Medical Research Articles

Retrospective analysis on Lou Bei Er Chen decoction and acupuncture in gastroesophageal reflux disease post-gastric cancer surgery

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is a growing clinical challenge, particularly due to the increased risk of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) following surgical treatment. traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including acupuncture and herbal medicine, has been proposed as an adjunctive therapy to promote gastrointestinal recovery and alleviate GERD symptoms. AIM To retrospectively study the clinical efficacy of modified Lou Bei Er Chen decoction combined with acupuncture in treating patients with GERD after radical gastrectomy due to gastric cancer. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted, including patients with gastric cancer or malignant tumors of the stomach from January 2019 to December 2023 in the Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Patients with a TCM diagnosis of qi depression and phlegm obstruction (n = 128) were selected on the basis of prescription and treatment principles. They were then divided into a control group (n = 61) and an observation group (n = 67). The control group received treatment with Western medicine domperidone. The observation group were treated with Lou Bei Er Chen decoction orally, with acupuncture at specific acupoints (bilateral Hegu, bilateral Neiguan, and bilateral Zusanli), in addition to the treatment as in the control group, for a continuous treatment period of 8 weeks. The improvement time of postoperative gastrointestinal function indicators, gastrointestinal dysfunction scores, GERD-Q scores, and TCM syndrome scores were further observed for both groups. RESULTS The observation group showed significantly shorter times for first flatus, defecation, bowel sound recovery, and initiation of nasogastric enteral nutrition than the control group (P < 0.05). Upon treatment, the two groups demonstrated a significant reduction in gastrointestinal dysfunction scores, with a more significant reduction in the observation group (P < 0.001). The GERD-Q scores significantly decreased after 8 weeks of treatment in the two groups (P < 0.05), with a significant reduction in the observation group (P < 0.05), compared with baseline. The TCM syndrome scores significantly decreased after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment in the two groups (P < 0.05), with a significant reduction in the observation group (P < 0.05). The effective rate of the observation group after 8 weeks of treatment was significantly higher than that after 4 weeks (χ 2 = 13.648, P = 0.003), and it was significantly higher than that of control group (χ 2 = 13.879, P = 0.003). CONCLUSION Lou Bei Er Chen decoction combined with acupuncture treatment can effectively alleviate clinical symptoms in patients GERD after gastric cancer surgery and improve their life quality. It is worthy of further promotion and application.

Revisiting dexamethasone dosage in COVID-19 management

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has necessitated rapid advancements in therapeutic strategies, with dexamethasone emerging as a key treatment for severe cases. This editorial discusses the systematic review conducted by Sethi et al , published in the World Journal of Virology . The review critically examines the efficacy and safety of varying dosages of dexamethasone in severe COVID-19 patients, providing a comprehensive meta-analysis that underscores the current clinical recommendations favoring a low-dose regimen. Despite these findings, the review highlights the potential benefits of tailored dosages for specific patient subgroups, suggesting a need for personalized treatment approaches. This editorial expands on the implications of these findings, advocating for the integration of evolving clinical data into treatment protocols and calling for further research into patient-specific responses to therapy. It emphasizes the importance of adaptability and precision in pandemic response, urging the medical community to consider both the robustness of existing evidence and the potential for innovative approaches to enhance patient outcomes in the face of global health challenges.

Factors affecting dysbiosis of the gut microbiota in the elderly and the progress of interventions in traditional Chinese and Western medicine

As the population ages, intestinal health in the elderly has become a key area of concern, with gut microbiota dysbiosis emerging as a significant issue. This review summarizes the factors influencing dysbiosis and interventions from both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine, offering a reference for future research. A comprehensive search of global databases up to March 2024 identified 617 original studies on gut microbiota dysbiosis in individuals aged 65 and older. After applying strict PRISMA guidelines, 20 articles met the inclusion criteria. Key findings are summarized in four areas: 1) the definition and mechanisms of dysbiosis, 2) evaluation tools for gut microbiota imbalance, 3) factors contributing to dysbiosis in the elderly, and 4) pharmacological treatments. Both TCM and Western medicine offer unique advantages in managing gut microbiota dysbiosis, and the choice of intervention should be tailored to the individual’s condition. Future research should focus on optimizing integrated TCM and Western medicine approaches to improve outcomes for elderly patients with gut microbiota dysbiosis.

Assessment of dietary, genetic and metabolic factors in South Indian adolescents with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a case–control study protocol

IntroductionMetabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a leading cause of liver disease among adolescents. The objectives of this study are to investigate the associations of dietary, genetic and metabolic...

New developments in the nanocarrier-based drug delivery system for the treatment of breast cancer

Worldwide, breast cancer remains the leading cause of disease and mortality for women. Because of its aggressive nature and resistance to conventional medicines, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is very challenging to treat. Through focused tactics, recent advancements in nanocarrier technology have demonstrated promise in improving medication delivery, optimizing bioavailability, and raising drug concentrations at tumor locations. Nanoparticles have become a very useful tool for studying the imaging, diagnosis, and targeting of breast cancer. Their advanced physicochemical properties contribute to prolonged circulation in the bloodstream, as well as more efficient targeting of tumor cells. The accuracy with which nanoparticles can target tumors is improved by both passive targeting which takes advantage of characteristics like leaky vasculature, the tumor microenvironment, or direct application and active targeting which makes use of receptor-specific antibodies. By enhancing their ability to target cancer cells, nanoparticles provide an advantage over conventional medication formulations in that they can lessen the cytotoxic effects of anticancer drugs. Numerous formulations based on nanoparticles exist at different phases of preclinical and clinical development; the most extensively investigated include polymeric drug micelles, liposomes, dendrimers, carbon nanotubes, and nanorods. Polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes have been the most popular drug delivery vehicles for cancer therapy during the last ten years. Ongoing studies have, however, shown a number of these carriers' drawbacks. Consequently, there has been interest in hybrid nanoparticles, which combine the advantages of liposomes with polymeric nanoparticles. An overview of the most recent developments in the field of drug delivery using polymeric nanoparticles is given in this study. It also stresses the need of early identification in enhancing patient outcomes and the potential of nanocarriers to transform BC treatment.

Container applications for the development and integration of virtual imaging platforms.

Virtual imaging trials (VIT) have made significant advancements through the development of realistic human anatomy models, scanner-specific simulations, and virtual image interpretation. To promote VIT widespread adoption in the medical imaging community, it is important to develop methods that unify and facilitate the use of VITs, ensuring their reliable application across various imaging studies. PURPOSE: We developed a containerized environment to enhance collaboration and interoperability across VIT platforms. This environment integrates key components of two well-established breast imaging platforms (OpenVCT and VICTRE), enabling direct comparison between specific modules for simulating anthropomorphic phantoms, lesions, and x-ray images. Wrappers were developed to simplify the setup and execution of OpenVCT and VICTRE platforms and ensure compatibility and interoperability across different software components. These wrappers can streamline the installation of necessary packages, data formatting, and pipeline execution. The containerized environment was built using Docker images to provide resources for cross-platform integration. The breast anatomy generated by VICTRE was augmented using a simplex-based method from OpenVCT, providing additional texture modeling of breast parenchyma. Power spectra (PS) were calculated to assess the texture complexity of the simulated breast tissue and compare the outcomes. Lesion simulations were performed using breast models with calcifications and masses, allowing for a comparison of Monte Carlo (VICTRE) and raytracing (OpenVCT) imaging techniques. Key differences in x-ray attenuation models and image reconstruction methods were analyzed to evaluate the differences in the reconstructed images and overall image quality. The containerized approach simplified the setup and execution of the simulation platforms, embedding all the necessary packages and dependencies into the Docker images. These containerized environments supported the simulation of anthropomorphic breast models and x-ray images using both Monte Carlo (VICTRE) and raytracing (OpenVCT) methods. The breast images generated using the conventional VICTRE and the integrated simplex-based method from OpenVCT were visually comparable. The estimates from the PS for both approaches were close to 3, as expected for mammographic images, with only minor differences observed in the high-frequency components of the spectra (a difference of 0.2). These differences were particularly evident in areas of high tissue density and the regions of interest containing lesions; variations in the acquisition geometry affected the lesion visualization, demonstrating slight differences in the MC and raytracing simulations. Despite these differences, the overall performance of both methods in simulating images was similar, and the integrated environment provided a robust platform for comparing and optimizing imaging simulations. Containerized environments enable cross-platform comparisons and hybrid approaches. In this work, Docker images provided all the resources to simulate and compare the outcomes in breast phantom and x-ray image simulations, ensuring their robustness and reproducibility. The integration of VICTRE and OpenVCT methods allowed for data augmentation and provided resources for selection of imaging methods. The work lays a foundation for future VIT advancements, ensuring that these resources remain credible, reproducible, and accessible to the researchcommunity.

A Review of Medical Mistrust Across the Cancer Continuum of Care and Current Interventions.

Cancer disparities among populations in the United States are a persistent and ongoing challenge. Medical mistrust (MM), or the tendency to distrust individuals and systems even at the cost of one's own well-being, has been implicated in contributing to worse health outcomes. Thus, understanding the relationship between MM and cancer care disparities may inform effective interventions to improve outcomes for all. We conducted a two-step review: (1) a standard review to examine the relationship between MM and the cancer continuum of care, and (2) a systematic review to assess interventions targeted to mitigate MM in cancer care. The standard review included eleven studies, which revealed that MM impacted cancer screening, treatment adherence, clinical trial participation, and access to social support. Key mediators of MM included patient-provider discordance, health-related and sociodemographic-related discrimination, perceptions of Western medicine, low quality care, and health insurance. Our systematic review yielded twelve interventions-67% tailored towards screening, 17% towards patient navigation services, and 17% towards clinical trial participation. Key methods included adapting patient-centered (e.g. gathering patient perspectives, increasing racial and ethnic representation) and community-based approaches (e.g. use of churches and training family members to disseminate patient education) to overall create culturally tailored interventions against MM across the cancer continuum of care.

Efficacy and safety of BSZY cream for mild-to-moderate atopic facial dermatitis: protocol of a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial

IntroductionLimited by the specific location of atopic facial dermatitis, treatment options for atopic dermatitis are limited. Our previous research confirms that BiShengZhiYan cream (BSZY cream) can reconstruct the damaged skin...

Chronic exposure to amoxicillin and its effects on growth, immunity, organ function and residue accumulation in mice

Antibiotic therapy is essential in human and veterinary medicine, but resistance and prolonged exposure to antibiotic residues pose significant risks to health. This study investigated the long-term effects of amoxicillin residue on Swiss Albino male mice. Mice (n=20) were divided into control (no antibiotics) and treated (amoxicillin at the rate of 10 ppm in drinking water for one year; MRL 0.01 ppm) groups. Body weight, physical condition, immune status, blood parameters, ALT and AST enzyme levels, histopathology and residue accumulation in organs was examined. Antibiotics-treated mice exhibited significant weight gain (P<0.05~0.01) from the third month, peaking in the 10th month before declining. Treated mice appeared robust yet lethargic. Blood analysis showed decreased lymphocyte and neutrophil count and while no significant changes were observed in monocyte, eosinophil and basophils counts. ALT and AST levels were elevated but not statistically significant. Histopathology revealed liver steatosis, glomerular atrophy, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver and kidneys. TLC analysis confirmed Amoxicillin residue accumulation in the liver, kidneys, spleen, intestine, and muscles. The findings suggest that long-term exposure to antibiotic residues may adversely affect health and highlight the need for controlled antibiotic use to prevent potential hazards. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2025, 11(1), 13-22

AI-AUGMENTED IMAGING FOR PRECISION DIAGNOSIS OF PULMONARY DISEASES

Background: Medical imaging feels like it is going to get better and better with the introduction of artificial intelligence through quick, accurate, and precise diagnoses. Even so, AI-facilitated imaging, particularly in the diagnosis of pulmonary diseases is still on the adoption curve with conflicting feedback from clinicians on its promise and hurdles. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the perception, confidence, and challenges facing healthcare professionals using AI-integrated imaging for the diagnosis of COPD, lung cancer, and other interstitial lung diseases. Methods: A survey cross-sectional quantitative study design was used whereby questionnaires were administered to 250 health workers, particularly radiologists, pulmonologists, AI scientists, and medical technologists. Data management and analysis were descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, reliability analysis, and ANOVA where relationships between variables such as confidence and the perceived impact of AI on the process of diagnosis were examined. Results: The findings showed that there was a considerable degree of confidence in AI being accurate as a diagnostician. There was a low yet positive relationship (r = 0.068, p > 0.05) between confidence in the accuracy of AI and the overall perceived impact. The Shapiro-Wilk test specified that confidence levels are not normally distributed (p < 0.0001). The Cronbach's Alpha for AI using the beneficiaries was negative meaning low internal consistency. One-way ANOVA showed no significant differences in perceptions of AI in the sample group concerning career (p > 0.05). Inadequate clinical validation and unavailability of sufficient training are the main barriers mentioned. Conclusion: There are AI-augmented imaging applications for the diagnosis of pulmonary disease; however, the medical community remains hesitant to completely adopt these tools. The major obstacles include a lack of adequate clinical validation as well as training. These barriers together with fostering trust in AI's capabilities to operate independently are important for its wider use within the clinical environment.

Multiple antimicrobial resistance indices of Staphylococcus aureus from the nares of goats and slaughterhouse attendants in Kampala city, Uganda– a cross sectional study

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global menace to both public and animal health sectors with devastating effects in developing countries. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics in human health and livestock management contributes to development and rapid spread of AMR. Staphylococcus aureus is a major opportunistic zoonotic pathogen that colonises the skin and nostrils of human beings and animals and continues to develop antimicrobial resistance against different agents. The study aimed to determine multiple antibiotic resistance indices of S. aureus isolates from healthy domestic goats and slaughterhouse attendants in Kampala, Uganda.Demographic characteristics of consenting slaughterhouse attendants and goat keepers were recorded through a questionnaire. Antibiotics use among slaughterhouse workers and domestic goats and skin infections in the past twelve months were recorded. Nasal swabs were collected from healthy domestic goats at household level (n = 378) and slaughterhouse attendants (n = 131). Isolates were obtained on mannitol salt agar (MSA) upon incubation at 35°C for 24 h. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used to determine antimicrobial susceptibility to penicillin, gentamycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, linezolid, amoxicillin, ceftriaxone and cefoxitin. In this study, the participating slaughterhouse workers were predominantly male (79%) while does (90%) were the majority of the goats sampled. S. aureus carriage was 32% and 43% among slaughterhouse workers and goats, respectively. Methicillin resistant S. aureus carriage was 12% and 11% among slaughterhouse attendants and goats, respectively. There was a high level of exposure to antibiotics among S. aureus carriers (62%) and goats (41%) in the past one year, including use of critically important antimicrobials in human medicine for livestock disease management. Amoxicillin (17%) and ciprofloxacin (12%) were the most used antibiotics among the S. aureus carriers. Oxytetracycline (33%) and Penicillin-streptomycin combination (21%) were the most used antimicrobials in goat keeping. Close to a quarter of the human participants reported having suffered probable staphylococcal related infections like pustules in the previous months. With the exception of gentamycin and linezolid, all the S. aureus isolates from human nasal swabs were resistant to at least one of the antibiotics used. S. aureus isolates from goats’ nasal swabs were resistant to at least one of the antibiotics studied. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of 41% of S. aureus isolates from slaughterhouse attendants was greater than 0.2 (mean = 0.2 ± 0.2, range 0.1 to 0.7). The MAR index of 22% of S. aureus isolates from goats was greater than 0.2 (mean = 0.2 ± 0.1, range = 0 to 0.7). The most frequent multidrug resistance (MDR) pattern was FOX, CIP, E, TE, SXT, CRO, and CD among S. aureus isolates from slaughterhouse attendants. The most frequent MDR patterns for the isolates from goats were E, TE, CRO, CD and TE, CRO, CD. Healthy domestic goats and slaughterhouse workers are carriers of multidrug resistant S. aureus strains in Kampala city.

Dr Influence of Baoyuan Decoction and Taohong Siwu Decoction Combined with Western Medicine on Serum Lipid levelsin Elderly Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

Objective: To explore how Baoyuan and Taohong Siwu decoctions combined with western medicine affect triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in elderly patients with coronary heart disease. Methods: 90 elderly patients with coronary heart disease who were hospitalized from January 2021 to December 2022 were selected and divided into two groups based on different treatment methods, with 45 patients in each group. The control group was treated with western medicine alone, while the research group was treated with Baoyuan and Taohong Siwu decoctions in combination on the basis of control group. The improvement of traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores, various blood lipid levels, and serum indicators of cardiac function were compared between two groups before treatment, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months of treatment. Results Before treatment, two groups had same Traditional Chinese Medicine symptom scores, various blood lipid levels, and various serum indicators of cardiac function (P>0.05). After treating 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months, the scores of chest pain, chest tightness, fatigue, and sweating in the research group were lower (P<0.05). The TG, TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels in the research group were lower (P<0.05). The levels of plasma N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in the research group were lower (P<0.05). Conclusion The combination of Baoyuan and Taohong Siwu decoctions and western medicine treatment can help improve elderly coronary heart disease's symptoms and signs. It can reduce the levels of various indicators such as LDL-C, TG, TC, and HDL-C in the body, and promote the improvement of cardiac function.

Health information-seeking behavior among users of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM)

BackgroundThe use of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) is widespread among the German population and driven by various motives, including both supplementing and avoiding treatments with conventional medicine. The aim of this article is to examine how these motives relate to different health information-seeking behaviors.MethodsThe study uses regression analysis based on data from a German online access panel, which explored the use and acceptance of TCIM in Germany in 2022. From this study, we use information on 1,696 individuals (aged 18–75 years) who vary in their motives for using TCIM (subjective statements on five-point Likert scales) and have used TCIM to treat health problems.ResultsOverall, TCIM is considered more a health-promoting measure than it is driven by aversion towards conventional medicine. Our analysis of information-seeking behavior for certain therapeutic procedures reveals that, as respondents’ propensity to use TCIM as a health-promoting measure rises, they are more likely to perceive themselves as being influenced by scientific studies (AME: 0.04, p = 0.004), personal advice (AME: 0.09, p = 0.000), and their social circle’s experiences (AME: 0.08, p = 0.000). In contrast, respondents who use TCIM more due to aversion to conventional medicine are less likely to perceive themselves as being influenced by scientific studies (AME: -0.04, p = 0.004) and doctors (AME: -0.07, p = 0.000). When analyzing respondents’ most important medical information source, our results reveal that the more individuals indicate using TCIM out of aversion, the more likely they are to consider (online) media outlets their most important medical resource (AME: 0.05, p = 0.000), while the likelihood of considering medical professionals most important decreases (AME -0.06, p = 0.000).ConclusionMotives behind TCIM use vary and correspond to differences in individuals’ health information-seeking behavior. Beyond these motive-related differences, TCIM users value sources of health information other than their medical practitioners. This calls for an intensification of TCIM training among medical professionals to provide high-quality consultation and the creation of reputable online portals to ensure the provision of trustworthy information about TCIM.

Efficacy of electroacupuncture on clinical signs and immunological factors in herpes zoster: The first systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Electroacupuncture (EA) is utilized to address various health conditions. Herein, we designed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of EA on clinical and immunological factors in herpes zoster (HZ) based on randomized clinical trials. Four international databases and 3 Chinese databases were searched until January 2024. We used RevMan 5.3 for meta-analysis and presented the data as standardized mean difference (SMD) or odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval. A total of 1361 records were identified in the databases and at last, 19 articles were entered into the meta-analysis. The result shows a negative pooled SMD of -2.55 (P < .00001) for the VAS score. The pooled SMD for cessation of pustules time in the case group compared to the control group was -0.69 (P = .0008), for pain relief time was -1.36 (P = .002), for the time to scab was -0.47 (P = .009), and for time to remove scab was -1.01 (P = .0003). The pooled OR for the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia was 0.11 (P < .00001), and the total effective rate was 4.25 (P < .00001). The pooled SMD for the cluster of differentiation (CD)3 count was 2.59 (P = .07), for the CD4 count was 2.81 (P = .04), for the CD8 count was -0.75 (P = .50), and for theCD4/CD8 ratio was 1.12 (P = .15). The results indicate that the EA treatment had several significant benefits compared to Western medicine (WM) in HZ patients in terms of clinical and immunological factors. But, the combination of treatments of EA with WM had better effects compared to EA treatment alone.

How Nutrigenomics Impacts Equine Health - A Case Study of Vitamin E.

How Nutrigenomics Impacts Equine Health - A Case Study of Vitamin E.

Study finds in‐person therapy is more effective for youth

Psychological interventions may be effective for improving anxiety for children and youth with chronic medical conditions, particularly those with a live therapist, according to new research published in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology and led by Michigan State University (MSU) College of Human Medicine researchers.

Efficacy and safety of Kangfuxin liquid for eczema: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Eczema is a chronic, recurrent dermatosis with the skin repeated inflammation, itching, red and swollen. Such experience often take a physical and mental double burden on patients and their caregivers and family member. At present, the existing treatment methods have different limitations. In China, Kangfuxin liquid has been clinically used to treat eczema, and has shown good therapeutic effect. In order to conduct a more comprehensive analysis of clinical data and bring more references for clinicians and experts, this paper adopted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of Kangfuxin liquid in the treatment of eczema. We conducted a search in several databases, including EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library, to identify suitable randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Following this, we gathered data from the RCTs which compared conventional therapies to Kangfuxin liquid alone or in combination with conventional therapies. We utilized RevMan 5.4 software to compute 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and risk ratios (RRs), and to carry out the meta-analysis. 17 meta-analyses involving 1725 patients were included. A meta-analysis showed that standalone Kangfuxin liquid therapy significantly improved the overall effective rate compared to nonglucocorticoid ointment therapy (Kangfuxin liquid vs nonglucocorticoid ointment: RR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.09-1.42; P = 0.001). The total effective rate for standalone Kangfuxin liquid therapy was consistent with that of glucocorticoid ointment therapy (Kangfuxin liquid vs glucocorticoid ointment: RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.88-1.36; P = 0.41). In addition, the results were significantly improved when Kangfuxin liquid combined with conventional western medicine (Kangfuxin liquid + conventional Western medicine vs conventional Western medicine: RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03-1.22; P = 0.009). Kangfuxin liquid can effectively treat eczema. However, further scale-up, involving more rigorous, precise, and inclusive meta-analyses are needed to make a significant difference in the treatment of eczema.

Real-time ancillary diagnostics for intraoperative assessment of intestinal viability in horses-looking for answers across species.

Clinical intestinal viability assessment is associated with significant limitations, and there is an undisputable need for ancillary diagnostics during colic surgery. Human and companion animal surgeons struggle with similar intraoperative issues, yet there is little exchange between specialists. Therefore, this narrative review aimed to create an overview of real-time ancillary diagnostics with the potential for intraoperative intestinal viability assessment in horses. Most real-time ancillary diagnostics can be classified as either tissue perfusion or oxygenation assessments. Intestinal perfusion may be quantified using dark field microscopy, laser Doppler flowmetry, or fluorescence angiography (FA). In particular, indocyanine green FA has gained popularity in human medicine and is increasingly employed to predict intestinal injury. Intestinal oxygen saturation can be measured by pulse oximetry or mixed tissue oximetry. The latter can be conducted using visible light or near-infrared spectrophotometry, and these measurements correlate with clinical outcomes in various species. Other real-time diagnostics include thermography and techniques currently under development, such as laser speckle flowgraphy or photoacoustic imaging. The modalities discussed are minimally invasive and may be used for intraoperative assessments of the intestine. However, limitations include the occurrence of artifacts and the subjective nature of some modalities. Techniques such as indocyanine green FA and tissue oximetry are already available in veterinary practice and have the potential for use during colic surgery. However, blinded clinical trials are lacking in all species, and more research is needed to determine the accuracy and cutoff values in equine-specific intestinal lesions.

First Report of Trichoderma gamsii Causing Root rot Disease on Panax notoginseng in Wenshan, Yunnan Province of China.

Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H.Chen (Sanqi) is a traditional Chinese medicinal plants, and has shown hemostasis, anti-oxidation, neuroprotection and anti-tumor activities (Wang et al. 2014). Wenshan (23°35'24.1" N, 104°19'48.2" E) in Yunnan Province of China, is the main producing area of P. notoginseng. This region has a subtropical monsoon climate, an altitude of around 1200m above sea level, and loam soil. In November 2023, serious symptoms of root rot disease were first observed on 2-year-old P. notoginseng in Wenshan. The P. notoginseng initially exhibits indications of stem browning and leaf yellowing, followed by plant wilting and damping-off, and eventual death. The incidence of diseased plants was up to 20% in a plantation of 4 hectares. Six diseased plants were randomly collected from different regions of a 1000 square meters planting area, and root samples were cut into small fragments and surface sterilized with 1% sodium hypochlorite for 1 min. The root fragments were placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and then incubated at 30℃ in the dark. Mycelium tips were observed and transferred onto new plates and finally 18 isolates were obtained from the diseased samples. The colonies of all 18 isolates were white with strong coconut odour, and looked identical in appearance. The growth rate of the isolates was about 2.5cm/d and the whole petri dish (8 cm in diameter) could be covered in 4 days. Conidia formed after another two-day incubation with light. Conidia were smooth, elliptical, 4.1 to 5.2 × 2.9 to 3.6 μm in size (n = 30). DNA was extracted from three representative isolates. The partial region of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the translation elongation factor (tef1) were amplified with the primers ITS1/ITS4, TEF1/EF728 (Samuels et al. 2006). The blast results showed that the three isolates were identical to each other in their ITS (PP469588) and tef1 (PP544203) sequences and those sequences had 99% (ITS, 580/583bp) and 98% (tef1, 597/609 bp) similarity with those of Trichoderma gamsii (DQ841730 and DQ841722, respectively) (Jaklitsch et al. 2006). For pathogenicity tests, thirty 5-month-old healthy seedlings of P. notoginseng were used and inoculated by root-irrigation of conidial suspension (107 conidia/mL, 20mL per seedling), whereas ten seedlings were treated with distilled water as controls. All seedlings were incubated in pots and set in the test field in Wenshan area from April to June. First symptoms appeared 6 days after inoculation. All inoculated seedlings showed disease symptoms 18 days later after challenge, whereas no symptoms were observed on the controls. The pathogen was reisolated and confirmed to be T. gamsii through molecular identification. The pathogenicity test was repeated three times. T. gamsii was first reported in 2006 (Jaklitsch et al. 2006), and attracted attention mainly on its biocontrol effects (Matarese et al. 2012). It had also been isolated from healthy P. notoginseng as endophyte to produce many different secondary metabolites for potential medical use (Ding et al. 2012). To our knowledge, this is the first report of T. gamsii causing root rot disease on P. notoginseng. P. notoginseng is of great economic value in Wenshan area. In 2017, its production was valued at 16.2 billion Chinese Yuan, with an expanding cultivation (Liu et al. 2020). Thus, it is important to monitor and manage this pathogen on P. notoginseng.

A valuable comparative overview on infringement of second medical use claims

A valuable comparative overview on infringement of second medical use claims