After Treatment Research Articles

Comparative Impact of Core Stabilization vs Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercises on Muscle Activation, Endurance, and Balance in Obese Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of core stabilization exercise (CSE) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercise on core muscle activation, core muscle endurance, proprioception, and balance in 80 obese children. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this single-blind, randomized controlled study, 80 obese children aged 10-13 years were randomly divided into 3 groups. The first group received CSE (n=27) and the second group received PNF exercises (n=27) 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The third group, which was the control group (n=26), received no treatment. Participants were evaluated before treatment (BT) and after treatment (AT) and at follow-up (3 months after treatment). Core muscle activation level was evaluated by Sahrmann Core Stability test (SCST), lumbar core muscle endurance was evaluated by McGill core endurance tests, and lumbar joint position sense (JPS) was evaluated by laser cursor. The single-leg standing balance test (SLSBT) and Y balance test (YBT) were used for static and dynamic balance, respectively. RESULTS AT and at follow-up, core activation, core endurance, JPS, and static balance were significantly different between the groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in YBT dominant and non-dominant side mixed reach distances (P>0.05). Clinical effect sizes were higher in the CSE group for all outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS CSE and PNF exercises improve the level of core muscle activation, lumbar core muscle endurance, lumbar JPS, and balance in obese children. However, the results of this study show that CSE are more clinically effective in obese children. The effects decline in the medium term.

Clinical study of chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Chemotherapy for malignant tumors can cause brain changes and cognitive impairment, leading to chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI). Current research on CICI has focused on breast cancer and Hodgkin's lymphoma. Whether patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) undergoing chemotherapy have cognitive impairment has not been fully investigated. To investigate whether NHL patients undergoing chemotherapy had cognitive impairments. The study included 100 NHL patients who were required to complete a comprehensive psychological scale including the Brief Psychiatric Examination Scale (MMSE) at two time points: before chemotherapy and within 2 wk of two chemotherapy courses. A language proficiency test (VFT), Symbol Number Pattern Test (SDMT), Clock Drawing Test (CDT), Abbreviated Daily Cognition Scale (ECog-12), Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire, and Karnofsky Performance Status were used to assess cognitive changes before and after chemotherapy. The VFT scores for before treatment (BT) and after treatment (AT) groups were 45.20 ± 15.62, and 42.30 ± 17.53, respectively (t -2.16, P < 0.05). The CDT scores were 8 (3.5-9.25) for BT and 7 (2.5-9) for AT groups (Z -2.1, P < 0.05). Retrospective memory scores were 13.5 (9-17) for BT and 15 (13-18) for AT (Z -3.7, P < 0.01). The prospective memory scores were 12.63 ± 3.61 for BT and 14.43 ± 4.32 for AT groups (t -4.97, P < 0.01). The ECog-12 scores were 1.71 (1.25-2.08) for BT and 1.79 (1.42-2.08) for AT groups (Z -2.84, P < 0.01). The SDMT and MMSE values did not show a significant difference between BT and AT groups. Compared to the AT group, the BT group showed impaired language, memory, and subjective cognition, but objective cognition and execution were not significantly affected.

Biochemistry of microwave controlled Heracleum sosnowskyi (Manden.) roots with an ecotoxicological aspect

Sosnowski hogweed is an invasive weed in eastern-middle Europe that is dangerous to human health and the environment. The efficacy of its control using chemical and mechanical methods is limited. Electromagnetic radiation (microwaves) could be an environmentally friendly alternative for controlling this species. This study aims to: (1) Determine the effect of varying microwave treatment (MWT) durations on the control of S. hogweed using a device emitting microwaves at 2.45 GHz, 32.8 kW/m2; (2) Evaluate the impact of MWT on soil by an ecotoxicological bioassays; (3) Analyze biochemical changes occurring in the roots during the process. A field study was performed to assess the efficacy of S. hogweed control using MWT in times from 2.5 to 15 min. The MWT-treated soil was collected immediately after treatment (AT) and tested using bioassays (Phytotoxkit, Ostracodtoxkit, and Microtox). Fourteen days AT, the MWT hogweed roots were dug out, air-dried, and analyzed for the content and composition of essential oil, sugars, and fatty acids. According to the ecotoxicological biotests, the MWT soils were classified as non-toxic or low-toxic. The regeneration of hogweed was observed only in non-treated plants (control). Hogweed MWT for 2.5–15 min did not regenerate up to 14 days AT. The average weight of roots in hogweed MWT for 15.0 min was ca. two times smaller than the control plants. Those roots contained significantly higher amounts of sugars and saturated fatty acids than the control. We did not find a correlation between S. hogweed root essential oil content and composition and MWT time. The main compounds of essential oil were p‑cymene and myristicin. No highly photosensitizing compounds were identified in the tested root oil. We conclude that MWT of S. hogweed could be an environmentally safe and prospective control method, but more studies are needed.

The effect of simultaneous administration of occipital nerve block and cervical myofascial trigger point injection (MTrPI) on headache parameters in chronic migraine patients.

Peripheral myofascial mechanisms have been identified as contributors to migraine pathophysiology. The specific comorbid relationship between migraine and cervical trigger points may exacerbate the occurrence and severity of migraine attacks. Trigger point injections (TPIs) are frequently employed to address headaches and alleviate migraine symptoms. The current study explores the impact of concurrent myofascial trigger point injection (MTrPI) and occipital nerve block (greater occipital nerve block [GONB] + lesser occipital nerve block [LONB]) on the severity of headaches and the number of migraine attacks in individuals with chronic migraine (CM) and cervical myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), with a comparison of occipital nerve block alone (GONB + LONB). During trigger point examination and injection, trapezius, levator scapulae, splenius capitis, temporalis, and sternocleidomastoid muscles were targeted. We planned the treatment based on whether they were in the muscle groups we determined, rather than the number of trigger points. This study enrolled 62 individuals experiencing CM with bilateral headache and cervical MTrP who sought care at the Algology Unit within the Departments of Neurology and Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation at Siirt Training and Research Hospital between 2020 and 2022. The CM cohort was stratified into two groups: group 1 received trigger point injections (TrPI), while group 2 underwent concurrent bilateral occipital nerve block (GONB + LONB) and TrPI. Both groups underwent three treatment sessions with bupivacaine 0.5% (1ml = 5mg) in weeks 1, 2, and 4. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure the patients' pain intensity. The evaluation included the assessment of the monthly migraine frequency and visual analog scale (VAS) p score for pain before treatment (BT) and after treatment (AT), conducted at baseline and during follow-up visits. Analysis of the data was conducted utilizing IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows version 28.0 software. Among patients diagnosed with CM and MTrPs, 32 individuals (51.6%) underwent GONB and LONB, while 30 patients (48.4%) received simultaneous GONB, LONB, and cervical MTrPI. Within the entire sample, 51 participants (82.3%) were female, and 11 (17.7%) were male, with a mean age of 32.81 ± 10.75years. With an average age of 32.81 ± 10.75years, there was no statistically significant variance between the two groups (p = 0.516). Of the total cohort, 45 individuals (72.6%) reported experiencing headaches persisting for 12months or longer. Among CM patients, 80% had active trigger points, while 20% had latent trigger points. No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups concerning TrPs (p = 0.158), and the distribution of TrPs was homogenous across the two groups. In group 1, the median (min-max) monthly frequency of migraines reduced from 18.5days (range: 15.0 to 25.0days) before treatment to 12.0days (range: 7.0 to 17.0days) after treatment (p = 0.000). In group 2, the median monthly frequency of migraines reduced from 16.5days (range: 15.0 to 22.0days) before treatment to 4.0days (range: 2.0 to 8.0days) after treatment (p = 0.000). The median (min-max) VAS score in group 1 was 8.0 (range: 5.0 to 9.0) before treatment, 4.0 (range: 2.0 to 6.0) at week 1, and 5.0 (range: 4.0 to 8.0) at week 4 (p = 0.000). In group 2, the median VAS score was 7.0 (range: 5.0 to 9.0) before treatment, 0.0 (range: 0.0 to 0.3) at week 1, and 2.0 (range: 0.0 to 0.3) at week 4 (p = 0.000). There were significant distinctions between the groups in terms of both the monthly count of migraine days and the severity of headaches (p = 0.000). The combination of repeated MTrPIs and ONB proves more effective than ONB alone in managing patients with CM and cervical MTrP. In patients with CM, performing TrPs examination and adding treatments for this may contribute to the treatment. In cases where patients endure prolonged episodes of headache associated with chronic migraine, the inclusion of trigger point injections alongside peripheral nerve blocks may offer enhanced therapeutic benefits.

Effects of Percussive Massage Treatments on Symptoms Associated with Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage.

Percussive massage (PM) is an emerging recovery treatment despite the lack of research on its effects post-eccentric exercise (post-EE). This study investigated the effects of PM treatments (immediately, 24, 48, and 72 h post-EE) on the maximal isometric torque (MIT), range of motion (ROM), and an 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS) of soreness of the nondominant arm's biceps brachii from 24-72 h post-EE. Seventeen untrained, college-aged subjects performed 60 eccentric elbow flexion actions with their nondominant arms. Nine received 1 minute of PM, versus eight who rested quietly (control [CON]). In order, NRS, ROM, and MIT (relative to body mass) were collected pre-eccentric exercise (pre-EE) and after treatment (AT) at 24, 48, and 72 h post-EE. NRS was also collected before treatment (BT). Electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitudes were collected during the MIT and normalized to pre-EE. There were no interactions for MIT, EMG, or MMG, but there were interactions for ROM and NRS. For ROM, the PM group had higher values than the CON 24-72 h by ~6-8°, a faster return to pre-EE (PM: 48 h, CON: 72 h), and exceeded their pre-EE at 72 h by ~4°. The groups' NRS values did not differ BT 24-72 h; however, the PM group lowered their NRS from BT to AT within every visit by ~1 point per visit, which resulted in them having lower values than the CON from 24-72 h by ~2-3 points. Additionally, the PM group returned their NRS to pre-EE faster than the CON (PM: BT 72 h, CON: never). In conclusion, PM treatments may improve ROM without affecting isometric strength or muscle activation 24-72 h post-EE. Although the PM treatments did not enhance the recovery from delayed onset muscle soreness until 72 h, they consistently provided immediate, temporary relief when used 24-72 h post-EE.

Developing a Robust Process for Design Margin Calculation Through Modal Scaling and Harmonic Analysis of Engine Mounted After Treatment System

The last few years have seen an increase in the complexity of emission standards. This has caused OEMs to start using Exhaust Gas Processors (EGP) or Exhaust After Treatment Systems (EATS)in complex integration. These systems are usually mounted on vehicle chassis or engine body with the help of mounting straps or brackets. The arrangement of the system leads to road loads and/or engine vibrations being transferred and causing damage to its components. New BS VI engines need some AT (After treatment) components to be mounted directly on the engine and others to chassis. The components that are directly mounted on engine are called close couple AT system which are subjected to engine harmonic vibrations which falls under forced vibration criteria. Most of the AT system are subjected to random vibrations and industry has a well-defined procedure to address the problem, but for harmonic vibrations there is no specific approach. In order to optimize the structural durability of close couple AT system against HCF (high cycle fatigue) fatigue harmonic vibration, there is a need for well-defined test analysis correlation procedure. The objective of this work is defining and documenting a robust process for design margin through calculation modal scaling and harmonic analysis of close couple AT system through test analysis correlation activity. Analytical, numerical and testing data were compared and conclusions are drawn. More case studies can be added to this work in order to validate the test analysis correlation activity and boost the degree of confidence. Future study may include recording additional failure modes in addition to the harmonic HCF failure mode.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of PCT and RDW in premature infants with septicemia.

It aims to study the diagnostic effect of procalcitonin (PCT) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in premature septicemia (PS), and to analyze the prognostic evaluation value of PCT and RDW in PS. Ninety eight septicemia premature infants (SPI) who visited the neonatal intensive care unit of our hospital from June 2019 to July 2021 were selected and met the criteria. Based on the patient's condition and the neonatal shock score, they were separated into a severe group (SG) and a mild group (MG). There were 43 children and 55 children in the 2 groups, respectively. According to the survival status of SPI after 3 days of treatment, they were divided into a death group and a SG. It detected and analyzed the peripheral venous blood of SPI before treatment (BT) and after treatment (AT), and observed the changes of PCT and RDW. The comparison of general data between severe and mild SPI and their mothers did not have statistical significance (P > .05). The PCT of the SG was higher than that of the MG BT, on the 1st day and the 3rd day AT; The PCT BT and AT in both groups ranged from high to low on the 1st day and the 3rd day AT and BT (P < .05). The RDW in the SG were higher than those in the MG, and the RDW BT and AT in both groups were the highest on the 1st day AT; The RDW BT in the MG was higher than on the 3rd day AT, while the RDW BT in the SG was lower than on the 3rd day AT (P < .05). The optimal cutoff values for PCT on the 1st and 3rd day AT were 40.594ng/ml and 64.854ng/ml, respectively, with sensitivity of 100.0% and 100.0%, and specificity of 73.2% and 87.1% (P < .05). The optimal cutoff values for RDW on the 1st and 3rd day AT were 16.649% and 18.449%, respectively, with sensitivity of 100.0% and 100.0%, and specificity of 68.5% and 91.8% (P < .05). Monitoring the changes in PCT and RDW can promote the early diagnosis of PS and their prognosis evaluation.

Management of Functional Status of a Floppy Child with Ayurveda and Panchakarma: A Case Report

ABSTRACT The floppy (hypotonic) condition often presents with abnormally lower muscle tone, resulting in the limpness of the body. Antigravity muscle movements are difficult to perform. This case had a brain lesion due to hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy inside the cerebrum. Hypotonic cases in Ayurveda are close to Vata Vayadhi (~Diseases due to Vata dosha alleviation) with Avarana (~occlusion) due to Shiromarmaghata (~damage to the brain). This state is with symptoms such as Chestanasha (~loss of movement), Gatra vikshep sanga (~restricted body movements), and Sarveshu Skhalitam Cha Gatau Bhrusham (~fall during the walk) close to hypotonic status. In this article, a 2 and a ½-year-old male child with diagnosed hypotonic status and delayed milestones attended Kaumarbhritya outpatient department. He was not able to balance or stand with support and would lie down while sitting. He was managed according to Ayurveda guidelines for 180 days. The case was provided oral Ayurveda medications, Panchakarma therapy, and some basic exercises. The case was assessed after 60 days for the outcome of the treatment. After 180 days, a multifaceted improvement is seen. The patient started standing and walking without support, and his power grade of muscle and joints also improved. His advanced daily living activities that scored 10, before treatment improved to 70, after treatment (AT). With all-around improvement, his Gross Motor Functional Classification System score also improved from 3 to 1, AT. Magnetic resonance imaging changes were seen after a period of treatment, showing gliotic changes AT reflecting healing and neuroplastic changes. Conclusively, early intervention with Ayurveda can change the functional status in hypotonic conditions.

Data-Based On-Board Diagnostics for Diesel Engine NOx-Reduction Aftertreatment Systems

Abstract The NOx conversion efficiency of a combined selective catalytic reduction and ammonia slip catalyst (SCR-ASC) in a diesel aftertreatment (AT) system degrades with time. A novel model-informed data-driven on-board diagnostic (OBD) binary classification strategy is proposed in this paper to distinguish an end of useful life (EUL) SCR-ASC catalyst from degreened (DG) ones. An optimized, supervised machine learning model was used for the classification with a calibrated single-cell three-state continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) observer used for state estimation. Percentage of samples classified as EUL (%EUL), with respect to classification boundary of 50%, was used as an objective criterion of classification. The method resulted in 87.5% classification accuracy when tested on eight day-files from four trucks (2 day-files per truck; 1 DG and 1 EUL) operating in real-world on-road conditions. Each day-file had ∼86,000 samples of data. Mileage of the same truck was used as ground truth for classification. However, mileage across different trucks cannot be used for classification since the operating conditions would vary across trucks.

Does Apoptotic Index Predict the Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients with Breast Carcinoma?

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) plays a major role in the treatment of patients with locally advanced breast carcinoma. Although most patients have benefited from NACT, the rate of residual tumors is still high after treatment (AT). An increase in apoptosis is expected in tru-cut biopsy (TCB) during treatment or AT as the mechanism of NACT is inducing apoptosis. This study aimed to investigate whether evaluating the apoptotic index (AI) from TCB can predict the response before treatment (TC-BT) and whether there is a correlation between AI and clinicopathologic parameters. Seventy cases of breast carcinomas were included. The AI was evaluated BT and AT by quantifying the apoptosis. The receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed with overall survival (OS) data, and low and high AI cut-offs were obtained. The relationship between AI and response and clinicopathological parameters was evaluated. A significant relationship was found between low AI in TC-BT and at least partial response (p=0.025), longer OS (p=0.01) and disease-free survival (p=0.01), and progesterone receptor-positive tumors (p=0.03). Her2-negative tumors were more prone to low AI. A significant decline in AI (p=0.001) and Ki67 proliferation index (p<0.001) was observed in resections AT. These data suggested that the AI is a simple and cost-effective tool that may play an important role in determining response, and a low AI in TC-BT may have some value as a predictive marker in breast carcinomas.

Application of Model-Based Controller on a Heavy-Duty Dual Selective Catalytic Reduction Aftertreatment

&lt;div&gt;Commercial vehicles require advanced engine and aftertreatment (AT) systems to meet upcoming nitrogen oxides (NO&lt;sub&gt;x&lt;/sub&gt;) and carbon dioxide (CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;) regulations. This article focuses on the development and calibration of a model-based controller (MBC) for an advanced diesel AT system. The MBC was first applied to a standard AT system including a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst. Next, a light-off SCR (LO-SCR) was added upstream of the standard AT system. The MBC was optimized for both catalysts for a production engine where the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) was unheated for both SCRs. This research shows that the tailpipe (TP) NO&lt;sub&gt;x&lt;/sub&gt; could be reduced by using MBC on both catalysts. The net result was increased NO&lt;sub&gt;x&lt;/sub&gt; conversion efficiency by one percentage point on both the LO-SCR and the primary SCR. The CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; emissions were slightly reduced, but this effect was not significant. Finally, the MBC was used with a final setup representative of future AT systems which included standard insulation on the catalysts and optimal DEF dosing controls. This final configuration resulted in an improved NO&lt;sub&gt;x&lt;/sub&gt; and CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; such that the composite Federal Test Procedure (FTP) NO&lt;sub&gt;x&lt;/sub&gt; was 0.060 g/hp-hr and the composite FTP CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; was 508.5 g/hp-hr. The article details this cycle along with the low-load cycle (LLC) and beverage cycle. More technologies are required to meet the future California Air Resources Board (CARB) 2027 standard, which will be shown in future work.&lt;/div&gt;

Meeting future NOX emission regulations by adding an electrically heated mixer

New regulations by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) demand a stringent 0.02 g/hp-hr tailpipe NOx limit by the year 2027, requiring Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) catalysts to provide high NOx conversions even at low (below 200°C) exhaust temperatures. This work describes utilizing an Electrically Heated Mixer System (EHM system) upstream of a Light-Off Selective Catalytic Reduction (LO-SCR) catalyst followed by a conventional aftertreatment (AT) system containing DOC, DPF, and SCR, enabling high NOx conversions meeting CARB’s NOx emission target. The AT catalysts were hydrothermally aged to Full Useful Life. Conventional unheated Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) was injected upstream of both the LO-SCR and primary downstream SCR. The EHM system allowed for DEF to be injected as low as 130°C upstream of the LO-SCR, whereas, in previous studies, unheated DEF was injected at 180°C or dosed at 130°C with heated DEF. The combination of unheated DEF, EHM system, LO-SCR, and downstream SCR enabled the needed increase in NOx efficiency in low exhaust temperatures, which was observed in drive cycles such as in cold-FTP, LLC, and World Harmonized Transient Cycle (WHTC). There were several-fold reductions in tailpipe NOx using this configuration compared to its baseline: 3.3-fold reduction in FTP, 22-fold in Low Load Cycle (LLC), 38-fold in Beverage Cycle, 8-fold in “Stay Hot” Cycle, and 10-fold in WHTC. Finally, it is shown that the EHM system can heat the exhaust gas, such as during a cold start, without needing additional heating hardware integrated into the system. These results were observed without performing changes in the engine base calibration.

Development of Two-Step Exhaust Rebreathing for a Low-NOx Light-Duty Gasoline Compression Ignition Engine

The global automotive industry is undergoing a significant transition as battery electric vehicles enter the market and diesel sales decline. It is widely recognized that internal combustion engines (ICE) will be needed for transport for years to come; however, demands on ICE fuel efficiency, emissions, cost, and performance are extremely challenging. Gasoline compression ignition (GCI) is one approach for achieving the demanding efficiency and emissions targets. A key technology enabler for GCI is partially-premixed, compression ignition (PPCI) combustion, which involves two high-pressure, late fuel injections during the compression stroke. Both NOx and smoke emissions are greatly reduced relative to diesel, and this reduces the aftertreatment (AT) requirements significantly. For robust low-load and cold operation, a two-step valvetrain system is used for exhaust rebreathing (RB). Exhaust rebreathing involves the reinduction of hot exhaust gases into the cylinder during a second exhaust lift event during the intake stroke to help promote autoignition. The amount of exhaust rebreathing is controlled by exhaust backpressure, created by the vanes on the variable nozzle turbine (VNT) turbocharger. Because of the higher cycle temperatures during rebreathing, exhaust HC and CO may be significantly reduced, while combustion robustness and stability also improve. Importantly, exhaust rebreathing significantly increases exhaust temperatures in order to maintain active catalysis in the AT system for ultra-low tailpipe emissions. To achieve these benefits, it is important to optimize the rebreathe valve lift profile and develop an RB ON→OFF (mode switch) strategy that is easy to implement and control, without engine torque fluctuation. In this study, an engine model was developed using GT-Suite to conduct steady-state and transient engine simulations of the rebreathing process, followed by engine tests. The investigation was conducted in four parts. In part 1, various rebreathe lift profiles were simulated. The system performance was evaluated based on in-cylinder temperature, exhaust temperature, and pumping work. The results were compared with alternative variable valve actuation (VVA) strategies such as early exhaust valve closing (EEVC), negative valve overlap (NVO), positive valve overlap (PVO). In part 2, steady-state simulations were conducted to determine an appropriate engine load range for mode switching (exhaust rebreathing ON/OFF and vice-versa). The limits for both in-cylinder temperature and exhaust gas temperature, as well as the external exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) delivery potential were set as the criteria for load selection. In part 3, transient simulations were conducted to evaluate various mode switch strategies. For RB OFF, the cooled external EGR was utilized with the goal to maintain exhaust gas dilution during mode switches for low NOx emissions. The most promising mode-switch strategies produced negligible torque fluctuation during the mode switch. Finally, in part 4, engine tests were conducted, using the developed RB valve lift profile, at various low-load operating conditions. The mode switch experiments correlated well with the simulation results. The tests demonstrated the simplicity and robustness of the exhaust rebreathing approach. A robust engine response, low CNL, high exhaust gas temperature, and low engine out emissions were achieved in the low load region.

The effect of metformin treatment on leukocyte telomere length in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a prospective case-control study.

The study aimed to investigate the effect of metformin treatment on leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and the relationship of LTL with C-reactive protein (CRP), homocysteine, albumin, complete blood count, and HOMA-IR values in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A prospective case-control study consisting of 30 women with PCOS and 30 healthy women without PCOS was performed. The relationship between clinical and laboratory parameters and LTL was analyzed. PCOS patients were treated with metformin (850mg/day) for three months. Before treatment (BT) and after treatment (AT), each patient's LTL was evaluated and compared with the control group. In the comparison between PCOS and control groups, the difference was significant for LTL, age, body mass index (BMI), and CRP (p = 0.002; p < 0.001; p = 0.001; p = 0.01, respectively). In PCOS patients, the difference between BT and AT, LTL was not statistically significant (BT: 6.06 ± 2.12; AT: 6.30 ± 1.93; p = 0.623; 95% C.I: - 1.22-0.74); however, the difference for weight was significant (BT: 83.78 ± 15.31; AT: 80.62 ± 15.40; p = 0.02; 95% CI: 1.34-4.99). The logistic regression model established by BMI (group 1: 21-24, group 2: 24-29, group 3: 29-34, group 4: > 34), age, and RDW, which predicted the PCOS group by affecting the LTL level, was statistically significant (p < 0.001/PPV = 96.3%; NPV = 88.5%). Each unit reduction in telomere length increased women's probability of PCOS by 0.4 times (p = 0.013; OR = 0.419, 95% CI: 0.211-0.835). Although statistically insignificant, LTL increased after metformin use in PCOS patients, and the mean weight loss reduction was statistically significant. Telomere shortening increased the likelihood of PCOS 0.4 times.

Yoga as an Adjuvant therapy in management of migraine- An open label randomised trial.

Drug treatment is not very satisfactory in migraine and is associated with adverse effects. The effect of yoga as an add-on therapy in migraine was evaluated in the present study. Patients between the age of 18 and 60 years suffering from migraine were recruited from Internal Medicine and Neurology OPD. Migraine was diagnosed according to the International Headache Society, International Classification of Headache Disorders-3rd edition (IHS, ICHD-3). At baseline, clinical and autonomic parameters of patients were assessed, and consenting patients were randomized into two equal groups by using a computer-based random number generator program (version 1): conventional (C group) and conventional plus yoga (C+Y group). Both groups were given conventional therapy for migraine, and the C+Y group was given yoga as an add-on therapy. Yoga therapy was given for 5 days/week for 12 weeks, and a post-intervention assessment was done at the 14th week. Subjective variables such as frequency and average duration were assessed through headache diaries or telephonic conversation, while severity was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and headache impact test (HIT-6). Independent t test and Mann-Whitney U Test (Wilcoxon rank-sum test) were used for comparing normally and non-normally distributed endpoint outcomes after treatment (AT). Out of 170 patients screened, 75 were diagnosed with migraine and only 34 patients completed the study (17 in each group). All clinical and autonomic parameters showed significant improvement in pre- and post-intervention values in both groups (P < 0.0001). On comparing the conventional (C) group and conventional + yoga (C+Y) group, the change in the VAS score was more in the C+Y group (P = 0.041) and heart rate variability showed more reduction in the C+Y group (P = 0.032). We did not find any significant difference in the clinical outcome by adding yoga therapy to conventional therapy, except reduction in VAS score and reduction in heart rate variability.

Field Performance of Entomopathogenic Nematodes against the Larvae of Zabrus spp. Clairville, 1806 (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

The ground beetles, Zabrus spp. Clairville, 1806 (Coleoptera: Carabidae) is one of the major pests of wheat plants across the world, and the control of this pest is a challenging issue. In the present study, the control potential of two local entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) species [Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar, 1976 (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) and Steinernema feltiae Filipjev, 1934 (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae)] against the larvae of Zabrus spp. was evaluated with two trials under field conditions in 2015. EPNs were applied at the concentration of 1 x 106 IJs m-2 to the soil surface in mid-April and the number of alive larvae was assessed 14 days after treatment (AT). In addition, Zabrus spp.-damaged wheat plants were counted to establish the efficacy of EPNs on the larvae of Zabrus spp. in short (14 days AT) and long term (6 months AT). EPNs reduced the number of alive Zabrus spp. larvae by at least 50% as compared to the control treatments in both trials. Altgough there was a remarkable decrease in the number of Zabrus spp.-damaged wheat plants to which EPNs were applied, this decrease did not produce a significant effect. Present findings indicate that EPNs tested have a good potential for sustainable management of Zabrus spp.

Salivary proteomics in monitoring the therapeutic response of canine oral melanoma.

Saliva biomarkers are suitable for monitoring the therapeutic response of canine oral melanoma (COM), because saliva directly contacts the tumor, and saliva collection is non-invasive, convenient and cost effective. The present study aimed to investigate novel biomarkers from the salivary proteome of COM treated with surgery and a chemotherapy drug, carboplatin, 1-6 times, using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry approach. The expression of a potential salivary biomarker, ubiquitin D (UBD), was observed and verified by western blot analysis. A significantly increased ratio of free UBD (fUBD) to conjugated UBD (cUBD) was shown in the pre-surgery stage (PreS) in OM dogs with short-term survival (STS) (less than 12 months after surgery) compared with that with long-term survival (more than 12 months after surgery). In dogs with STS, the ratio was also shown to be augmented in PreS compared with that after surgery, followed by treatment with carboplatin twice, 4 and 5 times [After treatment (AT)2, AT4 and AT5]. In addition, the expression of fUBD was enhanced in PreS compared with that of AT2 in the STS group. In conclusion, this study revealed that a ratio of fUBD to cUBD in PreS was plausibly shown to be a potential prognostic biomarker for survival in dogs with OM.

A comparison of Kinesio taping and external electrical stimulation in addition to pelvic floor muscle exercise and sole pelvic floor muscle exercise in women with overactive bladder: a randomized controlled study

Purpose To compare the effects of Kinesio taping® (KT) and external electrical stimulation (ES) in addition to pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) and sole PFME in women with overactive bladder (OAB). Material and methods Patients with OAB were randomly allocated into PFME, PFME + KT, PFME + ES groups. All treatments were carried out for 6 weeks. OAB symptoms with voiding diary and Overactive Bladder-Version8 (OAB-V8), pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) with perineometer, quality of life with King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ) were assessed before (BT) and after treatment (AT). AT, the perception of improvement was inquired. Results AT, OAB symptoms and KHQ scores decreased and PFMS improved in all groups (p < 0.05). The intergroup comparisons revealed a further decrease in voids/day, voids/night, OAB-V8, and some KHQ scores, and a further increase in the perception of improvement in the PFME + KT and PFME + ES groups compared to the PFME group (p < 0.05). In the PFME + ES group, there was a further decrease in numbers of incontinence compared to the PFME group, and in severity measures scores compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion KT and external ES in addition to PFME were more effective than PFME alone in the treatment of OAB. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Pelvic floor muscle exercise was found to be effective in reducing overactive bladder symptoms and increasing quality of life. Kinesio taping or external electrical stimulation in addition to pelvic floor muscle exercise is more effective in improving overactive bladder symptoms, quality of life, and perception of improvement than pelvic floor muscle exercise alone. Kinesio taping and external electrical stimulation can be used as a complementary application in the treatment of overactive bladder. Pelvic floor muscle exercise, pelvic floor muscle exercise + Kinesio taping, and pelvic floor muscle exercise + electrical stimulation applications should be included in conservative treatment options in patients with overactive bladder to reduce symptoms and cost, and improve quality of life.

Improvement of intestinal flora: accompany with the antihypertensive effect of electroacupuncture on stage 1 hypertension

BackgroundIncreasing evidence have indicated the relationship between intestinal dysbiosis and hypertension. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the electroacupuncture (EA) on intestinal microbiota in patients with stage 1 hypertension.Methods93 hypertensive patients and 15 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Applying a highly accurate oscillometric device to evaluate the antihypertensive effect of EA. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to profile stool microbial communities from Healthy group, Before treatment (BT) group and After treatment (AT) group, and various multivariate analysis approaches were used to assess diversity, composition and abundance of intestinal microbiota.ResultsIn this study, EA significantly decreased the blood pressure (BP) of hypertensive patients. Higher abundance of Firmicutes and lower Bacteroidetes abundance were observed in the BT group compared to the Healthy group. And EA treatment significantly decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio compared to the BT group. Moreover, at the genus level, there was an increased abundance of Escherichia-Shigella in patients with hypertension, while Blautia were decreased, and EA reversed these changes.ConclusionsOur study indicates that EA can effectively lower BP and improve the structure of intestinal microbiota which are correlate with the alteration of blood pressure by electroacupuncture.Trial registration: Clinicaltrial.gov, NCT01701726. Registered 5 October 2012, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT01701726

Clinical interests of the study of adaptive oxidative /nitrosative stress in breast and ovarian cancer before and under chemotherapy– A case control Study-

Background: Breast and ovarian cancer are most common female cancer in Algeria in terms of incidence and mortality. Cancer cells are exposed to higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) whose levels support death evasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Less interest has been given to changes ROS homeostasis in cancer therapy. In this study, we investigate redox homeostasis before and after treatment (BT, AT), to determine detrimental or beneficial outcomes in cancer therapy. Methods: Cancer patients were recruited at the Hospital of Maghnia with the engaging of healthy controls. Serum biochemical parameters and oxidant/antioxidant markers were determined. Results:Our findings showed oxidative stress (OS) reflected by an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyl proteins (CP), superoxide anion (O2Ÿ-), nitric oxide (NOŸ) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-) levels and a decrease in vitamins C and glutathione (GSH), catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in cancer patients BT. After treatment (AT), levels of MDA, CP, O2Ÿ-, NOŸ , ONOO- were maintained high and/or increase vis-à-vis patients BT. The lowered activities of SOD, catalase and GHS level BT, heightened in cancer cases AT. Cholesterol, triglycerides and uric acid levels were increased in BC. Uric acid levels were markedly reduced in OC patients. HDL-cholesterol levels were significantly reduced in both cancer patients. Conclusion: Metabolic perturbations occurred with oxidative stress which highlights an adaptive appearance vis-à-vis of treatments. As a double-edged sword, redox-signalling markers may represent a crucial point and could be the future targets for anticancer drug research. &nbsp;