Effects of different doses of long-acting growth hormone in treating children with growth hormone deficiency

BACKGROUND With the improvement of economy and living standards,the attention paid to short stature in children has been increasingly highlighted.Numerous causes can lead to short stature in children,among which growth hormone deficiency(GHD)is a significant factor.AIM To investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of different doses of long-acting polyethylene glycol recombinant human growth hormone(PEG-rhGH)in the treatment of GHD in children.METHODS We selected 44 pediatric patients diagnosed with GHD who were treated at Wuhu First People's Hospital from 2014 to 2018.Total 23 patients were administered a high dose of long-acting PEG-rhGH at 0.2 mg/kg subcutaneously each week,forming the high-dose group.Meanwhile,21 patients were given a lower dose of long-acting PEG-rhGH at 0.14 mg/kg subcutaneously each week,establishing the low-dose Group.The total treatment period was 2 years,during which we monitored the patients’height,annual growth velocity(GV),height standard deviation score(HtSDS),chronological age(CA),bone age(BA),and serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1)and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3(IGFBP-3)before treatment and at 6 mo,1 year,and 2 years after treatment initiation.We also monitored thyroid function,fasting plasma glucose,fasting insulin,and other side effects.Furthermore,we calculated the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance.RESULTS After 1 year of treatment,the GV,HtSDS,IGF-1,BA,and IGFBP-3 in both groups significantly improved compared to the pre-treatment levels(P<0.05).Moreover,when comparing GV,HtSDS,IGF-1,BA,and IGFBP-3 between the two groups,there were no statistically significant differences either before or after the treatment(P>0.05).During the treatment intervals of 0-1.0 years and 1.0-2.0 years,both patient groups experienced a slowdown in GV and a decline in HtSDS improvement(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The use of PEG-rhGH in treating GHD patients was confirmed to be effective,with similar outcomes observed in both the high-dose group and low-dose groups,and no significant differences in the main side effects.

Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccine Doses in Children: Case of Lake Region Economic Bloc-Kenya

Introduction: Vaccination of children has experienced delays due to paucity of information regarding safety, effectiveness, immunogenicity, and reactogenicity. Age wise approval prioritized 12 - 17 years and later 5 - 11 years. Those below 5 years possess na?ve immunity and not considered. In Lake Region Economic Bloc children aged 12 - 17 variably received 1, 2, and 3 doses of vaccine. This analysis looks into effectiveness of the doses administered. Method: Data providers from 84 LREB facilities submitted patients’ vaccination data to Power BI supported dashboard between June 24, 2021 and July 30, 2022. Data of 12 - 17 years old was mined, analyzed and visualized. Sample sizes considered for analysis were 0 dose, n = 8132;1 dose, n = 271;2 doses, n = 402, and 3 doses, n = 90. Data used in the analysis was facility operational and not from experimental design. Relative risk analysis of children who received 0, 1, 2, and 3 doses was done using Odds Ratio run on R software. Results: The relative risk of infection to a child with one dose against unvaccinated counterpart is 0.92 (95% CI, 0.61 - 1.43). Likewise the relative risk of infection to a child aged 12 - 17 years with 2 doses against another who received no dose is 0.87 (95% CI, 0.63 - 1.24). A child with 3 doses is 46% (95% CI, 27% - 84%) less likely to get infected compared to another not vaccinated. Also, the relative risk between having 2 doses and 1 dose for a child aged 12 - 17 years is 0.95 (95% CI, 0.55 - 1.6). For the same age group the relative risk of having 3 doses of vaccines against 1 dose is 51% (95% CI, 26% - 100%). In addition, a child who receives 3 doses of vaccine is 53% (95% CI, 28% - 100%) less likely to experience breakthrough infection compared to another with 2 doses. Whereas 1st dose offers (5%) marginal protection advantage over the 2nd dose, the 3r dose offers 49% and 47% more protection over 1st and 2nd doses, respectively, because of incremental reduced risk of infection gained from previous doses. During the period, 15 children at risk were admitted with COVID-19 infections in various regional hospitals, one had 3 doses but confounded with severe comorbidity. Conclusion: We found that 2nd dose had marginal protection over the 1st dose. However, the 3rd dose offers extensive protection compared to 1st and 2nd doses, and protects more against hospitalization. Children at risk should receive 3 doses of vaccines.

Radiation Doses in Diagnostic Radiology and Method for Dose Reduction

Objective: The current research study aims to calculate entrance surface air kerma for skull, chest, cervical spine, lumbar spine, and pelvic X-ray examinations in interior posterior and posterior interior positions and generate a method for chest dose reduction to decrease radiation risk. Materials and Methods: The indirect dose measurement was used in the current research. The X-ray tube output was measured using RAD-CHECK Plus ionization chamber and the indirect entrance surface air kerma was calculated via applying physical acquisition parameters such as a focus on skin distance, tube current times exposure time (mAs), and applied tube voltage (kV), and applying a mathematical model. Results: The main findings were obtained from comparing the radiation doses with the reference levels of International organizations such as the American College of Radiology and the International Atomic Energy Authority. The mean entrance skin dose for the skull (AP), skull (PA), skull (LAT), cervical spine (PA), cervical spine (LAT), lumbar spine (AP), lumbar spine (LAT), pelvis (AP), and pelvis (LAT) of adult X-ray examinations was within the diagnostic reference dose level values obtained by ACR (2018) except for the ESD for chest (AP) which was 0.88 mGy. Conclusions: The results of the study concluded that by adjusting the applied tube voltage, kV, and tube current product time, mAs decreased the radiation dose to the chest X-ray by 58%.

Pharmacokinetics of Controlled Release and Immediate Release Morphine Sulphate Tablets after a Single Dose and Multiple Doses in Chinese Volunteers

The pharmacokinetics of morphine sulphate was studied in 10 Chinese healthy volunteers after a single oral dose. Blood samples were collected before and after administration of controlled release tablets (CRMS, 30 mg) and immediate release tablets (IRMS, 20 mg). The plasma concentration of morphine was determined by GC MS. The pharmacokinetic parameters of controlled release tablets and immediate release tablets were calculated∶ C max was 19.38±3.80 and 21.27±6.21 ng/ml, t max was 2.36 ±0.37 h and 0.56±0.16 h, t 1/2β was 3.53±0.87 and 3.03±0.74 h, AUC was 145.15±17.65 and 93.08±16.65 ng/ml, respectively. The steady state plasma concentration of morphine sulphate in cancer patients after multiple doses was achieved, C max of CRMS and IRMS was 27.43±0.33 ng/ml and 22.68±0.16 ng/ml, C min of CRMS and IRMS was 19.45±1.44 ng/ml and 18.14±0.49 ng/ml, respectively.

Low Doses of Rifampicin Used in New Tuberculosis Patients Correlated to Increased Frequency of Rifampicin-Resistance and Poorer Treatment Outcomes

The prognosis of patients with previously treated tuberculosis (TB) was suggested to be dependent on whether the initial treatment was in compliance with the established guidelines. The aim of this retrospective multicenter study was to determine the proportion of new TB patients who received standard doses of rifampicin in multiple provinces of China, and the relationship between low doses of rifampicin and frequency of rifampicin-resistance as well as treatment outcomes. A total of 713 new TB patients were treated with either once-daily dose of bulk anti-TB drugs (group I) or every other day combination blister packs of anti-TB drugs containing rifampicin (group II) at more than 30 TB treatment centers/hospitals in China. Treatment history, therapeutic doses of rifampicin, and information about patients were extracted from their medical records and analyzed, and rifampicin-resistance of isolates collected from patients following the treatment as well as treatment outcomes were compared between two treatment groups. Among 522 patients in treatment group I, 154 (29.5%) received standard and 363 (69.5%) received low doses of rifampicin;238 (45.6%) isolates were rifampicin-resistant, and 243 (46.6%) were successfully treated. Among 191 patients in treatment group II, 175 (91.6%) received standard and 15 (7.9%) received low doses of rifampicin;72 (37.7%) isolates were rifampicin-resistant, and 105 (55%) were successfully treated. When patients who received low doses of rifampicin were compared to others within the same treatment group, increased rates for rifampicin-resistance and treatment failure were observed. Results from this study showed that most new TB patients in treatment group I (69.5%) received low doses of rifampicin, and their treatment outcomes were worse than those in treatment group II, indicating that low doses of rifampicin used for the initial treatment of new TB patients were correlated to increased frequency of rifampicin-resistance and poorer treatment outcomes.

Effects of Sublethal Doses of Chlorfluazuron on Pupal-testis in the Common Cutworm, Spodoptera fitura （F,） （Lepidoptera： Noctuidae）

The effects of sublethal doses （LD10：1.00 ng larval-1; LD30： 3.75 ng larva-1） of chlorfluazuron on number and size of developmental spermatocytes in pupal-testis during spermatogenesis of the common cutworm, Spodoptera litura （F.） are described. Chlorfluazuron was applied topically to newly-ecdysed fifth-instar larvae of S. litura under laboratory conditions. During first day of pupation, spermatids were the highest （3,430 ± 7）, however, elongated spermatocytes with mature sperm were the lowest （292 ± 16） in number in pupal-testis compared with other developing spermatocytes. During last day of pupation, elongated spermatocytes with mature sperm were the highest （3,581 ± 3）, however, spermatogonia were the lowest （86± 4） in number in pupal-testis compared with other developing spermatocytes. The number of spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes, spermatids and elongated cysts with mature sperm were increased during pupal-developmental days in the controls. However, their numbers were significantly reduced in LD10- and even more significantly reduced in LD30-treated pupal-testis compared with controls. Moreover, eupyrene sperm bundles were not present in pupal-testis. During pupal-developmental days, spermatids were the smallest （4.1 ± 0.9 dm in μm） and secondary spermatocytes were the largest （31.0 ± 1.8 dm in μm） in size compared with other developing spermatocytes. The sizes of the same developing spermatocytes were significantly reduced in LD10-treated and more significantly reduced in LD30-treated pupal-testis of S. litura compared with controls.

Time and Dose-related Effects of the Pyrethroid Fluvalinate on Haemolymph Carbohydrates and Gut Lipids of Honeybees,Following in vivo Injection of very Low Doses

The injection to emerging adult workerbees with fluvalinate doses ranging from 1 femtomol to 1 nanomol per individual resulted in a reduction of haemolymph carbohydrate concentrations, particularly at the lowest dose 1 hour after injections. At the same time, a large increase was observed for triacylglycerols and to a much lesser extent for steroids and phospholipids with 0.1 picomol per bee. By contrast, fatty acids, steroids and triacylglycerols exhibited a depress at the higher dose. Most responses were thus biphasic, showing that much attention should be paid to the effects of very low doses of pesticide.

Changes in Myelinated Nerve Fibers and Skeletal Muscle of Rats Exposed to High Doses of Permethrin

Neurological signs and segmcntal demyelination in a cervical nerve were observed in rats treated orally with permethrin (300 mg/kg/day) for 5 days. Inflammatory and degenerative signals were recorded in the diaphragm muscle. These effects were more intense with the trade grade than with the technical grade product. The possible influence of the percentage of cisitrans isomers on the intensity of the observed effects is discussed. 5 imi Academic Press.Inc.

The expression of human mutant DHFR gene in murine bone marrow and long-term protection of murine hemacytogenesic function from lethal doses of MTX

Chemotherapy is one of the curative treatmentmodality for several types of tumors. However, thedosage of antitumor drugs was limited by cytotoxicityof drugs to normal tissues, especially for bone marrow(myelosuppression). Drug resistantce gene (hMDRI,hDHFR etc.) is expressed in many normal tissues. Itsover-expression in tumor cells give rise to the tumorresistant to many drugs. But, if we transfer the drugresistance gene into the normal hematopoietic stemcell (HSC), the expression of the foreign gene

Toxicity to the macula after using small doses cefuroxime for phacoemulsification and vitrectomy combined surgery

Dear Editor,Cefuroxime is a second-generation cephalosporin and a member of theβ-lactam family of antibiotics.Intracameral cefuroxime injection(1 mg/0.1 mL)during cataract surgery was found to be beneficial in reducing the risk of postoperative endophthalmitis[1-3].At the recommended dose of 1.0 mg in 0.1 mL,cefuroxime presents no ocular toxicity and is well tolerated[4-6].Acute macular edema with retinal detachment after cataract surgery is very rare[7].

VARIOUS DOSES OF CISPLATIN (DDP) COMBINED WITH MULTI-DRUG CHEMOTHERAPY FOR ADVANCED MALIGNANT SOLID TUMOR

Two hundred and thirty-six patinets with various advanced malignant solid tumors treated by combined chemotherapy with routine doses of cisplatin (DDP) from 1980 to 1986 are presented. According to different doses of cisplatin everyday, the patients were divided into 4 groups: (1) 20 ing/day×4- 5, 80 cases; (2) 30 mg day × 3 - 5, 91 cases; (3) 40 mg/ day 3 -4, 37 cases; (4) 50 mg/day×2 - 3, 28 cases. Each group was repeated for 3 weeks. The effect and toxicity were analysed and compared with 22 cases treated by single DDP in 1975. The response (CR+PR) rate was 39.2% in 194 evaluated patients. The response rate was similar in group 20 mg and single DDP (29.2% and 27.3%). Ths response rate was lower than that of group 30 mg, 40 mg, and 50 mg 43.4% and 50%) (P<0.05). The remissions in various groups were not significantly different.The toxicity of combined chemotherapy was not severe. 91.1% of patients had nausea and vomiting. There was no statistical difference in the various groups. Bone marrow suppresion was less in single DDP group than that of combined chemotherapy group (P<0.05), DDP 30-50 mg 1/d×5-3 was better than HD-DDP in some patients.

Psychotropic effects of aspirin, acetylsalicylate cobalt and acetylsalicylate zinc at various doses

For the first time it is shown that psychotropic action of acetylsalicylates at various doses is manifested as a nonmonotonic dependence having its peaks at therapeutic and ultra-low dose zones. It is discovered that development of effects of aspirin resembles that of acetylsalicylate zinc. Acetylsalicylate cobalt at extremely low doses zone showed the highest antidepressant activity, demonstrating toxicity at high doses. Generally, it is revealed that the use of aspirin and its salts at high doses range causes maximum psychotropic effects development, usually accompanied by side-effects. Therefore, aspirin, acetylsalicylate cobalt and zinc at extremely low doses are recommended for further study as psychotropic medications.

Response of Various Sesame Varieties under the Influence of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Doses

A field study to evaluate the “Response of various sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) varieties under the influence of nitrogen and phosphorus doses’’ was carried out at Oilseeds Section, Agriculture Research Institute, Tandojam during Kharif 2013. The experiment was laid out in a three replicated randomized complete block design (RCBD) factorial, having net plot size 6 × 3 m (18 m2). The treatments comprised two varieties such as S-17 and Pr-125, and six doses of NP i.e. (No fertilizer (Control), NP @ 30 - 30 kg&middotha-1, NP @ 50 - 30 kg&middotha-1, NP @ 50 - 50 kg&middotha-1, NP @ 70 - 50 kg&middotha-1 and NP @ 70 - 70 kg&middotha-1). The analysis of variance suggested that all the doses of NP affected significantly (P < 0.05) growth and yield of sesame varieties as compared to No fertilizer (Control) treatment. In the case of fertilizer doses, NP @ 70 - 70 kg&middotha-1 produced maximum plant height (102.33 cm), branches plant-1 (18.50), capsules plant-1 (42.17), seeds capsule-1 (57.67), seed weight plant-1 (37.50 g), seed index (3.10 g) and seed yield (774.17 kg&middotha-1), whereas NP @ 70 + 50 kg&middotha-1 and NP @ 50 - 50 kg&middotha-1 ranked 2nd and 3rd in all the growth and yield traits, particularly seed yield (763.50 kg&middotha-1 and 694.50 kg&middotha-1). Among sesame varieties, S-17 resulted in maximum plant height (91.89 cm), branches plant-1 (15.11), capsules plant-1 (37.06), seeds capsule-1 (50.56), seed weight plant-1 (32.00 g), seed index (2.63 g) and seed yield (682.11 kg&middotha-1), whereas variety Pr-125 resulted in minimum traits, particularly seed yield (657.56 kg&middotha-1). In the case of interactive effects, the interaction of NP @ 70 - 70 kg&middotha-1 × variety S-17 produced maximum values, particularly seed yield (782.67), whereas minimum results were recorded in the interaction of No fertilizer (Control) × variety Pr-125. Hence results concluded that the interaction of NP @ 70 - 50 kg&middotha-1 variety S-17 was found most economical for obtaining optimum yield of sesame because of non-significant differences with NP @ 70 - 70 kg&middotha-1.

Reaction of water and living systems under the chronic effect of ionized radiation in low doses

It is represented the review about the effect of low doses of ionized radiation on different types of biological objects (Japanese quail embryos, Aspergillus niger, Spirostomum ambiguum Ehrbg., mezenchim stem cells of mice bone brain, dry seeds of the highest plants, blood lymphocytes of pilots and cosmonauts) and water medium. In model experiments under the chronic ionized radiation in doses comparable with the doses of ionized radiation inside the orbital space stations and during the flight in interplanetary space was shown alike with morphological deviations (Japanese quail embryos, Aspergillus niger), the phenomenon of radiation hormezis (Aspergillus niger, mezenchim stem cells), the increasing of the germination of seeds, the decreasing of spontaneous motion activity of spirostoms and DNA damage, chromosome aberrations and the increased radio-sensitivity to adding radiation load in blood lymphocytes. These data testified the fact that the definite factor of ionized radiation effect is the changing of water medium state. Thus under the interplanetary cosmic flight and long stay on the orbit in the region of magnetosphere the studying kinds of radiation first effected on the water medium of organism as a result morpho-functional structures were changed.

Megadoses of Sodium Ascorbate Efficiently Kill HL60 Cells <i>in Vitro</i>: Comparison with Arsenic Trioxide

Arsenic Trioxide (ATO) is widely acknowledged as the treatment of choice for Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL). It is a “two-sided” drug since it can induce differentiation or kill APL and other tumor cells according to the dosage. Part of the cytotoxic effects of ATO on APL cells is due to its pro-oxidant activity, a characteristic which ATO shares with a number of other compounds, including high doses of ascorbate (ASC). In a comparative investigation on the cytotoxic effects of both ATO and ASC on HL60 (APL) cell lines, in Vitro, we have been able to confirm the known cytotoxic effects of ATO, but, more importantly, we have demonstrated that ASC is significantly more effective than ATO, in killing these cancer cells in Vitro, when the concentrations are maintained within the millimolar (mM) range, i.e. the range of plasma concentrations at which ASC induces oxidative damage to tumor cells. Since these plasma levels can be reached only by the intravenous administration of high doses of ASC, we propose that intravenous high doses of ASC may represent a potentially revolutionary new approach in the management of APL.

Embryonic Hypertension Following Exposure to Teratogenic Doses of 5-Fluoro-2'-Deoxyuridine

The teratogenicity of 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (FdU) is well established. Previously, we have demonstrated that teratogenic doses of FdU produce hematomas and suggested that those hematomas produced skeletal malformations in chicken embryos. In this study, the cardiovascular effects of teratogenic doses of FdU in chicken embryos were studied. A dose of either 0.026 μg FdU or 0.030 μg FdU was injected into the yolk sacs of fertile chicken eggs containing embryos at Hamburger and Hamilton stages 17-19 of development. The embryos were then returned to the incubator. Aortic systolic and diastolic blood pressure,blood velocity and heart rate were measured at stages 21, 24 or 27 using a servonull system and Doppler ultrasound. In addition, mean arterial blood pressure, blood flow, and stroke volume were calculated from these data. Similar data were also recorded from uninjected and saline injected control embryos. Systolic and mean arterial blood pressures were significantly increased in FdU-treated embryos at stage 27. The other parameters measured or calculated were not significantly different from control embryos. Our study suggests that elevated systolic blood pressure in chicken embryos treated with FdU may lead to hematoma formation and subsequent birth defects

Effects of Sublethal Doses of Chlorfluazuron on Ovarioles in the Common Cutworm, Spodoptera Litura （F.） （Lepidoptera： Noctuidae）

Chlorfluazuron is an insect growth regulator for controlling the major insect pests in crops. This paper describes the effects of sublethal doses （LD10：1.00 ng/larva; LD30：3.75 ng/larva） of chlorfluazuron on ovarioles during ovarian development and oogenesis of common cutworm, Spodoptera litura （F.）. It is a significant pest of cotton, tobacco and miscellaneous vegetables. The LDlo or LD3o was applied topically to the newly-ecdysed fifth-instars of S. litura under laboratory conditions. In controls, on 2nd day of adult emergence, the cell density in germarium was 1636 ± 9.17 nuclei/mm^2. It increased until 3rd day, i.e., 1829 ± 8.87 nuclei/mm^2 and decreased thereafter. In the LDloor LD-3o-treated insects, the patterns of the cell density was the same as in controls but values were significantly （P 〈 0.05） decreased in the LD10- and more in the LDa0-treated females compared with controls. In control, ovaries were normal type and had mature ova with an occasional one or two being absorbed. In LD10-treated females, ovaries had spaces in ovarioles and absorption of ova. In LD30-treated females, besides the spacing and absorption, sometimes only immature （germarium） ova were found.

Effects of Chlorfluazuron Sublethal Doses on Spermatogenesis of Adult Common Cutworm, Spodoptera fitura （F.） （Lepidoptera： Noctuidae）

Chlorfluazuron is an insect growth regulator for controlling the major insect pests in crops. This paper describes the effects of sublethal doses （LD10：1.00 ng/larva; LD3o： 3.75 ng/larva） of chlorfluazuron on spermatogenesis in the adults of the common cutworm, Spodoptera litura （F.）. Chlorfluazuron was applied topically to the newly-ecdysed fifth-instars ofS. litura under laboratory conditions. The secondary spermatocytes, spermatids, elongated spermatocytes with mature sperm and eupyrene sperm bundles were present in testis of newly emerged, 1 and 2 day-old adults, but gradually decreased in their numbers in the controls. However, the spermatogonia were not present in newly emerged, 1 and 2 day-old adults. Moreover, primary spermatocytes were present （174 ± 4.0） in newly emerged adults, but not found in 1 and 2 day-old adults. In the testes of newly emerged LD10-treated adults, the numbers of eupyrene and apyrene sperm bundles were significantly reduced compared with controls, and even significantly reduced in LD30-treated adults compared with LDlo, however, their ratios were not affected. Moreover, the pattern of spermatogenesis was the same in LD10- and LD30-treated male adults compared with controls. Furthermore, numbers of developing spermatocytes were significantly reduced in the LD10 compared with controls, and even significantly reduced in LD30-treated male adults compared with LD10. In newly emerged adults, the width and length of elongated spermatocytes with mature sperm were significantly reduced in LDlo- and more significantly reduced in LD30-treated compared with controls of S. litura. In vas deferens of untreated pre- and newly emerged adult male, both eupyrene and apyrene sperm bundles were found, however, in treated pre-adult male, only apyrene sperm bundles and in treated newly emerged adult male, fe, w eupyrene and numerous apyrene sperm bundles were found. It is concluded that spermatogenesis was significantly affected by chlorfluazuron.

Correlation between a Change of Drug Resistance of <i>Klebsiella pneumonia</i>and Defined Daily Doses of Antimicrobial Agents from 2014 to 2018

Introduction: The prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae has rapidly increased in recent years and the distribution differed greatly by region, We aimed to study the relationship between antibiotic resistance and K. pneumoniae, especially carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) in our tertiary hospitals from 2014 to 2018. Methodology: The antibiotic consumption data of K. pneumoniae were expressed as the defined daily dose (DDD) per 100 inpatient days (DDDs). K. pneumoniae which isolated from clinical samples in hospital between January 2014 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, and the correlation between antibiotic resistance rate and antibiotic frequency was analyzed. Results: From 2014 to 2018, a total of 2295 strains of K. pneumoniae were isolated, with the detection rates of 8.2%, 9.2%, 11.9%, 13.4% and 14.0%. There were 423 strains of CRKP, with the detection rates of 7.5%, 5.8%, 17.8% 24.2% and 25.2% respectively. K. pneumoniae showed different degrees of resistance to antibiotics and showed an increasing trend year by year to carbapenems. The resistance rate of imipenem was 2.5%, 2.8%, 9.9%, 12.3%, 13.4%, and the resistance rate of meropenem was 2.0%, 3.0%, 8.8%, 12.6%, 12.7%, respectively. The resistance rate of most other drugs decreased. The DDDs values of cefoperazone/sulbactam, piperacillin-tazobactam and gentamicin showed a strong positive correlation with K. pneumoniae drug resistance rate (r > 0.8, P < 0.05). Conclusions: The detection rate of K. pneumoniae and CRKP increased year by year, which was closely related to the dose of antibiotics. Strengthening the management of antimicrobial drugs and standardising the use of antimicrobial prescriptions were of great significance for delaying the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria.

Study of Radiation Doses in Adult and Paediatric Patients Undergoing Computed Tomography Examination in Nigeria

The use of computed tomography (CT) has increased over the past decades and has resulted in a concurrent increase in medical exposure to ionizing radiation. Several recent studies have examined the link between medical radiation and the risk of cancer, especially in children. Results are presented in terms of the volumetric computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) for head, chest and abdomen. The 75th percentile of adult CTDIvol for head, chest and abdomen are 85 mGy, 13.34 mGy and 13.29 mGy respectively and the corresponding DLP values 1437.47 mGy&middot;cm, 417.49 and 656.02 mGy&middot;cm. However, the paediatric head based on age group 0 - 1 yr, 1 - 5 yrs, 6 - 10 yrs and 11 - 15 years are 28.18 mGy, 32.12 mGy, 32.13 mGy and 28.20 mGy and corresponding DLP values 399.75 mGy&middot;cm, 514.38 mGy&middot;cm, 578.42 mGy&middot;cm and 487.11 mGy&middot;cm respectively and for paediatric abdomen from 1 - 5 years to 11 - 15 years are 3.98 mGy, 4.26 mGy and 5.92 mGy and the corresponding DLP 99.36 mGy&middot;cm, 160.84 and 235.85 mGy&middot;cm. The finding shows considerably high CTDIvol and DLP values for adult head comparable to the international standard thus optimization is required. Reduction in radiation doses for both adult and paediatric patients involve training of staff and optimize CT protocols.