Total Relief Research Articles

Video Head Impulse Test Coherence Predicts Vertigo Recovery in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss with Vertigo.

The labyrinthitis poses inferior quality of life with prolonged vestibular symptoms in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss with vertigo (SSNHLV). This study utilized a novel coherence analysis in video head impulse test (vHIT) to investigate vertigo outcomes in SSNHLV patients. A retrospective review included 48 SSNHLV patients completing high-dose steroid treatment between December 2016 and April 2023, and 38 healthy volunteers were prospectively enrolled between November 2022 and April 2023 in our academic tertiary referral center. Magnitude-squared wavelet coherence was measured between eye and head velocities in vHIT to represent the degree of correlation across different frequency bands. Vertigo recovery, assessed by visual analog scale equal to zero at 2 weeks and 2 months, was analyzed using a multivariable Cox regression model. The VAS among patients with SSNHLV was 5.73 ± 2.45 (mean ± standard deviation). Higher coherent frequencies in the horizontal semicircular canal (SCC), posterior SCC, mean, and minimal coherent frequencies of all three SCCs combined were significantly associated with early complete vertigo remission at two weeks post-treatment. In the multivariate analysis, the minimal coherent frequency among the three SCCs emerged as an independent factor (hazard ratio [HR] 2.040, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.776-2.304). At two months post-treatment, in addition to the previously significant parameters, vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) abnormality in the posterior SCC, gains in the horizontal and posterior SCCs, total and overt saccades in the horizontal SCC, coherent frequency in the anterior SCC, and mean VOR gain of all three SCCs combined were also statistically significantly related to total vertigo relief. The greater minimal coherent frequency among the three SCCs was a strong factor contributing to earlier relief of vertigo in patients with SSNHLV. Coherence analysis in vHIT may be more sensitive than time series analysis for evaluating vertigo prognosis prediction.

Monthly new water fractions and their relationships with climate and catchment properties across Alpine rivers

Abstract. The Alps are a key water resource for central Europe, providing water for drinking, agriculture, and hydropower production. Thus, understanding runoff generation processes of Alpine streams is important for sustainable water management. It is currently unclear how much streamflow is derived from old water stored in the subsurface and how much stems from more recent precipitation that reaches the stream via near-surface quick flow processes. It is also unclear how this partitioning varies across different Alpine catchments in response to hydroclimatic forcing and catchment characteristics. Here, we use stable water isotope time series in precipitation and streamflow to quantify the young water fractions (Fyw; i.e., the fraction of water younger than approximately 2–3 months) and new water fractions (Fnew; here, the fraction of water younger than 1 month) in streamflow from 32 Alpine catchments. We contrast these measures of water age between summer and winter and between wet and dry periods and then correlate them with hydroclimatic variables and physical catchment properties. New water fractions varied between 3.5 % and 9.6 %, with values of 9.2 % in rainfall-dominated catchments, 9.6 % in hybrid catchments, and 3.5 % in snow-dominated catchments (mean across all catchments of 7.1 %). Young water fractions were approximately twice as large (reflecting their longer timescale) and ranged between 10.1 % and 17.6 %, with values of 17.6 % in rainfall-dominated catchments, 16.6 % in hybrid catchments, and 10.1 % in snow-dominated catchments (mean across all catchments of 14.3 %). New water fractions were negatively correlated with catchment size (Spearman rank correlation, rS, of −0.38), q95 baseflow (rS=-0.36), catchment elevation (rS=-0.37), total catchment relief (rS=-0.59), and the fraction of slopes steeper than 40° (rS=-0.48). Large new water fractions, implying faster transmission of precipitation to streamflow, are more prevalent in small catchments, at low elevations, with small elevation differences, and with large fractions of forest cover (rS=0.36). New water fractions averaged 3.3 % following dry antecedent conditions, compared with 9.3 % after wet antecedent conditions. Our results quantify how hydroclimatic and physical drivers shape the partitioning of old and new waters across the Alps, thus indicating which landscapes transmit recent precipitation more readily to streamflow and which landscapes tend to retain water over longer periods. Our results further illustrate how new water fractions may find relationships that remained invisible with young water fractions.

Sediment Cover Modulates Landscape Erosion Patterns and Channel Steepness in Layered Rocks: Insights From the SPACE Model

AbstractErosional perturbations from changes in climate or tectonics are recorded in the profiles of bedrock rivers, but these signals can be challenging to unravel in settings with non‐uniform lithology. In layered rocks, the surface lithology at a given location varies through time as erosion exposes different layers of rock. Recent modeling studies have used the Stream Power Model (SPM) to highlight complex variations in erosion rates that arise in bedrock rivers incising through layered rocks. However, these studies do not capture the effects of coarse sediment cover on channel evolution. We use the “Stream Power with Alluvium Conservation and Entrainment” (SPACE) model to explore how sediment cover influences landscape evolution and modulates the topographic expression of erodibility contrasts in horizontally layered rocks. We simulate river evolution through alternating layers of hard and soft rock over million‐year timescales with a constant and uniform uplift rate. Compared to the SPM, model runs with sediment cover have systematically higher channel steepness values in soft rock layers and lower channel steepness values in hard rock layers. As more sediment accumulates, the contrast in steepness between the two rock types decreases. Effective bedrock erodibilities back‐calculated assuming the SPM are strongly influenced by sediment cover. We also find that sediment cover can significantly increase total relief and timescales of adjustment toward landscape‐averaged steady‐state topography and erosion rates.

Treatment of non-constipated irritable bowel syndrome with the histamine 1 receptor antagonist ebastine: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

ObjectiveWe evaluated the histamine 1 receptor antagonist ebastine as a potential treatment for patients with non-constipated irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in a randomised, placebo-controlled phase 2 study.MethodsNon-constipated patients with IBS...

Successful Management of Guillain-Barre Syndrome Management through Ayurveda: A Case Report

Abstract Outcome of Ayurveda management in Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS) is studied. A 43-year-old female patient diagnosed with GBS for 10 days approached our hospital. History revealed that the patient was immediately managed in an intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital for 9 days and was intervened with antibiotics, glucocorticoids, and intravenous immunoglobulins, but the patient’s attenders were not satisfied with the clinical improvements. The patient has a sensory deficit in the whole body below the neck level, loss of power in all extremities, and hypotonia with loss of deep tendon reflexes in all limbs and was diagnosed as Sarvāṅga vāta. Treatment was with panchakarma procedures such as Sarvāṅga alēpa (medicated paste applied to the whole body), Pariṣēka (medicated liquid poured over the whole body), abhyaṅga (therapeutic whole-body massage), Ṣaṣṭika śālī piṇḍa svēda (sudation massage using bolus of boiled rice with balā mūla decoction and milk), Nirūha basti (type of enema therapy), Anuvāsana basti (enema therapy), Grīvā Basti (oil pooling at cervical region of spine), Śirōtalam (medicated paste applied over the scalp), and oral medications. Usually, clinical worsening is observed in the first 2 weeks and then reaches a plateau and recovery might begin. The patient got total relief from the symptoms on the 80th day of the treatment. The patient was observed for the next 175 days. Assessments through the Barthel index, modified Rankin Scale, NIH Stroke Scale, and nerve conduction study showed complete recovery. Ayurveda treatment was effective in total recovery of GBS.

Amniotic membrane transplantation for neurotrophic corneal ulcers.

To evaluate the clinical results of cryopreserved amniotic membrane transplantation as a treatment option for refractory neurotrophic corneal ulcers. This prospective study included 11 eyes of 11 patients who underwent amniotic membrane transplantation for the treatment of refractory neurotrophic corneal ulcers at Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná, in the city of Curitiba, from May 2015 to July 2021. Patients underwent different surgical techniques in which the amniotic membrane was applied with the epithelium facing upward to promote corneal re-epithelialization. The median age of the patients was 60 years (range, 34-82 years), and 64% were men. The predominant etiology of corneal ulcers was herpes zoster (45% of cases). Approximately one-third of the patients (27%) were chronically using hypotensive eye drops, and more than half (54%) had previously undergone penetrating corneal transplantation. At the time of amniotic membrane transplantation, 18% of the eyes had corneal melting, 9% had corneal perforation, and the others had corneal ulceration without other associated complications (73%). The time between clinical diagnosis and surgical treatment ranged from 9 days to 2 years. The corrected visual acuity was worse than 20/400 in 90% of the patients preoperatively, with improvement in 36% after 3 months of the procedure, worsening in 18% and remaining stable in 36%. Of the patients, 81% complained of preoperative pain, and 66% of them reported total symptom relief after the surgical procedure. In one month, 54.6% of the patients presented a closure of epithelial defect, and half of the total group evolved with corneal thinning. The failure rate was 45.5% of the cases. Cryopreserved amniotic membrane transplantation can be considered a good alternative for treating refractory neurotrophic corneal ulcers, as it resulted in significant improvement in pain (66%) and complete epithelial closure (60%) in many patients at 1 month postoperatively. Notably, the high failure rate highlights the need for further studies to identify patientand ulcer-related factors that may influence the outcomes of this procedure.

Mild-photothermal and nanocatalytic therapy for obesity and associated diseases.

Background: Current anti-obesity medications suffer from limited efficacy and side-effects because they act indirectly on either the central nervous system or gastrointestinal system. Herein, this work aims to introduce a transdermal photothermal and nanocatalytic therapy enabled by Prussian blue nanoparticles, which directly act on obese subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT) to induce its beneficial remodeling including stimulation of browning, lipolysis, secretion of adiponectin, as well as reduction of oxidative stress, hypoxia, and inflammation. Methods: Prussian blue nanoparticles were synthesized and incorporated into silk fibroin hydrogel for sustained retention. The efficacy of mild photothermal (808 nm, 0.4 W/cm2, 5 min) and nanocatalytic therapy (mPTT-NCT) was assessed both in vitro (3T3-L1 adipocytes) and in vivo (obese mice). The underlying signaling pathways are carefully revealed. Additionally, biosafety studies were conducted to further validate the potential of this therapy for practical application. Results: On 3T3-L1 adipocytes, mPTT-NCT was able to induce browning, enhance lipolysis, and alleviate oxidative stress. On obese mice model, the synergistic treatment led to not only large mass reduction of the targeted sWAT (53.95%) but also significant improvement of whole-body metabolism as evidenced by the substantial decrease of visceral fat (65.37%), body weight (9.78%), hyperlipidemia, and systemic inflammation, as well as total relief of type 2 diabetes. Conclusions: By directly targeting obese sWAT to induce its beneficial remodeling, this synergistic therapy leads to significant improvements in whole-body metabolism and the alleviation of obesity-related conditions, including type 2 diabetes. The elucidation of underlying signaling pathways provides fundamental insights and shall inspire new strategies to combat obesity and its associated diseases.

From Lords of Corruption to Leeches of Theo-mafia: The Suffering of the People in Somalia

This paper presents comprehensive strategies for combating corruption and countering terrorism in the context of Somalia's aspiration for peace, democracy, and prosperity. Acknowledging the interconnectedness of these challenges, the strategies offer a multi-dimensional approach tailored to Somalia's unique circumstances. 
 The anti-corruption strategy focuses on strengthening institutions, promoting transparency, and instigating a cultural shift away from corrupt practices. It also underscores responsible lending and the pursuit of total debt relief to enable economically productive projects.
 The counter-terrorism strategy adopts a holistic approach, combining military actions with economic incentives, ideological reorientation, and rehabilitation. It emphasizes community-centered collaborations, religious engagement, and reintegration programs for former combatants. These strategies are designed to guide policymakers, academia, and stakeholders in shaping Somalia's trajectory towards a more just, secure, and prosperous future.

Effects of electroacupuncture on refractory interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: A one-year follow-up case report

BackgroundPatients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) commonly face a decline in their quality of life and social functioning upon discontinuation of conventional therapy, which is known for its limited efficacy and the risk of relapse. While the existing evidence is somewhat restricted, acupuncture is being explored as a potential and effective treatment option for IC/BPS. Case presentationA 67-year-old woman, diagnosed with refractory IC/BPS, underwent treatment at the Medical Acupuncture Department of Sanming Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital. She reported symptoms of lower urinary system dysfunction, including urgency, frequency, and nocturia, along with chronic pelvic pain, and a persistent feeling of pressure and discomfort lasting over 8 years. The patient's visual analog scale (VAS) score for pelvic pain was 7 points prior to receiving acupuncture treatment. Throughout the day, she had more than 10 urinations, and at night, she urinated about once per hour. The O'Leary-Sant interstitial cystitis symptom index/interstitial cystitis problem index (ICSI/ICPI) score was 34 points, and the pelvic pain and urgency frequency (PUF) score was 19 points. ResultsThe patient's complaints were significantly alleviated after 12 sessions of electroacupuncture treatment at BL32, BL33, BL35, and SP6 over 4 weeks. The patient claimed total relief from pelvic pain, with a VAS score of 0. The patient achieved a PUF score of 4 points and an ICSI/ICPI score of 7 points. In addition, there was a significant reduction in the frequency and urgency of urination. The patient experienced a frequency of 4–5 urinations during the day and 1–2 times at night. Subsequently, the patient's mental state and sleep quality were improved. The patient's symptoms did not change at one-year follow-up. ConclusionElectroacupuncture has proven to be an effective management method for IC/BPS, as evidenced by the patient's alleviated lower urinary system symptoms and reduced pelvic pain.

Laboratory Experimental Study on the Pressure Relief Effect of Boreholes in Sandstone under High-Stress Conditions

To study the effects of deep rock drilling pressure relief under high stress conditions in enhanced geothermal systems, two kinds of drilling pressure relief experiments were conducted on sandstone—the staged drilling of pressure relief holes before peak stress and one-time drilling. Pressure relief experiments were carried out on sandstone with two borehole methods of the stage-by-stage drilling and one-time drilling of pressure relief boreholes ahead of the experiments. FLAC3D was used to analyze the plastic zone evolution during drilling and the relationship between stress and plastic zone volume. The results reveal the pre-peak stress change characteristics and pressure relief features of non-prefabricated boreholes under high stress. The experiments show that the staged drilling of pressurized samples involves stages of rapid and gradual decreases in stress, with total relief amplitudes increasing but single-borehole relief decreasing with more holes. Under the same conditions, staged drilling has better relief effects and results in greater energy dissipation, indicating that incremental pre-peak pressure relief is beneficial for reducing the surrounding rock’s impact tendency and improving stability. The research results can provide good guidance and reference for the long-term stability analysis of borehole-containing rock and rock burst hazard control.

Gravity-magnetic appraisal of the southern part of the Cauvery Basin, Eastern Continental Margin of India (ECMI): evidence of a volcanic rifted margin

The Cauvery sedimentary basin of India, a part of the Eastern Continental Margin of India (ECMI), has evolved as a consequence of its breakup from East Antarctica in the early Cretaceous. This study covers approximately 10,000 km2 in the southern part of the Cauvery basin. A total of 5,161 gravity-magnetic observations were made in an area bounded by 78°–79°E longitude and 9°–10°N latitude. The gravity anomaly map shows a dominant NE-SW trend with a total relief of 83 mGal from −77 mGal to 6 mGal. The map reveals very prominent NE-SW trending linear gravity high bands and two circular/elliptical gravity lows around Madurai and Ramanathapuram, respectively. The residual gravity map reveals NE-SW trending alternative bands of gravity highs and lows, revealing a ridge-depression structure. The gravity modeling shows the presence of underplated material, which may be related to magmatic activity during the Cretaceous. The magnetic map reveals two prominent E-W trending linear structures, which probably represent the disposition of a shear zone under the Cauvery Basin. Based on the filtered magnetic and gravity map, we have prepared an interpreted basement geology map. The magnetic map and residual gravity map suggest that the basement rock of the basin is crystalline (granite/gneiss) and may not comprise a high-grade metamorphic rock Eastern Ghat Orogeny.

A New Approach for Explaining and Treating Dry Sockets: A Pilot Retrospective Study.

Objective Dry socket, a common complication following a tooth extraction, is characterized by severe and radiating pain that typically begins one to four days after the extraction. Despite several risk factors, the exact cause and underlying mechanisms of dry sockets remain unclear. This study aims to propose a novel pathogenesis and management approach for dry sockets based on an infectious process. Methods The study was conducted by reviewing medical records, at a private dental clinic, of patients who fit the inclusion criteria; these patients appeared to have come between April 2022 and April 2023. The study included all patients with age ≥17 years diagnosed with dry socket that was resistant to conventional topical treatment, and who received treatment with ciprofloxacin 500 mg three times per day during the study period. Results Out of 15 patients who received treatment with ciprofloxacin 500 mg three times per day during the study period, 11 patients (73.3%) were completely relieved of symptoms within 24 hours, with no need for additional painkillers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In addition, two patients (13.3%) had a partial response after 48 hours, where their pain was ameliorated from severe to moderate with the use of conventional painkillers (including paracetamol and NSAIDs) and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as dexamethasone (8 mg IM daily) to have total relief. On the other hand, the other two patients (13.3%) had a negative response to the treatment and were out of reach for follow-up. Conclusion These clinical outcomes, coupled with previous laboratory data, could explain all clinical aspects of dry sockets and provide substantial support for the hypothesis that an infectious mechanism plays the principal role in the pathophysiology of dry sockets.

(399) Effect of Bulbospongiosus Muscles Cutting with Frenular Delta Excision for Treatment Premature Ejaculation ( Alaa Aglan Operation)

Abstract Introduction Alaa aglan operation is a new procedure consists of two parts. First part is cutting bulbospongiosus muscles bilaterally, And 2nd part is cutting of elliptical part of frenular delta. it is the most sensitive area in penis and excision of its central part decreases penis sensitivity. The operation has it's own prediction test that allows us to know the expected time post operatively and if the operation is option or not. It is easy just spraying local anesthesia (procomail 10%®) at coronal ridge (inhibits glans-bulbospongiosus reflex) and at frenular delta (temporary excision) 30 minutes before having sex. The operation could be reversed by repairing the muscle again. Objective presentation of a simple, easy permanent solution for treatment of premature ejaculation with less side effects in comparison with all other treatments. Methods 1050 Cases were operated between 1/1/2015 and 3/10/2015 follow up was done at 1, 3,6,12 months intervals then yearly (5 years duration). 47 Cases didn't complete the 5 years duration but none of them have any complain. Results There are two types of patients: First type (non-psychic causes patients) the gained time was approximately as prediction test of each. Second type (secondary psychic or mixed causes patients) the results were much better than prediction tests after 3 months. The non- psychic premature ejaculation patients improved quickly. we calculate the time (IVEL) from the second intercourse as patient usually be congested unless he masturbated or had wet dreams so we avoid the 1st intercourse and calculate the time from 2nd time .clinically we noticed that all patients gets the final result after 1 month approximately from day of surgery. And the result still constant without change or with minimal positive change in few cases but in second type patients the results after 3 weeks resembles the prediction test results but improves gradually till the 3rd month with final constant result. Satisfaction was rate 99.6% this is due to prediction test application, in our early trials beyond this study Satisfaction rate was 71% (without prediction test). Side effects were minimal, No regression in results in any patient during the following up period. Only 4 patients were not satisfied although the operation was successful. 1st patient complained from neuroma due to adhesion (post operative), Adhesiolysis was done, total relief of pain reported by the patient immediately post operative, 2nd patient reported that the distance of expulsion of semen from penile orifice decreased in comparison to that before surgery. 3rd patient reported hematoma, Evacuation was done without complications. 4th patient reported that he lost the sensation of repetitive contraction of muscles at peno-scrotal area during ejaculation. Many patients reported absence or decrease in number of wet dreams post operative other side effects were minimal. Conclusions Alaa aglan operation is safe, Immediate, Curative technique for premature ejaculation provided that prediction test shows good response. Disclosure No

Day-by-day symptom relief after corticosteroid injection for trigger digit: a randomized controlled study of two techniques.

This prospective randomized controlled study compared two injection techniques for trigger digit: either dorsal to the tendons in the proximal phalanx (PP group) or anterior to the tendons at the A1 pulley level (A1 group) in 106 patients. The primary outcome was the number of days to total relief of pain, stiffness and triggering, as recorded by the patients on visual analogue scales day-by-day for 6 weeks. The median number of days to complete symptom relief was 9 days in the PP group and 11 days in the A1 group for pain, 11 days and 15 days for stiffness and 21 and 20 days for triggering, respectively. Ninety-one per cent of all patients did not require any additional treatment, but 11 patients in both groups reported some remaining symptoms at 6 weeks. This study did not detect any significant difference between the two injection techniques, but provides detailed data of the rate and order of symptomatic relief after corticosteroid injection for this common condition.Level of evidence: I.

High intensity focused ultrasound treatment for adenomyosis: comparison of efficacy based on MRI features

Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of High intensity-focused ultrasound(HIFU) for different types of adenomyosis classified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods A total of 227 patients with adenomyosis who underwent HIFU treatment in Suining Central Hospital from January 2014 to December 2019 were included. Based on the preoperative pelvic MRI examination and Kishi isometric classification method, the patients were divided into 4 types according to the location of lesions. There were 82 cases of type I (endogenous type), 75 cases of type II (exogenous type), 34 cases of type III (nodular type), and 36 cases of type IV (heterogeneous type). The results of HIFU treatment for four types of adenomyosis and intraoperative adverse effects were analyzed. The changes of lesion size, dysmenorrhea, and menstrual volume were analyzed at 3 and 6 months after the operation. Result (1) adverse effects: All patients successfully accepted HIFU treatment under sedation and analgesia. Grade A adverse effects occurred in 51 cases (22.47%) and grade B adverse effects in 3 cases (1.32%). The incidence of adverse effects in type I–IV patients was 21.95%, 22.66%, 23.53%, and 30.56%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the incidence of grade A and B adverse effects in all types, and no grade C–F adverse effects occurred. (2) Ablation effect: The ablation rate of type III(nodular type)patients was (74.7 ± 20.3) %, which was significantly higher than that of the other three types (p < .05). (3) Changes in lesion size: the lesion size of all patients decreased after treatment and the reduction rate gradually increased with time. At 6 months after the operation, the lesion reduction rate of type III patients was (70.8 ± 14.8) %, higher than that of the other three types patients (p < .05). There was no significant difference in the reduction rate of type I, type II and type IV. (4) Remission of menorrhagia: At 6 months after the operation, the total remission rate of type III patients was 100%, while the total remission rate of type IV patients (65.4%, 17/26) that was lower than that of type I, II and III patients(p < .05). (5) Dysmenorrhea relief: At 6 months after the operation, the total dysmenorrhea relief rate of type III patients was 100% and the complete relief rate (28.1%, 18/31) was higher than that of the other three types, which was significant differences (p < .05). Conclusions HIFU is safe and effective in the treatment of different types of adenomyosis, the therapeutic effect of HIFU in patients with type III adenomyosis is better than that of the other three types.

Application of Basin Morphometry for Hydro-geomorphological Implications: A Study of the Indo-Bhutanese Duduya Watershed

Abstract A drainage basin morphometric analysis has been carried out for the trans-boundary Duduya watershed located in the marginal parts of the Eastern Himalaya and its foreland of Bhutan and India. The linear, areal and relief morphometric parameters have been estimated based on topographical maps and SRTM DEM data. It is found that the Duduya is a 6th order drainage basin with asymmetric drainage arrangements with a total stream length of 1208.19 km. Almost all of the eleven sub-watersheds of the Duduya are elongated in nature and are characterized by medium drainage related parameters, e.g., density, frequency and texture signifying moderate flood susceptibilities while the presence of permeable soils, good vegetation cover facilitated considerable infiltration and water storage implying good groundwater potentials. The skewed distribution of relief parameters specially total relief, relief ratio and slope are indicators of erosion potential, however, this erosion potential is balanced by the elongated shape of the individual sub-watersheds and medium drainage related parameters. The region receives very high annual rainfall, besides majority of the watershed area is featured with very gentle slopes and flat terrains and therefore has prolonged runoff disposal meaning increased chances of floods in the downstream reaches. Several of the computed morphometric parameters were observed to have varied statistical associations and some of them are impacting each other significantly. A hierarchical cluster analysis suggested two different clusters of sub-watersheds, where SW1 and SW3 of the Eastern Himalayas need proper management for environmental issues like flash flood, channel avulsion and erosion due to high reliefs and moderate slopes, the rest of the sub-watersheds that are draining the lower parts of piedmont and the low-lying southern plain provide ideal conditions for cultivation due to flat terrains, meager slopes, greater infiltration and water storage capacities.

Assessment of Basin Morphometric Measurements Accuracy Based on Different DEM Data, Chai Dakuk Basin, Northeast Iraq: A Case Study

Morphometric analysis is essential in evaluating the geomorphological development and hydrological characteristics of rivers and valley basins. Several studies used different DEM data to evaluate elevation accuracy or their impact on measurements of limited morphometric parameters. The current study was carried out on the Chai Dakuk River basin in the northeastern part of Iraq. The basin is bounded by latitudes 34°44'30"- 35°35'49"N and longitudes 44°17'39"- 45°28'16"E. The current study aims to evaluate the accuracy of different DEM data, i.e., ASTER-GDEM 1-arcsec, SRTM 1-arcsec, and 3- arcsec, ALOS-12.5 meters, and GMTED 7.5 arcsec data, based on reference points collected by GPS and top maps of scale 1: 20000, and to evaluate DEM resolution on the calculation accuracy of different morphometric parameters. The analysis of morphometric parameters was carried out using ArcGIS- morphometric toolbox. The results of the accuracy assessment of DEM data identified the SRTM 1arc-second is more adequate with reference measurements; based on that, the measurements of all other DEM are compared to the SRTM 1- arcsec. The results of morphometric parameters show noticeable differences in many morphometric parameters calculated from different DEM data. Numbers and lengths of stream orders; bifurcation ratios; main channel length; drainage density; stream frequency; constant of channel maintenance; compactness coefficient; drainage texture; infiltration number; basin outlet height and the maximum height of basin, total basin relief, and ruggedness number. According to the results, the study concluded that the SRTM 1- arcsec data are more suitable for morphometric analysis, followed by ASTER GDEM data.

Sediment controls on the transition from debris flow to fluvial channels in steep mountain ranges

AbstractSteep channel networks commonly show a transition from constant‐gradient colluvial channels associated with debris flow activity to concave‐up fluvial channels downstream. The trade‐off between debris flow and fluvial erosion in steep channels remains unclear, which obscures connections among topography, tectonics, and climate in steep landscapes. Here, we analyze steep debris‐flow‐prone channels across the western United States and observe: (1) similar maximum channel gradients across a range of catchment erosion rates and geologic settings; and (2) lengthening colluvial channels with coarsening sediment cover. Following this compilation, we hypothesize that steep channel gradients are controlled by two competing thresholds of motion for bed‐sediment cover: bed failure by mass‐wasting and fluvial entrainment. We use downstream patterns in discharge, channel geometry, and sediment size to calculate discharges needed to mobilize sediment cover by both mechanisms across channels in the San Gabriel Mountains (SGM) and northern San Jacinto Mountains (NSJM) in southern California. Across steep colluvial channels in both landscapes, decadal discharges are below fluvial entrainment thresholds but above mass‐wasting entrainment thresholds for (median) sediment sizes, consistent with recent debris flows captured by repeat imagery. Colluvial channel gradient is similar despite &gt; 3× contrasts in surface sediment grain size. In concave‐up fluvial channels downstream, decadal discharges exceed fluvial entrainment thresholds, and mass‐wasting is not predicted on lower gradients. In both landscapes, fluvial channels steepen downstream compared to gradients needed to mobilize sediment cover, which we interpret to reflect downstream increases in sediment flux. Coarser sediment supply in the NSJM than the SGM increases fluvial entrainment thresholds, which increases total channel relief in the NSJM by (1) lengthening colluvial channels shaped by debris flows and (2) increasing fluvial channel gradients. Our compilation and downstream analysis show how differing sensitivity of fluvial and debris flow processes to sediment grain size impacts the relative relief of colluvial and fluvial regimes in headwater channel networks.

The Use of the Minimally Invasive APTOS Thread Method for the Treatment of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence: 3-year Follow-up Results

To assess the long-term (3-year) follow-up of female stress urinary incontinence treatment using minimally invasive Aptos Thread method. 124 women with stress urinary incontinence confirmed by clinical and urodynamic evaluation were treated surgically using Aptos Thread method. Totally favourable results, including improvement (1) and cure (123) were recorded in all 124 patients. The improvement of quality of life, as well as total relief from all symptoms and the restoration of all adjacent organs involved in urodynamic disorders were observed.

Multicenter, randomized controlled trial of traditional Japanese medicine, kakkonto with shosaikotokakikyosekko, for mild and moderate coronavirus disease patients.

The traditional Japanese (Kampo) medicine, kakkonto with shosaikotokakikyosekko, has antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. In this randomized trial, patients with mild and moderate coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were randomly allocated to the control group receiving conventional treatment for symptom relief such as antipyretics and antitussives or the Kampo group receiving mixed extract granules of kakkonto (2.5g) and shosaikotokakikyosekko (2.5g) three times a day for 14days in addition to conventional treatment. The main outcome was the number of days until total symptom relief. The secondary outcome was the number of days until each symptom's relief and whether the disease progressed to respiratory failure. We enrolled a total of 161 patients (Kampo group, n = 81; control group, n = 80). The results from Kaplan-Meier estimates of symptom relief showed that there are no significant differences between the groups. However, covariate-adjusted cumulative incidence of fever relief considering competitive risk showed that the recovery was significantly faster in the Kampo group than in the control group (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.03-3.01). Additionally, the risk of disease progression to moderate COVID-19 requiring oxygen inhalation was lower in the Kampo group than in the control group (Risk Difference -0.13, 95% CI -0.27-0.01). No significant drug-related side effects were observed. Kakkonto with shosaikotokakikyosekko is effective for fever relief with suppression of disease progression in COVID-19 patients. Clinical Trial Registration: https://jrct.niph.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCTs021200020, identifier [jRCTs021200020].