Oral Paste Research Articles

A comparative study of amlexanox and tetracyclines in the management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis

Background: Although there are many drugs which are used for topical therapy in recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) patients, there are few clinical trials that have used tetracycline and amlexanox. Aim and Objectives: To evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of topical tetracycline and amlexanox. Materials and Methods: Here in this study we divided the RAS patients into two groups in each group alternative selection was done. Patients of 1st Group received topical application of tetracycline crushed tablets with denture adhesive and few drops of saline solution on each alternative day visit. Same as Group 2nd subject received amlexanox. Treatment response was assessed by measuring pain reduction, photographic record, ulcer duration, and adhesive retention time. Results: Amlexanox oral paste show more efficacy in comparision of topical tetracycline in the treatment of recurrent minor aphthous ulcers. Conculsion: Amlexanox is more effective in comparison of tetracycline.

Protocol summary and statistical analysis plan for the Selective Decontamination of the Digestive Tract in Intensive Care Unit Patients (SuDDICU) crossover, cluster randomised controlled trial

Background: It is unclear whether the use of selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) improves outcomes in ventilated patients in intensive care units (ICUs) and whether SDD is associated with the development of antibiotic resistance. Objective: To describe the study protocol and statistical analysis plan for the Selective Decontamination of the Digestive Tract in Intensive Care Unit Patients (SuDDICU) trial. Design, setting, participants and intervention: SuDDICU is an international, crossover, cluster randomised controlled trial of mechanically ventilated patients in ICUs using two 12-month trial periods. For each period, participating ICUs will implement SDD plus standard care or standard care alone. The SuDDICU drug intervention is an oral paste and gastric suspension of three antibiotics combined with a 4-day course of intravenous antibiotics. Observational ecological assessments will be conducted during five surveillance periods. The trial will be conducted in 19 ICUs in Australia and ten ICUs in Canada and the United Kingdom, and will recruit 15 000-17 000 patients. Recruitment commenced in Australia in 2017. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome is all-cause hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes include: duration of ventilation, ICU stay and hospital stay; incidence of new antibiotic-resistant organisms during the index ICU admission; changes in antibiotic-resistant organism rates; incidence of new Clostridioides difficile infections; and total use of antibiotics. Results and conclusions: SuDDICU will determine whether the use of SDD plus standard care is associated with a reduction in hospital mortality in ventilated ICU patients compared with standard care alone. It will also quantify the impact of the use of SDD on the development of antibiotic resistance. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12615000411549) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02389036).

Oral Herb Medicine Paste Improves Learning and Memory Function in Elderly Spontaneous Hypertensive Rats

Background: Oral herb medicine paste (Gao-Zi-Yao) has long been a unique way for treating various diseases. The present study is to explore the effect of Gao-Zi-Yao on learning and memory function in elderly spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) and its possible mechanism. Methods: Male elderly SHR were received different doses of Gao-Zi-Yao for 4 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate were monitored. Morris water maze was performed to test the learning and memory function of the rats. Number of neurons in hippocampus was counted by Nissl staining. Western blot was applied to detect the expressions of learning and memory function related proteins, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor 2B (NMDAR 2B), glutamate receptor 1 (GluR1), phosphorylated-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (p-CaMK II), and phosphorylated-cAMP responsive element-binding protein (p-CREB) in rat hippocampus. Findings: Data showed that Gao-Zi-Yao reduced SBP in elderly SHR. The results of Morris water maze experiment showed that Gao-Zi-Yao dose-dependently improved learning and memory function. Number of neurons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) region of the elderly SHR was increased by Gao-Zi-Yao treatment. In addition, Gao-Zi-Yao elevated the protein expressions of NMDAR 2B, GluR1, p-CaMK II, and p-CREB in hippocampus. Interpretation: Gao-Zi-Yao decreases SBP and improves the learning and memory function of the elderly SHR by regulation of neuron number in hippocampal DG area and the expressions of learning and memory function related proteins. Funding Statement: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81970422), Suzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau (SS201745, GSWS2019022, SYSD2020210), and 5th 333 Project of Jiangsu Province. Declaration of Interests: The authors stated 'not applicable.' Ethics Approval Statement: The experiments were performed in according with the National Institutes of Health Guidelines for the Use of Laboratory Animals (NIH, publication number 85-23, revised 1996.), which were approved by and performed according to guidelines for the care and use of animals established by Soochow University. All the herbs and other materials used in the preparation of Gao-Zi Yao were approved by National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China.

The outcome of fluticasone nasal spray on anosmia and triamcinolone oral paste in dysgeusia in COVID-19 patients

BackgroundTo study the outcome of fluticasone nasal sprays in smell disorders and triamcinolone paste in taste dysfunction in a population of laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 patients as the test group. The control group will not be given any intervention and only monitoring of these symptoms will be done to compare the recovery time. MethodsThis prospective interventional study was conducted from June to Nov 2020 at, Datta Meghe University during the COVID-19 outbreak. The 120 enrolled patients were tested at days 1 and 5 after proven infection by RT-PCR test. ResultThe mean age for all cases is 50.88 ± 15.93 years, whereas for the controls mean age is 51.2 ± 14.89. 2. Among cases 45 (75%) were males and 15 (25%) were females, among controls 43 (71.66%) were males and 17 (28.33%) were females. Among the case group, after the use of fluticasone spray in the nose and triamcinolone paste in the mouth there was a statistically significant improvement in recognizing all the odours and taste on day 5 compared to day 1. On comparing the smell and taste of cases and control group, either there is no improvement or worsening in smell or taste on day 5 in the control group. ConclusionThe use of fluticasone nasal spray and triamcinolone paste had immensely influenced the basic senses such as smell and taste. Our study showed that olfactory and taste function significantly improved in patients with COVID-19. For all anosmia and dysgeusia cases who received fluticasone nasal spray and triamcinolone medications the recovery of smell senses and the taste was within a week.

Selective Decontamination of the Digestive Tract to Prevent Postoperative Pneumonia and Anastomotic Leakage after Esophagectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Infectious complications occur frequently after esophagectomy. Selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) has been shown to reduce postoperative infections and anastomotic leakage in gastrointestinal surgery, but robust evidence for esophageal surgery is lacking. The aim was to evaluate the association between SDD and pneumonia, surgical-site infections (SSIs), anastomotic leakage, and 1-year mortality after esophagectomy. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients undergoing Ivor Lewis esophagectomy in four Dutch hospitals between 2012 and 2018. Two hospitals used SDD perioperatively and two did not. SDD consisted of an oral paste and suspension (containing amphotericin B, colistin, and tobramycin). The primary outcomes were 30-day postoperative pneumonia and SSIs. Secondary outcomes were anastomotic leakage and 1-year mortality. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between SDD and the relevant outcomes (odds ratio (OR)). A total of 496 patients were included, of whom 179 received SDD perioperatively and the other 317 patients did not receive SDD. Patients who received SDD were less likely to develop postoperative pneumonia (20.1% vs. 36.9%, p < 0.001) and anastomotic leakage (10.6% vs. 19.9%, p = 0.008). Multivariate analysis showed that SDD is an independent protective factor for postoperative pneumonia (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.23–0.67, p < 0.001) and anastomotic leakage (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.26–0.84, p = 0.011). Use of perioperative SDD seems to be associated with a lower risk of pneumonia and anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy.

Correlation of Pain Score with Ulcer Size in Oral Aphthous Ulcers Using 2% Curcumin Gel and 0.1% Triamcinolone Oral Paste - A Parallel Comparison Study

Background: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common inflammatory condition affecting the oral mucosa causing interference with mastication and speech with significant impact on quality of life. The use of topical steroids remains the mainstay as the primary therapeutic approach and they are often considered to be the first choice of treatment. Turmeric has been used in the Indian traditional medicine for centuries. Its anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities are demonstrated by the rapid healing of the ulcers. Aim: The primary aim of this study was to assess and correlate pain score with ulcer size using topical curcumin 2% gel and triamcinolone acetonide oral paste 0.12% in recurrent minor oral aphthous ulcerations. Methodology: Following convenient sampling, 60 volunteered students with oral aphthous ulcers were included to take part in this single-blinded randomised study. Randomization was done by flip coin method. Group I received Topical Curcumin oral gel 2% and Group II received Topical Triamcinolone acetonide 0.1%. Statistical Analysis: Qualitative data was expressed in percentage and quantitative in mean (SD). Independent sample t test and correlation was done. Results: The ulcer size was smaller initially and gradually increased in the next few days and the size decreased upon ulcer healing. Initially, the pain score was higher and gradually decreased as the ulcer healed. Positive correlation of ulcer size and pain score was obtained in Group I on the 1st day, 4th day and 5th day with statistical significance of P &lt; 0.001 and negative correlation on 2nd day without statistical significance. Ulcer size and pain score in Group II was correlated negatively on Day 1, 2, 6 and 7 without statistical significance and positively correlated from Day 3-5 without statistical significance. Ulcer size and pain score was negatively correlated with statistical significance for Day 6 and 7. Conclusion: Our study showed that Curcumin performed on par with triamcinolone and there is no positive correlation between ulcer size and pain score with topical management of Curcumin and Triamcinolone in aphthous ulcers. Though both the drug was effectively able to bring down the pain and size without any side effects, with a borderline favorable result with steroid.

Efficacy of silver nanoparticle gel on healing of traumatic oral ulcers compared with triamcinolone oral paste: An experimental study on rats.

There are many treatment protocols for relieving pain and accelerating oral ulcer healing. The purpose was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect of silver nanoparticle (AgNP) gel on oral ulcers compared with the traditional treatment in animal model. In this experimental study, 72 adult male rats were randomly allocated into four groups, after ulcer induction: control (receive no treatment), placebo (placebo gel was applied on ulcers once daily), triamcinolone (ulcers were treated with triamcinolone paste once daily), and AgNPs (ulcers were treated with AgNP gel once daily). The animals were sacrificed at three successive periods of 3, 7, and 14 days after ulcer induction. Histopathological scores of re-epithelialization and degree of inflammation were assessed. The wound size was measured clinically. For parametric data, the analysis of variance, and for ordinal histopathological data, the Kruskal-Wallis test using SPSS was done. A P < 0.05 was considered statically significant. Control and placebo groups had no case of complete healing. Improvement of wound size by triamcinolone paste was not significant in different days but showed significant differences in degree of inflammation (P < 0.001) and re-epithelialization (P = 0.012). Reduction of wound size by AgNPs gel had significant difference at 14th day (P < 0.001); further, by this gel, significant differences in degree of inflammation and re-epithelialization were seen in long-term medication. AgNP gel could be effective in oral ulcer healing clinically and histopathologically. Although this gel showed delayed effect, it had better healing effect according to the cases with complete healing. Hence, the application of AgNP oral gel can be considered as an alternative approach for oral ulcers.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of 2 registered omeprazole preparations and varying dose rates in horses.

BackgroundOmeprazole preparations vary in bioavailability in horses.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo characterize the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of an existing enteric‐coated oral omeprazole paste (REF) and a novel, in‐feed, enteric‐coated dry granule preparation (NOV).AnimalsTwelve Standardbred/Thoroughbred mares free from clinical disease.MethodsA prospective, blinded randomized interventional study was trial, conducted in 3 parts: (a) bioavailability study, (b) dose titration study, and (c) comparative clinical pharmacodynamic study, each using a blocked crossover design.ResultsConsistent with the larger dose administered, Cmax (median, 1032 ng/mL; range, 576‐1766) and AUC0‐24 (median, 63.9 μg/mL*min; range, 42.4‐152.4) were greater after single oral administration of NOV than REF (282.7 ng/mL; range, 94.8‐390.2, and 319 23.8 μg/mL*min; range, 8.2‐42.3, respectively; both P = .004). No differences were observed between products for absolute oral bioavailability (NOV 55% range, 15‐88; REF 17% range, 10‐77; P = .25). Treatment with both preparations was associated with reduced gastric squamous ulcer scores and increased pH of gastric fluid. Bioequivalence was demonstrated for pharmacodynamic measures with the exception of % time pH <4, despite differences in dose rate and subsequent plasma omeprazole concentrations.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe findings of this study indicate that the NOV product would be a suitable alternative to the reference product, and confirm that plasma concentrations of omeprazole and omeprazole dose do not predict drug pharmacodynamics in horses.

Case Report on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE) is a multi-system chronic but often episodic,autoimmune condition defined by widespread inflammation of connective tissues and immune complexmediated vasculitis as well as the involvement of Antinuclear Antibodies.Case Presentation: The 11 years old female patient who was apparently alright 2 months back admittedin “Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital Sawangi (M), Wardha,” Maharashtra on date 22/02/2020 withthe chief complaint of high-grade fever on and off since 2 months and facial puffiness since 6 days, ascites,constipation and pain in joints. The patient started experiencing fever 02 months back which was highgrade and she took treatment on an OPD basis but there was no relief. After that she was admitted at GMCChandrapur for the complaint of cough, cold, fever and oral ulcer and symptomatic treatment was given andgot discharged after 12 days. Fever, facial puffiness, pain in knee joints. The patient had undergone variousinvestigations like complete blood count, urine analysis, lipid profile, anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), ANTIDSDNA (Anti-Double Stranded DNA). The patient was treated with antibiotics, corticosteroid, antacid,DMARD (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug), a loop diuretic, antiemetic and oral paste to treatmouth ulcers. Monitor all vital signs, checked and recorded intake and output, administered medication asprescribed.Conclusion: The patient was admitted to AVBRH with chief complaints of fever on and off, facial puffiness,ascites, constipation and pain in joints. Immediate treatment was started by health team members and nowthe patient’s condition is satisfactory.

Drug content on receipt and over time for compounded formulations of famciclovir.

The aim of this study was to determine famciclovir content (strength) in compounded formulations and to determine if potency changed over time. Four concentrations of oral oil suspension in three distinct flavors, three concentrations of oral paste, three chew treats and 62.5 mg tablets from one compounding pharmacy were evaluated for famciclovir content. Specific sample preparation procedures were used for each drug formulation prior to determination of famciclovir content through mass spectrometry tandem liquid chromatography. Analysis was performed on arrival from the compounder and on days 7, 14, 28, 56 and 120. Samples were run in triplicate and concentration determined by comparison with a standard curve. Content was considered appropriate if within 90-110% of the labeled concentration. On arrival from the compounding pharmacy, 5/12 oral oil suspensions of varying concentrations were <90% of the labeled concentration and 3/3 oral pastes were >110%. Famciclovir content in oil suspensions ranged from 72% to 118% of the label value while oral pastes ranged from 95% to 202% of the label concentration over the 120 study days, and all concentrations varied in an unpredictable fashion. Tablets contained 90-110% of the labeled value throughout the study period. Chew treats could not be successfully analyzed. This study found substantial variation in famciclovir content in the compounded products evaluated, which, in turn, raises concerns that substandard dosing could result in lack of efficacy or a failed treatment trial. Drug toxicity might also be encountered. Veterinarians must be aware that while compounded medications can improve compliance, they might not deliver the drug dose expected.

New Trends Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Past Two Decades

The specialty of Oral &amp; Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS), as we know it now, will inevitably change in our lives. The use of new scientific and technological achievements has revolutionized field of oral and maxillofacial surgery [1].

Anthelmintic Efficacy and Pharmacokinetics of Ivermectin Paste after Oral Administration in Mules Infected by Cyathostomins.

Simple SummaryMules and donkeys are often treated as horses from a therapeutic point of view. This approach could be dangerous due to species differences in drug pharmacokinetics which could reflect on the drug effectiveness. Ivermectin is a commonly used anthelmintic compound due to the broad spectrum of activity. The improper use of ivermectin (i.e., dosage, route of administration) could cause a lack of parasite control and contribute to development of drug resistance. Studies on the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of antiparasitic molecules in mules are limited, although these drugs are crucial for the welfare of these equines. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and pharmacokinetics of ivermectin administered to mules at the same dosage (200 µg/kg body weight) and route licensed for horses. Results show that administering ivermectin orally, at the same dosage of horses, has a pharmacokinetic intermediate behavior between horses and donkeys. This study demonstrates that ivermectin oral paste at horse dosage is effective and safe for the treatment of cyathostomins in mules.Ivermectin (IVM) is an anthelmintic compound commonly used off-label in mules due to its broad-spectrum of activity. Despite the general use of IVM in mules with the same dose and route of administration licensed for horses, significant pharmacokinetic differences might exist between horses and mules, as already observed for donkeys. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile and anthelmintic efficacy of an oral paste of IVM in mules naturally infected with cyathostomins. Fifteen adult mules with fecal egg counts (FEC) ≥ 200 eggs per gram (EPG), with exclusive presence of cyathostomins, were included in the study. All mules were orally treated with IVM according to the manufacturer's recommended horse dosage (200 µg/kg body weight). FECs were performed before (day-10 and day-3) and after treatment at days 14 and 28 by using a modified McMaster method. The FEC reduction (FECR%) was also calculated. Blood samples were collected from five animals at various times between 0.5 h up to 30 days post treatment to determine pharmacokinetic parameters. The maximum IVM serum concentration (Cmax) was 42.31 ± 10.20 ng/mL and was achieved at 16.80 ± 9.96 h post-treatment (Tmax), area under the curve (AUC) was 135.56 ± 43.71 ng × day/mL. FECR% remained high (>95%) until the 28th day.

A Controlled Study on Efficacy and Egg Reappearance Period of Ivermectin in Donkeys Naturally Infected with Small Strongyles.

SummaryThe aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy and the egg reappearance period (ERP) of ivermectin (IVM) in donkeys during a 13-week period. The study involved a total of 14 adult Amiata breed donkeys, 7 – 13 years of age, and naturally infected with small strongyles. A group of 10 donkeys was treated with IVM oral paste at a dose rate of 200 mcg/kg BW. Another group of 4 donkeys was kept as untreated control group. Faecal samples were collected and examined for strongyle eggs on day 0 before treatment. IVM efficacy was based on the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) on day 14 post-treatment. Then individual faecal samples were collected and examined by FECRT at weekly intervals. A FECRT of 100 % was found after treatment with IVM and its ERP, defined as the week when the mean FECRT decreased until to become lower than 90 %efficacy, was estimated to be 11 weeks without signs of developing anthelmintic resistance. No adverse reactions were observed during the study period. Our findings may be useful to veterinary practitioners and breeders as they show that IVM, at the recommended dose rate, can be still considered a highly effective and safe pharmacological tool for the treatment of small strongyles in donkeys. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that all possible strategies are undertaken to avoid the risk of emergence of anthelmintic resistance to IVM in donkeys.

Evaluation of 5% Amlexenox Oral Paste and Rebamipide Tablets in Treatment of Recurrent Apthous Stomatitis and Comparison with Dologel CT.

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a frequently seen oral ulcerative lesion, manifesting as multiple, recurrent, shallow, irregular ulcers encircled by an erythematous halo. The precise etiopathogenesis is obscure, although the recent understanding suggests an underlying immune-mediated etiology. However, there is no defined management protocol and the principal therapy aims to attain symptomatic respite. 150 clinically diagnosed RAS patients of both sexes in the age range of 15-65years were randomly allocated and divided into two cohorts, namely Group A (75 RAS patients receiving 5% Amlexanox paste + 100mg Rebamipide tab.) and Group B (75 RAS patients receiving Dologel CT). Effectiveness of 5% Amlexanox oral paste and Rebamipide tablets in diminution of the ulcer size, erythema and pain was assessed and compared with Dologel CT therapy. The study showed an equal gender distribution. Majority of the patients were in the younger age range (25-35years) and labial and buccal mucosa were the commonest affected sites. Although, both 5% Amlexanox and Rebamipide tablets and Dologel CT showed statistically significant resolution in the ulcer size, erythema, and associated pain. However, 5% oral Amlexanox paste and Rebamipide tablets are more efficacious in the treatment of RAS and tend to heal the ulcer at a more accelerated pace. Our research concluded that 5% oral Amlexanox paste and Rebamipide tablets tend to heal the ulcer at a more accelerated pace as compared to Dologel CT.

Effects of coadministration of corn oil and ponazuril on serum and cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of ponazuril in horses.

BackgroundPonazuril is used for the treatment of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). Coadministration of ponazuril with oil could result in higher serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of ponazuril.HypothesisCoadministration of corn oil will result in higher serum and CSF concentrations of ponazuril than when ponazuril is administered alone.AnimalsTen resident university‐owned adult horses of either sex and >2 years of age.MethodsCohort study. Ponazuril oral paste (5 mg/kg BW; ponazuril treatment group (PON); n = 5), or ponazuril oral paste (5 mg/kg BW; ponazuril and oil treatment group (PONOIL; n = 5) coadministered with 2 oz of corn oil q24h for 21 days. Horses were treated once daily, for 21 days. Blood was collected on days 0, 7, 14, and 21 before dosing. In addition, CSF was collected on days 1, 7, 14, and 21. The concentration of ponazuril was determined in serum and CSF and results compared using repeated measures ANOVA.ResultsCoadministration of ponazuril with 2 oz of corn oil resulted in higher concentrations of ponazuril in serum (at steady state) than that found in horses given ponazuril alone (6.2 ± 0.9 mg/L versus 4.5 ± 1.0 mg/L; P = .004) (mean ± 1 SD). Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of ponazuril were also greater in horses that received ponazuril and oil (0.213 mg/L ± 0.04 versus 0.162 ± 0.04 mg/L) (P = .03).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceResults suggest that coadministration of corn oil with ponazuril might enhance the effectiveness of treatment with ponazuril.

Pharmacokinetics of three formulations of vitacoxib in horses.

The pharmacokinetic properties of three formulations of vitacoxib were investigated in horses. To describe plasma concentrations and characterize the pharmacokinetics, 6 healthy adult Chinese Mongolian horses were administered a single dose of 0.1mg/kg bodyweight intravenous (i.v.), oral paste, or oral tablet vitacoxib in a 3-way, randomized, parallel design. Blood samples were collected prior to and at various times up to 72hr postadministration. Plasma vitacoxib concentrations were quantified using UPLC-MS/MS, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using noncompartmental analysis. No complications resulting from the vitacoxib administration were noted on subsequent administrations, and all procedures were tolerated well by the horses throughout the study. The elimination half-life (T1/2λz ) was 4.24±1.98hr (i.v.), 8.77±0.91hr (oral paste), and 8.12±4.24hr (oral tablet), respectively. Maximum plasma concentration (Cmax ) was 28.61±9.29ng/ml (oral paste) and 19.64±9.26ng/ml (oral tablet), respectively. Area under the concentration-versus-time curve (AUClast ) was 336±229nghr/ml (i.v.), 221±94nghr/ml (oral paste), and 203±139nghr/ml, respectively. The results showed statistically significant differences between the 2 oral vitacoxib groups in Tmax value. T1/2λz (hr), AUClast (nghr/ml), and MRT (hr) were significantly different between i.v. and oral groups. The longer half-life observed following oral administration was consistent with the flip-flop phenomenon.

Comparison of multiple single-use, pulse-dose trace mineral products provided as injectable, oral drench, oral paste, or bolus on circulating and liver trace mineral concentrations of beef steers

ABSTRACT Objective The objective was to determine effects of various trace mineral products on steer plasma and liver trace mineral concentrations. Materials and Methods Fifty-six trace mineral adequate Angus-cross steers (303 ± 15.2 kg; n = 8 per treatment) were sorted by BW and administered treatments on d 0: injectable saline (CON), injectable Multimin90 (ITM), Mineral Max Drench (MMD), Mineral Max Paste (MMP), Starting Fluid Drench (SFD), Se365 bolus (Se365), or Reloader250 bolus (Rel250). Steers received a common diet (silage-based diet d 0–49; corn-based diet d 50–122), and individual feed disappearance was recorded. Plasma (0, 8, 24, and 48 h) and liver (−7, 2, 15, 29, 49, 65, 91, and 120 d) were analyzed for Cu, Mn, Se, and Zn. Results and Discussion Plasma Zn, Mn, and Se concentrations were affected by treatment × time (P = 0.001); steers given ITM had greater concentrations through 8 h for Zn and 24 h for Mn and Se versus other treatments. Liver Se concentration was greater in ITM versus other treatments through d 15, but Rel250 was greater than ITM and MMP on d 91 and greater than CON, MMD, MMP, and SFD on d 120 (treatment × time; P ≤ 0.001). Liver Mn, Zn, and Cu were affected by time (P ≤ 0.001), where liver Mn concentrations were least on d 2 and increased over time but liver Zn concentrations were greatest on d 2 and least on d 29 to 120. Implications and Applications Single-use, pulse-dose products increased circulating trace minerals most quickly as an injection (increasing plasma Mn, Se, Zn) compared with other treatments, whereas liver Se concentrations were increased by injection (through d 29) and Rel250 (by d 91).

The Effects and Safety of Chinese Oral Herbal Paste on Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background Chinese oral herbal paste has been widely used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the treatment effects of herbal paste were controversial and lack evidence to support its clinical use. This study aims to systematically assess the efficacy and safety of Chinese oral herbal paste for the treatment of stable COPD. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, CENTRAL, EMBASE, CNKI, VIP, CBM, and WANFANG database in addition to two websites of clinical trial registry were searched from respective inception to August 2019. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying Chinese herbal paste for the treatment of stable COPD were included. Methodological quality was assessed based on Cochrane risk of bias and GRADE approach. Data were analyzed using RevMan 5.3. Results A total of 19 RCTs with 1303 individuals compared Chinese oral herbal paste and Western medicine (WM) with WM alone were included for meta-analysis. The review showed compared with WM alone, the combination of herbal paste and WM reduced exacerbation frequency. Subgroup analyses showed that after two to three months of treatment, compared with WM alone, Chinese herbal paste plus WM significantly decreased the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) scores, COPD assessment test (CAT) scores, and scores of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome, and improved clinical effective rates, lung function, and 6-minute walk distance. No serious adverse events related to herbal paste were reported. Conclusion Current evidence showed that Chinese oral herbal paste may be an effective and well-tolerated adjuvant therapy for stable COPD. Considering the risks of bias and heterogeneity, more high-quality, well-designed RCTs are still needed.

Topical Curcumin and Triamcinolone Acetonide in Recurrent Minor Aphthous Ulcers: A Pilot Trial

To evaluate the efficacy of topical curcumin and topical triamcinolone acetonide in a professional population with minor aphthous ulcers by assessing six clinical variables: site, size, pain, healing period, frequency of recurrence and number of ulcers. This randomized, parallel designed pilot trial was performed on 60 symptomatic individuals with minor aphthous ulcer. Willing participants were allocated randomly into group I and group II. Participants in group I were treated with topical curcumin and group II were treated with topical triamcinolone acetonide for a period of 6 months. All participants were blinded to the drug they received. Participants were assessed on day 1, day 3, day 5, day 7, and after healing for symptomatic reduction in pain, size, healing period, frequency of recurrence, and in the number of ulcers. Statistically, independent sample t test, Chi-square test, and Log rank Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were performed. Lower labial mucosa was found to be the predominant site of minor aphthous ulcer in both the groups. A gradual reduction in pain and size was noted in both the groups with statistical significance of p value <0.001. All the ulcers in both the groups healed completely without scarring within 2 weeks with statistical significance. In both the treatment groups, new ulcers occurred throughout the follow-up period of 6 months. The mean number of the ulcers are statistically not significant with p value >0.05. Our study showed clinically beneficial effects with topical curcumin with regard to ulcer size, pain, healing, and recurrence rate. Also topical curcumin gel was well tolerated and performed ot par with topical triamcinolone acetonide oral paste with a borderline favorable result with triamcinolone. Curcumin can be safely recommended on a long-term basis as a more appealing therapeutic agent and is a better alternative choice for aphthous ulcers in children, pregnant woman, lactating mother, and in immunocompromised individuals.

A Reflection on the Khasi Myth: Ka Meiramew (Mother Earth)

This paper attempts to give a brief reflection of the concept of Ka Meiramew (Mother Earth) and myth of origin. It also discusses a strong cultural and philosophical tradition. There is also an awakening trend among the tribal scholars, to examine these value judgements in relation to the oral past. Although have a number of myths, this paper covers only one popular creation myth.