Triple Treatment Research Articles

Chronic Spinal Cord Injury Regeneration with Combined Therapy Comprising Neural Stem/Progenitor Cell Transplantation, Rehabilitation, and Semaphorin 3A Inhibitor.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in various long-term sequelae, and chronically injured spinal cords exhibit a refractory feature, showing a limited response to cell transplantation therapies. To our knowledge, no preclinical studies have reported a treatment approach with results surpassing those of treatment comprising rehabilitation alone. In this study of rats with SCI, we propose a novel combined therapy involving a semaphorin 3A inhibitor (Sema3Ai), which enhances axonal regeneration, as the third treatment element in combination with neural stem/progenitor cell transplantation and rehabilitation. This comprehensive therapeutic strategy achieved significant improvements in host-derived neuronal and oligodendrocyte differentiation at the SCI epicenter and promoted axonal regeneration even in the chronically injured spinal cord. The elongated axons established functional electrical connections, contributing to significant enhancements in locomotor mobility when compared with animals treated with transplantation and rehabilitation. As a result, our combined transplantation, Sema3Ai, and rehabilitation treatment have the potential to serve as a critical step forward for chronic SCI patients, improving their ability to regain motor function.

Guideline-directed medical therapy in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction in Palestine: Retrospective clinical audit study

ObjectivesTo assess the characteristics of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF), as well as the current application of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in Palestine. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study involved a population of heart failure (HF) patients who visited cardiology clinics at An-Najah National University Hospital and the National Hospital, Palestine. The primary outcome measures of interest were the proportions of patients prescribed guideline-based cardiovascular medications (GBCMs), such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and the corresponding optimized doses at ≥ 50 % of targets and the reasons underlying the non-prescription of GDMT. ResultsA total of 70.5%, 56.6%, and 88.6% of patients were on ACEIs/ARBs, MRAs, and β-blockers, respectively. Of all patients, 38.7% were on the triple GDMT regimen. ConclusionLess than half the patients received the triple combination treatment. Age, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal disease, and admission to the hospital for HF all had significant independent relationships with the reduced utilization and inadequate dosage of GDMT.

Sequential or up-front triple combination with durvalumab, tremelimumab, and bevacizumab for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): MONTBLANC.

TPS574 Background: Escalation of treatment from one to two combined immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) has dramatically increased objective and clinical response in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Establishing strategies with more than two CPI agents to further increase response while maintaining a manageable toxicity is therefore a top priority. The upfront simultaneous use of three or more CPI can yield a strong initial response to treatment, but it may also increase treatment-related toxicity. An alternative approach, which prioritizes safety over immediate response, involves utilizing different CPI doublets in a sequential manner. However, this design entails switching to a different combination only after radiological progression is observed, and recurrent progressions may lead to deteriorating liver function and treatment resistance. Trials of immunotherapy of HCC conducted in recent years showed that the efficacy of CPI, when used simultaneously, outweighs the drawbacks of their combined toxicity and that early radiological response to treatment, or the lack thereof, is a predictor of clinical outcome. In addition, failure of trials using broad-spectrum tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) and CPI suggest that antibodies or narrow-spectrum TKI should be used for future CPI-based combinations in HCC studies. Based on these considerations, the MONTBLANC study is the first trial to assess the effectiveness of up-front triple treatment with a combination of the three currently approved immunological agents for HCC and to implement the concept of treatment escalation determined by lack of early radiological response (as opposed to treatment progression). Methods: The MONTBLANC study is a randomized, 2-arm phase II study on the efficacy of combinations of durvalumab, tremelimumab, and bevacizumab in patients with advanced HCC. Patients with preserved liver function (Child-Pugh A) with unresectable tumors or not amenable to local or locoregional treatment are randomized to an early escalation arm (A) or a triple treatment arm (B). Patients in arm A receive combined durvalumab and tremelimumab (STRIDE regimen). Treatment is escalated by the addition of bevacizumab upon detection of disease progression or in the absence of radiological response by the 4th month of treatment. Patients in arm B receive up-front STRIDE and bevacizumab. Treatment will continue until unacceptable toxicity or progression under the Bev-containing regimen. The primary endpoint is overall response rate (ORR). Clinical trial information: NCT05844046 .

Features of hydrogen cracking process of heat-strengthened reinforcing steels

The effect of heat treatment of reinforcing steels of St5, 18GS, 20GS, 23Kh2G2Ts, 30GST and 35GS grades on the change in their resistance to hydrogen cracking is considered. For St5 steel, it was found that an increase in the tempering temperature contributes to an increase in resistance to cracking by obtaining a highly plastic structure with an increased ability to relax internal microstresses. For 30GST and 35GS steels, optimal heat treatment modes are determined to ensure their resistance to hydrogen cracking. For 30GST steel, this mode is quenching from 900 °C with cooling in water + tempering with electrical heating at 500 °C, and for 35GS steel — triple heat treatment of the type of intercritical quenching from temperatures of 900/700 °C or 800/700 °C, followed by tempering at temperatures of 300 or 400 °C, respectively and heat treatment from 900 °C with double tempering (from 400 °C (furnace heating) and 500 °C (electrothermal hardening)). The features of the destruction process of reinforcing steels in an environment causing hydrogen cracking are considered. It is shown that the propagation of corrosion cracks has a mixed character (transcrystalline and intercrystallite).

基于三焦辨证探讨急性期湿热型 特应性皮炎的分型及论治

基于三焦辨证探讨急性期湿热型 特应性皮炎的分型及论治

Combined surgery and Preserflo coating with conjunctival graft autologous in acute pseudo‐exfoliative glaucoma

Aims/Purpose: To describe a case of cataract and acute pseudo‐exfoliative glaucoma in which combined surgery with a Preserflo implant was performed and required a conjunctival graft to cover the device due to the friability of the conjunctiva.Methods: A 72‐year‐old male with glaucoma in the left eye (LE) with triple hypotensive treatment, who lost follow‐up due to the pandemic, goes to the emergencies for loss of vision in the LE. A medium dilation, pseudo‐exfoliation and white hypermature cataract can be seen. The intraocular pressure (IOP) is 45 mmHg and does not revert to adequate values with topical and systemic maximum hypotensive treatment. A temporary access cataract surgery is performed without complications. The glaucoma procedure is then performed using the Preserflo implant in the upper nasal area, but the suture produced buttonholes and tears in the conjunctiva that forced us to perform an autologous graft of inferior temporal conjunctiva to cover the implant and ensure a tight closure of the flap.Results: The evolution of AV was favourable. IOP decreased to 10 mmHg and initially at biomicroscopy and Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS‐OCT) revealed a diffuse, functioning blister that progressively flattened. The graft was well adhered and positioned. The sclera of the donor area healed by secondary intention. At the 3‐month review, the device was vacuum packed and it was necessary to reintroduce hypotensive eye drops.Conclusions: The Preserflo implant may be less traumatic than other filtering surgeries. The time with hypotensive eye drops contributes to the friability of the conjunctiva and makes us cover the device with an autograft to complete the surgery initially successfully. Although the chronic conjunctival damage may promote fibrosis, disrupt filtration, and require new hypotensive treatment.

De-Escalation of Therapy for Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men with around 1.4 million new cases every year. In patients with localized disease, management options include active surveillance (AS), radical prostatectomy (RP; with or without pelvic lymph node dissection), or radiotherapy to the prostate (with or without pelvic irradiation) with or without hormonotherapy. In advanced disease, treatment options include systemic treatment(s) and/or treatment to primary tumour and/or metastasis-directed therapies (MDTs). Specifically, in advanced stage, the current trend is earlier intensification of treatment such as dual or triple combination systemic treatments or adding treatment to primary and MDT to systemic treatment. However, earlier treatment intensification comes with the cost of increased morbidity and mortality resulting from drug-/treatment-related side effects. The main goal is and should be to provide the best possible care and oncologic outcomes with minimum possible side effects. This chapter will explore emerging possibilities to de-escalate treatment in PCa driven by enhanced insights into disease biology and the natural course of PCa such as AS in intermediate-risk disease or salvage versus adjuvant radiotherapy in post-RP patients. Considerations arising from advancements in PCa imaging and technological advancements in surgical and radiation therapy techniques including omitting pelvic lymph node dissection in the era of prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emitting tomography, the potential of MDT to delay/omit systemic treatment in metachronous oligorecurrence, and the efficacy of hypofractionation schemes compared with conventional fractionated radiotherapy will be discussed.

The treatment of primary biliary cholangitis: from shadow to light.

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune cholestatic disease characterized by the destruction of the small intrahepatic bile ducts, which can progress to liver cirrhosis. The gold standard in the treatment of PBC is ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), which is indicated in all patients with PBC because it improves not only biochemical parameters but also patients' survival. An important milestone in the identification of patients at risk is the assessment of biochemical response to UDCA. Patients who respond to treatment have a lower incidence of hepatic events and better prognosis than patients who do not. Several scoring systems can be used to assess the response and identify non-responders who will benefit from second-line treatment. Obeticholic acid (OCA) is currently the only approved second-line treatment for PBC, which is effective for non-responders to UDCA therapy or patients, who have not tolerated UDCA therapy. However, OCA is contraindicated in advanced liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Moreover, pruritus may be a limiting factor for the administration of OCA. Fibrates have shown promising data supporting their use in non-responders to UDCA because they improve the biochemical parameters and elastographic findings and have possible antipruritic effects. Therefore, the idea of a triple treatment seems interesting. Clinical research is focusing on several other groups of drugs: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) δ- and α/δ agonists, non-steroidal farnesoid X receptor agonists, fibroblast growth factor 19 modulators, and inhibitors of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1 and 4.

استجابة ثلاثة أصناف من الشوندر للتسميد العضوي والرش الورقي

A field experiment was conducted for autumn season 2021-2022 in the fields of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, Al-Jadriya Campus, Station A- To study the effect of cultivars (Red, Dark Red, and Cylindra), organic fertilizer, vermicompost, and cow manure, as well as control treatment (soil only), and spraying with silicon and calcium elements and distilled water (control) on the growth, yield, and quality of beetroot plant Within a completely randomized block design as a split plot experiment, where the cultivars were counted as the main factor, organic fertilizer, and foliar spray as the secondary factor, with three replicates, the number of treatments was 27, and the averages were compared according to the least significant difference L.S.D at the level of probability 5% for each cultivar, and the results were as follows: There is a significant effect of the triple interaction between cultivars, culture medium and foliar spraying on the percentages of the elements N, P, K, and Ca as well as the concentration of Si in the leaves of the beetroot plant, as it was noted that the treatments V2×F1×S2, V2×F2×S2, and V3×F1×S2 gave them the highest percentage of nitrogen in leaves amounted to 3.50%,The triple interaction treatment V2×F1×S2 was significantly excelled in the percentage of phosphorus and potassium in the leaves by giving it (0.43%, 4.69%) respectively, while the treatment V2×F2×S2 was significantly excelled by giving it the highest percentage of calcium in the leaves, amounting to 2.17%.The results also indicated that the two treatments V2×F1×S2 and V3×F1×S2 were excelled in the concentration of silicon in the leaves by giving them 0.00739 ppm. the triple interaction treatment the cultivar Cylindra and Vermicompost medium with silicone spray V3×F1×S2 Significantly excelled gave it the highest leaf yield of 67.50 tons ha-1, While the treatment V2×F1×S2 excelled in (root yield, percentage of total soluble solids, percentage of sugars and percentage of phenols) given (74.49 ton ha-1, 11.66%, 948.7% and 0.18%), respectively.

Brucellar Epididymo-Orchitis in a Brucellosis Hyperendemic Region in Türkiye.

Brucellosis is one of the most prevalent zoonoses worldwide and is endemic in Türkiye. It is a multisystemic infection that can affect various organ systems. Epididymo-orchitis is the most common form of genitourinary involvement. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, clinical characteristics, laboratory values, and treatment outcomes of brucellar epididymo-orchitis (BEO) in the East Anatolian region, where brucellosis is hyperendemic. This study was conducted between January 1, 2018, and April 30, 2019. All male patients diagnosed with brucellosis at the infectious disease clinic were evaluated for epididymo-orchitis according to clinical findings (testicular pain, swelling, erythema). In addition, to identify BEO patients, all epididymo-orchitis cases admitted to the urology outpatient clinic according to the study protocol were referred to the infectious diseases clinic for Brucella infection. Patients were enrolled prospectively, and data were analyzed retrospectively. Brucella infection was diagnosed in 326 patients during the study period, of whom 208 (63.8%) were male. Brucellar epididymo-orchitis was diagnosed in 18 patients at the end of sixteen months. The incidence of epididymo-orchitis in patients with Brucella infection was 8.7%. The mean age of the patients was 36.9±11.5 years. The majority of patients had occupational animal contact (83.3%) and consumption of fresh cheese made from raw milk (55.5%). Acute brucellosis was diagnosed in 17 (94.4%) patients; all patients presented with scrotal pain and swelling. Unilateral epididymo-orchitis was observed in 16 (88.8%) patients. Most patients (88.3%) applied to outpatient clinics other than infectious diseases, especially the urology clinic (77.7%).Double or triple combined treatments with aminoglycoside/doxycycline/rifampicin were given to the patients. Hydrocelectomy was performed in three patients, orchiectomy in one patient, and relapse was seen in one patient. Brucella infection should be considered in patients presenting with epididymo-orchitis in endemic regions. Awareness of brucellosis by urologists will ensure that the disease is diagnosed without complications.

Histo-morphological effects on equine synovium after arthroscopic synovectomy using two different motorized synovial resectors and two different intensities

The purpose of the study was to determine the histo-morphological effects on villous synovium after synovectomy using two different motorized synovial resectors and two different intensities ex-vivo. Thirty-three (n = 33) equine metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal joints were used. Synovectomy was performed along the dorsomedial/dorsolateral synovium (n = 66) using two motorized synovial resectors (aggressive full radius resector, AFRR, used at two intensities: single treatment, n = 24 vs. triple treatment, n = 21 vs. aggressive meniscus side cutter, AMSC, n = 21). Arthroscopic images were evaluated blindly for resector type and intensity. Histological images were evaluated descriptive for synovial morphology and the extent of tissue loss using a microscopic scale. Scanning electron microscopy described the synovial morphology. The synovectomized areas were specific for each resector used and distinguishable from arthroscopic images. The AFRR demonstrated a clear demarcation between treated and non-treated areas and removed the stratum synoviale completely including parts of the underlying stratum fibrosum. In contrast, the AMSC showed less clear demarcation, villous scaffolds and no involvement of the stratum fibrosum. Triple intense treated AFFR samples resulted in significantly deeper lesions compared to single treatments (p = 0.037) but could not be distinguished on arthroscopic images. The morphological effects on villous synovium differ according to the resector type used. The extent of synovial tissue loss cannot be estimated from arthroscopic images but histologically. The type and use of motorized synovial resector determines the morphological alterations of the treated synovium. Arthroscopic control is considered unsuitable to control synovectomy depth.

Effectiveness and Safety of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter2 Inhibitors Added to Dual or Triple Treatment in Patients with Type2 Diabetes Mellitus.

We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of sodium-glucose cotransporter2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) add-on treatment in patients with type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the real-world setting. This single-center retrospective study used the clinical database of Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea. Patients who received metformin monotherapy or combination therapy with ≥ 1 other oral hypoglycemic medication and had a baseline glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) between 7.0% and 10.5% were included. Propensity score matching was applied between patients treated with and without SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2i and non-SGLT2i groups, respectively). Changes in HbA1c from baseline to week26 were compared between the SGLT2i and non-SGLT2i groups, and risk of adverse events (AE) were also assessed. A total of 1106 patients were included. At week26, HbA1c was significantly more reduced by 0.35 percentage points in the SGLT2i group than in the non-SGLT2i group (95%CI 0.30-0.41, P < 0.001). Likewise, the proportion of patients achieving HbA1c < 7% was also significantly higher (51.9% vs. 37.6%, P < 0.05) in the SGLT2i group than in the non-SGLT2i group. The risk of adverse events in the SGLT2i group was mostly comparable with those in the non-SGLT2i group except for diseases of the liver, pain, hypertensive diseases, and metabolic disorders, which showed significantly higher odds in the SGLT2i group. SGLT2i add-on treatment is an effective and safe therapeutic option for patients with T2DM in the real-world practice setting.

Evaluation of the growth efficiency of some citrus rootstocks for spraying melatonin growth regulator under salt stress conditions

This research was conducted to determine the impact of spraying the increased regulator melatonin on the tolerance of some citrus roots to salt stress. The results showed that the Sour Orange root was significantly superior to the rest of the citrus rootstocks and recorded the highest increase in the rate (Height, diameter, quantity, and area of leaves for the plant), while the root Volkamer lemon was significantly the best by recording the highest rate of arid mass of the root system and plant life. Furthermore, irrigation with electrical connection water (1.7 sec.m-1) led to obtaining the highest values ​​for vegetative plant girth growth characteristics (plant girth, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, dry weight of the vegetative and root system and root length). Moreover, treatment with the growth regulator melatonin at a concentration of (100 mg.L-1) showed the most significant percentage in the trait (plant height, diameter of the stem, number of leaves, size of the leaves, and dry weight of the vegetative both root system and root length). As well as the binary and triple interactions between these study factors led to a clear significant superiority in the studied traits compared to the comparison treatment, as the triple interaction treatment (Sour Orange root + melatonin at 100 mg. l-1 as the concentration+ salinity of irrigation water at a concentration of 1.7 decimens.m-1) was the most significant treatment by giving the highest increase in the rate of vegetative characteristics. Finally, the treatment (rootstocks Volkamer lemon + melatonin at 100 mg.l-1 as the concentration + salinity of irrigation water at a concentration of 1.7 dm. m-1) recorded the highest rate of length and weight of the root when it is a dry system. Keywords: melatonin; rootstocks; salinity

Root growth of citrus rootstocks (sour orange and Volcamriana) affected by foliar nutrition with coconut liquid and dry yeast extract

This study aimed to improve the root growth indicators of the citrus rootstock (Volcamriana and sour citrus) by spraying them with coconut liquid extract and yeast extract. The experiment was carried out using the Randomised complete blocks design (R.C.B.D) as a factorial experiment with three factors: the citrus rootstock (sour orange and lemon Volcamriana) and the extract of coconut liquid with three concentrations (200, 100, 0) ml. L-1 and dry baking yeast extract in three concentrations (0(8, 4, g.L-1 with three replicates. At the end of June of 2023 the measurements were taken and the results were analyzed according to the statistical design used, and the averages were compared according to the selection of the least significant difference and at the level of probability 0.05, and the most important results reached: rootstock Volcamriana excelled in the studied root qualities (root length, root diameter, root size , dry weight of root group) while the treatment of coconut liquid 200 ml L-1 and the treatment of dry yeast extract at a concentration of 8 g L-1 achieved significant superiority for the studied qualities (root length , root diameter , root size , dry weight of the root group) By giving it the highest averages. The treatment of the binary interaction between )rootstock Volca mriana + coconut liquid 200 ml L-1) and treatment (rootstock Volca mriana + dry baking yeast extract at a concentration of 8 g L-1) and treatment (coconut liquid 200 m. L-1 + dry baking yeast extract at a concentration of 8 g L-1 are the highest averages in the root qualities studied.The triple overlap treatment gave) rootstock Volca mriana + coconut liquid 200 ml L- + 1dry baking yeast extract at a concentration of 8 g L-1 significantly excelled in the majority of the studied growth qualities) root length , root diameter, root size, dry weight of the root group (.

Effect of spraying with silicon, humic acid, and proline on the safflower tolerance (Carthamus tinctorius L.) to salt stress

The experiment was carried out in the winter of season 2021-2022 in the research field of the College of Agriculture - University of Basra (latitude 30.57° North and longitude 47.80°) to study the effect of foliar spraying of silicon, humic acid, and proline on the endurance of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) to salt stress. The experiment was carried out by distributing eight treatments of foliar spraying. Silicon (Si) was sprayed at a concentration of 800 ppm, humic acid (H) at a concentration of 80 ppm, and proline (P) at a concentration of 100 ppm. The studied treatments included control (C), Si, H, P, SiH, SiP, HP, and SiHP) on two soils with salinity (7.63 and 14.24 ds m-1) randomized complete block design with three replicates. The seeds of safflower (Cv. Gila) were planted in the two soils. The results showed significant superiority of the triple treatment (SiHP) in all studied traits, as it recorded the highest mean of height (156.3 cm), number of bells in the plant 59.11, number of seeds in the bell (59.17), weight of 500 seeds (24.30 g), seeds yield (10549 kg seeds ha-1) and biological yield (27582 kg ha-1) with a significant increase over the control treatment, which amounted to 64.2 cm, 26.08 bell plant-1, 24.90 seed bell-1, 14.03 g, 1725 kg seeds ha-1 and 6594 kg.ha-1 respectively—superiority of the proline treatment in all studied traits. Salinity decreased the number of seeds in the plant, the weight of 500 seeds, and seed yield. The foliar spray with the above treatments has proven its effectiveness and efficiency in growth and yield and increased salinity tolerance, in addition to the fact that these materials are environmentally friendly. Keywords: Foliar Spraying; Salinity; Silicon; Humic acid; proline.

Analyzing Single and Combined Cultures of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Isolates from Afghanistan as a Potential Biofertilizer for Rice Growth and Development

Developing multi-functional, environmentally friendly biofertilizers can help reduce chemical fertilizer usage. This study examined single and combined application effects of four plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains: AF124 (Rhizobium daejeonense), AF74 (Enterobacter cloacae), AF96 (Pseudomonas putida), and AF42 (Enterobacter cloacae), isolated from alkaline salt-stressed soils from Afghanistan. Physiological features such as nitrogen (N2) fixation, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), organic acid production, and P and K solubilization of bacteria in single or combined cultures in vitro were examined. A single application of AF124 and AF74 showed significantly higher IAA production than the combined application of dual, triple, and quadruple PGPR treatments. Regarding acetylene reduction activity, an N2-fixation activity indicator, a single application of AF124 showed the highest value, followed by a triple application of AF124 + AF96 + AF42. The P-solubilization activity and organic acid production were lower in the single application of AF124 but higher with other strains in the combined applications, which resulted in the secretion of multiple organic acids into the medium. The highest solubilized K value was obtained from the quadruple application compared to other treatments. In the rice inoculation test, all single and combined PGPR treatments increased its growth parameters, such as root length and root and shoot dry biomass. The present results indicate that these four PGPR strains can potentially contribute to developing multi-functional bio-fertilizer formulations.

Effect of Spraying with Coconut Liquid and Yeast Extract on Vegetative Growth Traits of Citrus rootstock (Citrus aurantium and Volkameriana)

The experiment was conducted in the plant canopy at Horticulture and Landscape Department, College of Agriculture / University of Kerbala, Iraq for the period from mid-February to the end of June 2023 using Randomized Complete Block Design (R.C.B.D) as a factorial experiment with three factors: citrus rootstock (Citrus aurantium and Volkameriana) and coconut liquid extract with three concentrations of (0, 100, 200) ml L-1 and dry yeast extract in three concentrations (0, 4, 8) g L-1 and with three replications. The most important results indicated the superiority of the Volkameriana rootstock in most of the studied growth characteristics (plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, shoot dry weight), while the treatment of coconut liquid 200 ml L-1, as well as the treatment of dry yeast extract with a concentration of 8 g L-1 achieved a significant superiority for the above studied traits and gave the highest rates. The two-way interaction treatment between (rootstock and coconut liquid) and (rootstock + dry yeast extract) not a significant, as for and (coconut liquid 200 ml L-1 + dry yeast extract at a concentration of 8 g L-1) achieved the highest rates in most of the studied traits. The triple interaction treatment (Volkameriana rootstock + coconut liquid 200 ml L-1 + dry yeast extract at a concentration of 8 g L-1) achieved significant superiority in most of the studied growth characteristics (seedling height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, shoot dry weight). While the triple overlap treatment (Citrus aurantium + coconut liquid 200 ml L-1 + dry yeast extract at concentration of 8 g L-1) achieved the highest rate of relative moisture content of the leaves, as it gave the highest rates (38.833 cm, 4.2033 mm, 78.667 leaves seedlings-1, 2398.67 cm2, 37.863 g seedlings-1) (70.3 15%, respectively.

Effect of Adding Zeolite and Agricultural Sulfur on The Availability of Phosphorus From Rock Phosphate and Some Chemical Properties and Growth of Maize in Calcareous Soil

A field experiment was carried out in one of the fields of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad - Al-Jadriya, research station (A) on maize plant, synthetic varieties type (Fajr 1), in the autumn season during the agricultural season 2021-2022 to study the effect of adding zeolite and agricultural sulfur on the availability of phosphorus from Rock Phosphate and the growth of maize in calcareous soil with a loam texture. Agricultural sulfur was used with two levels (0, 2) μg.ha-1, which was added two months before the sowing date, and natural zeolite, which was added at sowing with two levels (0, 10) μg.ha-1, and Rock Phosphate, which was added at sowing with two levels (0, 80) μg.ha-1. While mineral phosphorus, was added in the form of DAP fertilizer according to the fertilizer recommendation for maize plants at a rate of (80) μg.ha-1 according to [1] with one level as a comparison sample with three replicates according to a factorial experiment within the randomized complete block design (RCBD), so that the number of experimental units to became (27) experimental units. Soil and plant samples were taken from the field during the two stages of plant growth (before flowering and harvesting). The results showed a significant effect of the triple interaction of adding agricultural sulfur, zeolite, and Rock Phosphate on the soil phosphorus availability at the harvesting stage which amounted to 10.15 mg.kg-1. The treatment of adding mineral fertilizer alone was 5.07 mg.kg-1, compared with the control treatment which amounted to 2.01 mg.kg-1. However the concentration of absorbed phosphorus in the plant at the stage before flowering was 916.10 mg P.plant-1, and for the treatment of mineral fertilizer alone, 519.90 mg P.plant-1, and for the control treatment amounted to 104.60 mg P.plant-1, respectively. The results also indicated the role of the triple interaction in decreasing the degree of soil reaction (pH) and increasing the degree of electrical conductivity (EC). The degree of pH reaction for the triple interaction treatment was 7.50 and 7.60, for the mineral fertilizer treatment 8.10 and 7.77, and the control treatment 8.13 and 8.13, respectively. The electrical conductivity EC for the triple interaction treatment was 3.00 and 2.84 dS/m, for the mineral fertilizer treatment 2.45 and 2.79 dS/m, and for the control treatment, which amounted to 2.33 and 2.24 dS/m during the two stages of plant growth before flowering and harvesting, respectively. The mineral zeolite alone affected the increase of the cationic exchange capacity (CEC) of the study soil which amounted to 24.27 and 25.70 Cmol.kg-1 during the plant growth stages before flowering and harvesting, respectively.

The role of treatment regimen and duration in treating patients with Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease: A real-world experience and case–control study

PurposeThe treatment advantage of guideline-based therapy (GBT) in Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease (MAC-LD) is well-known. However, GBT is not always feasible. The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship of treatment regimens and duration with outcomes. Materials and methodsThis study screened patients with MAC-LD from Jan 2011 to Dec 2020 and enrolled those who received treatment. The treatment regimens were categorized to triple therapy (three active drugs) and non-triple therapy. The favorable outcomes included microbiological cure or clinical cure if no microbiologic persistence. ResultsA total of 106 patients with MAC-LD were enrolled. Among them, 88 subjects (83 %) received triple therapy, 58 (54.7 %) had MAC treatment >12 months, and 66 (62.3 %) had favorable outcomes. Patients receiving triple therapy (90.9 % vs. 67.5 %, p = 0.008) and treatment >12 months (62.1 % vs. 42.5 %, p = 0.07) had higher proportion of favorable outcomes than unfavorable outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age >65, comorbidities of COPD and prior tuberculosis, low hemoglobin, and high MAC burden were independent risk factors of unfavorable outcome. In contrast, triple therapy (OR: 0.018, 95 % CI: 0.04–0.78, p = 0.022) and treatment duration >12 months (OR: 0.20, 95 % CI: 0.055–0.69, p = 0.012) were protective factors against unfavorable outcome. ConclusionsTriple therapy including GBT, and treatment more than 12 months achieved more favorable outcome. Maintenance of triple therapy, but not reducing the number of active drugs, might be an acceptable alternative of GBT.

Chemical Response of Citrus Rootstocks to Spraying with Coconut Liquid and Dry Yeast Extract

The experiment was conducted in the plant canopy at Horticulture and Landscape Department, College of Agriculture / University of Kerbala, Iraq for the period from mid-February to the end of June 2023 using Randomized Complete Block Design (R.C.B.D) as a factorial experiment with three factors: citrus rootstock (Citrus aurantium and Volkameriana) and coconut liquid extract with three concentrations of (0, 100, 200) ml L-1 and dry yeast extract in three concentrations (0, 4, 8) g L-1 and with three replications. The most important results indicated the superiority of the Volkameriana rootstock in most of the studied growth characteristics (N %, P%, K%, carbohydrate %, chlorophyll content), while the treatment of coconut liquid 200 ml L-1, as well as the treatment of dry yeast extract with a concentration of 8 g L-1 achieved a significant superiority for the above studied traits and gave the highest rates. The two-way interaction treatment between (Volkameriana rootstock + coconut liquid 200 ml L-1) and (Volkameriana rootstock + dry yeast extract at a concentration of 8 g L-1) and (coconut liquid 200 ml L-1 + dry yeast extract at a concentration of 8 g L-1) achieved the highest rates in all of the studied traits. The triple interaction treatment (Volkameriana rootstock + coconut liquid 200 ml L-1 + dry yeast extract at a concentration of 8 g L-1) achieved significant superiority in all the studied growth characteristics (N %, P %, K %, carbohydrate content, and leaf chlorophyll content), as it gave the highest rates of (2.1117%, 0.6867%, 1.9700%, 19.9570%, 4.999 mg. fresh weight-1) respectively.