Group DF Research Articles

Doxycycline with or without famciclovir for infectious ophthalmic and respiratory disease: a prospective, randomized, masked, placebo-controlled trial in 373 kittens.

The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate in a randomized, triple-masked, placebo-controlled trial, outcomes for kittens with ocular manifestations of infectious upper respiratory disease (IURD) treated with an ophthalmic and oral antibiotic only vs those also treated with famciclovir. Kittens were stratified into three age (1 to <4, 4 to <8 or 8-12 weeks) and two disease severity ('mild' [total disease score 1-11] or 'severe' [total disease score 12-23]) groups and randomized to receive approximately 5 mg/kg doxycycline either with placebo (group D) or with approximately 90 mg/kg famciclovir (group DF) PO q12h. Caregivers scored clinical signs once daily for 21 days. Ophthalmic examinations and scoring by veterinarians were completed on days 1 and 21. Ophthalmic and clinical resolution were defined as scores of zero for all ocular signs and all ocular and respiratory signs, respectively. Ophthalmic and clinical recovery were defined by absence of active inflammation. For kittens with mild disease, those in group D were slower than those in group DF to achieve clinical recovery (P = 0.049) and clinical resolution (P = 0.030), but not ophthalmic recovery (P = 0.064) or ophthalmic resolution (P = 0.089). Kittens with mild disease and receiving famciclovir achieved predicted 75% clinical resolution 4-5 days earlier than kittens with mild disease and receiving doxycycline alone, and kittens with severe disease (regardless of treatment group). Significantly fewer kittens in group DF developed corneal disease than in group D (P = 0.016). All five kittens whose clinical signs worsened sufficiently to be removed from the study were in group D. The addition of famciclovir to standard antibiotic treatment may reduce corneal disease, length of stay and time to adoption for shelters and rescue groups, thereby increasing capacity for care. Early administration of famciclovir in kittens exhibiting mild ocular manifestations of IURD may be preferable to delaying this treatment until the disease progresses to a severe stage.

Comparative studies of xanthine oxidase inhibitors viz. allopurinol and febuxostat against induced hyperuricaemia in a poultry model

ABSTRACT In this study, an attempt was made to evaluate the relative efficacy of two important anti-gout agents, viz. allopurinol and febuxostat, in the control of hyperuricaemia/gout using a poultry model. A 21-day study was conducted on 48 Vencobb-400 broiler chicks randomly divided into four groups. In one group hyperuricaemia/gout was induced by the oral administration of diclofenac (group D); in two other groups the ameliorative effect of the two drugs under study was investigated by providing both simultaneously, i.e. diclofenac and allopurinol (group DA), diclofenac and febuxostat (group DF); and the fourth group was kept un-induced and untreated as a control (group C). Both allopurinol and febuxostat inhibit xanthine oxidase enzymes, thereby reducing the production of uric acid. The birds kept on diclofenac alone exhibited the highest level of hyperuricaemia, clinical signs of gout, and overt adverse changes in the visceral organs, whereas these changes were lesser in allopurinol- and febuxostat-treated groups. Furthermore, haematological, biochemical, patho-morphological, and ultra-structural studies using transmission electron microscopy were carried out to evaluate the pathology and, thus, the ameliorative effect of allopurinol and febuxostat. The findings proved that allopurinol and febuxostat carry definite ameliorative potential as anti-hyperuricemic and anti-gout agents in poultry, which was better expressed by febuxostat compared to allopurinol.

Effect of Intravenous Dexamethasone on the Duration of Analgesia Provided by Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block for Upper Limb Surgery

Background: Pain is associated with increased sympathetic activity leads to tachycardia, elevated blood pressure and myocardial insults so pain control is necessary during the surgery and in the postoperative period. Aim of the study was to study the effect of intravenous dexamethasone on the duration of analgesia provided by supraclavicular block (SCB) for upper limb surgery.&#x0D; Methods: 75 patients, age between 18 to 70 years of either sex, ASA class I and II, who were undergoing upper limb surgery randomized into three groups of 25 patients each by computer generated random number. Group S - 25 patients were given 5ml of normal saline intravenously along with ultrasound-guided SCB with 25ml 0.5% bupivacaine. Group DF - 25 patients were given 4mg intravenous dexamethasone in 5ml normal saline along with ultrasound-guided SCB with 25ml 0.5% bupivacaine. Group DE - 25 patients were given 8mg intravenous dexamethasone in 5ml normal saline along with ultrasound-guided SCB with 25ml 0.5% bupivacaine.&#x0D; Results: The demographic data were comparable in all groups. The VAS score was significantly lower in Group DF and DE compared to Group S at 3,4,6,8,10,12 and 24 hours, with p values &lt; 0.0001 at 3,4,5,6,8,10 and 12 hours and p value 0.0002 at 24 hours. The VAS scores between the groups DF and DE were comparable at 3,4,5,6,8,10,12 and 24 hours without any significant difference. The time for first rescue analgesia was significantly in Group DF and DE compared to Group S (p value &lt;0.0001). There was no significant difference between the groups DF and DE in the time for first rescue analgesia (p value 0.75).&#x0D; Conclusion: We conclude that dexamethasone used intravenously even in lower doses as 4mg along with supraclavicular brachial plexus block effectively increases the duration of analgesia and motor blockade, shortens the onset of sensory and motor blockade, reduces the total analgesic requirement in the first 24 hours after surgery.

Fishmeal Protein Replacement by Defatted and Full-Fat Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal in Juvenile Turbot Diet: Effects on the Growth Performance and Intestinal Microbiota.

A 12-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of the same fishmeal protein level replaced by black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) meal (BSFL) with different lipid contents on the growth performance and intestinal health of juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.) (initial body weight 12.64 g). Three isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated: fish meal-based diet (FM), diets DF and FF, in which 14% fish meal protein of the FM diet was replaced by defatted and full-fat BSFL, respectively. There were no significant differences in growth performance, intestinal morphology, and mucosal barrier function between the DF and the FM group. However, diet FF markedly reduced the growth performance, intestinal perimeter ratio, and the gene expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β (P < 0.05). Compared to group FF, the communities of intestinal microbiota in group DF were more similar to group FM. Moreover, diet DF decreased the abundance of some potential pathogenic bacteria and enriched the potential probiotics, such as Bacillus. Diet FF obviously altered the composition of intestinal microbiota and increased the abundance of some potential pathogenic bacteria. These results suggested that the application of defatted BSFL showed more positive effects on fish growth and intestinal health than the full-fat BSFL, and the intestinal microbiota was closely involved in these effects.

In vivo precision of digital static interocclusal registration for full arch and quadrant arch scans: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundClinical studies comparing the accuracy of digital and conventional records for static interocclusal registration are lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this clinical study was to assess the precision of digital interocclusal registration compared to conventional registration for full arch and quadrant arch conditions.MethodsNine individuals with complete natural dentition were enrolled in this study. Each participant received digital scans, conventional impressions, and static interocclusal records according to the following groups: group DF, full arch digital scans and bilateral buccal scans with Medit i700 intraoral scanner (IOS); group DQ, quadrant arch digital scans and unilateral buccal scans with Medit i700 IOS; group CF, full arch polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) impressions and PVS interocclusal records; group CQ, quadrant arch PVS impressions and PVS interocclusal records. For group CF and group CQ, the impressions were poured, mounted with the silicone bites, scanned with a laboratory scanner, and articulated virtually with buccal scans with the laboratory scanner. In each group, each participant received three interocclusal records to repeat the virtual articulation three times and the articulated models were saved as STL files. The STL files were imported into a 3D-processing software to calculate the discrepancies between repeated measures using best-fit-alignment method. The significance between the study groups was calculated with two-tailed paired t-test at P < 0.05.ResultsFor full arch, group DF showed significantly better precision with a mean value of 31 ± 19 µm compared to 204 ± 81 µm for group CF (P = 0.0003). Similarly, for quadrant arch, group DQ showed significantly better precision with a mean value of 18 ± 6 µm compared to 255 ± 136 µm for group CQ (P = 0.0009). No significant difference in precision was found between quadrant arch and full arch when the digital or the conventional method was used.ConclusionsThe digital approach had significantly better precision for static interocclusal registration compared to the conventional method in both full and quadrant arch situations.Trial Registry This clinical trial was registered on 06/07/2022 in the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry database, the number for the registry is PACTR202207648490275.

Changes of brain-derived neurotrophic factors in rats with generalized anxiety disorder before and after treatment.

The aim of the current study was to investigate the association between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). A total of sixty male adult Wistar rats with similar body weight and age were randomly divided into 3 groups the blank control group (CON, n=20), the saline control group (SAL, n=20), and the combined medication group (Deanxit +fluoxetine, DF, n=20), then rats in group SAL and group DF were prepared for model of anxiety disorder for 14 days. The body weight, center-retention time (CRT) and square-crossover number per unit time (SCN) were compared during modeling to define the anxiety of rats on day 1, day 7 and day 14; the BDNF mRNA in brain were detected by RT-PCR and the protein of BDNF in brain were detected by immunohistochemistry before and after intervention. The body weight, CRT and SCN in group SAL and DF after modeling were decreased with time compared with CON (p<0.05). The rats were taken euthanasia after 14 days, the BDNF mRNA showed significant decrease in SAL group (0.58±0.07) compared with group CON (2.87±0.23), while in DF group (1.76±0.21), the BDNF mRNA were higher than SAL group but lower than CON (p<0.05); the BDNF positive cells in group CON was highest (90%), then was group DF (75%) and group SAL was the lowest (35%). The changes in the indexes of the rats among different groups before and after modeling showed that after modeling, the body weights of the rats in group SAL and group DF were lower than group CON, the CRT decreased, and the SCN increased. The differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05), indicating that the combined medication (Qilixin + fluoxetine) can improve anxiety symptoms (body weight, CRT, and SCN). Anti-anxiety drugs (Deanxit+fluoxetine) can improve anxiety symptoms of rats and increase the expressions of BDNF mRNA and protein in rat brain cells. Anxiolytic drugs (Deanxit+fluoxetine) may achieve the treatment of anxiety disorders through improving the 5-HT nervous system and the expressions of BDNF mRNA and protein. BDNF can be used as a biochemical indicator for the diagnosis and efficacy evaluation of GAD.

Comparison of dexmedetomidine alone with dexmedetomidine and fentanyl during awake fiberoptic intubation in patients with difficult airway: a randomized clinical trial.

BackgroundAwake fiberoptic intubation (AFOI) is the procedure of choice for securing the airway in patients with a difficult airway when undergoing surgeries under general anesthesia. An ideal drug would not only provide conscious sedation but also maintain spontaneous ventilation, smooth intubation conditions, and stable hemodynamics. We compared the effects of dexmedetomidine alone and dexmedetomidine in combination with fentanyl at a dose lower than the standard dose for achieving conscious sedation during AFOI in difficult airway patients undergoing oral cancer and dental surgeries.MethodsWe included 68 adult patients undergoing AFOI. The patients were randomized in two groups, wherein Group D received intravenous dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg and Group DF received dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg and fentanyl 1 µg/kg. The outcomes measured were airway obstruction score, intubation scores, fiberoptic intubation comfort score, sedation score, and hemodynamic variables.ResultsLow-dose dexmedetomidine with fentanyl showed similar results as those with the standard dose of dexmedetomidine in terms of airway obstruction, vocal cord movement, degree of cough, degree of limb movements, and intubation comfort. However, the sedation achieved and incidence of hypotension and bradycardia were higher in Group D than in Group DF.ConclusionsA low dose of dexmedetomidine–fentanyl provides satisfactory intubation conditions as those with a standard dose of dexmedetomidine in AFOI, thereby avoiding bradycardia, hypotension, and sedation.

Ultrasonographic analysis of coronal fricative phonemes

To compare the tongue contour in different groups (children with typical, atypical phonological development and adults) in the production of fricative children, through ultrasound videos. The six participants were divided in three groups: Group DF - two children with phonological processes anteriorization of fricative (/ʃ/→ [s]), (both with seven years), group DT - two children with typical development of language (eight and nine years old) and group AD - two adults, all speakers of Brazilian Portuguese. The videos of the movement of the tongue in the production of target sounds inserted in the words /'sapo/, /'sika/, /'suko/, /'∫ave/, /'∫ike/ and /'∫uva/ were organized and evaluated by three judges speech therapists with experience in this area, guided in VAS. It has been observed that, for two of the judges, there was a significant difference between the words produced by children with DF and CT when compared with the words in contexts and vowel [i] and [u], and the productions of these children /∫/→[s] and /s/→[s], respectively, but not for words accompanied [a]. When comparing the data of children with DF and AD, there was statistically significant (p-value &lt; 0.05) in the context of vowel [u]. The judges have detected articulatory differences between typical and atypical productions for children, as well as differentiation also as to the production of adults.

Adding a Low Dose of Fentanyl to Propofol in Patients Receiving Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To evaluate the effects of low-dose fentanyl combined with a reduced dose of propofol on seizure duration and hemodynamic response during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Materials and Methods: Twenty-two patients with the American Society of Anesthesiologist Physical Status II to III undergoing ECT were enrolled in the present study. One hundred and five bilateral ECT sessions randomized to receive thiopental 2 mg/kg, propofol 1 mg/kg, and fentanyl 0.3 mcg/kg, followed by propofol 0.5 mg/kg. Succinylcholine 0.5 mg/kg was used for muscle paralysis. Seizure duration, awakening time and hemodynamic changes were compared between groups. Results: One hundred and five bilateral ECT treatments were randomized into thiopental group (n=35), propofol group (n=35), and fentanyl plus propofol group (n=35). The thiopental and fentanyl plus propofol groups had longer EEG and motor seizure durations than the propofol group, but the differences were not statistically significant. There was no difference in stimulus intensity across groups. However, fentanyl plus propofol group had statistically significant prolonged awakening time compare with thiopental group [mean difference 2.71, (95% CI 0.37 to 5.06, p=0.019)] and propofol group (mean difference 2.77, 95% CI 0.42 to 5.12, p=0.016). Only systolic blood pressure in propofol group was significantly lower than thiopental group [mean difference –10.4, (95% CI –19.4 to –1.38, p=0.018)]. There were no significant differences in diastolic blood pressure (df=2, F=2.546, p=0.083), heart rate (df=2, F=0.596, p=0.553), or oxygen saturation across group (df=2, F=2.914, p=0.059). Conclusion: Using a combination of low-dose fentanyl and low-dose propofol during ECT could be beneficial. Further investigation is needed to establish the optimal dose of propofol and fentanyl. Keywords: Electroconvulsive therapy; Fentanyl, Hemodynamic response; Propofol; Thiopental; Seizure duration

Comparative Evaluation of Hemodynamic Stability and Recovery during Conscious Sedation by Dexmedetomidine-Fentanyl Versus Ketamine- Fentanyl in procedures outside the operating room

Abstract Background Conscious sedation is a technique of providing analgesia, sedation and anxiolysis while ensuring rapid recovery without side effects. Conscious sedation is administered with the dual goals of rapidly and safely establishing satisfactory procedural condition for the performance of therapeutic or diagnostic procedures while ensuring rapid, Email: predictable recovery with minimal post-operative sequels. Aim of the Work to study the effect of dexemdetomidine with fentanyl versus ketamine with fentanyl on hemodynamic stability and recovery during conscious sedation in dilatation and curettage procedure. Patients and Methods In our study, 50 patients were randomly divided into 2 equal groups. group DF received dexmedtomidine loading dose 1 μg/kg over 10 min and followed by 0.5 μg/kg/hr infusion till completion of surgery. And group KF received ketamine 0.5 mg/kg slow intravenous Bolus. Results Our study showed that dexmedetomidine is a safe drug with good hemodynamic and recovery time, also exerts sedative and analgesic effects without respiratory depression, unlike most analgesic/sedative drugs, such as ketamine, opioids, benzodiazepines, and propofol. Conclusion dexmedetomidine in combination with fentanyl is useful to provide conscious sedation for non operating room procedures in adults and it may be a valuable alternative to ketamine.

Comparison of Dexmedetomidine with Fentanyl and Pentazocine – Promethazine in patients undergoing dilation and curettage in monitored anesthesia care

Dilatation and curettage (D and C) is an essential and common minor surgery in obstetrics and gynecology. Sedation, hypnosis and analgesia are used in combination for such short procedures. These days conscious sedation is provided to patients for day care surgeries which includes analgesia, sedation and anxiolysis while rapid recovery is ensured without side effects. Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective alpha-2 agonist that provides anxiolysis and conscious sedation without respiratory depression. It was to study the effect of dexemedetomidine with fentanyl versus Pentazocine with promethazine on hemodynamic stability and recovery during sedation in dilatation and curettage procedure. The comparison included the hemodynamic data and recovery time. The effect of the drugs on hemodynamics and monitoring the occurrence of any complication were also done. In our study, 50 patients were randomly divided into 2 equal groups; group DF received dexmedetomidine loading dose 1 μg/kg over 10 min and followed by 0.5 μg/kg/hr infusion till completion of surgery and group PP received pentazocine 0.5 mg/kg (max 30mg) and Promethazine 12.5 mg slow intravenous Bolus. Dexmedetomidine is a safe drug which provides good hemodynamics and less recovery time. It also exerts sedative and analgesic effects without respiratory depression unlike most analgesic/sedative drugs, such as ketamine, pentazocine and benzodiazepines. This study demonstrates that dexmedetomidine is a safe drug with good hemodynamic and recovery profile. Dexmedetomidine administration showed better preservation of MAP and SpO2.

Angiosome Concept in the Endovascular Management of Chronic Atherosclerotic Ischaemia of Lower Extremities in Diabetics

Introduction: The role of the angiosome theory in infrapopliteal disease is controversial. We aimed to study the impact of direct angiosomal revascularization on the outcome in the presence and absence of a complete foot arch. Method: We studied consecutive patients presenting with infrapopliteal disease from February 2013 to January 2014, Rutherford categories 5&amp;6, where only one infrapopliteal vessel was successfully revascularized. Patients were classified into the following groups: (i)DF: direct angiosome revascularization with patent foot arch, (ii)DN: direct angiosome revascularization with no foot arch, (iii)IF: indirect angiosome revascularization with patent foot arch, and (iv)IN: indirect angiosome revascularization with no foot arch. The outcome of the four groups was compared using Chi square test and ANOVA tests. Results: 75 patients presented during the study period; 20 DF, 22 DN, 17 IF, &amp; 16 IN. There were no statistical differences in age, sex, risk factors, run off vessel, or site of tissue loss. Limb salvage rates after 12 months were 95% in DF, 91% in DN, 76.5% in IF, and 44% in IN (p=0.0046). Mean number of days till wound healing was 72.2±16.7 in DF, 122.9±20.6 in DN, 229.4±30.3 in IF, and 308.1±29.6 in IN (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Group DF showed significantly better results in limb salvage and wound healing, followed by DN, IF, and lastly IN. A complete foot arch had a significant impact on clinical outcome, in addition to direct angiosomal revascularization. Future studies on the angiosome concept should include the completeness of foot arch as an important factor contributing to healing and limb salvage. Keywords: angiosome, infrapopliteal angioplasty, foot arch

A comparative study of intramuscular dexmedetomidine alone and intramuscular dexmedetomidine with intravenous fentanyl on hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation for ear surgery under general anesthesia

Dexmedetomidine, a potent α2-adrenergic agonist with its sedative, anxiolytic, analgesic and sympatholytic property ; is an ideal agent for premedication. The intravenous bolus is associated with bradycardia and hypotension; hence we studied the intramuscular route for hemodynamic stability.: Sixty adult patients of ASA physical status I and II, aged between 18-60 years, posted for ear surgery received intramuscular dexmedetomidine 2.5µg/kg 60 minutes prior to induction of anesthesia as premedication in recovery room with either injection saline bolus in group D (n=30) or intravenous fentanyl 1.5 μg/kg group DF (n=30) 2 mines before induction in operation theatre. Standard induction technique was used. Sedation score and hemodynamic changes during laryngoscopy were recorded. During laryngoscopy and intubation, transient rise in Heart Rate and Mean arterial pressure seen in Group D as compared to Group DF; (p &amp;#60;0.05); Heart Rate and MAP in group D returned to pre-induction values within 3 minutes of laryngoscopy. No patient suffered from profound sedation at any point of observation. This study provides evidence that intramuscular dexmedetomidine alone acts as effective premedication agent with attenuation of stress response; and combination of Intramuscular dexmedetomidine and intravenous fentanyl not only attenuate but also prevents stress response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.

EFFECT OF FLAXSEED EXTRACT ON THE LIVER HISTOLOGICAL STRUCTURE IN STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus has become a serious warning to mankind health all over the world. The management goal of diabetes is to keep blood glucose levels as close as possible to healthy individuals. Medications used to treat diabetes are usually associated with complications and may cause different side effects. Many traditional anti-diabetic plants have become popular in the management of diabetes mellitus. Flaxseed has been used as traditional medicine for centuries. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of flaxseed extract in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetes mellitus was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats using a single injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg i.p.). The rats were divided into five groups of 8 rats each. Group NC, normal control rats; Group NF, normal rats treated with flaxseed extract (400 mg/kg); Group DC, diabetic control rats; Group DG, diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg); Group DF, diabetic rats treated with flaxseed extract (400 mg/kg); for 4 weeks. Results: There were significant increase in relative liver weight, blood glucose levels in DC group comparing to NC group (p<0.05). The disturbance of these parameters was ameliorated in DF and DG groups. Histological observation revealed congestion of central veins, degeneration of hepatocytes, and reduced glycogen granules in DC group. These pathological changes were ameliorated in the flaxseed extract and glibenclamide treated rats. Conclusion: Flaxseed extract may represent a candidate alternative treatment to control diabetes mellitus and its related hepatopathy.

Comparative evaluation of hemodynamic stability and recovery during conscious sedation by dexmedetomidine with fentanyl versus ketamine with fentanyl dilatation and curettage

Abstract Background Conscious sedation is a technique of providing analgesia, sedation and anxiolysis while ensuring rapid recovery without side effects. Conscious sedation is administered with the dual goals of rapidly and safely establishing satisfactory procedural condition for the performance of therapeutic or diagnostic procedures while ensuring rapid, predictable recovery with minimal post-operative sequels. Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective alpha-2 agonist that provides anxiolysis and cooperative sedation without respiratory depression. it inhibits the release of norepinephrine via actions on the alpha2A (α-2A) adrenoceptors located in the locus ceruleus and the spinal cord, resulting in sedation and analgesia via sympatholysis. Objective It was to study the effect of dexemdetornidine with fentanyl versus ketamine with fentanyl on hemodynamic stability and recovery during conscious sedation in dilatation and curettage procedure. The comparison included the vital data and recovery time. The effect of the drugs on hemodynamics and monitoring the occurrence of any complication were also done. Patients and Methods In our study, 50 patients were randomly divided into 2 equal groups; group DF received dexmedtomidine loading dose 1 πg/kg over 10 min and followed by 0.5 πg/kg/hr infusion till completion of surgery and group KF received ketamine 0.5 mg/kg slow intravenous Bolus. Results Dexmedetomidine is a safe drug with good hemodynamic and recovery time, also exerts sedative and analgesic effects without respiratory depression, unlike most analgesic/sedative drugs, such as ketamine, opioids, benzodiazepines and propofol. Conclusion This study demonstrates that dexrnedetomidine is a safe drug with good hemodynamic and recovery profile. Dexmedetomidine better preserved MBP and SpO2.

Effect of dexmedetomidine combined with flurbiprofen axetil on postoperative pain and cognitive function of patients after thyroid gland surgery

Objective To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine combined with flurbiprofen axetil on pain and cognitive function of patients after thyroidectomy. Methods A total of 80 patients with thyroid gland surgery in the People's Hosptial of Shouguang from January 2016 to December 2017 were selected and randomly divided into four groups according to the digital table: saline control group(C), dexmedetomidine group(D), flurbiprofen axetil group(F), dexmedetomidine combined with flurbiprofen axetil group(DF), with 20 casess in each group.The extubation time and wake-up time of the four groups were observed.The VAS scores were used to assess the analgesic effect after surgery, and the Riker sedation scale was used to assess postoperative anxiety. Results The extubation time of the C, D, F and FD group were (16.66±3.37)min, (24.63±2.80)min, (14.55±3.74)min, (26.22±3.45)min, respectively, which of group D and group DF was significantly longer than that in group C and group F(F= 4.59, P<0.01). The recovery time of group D[(17.98±2.54)min] and group DF[(17.84±3.63)min] was significantly longer than that of group F[(10.92±2.21) min] and group C[(9.95±2.16)min] (F=5.01, P<0.01). The VAS scores of group DF at 30 min, 3 h, 6 h and 24 h after recovery were significantly lower than those of group F and group D (F=4.53, 4.59, 4.61, 4.35, all P<0.01). The Rick sedation scores of C, D, F and FD groups were (5.28±1.81)points, (4.20±1.56)points, (4.24±2.01)points and (3.76±1.43)points, respetively, which of group DF was significantly lower than those of the other three groups(F=3.01, P<0.01). The MMSE scores of cognitive function in group DF at 3 h, 1 d and 3 d after surgery were significantly higher than those in group C (F=5.89, 4.95, 4.56, all P<0.01). Conclusion The combined use of dexmedetomidine and flurbiprofen axetil significantly reduces pain and relieves postoperative cognitive impairment after thyroid surgery. Key words: Anesthesia and analgesia; Dexmedetomidine; Flurbiprofen; Thyroid gland; Surgical procedures, operative; Pain, postoperative; Cognition; Controlled clinical trial

Connecting Kanji Radicals with their Malay Equivalents in Japanese Kanji Instruction to Native Malay-speaking Students

The current methods to teach Kanji characters in Malaysian Japanese-language textbooks limit students’ understanding of the semantic link between the Kanji characters and their radicals. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine the effectiveness of teaching Chinese characters ( Kanji ) using the major components (radicals), along with their Malay equivalents. This study proposed a method to connect the meaning of Kanji radicals with their Malay equivalents when teaching Kanji characters to native Malay speakers. A multiple-choice test was administered to 116 native Malay-speaking university students. They had no previous knowledge of the Japanese or Chinese languages. Participants studied a list of Malay words and their Japanese equivalents comprising 28 Kanji. Each Kanji pair in the list shared a common radical, and each pair of their Malay equivalents shared a common root. The control group was given a list of the spellings and pronunciation of same Japanese and Malay words but without the instructions regarding the semantic similarities between Japanese and Malay. Both groups were given 30 minutes to learn the Kanji and another 30 minutes to take an identical 28-question test. On average, the experimental and control groups scored 17.03 and 10.58, respectively ( n = 116); therefore, at a 5% level, a significant difference was found between the scores for the two groups ( p < 0.001, t = 8.10). A multiple linear regression indicated that the experimental group had an effect size of 6.4 more correct answers than the control group ( df = 114, R 2 = 0.3651, p < 0.001). The results imply that the explicit presentation of the Kanji radicals and their Malay equivalents assisted native Malay-speaking students in learning Kanji including characters which consist of more than 10 strokes.

Effect of Integrating Statistical Concepts on Third Year Student Teachers’ Academic Performance on Heredity in Biology

This study examined the effect of integrating Statistical concepts on Third year student teachers’ academic performance on Heredity in Biology. The study adopted purposive sampling where 93 participants were randomly assigned into two groups, i.e. an Experimental class (n = 45) and a Control group (n = 48).Three research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The study used a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design. Data were collected using a 8-item structured questionnaire which was used to obtain data on students’ attitude towards heredity while an Achievement Test’ (AT), which comprised 4 questions, was used to measure the students’ performance in genetics. The two null hypotheses were tested using the Independent Sample T-test (at α = 0.05) while the third question was analysed using percentages.The findings from the study showed that students taught Heredity by integrating statistical concepts achieved higher scores and significantly better than those taught using conventional methods (df = 91; p = 0.001 &lt; α = 0.05) . There was also no better achievement in favour of the male students compared to their female counter parts when taught by integrating the statistical concepts in the experimental group (df = 43; p = 0.871 &gt; α = 0.05). It further established that students developed positive attitude towards Heredity after integrating statistical concepts in the teaching of Heredity in Biology. The study recommends among other things, that since integrating statistical concepts is found to be an effective strategy and enhanced achievement among Biology students, teachers and lecturers of this subject should accept it as one of the strategies they can use in teaching Heredity in Biology so as to enhance students’ academic performance.

Effects of famciclovir in cats with spontaneous acute upper respiratory tract disease.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of famciclovir administration in cats with spontaneously acquired acute upper respiratory tract disease. Twenty-four kittens with clinical signs of acute upper respiratory tract disease were randomly allocated to receive doxycycline (5 mg/kg PO q12h) alone (group D; n = 12) or with famciclovir (90 mg/kg PO q12h; group DF; n = 12) for up to 3 weeks. Clinical disease severity was scored at study entry and daily thereafter. Oculo-oropharyngeal swabs collected at study entry and exit were assessed using quantitative PCR for nucleic acids of feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV), Chlamydia felis, Bordetella bronchiseptica and Mycoplasma felis. The median (range) age of cats was 1.5 (1-6) months in group D vs 1.6 (1-5) months in group DF (P = 0.54). Pathogens detected in oculo-oropharyngeal swabs at study entry included FCV (n = 13/24; 54%), M felis (n = 8/24; 33%), FHV-1 (n = 7/24; 29%), C felis (n = 7/24; 29%) and B bronchiseptica (n = 3/24; 12%). Median (range) duration of clinical signs was 11.5 (3-21) days in group DF and 11 (3-21) days in group D (P = 0.75). Median (range) total disease score at the end of the study did not differ between groups (group D 1 [1-1] vs group DF 1 [1-3]; P = 0.08). This study revealed no significant difference in response to therapy between cats treated with doxycycline alone or with famciclovir; cats improved rapidly in both groups. However, identification of FHV-1 DNA was relatively uncommon in this study and clinical trials focused on FHV-1-infected cats are warranted to better evaluate famciclovir efficacy.

Changes of intestinal microflora diversity in diarrhea model of KM mice and effects of Psidium guajava L. as the treatment agent for diarrhea

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the effects of Psidium guajava L. extracts on mice diarrhea model and changes in their intestinal microflora diversity. MethodsMice diarrhea model was constructed with Folium Sennae. and The therapeutic effects of Psidium guajava L. extracts on diarrhea were evaluated by loose stools rates, diarrhea rates, diarrhea index and motor functions of intestine. ResultsOur results showed that all three kinds of extracts from Psidium guajava L. had inhibitory effects on Folium Sennae —induced diarrhea model. The proportion of Bacteroidetes is lower in Group DF (diarrhea model group) compared with Group B (blank group), while abundance of Deferribacteraceae was found in Group DF. The proportion of Deferribacteraceae lowered in Group DTF (diarrhea treatment group) treated with extracts from Psidium guajava L. ConclusionsHowever, mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of Psidium guajava L. and the changes in intestinal microflora still await further exploration.