Combined Treatment Method Research Articles

Combined effect of Cerium oxide nanoparticles loaded scaffold and photobiomodulation therapy on pain and neuronal regeneration following spinal cord injury: an experimental study.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) remained one of the challenges to treat due to its complicated mechanisms. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) accelerates neuronal regeneration. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeONPs) also eliminate free radicals in the environment. The present study aims to introduce a combined treatment method of making PCL scaffolds as microenvironments, seeded with CeONPs and the PBMT technique for SCI treatment. The surgical hemi-section was used to induce SCI. Immediately after the SCI induction, the scaffold (Sc) was loaded with CeONPs implanted. PBMT began 30min after SCI induction and lasted for up to 4weeks. Fifty-six male rats were randomly divided into seven groups. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) (an astrocyte marker), Connexin 43 (Con43) (a member of the gap junction), and gap junctions (GJ) (a marker for the transfer of ions and small molecules) expressions were evaluated. The behavioral evaluation was performed by BBB, Acetone, Von Frey, and radiant heat tests. The SC + Nano + PBMT group exhibited the most remarkable recovery outcomes. Thermal hyperalgesia responses were mitigated, with the combined approach displaying the most effective relief. Mechanical allodynia and cold allodynia responses were also attenuated by treatments, demonstrating potential pain management benefits. These findings highlight the potential of PBMT, combined with CeONPs-loaded scaffolds, in promoting functional motor recovery and alleviating pain-related responses following SCI. The study underscores the intricate interplay between various interventions and their cumulative effects, informing future research directions for enhancing neural repair and pain management strategies in SCI contexts.

Optimization of Process Parameters for Bamboo Fiber Extraction by Steam Explosion

ABSTRACT Bamboo fiber (BF) has emerged as a promising natural, environmentally friendly material for use in composite materials. The steam explosion process plays a crucial role in preparing BFs suitable for composites. In this study, the effects of solid–liquid ratio, explosion pressure, and explosion holding time on BF preparation were investigated by orthogonal experiments, and the structural and chemical changes occurring during the separation of BF were also investigated. The results showed that the combined method of alkali treatment and steam explosion successfully produced BFs with good morphology. The highest yield of fine fibers (39.07%) was obtained at a solid–liquid ratio of 2:1, explosion pressure of 2.2 MPa, and explosion holding time of 4 min. BFs obtained using the optimal values exhibited dispersed fiber bundles, partial removal of hemicellulose and lignin, and improved crystallinity. Furthermore, the hygroscopicity of BFs decreased, reaching a minimum of 15% under the optimal process conditions. The optimization of steam explosion parameters can help to improve the extraction efficiency of fine fibers for composites and promote the industrialization of BFs prepared by steam explosion.

Analysis of Effectiveness of Combined Surface Treatment Methods for Structural Parts with Holes to Enhance Their Fatigue Life

The typical and most widespread stress concentrators in the lower wing panels of aircraft are the drain holes located on the stringer vertical ribs. These are prime sources for the initiation and development of fatigue cracks, which lead to early failure of the wing structure. Therefore, improving fatigue life in these critical areas is one of the significant issues for research. Two combined methods of surface plastic treatment in the location around drain holes are discussed in this paper. Using the finite element method and ANSYS software, we created a finite element model and obtained nonlinear solution results in the case of tension in a plate with three holes. In addition, the development of residual stress due to the surface plastic treatment of the hole-adjacent areas was taken into account. In this paper, it is shown that after surface treatment of the corresponding areas of the holes, residual stress, which exceeds the yield stress for the plate material, is induced. When combined with alternative tensile stress, these reduce the amplitude of the local stresses, thus increasing the number of stress cycles before failure. The benefits of this technology were confirmed by fatigue test results, which include the fatigue failure types of the plates. Graphs showing the impact of applicable surface treatment combined methods on the number of cycles to failure were also plotted.

Combining Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Therapy for Treatment of Elbow Joint Dysfunctioning Postupper Limb Fracture Surgery: Benefitting Efficacy and Quality of Life

Objective: Exploring and analyzing the efficacy of a combined treatment of acupuncture andrehabilitation therapy, in improving elbow joint dysfunction, post upper-limb fracture surgery, andstudying its impact on patients’ quality of life. Methods: Comparing statistically clinical efficacy andpost operative rehabilitation treatment in elbow joint function between two groups. Results: Theexperimental group, as compared to the control group, marked higher scores on all tests including MayoElbow Performance Score (MEPS) and Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ-18). The hospital-stay spanand the time for elbow joint function to normalize were also shorter than taken by the control group.However, the experimental group scored lower in the Quality of Life 30-Item Questionnaire (QoL-30)scale than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture and rehabilitation therapy,when provided in combination to the patients in case of elbow joint dysfunction post upper-limbfracture surgery, received numerous benefits in terms of efficacy, significant improvement in functionalrecovery, pain relief, and a notable enhancement in patients’ quality of life. This finding provides atheoretical framework to promote the application of combined treatment methods in clinical practice.

Comparative analysis of combined treatment methods for patients with single brain lesions

To evaluate own experience of preoperative radiosurgery followed by surgical resection (RS+S) of metastasis regarding local control, leptomeningeal progression, surgical and radiation-induced complications; to compare treatment outcomes with surgical resection and subsequent radiotherapy (S+SRT). Retrospective study included 66 patients with solitary brain metastasis. Two groups of patients were distinguished: group 1 (n=34) - postoperative irradiation, group 2 (n=32) - preoperative irradiation. The median age was 49.5 years (range 36-75). Local 3-, 6- and 12-month control among patients with postoperative irradiation was 88.2%, 79.4% and 42.9%, in the group of preoperative irradiation - 100%, 93.3% and 66.7%, respectively (p=0.021). Leptomeningeal progression developed in 11 patients (8 and 3 ones, respectively). The one-year survival rate was 73.5% and 84.4%, respectively (p=0.33). Long-term surgical and radiation-induced complications occurred in 12 (18.2%) patients. Preoperative radiosurgery with subsequent resection provides higher local control and lower incidence of leptomeningeal progression in patients with single brain metastases.

Efficacy of surgical resection and ultra-reduced tension suture combined with superficial radiation in keloid treatment.

There are many available treatment options for keloid; however, single treatments are usually less effective. Therefore, more scientifically rational and effective combined treatment methods should be sought to solve the pain associated with keloids. To explore the efficacy and safety of surgical resection and ultra-reduced tension suture combined with superficial radiation as keloid treatment. Fifteen keloid patients admitted to Qingdao Eighth People's Hospital from June 2020 to January 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. All patients underwent a comprehensive treatment approach comprising surgical resection, ultra-reduced tension suture incision, and superficial radiation therapy within 24 h postoperatively. The modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS) and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) were used to evaluate the treatment effect, whereas the efficacy, adverse effects, and recurrence rate were observed according to the 12-mo follow-up after treatment. The mVSS and POSAS scores at 1 and 6 mo after combination treatment decreased compared to before treatment (P < 0.001), and the overall response rate was 93.3%. Only one case recurred, yielding a 6.7% recurrence rate. The incidence of local chromour sedimentation rate in 1-3 mo after radiotherapy was 33.3% (5 patients), all subsiding after 6-9 mo, without complications, such as delayed wound healing or dermatitis. Surgical resection, super subtraction sutures, and superficial radiotherapy are treatment methods with short courses, low recurrence rates, and good safety profiles.

Stress protection method for surgical treatment of patients with head and neck cancer

Introduction. The surgical stage of treatment is the most important component of the combined method of treatment in cancer patients. However, it is associated with the development of a number of complications caused by stress. In this regard, the modern concept of an anesthesiological manual should also be aimed at protecting the body from surgical stress, which requires the search and development of new gentle methods of anesthesia.Aim. To provide an overview of modern stress protection methods in anesthesia and consider the role of dalargin with carbohydrate loading as a component of stress protection in oncological surgery.Materials and methods. Using the electronic resources of the PubMed and eLibrary search engines, a literary review of 147 scientific papers over the past 30 years has been conducted, which contain an evidence-based experimental and clinical base on the use of dalargin in medical practice.Results. A systematic review of stress protection methods in anesthesiology is presented. The role of dalargin in anesthesiological practice during surgical treatment in cancer patients, including when performing delayed reconstructions, is shown.Conclusion. The use of dalargin in combination with carbohydrate loading in cancer patients is justified and requires further detailed study. The ability to stimulate endogenous opioid receptors and modulate pain perception, its organoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as a favorable safety profile make dalargin a valuable addition to the tools for anesthesia in oncology.

Polypyrrole nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin for pH-responsive combinational photothermal-chemotherapy of cancer cells

The combined treatment method integrated photothermal therapy (PTT) with chemotherapy is extremely promising owing to the synergistic therapeutic effect as compared to single PTT or chemotherapy. To facilitate more novel and facile photothermal-chemotherapy drugs as well as promote controllable combination therapy, we have developed a mild and facile method to fabricate polymer polypyrrole (PPy)-doxorubicin (DOX) nanoparticles (NPs) as pH-responsive drug nanocarriers for synergistic photothermal-chemotherapy. In the nanoplatform, poly-L-lysine (PLL)-modified PPy serves as the photothermal material, and (DOX) molecules are adopted as the chemotherapy agent. Based on the cross-linking reaction of glutaraldehyde, DOX molecules are flexibly and efficiently assembled on the surface of PLL-modified PPy NPs. The obtained PPy-DOX NPs possess high photothermal effect, superior loading capacity of DOX, and controlled drug release behavior. The combination photothermal-chemotherapy based on PPy-DOX NPs has significantly enhanced the antitumor therapy effect. In general, the designed PPy-DOX NPs may be a potential drug delivery nanoplatform for cancer combination therapy.

Flavor characteristics of semi-dried yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) with KCl and ultrasound under sodium-reduced conditions before and after low temperature vacuum heating.

This study investigated the flavor characteristics of semi-dried yellow croaker made by KCl instead of partial NaCl combined with ultrasound treatment before and after low temperature vacuum heating. The electronic tongue, electronic nose, free amino acids, 5'-nucleotides, and gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry were employed. Electronic nose and electronic tongue results showed that different treatment groups had different sensitive signals to smell and taste. The odor and taste of each group were mainly affected by Na+ and K+. The difference between the groups becomes larger after thermal treatment. Ultrasound and thermal treatment both changed the content of taste components. In addition, each group contained 54 volatile flavor compounds. Among them, the combined treatment method gave semi-dried large yellow croaker pleasant flavor characteristics. Besides, it also improved the content of flavor substances. In conclusion, the semi-dried yellow croaker under sodium-reduced conditions showed better performance in flavor characteristics.

Терморадиохимиотерапия в комбинированном лечении рака прямой кишки

Currently, the treatment of rectal cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach. So the combined method of treatment, including chemoradiotherapy and the surgical stage, has proven itself reliably. However, the desired results that significantly increase the rates of relapse-free and metastatic survival have not yet been achieved. The use of radio modifiers makes it possible to enhance radiation exposure without increasing the total focal dose. One of the universal radio modifiers is local hyperthermia. Purpose: To develop a method of thermoradiochemotherapy in the combined treatment of distal rectal cancer and evaluate its effectiveness. Material and methods: This work is based on the analysis of the results of treatment of 141 patients with morphologically confirmed locally advanced distal rectal cancer. In accordance with the objectives of the study, all patients were divided into 2 groups. In the combined treatment of 75 patients, the first stage was performed chemoradiotherapy (CLT) in combination with local hyperthermia (LH). Local hyperthermia was not used in the treatment of 66 patients. Results: Long-term results of complex treatment of patients with an independent course of chemoradiotherapy/thermochemoradiotherapy (dynamic observation group) and after surgical treatment are presented. One – year relapse-free survival in the group with an independent course of TRHT was 96.7 %, in the CLT group – 79.3 % (p=0.024). There was a significant increase in three–year relapse-free survival – 93.3 % versus 76.7 % in the control (p=0.041). Among patients who underwent surgical treatment at the second stage, the study of one-year relapse-free survival did not reveal statistical significance. Three – year relapse-free survival in patients with TRHT compared with the CLT group was 96.2 % versus 86.0 % (p=0.038). The effectiveness of thermoradiochemotherapy in patients of this category was evaluated. The tolerability of treatment in all patients is satisfactory. Among all radiation reactions, the most frequently observed phenomena of radiation epidermitis I–II art. in the projection of irradiation fields (Table 1). Acute radiation reactions were reversible and did not have a negative effect on the subsequent stages of treatment. Treatment for all patients (n=141) was implemented in full.

The therapeutic effect of ikebana teaching combined with ACT on obsessive-compulsive disorder college students

BackgroundIn recent years, due to academic pressure, changes in interpersonal relationships, and living environments, the mental health problems of college students have gradually become prominent, with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) becoming an indispensable part. Patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder often suffer from recurring obsessive-compulsive beliefs and behaviors, seriously affecting their daily lives and academic performance. Therefore, seeking effective intervention methods is crucial.Subjects and MethodsThe experiment selected 60 students with obsessive-compulsive disorder from a particular school and randomly divided them into an experimental group and a control group, with 30 students in each group. The experimental group received practical teaching of flower arrangement art and acceptance commitment therapy (ACT). The control group only used traditional psychological counseling methods. The experimental period is six months, and the data is statistically processed using SPSS 24.0 and Excel.ResultsAfter a 6-month intervention, the obsessive-compulsive symptoms in the experimental group were significantly reduced, with a total effective rate of 90%, while the effective rate in the control group was 60%. In addition, the experimental group’s self-efficacy, emotional regulation ability, and quality of life also significantly improved.Conclusions The combination of flower arrangement art practice teaching and acceptance commitment therapy has shown sound intervention effects in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder college students. This combined treatment method can not only effectively alleviate obsessive-compulsive symptoms but also enhance the patient’s psychological resilience and self-management ability. Promoting this method has significant practical value in future mental health work.AcknowledgementHunan Province General Higher Education Teaching Reform Research Project (General Education Project) (No. HNJG-2020-1170).

Антиангиогенная терапия в сочетании с ферментным тромболизисом – новый перспективный способ лечения тромбоза вен сетчатки

Сentral retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), the first mention of which was made more than 200 years ago, today is characterized by a sufficiently fully and in detail studied pathogenesis and a detailed clinical picture [1]. It should be noted that currently, when studying certain aspects of the pathogenesis of this disease, preference is given to studying the role of various angiogenic factors, in particular, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) [2, 3]. At the same time, the assessment of the influence of coagulation, hemodynamic and immune-inflammatory factors of retinal vein occlusion to a certain extent fades into the background. However, it is a holistic understanding of the pathogenesis of CRVO based on the principles of systemic methodology that is the basis for the development of effective, pathogenetically substantiated methods of treating this disease. Purpose. To study the effectiveness of anti-angiogenic therapy in combination with epiretinal thrombolysis in the treatment of «fresh» CRVO. Methods. A clinical study was conducted among 106 patients with retinal vein occlusion with a disease development period up to 7 days, divided depending on the method of treatment into 2 groups: the main one – 56 patients (56 eyes), who were intravitreally injected with the anti-VEGF drug aflibercept with simultaneous epiretinal injection of recombinant prourokinase, and a comparison group – 50 patients (50 eyes) who received monotherapy with an angiogenesis inhibitor. All patients were matched for age and gender. Ophthalmological examination included: visometry, pneumotonometry, ophthalmoscopy, optical coherence tomography of the macular retina. Statistical processing of the obtained results was carried out using the IBM SPSS Statistics 27 program. Differences were considered statistically significant at p&lt;0.05. Results. The use of a new combined method for thrombosis treatment, including intravitreal injection of an antiVEGF drug in combination with epiretinal injection of prourokinase, provides high and stable clinical and functional results in the postoperative period with an increase in visual acuity by 1.8 times, as well as an acceleration of hemorrhage lysis and resorption of macular edema by 2.0 times. Key words: central retinal vein occlusion; branch central retinal vein occlusion; anti-VEGF therapy; thrombolytics; prourokinase.

The crosstalk between ferroptosis and anti-tumor immunity in the tumor microenvironment: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic controversy.

The advent of immunotherapy has significantly reshaped the landscape of cancer treatment, greatly enhancing therapeutic outcomes for multiple types of cancer. However, only a small subset of individuals respond to it, underscoring the urgent need for new methods to improve its response rate. Ferroptosis, a recently discovered form of programmed cell death, has emerged as a promising approach for anti-tumor therapy, with targeting ferroptosis to kill tumors seen as a potentially effective strategy. Numerous studies suggest that inducing ferroptosis can synergistically enhance the effects of immunotherapy, paving the way for a promising combined treatment method in the future. Nevertheless, recent research has raised concerns about the potential negative impacts on anti-tumor immunity as a consequence of inducing ferroptosis, leading to conflicting views within the scientific community about the interplay between ferroptosis and anti-tumor immunity, thereby underscoring the necessity of a comprehensive review of the existing literature on this relationship. Previous reviews on ferroptosis have touched on related content, many focusing primarily on the promoting role of ferroptosis on anti-tumor immunity while overlooking recent evidence on the inhibitory effects of ferroptosis on immunity. Others have concentrated solely on discussing related content either from the perspective of cancer cells and ferroptosis or from immune cells and ferroptosis. Given that both cancer cells and immune cells exist in the tumor microenvironment, a one-sided discussion cannot comprehensively summarize this topic. Therefore, from the perspectives of both tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, we systematically summarize the current conflicting views on the interplay between ferroptosis and anti-tumor immunity, intending to provide potential explanations and identify the work needed to establish a translational basis for combined ferroptosis-targeted therapy and immunotherapy in treating tumors.

An evidence-informed rehabilitation management framework for posterior shoulder tightness: A scoping review.

To systematically scope the literature on posterior shoulder tightness (PST) and define a therapist-instructed and therapist-administered management framework. Scoping review. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus and Google Scholar from inception to December 2021. Peer-reviewed studies written in English, French, Greek, Japanese or Tamil, with extractable pre- and post-intervention data. Physiotherapy interventions amenable for posterior shoulder structural (muscle, capsule) causes of PST within an adult population. Arksey and O'Malley's framework was implemented and the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews directed our data synthesis. The data charted from each study included authors, title, study year, location, study design; participant number, age, sex; PST intervention and parameters; patient-reported outcomes; and results. Themes were organized into therapist-instructed and therapist-administered rehabilitation strategies, as well as combined treatment methods. Of 2777 articles identified from our search strategy, 21 articles were included. Therapist-instructed interventions included cross-body stretch (CBS), sleeper stretch (SS), a combination of the two and general stretching. Therapist-administered interventions included CBS, SS, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), muscle energy techniques, dry needling and Fauls protocol (12 therapist-assisted stretches). Combined interventions of tape with self-stretching and IASTM and stretching were also identified. Based on the current evidence, CBS and SS are the most researched treatments for PST and seem to be effective at improving PST. Furthermore, stabilization of the scapula while performing these stretches optimized the stretch targeted to the PST and ROM benefits for horizontal adduction.

Energy-Efficient Modes of Dehydration of Pome Fruits during Microwave Treatment in Combination with Convection

The aim of the work is to significantly increase the efficiency of the dehydrating process of fruits with seeds, by treating it with microwaves in combination with convection. To achieve the purpose, an electrical installation was designed, produced, tested, optimized and implemented, which applies the combined technological treatment method in the dehydration process. Pears were selected as the object of the research in particular, because currently the production of these seeded fruits is not fully exploited, but they are of an increased interest for the agricultural producers and for specialized enterprises, and their dehydration by the methods currently used is difficult, especially because of the browning effect that occurs in the heat treatment process. The essential results obtained based on the research carried out, regarding the application of the elaborated installation, are: reduction of electricity consumption and treatment duration, increase in productivity and quality of dehydrated fruits. At the same time, the developed installation is simple in construction, has low cost and is easy to use, and during fruit processing it allows strict monitoring of the technological parameters, and researches demonstrated a high level of safety in operation. The significance of the obtained results lies in the solution to a series of problems, which are currently faced by the enterprises specialized in fruit processing, in particular by significantly increasing the efficiency of the process of dehydration of pears, based on the proposed method of combined treatment, predominantly with increasing the speed of dehydration, energy efficiency, quality of final products and profitability.

МЕСТНОЕ ЛЕЧЕНИЕ ИНФИЦИРОВАННЫХ РАН В ЗАВИСИМОСТИ ОТ ФАЗЫ РАНЕВОГО ПРОЦЕССА

Despite the availability of a large number of funds for the treatment of infected wounds, this issue of clinical medicine does not lose its relevance. In most cases, a combined method of wound treatment is used, which implies both the use of systemic drugs and local treatment, which, taking into account the phase of the wound process, should be aimed at cleansing, reducing inflammation, stimulating regeneration. At the present stage of the development of medicine, dressings used in surgery should meet the principle of wound healing in a humid environment and have certain requirements: to restrain the ingress of microorganisms into the wound, the composition of dressings should not include components that have toxic, allergic, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. Recently, considerable progress has been made in the development of new methods of treating infected wounds, which are based on the impact of chemical and physical factors on the healing process, taking into account a personalized approach to the patient, based primarily on his general condition and the ability of the body to resist infection. The review, based on modern literature data, presents a generalized analysis of the use of dosage forms and wound coatings in various phases of the wound process, with an emphasis on phase I as the most aggressive for the macroorganism. The criterion for evaluating the correct treatment is to reduce the time of wound healing and prevent the development of complications. An important modern criterion for the effectiveness of wound healing is the aesthetic appearance of the scar, which encourages the search for new ways to treat wounds, a combination of already known drugs and the continuation of research in the field of wound coatings.

Impact of New Combined Treatment Method on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of MICP-Improved Sand

Microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) is a green bio-inspired soil solidification technique that depends on the ability of urease-producing bacteria to form calcium carbonate that bonds soil grains and, consequently, improves soil mechanical properties. Meanwhile, different treatment methods have been adopted to tackle the key challenges in achieving effective MICP treatment. This paper proposes the combined method as a new MICP treatment approach, aiming to develop the efficiency of MICP treatment methods and simulate naturally cemented soil. This method combines the premixing, percolation, and submerging MICP methods. The strength outcomes of Portland-cemented and MICP-cemented sand using the percolation and combined methods were compared. For Portland-cemented sand, the UCS values varied from 0.6 MPa to 17.2 MPa, corresponding to cementation levels ranging from 5% to 30%. For MICP-cemented sand, the percolation method yielded UCS values ranging from 0.5 to 0.9 MPa, while the combined method achieved 3.7 MPa. The strength obtained by the combined method is around 3.7 times higher than that of the percolation method. The stiffness of bio-cemented samples varied between 20 and 470 MPa, while for Portland-cemented sand, it ranged from 130 to 1200 MPa. In terms of calcium carbonate distribution, the percolation method exhibited higher concentration at the top of the sample, while the combined method exhibited more precipitation at the top and perimeter, with less concentration in the central bottom region, equivalent to 10% of a half section’s area.

Combined treatment of idiopathic male infertility using low-intensity laser therapy and complex prostate peptides: single-centre experience

Introduction. The study of effective and safe combined methods of conservative treatment of idiopathic male infertility is of great interest.Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of the combined use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the infrared (IR) spectrum and bioregulatory therapy with complex prostate peptides on the semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDNAF) in men with idiopathic infertility.Materials &amp; methods. The study is based on the results of examination and treatment of 97 men with idiopathic infertility. Prior to the start of treatment, all patients were divided into three groups by randomization. Patients in group 1 (n = 34) underwent a course of LLLT in the IR spectrum consisting of 10 procedures q.o.d. Patients in group 2 (n = 31) were prescribed complex prostate peptides Supp. Prostatilen® AC (30 + 180 mg) PR q.h.s. FXD, with a repeat of the course of treatment after 5 days. Patients in group 3 (n = 32) underwent combined treatment: LLLT sessions in the IR spectrum (10 procedures q.o.d.) and a course of Supp. Prostatilen® AC (30 + 180 mg) PR q.h.s. FXD, with a repeat of the course of treatment with peptides according to the same scheme after 5 days. Control examination of patients in all groups was carried out two months after the end of treatment.Results. As a result of treatment of patients in groups 1, 2, and 3, a significant improvement in the main semen parameters, a decrease in the grade of pathological SDNAF, an increase in serum total and free testosterone concentration (p &lt; 0.05) were observed. A comparative statistical analysis of the results obtained in three groups of patients showed that the combined treatment of patients of group 3, who were prescribed a course of LLLT in combination with complex prostate peptides Supp. Prostatilen® AC, was significantly more effective in improving concentration (p &lt; 0.01) and progressive sperm motility (p &lt; 0.01), as well as a decrease in the grade of pathological SDNAF (p &lt; 0.05), than in groups 1 and 2.Conclusion. Combined therapy that includes complex prostate peptides and LLLT in the IR spectrum improves the main semen parameters and reduces the grade of pathological SDNAF in men with idiopathic infertility.

Effect of ultrasound-microwave and microwave-ultrasound treatment on physicochemical properties of corn starch

Natural starch is an agricultural sourced biopolymer being low cost, biodegradable, high efficiently, renewable and easy available. Despite these advantages, phisochemical properties of native starch are limited for most industrial applications and must be modified. Ultrasound and microwave treatment have been widely applied separately for starch modification. Ultrasound treatment, with high efficiency and low cost, and microwave treatment, which produces homogeneous and high quality products, are short proceesing time technologies that can be used together to change the structure and properties of starches obtained from various plants. In this study the effects of ultrasound and microwave combined treatment on the physicochemical properties of natural corn starch were investigated. Corn starch was irritated using different combination of ultrasound-microwave and microwave-ultrasound treatment; using 90, 180, 360 and 600 W microwave power during 1, 2, 3 min, and using ultrasound at 35 °C constant temperature for 20, 30, 40 min. The structural changes of modified corn starches were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. Nowadays, many physical methods are used for starch modification, but limited studies were on ultrasound-microwave and microwave-ultrasound combined treatment method. As a result of this study, it was observed that ultrasound and microwave combination is an efficient, fast and environmentally friendly method for natural corn starch modification.

Evaluation of resistance of human head lice to pyrethroid insecticides: A meta-analysis study

IntroductionPediculosis is one of the most common annoying infections caused by parasitic lice in humans. Pyrethroids are one of the main insecticides used to treat this infection. But recently, due to the Resistance of lice to this group of insecticides, its insecticidal effects have been affected. The present study was conducted through a meta-analysis to investigate the prevalence of pyrethroid resistance against these insecticides worldwide. MethodsThis study was conducted as a meta-analysis of the prevalence of treatment resistance in human head lice against pyrethroid insecticides worldwide. Based on this, all articles published without a time limit until the end of June 2022 in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science (ISI), Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were extracted and using random-effects meta-analysis model statistical methods in the meta-analysis, Cochrane, Index I2, and funnel plot were analyzed by STATA software. ResultsTwenty studies were included in the meta-analysis process. According to this, the prevalence of pyrethroid resistance insecticides in human head lice was estimated at 59% (CI95%: 50%–68%). Among pyrethroid insecticides, the highest prevalence of pyrethroid resistance against permethrin insecticide was 65%. Regarding the prevalence of Resistance by year, the prevalence before 2004 was estimated at 33%, but after 2015, this rate reached 82%. Also, the majority of pyrethroid resistance was estimated at 68% using genetic diagnosis methods and 43% using clinical diagnosis methods. ConclusionMore than half of human head lice pyrethroid resistance insecticides. Based on this, it is recommended that before using this treatment method to treat human head lice Infestation, it should investigate the prevalence of pyrethroid resistance in that area, and if the majority of Resistance is high, alternative or combined treatment methods should be used.