Preparatory Treatments Research Articles

Concept of Koshtha and Koshtha Parikshana: A comprehensive review

In Ayurveda, the concept of Koshtha integrates both anatomical and physiological dimensions, playing a pivotal role in understanding digestive health and Dosha balance. Anatomically, Koshtha denotes the body's cavities. Physiologically, it refers to the functional state of the digestive tract, influencing bowel movements and digestive processes based on an individual's Dosha constitution. Koshtha is categorized based on predominant Dosha influence. Koshtha Parikshana (assessment of Koshtha) is crucial for effective Ayurvedic treatment. It aids in diagnosing digestive disorders, selecting appropriate medications, and determining dosages. Additionally, it informs dietary and lifestyle recommendations and guides preparatory treatments such as Snehapana before Shodhana (detoxification) therapies. By understanding Koshtha, practitioners can tailor treatments to align with the individual's digestive constitution, enhancing therapeutic outcomes and overall health. This review emphasizes the importance of Koshtha in Ayurvedic practice, highlighting its physiological relevance, clinical implications, and its role in personalized treatment planning.

Fecal microbial transplantation as a novel therapeutic for autism spectrum disorders: a review of the current literature

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are complex neurobiological conditions with poor long-term outcomes and limited treatment options. The microbiota–gut–brain axis indicates a pathway by which the gut microbiota links to ASDs. Fecal microbial transplantation (FMT), whereby the gut microbiota is replaced with that of a healthy individual, shows promise for the treatment of neurobiological conditions. This review examines the current evidence for the use of FMT as a therapeutic for ASD.DiscussionASDs and their associated gastrointestinal symptoms are improved with FMT, potentially due to the engraftment of features of a healthy gut. Longer treatment regimens that include daily maintenance doses appear to be the most effective long-term therapeutic option, with benefits persisting 2 years post-intervention. Evidence is mixed regarding the use of preparatory treatments. Considering the sex bias in ASD research, small sample sizes and the lack of placebo control arms, randomized controlled trials would be of benefit to the evidence base regarding the use of FMT as a therapeutic option for ASD.ConclusionFMT is a promising new therapeutic for ASD, but the evidence base is in its infancy.

Onkológiai prehabilitáció

Cancer is currently the second leading cause of death in developed countries. Precision oncology treatments have significantly improved morbidity and mortality rates, 60% of patients can be cured or the disease can be managed as a chronic condition, so preserving and optimizing quality of life is just as important as successful treatment. The integration of rehabilitation has become generally accepted, however, preparatory treatments prior to oncological interventions should also receive more and more emphasis. In our center, we introduced the so-called oncological prehabilitation program that is a preparation treatment before oncological interventions. The program is popular among patients, and the positive feedback affects team members as well. Our goal is to present the structure and expected benefits of oncology prehabilitation as well as the possibilities of integrating it into the continuum of care, thereby introducing a change of perspective and paradigm shift. With oncological prehabilitation, we can witness a change of attitude and paradigm shift. Additional services supporting successful oncology treatments improve the quality of life, which - if there is an intention and need - could be implemented in oncology centers even with the current human resources. Orv Hetil. 2022; 163(50): 1975-1981.

Physical And Sensory Evaluation of Peanut Yogurt

The word “yogurt” is related to the Turkish word “jaukurt” which means thick milk. Yogurt refers to a fermented milk product made by using selected microorganisms to develop not only the characteristic flavor but also body and texture. Peanut is one of the important nutrients which has significant amount of all essential nutrients. Objective: In this study physical and sensory properties of peanut yogurt are evaluated by using different scientifically proved sensory evaluation methods. Methods: Organoleptic evaluation of yogurt showed that storage as well as treatments had significant effect on all sensory parameters and a progressive deterioration in flavor, body & texture and appearance of yogurt under various preparatory treatments. Results: Among treatments, highest scores were awarded to treatment containing 10 % peanut milk, 80 % skimmed milk liquid, 9 % skimmed milk powder and 1 % sugar, for all parameters and minimum changes were noted in it during the whole period of study. Recent investigation revealed that treatment T1 (10 % peanut milk) was comparatively best for manufacturing of peanut milk yogurt followed by T2 (20 % peanut milk + 70 % skimmed milk liquid + 9 % skimmed milk powder + 1 % sugar) while peanut milk yogurt from (30 % peanut milk + 60 % skimmed milk liquid + 9 % skimmed milk powder + 1 % sugar) had the lowest degree of firmness and organoleptic acceptance. Conclusion: It was noticed that correlation among fat, total solids and protein contents in peanut milk affect the extent of serum separation and pH of yogurt and ultimately the texture and overall acceptability of yogurt.

Features of the combined course of opisthorchosis and lambliosis

The purpose of the research is identifying and determining clinical and laboratory features of coinfection caused by Opisthorchis felineus and Lamblia intestinalis.Materials and methods. We described a clinical picture and laboratory abnormalities in 50 patients with O. felineus infection. Of these cases, 25 people were diagnosed with lambliosis. The therapy included three consecutive stages: preparatory stage, antiprotozoal and anthelmintic treatments, and rehabilitation stage. The preparatory stage was aimed to improve the biliary tract function, to reduce intoxication symptoms, and to stop acute allergic reactions. The patients received choleretics, antispasmodics, antibacterial drugs, antihistamines, enzymes, and adsorbents for 2–4 weeks. At the end of the preparatory stage, the patients from the second group were prescribed albendazole of 800 mg per day in two doses of 400 mg per os during meals for 5 days. In the second treatment stage, the patients with opisthorchosis received praziquantel at a dose of 75 mg/kg of body weight per os for one day in three doses. The rehabilitation phase lasted for four months. The next step was to assess lamblia eradication results by the control coproprotozooscopy and/or biliprotozooscopy for cysts and/or vegetative forms of L. intestinalis at 7 days, 1 month and 6 months after treatment with albendazole. The control coproovoscopy for O. felineus eggs was performed at 6 months after praziquantel treatment.Results and discussion. We studied the influence of L. intestinalis on the nature and severity of clinical and laboratory symptoms of opisthorchosis. It was revealed that clinical symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea, low-grade fever or dermatosis) and laboratory syndromes (cytolysis and cholestasis) were more pronounced in case of concomitant helminth and protozoan infections. Lambliosis is more difcult to treat when combined with opisthorchosis.

An Italian Model for the Management of Cancer Patients during COVID-19 Pandemic: The Regional Center for Oncological Orientation (COrO) of Taranto (ROP)

Objective: The recent outbreak of COVID-19 limited the resources of the National Health System necessitating the formulation of novel practice recommendations for oncological care. To date, management guidelines for cancer patients in case of pandemic are not available. Each center tried to manage its own needs and requests independently, often reducing access to treatment and diagnostic exams to patients. Here, we have described the management of cancer patients during COVID-19 infection with suggestions of some practical approaches applied by our Regional Center for Oncological Orientation (COrO) in S.G. Moscati Hospital (Taranto, Italy). Subjects and Methods: Our strategy was to minimize any interruption of cancer treatment through the extension of Taranto’s Health Regional (COrO). The extension of the oncological network, assisted by the General Management of Taranto ASL through agreements with private structures in Taranto’s area, allowed cancer patients to receive up to 11 different types of services, according to their needs (first investigation or follow-up), and represents an exclusive organization on the entire Italian territory. Results: Thanks to the organization of the COrO in 2020, 1,406 first oncological visits and 566 preparatory treatments were carried out, 372 of exemption for oncological pathology (free health care) were activated, and 1,742 instrumental investigations and 7 cases of civil invalidity were performed (certificate of disability). Conclusions: We have overcome barriers to care of oncology patients leading to a reduction of waiting lists representing a practical application model that can be extended to other healthcare settings.

Clinical effectiveness study of a treatment to prepare for trauma-focused evidence-based psychotherapies at a veterans affairs specialty posttraumatic stress disorder clinic.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) clinics in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) often provide psychoeducational or skill-building groups to prepare veterans for trauma-focused PTSD treatments. However, there has been limited evaluation of the effectiveness of this phase-based approach for treatment engagement and symptom reduction. Participants included 575 veterans seeking treatment for PTSD whose treatment outcomes were assessed in a VA outpatient PTSD clinic staffed by mental health professionals and trainees. Participants completed self-report measures of baseline characteristics and psychiatric symptoms as part of routine PTSD clinic treatment. We tested the association of preparatory group treatment with engagement in and treatment response to subsequent trauma-focused psychotherapies, cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure therapy (PE), which are designated by VA as evidence-based psychotherapies (EBP). Following participation in preparatory treatments, 94/391 (24%) of veterans engaged in a subsequent trauma-focused EBP (CPT or PE). Relative to patients who had previously completed a preparatory group, patients initiating a trauma-focused EBP without having first attended preparatory PTSD treatment had similar rates of trauma-focused EBP completion and better treatment response, as measured by decreases on the PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5; PCL-5), F(1, 3009) = 10.89, p = .001, and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 measure of depressive symptoms F(1, 3688) = 6.74, p = .010. Overall, veterans reported greater symptom reduction when engaging in trauma-focused EBP directly, without having previously attended a preparatory group. These data support veteran engagement in trauma-focused EBPs for PTSD without first being encouraged to complete psychoeducational or skill-building groups. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Treatment choice among veterans with PTSD symptoms and substance-related problems: Examining the role of preparatory treatments in trauma-focused therapy.

Although common practice in Veterans Affairs (VA) PTSD clinics, it is unclear whether preparatory treatment improves trauma-focused treatment (TFT) completion and outcomes. Furthermore, little is known about whether treatment-seeking veterans in naturalistic settings would chose to prioritize preparatory treatment if given the option of a phase-based approach or direct access to TFT, and how substance-related problems (SRPs) influence this treatment choice. The first aim of this study was to explore how co-occurring SRPs (ranging from none to moderate/severe) influence PTSD treatment choices in a naturalistic setting where veterans were offered a choice between a phase-based approach (i.e., preparatory treatment) or direct access to TFT. The study also examined whether initial treatment choice and severity of co-occurring SRPs influenced TFT completion and outcomes. The second aim was to investigate whether preparatory treatment led to superior TFT completion or outcomes, irrespective of co-occurring SRPs. Analyses were conducted using archival data from 737 United States veterans referred for outpatient VA PTSD treatment. SRPs did not predict initial treatment choice or the length of preparatory group participation. Neither SRPs nor preparatory group participation predicted TFT completion or outcomes (measured as change in PTSD and depression symptoms from pre- to post-TFT). Preparatory group participation did not predict improved TFT completion or outcomes, irrespective of co-occurring SRPs. These findings suggest that veterans with PTSD symptoms and co-occurring SRPs may make similar treatment choices and benefit from either a phase-based approach or direct TFT initiation, and preparatory treatments may not increase patient readiness for veterans seeking TFT. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Floodplain meadow restoration revisited: Long-term success of large scale application of diaspore transfer with plant material in restoration practice

Rare and endangered floodplain meadows have been a focus of previous restoration projects, but knowledge about the long-term development of newly created meadows is scarce. We studied the long-term development of sites restored via the transfer of seed-containing plant material on former arable fields and former species-poor grassland. We analyzed the long-term development of the vegetation and tested the differences between former land-use types and former preparatory treatments. In former arable fields, we studied the influence of sowing with a grass seed mixture. In former species-poor grassland, we tested the effect of topsoil disturbance by rotovation to inhibit competition by the resident grassland vegetation.Restoration was generally successful with mean transfer rates (number of meadow species at restoration site/number of meadow species at donor site) of 60%, increased species richness, and high proportions of plant material species in the vegetation. Transfer rates were similar between arable fields and former species-poor grassland, though the number of target species for restoration (typical and/or endangered species) was higher in former arable fields. Communities on grassland sites developed more slowly but were more resilient against flooding. Sowing the grass seed mixture had no influence on restoration success on former arable fields, and the positive effects of rotovating on former species-poor grassland decreased over time. We conclude that the transfer of seed-containing plant material is an adequate method to restore species-rich grasslands that are resilient enough to persevere under floodplain dynamics.

What is the Responsibility of Australian Medical Professionals Whose Patients Travel Abroad for Assisted Reproduction?

Australian medical professionals whose patients undertake assisted reproductive treatment abroad face a conflict: to try to provide optimal and on-going care for their patient at the same time as ensuring compliance with Australian legal, ethical, and professional rules which proscribe as unsafe or unethical key aspects of such treatment. A major suggestion from literature on medical travel is that risks to the patient can be mitigated through the involvement of the local professional. However, the force of legal regulation and ethical guidance in Australia strenuously directs clinicians away from involvement in overseas reproductive treatment. This article reports on 37 interviews with Australians travelling abroad for surrogacy, egg donation, and embryo donation, reflecting on patients' experiences with Australian medical professionals both before and after they travelled. Patient reports demonstrate a fragmented and bewildering medical landscape in Australia, in which the ability to access domestic care and expertise varied markedly depending upon the kind of treatment patients were seeking abroad, and the mode of practice of the Australian doctor. Doctors practicing within licensed IVF clinics were notably more constrained than those outside such a setting. Patients seeking egg donation were offered information and received a wide range of diagnostic and preparatory treatments, while those seeking surrogacy were shunned, chided and offered limited (and sometimes covert) assistance. While recent changes to national ethical guidance improve clarity on information giving, the ethical and legal propriety of Australian medical professionals providing diagnostic or preparatory treatment for cross border reproduction remains uncertain.

Correlation of Wood Coconut Quality to the Bundle Density in its Digital Image

Coconut wood has a variety of benefits, namely as a fuel, also used as building material for wooden houses, with a unique texture of coconut wood which is widely used as furniture such as table chairs and cabinets, besides that, with the beauty of the texture of coconut wood, many are made as souvenirs. One of coconut wood quality parameters is the strength of wood in this case the strength of coconut wood holds the loads. This study was directed to determine the correlation between bundle density in digital image of coconut wood and its quality especially the quality of compressive strength. The research phase starts from the preparation stage where coconut wood samples are taken from local coconut species in North Sulawesi with various ages, after going through various preparatory treatments. The sample is then taken the digital image and the sample is also through a compressive strength test. Bundle density values ​​in images obtained through image processing operations to extract the desired features. Coconut wood image sample through a series of image manipulation processes, such as Gray Scale, Histogram Equalization, Threshold, Opening, Invert, and mathematical calculations, on the other hand as comparative values, the same sample was tested by giving the maximum load so that the compressive test value of each sample was obtained, using a simple statistical test obtained a correlation value between bundle density and compressive test strength of 0.64325 and forming a regression equation � so it can be concluded that bundle density has a strong correlation to the quality of coconut wood

Supplemental Material for Treatment Choice Among Veterans With PTSD Symptoms and Substance-Related Problems: Examining the Role of Preparatory Treatments in Trauma-Focused Therapy

Supplemental Material for Treatment Choice Among Veterans With PTSD Symptoms and Substance-Related Problems: Examining the Role of Preparatory Treatments in Trauma-Focused Therapy

Electrochemical performance of a hybrid direct carbon fuel cell powered by pyrolysed MDF

Medium density fibreboard is a ubiquitous element in modern furniture, here we consider utilising waste MDF as a future energy source. In particular, we focus upon the hybrid direct carbon fuel cell (HDCFC), which involves a combined molten carbonate/solid oxide fuel cell anode/electrolyte interface and can be fuelled by a wide range of carbon forms. Current–voltage measurements and a.c. impedance at temperatures in the range of 525–800 °C have been made on cells powered by pyrolysed medium density fibreboard (pMDF) samples which had undergone three different preparatory treatments (immersion of strips in molten eutectic carbonate mixture; deep soaking of strips in aqueous carbonate mixture corresponding to the eutectic composition and fine powdering). Below 700 °C the three pMDF samples show quite different electrochemical performance in the HDCFC, but above 700 °C their behaviour becomes similar. Powdered pMDF gives the best OCV (0.89 V) and lowest resistance (2.36 Ω) values below 700 °C, although the electrochemical performance is dominated by diffusion limitations and the performance degrades at higher temperatures. The immersed strip behaves quite differently with limited performance below 750 °C but it shows both good OCV, 1 V, and low resistance, <4 Ω, at higher temperatures. Three components are discernable, an ohmic contribution probably due to both ionic resistance of zirconia electrolyte and electronic resistance of current collection and two electrode processes thought to be associated with the transfer of oxygen ions at the electrode : electrolyte interface and diffusion of reactant species through the electrode. The activation energies calculated from the ohmic resistances for the three samples (−0.79 – −1.00 eV) are of similar order to that expected for the yttria zirconia electrolyte.

Insights into MOCVD process control as revealed by laser interferometry

In-situ laser interferometry has been used to study the nucleation of CdTe on basal plane sapphire in MOCVD growth. The nucleation delay and nucleation thickness were seen to be influential in the determination of overall buffer layer quality. This nucleation process was seen to be highly complex and the nucleation delay and nucleation layer thickness were seen to vary for constant conditions of nucleation II:VI ratio and temperature. A possible link between nucleation delay and nucleation temperature has been commented on. The results for CdTe on sapphire suggest that for consistent metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) growth conditions from run to run during the nucleation stage, the nucleation delay and thickness may still vary as a function of subtle differences in the substrate growth surface. This argument is further substantiated by our observations using laser interferometry to study the nucleation of CdTe on Si (211) in MOCVD, where different surface preparatory treatments were employed. Laser interferometry was found to be sensitive to differences in surface treatment of the Si substrates prior to ZnTe/CdTe growth. The benefits of the use of interferometry to study and to control the nature of complex epitaxial systems is discussed.

Acrylonitrile monomer grafting on gray cotton to impart high water absorbency

Acrylonitrile (AN) monomer was directly grafted onto gray cotton yarn using a KMnO4—HNO3 redox system by a chemical initiation technique. The major factors affecting polymerization of AN, such as KMnO4, nitric acid, and AN concentration as well as the reaction time and temperature of the polymerization, were studied. The water absorbency of grafted fibers depends strongly on their posttreatment. Saponification of AN-g-cotton with a hot sodium hydroxide solution developed superabsorbency. Absorbency with distilled water and a saline solution (0.9% NaCl) was studied. Grafting cellulose with AN using a KMnO4/nitric acid redox system proceeds by a free-radical mechanism. Use of cotton in the gray form as a starting material rather than a bleached one helps in the better deposition of MnO2 with subsequent acceleration of the grafting reaction, resulting in better whiteness of the grafted products. The enhancement in the whiteness index could be interpreted in terms of the oxidation of natural coloring matter, which happens to be the objective of the bleaching process. Grafting of AN onto gray cotton results in the elimination of several preparatory treatments including the conventional bleaching operation, ultimately reducing the water consumption as well as minimizing the unwanted effluent generation. The work has the potential of promoting cost-effective and environmental friendly technologies and techniques. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 72: 887–894, 1999

Quality assessment of MgO substrate materials for high Tc superconductor thin films using cathodoluminescence microscopy

Cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopy has been used to investigate the luminescence response of MgO single crystal substrates intended for high T c superconductor applications. Wavelength resolved CL spectra have been collected from both the surface and the bulk of the MgO single crystals, under different preparatory treatments. It was found that annealing the MgO resulted in the reduction of luminescent surface defect states present in the as-received and ion milled samples and at sites of surface damage. The surface treatment given to MgO single crystals can significantly affect the electrical properties of high T c superconducting thin films deposited on them.

The structure of dry mycelia of the entomophthoralean fungi Zoophthora radicans and Erynia neoaphidis following different preparatory treatments

Dried mycelium preparations of the entomophthoralean fungi Zoophthora radicans and Erynia neoaphidis survived several weeks at 4 °C but were largely destroyed by freezing or milling. SEM and fluorescence microscopy showed that mucilage was secreted by the mycelium during drying and rehydration. This mucilage probably helped protect the dried preparations.

Integrated computer control of induction hardening of constant velocity joints

The demand for a high level of quality assurance and quality control in the induction hardening of engineering components has led to the design of an integrated control system. This system provides computer control of all the factors involved in heating and cooling during the induction hardening heat treatment cycle. These factors include the preparatory treatments, induction hardening, post-hardening treatments (tempering), testing, inspection, and mechanical transfer of the hardened components. By monitoring the data on all heat treated products, this system provides a reliable quality assurance method for all such induction hardened products. This method of quality assurance of the induction hardening process also provides for energy savings in the heat treatment of automotive parts.

Probing metal cluster formation in NaY zeolite by xenon-129 NMR

The performance of zeolite-supported metal catalysts is known to depend upon preparatory treatments. Homogeneous and reproducible metal dispersion can be achieved only through careful control of calcination and reduction conditions, since migration and agglomeration of cluster precursors can occur with subsequent loss of catalytic activity. In spite of considerable research, the transformations undergone by metal guest species during calcination and reduction have not been established, primarily due to difficulties in characterizing chemical intermediates which exist as cluster precursors. By using the /sup 129/Xe NMR spectroscopy technique pioneered by Fraissard and co-workers and applied to recent advantage by the authors and others, they gain insight into the detailed chemistry of metal-zeolite catalyst preparation. They report for the first time changes in the chemical environment of NaY-supported platinum guest species by monitoring shifts in the /sup 129/Xe resonance signal induced by different chemical and thermal treatments.

Degradation of Inosinic Acid in Fish Flesh During the Preparatory Treatments for Cooking

Degradation of Inosinic Acid in Fish Flesh During the Preparatory Treatments for Cooking