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In this study, we evaluated variation in vegetative and reproductive phenological events of four phylogenetically related plant species subjected to a seasonal environment. To this aim, we sampled 15 individuals of each plant species every fortnight for one year, between January and December of 2017. To assess when a given phenophase occurred more intensely in the population, the Fournier intensity index was used and the synchrony of individuals of the sample in a given phenological event was estimated using the activity index. The Rayleigh (Z) test was used to determine whether the phenological events have seasonal distribution. The relationship of abiotic factors (photoperiod, precipitation, relative humidity and temperature) with the intensity of phenophases was evaluated for each plant species using generalized linear models (GLMs). The phenophases of all plants showed a seasonal distribution pattern, as well as variation in synchrony of phenophases and specific sets of abiotic factors significantly influenced their phenophases. New leaves, for example, were produced throughout the seasons, with intense leaf fall in the dry season. Flowering periods, on the other hand, did not overlap. Indeed, species exhibited sequential flowering and asynchronous flowering among individuals. Our results suggest that the phenological patterns of four sympatric plant species are directly linked to climatic variables, but different abiotic factors affected different phenophases.
Neste estudo, avaliamos a variação nos eventos fenológicos vegetativos e reprodutivos de quatro espécies de plantas filogeneticamente relacionadas submetidas a um ambiente sazonal. Para isso, amostramos 15 indivíduos de cada espécie quinzenalmente, pelo período de um ano, entre janeiro e dezembro de 2017. Para avaliar quando uma determinada fenofase ocorreu de modo mais intenso na população foi utilizado o índice de intensidade de Fournier e a sincronia dos indivíduos da amostra em determinado evento fenológico foi estimada utilizando-se o índice de atividade. O teste de Rayleigh (Z) foi usado para determinar se os eventos fenológicos têm distribuição sazonal. A relação dos fatores abióticos (fotoperíodo, precipitação, temperatura e umidade relativa) com a intensidade das fenofases foi avaliada para cada espécie de planta usando modelos lineares generalizados (GLMs). As fenofases de todas as plantas apresentaram um padrão de distribuição sazonal, bem como variação na sincronia das fenofases e conjuntos específicos de fatores abióticos influenciaram significativamente suas fenofases. Folhas novas, por exemplo, foram produzidas ao longo das estações, com intensa queda de folhas na estação seca. Os períodos de floração, por outro lado, não se sobrepuseram. De fato, as espécies exibiram floração sequencial e floração assíncrona entre os indivíduos. Nossos resultados sugerem que os padrões fenológicos das quatro espécies de plantas simpátricas estão diretamente ligados às variáveis climáticas, mas diferentes fatores abióticos afetaram diferentes fenofases.
Subject(s)
Plants , Seasons , Growth and Development , Environment , Sympatry/physiologyABSTRACT
Abstract In this study, we evaluated variation in vegetative and reproductive phenological events of four phylogenetically related plant species subjected to a seasonal environment. To this aim, we sampled 15 individuals of each plant species every fortnight for one year, between January and December of 2017. To assess when a given phenophase occurred more intensely in the population, the Fournier intensity index was used and the synchrony of individuals of the sample in a given phenological event was estimated using the activity index. The Rayleigh (Z) test was used to determine whether the phenological events have seasonal distribution. The relationship of abiotic factors (photoperiod, precipitation, relative humidity and temperature) with the intensity of phenophases was evaluated for each plant species using generalized linear models (GLMs). The phenophases of all plants showed a seasonal distribution pattern, as well as variation in synchrony of phenophases and specific sets of abiotic factors significantly influenced their phenophases. New leaves, for example, were produced throughout the seasons, with intense leaf fall in the dry season. Flowering periods, on the other hand, did not overlap. Indeed, species exhibited sequential flowering and asynchronous flowering among individuals. Our results suggest that the phenological patterns of four sympatric plant species are directly linked to climatic variables, but different abiotic factors affected different phenophases.
Resumo Neste estudo, avaliamos a variação nos eventos fenológicos vegetativos e reprodutivos de quatro espécies de plantas filogeneticamente relacionadas submetidas a um ambiente sazonal. Para isso, amostramos 15 indivíduos de cada espécie quinzenalmente, pelo período de um ano, entre janeiro e dezembro de 2017. Para avaliar quando uma determinada fenofase ocorreu de modo mais intenso na população foi utilizado o índice de intensidade de Fournier e a sincronia dos indivíduos da amostra em determinado evento fenológico foi estimada utilizando-se o índice de atividade. O teste de Rayleigh (Z) foi usado para determinar se os eventos fenológicos têm distribuição sazonal. A relação dos fatores abióticos (fotoperíodo, precipitação, temperatura e umidade relativa) com a intensidade das fenofases foi avaliada para cada espécie de planta usando modelos lineares generalizados (GLMs). As fenofases de todas as plantas apresentaram um padrão de distribuição sazonal, bem como variação na sincronia das fenofases e conjuntos específicos de fatores abióticos influenciaram significativamente suas fenofases. Folhas novas, por exemplo, foram produzidas ao longo das estações, com intensa queda de folhas na estação seca. Os períodos de floração, por outro lado, não se sobrepuseram. De fato, as espécies exibiram floração sequencial e floração assíncrona entre os indivíduos. Nossos resultados sugerem que os padrões fenológicos das quatro espécies de plantas simpátricas estão diretamente ligados às variáveis climáticas, mas diferentes fatores abióticos afetaram diferentes fenofases.
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ObjectiveTo identify the prototypical components and metabolites absorbed into blood and cerebrospinal fluid of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus（SCF） based on sequential metabolism combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. MethodBlood and cerebrospinal fluid samples of integrated metabolism， intestinal metabolism and hepatic metabolism were collected from male SD rats after gavage and in situ intestinal perfusion administration， and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry（UPLC Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS） was used to analyze and compare the differences in the spectra of SCF extract， blank plasma， administered plasma， blank cerebrospinal fluid and administered cerebrospinal fluid with ACQUITY UPLC BEH Shield RP18 column（2.1 mm×100 mm， 1.7 µm）， the mobile phase was acetonitrile（A）-0.1% formic acid aqueous solution（B） for gradient elution（0-7 min， 95%B； 7-12 min， 95%-35%B； 12-17 min， 35%-15%B； 17-20 min， 15%-12%B； 20-22 min， 12%-5%B； 22-23 min， 5%B； 23-25 min， 5%-95%B； 25-28 min， 95%B）. And heated electrospray ionization（HESI） was used with positive and negative ion modes， the scanning range was m/z 100-1 500. The prototypical constituents and their metabolites absorbed into blood and cerebrospinal fluid of SCF were identified according to the retention time， characteristic fragments， molecular formulae and the information of reference substances. ResultA total of 42 chemical components were identified in the extract of SCF， including lignans， flavonoids， amino acids， tannins， and others， of which lignans were the main ones. A total of 27 prototypical components and 14 metabolites were identified in plasma samples from different sites. A total of 15 prototypical components and 9 metabolites were identified in cerebrospinal fluid. The main metabolic reactions involved in the formation of metabolites were mainly demethylation， methylation， demethoxylation and hydroxylation. ConclusionThrough the systematic identification of the prototypical components and metabolites of SCF in rats， it provides data support for further better exploring the material basis of SCF in the treatment of central nervous system diseases.
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Background: Predicting the severity of COVID-19 infection in advance is the key to success of its treatment outcome. Various scoring systems are used to detect the severity of this disease but this study targets three simple scoring systems based on the vital parameters and basic routine laboratory tests. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the predictability of three scoring systems (Quick sequential organ failure assessment [q SOFA], CURB-65, and Early Warning scoring system) for disease severity at presentation in a rural-based tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: An observational, descriptive, retrospective, and cross-sectional study was conducted at Diamond Harbour Government Medical College Covid Hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 to assess the predictability of q SOFA, CURB-65, and Early Warning scoring system for disease severity at presentation. Results: The total number of participants was 561 among total admitted 1367 patients. A short descriptive analysis obtained from the variables to analyze the scorings howed among total sample collected, 57% were male and 43% were female. In this study, 87% of patients were survived and the rest 13% succumbed (death). There is no statistically significant difference in mortality between both genders. Age, pulse rate, and respiratory rate have a significant correlation with the outcome and altered sensorium is also highly associated with mortality. The accuracy was also found to be little higher for National Early Warning score (NEWS) score than CURB-65 scoring and q SOFA scoring (0.919, 0.914 and 0.907). Although all the scoring systems have high sensitivity (>90%) (CURB 65: Most sensitive [0.99]), the specificities of all three scoring systems are below 50%. Among these three-scoring systems, NEWS showed the highest specificity (0.492) than q SOFA (0.423) and CURB 65 (0.394). Conclusion: We suggest NEWS score and CURB-65 as a better predictor for in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients as it is significantly sensitive and reasonably specific. It can be recommended in less equipped hospitals where only basic laboratory facilities are available. qSOFA can be utilized where no laboratory facility is available like in safe home and isolation centers.
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Background: Today, cardiovascular, oncological, and neurodegenerative diseases are the main causes of death in the world, according to official World Health Organization (WHO) statistics. Antioxidants are used to treat and prevent these diseases. In order to develop optimal technology for obtaining drugs based on plant extracts with antioxidant action, it is necessary to determine the total antioxidant capacity of raspberry shoots. Objectives: The study aimed to determine the total antioxidant capacity of red raspberry shoots, study the content of biologically active substances (BAS), and the antioxidant activity of red raspberry shoot extracts obtained during subsequent exhaustive extraction. Methods: The number of phenolic compounds, catechins, flavonoids, and hydroxycinnamic acids was determined by a spectrophotometric analysis method, whereas organic acids were determined by the alkalimetric method in red raspberry shoot extracts; the antioxidant activity of obtained extracts was evaluated by potentiometric method. Results: The total antioxidant capacity of red raspberry shoots was 164.12 mmol-equiv./m dry weight, the sum of the total content of phenolic compounds was 24.40 mg gallic acid (GA)/mL, catechins 21.36 mg epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG)/mL, flavonoids 0.77 mg rutin (R)/mL, hydroxycinnamic acids derivatives 2.56 mg chlorogenic acid (ChA)/mL and organic acids 1.88 mg citric acid (CA)/mL in red raspberry shoot extracts obtained during subsequent exhaustive extraction. The analysis showed that there is a very high positive correlation between antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds, catechin, flavonoid, hydroxycinnamic acids derivatives, and organic acids content in red raspberry shoot extracts. Conclusions: Total red raspberry shoots' antioxidant capacity has been determined. The study results can be used to develop optimal technology for obtaining drugs based on the extract of red raspberry shoots, which has an antioxidant effect
Contexto: Hoy en día, las enfermedades cardiovasculares, oncológicas y neurodegenerativas son las principales causas de muerte en el mundo según estadísticas oficiales de la Organización Mundial de la Salud OMS. Los antioxidantes se utilizan para tratar y prevenir estas enfermedades. Para desarrollar una tecnología óptima para la obtención de fármacos a base de extractos de plantas con acción antioxidante, es necesario determinar la capacidad antioxidante total de los brotes de frambuesa.Objetivos: El estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar la capacidad antioxidante total de los brotes de frambuesa roja, estudiar el contenido de sustancias biológicamente activas (SBA) y la actividad antioxidante de los extractos de brotes de frambuesa roja obtenidos mediante extracción exhaustiva. Métodos: La cantidad de compuestos fenólicos, catequinas, flavonoides y ácidos hidroxicinámicos se determinó por método de análisis espectrofotométrico, mientras que los ácidos orgánicos por método alcalimétrico en extractos de brotes de frambuesa roja; La actividad antioxidante de los extractos obtenidos se evaluó por método potenciométrico. Resultados: La capacidad antioxidante total de los brotes de frambuesa roja fue de 164.12 mmol-equiv./m de peso seco, la suma del contenido total de compuestos fenólicos fue de 24.40 mg gálico ácido (GA)/mL, catequinas 21.36 mg epigalocatequina-3-O-galato (EGCG)/mL, flavonoides 0.77 mg rutina (R)/mL, derivados de ácidos hidroxicinámicos 2.56 mg clorogénico ácido (ChA)/mL y ácidos orgánicos 1.88 mg cítrico ácido (CA)/mL en extractos de brotes de frambuesa roja obtenidos durante extracción exhaustiva. La correlación analizada mostró que existe una correlación positiva entre la actividad antioxidante y el contenido de compuestos fenólicos totales, catequinas, flavonoides, derivados de ácidos hidroxicinámicos y ácidos orgánicos en extractos de brotes de frambuesa roja. Conclusiones: Gracias a nuestros resultados se ha determinado la capacidad antioxidante total de los brotes de frambuesa roja. Los resultados del estudio se pueden utilizar para desarrollar una tecnología óptima para la obtención de fármacos basados en el extracto de brotes de frambuesa roja, que tiene un efecto antioxidante
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Humans , Antioxidants , Phenols , Serial Extraction , Organic Acids , Correlation of DataABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the efficacy of sequential and concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the elderly, and to analyze the influencing factors of prognosis and outcome.Methods:The clinical data of 195 elderly patients with advanced NSCLC admitted to Beijing Shijingshan Hospitaland and Beijing Shijitan Hospital from March 2015 to March 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into the concurrent chemoradiotherapy (100 cases) and the sequential chemoradiotherapy (95 cases) according to different chemoradiotherapy regiments. The short-term efficacy, 3-year survival, influencing factors of prognosis and toxic and adverse effects of the two groups were compared.Results:The objective response rate in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group was significantly higher than that in the sequential chemoradiotherapy group: 61.00%(61/100) vs. 44.21%(42/95), there was statistically difference ( χ2 = 5.51, P<0.05). The 2-year and 3-year survival rate in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group were 52.00% and 23.00%, which were significantly higher than those in the sequential chemoradiotherapy group: 32.60%, 11.60%, there were statistically differences ( P<0.05). Multivariate analysis results showed that smoking, Karnofsky score<70, TNM stage Ⅲb, short-term efficacy and treatment methods/sequential chemoradiotherapy were independent risk factors ( P<0.05). The incidence of radiation esophagitis, bone marrow suppression and lung function damage in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group were higher than those in the sequential chemoradiotherapy group: 45.00%(45/100) vs. 27.37% (26/95), 36.00%(36/100) vs. 22.11%(21/95), 48.00%(48/100) vs. 26.32%(25/95), there were statistically differences ( χ2 = 6.54, 4.55, 9.78; P<0.05). Conclusions:Concurrent chemoradiotherapy can improve the short-term efficacy, and improve the 2-year and 3-year survival rates in advanced NSCLC in elderly patients, but the adverse effects are significantly enhanced.
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Objective:To evaluate the prognostic value of sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC) in patients with sepsis.Methods:From January 2019 to December 2021, patients with sepsis admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of our hospital were retrospectively classified into the SIC group and non-SIC group according to SIC diagnostic criteria. The baseline clinical data, severity score, total length of hospital stay, length of ICU stay and 28-day survival were compared between the two groups. Kaplan-Meier was used to compare the 28-day survival of patients with sepsis between the two groups. Cox proportional hazard regression model was employed to analyze the risk factors of prognosis in patients with sepsis.Results:Totally 274 patients with sepsis were included in the analysis, including 139 patients in the SIC group and 135 patients in the non-SIC group. The two groups were compared in the perspectives of the Platelet count (PLT), prothrombin time (PT) , procalcitonin (PCT), D dimer, hematocrit, red blood cell distribution width, hemoglobin, acute kidney injury (AKI), the use of continuous renal replacement treatment (CRRT), the use of vasoactive drugs, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHEⅡ) score were compared between the two groups and the difference were statistically different (all P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the 28-day mortality rate in the SIC group was significantly higher than that in the non-SIC group (32.4% vs. 14.1%, P<0.05). COX proportional hazard model showed that SIC score ( HR= 2.17, 95% CI: 1.15-3.91, P<0.05), APACHEⅡ score ( HR= 1.13, 95% CI: 1.09-1.17, P<0.05) and the use of vasoactive drugs ( HR=3.66, 95% CI: 1.53-8.75, P<0.05) were independent influencing factors for 28-day death in patients with sepsis. Conclusions:Patients with sepsis and SIC have more severe disease and increased mortality risk. SIC score exhibits good clinical value in predicting the prognosis of patients with sepsis.
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Objective:To evaluate the value of age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (aCCI) in the clinical prognosis of sepsis and septic shock in the elderly, and to further explore the role of aCCI in evaluating the timing of Shenfu injection in elderly patients with septic shock.Methods:Clinical data of elderly patients with sepsis and septic shock in Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from January 1, 2019 to January 1, 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. With the median aCCI score of all samples as the cutoff value, the patients were divided into the low aCCI score group and high aCCI score group. The prognosis of elderly patients with septic shock and the application timing of Shenfu injection with aCCI score and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) were compared.Results:A total of 61 patients were included, including 31 patients in the high aCCI score group. The proportion of septic shock in elderly sepsis patients was lower in the low aCCI score group ( P < 0.05). The aCCI score (95% CI: 1.229-2.615; P< 0.01) was more valuable than SOFA score (95% CI: 1.035-1.607; P< 0.05) in predicting septic shock in elderly patients with sepsis. The 28-day survival rate in the low aCCI score group was higher than that in the high aCCI score group ( P < 0.05). Both the SOFA score (95% CI: 1.010-1.364) and the aCCI score (95% CI: 1.072-10.501) were independent factors affecting the 28-day survival rate. The use of Shenfu injection was associated with 28-day survival outcome in elderly patients with septic shock (95% CI: 0.012-0.788; P < 0.05). Conclusions:aCCI score is more effective than SOFA score in assessing the risk of shock in elderly patients with septic shock, and has a certain predictive value for the survival and prognosis of elderly patients with sepsis. Shenfu injection may be beneficial to the survival and prognosis of elderly patients with septic shock, but it needs to be further verified by large-scale prospective studies.
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Objective@#Evaluate the effect of an integrated teaching model of oral preclinical practice based on endodontic-restorative sequential treatment to provide a reference for the exploration of the teaching mode of the stomatology specialty. @* Methods @#This retrospective study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee. The study was divided into 2 groups. There were 450 2018-grade and 2019-grade students in the discipline integration teaching method (DIT) group, and a preclinical practice course (root canal therapy and fixed prosthetic treatments were integrated into an endodontic-restorative sequential treatment) using the DIT method was applied. There were 443 2016-grade and 2017-grade students in the traditional teaching method (TT) group, and a TT preclinical practice course (root canal therapy and fixed prosthetic treatments training courses were taught separately) was applied. Both groups were taught by the same two teachers. The scores of clinical skills examination and treatment planning were compared between the two groups. In addition, students in the two groups were asked to complete the questionnaires about the teaching methods, and students in Group DIT and their teachers were asked to complete the questionnaires on their degree of satisfaction with the DIT method in the preclinical course. @*Results @# Students in the DIT group had an average score of 90.2 ± 4.16 in the practical skill evaluation, which was higher than that of the TT group (86.3±3.57) (P = 0.001). In the case analysis, 91.8% (413/450) of the students in the DIT group successfully planned the treatment, compared to a significantly lower rate in the TT group of 74.7% (331/443) (P = 0.001). The questionnaire results showed that recognition degrees of cultivated clinical thinking, improved indication analysis ability, improved operational skills, stimulated enthusiasm for learning, and improved autonomous learning were higher in the DIT group than in the TT group, and both teachers (2/2) and 98.4% (443/450) of students recognized the DIT method. @*Conclusions@#The DIT method significantly improved students’ learning quality and ability, proved effective in the endodontic-restorative sequential treatment practice course and was more acceptable to teachers and students. The DIT method is more effective than the TT method in improving students’ clinical thinking and operation ability.
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ObjectiveTo study the metabolism of chemical components from Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium（CRP）in different parts of rats by sequential metabolism and ultra performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry（UPLC-HRMS）. MethodSD male rats were employed as experimental subjects， and blood samples of intestinal metabolism and hepatic metabolism were prepared after administration of CRP ethanol extract by in situ intestinal perfusion， and comprehensive metabolic samples were collected after intragastric administration. UPLC-HRMS was used to analyze the samples with acetonitrile（A）-0.1% formic acid aqueous solution（B）as the mobile phase for gradient elution（0-10 min， 10%-30%A； 10-30 min， 30%-95%A； 30-31 min， 95%-10%A； 31-35 min， 10%A）at a flow rate of 0.35 mL·min-1， using a heated electrospray ionization with positive and negative ion mode scanning in the range of m/z 100-1 500. Under these conditions， the differences in the profiles of CRP ethanol extract， blank plasma and drug-containing plasma under different treatment groups were compared， and the chemical components of each sample were analyzed and identified based on the retention time， accurate relative molecular mass， primary and secondary ion fragments， and the information of reference substances. ResultA total of 44 chemical components were identified in the CRP ethanol extract， including flavone-O-glycosides， flavone-C-glycosides and polymethoxyflavonoids， etc. The results of sequential metabolism showed that 22 chemical components in CRP were detected in the intestinal metabolic sample， 18 chemical components were detected in the hepatic metabolic sample， and 9 identical chemical components（narirutin， hesperidin， meranzin， 5，7，8，3ʹ，4ʹ，5ʹ-hexamethoxy-flavone， isosinensetin， sinensetin， 3，5，6，7，8，3ʹ，4ʹ-heptamethoxyflavone， nobiletin and tangeretin）could be detected in all three metabolic samples， with a total of 22 compounds entering the blood in prototype form. ConclusionThe identified 21 components with well-defined structures entering the blood as prototypes may be potential active components of CRP， and differences in the components at different metabolic parts can provide an experimental basis for elucidating the in vivo biotransformation process of the metabolic components of CRP.
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Objective To analyze the death-related factors of elderly patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) treated by sequential mechanical ventilation,so as to provide evidence for clinical practice. Methods The clinical data of 1204 elderly patients (≥60 years old) with AECOPD treated by sequential mechanical ventilation from June 2015 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.The probability and influencing factors of death were analyzed. Results Among the 1204 elderly patients with AECOPD treated by sequential mechanical ventilation,167 (13.87%) died.Multivariate analysis showed that plasma procalcitonin ≥0.5 μg/L (OR=2.762, 95%CI=1.920-3.972, P<0.001),daily invasive ventilation time ≥12 h (OR=2.202, 95%CI=1.487-3.262,P<0.001),multi-drug resistant bacterial infection (OR=1.790,95%CI=1.237-2.591,P=0.002),oxygenation index<39.90 kPa (OR=2.447,95%CI=1.625-3.685,P<0.001),glycosylated hemoglobin >6% (OR=2.288,95%CI=1.509-3.470,P<0.001),and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ score ≥25 points (OR=2.126,95%CI=1.432-3.156,P<0.001) were independent risk factors for death in patients with AECOPD treated by sequential mechanical ventilation.Oral care>twice/d (OR=0.676,95%CI=0.457-1.000,P=0.048) and sputum excretion>twice/d (OR=0.492, 95%CI=0.311-0.776, P=0.002) were independent protective factors for death in elderly patients with AECOPD treated by sequential mechanical ventilation. Conclusions The outcomes of sequential mechanical ventilation in the treatment of elderly patients with AECOPD are affected by a variety of factors.To reduce the mortality,we put forward the following measures:attaching great importance to severe patients,restoring oxygenation function,shortening unnecessary invasive ventilation time,controlling blood glucose,preventing multidrug resistant bacterial infection,oral care twice a day,and sputum excretion twice a day.
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Humans , Aged , Middle Aged , Respiration, Artificial/methods , Retrospective Studies , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/therapy , SputumABSTRACT
Predatory hunting is an important type of innate behavior evolutionarily conserved across the animal kingdom. It is typically composed of a set of sequential actions, including prey search, pursuit, attack, and consumption. This behavior is subject to control by the nervous system. Early studies used toads as a model to probe the neuroethology of hunting, which led to the proposal of a sensory-triggered release mechanism for hunting actions. More recent studies have used genetically-trackable zebrafish and rodents and have made breakthrough discoveries in the neuroethology and neurocircuits underlying this behavior. Here, we review the sophisticated neurocircuitry involved in hunting and summarize the detailed mechanism for the circuitry to encode various aspects of hunting neuroethology, including sensory processing, sensorimotor transformation, motivation, and sequential encoding of hunting actions. We also discuss the overlapping brain circuits for hunting and feeding and point out the limitations of current studies. We propose that hunting is an ideal behavioral paradigm in which to study the neuroethology of motivated behaviors, which may shed new light on epidemic disorders, including binge-eating, obesity, and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
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Animals , Zebrafish , Hunting , Predatory Behavior/physiology , Neurons/physiology , MotivationABSTRACT
Clinical data of 102 patients with premature ovarian failure admitted to Zhang Zhongjing Hospital from December 2018 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Fifty-one patients received (control group), and another 51 patients received Chinse medicine Kuntai capsule in addition to sequential estrogen progesterone therapy(study group); both groups were treated for 3 menstrual cycles. After treatment, the total effective rate of the study group was higher than that of the control group (94.1% (48/51) vs. 72.6% (37/51), χ2=4.07, P=0.044). After treatment, the proportion of patients with mild Kupperman score and serum estradiol level in both groups were increased, and the proportion in study group was higher than that in the control group. The proportion of patients with moderate and severe Kupperman score and the total score decreased after treatment in both groups, and the proportion of patients with moderate Kupperman score in the study group was lower than that in the control group. Serum luteinizing hormone and folliclestimulating hormone levels were significantly decreased, and the levels in study group were lower than those in the control group. The levels of resistance index and PI were significantly decreased after treatment in both group and the study group decrease more markedly (all P<0.05). The peak systolic flow velocity level was increased after treatment in both groups and the study group increased more markedly (all P<0.05). It is suggested that the application of Chinese medicine Kuntai capsule combined with sequential estrogen progesterone therapy can effectively improve the clinical therapeutic effect, stabilize sex hormones, uterine microcirculation and effectively alleviate the condition of patients with premature ovarian failure.
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Objective: Several predictive scoring systems measuring disease severity are used to predict outcomes, typically mortality, of critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Two common validated predictive scoring systems include acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) and modified sequential organ failure assessment score (mSOFA). To compare performance of APACHE II and mSOFA score in critically ill patients regarding the outcomes in the form of morbidity and mortality in ICU. Methods: This prospective observational clinical study was conducted on 100 patients over 6 months. For each patient, APACHE II score on day of admission and serial mSOFA scores on day 0, 3, 7 and 10 were calculated and compared. Results: The age of the non-survivors was significantly older than survivors was (57.1±11.76 and 54.28±15.16). [In our study we found that the mean length of ICU stay of non-survivors was (5.41±4.81) & survivors(8.63± 4.81) days.] In our study mortality rate was 40%.The APACHE II score with cut-off point of 23 demonstrated a sensitivity rate of 98.33% & specificity rate of 17.5%, accuracy of 66.00%. Serial mSOFA scores with cut-off of 11 on day0, day3, day7 better differentiated survivors from non-survivors with 98.3% sensitivity, 27.5% specificity and 70% accuracy. Conclusion: Both APACHE II and mSOFA scores can help ICU physicians as a significant predictive marker for mortality in critically ill patients. The serial measurement of mSOFA score in the first week is a better mortality predictor tool than APACHE II score in critically ill patients.
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The exponential increase in world population and average human lifespan is expected to result in geriatric population globally. The problem of preventable blindness due to cataract will increase manifold. Simultaneous Bilateral cataract surgery (SBCS) is a viable option in such subset of patients. Despite faster visual recovery, economic benefits to patients and health care providers, decreased risk of complications associated with General anaesthesia, there is significant resistance in accepting SBCS as a routine procedure. Bilateral endophthalmitis is the main deterrent in performing ISBCS. This case highlights successful ISBCS in 36 years old female patient with Down抯 syndrome.
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In group sequential trials, the interim results are more promising in the early termination of a trial either for efficacy or futility of the trial. This reduces the cost and time implications. Moreover, interim analyses play a key role to tackle the problem that arises due to adverse effects. In concern with the early stopping of trials, there are numerous stopping methods among them the Conditional power (CP) approach is best recommended. The CP approach provides the probability of getting significant results at the end of the study given the data observed so far. There are very few Indian studies that had incorporated the concept of CP and made decisions based on the results. This study popularises the CP approach detailing computing and its interpretation and is thereby facilitating clinical researchers to use this approach effectively. We have used real-time and hypothetical examples and illustrated the concept of CP under trend, CP under null, and CP under design. We suggest stopping the study for efficacy when the CP under null is greater than 80% and stopping the study for futility when CP under trend is less than 30%.
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ABSTRACT It is now well recognized that over the lifetime of a patient with osteoporosis, more than one medication will be needed to treat the disease and to decrease fracture risk. Though current gaps in osteoporosis therapy can be potentially mitigated with sequential and combination regimens, how to move seamlessly amongst the multiple treatments currently available for osteoporosis for sustained efficacy is still unclear. Data from recent studies show that an anabolic agent such as teriparatide or romosozumab followed by an antiresorptive affords maximal gain in BMD and possibly better and earlier fracture risk reduction compared to a regimen which follows the opposite sequence. Sequentially moving to a bisphosphonate such as alendronate from an anabolic agent such as abaloparatide has also been shown to preserve the fracture reduction benefits seen with the latter. This sequence of an anabolic agent followed by an antiresorptive should especially be considered in the high-risk patient with imminent fracture risk to rapidly reduce the risk of subsequent fractures. The data surrounding optimum timing of initiation of bisphosphonate therapy following denosumab discontinuation is still unclear. Though data suggests that combining a bisphosphonate with teriparatide does not provide substantial BMD gains compared to monotherapy, the concomitant administration of denosumab with teriparatide has been shown to significantly increase areal BMD as well as to increase volumetric BMD and estimated bone strength. This narrative review explores the available evidence regarding the various sequential and combination therapy approaches and the potential role they could play in better managing osteoporosis.
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Background: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is the standard treatment for advanced esophageal cancer, but it may be more invasive in the elderly and definitive radiotherapy (RT) alone may be selected. This study assessed the significance of sequential chemoradiotherapy (SCRT) in elderly esophageal cancer patients. Methods: We reviewed 87 patients aged 75 years and older, who were treated using definitive radiotherapy without concurrent chemotherapy for esophageal cancer. A total dose ranging from 50.4 to 63 Gy (median, 58.8) was delivered to the primary lesion and the involved lymph nodes. This study compared patients who received SCRT with those who received RT alone among 40 patients with stage III or IVA cancer. Descriptive statistics were calculated using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and the generalized Wilcoxon test. Results: The total progression?free survival (TPFS), progression?free survival outside the irradiation field, and overall survival were significantly longer after SCRT (n = 15) than after definitive RT alone (n = 25; P = 0.0041 and 0.0098), whereas the progression?free survival in the irradiation field was not significantly different between the two groups. The TPFS was significantly shorter in patients who received RT alone than in those who received SCRT (P = 0.0372). There were no grade 4 or higher adverse events in the patients who received SCRT. Conclusion: SCRT was associated with a reduced relapse rate, suggesting that it should be considered for markedly elderly patients with advanced esophageal cancer.
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The genus Fuchsia is generally used in herbal preparations to treat conditions caused by microorganisms. Based on the popular use of this type of plants, the objective of this study was to obtain sequential extracts of increasing polarity from the branches of Fuchsia lycioides by maceration at room temperature and by the Soxhlet method at 60ºC, to later evaluate the antifungal capacity of the extracts against different clinical isolates of the Candida genus. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited strong anti-fungal activity, selectively inhibiting C. albicans strains with MIC and CMF values of 10 and 15 µg/mL, respectively; comparable with the drug itraconazole®. The analysis of the extract by GC-MS showed a high concentration of terpenoids (mainly phytol) and phenylpropanoids (mainly cinnamic acid), possibly responsible for the antifungal activity of the ethyl acetate extract of F. lycioides.
El género Fuchsia se usa generalmente en preparaciones de hierbas para tratar afecciones provocadas por microorganismos. En base al uso popular de este tipo de plantas, el objetivo de este estudio fue obtener los extractos secuenciales de polaridad creciente de las ramas de Fuchsia lycioides por maceración a temperatura ambiente y por el método Soxhlet a 60ºC, para luego evaluar la capacidad antifúngica de los extractos frente a diferentes aislados clínicos del genero Candida. El extracto de acetato de etilo exhibió una fuerte actividad antifúngica inhibiendo en forma selectiva las cepas de C. albicans con valores de CMI y de CMF de 10 y 15 µg/mL, respectivamente; comparables con el fármaco itraconazol®. El análisis del extracto por CG-EM mostró una alta concentración de terpenoides (principalmente fitol) y fenilpropanoides (principalmente ácido cinámico), posibles responsables de la actividad antifúngica del extracto de acetato de etilo de F. lycioides.
Subject(s)
Candida albicans/drug effects , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Onagraceae/chemistry , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Phenylpropionates/analysis , Temperature , Terpenes/analysis , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry , Antifungal Agents/chemistryABSTRACT
Radiotherapy is an important treatment modality in breast-conserving therapy of breast cancer. At present, hypofractionation has become the preferred dose schedule for whole breast irradiation. Tumor bed boost can further improve the local control, and sequential boost is recommended for high-risk patients. The widespread application of intensity-modulated radiation therapy provides dosimetric advantages and practical convenience for simultaneous integrated boost. In this review, the indications of tumor bed boost and recent research progress on simultaneous integrated boost were summarized, specifically focusing on the safety and efficacy of simultaneous integrated boost during conventional fractionated or hypofractionated whole breast radiotherapy. Ongoing phase Ⅲ randomized clinical trials of simultaneous integrated boost during hypofractionated whole breast radiotherapy were also illustrated.