The trace elements chemistry of Bartlett Pond, a small shallow wetland pond in Laredo, Southern Texas, was sampled to evaluate the dynamics of trace elements impacts on water quality and ecosystems ecology of the pond...The trace elements chemistry of Bartlett Pond, a small shallow wetland pond in Laredo, Southern Texas, was sampled to evaluate the dynamics of trace elements impacts on water quality and ecosystems ecology of the pond. Two types of fish (bass and tilapia) were also sampled to see the trace element accumulation in different parts of their body. The concentrations of trace elements in water samples were found in the following order: Fe ≫Sb > Pb > As ≫Co > Tl > Cr > Cd within Bartlett Pond. Overall, the water quality of the pond is unacceptable for drinking and any other purposes as trace element concentrations (e.g. As, Cd, Co, Cr, Pb, Fe, Sb and Tl) are exceedingly higher (several fold) than the WHO and US EPA guidelines. Predictive and correlation analysis shows that most trace elements exhibit a strong positive correlation among them indicating the same anthropogenic sources and biogeochemical processes regulate these trace elements within the pond. Distributions of the trace elements in water exhibit different shapes mostly as positively skewed distribution for As, Cd, Co, Cr, and Tl, symmetrical distribution for Fe and almost symmetrical distribution for Pb and Sb. Concentrations of As, Co and Tl accumulated much higher in different parts of the Bass than Tilapia fish. The concentrations of As, Tl, Co, and Sb appeared significantly higher in different parts of the body of both Bass and Tilapia than the maximum SRM certified values. Accumulation of these contaminants in fish tissues pose increased health risks to humans who consume these contaminated fish although fishing is prohibited. Anthropogenic activities in the region primarily degrade the whole pond ecosystem ecology of the Bartlett Pond and waters of this pond to be not recommended for any use. These findings may be useful for the scientific community and concerned authorities to improve understanding about these precious natural resources and conservation of the ecosystem ecology.展开更多
Background: 70% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage (III or IV) of the disease and, in turn, with a high prevalence of peritoneal carcinosis and ascites, which leads to progressive malnutrition ...Background: 70% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage (III or IV) of the disease and, in turn, with a high prevalence of peritoneal carcinosis and ascites, which leads to progressive malnutrition in patients, with the consequent deterioration of their general condition. There is a very important relationship between nutritional status, quality of life, survival, and the ability to tolerate multidisciplinary treatment of peritoneal carcinosis. Methods: A phase II, open-label, single-center, non-randomised clinical trial was conducted that included 36 patients with advanced disease who were administered the nutritional supplement Ocoxin, 30 ml twice a day, beginning one week before chemotherapy (CT) based on carboplatin/paclitaxel, of which they receive three cycles with neoadjuvant intent. Ocoxin treatment was continued during chemotherapy and for three weeks after completion of the last cycle, as well as during any periods for which this treatment was discontinued due to toxicity. The effect of Ocoxin on the quality of life was assessed through the QLQ C30 and QLQ OV28 questionnaires from the start of treatment until the end of the follow-up period. In addition, the Karnofsky Index and nutritional parameters were assessed. Results: There were no significant differences between adverse events versus baseline values, except in leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, ALT, and AST. There was no deterioration of the QoL scales, except for those related to the effects of chemotherapy and alopecia. Conclusions: Ocoxin as an adjuvant to chemotherapy appears to improve better tolerance to chemotherapy, showed a good safety profile, and improved quality of life. For further information on Ocoxin neoadjuvant therapy benefits, a phase III clinical trial will be needed.展开更多
<em>Background</em>: The aim of this study was to test Viusid and Asbrip as adjuvants to the standard treatment of patients with COVID-19 disease which could favor the recovery of the patients and reduce t...<em>Background</em>: The aim of this study was to test Viusid and Asbrip as adjuvants to the standard treatment of patients with COVID-19 disease which could favor the recovery of the patients and reduce the hospitalization days.<em> Design</em>: This is a randomized, open-label, controlled trial to determine the efficacy and safety of Viusid and Asbrip in hospitalized patients with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19. <em>Material and Methods</em>: A total of 60 patients with proven COVID-19 disease by PCR test were randomized in a 2:1 ratio. In the active group 40 patients received oral doses of Viusid (30 ml TID) and Asbrip (10 ml TID) plus standard treatment. The control group consisted of 20 patients receiving only standard treatment. The trial began with hospitalization, followed by home treatment for a total of 21 days. Four symptoms were followed: fever, dyspnea, cough and fatigue, assessed by score 0 - 3: 0 = well, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe, with total sum, Composite Symptom Score (CSS) from 0 to 12. <em>Results</em>: The 21 days diagram of CSS shows statistically better results of Viusid-Asbrip group vs. Control group from day 4 to day 21. Time to semi-recovery in days, assessed by 50% of CSS, is better in Viusid-Asbrip group vs. Control group (6.07 ± 2.77 vs. 8.35 ± 2.94, p = 0.02). Time to recovery in days respectively is (14.05 ± 4.15 vs. 19.25 ± 2.12, p = 0.0001). And Hospitalization days are (9.05 ± 2.58 vs. 12.75 ± 4.44, p = 0.0003). <em>Conclusion</em>: This trial shows that adding of Viusid & Asbrip to the treatment of COVID-19 can contribute to faster recovery of the patients, decreasing of the hospital stay and milder course of the disease.展开更多
文摘The trace elements chemistry of Bartlett Pond, a small shallow wetland pond in Laredo, Southern Texas, was sampled to evaluate the dynamics of trace elements impacts on water quality and ecosystems ecology of the pond. Two types of fish (bass and tilapia) were also sampled to see the trace element accumulation in different parts of their body. The concentrations of trace elements in water samples were found in the following order: Fe ≫Sb > Pb > As ≫Co > Tl > Cr > Cd within Bartlett Pond. Overall, the water quality of the pond is unacceptable for drinking and any other purposes as trace element concentrations (e.g. As, Cd, Co, Cr, Pb, Fe, Sb and Tl) are exceedingly higher (several fold) than the WHO and US EPA guidelines. Predictive and correlation analysis shows that most trace elements exhibit a strong positive correlation among them indicating the same anthropogenic sources and biogeochemical processes regulate these trace elements within the pond. Distributions of the trace elements in water exhibit different shapes mostly as positively skewed distribution for As, Cd, Co, Cr, and Tl, symmetrical distribution for Fe and almost symmetrical distribution for Pb and Sb. Concentrations of As, Co and Tl accumulated much higher in different parts of the Bass than Tilapia fish. The concentrations of As, Tl, Co, and Sb appeared significantly higher in different parts of the body of both Bass and Tilapia than the maximum SRM certified values. Accumulation of these contaminants in fish tissues pose increased health risks to humans who consume these contaminated fish although fishing is prohibited. Anthropogenic activities in the region primarily degrade the whole pond ecosystem ecology of the Bartlett Pond and waters of this pond to be not recommended for any use. These findings may be useful for the scientific community and concerned authorities to improve understanding about these precious natural resources and conservation of the ecosystem ecology.
文摘Background: 70% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage (III or IV) of the disease and, in turn, with a high prevalence of peritoneal carcinosis and ascites, which leads to progressive malnutrition in patients, with the consequent deterioration of their general condition. There is a very important relationship between nutritional status, quality of life, survival, and the ability to tolerate multidisciplinary treatment of peritoneal carcinosis. Methods: A phase II, open-label, single-center, non-randomised clinical trial was conducted that included 36 patients with advanced disease who were administered the nutritional supplement Ocoxin, 30 ml twice a day, beginning one week before chemotherapy (CT) based on carboplatin/paclitaxel, of which they receive three cycles with neoadjuvant intent. Ocoxin treatment was continued during chemotherapy and for three weeks after completion of the last cycle, as well as during any periods for which this treatment was discontinued due to toxicity. The effect of Ocoxin on the quality of life was assessed through the QLQ C30 and QLQ OV28 questionnaires from the start of treatment until the end of the follow-up period. In addition, the Karnofsky Index and nutritional parameters were assessed. Results: There were no significant differences between adverse events versus baseline values, except in leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, ALT, and AST. There was no deterioration of the QoL scales, except for those related to the effects of chemotherapy and alopecia. Conclusions: Ocoxin as an adjuvant to chemotherapy appears to improve better tolerance to chemotherapy, showed a good safety profile, and improved quality of life. For further information on Ocoxin neoadjuvant therapy benefits, a phase III clinical trial will be needed.
文摘<em>Background</em>: The aim of this study was to test Viusid and Asbrip as adjuvants to the standard treatment of patients with COVID-19 disease which could favor the recovery of the patients and reduce the hospitalization days.<em> Design</em>: This is a randomized, open-label, controlled trial to determine the efficacy and safety of Viusid and Asbrip in hospitalized patients with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19. <em>Material and Methods</em>: A total of 60 patients with proven COVID-19 disease by PCR test were randomized in a 2:1 ratio. In the active group 40 patients received oral doses of Viusid (30 ml TID) and Asbrip (10 ml TID) plus standard treatment. The control group consisted of 20 patients receiving only standard treatment. The trial began with hospitalization, followed by home treatment for a total of 21 days. Four symptoms were followed: fever, dyspnea, cough and fatigue, assessed by score 0 - 3: 0 = well, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe, with total sum, Composite Symptom Score (CSS) from 0 to 12. <em>Results</em>: The 21 days diagram of CSS shows statistically better results of Viusid-Asbrip group vs. Control group from day 4 to day 21. Time to semi-recovery in days, assessed by 50% of CSS, is better in Viusid-Asbrip group vs. Control group (6.07 ± 2.77 vs. 8.35 ± 2.94, p = 0.02). Time to recovery in days respectively is (14.05 ± 4.15 vs. 19.25 ± 2.12, p = 0.0001). And Hospitalization days are (9.05 ± 2.58 vs. 12.75 ± 4.44, p = 0.0003). <em>Conclusion</em>: This trial shows that adding of Viusid & Asbrip to the treatment of COVID-19 can contribute to faster recovery of the patients, decreasing of the hospital stay and milder course of the disease.
