Evaluation of Cold Resistance and Semi-lethal Low Temperature(LT_(50))of Nine Pear Cultivars

[Objectives]To evaluate the cold resistance and semi-lethal temperature of pear cultivars,and provide a theoretical basis for the regional extension and breeding of cold-resistant pear cultivars.[Methods]Nine pear cultivars were used to study the changes in relative conductivity and cell injury rate of pear branches under low temperature stress,and the semi-lethal temperature(LT_(50))of pear branches was analyzed by fitting Logistic equation.[Results]The relative conductivity and cell injury rate of pear branches took on the trend of slow increase,rapid increase,and slow increase the decrease of treatment temperature.The LC_(50) of the nine pear cultivars were as follows:Nanguo pear-33.9℃,Wanyu-32.3℃,Red D Anjou-31.8℃,Jinfeng-31.3℃,Wujiuxiang-29.2℃,20 th Century Pear-29.1℃,Hanxiang-35.1℃,Yuluxiang-27.9℃ and Korla Fragrant Pear-29.2℃.[Conclusions]The semi-lethal temperature could reflect the cold resistance of pear trees,and Wanxiang had better cold resistance.The evaluation of cold resistance and semi-lethal temperature of pear cultivars can provide theoretical basis for regional extension and breeding of cold-resistant pear cultivars.

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.

Radiological characterization of building materials used in Malaysia and assessment of external and internal doses

In this study, the activity concentrations of ^(226)Ra,^(232)Th,^(222)Rn, and ^(40)K, emanation fractions(P),equilibrium equivalent concentration(EEC), and mass exhalation rates(E_m) of radon released from building materials used in Malaysia were studied using gamma-ray spectrometer with HPGe detector. Radiological parameters[activity concentration index(ACI), indoor air-absorbed dose rate(D_(in)), annual effective dose(AED_(in)) from external and internal(E_(Rn)), soft tissues(H_(ST)) and lung(H_L), and effective dose equivalent(H_(eff))] were estimated to evaluate radiological hazards due to the use of these building materials: sand, cement, gravel, bricks, tiles, fly ash, white cement, and ceramic raw materials. The measured P, EEC,and E_m vary from 10 to 30%, 0.9 to 22 Bq m^(-3), and 33 to 674 mBq h^(-1) kg^(-1), respectively, while the calculated ACI and AED_(in) vary from 0.1 ± 0.01 to 2.1 ± 0.1 and 0.1 ± 0.01 to 2.4 ± 0.6 mSv y^(-1), respectively. On the other hand, the internal annual effective dose ranges from 0.1 to 1.4 mSv y^(-1). The estimated radiological risk parameters were below the recommended maximum values, and radiological hazards associated with building materials under investigation are therefore negligible.

Effects of Cold Acclimation on Several Enzyme Activities in Euonymus radicans ‘Emorald & Gold’and Its Relation to Semi-lethal Temperature

The changes in activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and ATPase in the leaves of Euonymus radicans were studied when seedlings were cold-acclimated (at 4 ℃) for 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks and then treated for 1 d under low temperature stress (at 5 ℃). The semi-lethal temperatures of acclimated and unacclimated seedlings were also investigated. The results indicated that the activities of the three enzymes in the leaves of the seedlings treated at 4 ℃ for 1, 2 and 3 weeks were all higher than those of unacclimated seedings (treated at 22 ℃ as controls). The activities of SOD and POD increased continuously with the prolongation of the time of cold acclimation, but stepped up to summits then down to the levels of the controls. The activities of SOD culminated at the first week, and the activities of POD at the second week. When acclimated and unacclimated seedlings were both treated at 5 ℃ for 1 d, the activities of the three enzymes in the leaves of acclimated seedlings were a little lower than those before stress, but higher than those of the controls. Moreover, the decrease rate of enzyme activities was greatly lower than that of the controls. The results showed that cold acclimation could enhance the stability of the three enzymes in the leaves of seedlings under low temperature stress; the semi-lethal temperature was 19.1 ℃ when the seedlings were treated at 4 ℃ for 3 weeks, but it was 5.4 ℃ when the seedlings were treated at 22 ℃. The decline of the semi-lethal temperature caused by the adaptive changes of enzyme activities was one of the foundations of enhancing the cold tolerance.

Adult Patient Doses for Chest, Skull and Lumbar Spine Examinations

A dosimetry study for chest, skull and lumbar spine examinations in adults has been carried out at two hospitals. The aim of the study was the assessment of adult patient’s dose for chest PA, chest LAT, skull AP and lumbar spine AP examinations. The Entrance Surface Dose (ESD) and the Effective Dose (ED) for each examination were obtained using DoseCal software. For each examination, different results were obtained at the two hospitals. At hospital A (IFF Hospital), the total number of patients studied was 140. The mean ESD values obtained for chest PA, chest LAT, skull AP and lumbar spine AP were 0.20 mGy, 0.47 mGy, 1.25 mGy, and 1.61 mGy, respectively. At hospital B (HGB Hospital), the total number of patients studied was 369 for similar examinations and projections. The ESD values were 0.10 mGy, 0.28 mGy, 0.66 mGy and 2.47 mGy, respectively. The mean ED values at hospital A and B were 0.02 mSv and 0.01 mSv for chest PA, 0.04 mSv and 0.03 mSv for chest LAT, 0.1 mSv and 0.06 mSv for skull AP, and 0.15 mSv and 0.26 mSv for lumbar spine AP, respectively. The results were compared with the European Community Reference Levels. Although the doses were low, there was still a need for personnel training and national guidance on good practice for optimization of patients’ doses.

Comparison of radiation doses between hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy and transarterial chemoembolization for liver cancer

Objective:To analyze the radiation dose received by patients during hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy(HAIC)and transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)procedures and the related influencing factors.Methods:Data of 162 cases in the HAIC group and 230 cases in the TACE group were collected.The included covariates were Age(<45/45-59/≥60 years),BMI levels(underweight/normal weight/obesity),focus Dye of tumor(present/absent),lesion size(<5 cm/≥5 cm),superselection(present/absent),hepatic vascular variation(present/absent).The endpoints were postoperative dose-area product(DAP),exposure time and Air kerma(AK).Results:Of all included patients,the HAIC group patients were younger than those in the TACE group(P=0.028).The proportion of patients with large lesions in the HAIC group was higher than the TACE group(45.7%vs.33.9%,P=0.019).The proportion of patients who had superselection was lower in the HAIC group as compared to the TACE group(61.7%vs.82.2%,P<0.001).Generally,the HAIC group has lower DAP,exposure time and AK by 36.3%(P<0.001),38.2%(P<0.001),and 41.3%(P<0.001)than the TACE group,respectively.Linear regression analysis showed the procedure method(HAIC/TACE,P<0.001),type of DSA machine(Pheno/FD20,P<0.001),BMI levels(P<0.001),age(P=0.021),lesion size(<5 cm/≥5 cm,P=0.031)significantly correlated with low DAP.In the HAIC group,the type of DSA machine and BMI correlated with the radiation dose,while in the TACE group,the type of DSA machine,BMI,and lesion size correlated with the radiation dose.Conclusion:Compared with TACE,HAIC enables doctors and patients to receive lower radiation doses.Obese patients in both HAIC and TACE groups increase the radiation exposure in interventional doctors and patients,but large lesions only affect the radiation dose in the TACE procedure.

Natural radioactivity and the resulting radiation doses in some kinds of commercially marble collected from different quarries and factories in Egypt

Fourteen samples of marble were collected from different factories in Egypt. The samples were crushed, dried in controlled furnace for around twenty four hours, and then stored for five weeks in plastic Marinelli beakers. Concentrations and the U- and Th-bearing minerals were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS).The gamma radiation of the samples was measured, employing high resolution γ-ray spectroscopy with an accumulating time for about 80000 sec. each. From the measured γ -ray spectra, activity concentrations were determined for marble samples 226Ra (37. 6 ± 1.7 - 100.54 ± 3.2 Bq/kg), 232Th (3.57 ± 0.64 - 9.37 ± 1.80 Bq/kg) and 40K (30.68 ± 1.1 – 1196 ± 4.9 Bq/kg). The absorbed dose rates, annual effective dose rates, radium equivalent activities as well as the radiation hazard indices were estimated. The radium equivalent activities (Raeq) are lower than the limit of 370 Bq kg?1 set by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (Exposure to radiation from the natural radioactivity in building materials. Report by a Group of Experts of the OECD, Nuclear Energy Agency, OECD, Paris, 1979) [1]. All obtained results referred to the fact that all the concentrations were within the allowed limits to domestic use. Comparing the results in this work with those published by International Atomic Energy Agency and local and universal researches, it was found that these concentrations were within the allowed limits for agricultural and domestic uses.

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.

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.

ALANINE/ESR DOSIMETRY FOR MEASUREMENT OF ELECTRON DOSES IN INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

In this report, the results of preliminary research on L-alanine/ESR electron dosimeters are described. They include the designs of modelling tools and experimental capsules, the preparation and irradiation of very thin dosimeters, the measurement of ESR signal spectrum and the calibration method. The physical, chemical and dosimetric properties of the alanine free radical dosimeters, such as the smallest thickness, average density, lowest detectable limit, repeatability of the method, reproducibility resulted in directivity and location in resonance cavity, linearity regions as well as relative scattering of the response to identical doses, are summarized.

Measurement of the Ambient and Extremity Doses in Clinical Oncology Hospital, Menoufia University, Egypt

The ambient dose of radiation therapy and nuclear medicine units of Clinical Oncology Hospital, Menoufia University were investigated using thermoluminescence dosimeter MTS-700 and surveymeter (Inspector Radiation Alert). The maximum% difference between read out of both MTS-700 (TLD) and surveymeter did not exceed 6% and 8% for the two hospital units respectively. Values of the annual ambient dose received in both hospital units were found to be incompliant with radiation protection regulations. In addition, the extremity effective dose Hp (0.07) of staff in nuclear medicine unit was measured using wrist and finger techniques. Results indicate in-homogenies distribution of fingertips doses. Radiation doses received by the wrists and fingertips of radiopharmaceutical staff preparing 99mTc syringe were observed to be higher by a factor of about 1.41 and 1.44 respectively than those for the administrating staff whom injecting patients by 99mTc syringe, but also still in congruent with international radiation protection regulations.

Evaluation of X-Ray Doses on Children, from Paediatric Hospitals in Sudan

Children are more sensitive to radiation than adults, so radiation protection in paediatric radiology deserves special attention. This work estimates the effective doses and body organ doses due to chest examinations in infants and paediatrics. Two examination incidences, AP and PA for chest X-ray exposures were evaluated and compared with respect to the radiographic technique employed. This study was carried out in three paediatric hospitals in Sudan. The age intervals considered were 0 - 1 year, 1 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years and 10 - 15 years. The results obtained for organ doses and effective doses were calculated using a software package developed by the Radiological Protection Centre of the Saint George’s Hospital, London. Effective dose values were also evaluated considering weight intervals from 1 - 10 kg, 10 - 20 kg, 20 - 30 kg and 30 - 40 kg. Large discrepancies were encountered between the three hospitals, probably due to the different radiographic technique employed, calibration and maintenance of the X-ray equipment, technicians’ expertise, processing conditions.

How Safe Are Reduced Doses per Fraction in Target Volumes of 2^ndto 4^thOrder in the Simultaneous Integrated Boost Irradiation Technique in Head and Neck Carcinoma Patients?

Aim: The simultaneous irradiation of target volumes of different total dose levels using intensity modulated radiotherapy leads to reduced doses per fraction and longer treatment times in target volumes of 2nd?to 4th?order. Does the thereby caused reduced biological effectiveness induce an increased recurrence risk? The current work deals with the problem of recurrences of patients with head and neck carcinomas treated either with an intensitiy (IMRT) or with a volumetric modulated (VMAT) irradiation technique. Methods: From October 2002 to September 2014, 699 patients with carcinomas of the head and neck were irradiated using IMRT or VMAT. The median follow up of the patients was 21.9 months (2 to 145 months). Primary tumor regions (1st?order target volume) of 565 patients were treated with doses per fraction of 2 Gy. Accordingly, further 133 target volumes of the primary tumor received reduced doses per fraction. In 1 patient, the lymphatic drainage was treated solely without irradiation of the primary region. For the lympatic drainage, 854 1st?order target volumes were treated with a dose per fraction of 2 Gy. Reduced doses per fraction were applied to further 1780 target volumes. Results: 54 of 699 patients developed a recurrence in the primary tumor region after radio-(chemo) therapy, 4 patients developed a recurrence of the primary tumor and a unilateral recurrence of the lymphatic drainage, 2 patients a recurrence of the primary tumor and a bilateral lymph node recurrence. 18 patients showed an isolated unilateral recurrence and additionally 2 patients a bilateral recurrence of the lymphatic drainage. 619 patients stayed recurrence free. In primary tumor regions, receiving a dose per fraction of 2 Gy 55 patients (9.7%) developed a recurrence, whereas in target volumes receiving a reduced dose per fraction 5 patients (3.8%) developed a recurrence (p < 0.001). In lympatic drainage target volumes receiving a dose per fraction of 2 Gy, 25 target volumes (2.9%) developed a recurrence, whereas in target volumes receiving a reduced dose per fraction, 5 patients (0.3%) developed a recurrence (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The recurrence risk in target volumes of 2nd?to 4th?order was not increased due to reduced doses per fraction deposited by means of a simultaneous integrated boost technique. Therefore, the simultaneous irradiation of target volumes with different dose levels is safely applicable within one treatment plan.

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.

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.

Organ at Risk Doses during High Dose Rate Intracavitary Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer: A Dosimetric Study

Background: Treatment of Cervical cancer includes a combination of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT). ICBT helps to boost radiation dose to primary disease. Organs like rectum, bladder, sigmoid and small bowel lie close to the cervix region and these organs receive dose from EBRT as well as ICBT and we want to know the dose to these organ at risk (OAR). Materials & Methods: Dosimetric details of 174 ICBT applications done in 58 patients were retrospectively analysed. All patients received EBRT dose of 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions. All patients had ICBT, three sessions with 7 Gy prescribed to point A. Dosimetric data including dose to right and left point A and dose to OARs were recorded from Oncentra Planning System. Results: Mean dose to point A on right side was 6.89 Gy and left side was 6.91 Gy. Mean D2cc dose to rectum, bladder, sigmoid and small bowel was 3.5 Gy, 5.25 Gy, 4.75 Gy and 4.2 Gy respectively. Mean EQD2 dose combining EBRT and ICBT in point A was 78.7 Gy on right side and 79 Gy on left side. Mean EQD2 doses to D2cc of rectum, bladder, sigmoid and small bowel was 62 Gy, 74.4 Gy, 70.5 Gy and 66.5 Gy respectively. Conclusion: From the results of this dosimetric study it is evident that OARs like rectum, sigmoid, bladder & bowel are receiving only acceptable doses of radiation using point A prescribed CT based ICBT planning. Hence with regards to OAR doses, CT based ICBT planning with dose prescribed to point A is a feasible option.

Effect of 7 and 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines Different Number of Doses for Pneumonia Control in 2008 and 2010 Birth Cohort Children

The 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) was introduced in Uruguay in March 2008. In April 2010, it was replaced by PCV13. Surveillance of both vaccines was performed on hospitalized children with consolidated pneumonia. The effect of different number of vaccine doses was evaluated in 2008 and 2010 birth cohorts vaccinated with PCV7 and PCV13 respectively. The study aims to estimate the effects of PCV7 and PCV13 different number of doses on consolidated pneumonia, through the study of hospitalized children from 2008 and 2010 birth cohorts. Vaccination records of every child were available providing precise vaccination data;therefore a new approach was used to estimate PCVs effect. Incidence rate was calculated for each year of the study and for the different number of vaccine doses used each year. Exposure was calculated as person per year and rate ratio values determined the decrease of consolidated pneumonias. This decrease in percentage was estimated as the difference between the incidence with no vaccine and the incidence of every one of the doses. Incidence rate ratio revealed significant values for the three vaccine doses of PCVs for both cohorts. Upon comparing incidences, significant reduction percentages of consolidated pneumonia admissions were found. The reduction percentage of consolidated pneumonia for fully vaccinated (3 doses) patients was 69.3% and 84.6 % for PCV7 and PCV13, respectively. These results confirm that PCV7 and PCV13 are highly effective for reducing pediatric hospitalizations due to consolidated pneumonia, as reported by other national publications and demonstrated by international researchers.

The Associations for Vaginal Point Doses of Vaginal Stenosis in Image-Guided Brachytherapy

Purpose: To evaluate the associations for vaginal dose points of vaginal stricture in image-guided brachytherapy. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six patients of locally advanced cervical cancer were treated with Image-Guided Brachytherapy (IGBT) with the dose at least 7 Gy per fraction to the D90 of High-Risk Clinical Target Volume (HR-CTV). The vaginal dose points of recommendations of the American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) were added into the plan and cumulative dose to these points was evaluated in Equivalent Dose of 2 Gy (EQD2) concepts. Results: The mean doses to right vaginal dose point (VR), left vaginal dose point (VL) and average dose of VR/VL ((VR + VL)/2) were 101.5 Gy, 98.2 Gy and 99.8 Gy in EQD2 concepts, respectively. Volume-based planning significantly reduced the cumulative dose in EQD2 concepts at vaginal points. At the median follow-up time of 22 months, grade-2 vaginal stricture was observed in two patients. The incidences of vaginal stricture were not differed between the cumulative dose to vaginal dose points in EQD2 concepts of ≤90 Gy versus >90 Gy (P = 1.000) and ≤100 Gy versus >100 Gy (P = 0.815). Conclusion: No association for cumulative vaginal doses and events of vaginal stricture was found.

Helicobacter pylori:High dose amoxicillin does not improve primary or secondary eradication rates in an Irish cohort

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)eradication rates have fallen globally,likely in large part due to increasing antibiotic resistance to traditional therapy.In areas of high clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance such as ours,Maastricht VI guidelines suggest high dose amoxicillin dual therapy(HDADT)can be considered,subject to evidence for local efficacy.In this study we assess efficacy of HDADT therapy for H.pylori eradication in an Irish cohort.AIM To assess the efficacy of HDADT therapy for H.pylori eradication in an Irish cohort as both first line,and subsequent therapy for patients diagnosed with H.pylori.METHODS All patients testing positive for H.pylori in a tertiary centre were treated prospectively with HDADT(amoxicillin 1 g tid and esomeprazole 40 mg bid×14 d)over a period of 8 months.Eradication was confirmed with Urea Breath Test at least 4 wk after cessation of therapy.A delta-over-baseline>4%was considered positive.Patient demographics and treatment outcomes were recorded,analysed and controlled for basic demographics and prior H.pylori treatment.RESULTS One hundred and ninety-eight patients were identified with H.pylori infection,10 patients were excluded due to penicillin allergy and 38 patients refused follow up testing.In all 139 were included in the analysis,55%(n=76)were female,mean age was 46.6 years.Overall,93(67%)of patients were treatment-naïve and 46(33%)had received at least one previous course of treatment.The groups were statistically similar.Self-reported compliance with HDADT was 97%,mild side-effects occurred in 7%.There were no serious adverse drug reactions.Overall the eradication rate for our cohort was 56%(78/139).Eradication rates were worse for those with previous treatment[43%(20/46)vs 62%(58/93),P=0.0458,odds ratio=2.15].Age and Gender had no effect on eradication status.CONCLUSION Overall eradication rates with HDADT were disappointing.Despite being a simple and possibly better tolerated regime,these results do not support its routine use in a high dual resistance country.Further investigation of other regimens to achieve the>90%eradication target is needed.