Effect Of Different Time Intervals Research Articles

Impact of Preoperative Time Intervals for Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy on Short-term Postoperative Outcomes of Esophageal Cancer Surgery: A Population-Based Study Using the Dutch Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Audit (DUCA) Data.

To clarify the impact of the preoperative time intervals on short-term postoperative and pathological outcomes in esophageal cancer patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by esophagectomy. The impact of preoperative intervals on esophageal cancer patients who received multimodality treatment remains unknown. Patients(cT1-4aN0-3M0) treated with nCRT plus esophagectomy were included using the Dutch national DUCA-database. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the effect of different time intervals upon short-term postoperative and pathological outcomes: diagnosis-to-nCRT intervals (≤5, 5-8 and 8-12wk), nCRT-to-surgery intervals (5-11, 11-17 and >17wk) and total preoperative intervals (≤16, 16-25 and >25wk). Between 2010-2021, a total of 5052 patients were included. Compared to diagnosis-to-nCRT interval ≤5 weeks, the interval 8-12 weeks was associated with higher risk of overall complications (P=0.049). Compared to nCRT-to-surgery interval 5-11 weeks, the longer intervals (11-17wk and >17wk) were associated with higher risk of overall complications (P-value=0.016; P-value<0.001) and anastomotic leakage (P-value=0.004; P-value=0.030), but the interval >17 weeks was associated with lower risk of ypN+ (P-value=0.021). The longer total preoperative intervals were not associated with the risk of 30-day mortality and complications compared to the interval ≤16 weeks, but the longer total preoperative interval (>25wk) was associated with higher ypT stage (P-value=0.010) and lower pCR rate (P-value=0.013). In patients with esophageal cancer undergoing nCRT and esophagectomy, prolonged preoperative time intervals may lead to higher morbidity and disease progression, and the causal relationship requires further confirmation.

An impact of treatment initiation timing on stroke outcome: bridging the time gap

&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Aim&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; &amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;Stroke treatment is a time-critical condition. Understanding the impact of timing and types of treatment on patient outcomes can help develop and optimize stroke management strategies. The study aimed to analyse the effect of different time intervals and mechanical thrombectomy methods on outcomes of stroke patients in Kazakhstan.&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Methods&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; &amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;The patient data, including demographic information, clinical characteristics, and specific time intervals from stroke onset to hospital admission, stroke onset to surgery initiation, and hospital admission to surgery initiation were collected. A total&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;of 100 patients were analysed. Patients&amp;amp;rsquo; neurological status was evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) before and after the surgical treatment.&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Results&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; &amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;Most patients had concomitant arterial hypertension, and almost 25 % had diabetes mellitus. The average time from stroke onset to hospital admission was 123.2&amp;amp;plusmn;7.6 minutes, and from hospital admission to surgery initiation, it was 134.7&amp;amp;plusmn;13.1 minutes. A shorter duration from the onset of stroke to hospitalization and surgery was associated with better clinical outcomes. Our results demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in NIHSS, mRS after surgical treatment compared to baseline. The association between the extended time from stroke onset to hospitalization and&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;reduced survival rates was observed.&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Conclusion&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; &amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;Our findings indicate the essential role of timely intervention in managing stroke patients, as well as the need for a&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;comprehensive and patient-centred approach to stroke care.&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;

Comparison of different time intervals between laparoscopic cholecystectomy to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for patients with cholecystolithiasis complicated by choledocholithiasis.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a common strategy for treatment of patients with gallstones with co-existing stones in the common bile duct (CBD). We conducted this study to compare the effect of different time intervals between ERCP and LC. A total of 214 patients who underwent elective LC after ERCP for gallstones and CBD stones between January 2015 and May 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. We compared the hospital stay, operation time, perioperative morbidity, and conversion rate to open cholecystectomy, according to the interval between ERCP and ERCP and LC, namely, one day, 2-3 days, and 4 days or more. A generalized linear model was used to analyze the differences among the groups for outcomes. There were a total of 214 patients with 52, 80, and 82 patients in group 1, group 2, and group 3 respectively. These groups did not differ significantly in terms of major complications or conversion to open surgery (p = 0.503 and p = 0.358, respectively). The generalized linear model showed that operation times in group 1 and group 2 were similar (odds ratio (OR) 0.144, 95% confidence interval (CI) 12.597, 8.511, p = 0.704), while operation time was significantly longer in group 3 than in group 1 (OR 4.005, 95% CI, 0.217, 20.837, p = 0.045). Post-cholecystectomy hospital stay was similar among the three groups, while post-ERCP hospital stay was significantly longer in group 3 compared with group 1. We recommend that LC be performed within three days after ERCP to reduce operating time and hospital stay.

Effect of different time intervals of static magnetic field therapy on bone healing in rabbits

The study was conducted on n=24 clinically healthy rabbits divided into 4 equal groups to study the influence of duration of application of the static magnetic field (SMF) therapy on induced radial fracture healing. Two block-shaped static magnets each of 1000 Gauss were applied at the fracture site, medially and laterally. The SMF for a period of 2, 4 and 6 hours was applied on a daily basis for a period of 8 weeks in the animals of Groups A, B and C, respectively. Animals of group D were not exposed to the any SMF and served as the control. Radiographic, histopathological and alkaline phosphatase activity estimation indicated superior healing in the animals of group C followed by Group B and A

Application of ultrasonic models for investigating the properties of the interface between roller compacted concrete (RCC) layers

In this paper, a comprehensive set of linear and nonlinear ultrasonic techniques was performed to investigate the properties of the interface between the roller-compacted concrete (RCC) layers. The effect of different time intervals between the pouring of each layer, cement content of concrete and bedding mortar, and various curing periods on RCC specimens were studied in this research. In linear methods, the interlayer led to velocity dispersion and attenuation phenomena except for the inherent inhomogeneity of specimens. The nonlinear parameters showed a general upward at the earlier ages, while the linear methods did not show an apparent regularity. The ultimate strength results were then measured and utilized to assess the accuracy of ultrasonic methods. Models were developed to show the correlation between the mixture design and experimental measurements. Bayesian linear regression was then proposed to estimate the strengths of RCC.

Effect of different time intervals of light emitting diode therapy application on muscle fatigue

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar el momento idóneo de aplicación del diodo emisor de luz (LED) del infrarrojo cercano (NIR) en la potencia máxima isocinética de los flexores del codo. Este fue un estudio cruzado prospectivo, aleatorizado, simple-ciego, con pre–test y post-test, y controlado con placebo. Se asignaron al azar cuarenta y cinco no deportistas sanos a 3 grupos por igual: grupos de 5 minutos, 1 hora y 5 horas. Cada grupo (n = 15) tuvo en la primera sesión NIR-LED de 890 nm de longitud de onda, en condiciones activas o placebo, antes del ejercicio que provoca fatiga (5 minutos, 1 hora o 5 horas). Después de un intervalo de 7 días, se aplicó la segunda condición NIR-LED en la segunda sesión. La evaluación de la potencia máxima isocinética se realizó antes y después del ejercicio en cada sesión utilizando un dinamómetro isocinético. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos y entre las condiciones en la potencia máxima isocinética (p &gt; 0.05). La potencia máxima isocinética disminuyó significativamente después del tratamiento en comparación con el pretratamiento (p &lt; 0.01) en todos los grupos, pero el grupo de 5 minutos mostró el menor porcentaje de disminución. En conclusión, lo más probable es que NIR-LED pueda resistir la fatiga muscular con los parámetros utilizados en este estudio si se emplea 5 minutos antes del ejercicio. This study aimed to identify the near-infrared (NIR) light emitting diode (LED) time response on isokinetic peak torque of elbow flexors. This was a prospective, randomized, single blind, pre–test post-test, and placebo-controlled crossover study. Forty-five healthy non-athletes were assigned at random to 3 groups equally: 5 minutes, 1-hour and 5-hours groups. Each group (n=15) had at the first session 890 nm wavelength NIR-LED, either in active or placebo conditions, prior to exercise that provokes fatigue (5 minutes, 1 hour, or 5 hours). After an interval of 7 days, the second NIR-LED condition was applied at the second session. The assessment of isokinetic peak torque was done at base line and post exercise in each session using isokinetic dynamometer. There was no significant difference between groups and between conditions in isokinetic peak torque (p &gt; 0.05). Isokinetic peak torque decreased significantly post treatment compared with pretreatment (p &lt; 0.01) in all groups, but the 5 minutes group showed the least percent of decrease. In conclusion, NIR-LED can most probably resist muscle fatigue with the parameters used in this study if it is employed 5 minutes before exercise.

How different time intervals between repeated applications of CPP-ACP fluoride varnish effect smooth surface enamel demineralization?

ObjectivesTo evaluate the preventive effects of different time intervals between repeated applications of the CPP-ACP fluoride varnish on enamel demineralization. MethodsHuman teeth were sectioned and randomly allocated to three groups: 4-week, 6-week, and 12-week (N = 22/group). Baseline images of the enamel surfaces were obtained using the FluoreCam recording the area, intensity, and impact of baseline enamel demineralization. All groups received fluoride varnish applications at the beginning of the experiment. The varnish was reapplied every 4 or 6 weeks in the 4-week and 6-week groups, respectively. Following each application, the groups underwent thermo-cycling, tooth brushing and pH cycling to simulate the time effect. After 12 weeks, the enamel surfaces were reimaged using the FluoreCam. Within and between-group differences in the area, intensity and impact of demineralization were evaluated. ResultsAt baseline, there were no significant between-group differences for area, intensity, or impact. Statistically significant (p<0.001) enamel demineralization occurred over time within each group. There were significant between-group differences in the changes that occurred in area (P = 0.004), impact (P = 0.022), but not intensity. The 12-week had significantly larger areas of demineralization than the 6-week (P = 0.041) and 4-week (P = 0.001) groups. Changes in impact was significantly (P = 0.007) greater in the 12-week group than 4-week group, but not greater than the 6-week group. There were no statistically significant differences between 4- and 6-week groups in the changes of area, intensity, or impact. ConclusionReapplication of the CPP-ACP fluoride varnish every 4–6 weeks, is more effective in reducing enamel demineralization compared to every 12 weeks.

On the Effect of Observed Subject Biases in Apparent Personality Analysis From Audio-Visual Signals

Personality perception is implicitly biased due to many subjective factors, such as cultural, social, contextual, gender, and appearance. Approaches developed for automatic personality perception are not expected to predict the real personality of the target but the personality external observers attributed to it. Hence, they have to deal with human bias, inherently transferred to the training data. However, bias analysis in personality computing is an almost unexplored area. In this article, we study different possible sources of bias affecting personality perception, including emotions from facial expressions, attractiveness, age, gender, and ethnicity, as well as their influence on prediction ability for apparent personality estimation. To this end, we propose a multimodal deep neural network that combines raw audio and visual information alongside predictions of attribute-specific models to regress apparent personality. We also analyze spatio-temporal aggregation schemes and the effect of different time intervals on first impressions. We base our study on the ChaLearn first impressions dataset, consisting of one-person conversational videos. Our model shows state-of-the-art results regressing apparent personality based on the Big-Five model. Furthermore, given the interpretability nature of our network design, we provide an incremental analysis on the impact of each possible source of bias on final network predictions.

Use of compost bedded pack barn in maize fertilization for silage

This article aims to study the effect of different time intervals for bed maturation in compost sheds for dairy cattle, such as organic manure in maize crop for silage. The experimental design was a randomized block in split-plot with five treatments, six collection times, and five replicates. The data were submitted to variance analysis and compared by Scott-Knott. Sigmoid functions of logistic growth were adjusted to the data. The treatments with addition of fresh and mature compost with nitrogen cover showed higher shoot dry matter production when compared to treatments without compost. For maize plant height, stalk diameter and number of leaves, it was observed that from 35 days after plant germination, these variables were considered superior for the treatments that received bedding. The sigmoid function was proper to represent the plant growth to the silage point. It is concluded that the use of bedding from compost sheds as an organic manure is recommended as a sustainable alternative in the reuse of waste from milk production.

Yield prediction with machine learning algorithms and satellite images

Barley is one of the strategic agricultural products available in the world, and yield prediction is important for ensuring food security. One way of estimating a product is to use remote sensing data in conjunction with field data and meteorological data. One of the main issues surrounding this comprises the use of machine learning techniques to create a multi-resource data-based estimation model. Many studies have been conducted on barley yield prediction from planting to harvest. Still, the effect of different time intervals on yield prediction has not been investigated. Furthermore, the effect of different periods on yield prediction has not been investigated. In the present study, the whole growth period was divided into three parts. Using one of the major barley production areas in Iran, the performance of the proposed model was evaluated. In the first step, a model for integrating field data, remote sensing data and meteorological data was prepared. The results obtained show that, among the four machine learning methods implemented, the gaussian process regression algorithm performed best and estimated yield with r2 = 0.84, root mean square error = 737 kg ha-1 and mean absolute = 650 kg ha-1 , 1 month before harvest. It was found that the estimation results change depending on different agricultural zones and temporal training settings. The findings of the present study provide a powerful potential tool for the yield prediction of barley using multi-source data and machine learning. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Influence of process parameters on the interlayer bond strength of concrete elements additive manufactured by Shotcrete 3D Printing (SC3DP)

Shotcrete 3D Printing (SC3DP) is a novel robot-guided AM technology developed at Technische Universität Braunschweig in the environment of the Digital Building Fabrication Laboratory (DBFL). For successful automation, it is crucial to understand and redefine the entire concrete spraying process with all its interdependent parameters. This paper presents the basic principles of the SC3DP technology together with the results of a comparative study on the influence of the two concrete printing techniques extrusion and SC3DP on the interlayer bond strength. In particular, the effect of different time intervals between the deposition of two adjacent layers regarding mechanical properties (bond strength) is investigated. As will be shown, the SC3DP method allows convenient mechanical properties although the printed samples exhibit distinct anisotropies. The reasons are discussed based on investigations of the air void distribution by micro CT and mechanical test results.

Timing of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

ObjectiveThis study was performed to compare the effect of different time intervals between endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) on the operation duration, postoperative hospitalization, and postoperative complications. Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed data for 105 patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis who underwent ERCP and LC from January 2016 to May 2019. The patients were divided into three groups. In Group A, the interval from ERCP to LC was ≤3 days; in Group B, the interval was 4–6 days; and in Group C, the interval was >6 days. We compared operation duration, blood loss volume, postoperative hospitalization, and rate of biliary complications among the three groups and analyzed the risk factors for postoperative complications. ResultsOperation duration differed significantly between Groups A and B (47.5 min vs. 60.0 min, p = 0.033) and between Groups B and C (60.0 min vs. 47.5 min, p = 0.033). The median blood loss volume was significantly less in Group A than in Group B (8 ml vs. 10 ml, p = 0.041), and the postoperative hospitalization and rate of postoperative complications did not differ significantly. ConclusionThe best time for patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis to undergo LC is 0–3 days after ERCP. If the operation cannot be performed within 3 days, we recommend 6 days after ERCP.

Perioperative outcomes of the patients treated using laparoscopic cholecystectomy after emergent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for bile duct stones: Does timing matter?

There is no consensus on the optimal timing for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) after emergent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for suspected choledocholithiasis. Although certain data suggest that an early interval or single-stage treatment by LC, together with laparoscopic bile duct exploration, has more favorable outcomes, delayed LC is most often preferred as the standard treatment of patients with gallstones and choledocholithiasis following ERCP due to lack of experience, necessary instrumentation, or organizational restrictions. This study aims to compare the effects of different time intervals between ERCP and LC on perioperative outcomes. In this paper, preoperative and postoperative data from consecutive patients who were treated for common bile duct stones with emergent ERCP and then underwent LC were reviewed retrospectively. To evaluate the impacts of different time intervals on outcomes, patients were classified into three groups according to the duration from the last ERCP to LC: within two weeks (Group 1), between 2-6 weeks (Group 2), and over six weeks (Group 3). This study involved an analysis of 67 patients with a mean age of 52.8 years. Overall conversion rate was 20.0% in Group 1, 25.0% in Group 2, and 13.6% in Group 3 (p=0.646). The rate of conversion to open surgery was 25.0% in male patients and 14.2% in females. In addition, no significant difference was found between the groups concerning gender, comorbidities, laboratory and gallbladder features, operation time, and length of the hospital stay. The perioperative complication rate was found to be 17.9%; however, there was no significant difference between the three groups. Our results support that LC after ERCP is more complex and has higher conversion rates than LC for uncomplicated cholelithiasis. Although no significant effect of different time intervals between ERCP and LC on perioperative outcomes was demonstrated in patients with common bile duct stones concomitant with cholelithiasis, the 2-6 weeks after ERCP is a critical period for conversion to open surgery. It is recommended that LC after ERCP should be performed in the early period, considering that serious complications may occur in the late period and recurrent biliary attacks may occur.

Effect of soil applied paclobutrazol on flowering, fruit set and fruit yield of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) cv. rose scented

The litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is the most renowned subtropical evergreen fruit, famous for its deliciously flavored, excellent quality and attractive red colour. Paclobutrazol (PBZ) is a cell elongation and internode extension inhibitor that retards plant growth by inhibition of gibberellins biosynthesis. the effect of paclobutrazol at varying time intervals of litchi as soil drench application (1.00-4.00 g a.i. per meter canopy diameter) on flowering, fruiting and yield of litchi was investigated during 2016-18 in Pantnagar condition. Application of paclobutrazol at the rate 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 a.i./tree through soil application method was noted to be more efficient in reducing panicle length, panicle width and advanced the date of panicle emergence. Soil applied paclobutrazol @ 2.0, 3.0 a.i./tree increased the duration of flowering, total number of flowers, male flowers, female flowers, fruit set and fruit yield. the minimum panicle length (20.45 cm) was found in P2 (40 ml/tree) followed by P3 (20.54 cm) and P4 (20.98 cm). However, the maximum panicle length was recorded under control (25.17 cm). the effect of different time intervals showed the lowest panicle length (21.92 cm) in D3 (November). the maximum fruit yield (56.79 kg/ tree) was found in P3 (60 ml/tree) followed by P2 (56.68 kg/tree), while the minimum was recorded under control (44.98 kg/tree).

Effect of different time intervals after feeding on plasma metabolites in growing pigs: an UPLC‐MS‐based metabolomics study

A diet consumed by pigs provides the nutrients for the production of a large number of metabolites that, after first-pass metabolism in the liver, circulate systemically where they may exert diverse physiologic influences on pigs. So far, little is known of how feeding elicits changes in metabolic profiles for growing pigs. This study investigated differences in plasma metabolites in growing pigs at several intervals after feeding using the technique of metabolomics. Ten barrows (22.5 ± 0.5 kg BW) were fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet and were kept in metabolism crates for a period of 11days. An indwelling catheter was inserted into the jugular vein of each pig before the experimental period. Plasmas before and 1, 4, and 8hr after feeding were collected at day 11 and differential metabolites were determined using a metabolomics approach. Direct comparison at several intervals after feeding revealed differences in 14 compounds. Identified signatures were enriched in metabolic pathways related to linoleic acid metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, lysine degradation, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, and lysine biosynthesis. These results suggest that plasma metabolites of growing pigs after feeding were modulated through changes in linoleic acid metabolism and amino acid metabolism.

Abstract 5692: Low frequency electromagnetic field suppresses macrophage phagocytosis

Abstract The purpose of this study is to determine the role of low frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) on human macrophages and their inflammatory response. The effects of EMF on humans are highly dependent on frequencies. Studies have shown that low EMF (25-30 Hz) frequencies can help lower inflammation and suppress pain, as well as induce healing in benign prostatic hyperplasia. Macrophages are known for their pro-inflammatory responses against foreign antigens and their anti-inflammatory and angiogenic responses in cancer. We wanted to determine the effects of 27Hz EMF on macrophage phagocytosis and gene expression to determine whether low frequency EMF can decrease inflammation. This can help us understand the role of low frequency EMF in macrophage function. This may provide further insight as to how macrophages may be affected when fighting disease, especially cancer. We incubated the monocytic cell line U937 with 200-400 ng of phorbol-12 myristate 13-acetate (PMA) for 24 hours to allow for differentiation into macrophages. Once cells had differentiated, we stained the cells with the eFluor 670 dye for 30 minutes. The cells were then washed and plated in 12-well plates at 1X106 cells/mL and allowed to attach for 15 minutes. Cells were exposed to 27 Hz EMF treatment for 30 or 60 minutes or no exposure at all (control). After EMF treatment, a solution of PE fluorescent beads was added to the cells. U937 cells were allowed to phagocytose for 60 minutes. Engulfment levels were then measured with Flow Cytometry and results were analyzed with FlowJo Software. The percentage of macrophages involved in engulfment of 1 bead, 2 beads, and 3+ beads were determined. With 30 minutes of 27Hz EMF treatment the macrophages showed a significant reduction in total engulfment compared to the control. When looking at the percentages of macrophages that engulfed 1 bead or 2 beads, a higher percentage of treated macrophages engulfed 1 bead and a similar percentage engulfed two beads as compared to the control. Interestingly, the percentage of macrophages that engulfed 3+ beads was reduced significantly. This suggests 30 minutes of exposure to EMF treatment decreased the aggressiveness of the macrophages. In contrast, after 60 minutes of exposure to EMF treatment, the total engulfment percentage increased by more than 5%. This was seen by a higher percentage of cells participating in engulfment of 3+ beads as compared to the control. In conclusion, we observed that with 30 minutes of exposure, macrophages tend to be less aggressive but after 60 minutes a shift in aggressiveness is observed. Our research implies that macrophages can be induced to a more aggressive state with 60 minutes of electromagnetic field treatment. Further research is ongoing to understand the effects of different time intervals of EMF treatment on macrophages. Citation Format: Weston Scot Burrup, Evita G. Weagel, Richard A. Robison, Kim L. O'Neill. Low frequency electromagnetic field suppresses macrophage phagocytosis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5692.

Magnitude of exercise capacity and quality of life improvement following repeat pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD.

BackgroundMaintenance and repeated pulmonary rehabilitation programs (PRPs) for patients with COPD have attempted to prolong PRP benefits beyond 12–24 months. However, there is limited evidence as to the magnitude of benefit or the ideal interval between repeating the program under “real-world” conditions in which patients are referred based on clinical necessity. Therefore, we reviewed the effects of repeating PRP in a physician-referred cohort of patients with COPD.MethodsA total of 141 individuals with COPD completed PRP twice and 35 completed PRP three times over a 12-year period. We used linear mixed-effects models to quantify the magnitude and change in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for each PRP. One-way analysis of variance with Tukey’s post hoc analysis compared the effects of different time intervals on 6MWD, SGRQ, and HADS between PRPs.ResultsDespite 39 mL/year average decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 second, overall 6MWD improved following each PRP (PRP1=58 m, P<0.0001; PRP2=42 m, P<0.0001; PRP3=32 m, P<0.003). Mean SGRQ decreased after PRP1 (−7.0 units; P<0.001) and PRP2 (−4.9 units; P<0.0001) but not after PRP3 (−3.2 units; P=0.10). HADS decreased after PRP1 (−1.9 units; P<0.0001) and PRP2 (−1.7 units; P=0.0001) but not after PRP3 (−0.4 units; P=0.63).ConclusionIn physician-referred patients who underwent repeat PRP as clinically required, there were clear benefits in functional exercise capacity following each repeat PRP, which was not affected by the time interval between PRPs. Health-related quality of life and mood improved after the first two PRPs, but not after a third.

Self- and Conspecific Discrimination Between Unparasitized and Parasitized Green Peach Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae), by Aphelinus asychis (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae).

Aphelinus asychis Walker (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) is a solitary koinobiont endoparasitoid, which parasitizes the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Host discrimination is the ability of a parasitoid to distinguish between unparasitized and parasitized hosts, so parasitoids can avoid wasting eggs and time. We determined the influence of host density (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 aphids per experienced parasitoid during a 24-h period) on egg distribution, and tested the effects of different time intervals (0, 24, 48, and 72 h) between successive ovipositions on host discrimination between unparasitized and self- or conspecific-parasitized aphids. The results demonstrated that superparasitism decreased with increasing host density. Egg distributions were nonrandom at all host densities, and the observed number of self-superparasitized hosts was lower than expected at all host densities. At 0-h interval, most parasitoids used only antennation to examine and reject parasitized aphids, which might be associated with an external marker. At longer time intervals (≥24 h), A. asychis most often used antennation followed by ovipositor insertion to examine and reject previously parasitized aphids, probably responding to an internal, from chemical substances injected during the first oviposition or changes in host quality associated with parasitism. The results showed that host discrimination in A. asychis was mediated by two consecutive cues, the first external and the second internal, with the relevancy of each depending on the time interval between two ovipositions. Consequently, A. asychis was able to discriminate between unparasitized and self- or conspecific-parasitized M. persicae, but always engaged in some superparasitism.

Growth promotion and induction of resistance in tomato plant against Xanthomonas euvesicatoria and Alternaria solani by Trichoderma spp.

In tomato crop, the induction of resistance emerges as an important alternative for achieving the reduction of chemicals in disease control. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of 28 Trichoderma isolates to promote the growth of tomato seedlings and to induce systemic resistance (ISR) against Xanthomonas euvesicatoria and Alternaria solani, the causal agents of bacterial spot and early blight, respectively. Twelve isolates promoted the increase of plant dry matter mass (DMM) above 100%, showing the great potential of these strains. All isolates were able to colonize the root system of tomato plants. The plant growth-promoting isolates were further evaluated for potential elicitation of ISR. Treatment of the soil with all Trichoderma isolates provided protection in tomato plants from 24.13 to 95.94% against X. euvesicatoria and 30.69 to 95.23% against A. solani. The most efficient isolates in reducing the severity of bacterial spot and early blight were the isolates IB 28/07, IB 30/07, IB 37/01 and IB 28/07, IB 30/07 and IB 42/03, respectively. The effect of different time intervals between Trichoderma application and inoculation with pathogens in inducing systemic resistance in tomato plants was evaluated for the isolate IB 28/07. IB 28/07 conferred protection against both diseases at all time intervals, confirming the ability of the isolate to reduce the severity of these diseases up to 21 days after treatment of tomato plants. In vitro assays revealed that all isolates of Trichoderma were able to degrade cellulose. Only the isolate IB 34/08 showed antagonistic activity against X. euvesicatoria and none caused reduction in the in vitro mycelial growth of A. solani. Trichoderma isolates were identified at species level by DNA sequencing.

Prognostic impact of primary surgical outcome on survival after recurrence in patients with advanced ovarian cancer: Analysis of prospective randomized phase III trials.

5100 Background: The prognostic role of complete debulking is well established at initial diagnosis of advanced ovarian cancer. Whether the result of primary surgery also has an impact on the clinical outcome after recurrence is not clear. Methods: Individual patient data meta-analysis of three prospective randomized AGO-OVAR/GINECO trials (AGO OVAR 3, 5 and 7) conducted between 1995 and 2002 to investigate platinum-taxane based chemotherapy regimens in advanced ovarian cancer. Results: A total of 3126 patients were analyzed. Approximately one third each had complete resection (microscopic residuals), small residual tumor (1-10 mm), or gross residual disease (> 10 mm) after primary surgery. There was no significant effect of the surgical outcome on further course of disease in patients developing progression within 12 months after primary therapy. However, patients experiencing recurrence later than 12 months after primary therapy showed a significantly different progression- free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) depending on initial surgical outcome. Median PFS after progression in the subgroups with microscopic residuals, 1-10 mm, or > 10 mm was 14.3, 12.6, and 12.0 months (logrank p = 0.0265) and the corresponding median OS was 28.1, 22.7, and 20.2 months, respectively (logrank p = 0.0079). This difference remained significant after adjustment for time-to-recurrence as continuous variable to rule out the effect of different time intervals before relapse (Cox model). Conclusions: Our analysis represents the first study investigating the relevance of primary surgical outcome for survival after recurrence in ovarian cancer. Complete surgical debulking significantly improves prognosis in advanced ovarian cancer not only at primary diagnosis but also after disease recurrence. No significant financial relationships to disclose.