AIM:To evaluate the utility of assessing iodized oil uptake with cone-beam computed tomography(CT)in transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)for small he-patocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS:Cone-beam CT provided by a bip...AIM:To evaluate the utility of assessing iodized oil uptake with cone-beam computed tomography(CT)in transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)for small he-patocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS:Cone-beam CT provided by a biplane flat-panel detector angiography suite was performed on eighteen patients(sixteen men and two women;41-76 years;mean age,58.9 years)directly after TACE for small HCC(26 nodules under 30 mm;mean diam-eter,11.9 mm;range,5-28 mm).The pre-procedural locations of the tumors were evaluated using tripha-sic multi-detector row helical computed tomography(MDCT).The tumor locations on MDCT and the iodized oil uptake by the tumors were analyzed on cone-beam CT and on spot image directly after the procedures.RESULTS:All lesions on preprocedural MDCT were de-tected using iodized oil uptake in the lesions on cone-beam CT(sensitivity 100%,26/26).Spot image depictediodized oil uptake in 22 of the lesions(sensitivity 85%).The degree of iodized oil uptake was overestimated(9%,2/22)or underestimated(14%,3/22)on spot image in f ive nodules compared with that of cone-beam CT.CONCLUSION:Cone-beam CT is a useful and conve-nient tool for assessing the iodized oil uptake of small hepatic tumors(< 3 cm)directly after TACE.展开更多
The reported mortality rates in patients with cirrhosis undergoing various non-transplant surgical procedures range from 8.3% to 25%. This wide range of mortality rates is related to severity of liver disease, type of...The reported mortality rates in patients with cirrhosis undergoing various non-transplant surgical procedures range from 8.3% to 25%. This wide range of mortality rates is related to severity of liver disease, type of surgery, demographics of patient population, expertise of the surgical, anesthesia and intensive care unit team and finally, reporting bias. In this article, we will review the pathophysiology, morbidity and mortality associated with non-hepatic surgery in patients with cirrhosis, and then recommend an algorithm for risk assessment and evidence based management strategy to optimize post-surgical outcomes.展开更多
AIM:To quantitatively assess the ability of double contrast-enhanced ultrasound(DCUS) to detect tumor early response to pre-operative chemotherapy.METHODS:Forty-three patients with gastric cancer treated with neoadjuv...AIM:To quantitatively assess the ability of double contrast-enhanced ultrasound(DCUS) to detect tumor early response to pre-operative chemotherapy.METHODS:Forty-three patients with gastric cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by curative resection between September 2011 and February 2012 were analyzed.Pre-operative chemotherapy regimens of fluorouracil + oxaliplatin or S-1 + oxaliplatin were administered in 2-4 cycles over 6-12 wk periods.All patients underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT) scan and DCUS before and after two courses of pre-operative chemotherapy.The therapeutic response was assessed by CT using the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors(RECIST 1.1) criteria.Tumor area was assessed by DCUS as enhanced appearance of gastric carcinoma due to tumor vascularity during the contrast phase as compared to the normal gastric wall.Histopathologic analysis was carried out according to the Mandard tumor regression grade criteria and used as the reference standard.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the efficacy of DCUS parameters in differentiating histopathological responders from non-responders.RESULTS:The study population consisted of 32 men and 11 women,with mean age of 59.7 ± 11.4 years.Neither age,sex,histologic type,tumor site,T stage,nor N stage was associated with pathological response.The responders had significantly smaller mean tumor size than the non-responders(15.7 ± 7.4 cm vs 33.3 ± 14.1 cm,P < 0.01).According to Mandard's criteria,27 patients were classified as responders,with 11(40.7%) showing decreased tumor size by DCUS.In contrast,only three(18.8%) of the 16 non-responders showed decreased tumor size by DCUS(P < 0.01).The area under the ROC curve was 0.64,with a 95%CI of 0.46-0.81.The effects of several cut-off points on diagnostic parameters were calculated in the ROC curve analysis.By maximizing Youden's index(sensitivity + specificity-1),the best cut-off point for distinguishing responders from non-responders was determined,which had optimal sensitivity of 62.9% and specificity of 56.3%.Using this cut-off point,the positive and negative predictive values of DCUS for distinguishing responders from non-responders were 70.8% and 47.4%,respectively.The overall accuracy of DCUS for therapeutic response assessment was 60.5%,slightly higher than the 53.5% for CT response assessment with RECIST criteria(P = 0.663).Although the advantage was not statistically significant,likely due to the small number of cases assessed.DCUS was able to identify decreased perfusion in responders who showed no morphological change by CT imaging,which can be occluded by such treatment effects as fibrosis and edema.CONCLUSION:DCUS may represent an innovative tool for more accurately predicting histopathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgical resection in patients with locally-advanced gastric cancer.展开更多
Objective： The purpose of the study was to correlate between effect of pre-neoadjuvant chemotherapy （NACT） and post-NACT clinical, sonographic and pathologic features of the tumor and axillary lymph nodes （ALNs） ...Objective： The purpose of the study was to correlate between effect of pre-neoadjuvant chemotherapy （NACT） and post-NACT clinical, sonographic and pathologic features of the tumor and axillary lymph nodes （ALNs） and to raise the possibility of applying the concept of sentinel lymph node biopsy （SLNB） in patients with initially positive ALNs before NACT. Methods： A prospective study of 50 female patients with locally advanced breast cancer （LABC） with clinically palpable.and cytologically （under ultrasonographic guidance） positive ALNs. All patients received NACT and then referred for ultrasono- graphic assessment of the axilla regarding any detectable sonographic criteria of metastatic deposits in ALNs as well as the tumor size in relation to its prechemotherapy size, All patients were then subjected either to modified radical mastectomy or breast conserving surgery. The clinical, sonographic and pathological response of the tumor and the ALNs were documented, classified and correlated with each other. Results： Patients＇ mean age was 47.7±9.1 years. The mean clinical tumor size was 6.7 ± 1.4 cm; stage IliA that was presented in 32 patients （64%） and IIIB was presented in 18 patients （36%）. Chemotherapy was given for a median of 4 cycles, there was reduction of the mean clinical tumor size from 6.7 ± 1.4 cm to 4.3 ± 2.7 cm （P 〈 0.001）. Clinical response was complete in 5 （10%） tumors, complete pathological tumor response （post-neoadjuvant） was detected in 6 （16%） of patients. Complete clinical nodal response （post-neoadjuvant） in 23 （46%） axillae, on sonographic assessment of the axilla, response was complete in 17 （34%） axillae. Complete pathological nodal response occurred in 16 （32%） axillae. Out of 17 axillae that showed complete sonographic response 11 axillae showed complete pathological nodal response （P 〈 0.001）. Conclusion： Formal axillary lymph node dissection can be avoided and replaced by SLNB post NACT in patients with LABC with metastatic ALNs if there were complete clinical and sonographic criteria of nodal response as well as complete pathological tumor response.展开更多
Objective： The aim of our study was to evaluate the response and tolerability to treatment when using gemcitabine-cisplatin combination （GC）, followed by maintenance therapy of oral etoposide for non-progressive pa...Objective： The aim of our study was to evaluate the response and tolerability to treatment when using gemcitabine-cisplatin combination （GC）, followed by maintenance therapy of oral etoposide for non-progressive patients in trial to improve progression free survival and overall survival. Methods： Thirty nine patients with extensive small cell lung cancer （SCLC） and ECOG ≤ 2 received 4 cycles of chemotherapy consisting of gemcitabine 1000 mg/m^2 （day 1 and 8） cisplating 75 mgim2 （day 1） every three weeks. Twenty seven non-progressive patients after 4 cycles of chemotherapy were randomized either to receive oral etoposide 50 mg/m^2 for consecutive 15 days every 3 weeks vs no therapy for three months or progression. Results： Thirty nine eligible patients treated with GC, 27 non progressive patients were subsequently randomized to oral etoposide or observation. Median follow-up was 18 months. The overall response rate to GC was 59% and toxicity to oral etoposide was mild. There was improvement in median progression-free survival （PFS） favoring the maintenance arm of 10.5 months vs 7 months （P 〈 0.05）. Median overall survival （OS） had improved towards the maintenance arm （13 vs 11.5 months）. One year survival （60% vs 24%）, 18 months survival （20% vs 5%） favoring the maintenance. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, performance status, maintenance therapy, and response to treatment were independent prognostic factors for OS. Age, maintenance therapy, and response to treatment were highly significant factors for PFS. Conclusion： Gemcitabine-cisplatin is an effective and tolerable regiment for extensive disease of SCLC. The addition of 3 months of oral etoposide in non progressing patients was associated with a significant improvement of PFS and longer OS.展开更多
Objective:Chemotherapy drugs such as platinum may cause damage to the renal function,creatinine clearance(Ccr),as a "golden standard" indicator in clinical evaluation of renal function,was limited in applica...Objective:Chemotherapy drugs such as platinum may cause damage to the renal function,creatinine clearance(Ccr),as a "golden standard" indicator in clinical evaluation of renal function,was limited in application due to complicated detection steps.By detecting the expression of serum Cystatin C(Cys C),Ccr and urinary micro-albumin(UMA),this study was designed to analyze and discuss their roles and status in renal function evaluation for cancer patients before and after chemotherapy with platinum.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed 110 patients who receiving platinum-containing protocols or non-platinum-containing ones,and got the expression of Cys C,Ccr(was calculated by Cockcroft-Gault equation) and UMA,then analyzed whether there were differences for Cys C,Ccr and UMA in those patients;for patients with mildly impaired renal function(Ccr between 50-75 mL/min),whether there were differences for Cys C and UMA before and after chemotherapy with platinum.Results:There was statistical significance for Ccr,Cys C and UMA in patients who receiving platinum-containing protocols(85.01 ± 28.40) vs(76.79 ± 26.63) mL/min,(1.49 ± 0.50) vs(1.80 ± 0.84) mg/L and(14.30 ± 9.15) vs(16.90 ± 10.95) mg/L,P = 0.00,0.00 and 0.01),and no statistical significance for those receiving non-platinum-containing ones(89.45 ± 29.69) vs(86.78 ± 27.96) mL/min,(1.51 ± 0.78) vs(1.63 ± 0.73)mg/L and(17.31 ± 10.46) vs(16.59 ± 8.33) mg/L,P = 0.45,0.07 and 0.57);and there were also significant differences for Cys C for patients with mildly impaired renal function before and after chemotherapy(1.68 ± 0.55) vs(2.04 ± 0.68) mg/L,P = 0.03),while no statistical significance for UMA for the same ones(21.11 ± 10.06) vs(21.22 ± 8.81) mg/L,P = 0.93).There were statistical significance both for Cys C and UMA before and after chemotherapy in platinum-containing group,but the AUC for Ccr and Cys C is greater than that for UMA(P < 0.02).Conclusion:Cys C and UMA can both access renal dysfunction early after chemotherapy,but Cys C is more sensitive than UMA in reflecting early renal dysfunction,so Cys C can replace Ccr and become a reliable indicator in the assessment of renal function for cancer patients before and after chemotherapy especially with platinum.展开更多
Functional properties of Talbina were used in ancient Arab for nutritional purpose. It was a meal made from barley flour and milk. The high antioxidant Talbina was formulated from whole flour of harley and oat, milk, ...Functional properties of Talbina were used in ancient Arab for nutritional purpose. It was a meal made from barley flour and milk. The high antioxidant Talbina was formulated from whole flour of harley and oat, milk, date palm syrup （debis） and date palm seeds. The chemical composition, organoleptic properties and antioxidant activity of high antioxidant Talbina were determined. Sensory evaluation of traditional and high antioxidant Talbina showed that the developed product Talbina was considered as good for overall acceptability of all panelists. Also, the formulated Talbina contains high values of antioxidants components and natural nutrients. The antioxidant activity of formulated Talbina containing barley or oat may be due to presence of phenolic compounds and proanthocyanidins in the barley and oat. Increasing the antioxidant activity of high antioxidant Talbina containing barley and oat may be due to the adding of dates palm seeds which contain very high values of phenolic compounds and other antioxidants components. Date palm seeds as well as barley and/or oat give high antioxidants components which protect cells from oxidative stress and help to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease as well as natural anti-depressant. Moreover, increasing the antioxidant activity in the formulated Talbina may play a role for reducing power, radical scavenging activity and the lipid peroxidation inhibition. In conclusion, supplementation of traditional Talbina containing barley and/or oat with date palm syrup （debis） and date palm seeds can produce simple and healthy meal to provide a good source of daily dietary antioxidants and micronutrients.展开更多
The objective of this study was to technically and economically assess the effect of biopesticides on the serious plant parasitic nematode Radopholus similis on banana in Costa Rica. The following treatments were eval...The objective of this study was to technically and economically assess the effect of biopesticides on the serious plant parasitic nematode Radopholus similis on banana in Costa Rica. The following treatments were evaluated： a mixture of nematode trapping fungi-Arthrobotrys oligospora, A. botryospora, Dactylella brochophaga and Drechmeria coniospora; DiTera DF which consist of a ＂dead＂ fungus Myrothecium spp. and its fermentation substrate; Savitan produced from desert plant extracts; QL Agri which contain Quillaja saponaria extracts; Japanese-style compost called Bokashi; two application of a chemical nematicide; and an absolute control. Results of root sampling on a six month basis showed that the biopesticides had lower nematode population densities than the control with the nematode trapping-fungi having statistically significant differences over the other treatments. Chemical control was highly effective and produced the lowest nematode density. However, there were no significant differences between the chemical treatment and the trapping-fungi treatment. The functional root weight and bunch weight showed no significant differences between treatments. Conversely, economic analyses indicated that using nematode trapping-fungi, chemical nematieide, or the QL Agri treatments gave a detectable profit. The land expectation value （LEV） of the banana plantation was higher than the price of banana land which indicated that under normal conditions in the banana sector, production is economically sustainable / profitable. Other results confirm that profit in banana production is affected by the price of a banana box, production and discount rate. The optimal production cycle was obtained in year ten after farm establishment, which refers to the year with the highest profit following plantation renewal. Finally, economical results highlighted the importance of nematodes control, since profitability indexes were sensitive to the efficiency and cost of nematode management technology adopted by the banana company.展开更多
基金Supported by A Grant of the Korea Healthcare technology R&D Project,Ministry for Health,Welfare & Family Affairs,Republic of Korea,A091047
文摘AIM:To evaluate the utility of assessing iodized oil uptake with cone-beam computed tomography(CT)in transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)for small he-patocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS:Cone-beam CT provided by a biplane flat-panel detector angiography suite was performed on eighteen patients(sixteen men and two women;41-76 years;mean age,58.9 years)directly after TACE for small HCC(26 nodules under 30 mm;mean diam-eter,11.9 mm;range,5-28 mm).The pre-procedural locations of the tumors were evaluated using tripha-sic multi-detector row helical computed tomography(MDCT).The tumor locations on MDCT and the iodized oil uptake by the tumors were analyzed on cone-beam CT and on spot image directly after the procedures.RESULTS:All lesions on preprocedural MDCT were de-tected using iodized oil uptake in the lesions on cone-beam CT(sensitivity 100%,26/26).Spot image depictediodized oil uptake in 22 of the lesions(sensitivity 85%).The degree of iodized oil uptake was overestimated(9%,2/22)or underestimated(14%,3/22)on spot image in f ive nodules compared with that of cone-beam CT.CONCLUSION:Cone-beam CT is a useful and conve-nient tool for assessing the iodized oil uptake of small hepatic tumors(< 3 cm)directly after TACE.
文摘The reported mortality rates in patients with cirrhosis undergoing various non-transplant surgical procedures range from 8.3% to 25%. This wide range of mortality rates is related to severity of liver disease, type of surgery, demographics of patient population, expertise of the surgical, anesthesia and intensive care unit team and finally, reporting bias. In this article, we will review the pathophysiology, morbidity and mortality associated with non-hepatic surgery in patients with cirrhosis, and then recommend an algorithm for risk assessment and evidence based management strategy to optimize post-surgical outcomes.
基金Supported by National Science Foundation of China,No. 81101834Projects of the Health Bureau of Zhejiang Province, No.2009QN011 and 2011KYB037
文摘AIM:To quantitatively assess the ability of double contrast-enhanced ultrasound(DCUS) to detect tumor early response to pre-operative chemotherapy.METHODS:Forty-three patients with gastric cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by curative resection between September 2011 and February 2012 were analyzed.Pre-operative chemotherapy regimens of fluorouracil + oxaliplatin or S-1 + oxaliplatin were administered in 2-4 cycles over 6-12 wk periods.All patients underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT) scan and DCUS before and after two courses of pre-operative chemotherapy.The therapeutic response was assessed by CT using the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors(RECIST 1.1) criteria.Tumor area was assessed by DCUS as enhanced appearance of gastric carcinoma due to tumor vascularity during the contrast phase as compared to the normal gastric wall.Histopathologic analysis was carried out according to the Mandard tumor regression grade criteria and used as the reference standard.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the efficacy of DCUS parameters in differentiating histopathological responders from non-responders.RESULTS:The study population consisted of 32 men and 11 women,with mean age of 59.7 ± 11.4 years.Neither age,sex,histologic type,tumor site,T stage,nor N stage was associated with pathological response.The responders had significantly smaller mean tumor size than the non-responders(15.7 ± 7.4 cm vs 33.3 ± 14.1 cm,P < 0.01).According to Mandard's criteria,27 patients were classified as responders,with 11(40.7%) showing decreased tumor size by DCUS.In contrast,only three(18.8%) of the 16 non-responders showed decreased tumor size by DCUS(P < 0.01).The area under the ROC curve was 0.64,with a 95%CI of 0.46-0.81.The effects of several cut-off points on diagnostic parameters were calculated in the ROC curve analysis.By maximizing Youden's index(sensitivity + specificity-1),the best cut-off point for distinguishing responders from non-responders was determined,which had optimal sensitivity of 62.9% and specificity of 56.3%.Using this cut-off point,the positive and negative predictive values of DCUS for distinguishing responders from non-responders were 70.8% and 47.4%,respectively.The overall accuracy of DCUS for therapeutic response assessment was 60.5%,slightly higher than the 53.5% for CT response assessment with RECIST criteria(P = 0.663).Although the advantage was not statistically significant,likely due to the small number of cases assessed.DCUS was able to identify decreased perfusion in responders who showed no morphological change by CT imaging,which can be occluded by such treatment effects as fibrosis and edema.CONCLUSION:DCUS may represent an innovative tool for more accurately predicting histopathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgical resection in patients with locally-advanced gastric cancer.
文摘Objective： The purpose of the study was to correlate between effect of pre-neoadjuvant chemotherapy （NACT） and post-NACT clinical, sonographic and pathologic features of the tumor and axillary lymph nodes （ALNs） and to raise the possibility of applying the concept of sentinel lymph node biopsy （SLNB） in patients with initially positive ALNs before NACT. Methods： A prospective study of 50 female patients with locally advanced breast cancer （LABC） with clinically palpable.and cytologically （under ultrasonographic guidance） positive ALNs. All patients received NACT and then referred for ultrasono- graphic assessment of the axilla regarding any detectable sonographic criteria of metastatic deposits in ALNs as well as the tumor size in relation to its prechemotherapy size, All patients were then subjected either to modified radical mastectomy or breast conserving surgery. The clinical, sonographic and pathological response of the tumor and the ALNs were documented, classified and correlated with each other. Results： Patients＇ mean age was 47.7±9.1 years. The mean clinical tumor size was 6.7 ± 1.4 cm; stage IliA that was presented in 32 patients （64%） and IIIB was presented in 18 patients （36%）. Chemotherapy was given for a median of 4 cycles, there was reduction of the mean clinical tumor size from 6.7 ± 1.4 cm to 4.3 ± 2.7 cm （P 〈 0.001）. Clinical response was complete in 5 （10%） tumors, complete pathological tumor response （post-neoadjuvant） was detected in 6 （16%） of patients. Complete clinical nodal response （post-neoadjuvant） in 23 （46%） axillae, on sonographic assessment of the axilla, response was complete in 17 （34%） axillae. Complete pathological nodal response occurred in 16 （32%） axillae. Out of 17 axillae that showed complete sonographic response 11 axillae showed complete pathological nodal response （P 〈 0.001）. Conclusion： Formal axillary lymph node dissection can be avoided and replaced by SLNB post NACT in patients with LABC with metastatic ALNs if there were complete clinical and sonographic criteria of nodal response as well as complete pathological tumor response.
文摘Objective： The aim of our study was to evaluate the response and tolerability to treatment when using gemcitabine-cisplatin combination （GC）, followed by maintenance therapy of oral etoposide for non-progressive patients in trial to improve progression free survival and overall survival. Methods： Thirty nine patients with extensive small cell lung cancer （SCLC） and ECOG ≤ 2 received 4 cycles of chemotherapy consisting of gemcitabine 1000 mg/m^2 （day 1 and 8） cisplating 75 mgim2 （day 1） every three weeks. Twenty seven non-progressive patients after 4 cycles of chemotherapy were randomized either to receive oral etoposide 50 mg/m^2 for consecutive 15 days every 3 weeks vs no therapy for three months or progression. Results： Thirty nine eligible patients treated with GC, 27 non progressive patients were subsequently randomized to oral etoposide or observation. Median follow-up was 18 months. The overall response rate to GC was 59% and toxicity to oral etoposide was mild. There was improvement in median progression-free survival （PFS） favoring the maintenance arm of 10.5 months vs 7 months （P 〈 0.05）. Median overall survival （OS） had improved towards the maintenance arm （13 vs 11.5 months）. One year survival （60% vs 24%）, 18 months survival （20% vs 5%） favoring the maintenance. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, performance status, maintenance therapy, and response to treatment were independent prognostic factors for OS. Age, maintenance therapy, and response to treatment were highly significant factors for PFS. Conclusion： Gemcitabine-cisplatin is an effective and tolerable regiment for extensive disease of SCLC. The addition of 3 months of oral etoposide in non progressing patients was associated with a significant improvement of PFS and longer OS.
文摘Objective:Chemotherapy drugs such as platinum may cause damage to the renal function,creatinine clearance(Ccr),as a "golden standard" indicator in clinical evaluation of renal function,was limited in application due to complicated detection steps.By detecting the expression of serum Cystatin C(Cys C),Ccr and urinary micro-albumin(UMA),this study was designed to analyze and discuss their roles and status in renal function evaluation for cancer patients before and after chemotherapy with platinum.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed 110 patients who receiving platinum-containing protocols or non-platinum-containing ones,and got the expression of Cys C,Ccr(was calculated by Cockcroft-Gault equation) and UMA,then analyzed whether there were differences for Cys C,Ccr and UMA in those patients;for patients with mildly impaired renal function(Ccr between 50-75 mL/min),whether there were differences for Cys C and UMA before and after chemotherapy with platinum.Results:There was statistical significance for Ccr,Cys C and UMA in patients who receiving platinum-containing protocols(85.01 ± 28.40) vs(76.79 ± 26.63) mL/min,(1.49 ± 0.50) vs(1.80 ± 0.84) mg/L and(14.30 ± 9.15) vs(16.90 ± 10.95) mg/L,P = 0.00,0.00 and 0.01),and no statistical significance for those receiving non-platinum-containing ones(89.45 ± 29.69) vs(86.78 ± 27.96) mL/min,(1.51 ± 0.78) vs(1.63 ± 0.73)mg/L and(17.31 ± 10.46) vs(16.59 ± 8.33) mg/L,P = 0.45,0.07 and 0.57);and there were also significant differences for Cys C for patients with mildly impaired renal function before and after chemotherapy(1.68 ± 0.55) vs(2.04 ± 0.68) mg/L,P = 0.03),while no statistical significance for UMA for the same ones(21.11 ± 10.06) vs(21.22 ± 8.81) mg/L,P = 0.93).There were statistical significance both for Cys C and UMA before and after chemotherapy in platinum-containing group,but the AUC for Ccr and Cys C is greater than that for UMA(P < 0.02).Conclusion:Cys C and UMA can both access renal dysfunction early after chemotherapy,but Cys C is more sensitive than UMA in reflecting early renal dysfunction,so Cys C can replace Ccr and become a reliable indicator in the assessment of renal function for cancer patients before and after chemotherapy especially with platinum.
文摘Functional properties of Talbina were used in ancient Arab for nutritional purpose. It was a meal made from barley flour and milk. The high antioxidant Talbina was formulated from whole flour of harley and oat, milk, date palm syrup （debis） and date palm seeds. The chemical composition, organoleptic properties and antioxidant activity of high antioxidant Talbina were determined. Sensory evaluation of traditional and high antioxidant Talbina showed that the developed product Talbina was considered as good for overall acceptability of all panelists. Also, the formulated Talbina contains high values of antioxidants components and natural nutrients. The antioxidant activity of formulated Talbina containing barley or oat may be due to presence of phenolic compounds and proanthocyanidins in the barley and oat. Increasing the antioxidant activity of high antioxidant Talbina containing barley and oat may be due to the adding of dates palm seeds which contain very high values of phenolic compounds and other antioxidants components. Date palm seeds as well as barley and/or oat give high antioxidants components which protect cells from oxidative stress and help to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease as well as natural anti-depressant. Moreover, increasing the antioxidant activity in the formulated Talbina may play a role for reducing power, radical scavenging activity and the lipid peroxidation inhibition. In conclusion, supplementation of traditional Talbina containing barley and/or oat with date palm syrup （debis） and date palm seeds can produce simple and healthy meal to provide a good source of daily dietary antioxidants and micronutrients.
文摘The objective of this study was to technically and economically assess the effect of biopesticides on the serious plant parasitic nematode Radopholus similis on banana in Costa Rica. The following treatments were evaluated： a mixture of nematode trapping fungi-Arthrobotrys oligospora, A. botryospora, Dactylella brochophaga and Drechmeria coniospora; DiTera DF which consist of a ＂dead＂ fungus Myrothecium spp. and its fermentation substrate; Savitan produced from desert plant extracts; QL Agri which contain Quillaja saponaria extracts; Japanese-style compost called Bokashi; two application of a chemical nematicide; and an absolute control. Results of root sampling on a six month basis showed that the biopesticides had lower nematode population densities than the control with the nematode trapping-fungi having statistically significant differences over the other treatments. Chemical control was highly effective and produced the lowest nematode density. However, there were no significant differences between the chemical treatment and the trapping-fungi treatment. The functional root weight and bunch weight showed no significant differences between treatments. Conversely, economic analyses indicated that using nematode trapping-fungi, chemical nematieide, or the QL Agri treatments gave a detectable profit. The land expectation value （LEV） of the banana plantation was higher than the price of banana land which indicated that under normal conditions in the banana sector, production is economically sustainable / profitable. Other results confirm that profit in banana production is affected by the price of a banana box, production and discount rate. The optimal production cycle was obtained in year ten after farm establishment, which refers to the year with the highest profit following plantation renewal. Finally, economical results highlighted the importance of nematodes control, since profitability indexes were sensitive to the efficiency and cost of nematode management technology adopted by the banana company.
