Effect Of Combined Use Research Articles

The effectiveness of Psoriaten products in treatment of patients with chronic plaque psoriasis

Objective — to determine the efficacy and tolerability of Psoriaten ointment and Psoriaten dermatocosmetic products in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. Materials and methods. The study included 67 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and 32 healthy individuals of a similar age (control group). All patients were examined according to existing standards. The severity of psoriasis was assessed by PASI and BSA indices. The level of anxiety was determined according to the Spielberger scale, the level of neuroticism — according to the L.I. Wasserman scale, the level of depression — according to the Beck scale, the quality of life — according to the Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the CQLS integrative index. After the previous standard therapy, patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were divided into two groups. The experimental group included 32 patients who received topical Psoriaten ointment for therapeutic purposes and Psoriaten delicate cleansing gel as a dermatocosmetic skin care product. In case of psoriasis localisation on the scalp, they were additionally prescribed Psoriaten shampoo for 3 months. The control group included 35 patients with psoriasis who did not receive Psoriaten ointment or dermatocosmetic products of the Psoriaten line. Results and discussion. The use of Psoriaten ointment, Psoriaten delicate cleansing gel and Psoriaten shampoo for 3 months ensured a significant decrease in both — BSA index and PASI index in patients with psoriasis, normalization of skin microbiocenosis disorders. Statistically significantly lower situational anxiety, neuroticism and depression and higher life quality were noted in the experimental group, in comparison with the data obtained at enrollment in the study. The obtained data indicate the high effectiveness of combined use of Psoriaten ointment, Psoriaten delicate cleansing gel and Psoriaten shampoo in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. Conclusions. Psoriasis is accompanied by cutaneous microbiocenosis changes, high personal and situational anxiety, increased neuroticism, tendency to depression and decreased life quality. The use of Psoriaten ointment and products of the Psoriaten dermatocosmetic line in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis is reasonable and appropriate, as it promotes the regression of psoriatic rashes and improves skin microbiocenosis. The results obtained give grounds to recommend the widespread use of Psoriaten ointment and dermatocosmetic products of the Psoriaten line for the treatment of patients with chronic plaque psoriasis, regardless of the standard therapy performed earlier.

Combined application of Er:YAG laser and low-level laser in non-surgical treatment of periodontitis.

To compare the efficacy of combined treatment of Er:YAG laser (ERL) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with single laser applications, and scaling and root planing (SRP) for non-surgical periodontal treatment. In a randomized controlled trial, 25 non-smoking Stage II or Stage III periodontitis patients were recruited. The four intraoral quadrants were randomly assigned to four different treatments: (1) combined application with ERL plus SRP plus LLLT; (2) ERL plus SRP; (3) SRP plus LLLT; and (4) SRP. We assessed periodontal indexes, including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding index (BI), and plaque index (PLI), along with three cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10) from gingival crevicular fluid and red complex pathogens from subgingival dental plaque at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. For initial moderate pockets (4mm≤PD≤6mm), quadrants treated with ERL+SRP+LLLT, ERL+SRP, and SRP+LLLT exhibited greater PD improvement compared to the control (SRP) quadrants at the 3-month follow-up (1.25±1.06, 1.23±1.12, 1.00±1.21vs. 0.98±1.21mm) and the 6-month follow-up (1.35±1.06, 1.23±1.17, 1.35±0.98vs. 0.98±1.23mm) (p=0.002). Quadrants treated with ERL+SRP+LLLT and SRP+LLLT showed more CAL gain means than the control quadrants at the 3-month follow-up (0.96±1.42, 0.61±1.39vs. 0.55±1.57mm) and the 6-month follow-up (0.84±1.54, 0.89±1.49vs. 0.48±1.68mm) (p=0.008). For initial deep pockets (PD≥7mm), the ERL+SRP+LLLT quadrants had more PD improvement and CAL gain compared to the control quadrants at follow-up. There were no significant differences in BI, PLI, inflammatory cytokines, and periodontal pathogens among the four groups. The combined application of ERL and LLLT demonstrated potential efficacy in reducing PD, particularly for deep pockets. To compare the therapy effect of combined use of Er:YAG laser (ERL) and low level laser therapy (LLLT) with single laser applications, and traditional periodontal treatment (SRP). A total of 25 nonsmoking patients with periodontitis were involved, and their mouths were divided into four sections, each receiving a different treatment: ERL+SRP+LLLT, ERL+SRP, SRP+LLLT, and SRP. Clinical indexes and laboratory indicators were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. After six months, for initial moderate pockets, combined laser group and single laser group showed better improvements than traditional group in reducing the depth of periodontal pockets and increasing attachment levels. But for initial deep pockets, only combined laser group showed better improvement than traditional group. There were no significant differences in bleeding, plaque, inflammation, or harmful bacterial levels among the groups. These findings suggest that the integration of Er:YAG laser and lowlevel laser therapy into standard periodontal treatment may enhance the treatment's benefits in reducing pocket depth, especially for severe conditions.

Effects of combination Use of pectoral nerve block and serratus plane block on acute pain following breast reconstruction with a tissue expander: a prospective cohort study in Japan

Effects of combination Use of pectoral nerve block and serratus plane block on acute pain following breast reconstruction with a tissue expander: a prospective cohort study in Japan

The effect of combined use of plybamboo sheathings and self-tapping screws in enhancing wood-frame shear wall performance

ABSTRACT Plybamboo panels are renewable and eco-friendly structural panels with high strength, good dimensional stability, and affordability, making them highly suitable for wood-frame construction. This study presents an experimental investigation of the wood-frame shear wall constructed with plybamboo-sheathing panels with self-tapping screws (STSs) subjected to monotonic and cyclic loadings. Performance parameters including shear strength, elastic shear modulus, ductility ratio, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation were evaluated. Results indicate that the combined use of plybamboo sheathings and STSs can substantially reduce failures due to the tearing of sheathing, fastener head pull-through, and fastener withdrawal. The plybamboo-sheathed wood-frame shear walls with STSs had over 1.8 times shear strength and 1.4 times ultimate displacement than those of comparable wood-frame shear walls with nails, respectively, maintaining over 80% of their maximum lateral load capacity at a drift level over 4%. Moreover, the influence of aspect ratio and screw spacing on the elastic shear modulus, shear strength, and stiffness degradation of the plybamboo-sheathed wood-frame shear walls with STSs are consistent with those for common wood-frame shear walls.

Development of a yeast‐free bread using legume and nut flours in a gluten‐free flour: Techno‐functional characteristics and sensory evaluation

SummaryThis study aimed to investigate the effect of combined use of legume and nut flours on physical, nutritional and sensory properties of yeast‐free bread by substituting gluten‐free flour with hazelnut and white bean flours. Yeast‐free bread containing a mixture of 30% hazelnut and white bean flours was found to have the lowest hardness (9.04 N) and the largest specific volume (1.51 mL g−1) compared to the reference gluten‐free bread (18 N and 1.43 mL g−1) using a mixture design. Hazelnut and bean flours improved the in vitro starch digestion, reducing rapidly digestible starch by 29% and increasing resistant starch compared to the reference bread. Free choice profiling sensory analysis revealed that the developed breads containing nuts and legumes differed from the standard gluten‐free formulation and a commercial product available on the market. The combined use of bean and hazelnut flours was demonstrated as functional ingredients for enhancement of nutritional, sensory and textural aspects.

Clinical effects of combined use of carbamazepine and amitriptyline in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy with concurrent diabetic foot

Objective This study aims to analyze the clinical effects of combining carbamazepine and amitriptyline in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy with concurrent diabetic foot. Methods A total of 120 diabetic neuropathy patients treated at our hospital from June 2022 to November 2023 were included in the study. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria were registered, and their basic data were collected. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: the control group treated with amitriptyline and the study group treated with a combination of carbamazepine and amitriptyline. Results The study group demonstrated significantly better clinical efficacy compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in psychological status and pain perception before treatment between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, post-treatment, the study group showed improved psychological status, reduced pain perception, and overall better quality of life in both physiological and psychological dimensions compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion The combined use of carbamazepine and amitriptyline in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy with concurrent diabetic foot yields positive clinical outcomes. It effectively alleviates symptoms, improves psychological well-being, reduces pain sensation, and enhances overall quality of life. These findings can guide physicians in adopting a more evidence-based treatment approach and provide patients with more effective individualized treatment strategies.

Effects of combined use of ribociclib with PARP1 inhibitor on cell kinetics in breast cancer.

In the present study, antiproliferative and anticancer effects of Valamor (VLM), which contains the active component ribociclib, and DPQ, a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 inhibitor, alone and in combination were evaluated in the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines in vitro. VLM was applied at concentrations of 40, 80 and 160 µg/ml, and DPQ was used at concentrations of 3, 6 and 9 µg/ml. The proliferation rate, cell index obtained from the real-time cell analysis system, mitosis activity, bromodeoxyuridine cell proliferation and caspase activity parameters were determined. In conclusion, the results obtained from cell kinetics parameters demonstrated the anticancer and antiproliferative effects of the combination of VLM and DPQ on breast cancer cells.

Effect of combined use of supplementary irrigation, manure and P fertilization on grain yield and profitability of soybean in northern Nigeria

Declining soil fertility particularly phosphorus deficiency, low organic carbon, moisture stress and high cost of input are factors limiting soybean yield in the Nigeria savanna. Supplementary irrigation, nutrient application and inoculation with Bradyrhizobium could increase the grain yield of soybean. We evaluated the effects of Rhizobia inoculant, phosphorus fertilization, manure, and supplementary irrigation on the nodulation and productivity of a tropical soybean variety in two locations in northern Nigeria in the 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons. The treatments consisted of five input bundles: Supplementary irrigation +17.5 kg P ha−1 + 4 t ha−1 poultry manure + nodumax inoculant (S + P + M + I); 17.5 kg P ha−1 + 4 t ha−1 poultry manure + nodumax inoculant (P + M + I); 17.5 kg P ha−1 + nodumax inoculant (P + I); 17.5 kg PP ha−1 (P); and nodumax inoculant (I). Economic analysis was done to determine the benefit-cost ratio (BCR) for each input bundle. In Kano, the input bundle S + P + M + I produced mean number of nodules that were 38, 102, 200 and 352% higher than that of input bundles P + M + I, P + I, P and I, respectively. At Lere, the application of input bundle S + P + M + I increased mean number of nodules by 33, 81, 93 and 182% over that of input bundles P + M + I, P + I, P and I, respectively. Mean grain yield in Kano was greater for input bundle S + P + M + I over P + M + I, P + I, P and I bundles by 31, 50, 64 and 223%, respectively. In Lere, grain yield for input bundle S + P + M + I was higher than that of input bundles P + M + I, P + I, P and I only, by 27, 47, 41 and 184% respectively. The input bundle P + M + I produced the highest BCR (1.4) in Kano and application only of P produced the highest BCR (1.3) in Lere. Supplementary irrigation was not found to be profitable due to the high cost of supplementary irrigation.The application of P with or without manure/inoculant is recommeded for profitable soybean production in the savannas of Nigeria.

The effect of combined use of resin infiltration with different bioactive calcium phosphate-based approaches on enamel white spot lesions: An in vitro study

ObjectivesThis in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of resin infiltration combined with casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate with fluoride (CPP-ACPF) or bioactive glass (BAG) on the stability of enamel white spot lesions (WSLs) treatment. Materials and methodsEighty-four enamel blocks were prepared from the buccal surfaces of sound human premolars. All enamel blocks were placed in a demineralisation solution for 3 days to establish the artificial enamel WSLs. Enamel blocks with WSLs were randomly divided into three groups (n = 28 each group): RI/B: one-off resin infiltration followed by twice daily BAG treatment; RI/C: one-off resin infiltration followed by twice daily CPP-ACPF treatment; RI: one-off resin infiltration treatment only (as control) and subjected to pH cycling for 7 days. Surface morphology, elemental analysis, crystal characteristics, surface roughness and microhardness of enamel surfaces were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectrometry observation, X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscope and Vickers’ hardness testing, respectively. ResultsMean values of the surface roughness (mean±standard deviation (nm)) were 24.52±5.07, 27.39±5.87 and 34.36±4.55 for groups RI/B, RI/C and RI respectively (p = 0.003). The calcium to phosphate ratios were 1.32±0.16, 1.22±0.26 and 0.69±0.24 for groups RI/B, RI/C and RI respectively (p < 0.001). XRD revealed apatite formation in all three groups. The mean enamel surface microhardness (kg/mm2) of the groups were 353.93±28.49, 339.00±27.32 and 330.38±22.55 for groups RI/B, RI/C and RI respectively (p = 0.216). ConclusionsResin infiltration combined with CPP-ACPF or BAG remineralisation appears to improve the surface properties of WSLs. Clinical SignificanceThe combination of resin infiltration and CPP-ACPF/BAG remineralisation may be a potential treatment for the management of the WSLs.

Combined Effect of a Bioinspired Self-Assembling Peptide and Fluoride Varnish on Remineralisation of Artificial Early Enamel Caries Lesion: An in vitro Study

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the remineralisation effect of combined use of a bioinspired self-assembling peptide (P26) and fluoride varnish on artificial early enamel caries lesions. Methods: Bovine enamel blocks with artificial early enamel caries lesions were prepared. The blocks were randomly allocated to four experimental groups to receive the following treatments: A = P26 + fluoride varnish, B = P26, C = fluoride varnish, and D. distilled water (negative control). The treated blocks were subjected to pH cycling. Enamel blocks were collected at time points of 7 days (d7) and 21 days (d21). The mineral gain, elemental analysis and crystal characteristics of the caries lesion were assessed by micro-computed tomography, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Results: The mean ± standard deviation of mineral gain of group A to D were 17.4 ± 4.2%, 10.7 ± 2.2%, 10.1 ± 1.2%, and 6.8 ± 0.5% at d7, respectively, and 15.2 ± 2.6%, 8.7 ± 3.1%, 9.7 ± 1.2%, and 7.8 ± 2.3% at d21, respectively. A significant higher mineral gain was observed in group A when compared to other groups at both d7 and d21 (p < 0.05). The calcium-to-phosphate ratio remained consistent across all groups, ranging between 1.2 and 1.4. XRD analysis indicated that crystal composition on the surfaces was apatite for all groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study provided a first indication of better remineralisation effects of the combined use of the bioinspired self-assembling peptide P26 and fluoride varnish compared to the effects of the respective individual uses of P26 or fluoride varnish.

Prophybiotics for in-ovo stimulation; validation of effects on gut health and production of broiler chickens

Probiotics and phytobiotics have demonstrated effective improvement of gut health in broiler chickens when individually administered in-ovo. However, their combined use in-ovo, has not been studied to date. We coined the term "prophybiotic" (probiotic + phytobiotic) for such a combination. The current study therefore, aimed to elucidate the effects of combined use of a selected probiotic and a phytobiotic in-ovo, on broiler gut health and production parameters, as opposed to use of probiotics alone. ROSS 308 hatching eggs were injected with either Leuconostoc mesenteroides (probiotic: PB) or L. mesenteroides with garlic aqueous extract (prophyiotic: PPB) on the 12th day of incubation. Relative abundances of bacteria in feces and cecal content (qPCR), immune related gene expression in cecal mucosa (qPCR) and histomorphology of cecal tissue (PAS staining) were analyzed along with production parameters (hatch quality, body weight, feed efficiency and slaughter and meat quality). PPB treatment increased the abundance of faecalibacteria and bifidobacteria in feces (d 7) and Akkermansia sp. in cecal content. Moreover, it decreased Escherichia coli abundance in both feces (d 34) and cecal content. PB treatment only increased the faecalibacteria in feces (d 7) and Akkermansia sp. in the cecal content. Moreover, PPB treatment resulted in up-regulation of immune related genes (Avian beta defensing 1, Free fatty acid receptor 2 and Mucin 6) and increased the crypt depth in ceca whereas PB treatment demonstrated a higher crypt depth and a tendency to increase Mucin 6 gene expression. Both treatments did not impair the production parameters studied. In conclusion, our results suggest that in-ovo PPB treatment may have enhanced potential in boosting the immune system without compromising broiler production and efficiency, as compared to the use of probiotic alone. Our study, highlights the potential of carefully selected PPB combinations for better results in improving gut health of broiler chickens.

Once-weekly semaglutide administered after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: Effects on body weight, glycemic control, and measured nutritional metrics in Japanese patients having both obesity and type 2 diabetes

BackgroundGlucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 analogue may be useful for controlling weight recurrence and diabetes relapse after bariatric surgery, but may also adversely affect the measured nutritional metrics. This study aimed to investigate the effect of treatment with once-weekly semaglutide after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We also examined the effects of combined use with a low-energy, high-protein formula diet (FD). MethodsThis study was a single-center retrospective database analysis. We enrolled 29 Japanese patients with T2D who underwent LSG, and more than 12 months later received semaglutide. The patients were divided retrospectively into a FD group (=6) and a conventional diet (CD) group (n = 23). ResultsBMI and HbA1c decreased significantly by 10.7 kg/m2 and 1.1 %, respectively, 12 months after LSG, and decreased by an additional 1.6 kg/m2 and 0.6 % after 12-months of treatment with semaglutide. Decreases in serum albumin, vitamin B12 and zinc were observed only after semaglutide administration. A ratio of energy from protein, fat and carbohydrates changed from 13:31:56 before to 19:30:50 after LSG, and from 17:32:51 before to 15:29:56 after semaglutide. Skeletal muscle ratio, which is the ratio of skeletal muscle mass to body weight, increased after LSG, but did not change after semaglutide. FD group showed a significant increase in skeletal muscle mass per 1 % body weight compared to CD group during semaglutide treatment. ConclusionSemaglutide after LSG in patients with obesity and T2D resulted in additional weight reduction and improved glycemic control, but worsened measured nutritional metrics. Administration of a low-energy, high protein formula diet may ameliorate adverse nutritional effects of semaglutide in patients with T2D after LSG. (Ethics Committee of Toho University Sakura Medical Center approval number S18061)

CORRECTION OF COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENTS AND SIGNALING PATHWAYS IN THE HIPPOCAMPUS OF RATS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS USING INTRANASALLY ADMINISTERED INSULIN AND GANGLIOSIDES

Insulin controls both systemic glucose homeostasis and the functional activity of the brain. Insulin content and the activity of the insulin signaling system decreases in the brain in diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). It gives rise to disorders of energy metabolism, including hypometabolism of glucose in the brain, and to cognitive dysfunctions. The deficiency of hormone in the brain can be restored by intranasally administered insulin (IAI). It is also reasonable to use it in combination with substances with neuroprotective properties, including complex glycosphingolipids gangliosides, in order to increase the effectiveness of IAI for the correction of brain functions. Intranasal way of ganglioside delivery (IAG) to the brain can be explored as well. The aim of the research comprised the evaluation of efficiency of separate and combined IAI and IAG use to correct the cognitive impairment in Wistar rats with DM2 using the Morris water maze (MWM) and analysis of expression of proteins (BDNF, GLUT-1, GLUT-3, GLUT -4, GFAP, PSD95) and activity of protein kinases (Akt, GSK3β, ERK1/2) involved in learning and long-term memory formation in the hippocampus. IAI and IAG improved spatial orientation of rats with DM2in the MWM, and the effect of combined use of IAI and IAG was similar to the effect of each substance used separately. Owing to combined IAI and IAG the activity of effector protein kinases (Akt and ERK1/2) was maintained at the same level as in control rats while IAI monotherapy resulted in the reduced level of their phosphorylation. The level of GSK3β phosphorylation at Ser9 was also increased after combined treatments with insulin and gangliosides which is protective against tauropathy. Thus, the combined application of IAI and IAG improves the functional state of the components of the insulin system in the brain of rats with DM2, although it does not significantly enhance the effects of IAI on long-term memory.

Effect of combined use of melatonin and diethyldithiocarbamate on the N1E-115 cell line (a clone of cells from mouse neuroblastoma C-1300)

A study has been made on the effects of sodium diethyldithiocarbamate and melatonin and their interaction on proliferative activity, the variation in cytosolic Ca2+, membrane potential and reactive oxygen species production in the neuroblastoma N1E-115 cell line (a clone of cells from mouse neuroblastoma C-1300). This study showed that combined use of diethyldithiocarbamates and melatonin inhibited proliferation and enhanced cell differentiation. At the same time, the content of Bcl-2 decreased, while the content of Bax increased, that were likely to trigger an apoptotic cascade. However, the use of these two drugs in combination did not enhance the observed effects. Therefore, this study suggests that the mechanisms by which diethyldithiocarbamates and melatonin act are apparently different.

Effect of combined use of Buyang Huanwu decoction and olanzapine on clinical symptoms, neurological function, and degree of dementia in patients with vascular dementia after cerebral ischemic stroke

Purpose: To determine the efficacy and safety of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD) + olanzapine in the treatment of vascular dementia (VD) after cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS).Methods: Ninety patients with VD after CIS were assigned to 2 groups: a conventional group treated with olanzapine, and a combination group given olanzapine + BHD. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom score was evaluated in each group. Neurological function, degree of dementia, and activities of daily living (ADL) were evaluated using National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale, and ADL scale, respectively. Levels of inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, and neurotrophic factors in peripheral blood were also determined. Middle cerebral artery (MCA), anterior cerebral artery (ACA), posterior cerebral artery (PCA), and vertebral artery (VA) blood flow velocity (BFV) were assessed. Therapeutic effects and adverse reactions (ARs) were recorded as well.Results: The TCM symptom, NHSS, and CDR scores were decreased in the combination group, while ADL scores were increased (p &lt; 0.05). Levels of hs-CRP, IL-6, and malondialdehyde (MDA) also decreased, while IL-10, GPx, SOD, NT3, MCA, ACA, PVA, and VA BFV, and BDNF levels increased (p &lt; 0.05). Clinical effectiveness (CE) levels in the conventional and combination groups were 73.3 and 93.3 %, while the incidence of ARs were 11.11 and 6.7 %, respectively (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: Olanzapine + BHD mitigates clinical symptoms, enhances neurological function, decreases the degree of dementia, and increases ADL in patients with vascular dementia after CIS. Moreover, it improves cerebral blood flow, and it is safe to use. An increase in sample size will be needed to compare the long-term efficacy of olanzapine alone, and that of its combination with BHD in the treatment of VD after CIS.

Kısa, Orta, Uzun Zincirli Yağ Asitlerinin Osteokalsin, Leptin ve İnsülin Düzeylerine Etkilerinin Araştırılması

Aim: There are some studies on insülin released from pancreatic beta cells, both active and inactive osteocalcin in bone tissue, and leptin released in adipose tissue. However, data on the effects of combined short, medium, and long fatty acids on the serum/tissue concentration of hormones such as osteocalcin, leptin and insülin are scarce. This study aims to investigate the effects of combined use of butyric acid, caprylic acid and oleic acid on osteocalcin, leptin, and insulin secretion. &#x0D; Material and Methods: Forty-nine male Wistar rats were used in the study. The rats were randomly divided into 7 subgroups as control group, butyric acid group, caprylic acid group, oleic acid group, butyric acid+caprylic acid group, butyric acid+oleic acid group, and caprylic acid+oleic acid group. Fatty acids were administered orally for 21 days. At the end of the study, osteocalcin, insulin, and leptin levels of serum samples taken from rats were determined by the ELISA method. &#x0D; Results: While osteocalcin and leptin levels were found to be high in the group administered only butyric acid, insulin levels were found to be higher in the group treated with combined caprylic acid + oleic acid. The blood glucose level of the caprylic acid group was found to be higher than the other groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: The relationship between osteocalcin, leptin, and insulin is quite complex. Different studies show that osteocalcin can have an effect on leptin resistance, consumption of different types of fatty acids, especially short-chain fatty acids, can contribute to insulin sensitivity by increasing the release of osteocalcin, can help reduce leptin resistance, and osteocalcin can reduce insulin resistance.

Effectiveness of combined use of formoterol fumarate tablets and interventional bronchoscopy in the treatment of central airway tumor

Purpose: To study the effectiveness of formoterol fumarate tablets when used in combination with interventional bronchoscopy for central airway tumor.Methods: A total of 154 central airway tumor patients on admission in Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China (August 2020 - December 2022) were assigned to benign group (BG, n = 70) and malignant group (MG, n = 84), based on the nature of tumor lesion. The patients were administered formoterol fumarate tablets as well as interventional bronchoscopy. Clinical efficacy, lung function indices such as forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC ratio, blood gas indices (pH, partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2)), scores on shortness of breath, and survival rate, were determined and compared between the two groups.Results: The overall effectiveness in BG (97.14 %) was significantly higher than that in MG (84.52 %). There were higher post-treatment values of FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC; higher values of pH and PaO2, lower PaCO2, and lower scores on shortness of breath in BG and MG, relative to pre- treatment levels (p &lt; 0.05). Follow-up showed no recurrence in patients with benign tumor, and clinical efficacy was satisfactory. The 2-year survival rate of patients with malignant tumor was 51.19 %.Conclusion: The combination of formoterol fumarate tablets and interventional bronchoscopy produces significant curative effect on benign and malignant tumor in central airway. It improves lung function, blood gas indices and survival rate, and mitigates shortness of breath. Therefore, this treatment strategy has a high potential for use in clinical practice.

Potentiation of Antibacterial Activity of Ciprofloxacin by Essential Oil of Cymbopogon citratus against Fluoroquinolone-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

Background: Essential oil (EO) of Cymbopogon citratus has been demonstrated to have antibacterial activities against both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. The study was, therefore, conducted to evaluate the effects of combined use of C. citratus and ciprofloxacin against fluoroquinolone-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (FQRSA) and Escherichia coli (FQREC).&#x0D; Methods: The antibacterial activity of the essential oil was evaluated by agar dilution method while the combination studies were done using Checker-board agar dilution technique.&#x0D; Results: The mean MIC values of EO against the FQRSA and FQREC were 0.043 + 0.01 mg/ml and 0.049 mg/ml respectively. When ciprofloxacin was combined with EO of lemongrass, 53.9, 28.3, 17.8 and 0.0 % of the FQRSA isolates showed indifference, additive, synergistic and antagonistic effects respectively. Similarly, when ciprofloxacin was combined with EO of lemongrass at different ratios, 44, 35.5, 20.6 and 0.0 % of the FQREC isolates showed combined effects of additivity, synergism, indifference and antagonism respectively.&#x0D; Conclusions: The results revealed the invitro antibacterial potency of Cymbopogon citratus oil against fluoroquinolone resistant S. aureus and E. coli. More importantly, the study has proved that the combined use of ciprofloxacin and essential oil of lemongrass has increased the sensitivity of both FQRSA and FQREC bacteria.

Analysis of exergetic performance for a combined ultrasonic power/convective hot air dryer

Recently, the effectiveness of combined use of non-thermal technologies to improve hot air dryers’ performance from both the energy and quality point of views has been proven. However, no study has been reported on thermodynamic analysis of such hybrid systems. The present work dealt the influence of ultrasonic power combination with convective hot air dryer on exergetic performance of the system. Potato cubes were dried at different drying air temperatures (45–65 °C) and velocities (0.5–1.5 m/s) and ultrasonic powers (0–0.08 kW). Based on the findings obtained through the experiments, the exergy loss varied averagely from 240.58 to 600.83 kJ, and was decreased continuously with increasing the power level. The average exergy destruction ranged from 169.61 to 1554.23 kJ, and was decreased at the higher air temperatures and velocities. Combination of ultrasonic power with hot air intensified the exergy destruction. The average exergy efficiency varied from 24.19 to 91.42% and from 11.67 to 38.27% for the drying chamber and process, respectively.

Effectiveness of combined use of sodium bicarbonate sitz bath prescription and vaginal nystatin suppository in the treatment of patients with fungal vaginitis

Purpose: To investigate the clinical effect of a combination of sodium bicarbonate sitz bath prescription and vaginal nystatin suppository in the treatment of patients with fungal vaginitis.&#x0D; Methods: Ninety patients with mycotic vaginitis admitted to Tianchang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from April 2018 to April 2019 were selected and divided into control group (vaginal sitz bath with 5 % sodium bicarbonate solution, n = 45) and study group (vaginal nystatin suppository in addition to vaginal sitz bath with 5 % sodium bicarbonate solution, n = 45) based on the order of admission. The therapeutic effectiveness of the two treatments was compared with respect to time of relief of various clinical indicators, incidence of adverse reactions, rate of recurrence after 3 and 6 months of drug withdrawal, and vaginal pH.&#x0D; Results: The time taken to relieve itching was longer in the control group (5.21 ± 2.12 days) than in the study group (3.74 ± 2.03 days; p &lt;0 .05). There was a higher recurrence rate of itching in the control group after drug withdrawal for 3 and 6 months than in the study group (p &lt; 0.05). Total treatment effectiveness was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (p &lt;0 .05). However, the incidence of adverse reactions was comparable in the two groups (p &gt; 0.05). Vaginal pH significantly improved (less acidic) in the study group, when compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Application of a combination of vaginal sitz bath using 5 % sodium bicarbonate solution and vaginal nystatin suppository is effective in the treatment of fungal vaginitis. The combination produces a favorable vaginal pH environment and low recurrence of infection. However, the combined treatment should be subjected to further clinical trials prior to application in clinical practice.