4.0) and 2.0 (1.0, 3.0)] after surgery were not significantly different from those before surgery [4.0 (2.0, 4.0) and 3.0 (2.0, 4.0)] (both P>0.05). There was no statistical significance in the overall number of IOP-lowering medications used between the two groups (P>0.05). There was also no statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients with an IOP decrease of≥20% and the proportion of patients whose mean postoperative IOP was≤21 mmHg (all P>0.05). The proportions of IOP≤21 mmHg in the KDB group and the Trabectome group at 6 months after surgery were 81.8% and 68.8% (P>0.05). Serious intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred in neither group. Conclusions: Both KDB trabeculotomy and Trabectome surgery can effectively reduce IOP and have a good safety profile in treating POAG, with the same number of IOP-lowering medications.

A case study of managing a patient with bilateral pheochromocytoma in the 21st week of pregnancy

A case study of managing a patient with bilateral pheochromocytoma in the 21st week of pregnancy

Repair of Sciatic Nerve Defect in Rats With Acellular Nerve Allograft Carrying Vascular Endothelial Cells.

Acellular nerve allografts (ANAs) were developed to replace the autologous nerve grafts (ANGs) to fill the peripheral nerve defects. Poor vascularization relative to ANGs has been a limitation of application of ANAs. A total of 60 female Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned 3 groups. The rats in A group received ANGs, the rats in B group received ANAs, and the rats in C group were transplanted with ANA carrying endothelial cells (ANA + ECs). In the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 12th postoperative weeks, 5 rats were selected from each group for evaluating sciatic function index (SFI), electrophysiology, maximum tetanic force recovery rate, tibialis anterior muscle weights recovery rate, and microvessel density. In the 12th postoperative week, the nerves were harvested and stained with toluidine blue and observed under an electron microscope to compare nerve fibers, myelin width, and G-ratio. All the rats survived. In the first and second postoperative weeks, more microvessels were found in the ANA + EC group. In the 12th postoperative week, the nerve fibers were more numerous, and G-ratio was smaller in the C group compared with the B group. The compound muscle action potential and maximum tetanic force recovery rate in the tibialis anterior muscle in the C group were better than those in the B group in the 12th postoperative week. The A group showed better performances in electrophysiology, maximum tetanic force, muscle wet weight, and nerve regeneration. ANA + ECs can promote early angiogenesis, promoting nerve regeneration and neurological function recovery.

Beyond the aesthetic purposes of the botilinum toxin A; The dry eye syndrome with essential blepharospasm

Botulinum A toxin injection is a method used in clinical conditions such as blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, strabismus, migraine, hyperhidrosis, torticollis and migraine, in addition to its use for cosmetic purposes. It works by reducing the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, and as a result, a type of paralysis occurs in the applied area for a while. Botox applied around the tear collection ducts can provide dual benefits by reducing tear loss and relieving blepharospasm. In this study, botulinum toxin A injection was applied to 33 patients with essential blepharospasm and also dry eye syndrome. Schirmer test measurement, tear breakup time (BUT) and rose bengal disappearance test were measured before the injection and at the 1st week, 1st month and 3rd month after the injection. At the same time, sampling was performed for impression cytology before the injection and at the 1st and 3rd months after the injection. Symptoms and signs of blepharospasm decreased in all patients treated with botulinum toxin A. However, the patients' Schirmer test measurements were measured immediately one week after the injection and decreased in other measurements. Tear breakout time (BUT) increased in the 1st week after the injection but decreased in the 4th week measurements. Rose bengal disappearance score increased in the 1st week after injection and returned to its previous state in the 4th week. As a result of impression cytology, no change in conjunctival cell morphology was observed before and after injection. In conclusion, essential blepharospasm and dry eye are two independent diseases, but they can occur simultaneously. Botulinum toxin A injection is a very effective method in the treatment of blepharospasm. Although it has been stated in different studies that it has a positive effect on dry eye syndrome, it was observed that it did not have such an effect in our study.

Effect of sowing schedule and integrated nutrient management on productivity, profitability and soil health in rainfed baby corn (Zea mays)–horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) cropping sequence

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2012 and 2013 at Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, to work out the effect of sowing schedule and integrated nutrient-management systems on the pro ductivity and profitability of baby corn (Zea mays L.)–horse gram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (L.) Verdc.] cropping sys tem. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with 4 treatments of sowing schedule (1st week of July, 2nd week of July and 3rd week of July and 4th week of July) in main plots and 4 levels of fertility (Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 125% of RDF, RDF + 5 t FYM, 125% of RDF + 5 t FYM) with 3 replications. The horse gram was taken as utera crop sown just before harvesting of baby corn of each sowing schedule by using common starter dose (20-50-20 kg N-P-K/ha). Baby cob, baby corn, green fodder of baby corn plants, horse gram yield and economics were higher in sowing of first schedule (1st week of July) which showed parity with second (2nd week of July) and third (3rd week of July) sowing schedule but significantly superior to the fourth sowing schedule, i.e. 4th week of July. Further, application of 125% RDF + 5 t FYM significantly increased the baby cob, baby corn, green fodder, horse gram yield over 100% RDF and125% RDF, but was at par with that obtained with 100% RDF + 5 t FYM. Combined effect of sowing of the first schedule of baby corn and horse gram and application of 125% RDF + 5 t FYM resulted in significantly higher baby corn-equivalent yield in terms of system productivity (2.8 t/ha) which was comparable to sowing of the second schedule with 125% RDF + 5 t FYM (2.7 t/ha), sowing of the third schedule with 125% RDF + 5 t FYM (2.3 t/ha), sowing of the first schedule with 100% RDF + 5 t FYM (2.7 t/ha), sowing of the second schedule with 100% RDF + 5 t FYM (2.5 t/ha) and sowing of the first schedule with 125% RDF (2.5 t/ha). Hence sowing of baby corn on the first schedule (1st week of July) with 125% RDF + 5 t FYM fol lowed by horse gram revealed the maximum system productivity in terms of baby corn-equivalent yield (2.8 t/ha) and net profit ( 173,000/ha). As regards to nutrient management in baby corn and horse gram system, the maxi mum nutrient uptake (205.7 kg N, 35.5 kg P and 222.8 kg K/ha) and soil fertility status after final harvesting of cropping system (256.19 kg N, 9.1 kg P2 O5 and 281.00 kg K2 O/ha) were registered under 125% RDF + 5 t FYM.

Induction of maturation of gold fish (Carassius auratus) using sesame seed extract (Sesamum indicum L. ) on feed as phytoestrogens

Gonad maturity in fish is essential in fish farming because it is related to seed production. Sesame oil is one of the ingredients as a feed supplement to stimulate fish gonad maturation. The research aimed to obtain the best dose of sesame seed extract (Sesamum indicum L.) in feed to increase the gonad maturity of comet fish (Carassius auratus). This research had four treatment levels and three repetitions. The treatment levels in this study were: P0 Without giving sesame seed extract (Control), P1 Giving sesame seed extract 5 mL/kg feed, P2 giving sesame seed extract 10 mL/kg feed, P3 Giving sesame seed extract 15 mL/kg. The results of the six-week study showed that at the beginning of maintenance, they were in TKG I, in the 3rd week, they entered TKG III, and in the 6th week, P1, P2, and P3 entered TKG IV while P0 were still in TKG III. The highest gonad maturity index at each observation time occurred in treatment P2 with feed containing 10 mL/kg of sesame seed extract. In the 1st week, the highest gonad maturity index occurred at P2 at 7.80. In the 3rd week, the highest gonad maturity index occurred in P2 at 9.26%. In the 6th week, the highest gonad maturity index occurred in P2 at 11.17%. Fecundity at week 6 showed the highest result of P2 4,290. The level of gonad maturity with treatment given sesame extract was faster, with a maintenance time of 6 weeks. The results of this study illustrate that sesame extract can be used as a supplement to increase comet fish gonad maturity.

Tibia properties in broilers raised on their own commercial diets with different growth rates and sex during a 10-week rearing period.

Genetic selection applied to broilers results in fast growth and an increase in meat yield. However, this situation causes welfare problems in broilers. The aim of this study is to determine the weekly changes in the tibia characteristics in broilers raised on their own commercial diets. In the study, 168 (84 female and 84 male) slow-growing (Hubbard-Isa Red JA) and 168 (84 female and 84 male) fast-growing (Ross-308) day-old broiler chicks were used. Six broilers from each genotype and sex group were weighed weekly and slaughtered to determine the tibia properties during the 10-week fattening period. Fast-growing broilers had higher tibia weight and longer length, diaphysis diameter and medullary canal diameter than those of slow-growing broilers at the same age. In fast-growing genotypes, the cortical index was low only in the 2nd week, and Robusticity and Seedor indices were observed to be better throughout the whole fattening. The ash content of the total tibia in the fast-growing broilers was higher in all of the examined weeks except the 4th week and the 9th week of fattening than that in the slow-growing broilers. Although the amount of ash per unit body weight in the 1st week of fattening was higher in fast-growing broilers, this situation reversed after the 4th week. The level of all minerals examined in total tibia weight is high in fast-growing broilers, and they differed according to the fattening period. When comparing tibia characteristics of two different genotypes fed their own commercial diets, the tibia structure was found to be stronger in fast-growing broilers compared to other genotypes at the same age, but slow-growing broilers were more prominent in terms of body weight. It was observed that the mineral density was higher in male broilers, except in the 1st week.

EVALUATION OF RECOVERY BY STAPES REFLEX IN PATIENTS WITH PERIPHERAL FACIAL PARALYSIS

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the acoustic reflex in different frequencies at the time of diagnosis, during the treatment and follow-up of patients with idiopathic peripheral facial nerve palsy and compare these results with House-Brackmann clinical scoring to determine the prognostic value of acoustic reflex in these patients. Material and Methods: Thirty-three adult patients with idiopathic peripheral facial palsy (aged 18-77 years, 16 male, 17 female) were included in the study. All the patients were clinically graded with House-Brackmann clinical scoring and acoustic reflex test was performed at the time of diagnosis, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th weeks, 2nd and 3rd month. Ipsilateral acoustic reflex thresholds were measured from both ears with impedance audiometry using a 226 Hz probe tone. Results: Significant relation was observed between the presence of sequel and initial grade and absence of acoustic reflex at 0.5, 1, 2 kHz at time of diagnosis. In addition, after the 1st week, a significant relation was also detected at 4 kHz frequency during all the follow-up period. The risk of sequelae would increase more than 3 times as the initial grade value increased. Conclusion: The present study revealed the relation between the sequel and initial high grade, the absence of acoustic reflex at 0.5, 1, 2 kHz at time of diagnosis in addition with high age. Statistics does not support the same relation at 4 kHz frequency at time of diagnosis. However, statistic reveals that only the initial grade can best predict the risk of sequel, in addition, the risk of sequel increases more than 3 times as the initial grade value increase.

Presumed macular toxicity of high-dose intravitreal ganciclovir

Abstract: A 56-year-old male with bilateral cytomegalovirus retinitis was initiated on oral valganciclovir and intravitreal ganciclovir injection twice a week in first 2 weeks and once a week in subsequent weeks. An intravitreal dose of 2 mg/0.08 mL was administered in the 1st week. Considering the suboptimal response, the dose of intravitreal ganciclovir was increased to 4 mg/0.08 mL. After 4 weeks of therapy (four doses of 4-mg ganciclovir), the patient complained of worsening of vision. Fundus examination showed resolving retinitis, but the optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed neurosensory detachment (NSD) at the fovea in both eyes with inner retinal hyperreflectivity in the right eye. Considering the possibility of retinitis involving fovea, a higher dose of intravitreal ganciclovir (6 mg/0.08 mL) was administered. The patient reported further worsening of vision immediately after removing the eye patch 2 hr following the injection. OCT showed a full-thickness hyperreflective vertical band with ellipsoid zone disruption at the fovea and inner retinal hyperreflectivity in the right eye. Hyperreflective vertical band with NSD was seen in the left eye. A possibility of macular toxicity due to intravitreal ganciclovir was considered. Intravitreal therapy was stopped and oral valganciclovir was continued. At 1-month follow-up, the patient reported improvement in vision. The hyperreflectivity and NSD were resolved at month follow-up. Although higher doses of ganciclovir up to 6 mg have been used in the past, it would be better to avoid higher doses considering the development of presumed drug toxicity in our case following the use of 4 mg and 6 mg.

A Pilot Study to Determine the Effect of Individualized Enteral Nutrition Management Based on Prognostic Nutrition Index on Surgical Patients With Oral Malignancies

This study aimed to assess the effect of individualized enteral nutrition management based on the prognostic nutrition index (PNI) on surgical patients with oral malignancies. This quasi-experimental pilot study consecutively included patients diagnosed with oral malignancies who underwent radical surgery in Ningbo No. 2 Hospital between January 2020 and May 2023. The primary outcome was PNI. A total of 71 patients with oral malignancies were enrolled, and 35 patients received PNI-based individualized enteral nutrition management. The PNI group displayed significantly higher PNI than the routine enteral nutrition support group (1st week postoperatively: 39.86 ± 3.86 vs. 37.29 ± 4.23, p < 0.001. 2nd weeks postoperatively: 44.17 ± 4.36 vs. 40.72 ± 3.40, p < 0.001). The surgical suture removal time and length of hospital stay (both p < 0.001) in the PNI group were significantly shorter than in the routine enteral nutrition support group. At 1 month postoperatively, the PNI group had significantly higher scores of QoL (p = 0.002) than the routine enteral nutrition support group. The individualized enteral nutrition management based on the PNI could improve the nutritional status of postoperative patients with oral malignancy, which could facilitate postoperative rehabilitation and improve overall QoL.

Prenatal physical exercise and Zika virus infection have no effect on maternal behavior

Some of the worst effects associated with the Zika virus infection during gestation include microcephaly, and central nervous system damage. Pregnancy-related physical exercise is recognized to improve both the mother's and her unborn child's health. It is widely known that male newborns of late-pregnancy mother infection tend to exhibit more depressive and anxious behaviors as they age. However, nothing is known about how the Zika virus could affect a mother's behavior in the first few days after giving birth. The objective of this study was to evaluate if 4 weeks of moderate-intensity swimming during pregnancy prevents negative outcomes of prenatal Zika infection in the behavior of the dams. Dams were randomly selected and divided into three groups:  Mock (n= 8) - untrained group, intraperitoneally injected with saline; Zika (n = 8) - untrained group, intraperitoneally injected with Zika; and Zika/swim (n = 8) - trained group, intraperitoneally injected with Zika. The swimming sessions were initiated before mating, which occurred between the 5th and 7th day of the 1st week of the swimming training, according to the estrous cycle and lasted until the parturition date. Prenatal Zika virus infection did not change maternal body weight or maternal behavior significantly independently of performing or not physical exercise.

Efficacy and safety of pelvic floor magnetic stimulation combined with mirabegron in female patients with refractory overactive bladder: a prospective study.

To observe the efficacy and safety of pelvic floor magnetic stimulation (PFMS) combined with mirabegron in female patients with refractory overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. A total of 160 female patients with refractory OAB symptoms were prospectively randomized into two groups. Eighty cases in the combination group accepted PFMS and mirabegron therapy and 80 cases as control only accepted mirabegron therapy (The clinical trial registry number: ChiCTR2200070171). The lower urinary tract symptoms, OAB questionnaire (OAB-q) health-related quality of life (HRQol), symptom bother score and OABSS between two groups were compared at the 1st, 2nd and 4th week ends. All of 160 patients were randomly assigned to two groups, of which 80 patients were included in the combination group and 80 in the mirabegron group. The incidences of LUTS, including urgency, frequent urination, and incontinence episodes, in the 2nd week and the 4th week after combination treatment were significantly lower than those in the mirabegron group (p < 0.05). The incidence of drug-related adverse events between two groups was similar, and there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). With respect to secondary variables, the OAB-q HRQol score in the combination group was statistically superior in comparison with that in the mirabegron group between the 2nd week and the 4th week (p < 0.05). This was consistent with the primary outcome. Meanwhile, from the second to fourth week, the OAB-q symptom bother score and OABSS in the combination group were both lower than in the mirabegron group (p < 0.05). Combination therapy of PFMS and mirabegron demonstrated significant improvements over mirabegron monotherapy in reducing refractory OAB symptoms for female patients, and providing a higher quality of life without increasing bothersome adverse effects. https://www.chictr.org.cn/, ChiCTR-INR-22013524.

Quality of Life Analysis of Patients Treated with Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion for Uveal Melanoma Liver Metastases.

Percutaneous hepatic perfusion with melphalan (M-PHP) is a minimally invasive therapy with proven efficacy in patients with uveal melanoma (UM) liver metastases. M-PHP is associated with a short hospital admission time and limited systemic side effects. In this study, we assessed quality of life (QoL) in UM patients treated with M-PHP. A prospective, single-center study including 24 patients treated with M-PHP for UM metastases to the liver. QoL questionnaires were collected at baseline, on day 2/3 after M-PHP, and on day 7 and day 21 after M-PHP, according to study protocol. The results were scored according to EORTC-QLQ C30 global health status (GHS), functional scales, and symptom scales. The difference in scores at baseline and subsequent time points was analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and multiple testing Bonferroni correction. Adverse events (AE) were registered up to 30days after M-PHP according to CTCAE v5.0. Twenty-four patients (14 males; median age 63.0years) completed 96 questionnaires. Most scores on all scales declined on day 2/3 after M-PHP. On day 21 after M-PHP, 12 out of 15 scores returned to baseline, including median GHS scores. Three variables were significantly worse on day 21 compared to baseline: fatigue (6-33; p = 0.002), physical functioning (100 vs 86.7; p = 0.003), and role functioning (100 vs 66.7; p = 0.001). Grade 3/4 AEs consisted mainly of hematological complications, such as leukopenia and thrombopenia. M-PHP causes fatigue and a decline in physical and role functioning in the 1st weeks after treatment, but GHS returns to baseline levels within 21days. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3: Cohort study.

Etiologies and Seizure Outcome of Neonatal Seizures: A Tertiary University Hospital Experience

Context: Despite the vast developments in medical sciences in recent decades, seizures remain a common occurrence among neonates, associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess and analyze the presentation and outcome of neonates who were previously exposed to seizures. Subjects and Methods: Following a retrospective research design, this study included 50 cases of neonatal seizures (29 males and 21 females), who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from the hospital records and included all visits between January 2022 and December 2022. Results: The most common types of neonatal seizures were clonic and myoclonic seizures (44% and 28%, respectively). Apgar score at 5 min was &lt;7 in 30% of cases. The main diagnosis was hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in 28 children (56%), and central nervous system (CNS) infection in 18 children (36%). Children with neonatal seizures mainly received phenobarbital, benzodiazepines, or levetiracetam (48%, 46%, and 36%, respectively). Mechanical ventilation was applied to 20 children (40%). A total of 15 children (30%) had developmental delays, being global delay in 7 children (14%), or motor in 8 children (16%), while 6 children died (12%). Seizures could be controlled in 37 children (74%). Children who presented early (during the 1st week of life) and those who had Apgar scores &lt;7 at 5 min had significantly worse outcomes, with higher case fatality and less seizure control than those who had Apgar scores of 7–10 (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Seizures are a common occurrence among neonates, especially males during the 1st week of their lives. HIE and CNS infections are the main diagnoses. The most administered medications are phenobarbital, benzodiazepines, and levetiracetam. Children who present during their 1st week of life and those who have 5-min Apgar scores &lt;7 have significantly higher case fatality and less seizure control.

Effect of active static stretching on glycemia in type 2 diabetes

Background: Type 2 diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease whose prevalence is increasing worldwide. It is characterized by insulin resistance in insulin-dependent tissues (e.g. skeletal muscle, adipose tissue). Despite new evidence that stretching may aid in glycemic control, this form of physical exercise remains underutilized in the therapy of T2DM. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of active static stretching on the glycemia of individuals with T2DM. Methods: Twenty-nine volunteers participated in the study, divided into 3 randomly assigned groups: 30-second stretching group (GA30) with 10 participants; 45-second stretching group (GA45) with 10 participants; control group (CG) with 9 participants. Results: Analysis of the intervention groups versus the control group showed that the intervention groups GA30 and GA45 had a significant milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) reduction in glycemia compared to the control group (control Δ-7.9mg/dl, GA30 Δ12.7mg/dl and GA45 Δ18.5mg/dl &gt;0.001) and between intervention groups (GA30 and control Δ 20.5mg/dl, P 0.002), GA45 and control (Δ 26.4mg/dl, P 0.001). There was no difference between the intervention groups. The results suggest that, regardless of the application time, active static stretching reduces glycemia in individuals with T2DM. In an analysis divided into 4 stages (1st and 2nd weeks, 3rd and 4th weeks, 5th and 6th weeks, and 7th and 8th weeks), the results obtained from the glycemic difference before and after each two weeks were as follows: GA30 pre and post (1st ≠ 17.4 mg/dl, 2nd ≠ 5.8 mg/dl, 3rd ≠ 14.5 mg/dl, and 4th ≠ 8.9 mg/dl), GA45 pre and post (1st ≠ 18.1 mg/dl, 2nd ≠ 17.0 mg/dl, 3rd ≠ 19.2 mg/dl, and 4th ≠ 20.0 mg/dl), and CG pre and post (1st ≠ -10.4 mg/dl, 2nd ≠ -3.7 mg/dl, 3rd ≠ -11.4 mg/dl, and 4th ≠ -11.7 mg/dl). Conclusion: This interaction between the two-factor period (Group and Period) did not have a significant effect. Finally, a descriptive analysis of pre- and post-intervention glucose behavior showed the variability of glycemia during the period. Thus, active static stretching significantly reduces acute and chronic glycemia in individuals with T2DM compared to control.

Investigation of Differences in the Techniques of Experimental Vitreo-retinal Operations on Laboratory Animals

The continuous development of vitreoretinal surgery makes it possible to provide high-tech care to patients with retinal detachment while minimizing intraand postoperative complications. However, their percentage still remains significantly high. This pushes modern ophthalmological science to new research and search for solutions to existing problems. In this task, laboratory animals, on which the latest advances in medicine have been tested for more than 100 years, help like no one else. Unfortunately, the high cost of experiments often repels and/or pushes them back indefinitely. Given the clinical significance of experimental studies of surgical treatment of retinal detachment, as part of the study of the new hydrogel preparation Vitreolon, an analysis was made of methods for removing the vitreous body and their effect on the result of surgical intervention.Purpose: analysis of differences in vitreous removal techniques in laboratory rabbits.Material and methods. The experiment involved 6 rabbits (12 eyes) with induced retinal detachment. In 6 eyes, vitrectomy was performed using a vitreotome, in the others, using a syringe (21G). Subsequently, tamponade of the vitreal cavity was performed with the new hydrogel preparation “Vitreolon”. Ophthalmological examinations were performed on the 1st day, 1st and 2nd week, 1st and 3rd months after surgery. After that, the eyes were enucleated to conduct a morphological study of macropreparations and histological sections of the eyes.Results. According to the results of ophthalmological and laboratory studies, there was no statistically significant difference between the techniques for removing the vitreous body. One rabbit had hypertension and cataracts, which indicates its individual response to surgery. There were no complications that could lead to early termination of the experiment.

Effect of Perceived Value of Bio Cosmetics on Trust and Repurchase Intention

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the factors of perceived consumption value of bio cosmetics and to examine how the consumption value of bio cosmetics affects trust and repurchase intention through empirical analysis. Methods: Adults in their 20s or older living in the Seoul metropolitan area were set as a sample group, and a survey was conducted for 2 weeks from the 1st week to the 2nd week of March 2022. Excluding insincere responses, only 236 valid data were used for the final analysis. The statistical analysis of the data was conducted using SPSS 27.0 and SPSS Macro 3.4. This involved assessing the validity and reliability of the measurement tools, examining correlations, and performing multiple regression analysis and bootstrapping for hypothesis testing. Results: First, among the consumption values of bio cosmetics, functional value, social value, and emotional value were found to have a significant positive (+) effect on trust. Second, trust in bio cosmetics was found to have a significant positive (+) effect on repurchase intention. Third, it was found that functional value, social value, and emotional value, which are factors of consumption value of bio cosmetics, had a significant positive (+) effect on repurchase intention. Fourth, the mediating effect of trust was confirmed in the relationship between the consumption value of bio cosmetics and the intention to repurchase. Conclusion: The results of this study will be meaningful in that it empirically examines the influence relationship between consumption value and repurchase intention for bio cosmetics and examines the mediating effect of trust. It will have great implications for the bio-cosmetics industry preparing for the post-corona era.

Seasonal incidence of insect-pests affecting Aonla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) in relation to abiotic factors

The observations were recorded at Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat during 2021 at fortnightly intervals in field from 1st Standard Meteorological Week (SMW) to 52nd SMW. The damage due to Betousa stylophora Swinhoe ranged between 0.80 and 48.8 percent with its peak (48.8% twig damage) in the 35th SMW, while the leaflet damage due to leaf rolling caterpillar ranged between 0.11 and 12.48 percent and exhibited its peak (12.48%) during the 31st SMW. In the case of bark eating caterpillar, the infestation ranged between 2.00 and 10.00 percent branch damage and reached its peak level (10.00%) during 26th SMW. Commencement of aphid appearance was recorded from 15th SMW with 0.02 aphid index, which reached its first peak (2.78 index) during 24thSMW and second peak (1.12 index) during 31st SMW. Physical factors viz. minimum temperature (MinT), morning relative humidity (RH1), evening relative humidity (RH2), rainfall (RF) and bright sunshine (BSS) established significant correlation with ‘r’ value of 0.521**, 0.578**, 0.887**, 0.605** and -0.665**, respectively with gall forming black caterpillar. The infestation of leaf rolling caterpillar established significant correlation with MinT (r= 0.592**), RH1 (r= 0.636**), RH2 (r= 0.883**), wind speed (WS) (r= 0.395**), RF (r= 0.521**) and BSS (r= -0.770**). The activity of bark eating caterpillar established significant positive correlation with physical factors viz., MinT (r= 0.436*), RH2 (r= 0.404*) and WS (r= 0.663**) whereas, aphid showed positive association with MinT (r= 0.588*), RH1 (r= 0.424*), RH2 (r= 0.385*) and WS (r= 0.824**). Key words- Aonla, Betousa stylophora,Cerciaphis emblica,Gracillaria acidula, Inderbela tetraonis,, Insects, Seasonal incidence

EFFECTS OF PROCESSING METHODS ON QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF KILISHI JERKIES

The effects of processing methods (sun drying and oven drying) on quality characteristics of kilishi like jerkies were compared. The beef samples were processed into kilishi by sun drying or oven drying and then analysed for proximate composition, microbiology and sensory qualities after 1st and 12th weeks of storage. The data generated except sensory scores were analysed in a 2x2 factorial arrangement using a completely randomized design (CRD). The results of proximate analysis showed significant effects of the processing methods and period of storage in all the parameters analysed. Although microorganisms such as Fungi, Salmonella, E-coli, Staphylococcus and total coliform were isolated from the treatments, kilishi that was produced through sun drying had higher values of isolated microbes than counterparts produced by oven drying. Sundried kilishi had higher scores in all the sensory parameters analysed than the oven dried kilishi. The study indicated that production of safer and more wholesome kilishi snacks can be achieved through the use of oven drying, nonetheless, the sensory quality characteristics of sundried kilishi had higher scores and were preferred to the oven dried kilishi. Therefore, recommendation is made to increase the ingredient composition of the oven dried kilishi in order to meet the sensory qualities required by the consumers

Effect of oral naloxone on opioid-induced constipation in methadone maintenance treatment patients, a double-blind, placebo-control, clinical trial.

Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is the most prevalent side effect of methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). Naloxone could reduce the OIC. Fifty-six MMT cases (< 75mg/day methadone, > 3months) were entered randomly into four groups of a trial. They received placebo or naloxone tablets (0.5, 2, or 4mg/day) once a day for 2weeks. They continued their conventional laxative. Their constipation and opiate withdrawal (OWS) were evaluated by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (stool consistency and frequency), Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM) questionnaire, Constipation Scoring System (CSS), and the Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS) before starting treatment and at the end of the first and second weeks. The dose of 4mg/day naloxone was excluded from the study due to severe OWS. The precipitantsof groups had similar ages, methadone dose and duration, laxative use, and constipation scores at the start of the trial. However, 2mg of naloxone could change the stool consistency (PV = 0.0052) and frequency (P = 0.0133), 0.5mg/day dose only improved the stool consistency (P = 0.0016). The patients' CSS and PAC-SYM scores were reduced by naloxone after the 1st week of treatment. However, there was no significant difference in the mean score of SOWS at different assessment times and groups. Also, 3 and 4 cases of 0.5 and 2mg/day groups, respectively, withdrew from the study due to OWS. Oral naloxone at doses of 0.5 and 2mg/day was significantly more effective than placebo on OIC in MMT. However, the dose of 4mg induced intolerable OWS.