Fine structure of Delia platura (Meigen) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) revealed by scanning electron microscopy.

Delia platura (Meigen) is a phytophagous fly that can cause significant crop losses. To obtain a better understanding of the external morphology of this species, adult D. platura is studied using scanning electron microscopy. Organs or structures that are important for taxonomy, such as the compound eyes, spiracles, pulvilli, wings, and genitalia are highlighted to complement previous description based on light microscope. Mesothoracic and metathoracic spiracles of D. platura that provide efficiency in preventing entrance of fine materials or dust into the tracheal system are morphologically different. In addition, the elongate-oval pulvillus is densely covered with tenent setae with spoon-like tip, which can increase the number of contact points for attachment to a surface. Four types of sensilla are observed on the male genitalia of D. platura including: trichoid sensilla, chaetic sensilla, three subtypes of campaniform sensilla, and basiconic sensilla. Long bristles and microtrichiae are observed on the female genitalia of D. platura. The possible function of sensilla located in the genitalia of D. platura is discussed. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:619-630, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Impact of topical application of autologous platelet-rich gel on medical expenditure and length of stay in hospitals in diabetic patients with refractory cutaneous ulcers].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential financial benefit of topical application of autologous platelet-rich gel (APG) in treating diabetic refractory cutaneous ulcers. METHODS: A single-center prospective randomized controlled trial was undertaken, with 117 patients with proven diabetic refractory cutaneous ulcers participating in the study. The patients who gave informed consents were randomly assigned into standard care group (n = 58) or standard care plus topical application of APG treatment group (n = 59). The outcome of healing and the medical expenditur and length of stay in the patients were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The APG-treated group had better healing outcomes than the standard-treated group. The APG-treated group had 84.750 (50/59) complete healing and 98.31% improvement, higher than the 68.97% (40/58) and 75.86%, respectively, in the standard-treated group (P = 0.026). The median length for healing in the APG-treated patients was 36 days, shorter than the 45 days in the standard-treated patients (P = 0.012). The total medical expenditure and length of stay in hospitals were not significantly different between APG-treated patients [yen 38223 (23070-57398); 57 (41-94) days] and standard-treated patients [yen 35070 (24436-53649); 58 (31.75-58.50) days) (P = 0.455 and 0.301 respectively). Spendings on items such as medicine, artificial treatment, materials, interventional operation, surgical procedures, laboratory tests and other auxiliary examination, accommodations, meals, nursing care and debridement and dressing change were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: There is an advantage for the topical application of APG on diabetic refractory cutaneous ulcers in terms of the healing outcomes. APG is a cost-effective choice for patients with diabetic refractory cutaneous ulcers.

[Accuracy and safety of continuous glucose monitoring system in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy and safety of continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) in subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired glucose regulation (IGR) and newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: A total of 162 subjects (53 NGT, 53 IGR and 56 newly diagnosed T2DM) at 22 - 72 years old were recruited. Each subject received a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) of CGMS SYSTEM GOLD(TM) (Medtronic Minimed, Northridge, CA) for 3 consecutive days and was instructed to self-calibrate the interstitial glucose levels with finger-stick blood glucose measurements (self-monitoring of blood glucose, SMBG) 7 times daily. Means of median absolute difference (median AD) and median absolute relative difference (median RAD) were calculated to assess the difference between CGM and SMBG values. The correlation between CGM and SMBG values were analyzed with the liner regression analysis. The data were analyzed by the ISO criteria for home glucose meters and Clarke error grid analysis. RESULTS: All participants showed a good tolerance to the insertion of CGMS sensor and wearing the device. The mean duration of CGMS recording was (75.6 ± 8.3) h. A total of 4324 glucose meter values were paired with glucose measurements from CGMS. Overall, a good relationship (r = 0.943, P = 0.000) and no significant difference (P > 0.05) over a wide range (2.2 - 22.2 mmol/L) were found between CGM and SMBG values. The median AD was 0.5 (0.2 - 0.9) mmol/L and the median RAD 7.55% (3.33% - 14.09%) with 87.16% of sensor values meeting the ISO home glucose meter criteria. The Clarke error grid analysis showed that 99.58% of the readings from CGMS fell into the clinical acceptable zones including 87.5% values in zone A (clinical exact) and 12.1% values in zone B (benign error). CONCLUSION: Both safe and well-tolerated, continuous glucose monitoring provides comparatively accurate blood glucose values to guide the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.

[Glycemic excursions in people with normal glucose tolerance in Chengdu].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics of glycemic excursions in people with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) in Chengdu. METHODS: A total of 50 non-obese people with normal glucose tolerance (NGT, 23-68 years old), normal blood pressures and lipid profiles participated in the study. The fluctuations of glucose levels in the participants were measured by a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) for three days 72 h. The 48 h mean blood glucose (MBG), mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE), Largest amplitude of glycemic excursions (LAGE), Postprandial peak glucose (PPG), Postprandial glucose excursion (PPGE), Mean of postprandial glucose excursion (MPPGE), and absolute means of daily differences (MODD) were measured. RESULTS: The number of glucose values detected by CGMS amounted to 861+/-7 with a mean absolute difference (MAD) of 11.3%+/-10.6%. The CGMS values were significantly correlated with the capillary glucose measurements (n=1076, r=0.761, P<0.005). The participants had a MBG of (5.9+/-1.2) mmol/L, a MAGE of (1.7+/-0.7) mmol/L, a LAGE of (4.4+/-1.9) mmol/L, a daily glycemic peak (PPG) of (8.7+/-1.7) mmol/L, a nadir level of (4.3+/-0.7) mmol/L, a MPPGE of (2.3+/-1.6) mmol/L, and a MODD of (0.75+/-0.79) mmol/L. The post-breakfast Postprandial glycemic excursions (PPGE) were lower than those of post-lunch and post-dinner (P=0.01 and P=0.05). The postprandial glucose excursions in the 60-70 year-old participants were the highest (P<0.022). In 95% (77%-100%) of the daytime, the glycose levels fluctuated between 4.1 and 8.8 mmol/L, and 78% of the participants (n=39) had hyperglycemia (BG>7.8 mmol/L) and 10% (n=5) had asymtomatic hypoglycemia (BG<2.8 mmol/L). CONCLUSION: CGMS tests may be important for detecting asymptomatic hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. The NGT people in Chengdu have exhibited abnormal blood glucose values in CGMS, revealing problems in people with normal range of blood glucose.