Different Periods Of Treatment Research Articles

Perception of health-related quality of life of breast cancer patients at different periods of treatment: a scoping review

Perception of health-related quality of life of breast cancer patients at different periods of treatment: a scoping review

Biochemical and histopathological alterations of liver and kidney of Japanese quails due to lead toxicity and effects of vitamin C

Lead (Pb) is the most dangerous xenobiotic causing variety of negative impacts on human and animal health.The current study intended to investigate the effect of different doses of Pb on biochemical and histological abnormalities in the kidney and liver of quail and the beneficial effects of vitamin C. A total of 72 male quail, aged 12 days were allotted in four groups with four replications. Control group (T0) received normal diet, group T1 and T2 received Pb at a dose of 70 mg and 700 mg/kg body weight (bw) respectively for 21 days, while T3 had 700 mg Pb /kg bw for 10 days followed by only vitamin C supplementation at a dose of 70 mg/kg bw without any Pb for next 10 days. After end of treatment, blood serum was collected, and the kidney and liver were taken for a histoarchitecture study. Significant (p<0.05) Pb-induced elevations of biochemical markers of liver and kidney were observed in different periods of treatment (except d21-period of T3) and decreased following vitamin C supplementation in d21 of T3 (except creatinine).The effect of Pb treatment included congestion, necrotic foci in different organs, reactive cells in central vein, degeneration of hepatocytes, necrosis in the portal area as well as renal tubular degeneration, all of which were slightly improved by vitamin C in group T3. So, the findings suggest that the use of vitamin C could be a potential preventative agent against Pb-induced toxicity.

Exogenous melatonin enhances low-temperature stress of jute seedlings through modulation of photosynthesis and antioxidant potential

Developing new varieties of natural fibers that can grow throughout the year is very crucial to replace and avoid the bad effect of synthetic fiber. As a result of its beneficial role in protecting plants from abiotic stressors, melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) has gained recognition as a novel plant growth regulator. This study aimed to investigates the role of exogenous melatonin (200 μM) on two varieties of Corchorous olitorius and Corchorous capsularis in response to low-temperature stress (8 °C) for different periods of treatment (0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h) based on biochemical properties, and antioxidant system. The results demonstrated that exogenous melatonin had inhibitory effects of low-temperature stress on seedlings at different period of treatment when compared to non-melatonin treated seedlings, potentially improved photosynthetic apparatus (total chlorophyll up to 29.93 and 33.37%; total carotenoid up to 29.93 and 19.05%; anthocyanin up to 40.47 and 31.94% in M33 and Y49, respectively), reduced oxidative damage (MDA up to 53.59 and 44.28%; H2O2 up to 41.04 and 16.88% in M33 and Y49, respectively) by boosting the antioxidant enzymes (SOD up to 12.75 and 4.65%; POD up to 39.08 and 81.39%; total phenolic up to 43.38 and 56.48% in M33 and Y49, respectively) reduced electrolyte leakage (EL) up to 15.37 and 13.64% in M33 and Y49, respectively) and increased osmoregulation (soluble sugars up to 25.86 and 25.86%; proline up to 105.19 and 172.07%; FAA up to 48.50 and 30.06% in M33 and Y49, respectively) content. Thus, this study showed that exogenous melatonin effectively mitigated the low-temperature-induced oxidative in C. olitorius and C. capsularis seedlings by regulating the antioxidant system and improving the low-temperature resistance.

Effect of treatment with benzathine penicillin combined with ceftriaxone in elderly patients with latent syphilis

Purpose: To investigate the effect of the combination of benzathine penicillin and ceftriaxone in the treatment of latent syphilis in the elderly. 
 Methods: A total of 70 elderly patients with latent syphilis treated in the First People’s Hospital of Yichang from March 2020 to March 2021 were enrolled in this study. Control group (CG) comprised thirty-two patients treated with benzathine penicillin, while 38 patients received the combination of benzathine penicillin and ceftriaxone were placed in the study group (SG). Therapeutic efficacy and adverse reactions in both groups were assessed. The difference in toludine red unheated serum test (TRUST) negative conversion rate at different periods of treatment (3, 6, and 12 months) after treatment was observed. Dermatological quality of life index (DLQI), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) scores were also determined before and after treatment. 
 Results: Total efficacy in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group after treatment (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the total incidence of adverse reactions between both groups (p > 0.05). The TRUST negative conversion rate at 6 and 12 months in SG was higher than that in CG (p < 0.05), while DLQI, SAS and SDS scores in SG were significantly lower after treatment (p < 0.05). 
 Conclusion: Treatment of elderly patients with latent syphilis with the combination of benzathine penicillin and ceftriaxone effectively controls the disease and improves patients’ negative emotions and quality of life with few adverse drug reactions. Further clinical trials are required prior to application in clinical practice.

Medical Ozone Effect on Ovary Damage in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of Medical Ozone(MO) in combination with insulin on reproductive hormones and histopathological changes in ovaries of rats with diabetes mellitus (DM). forty eight adult female rats were randomly divided into the following six groups (n = 8): control (A), MO (B), diabetic (C), MOtreated diabetic (E), Insulin-treated diabetic ) E), and MO, Insulin-treated diabetic (F). DM was induced by a single intraperitoneal (ip) Alloxan injection (150 mg/kg ( .after six weeks of treatment Blood sample were collected to estimate biochemical parameters glucose, serum hormones. Also, ovary samples were obtained for histological examination in diabetic untreated rats the results showed hyperglycaemia, and significant decrease in hormones profiles. While ,MO and Insulin treated rats reported an amelioration of the most toxic effect of alloxan and returned most of these parameters nearly normal. Microscopically ovaries showed definite, degeneration in the diabetic group while when use of MO and Insulin treatment in this study showed significant improves of such histological changes when compared to diabetic untreated rats. Conclusion: it was recommended that the use of the Medical Ozone with Insulin as a supplementary agent to reduce oxidative stress damage of hyperglycaemia and recommended to use variable doses and different periods of treatment to evaluate the best dose and period

Changes in anthropometric characteristics, androgen and estrogen levels during correction of male hypogonadism with testosterone or hCG: results of a retrospective comparative study

Background: The use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is widespread. Despite the positive changes, such as: an increase in testosterone levels, an improvement in erectile function and an increase in libido, it is possible to develop a negative manifestation — hyperestrogenism. To date, there are no studies assessing the prevalence of hyperestrogenism in the presence of TRT.Aim: To study the reliability of an increase in total testosterone and estradiol levels and changes in total weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and hips (OB), depending on the type of TRT and hCG therapy.Materials and methods: For retrospective analysis, the medical records of patients with baseline testosterone deficiency and normal estradiol levels, who were prescribed TRT or hCG therapy, were selected. The patients were divided into 3 groups depending on the form of TRT and hCG therapy. The level of testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), weight, OT, OB, BMI in each group was assessed 2 times — before the appointment of treatment and at different periods of treatment, for example, after 3–6–9 and 12 months. Most of the patients had a period of monitoring these parameters before the appointment of TRT or hCG therapy and after 6 months.Results: The increase in the levels of total testosterone and estradiol against the background of TRT in the total sample was 109.6% and 111.3%, respectively. In each group, increases in total testosterone and estradiol levels were significant, p ≤ 0.001. The level of total testosterone to physiological values increased only in the 2-nd group — reaching the average-normal, recommended levels, from 8.7 ± 0.5 (2.5) to 16 ± 2 (10). The maximum rises in total testosterone, as well as estradiol, were noted in the 1st group, from 9.5 ± 0.72 nmol / L (3) to 24.9 ± 2.7 nmol / L (11.62)) and with 24.19 ± 2 (8.5) to 58.1 ± 4 (18.1), respectively. TRT, like hCG therapy, promotes an increase in the level of estradiol, which was demonstrated in all groups, and not only in group 1-st: in group 2-nd from 28.1 ± 2.3 (11.3) to 55 ± 4 (20) and in the 3-rd group from 27.1 ± 2.5 (10.5) to 55.8 ± 4.6 (19.6). On average for the entire sample, from 26.6 ± 1.32 (10.2) to 56.2 ± 2.5 (19). Weight loss on TRT was significant only in the 2-nd group, and in all parameters — weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference. In the 3-rd group, BMI, WC and OB values also slightly decreased. In the 1-st group, the total weight slightly increased, while the BMI did not change, as did the OB value, and the OT value decreased slightly.Conclusion: TRT significantly increases the levels of total testosterone and estradiol, contributing to the normalization of testosterone levels, as in the 2-nd group, or the development of supraphysiological levels of total testosterone and hyperestrogenism, as in the 1st and 3-rd groups. Given that there is a strong belief that TRT leads to significant weight loss, our study confirmed this statement only in the 2-nd group.

Изменения антропометрических характеристик, уровня андрогенов и эстрогенов при коррекции мужского гипогонадизма препаратами тестостерона или хорионического гонадотропина: результаты ретроспективного сравнительного исследования

Background: The use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is widespread. Despite the positive changes, such as: an increase in testosterone levels, an improvement in erectile function and an increase in libido, it is possible to develop a negative manifestation — hyperestrogenism. To date, there are no studies assessing the prevalence of hyperestrogenism in the presence of TRT. Aim: To study the reliability of an increase in total testosterone and estradiol levels and changes in total weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and hips (OB), depending on the type of TRT and hCG therapy. Materials and methods: For retrospective analysis, the medical records of patients with baseline testosterone deficiency and normal estradiol levels, who were prescribed TRT or hCG therapy, were selected. The patients were divided into 3 groups depending on the form of TRT and hCG therapy. The level of testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), weight, OT, OB, BMI in each group was assessed 2 times — before the appointment of treatment and at different periods of treatment, for example, after 3–6–9 and 12 months. Most of the patients had a period of monitoring these parameters before the appointment of TRT or hCG therapy and after 6 months. Results: The increase in the levels of total testosterone and estradiol against the background of TRT in the total sample was 109.6% and 111.3%, respectively. In each group, increases in total testosterone and estradiol levels were significant, p ≤ 0.001. The level of total testosterone to physiological values increased only in the 2-nd group — reaching the average-normal, recommended levels, from 8.7 ± 0.5 (2.5) to 16 ± 2 (10). The maximum rises in total testosterone, as well as estradiol, were noted in the 1st group, from 9.5 ± 0.72 nmol / L (3) to 24.9 ± 2.7 nmol / L (11.62)) and with 24.19 ± 2 (8.5) to 58.1 ± 4 (18.1), respectively. TRT, like hCG therapy, promotes an increase in the level of estradiol, which was demonstrated in all groups, and not only in group 1-st: in group 2-nd from 28.1 ± 2.3 (11.3) to 55 ± 4 (20) and in the 3-rd group from 27.1 ± 2.5 (10.5) to 55.8 ± 4.6 (19.6). On average for the entire sample, from 26.6 ± 1.32 (10.2) to 56.2 ± 2.5 (19). Weight loss on TRT was significant only in the 2-nd group, and in all parameters — weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference. In the 3-rd group, BMI, WC and OB values also slightly decreased. In the 1-st group, the total weight slightly increased, while the BMI did not change, as did the OB value, and the OT value decreased slightly. Conclusion: TRT significantly increases the levels of total testosterone and estradiol, contributing to the normalization of testosterone levels, as in the 2-nd group, or the development of supraphysiological levels of total testosterone and hyperestrogenism, as in the 1st and 3-rd groups. Given that there is a strong belief that TRT leads to significant weight loss, our study confirmed this statement only in the 2-nd group.

Stainless Steel Surface Nitriding in Open Atmosphere Cold Plasma: Improved Mechanical, Corrosion and Wear Resistance Properties.

This work presents preliminary results regarding improving the mechanical, wear and protective properties (hardness, coefficient of friction, corrosion resistance) of AISI 304 stainless steel surfaces by open atmosphere cold plasma surface treatment method. Comparative evaluations of the morphological, corrosion resistance, mechanical and tribological properties for different periods of treatment (using N2 gas for cold plasma generation in an open atmosphere) were performed. AFM surface analyses have shown significant surface morphology modifications (average roughness, FWHM, surface skewness and kurtosis coefficient) of the treated samples. An improved corrosion resistance of the N2 treated surfaces in open atmosphere cold plasma could be observed using electrochemical corrosion tests. The mechanical tests have shown that the surface hardness (obtained by instrumented indentation) is higher for the 304 stainless steel samples than it is for the un-treated surface, and it decreases gradually for higher penetration depths. The kinetic coefficient of friction (obtained by ball-on-disk wear tests) is significantly lower for the treated samples and increases gradually to the value of the un-treated surface. The low friction regime length is dependent on the surface treatment period, with a longer cold plasma nitriding process leading to a significantly better wear behavior.

Prognostic value of neutrophils for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between absolute neutrophils count (ANC) in different periods of treatment and the outcomes of patients and assess effect of longitudinal neutrophils variation during radiotherapy (RT) on prognosis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).MethodsA total of 1753 patients with newly diagnosed NPC were retrospectively analyzed. Complete blood counts of patients were obtained before treatment, before, during, and end of RT. The survival rate was calculated by Kaplan‐Meier method and the result was compared by the log‐rank test. The univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between the variation of ANC and survival for patients in different periods.ResultsHigher ANC pretreatment (>4 × 109/L) and pre‐RT (>7 × 109/L) were correlated with poor OS (89.7% vs 85.6%, P = .009; 88.3% vs 77.3%, P = .002, respectively). An increase >5 × 109/L of ANC during RT was associated with adverse OS (87.9% vs 73.6%, P = .042). The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that high ANC of pre‐RT (>7 × 109/L) and a high increase (>5 × 109/L) of ANC during RT were independent prognostic factors of patients with NPC (P = .002, .044, respectively).ConclusionOur results demonstrated that ANC was an independent prognostic factor for survival in patients with NPC who received RT. Neutrophils may promote tumor resistance to radiotherapy in NPC.Level of Evidence2a.

VEGF and FGF-2 Released In Palatal Suture after Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME).

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) have the ability to increase vascular proliferation and permeability. The aim of this study was to quantify the release of two diffusible angiogenic growth factors (VEGF and FGF-2) after rapid maxillary expansion (RME). Thirty animals were randomly assigned to two groups. Control group (5 rats - intact suture) and Experimental groups (25 rats with RME) which were evaluated in different periods of treatment. Five animals were euthanized in different periods of healing at 0, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 days after RME. RT-PCR was used to evaluate the gene expression of angiogenic growth factors released on different periods of study. Data were submitted to statistical analysis using ANOVA followed by Tukey test and significance was assumed at a=0.05. RT-PCR showed that mRNAs of VEGF and FGF-2 were expressed in intact palatal suture tissue. mRNAs of VEGF and FGF-2 was upregulated in early periods (24 h) after RME (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). The molecular levels of VEGF never returned to its original baseline values, and FGF-2 expression decreased up to day 5 (p<0.001) and suddenly increased at day 7, returning to its original level. RME increased VEGF secretion, but decreased FGF-2 secretion when compared to intact tissue. The results showed that these angiogenic growth factors are released and regulated in the palatal suture tissue after RME and could make an important contribution to the knowledge of overall reparative response of the suture tissue during the bone remodeling process.

Relative toxicity of two natural compounds compared to abamectin against some soybean pests under period rates

A sustainable pest management in agro-ecosystems requires parallel assessments of pesticide and natural compounds to control target pests. In the present study, a semi-field experiment was conducted to evaluate the relative toxicity of abamectin (Abamax), humic acid, and Chitosan Nano-Particles (C.N.Ps) against four soybean pests:Tetranychus urticae,Eutetranychusorientalis,Bemisia tabaci, andPhenacoccus solenopsis. The experimental treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with three replicates, where treatments were assigned to main plots and pest populations under different periods in the subplots. The obtained results and graphs demonstrated that there were considerable differences between the total numbers of pests after different periods of treatment. Generally,E. orientalisrecorded the minimum pest number at all. Different tested compounds demonstrated a considerable correlation between the densities of the pests.T. urticaeexhibited a significant correlation with the other three pests (E. orientalis,B. tabaci, andP. solenopsis).E. orientalisdid not correlate withB. tabaciandP. solenopsis. The humic acid recorded the best effect onT. urticaeafter 3 days with a reduction of 85.45% andE. orientalisafter 7 days 65.55%. However, Chitosan Nano-Particles (C.N.Ps) was the best forE. orientalisafter 14 days (mortality 74.36%). In contrast, abamectin (Abamax) had a general mean of reduction of 91.17% againstT. urticae, whenever, these compounds are promising for controllingT. urticae,E. orientalis,B. tabaci, andP. solenopsis. These results may be a supporting method to overcome some soybean pests. The findings are discussed within the context of integrated management of soybean pests under semi-field conditions.

Comparative assessment of mineral metabolism in shoulders and crura in patients with osteomyelitis.

Chronic osteomyelitis in long tubular bones is generally aggravated by metabolic imbalance in patients' organisms affecting mineral metabolism. It is critically important that the extent of this imbalance should be determined prior to surgical intervention to choose optimal methodology, proper monitoring of recovery and adequate prognostication of final results. With this in mind a comparative assessment has been carried out to shed light on the intensity of mineral metabolism in the blood serum of patients suffering from osteomyelitis in their shoulders and crura. Dynamics of how indices of electrolytes and activity of acidic and alkaline phosphatases vary have been studied in blood serum samples in 24 patients, 18 patients suffering from osteomyelitis in crus bones and 6 - in shoulders. In addition, correlations between total calcium, inorganic phosphate and phosphatase index have been computed. The mineral metabolism indices which were exhibited by the patients having shoulder osteomyelitis and by the patients with crus osteomyelitis are statistically meaningful differences prior to surgery and 2-3 days after surgery. 21 days after surgical intervention the activity of osseous remodeling enzymes, content of total calcium and phosphates as well as the correlations with the phosphatase index show no significant differences. These specific features of mineral metabolism turn out to level out in the process of treating chronic osteomyelitis in upper and lower limbs with transosseous compression-distraction osteosynthes. It has been the first study aimed at discovering comparative characteristics of mineral metabolism in patients with shoulder osteomyelitis and the ones with crus osteomyelitis at different times following surgical intervention. The study looks into correlations between the electrolytes and the mineralization index and shows specific traits exhibited by patients who suffering from osteomyelitis in shoulder and crus went through reparative regeneration at different periods of treatment.

Features of cognitive disorders in patients with cardioembolic stroke

In the structure of all ischemic strokes, cardioembolic stroke (CES) takes 2nd place in prevalence after atherothrombotic. A frequent complication (CES) is cognitive impairment of varying severity. The key point of the research was to evaluate the characteristics of cognitive impairment in patients who underwent (CES) at different periods of treatment. 33 patients were examined in different periods after a stroke (acute — 10—21 days after the occurrence of CES and early recovery 40— 60 days after the occurrence of CES). In the group of men and women, patients aged from 61 to 70 years were significantly more likely to meet. The functional state of patients was evaluated by the Barthel index, on the Rankine scale. The definition of cognitive functions was carried out using the MMSE scale. The level of forming correlates with the level of restoration of cognitive functions and the level of their social adaptation. With the localization of lesions focuses in the vertebrobasilar pool, better recovery of cognitive functions is noted. Positive dynamics of cognitive impairment is noted in the early recovery period of CES in the direction of increasing scores on the MMSE scale compared with the acute period. A higher level of social adaptation determined by the Barthel index and the Rankine index contributes to a better recovery of cognitive functions of patients with CES Key words: ischemic cardioembolicstroke, cognitive impairment, strokeperiods

Adaptive therapy in early rehabilitation of the patients with industrial injuries as an indicator of the eff ectiveness of course programs

The results of determining adaptive responses to treatment of patients with industrial injuries in the early stages of rehabilitation are presented. Studies have shown that the preliminary determination of reactions by L.Kh. Garkavi allows you to individually plan the duration of stay, the nature of treatment procedures with their sequence for each patient.The aim of the study is to study the adaptation indicators according to L.Kh. Garkavi in patients with occupational injuries before treatment, during rehabilitation and aft er its completion.Patients with industrial injuries, aimed at early rehabilitation, were determined by L.Kh. Garkavi adaptation reaction using the blood formula with the ratio of white blood cells, eosinophils, rod-shaped neutrophils, segmentonuclear neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes three times — before treatment, fi ve days aft er the end of the program. Th e resulting adaptation system data was evaluated as “training”, “quiet activation”, “increased activation”, or “stress”.The application of the scheme for diff erent periods of treatment according to the response of individually adapting the patient to begin rehabilitation contributed to the full year program: disappeared pain syndrome, restored the functional ability of the respective injured body, help prevent development of disability, decreased period of disability.The highly informative adaptation response, determined by the blood formula, answers the question about the reserve capabilities of this patient, which ultimately provides a positive result in the form of recovery of working capacity in the case of a fl exible rehabilitation scheme.

Role of oligodendrocytes in reversing ethambutol induced optic neuropathy

Ethambutol is one of the first line drugs for treating tuberculosis. Its toxic effects on the optic nerve are majorly classified as reversible. However, worsening of vision and permanent vision loss after ethambutol discontinuation is also documented. To determine the effect of ethambutol toxicity on oligodendrocytes at different periods of treatment. Twenty-five male adult wistar rats of 110-130g average weight were housed in cages, exposed to 12-hour of dark and light cycles. After one week of acclimatization, five animals were randomly selected and sacrificed prior to ethambutol treatment for the control group (week 0). The remaining 20 animals were each orally administered 100mg/kg/day ethambutol. Five animals were randomly picked and sacrificed at the end of first, second, third, and fourth week of ethambutol treatment. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of oligodendrocyte cells obtained at the different stages of ethambutol treatment. Oligodendrocytes are not vulnerable to ethambutol toxicity for at least one month and they play a key role in reversing ethambutol induced neuropathy through myelin sheaths reconstruction.&#x0D; Key Words: Ethambutol, Oligodendrocytes, Optic Nerve, Optic Neuropathy.

Studies of Structural Changes in PAN Fibers with Various Initial Structures under the Influence of Thermal Treatment in Media

Abstract The aim of the paper is to assess the range and the mechanisms of transformations of the molecular structure and the physical microstructure of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers produced by various manufacturers under the influence of thermal treatment in different conditions. The thermal treatments were carried out in different media (such as air, water, and steam), at various temperatures, and using different periods of treatment. Changes in the molecular structure were assessed using infrared (IR) absorption spectroscopy and evaluation of the differences in molecular cohesion energy of the fiber material during the dissolution processes. Changes in the fibers’ physical microstructure were investigated using densitometric, IR spectrophotometric, and X-ray diffraction methods; for assessment of both the reconstruction process of the paracrystalline matter of the fibers and the changes in the fibers’ total orientation, interferential polarization microscopy was used.

Residues of imidacloprid insecticide and its efficacy on whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (gennadius) in tomato plants

The present work was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of imidacloprid against the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci infesting tomato plants under field conditions and its residues in leaves and fruits after different periods of application, using root treated seedling, treated seeds and foliar spray techniques. The root treated seedling was more effective than treated seeds in decreasing different stages of whitefly population. The reduction percentages of egg, nymph and adult stages in root treated seedlings and sprayed with half and field rates were more than that in untreated seedlings. The fruit yield was increased in root treated tomato seedlings sprayed with the recommended rate of imidacloprid compared to root untreated seedlings. Residues of imidacloprid in leaves and fruits in root treated seedlings sprayed with field rate were more than root untreated seedlings and sprayed, as well as the residues of imidacloprid were higher in leaves than fruits. The residual level of imidacloprid in fruits was less than maximum residual level (MRL = 1 mg kg−1) which recommended by Codex Alimentarius Commission. Half-life (t 1/2) was 7.27 and 6.37 day for leaves and fruits of root treated seedling and was 7.14 and 4.88 day for untreated seedling and sprayed. Imidacloprid was more more toxic to white fly Bemisia tabaci and also, its residues were under maximum resuidual limits ( MRL) in tomato fruits after one hr (initial residues) of spraying and after different periods of treatment with field recommended rate, it is safe for consumers and effective against white fly, so it could be suggested to use in white fly integrated management.

Utilization Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine among Fracture Patients: A Taiwan Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) divides fracture treatment into three stages. Many TCM herbs and formulas have been used to treat fractures for thousands of years. However, research regarding the Chinese herbal products (CHPs) that should be used at different periods of treatment is still lacking. This study aims to identify the CHPs that should be used at different periods of treatment as well as confirm the TCM theory of fracture periods medicine. We used prescriptions of TCM outpatients with fracture diagnoses analyzed using the Chang Gung Research Database (CGRD) from 2000 to 2015. According to the number of days between the date of the fracture and the clinic visit date, all patients were assigned to one of three groups. Patients with a date gap of 0-13 days were assigned to the early period group; those with a date gap of 14-82 days were assigned to the middle period group; and those with a date gap of 83-182 days were assigned to the late period group. We observed the average number of herbal formulas prescribed by the TCM doctor at each visit was 2.78, and the average number of single herbs prescribed was 6.47. The top three prescriptions in the early fracture period were Zheng-gu-zi-jin-dang, Shu-jing-huo-xue-tang, and Wu-ling-san. In the middle fracture period, the top three formulas were Zheng-gu-zi-jin-dang, Shu-jing-huo-xue-tang, and Zhi-bai-di-huang-wan. In the late fracture period, the top three formulas were Shu-jing-huo-xue-tang, Gui-lu-er-xian-jiao, and Du-huo-ji-sheng-tang. The main single herbs used in the early fracture period were Yan-hu-suo, Gu-sui-bu, and Dan-shen. From the middle to the late period, the most prescribed single herbs were Xu-duan, Gu-sui-bu, and Yan-hu-suo. We concluded that the results showed that the CGRD utilization pattern roughly meets the TCM theory at different fracture periods.

Analysis of microbial community composition and diversity in postoperative intracranial infection using high‑throughput sequencing.

Intracranial infection is one of the most serious complications following neurosurgery. It is well acknowledged that bacteria and fungi are the main pathogens responsible for postoperative intracranial infection. However, the microbial community structure, including composition, abundance and diversity, in postoperative intracranial infection is not fully understood, which greatly compromises our understanding of the necessity and effectiveness of postoperative antibiotic treatment. The present study collected eight cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from patients with intracranial infection following neurosurgical procedures. High-throughput amplicon sequencing for 16S rDNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) was performed using the Illumina MiSeq platform to investigate the microbial community composition and diversity between treated and untreated patients. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the microbial composition and diversity in each patient group (that is, with or without antibiotic treatment) was similar; however, the group receiving antibiotic treatment had a comparatively lower species abundance and diversity compared with untreated patients. At the genus level, Acinetobacter and Staphylococcus were widely distributed in CSF samples from patients with postoperative intracranial infection; in particular, Acinetobacter was detected in all CSF samples. In addition, five ITS fungal libraries were constructed, and Candida was detected in three out of four patients not receiving antibiotic treatment, indicating that the fungal infection should be given more attention. In summary, 16S and ITS high-throughput amplicon sequencing were practical methods to identify pathogens in the different periods of treatment in patients with postoperative intracranial infection. There was a notable difference in microbial composition and diversity between the treated and untreated patients. Alterations in the microbial community structure may provide a signal whether antibiotic treatment worked in postoperative intracranial infection and may assist surgeons to better control the progression of infection.

Titration with automatic continuous positive airway pressure in obstructive sleep apnea

Background and objectiveAutotitrating positive airway pressure (APAP) is an accepted titration method to determine the optimal positive airway pressure (PAP), for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The required duration of APAP monitoring to determine a fixed continuous positive airway pressure level still remains to be established. We aimed to evaluate the variation in PAP level, delivered by APAP devices, at different periods of treatment, to determine the APAP treatment duration required to reach an effective and stable PAP level. MethodsA cross-sectional study of 62 patients newly diagnosed with OSA were evaluated after 3 months of APAP therapy. APAP data corresponding to the first day (D1), first week (W1), seventh week (W7) and twelfth week (W12) under APAP therapy was collected. For the analysis of the pressure behaviour, the difference of P95th pressure level between W12 and W7 (P W12–W7), W12 and W1 (P W12–W1) and W12 and D1 (P W12–D1) was calculated. ResultsThere was a high correlation in P95th pressure level between D1 and W12 (r=0.771; p>0.0001), W1 and W12 (r=0.817; p>0.0001), and W7 and W12 (r=0.926; p>0.0001). This correlation progressively increased with APAP use. A significance difference was found in concordance between P W12–W7 and P W12–D1 (p=0.046) within the pressure range ±2cmH2O. However there was no significant difference in concordance between P W12–W7 and P W12–W1. ConclusionsOne week of APAP therapy seems sufficient to determine an effective and stable PAP level, within the pressure range ±2cmH2O.