Ca Values Research Articles

Diagnostic Value of Osteopontin, Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio, and CA-125 in Ovarian Carcinoma Suspect

Osteopontin (OPN) is an important protein in cancer development and progressivity. Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio (LMR) as a systemic immunity and inflammatory indicator could be an ideal predictor biomarker because of its method’s simplicity and availability. Elevated CA-125 and OPN as well as decreased LMR were reported as signs of ovarian malignancy. Limited studies about OPN and LMR as diagnostic biomarkers, as well as various specificity and sensitivity of CA-125 intrigued the researcher to prove OPN, LMR, and CA-125 as diagnostic biomarkers for ovarian carcinoma. This study aimed to measure the diagnostic value of OPN, LMR, and CA-125 levels against histopathology results for ovarian carcinoma diagnosis. Eighty patients involved with suspected ovarian carcinoma who were referred to Dr. Kariadi Hospital, Semarang. Osteopontin and CA-125 levels were measured using ELISA, and LMR was calculated from absolute lymphocyte and monocyte counts using an automated hematology analyzer. The receiver operating characteristics curve was used to determine the cut-off and 2x2 table. The cut-off values for OPN, LMR, and CA-125 were 124 ng/mL, 3.7 and 45.4 U/mL, respectively. The sensitivity for OPN, LMR, and CA-125 was 67.24%, 62.07% and 60.34%. Specificity for OPN, LMR, and CA-125 were 68.18%, 54.55% and 59.09%. Osteopontin is the best parameter for determining the diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma but it is still not sufficient because OPN cut-off was still within the normal reference value.

Prognostic value of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA 19-9 levels in patients with obstructive colorectal cancer treated with a self-expandable metallic stent and curative surgery.

The importance of tumor markers is well established; yet little is known about their prognostic value for patients with obstructive colorectal cancer (OCRC). We investigated the clinical significance of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA 19-9 levels in patients with non-metastatic OCRC, who underwent insertion of a self-expandable metallic stent and curative surgery. Clinical data on 91 patients with OCRC were analyzed retrospectively to evaluate the associations of preoperative serum values of tumor makers with short- and long-term outcomes. The 91 patients comprised 53 men and 38 women, with a median age of 71years. Twelve patients had an elevated preoperative CA 19-9 level. Multivariate analyses revealed that an elevated CA 19-9 level was independently associated with poor disease-free survival (DFS) [hazard ratio (HR) = 4.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.06-10.14, P < 0.001] and overall survival (HR = 4.06, 95% CI 1.46-11.24, P = 0.007). A CEA level > 5ng/ml had no prognostic value, whereas a CEA level > 10.8ng/ml was significantly associated with worse DFS (P = 0.032). Measuring the CA 19-9 level concomitantly with the CEA level for patients with advanced CRC, including OCRC, may provide a valuable means to improve prognostication.

Fluorescence visualization dynamics of carbonated water injection processes in homogeneous glass micromodels

Understanding the flow behavior of oil–water phases in porous media is crucial for revealing the kinetic mechanisms underlying oil–water movement. In this study, we designed and constructed a fluorescence visualization experimental platform for carbonated water injection (CWI). We evaluated the effects of nine distinct injection rates on oil production and CO2 sequestration capabilities using three types of homogeneous porous structure micromodels. The microscale oil–water seepage behavior at the pore scale was also explored. The experimental results indicate that optimally increasing the injection rate can improve displacement efficiency, whereas excessively high rates may lead to viscous and capillary fingering. The geometry of the micromodels, particularly the hexagonal matrix, demonstrates potential advantages in enhancing oil displacement due to its uniform flow paths. The capillary number (Ca) significantly influences oil droplet capture behavior within micromodels. For instance, micromodel A captures the largest ganglion area at low Ca values, with a noticeable reduction in average ganglion area as Ca increases. Conversely, micromodels B and C exhibit similar trends in ganglion size variation at high Ca values, suggesting a more uniform impact of pore structure on oil droplet capture behavior. At elevated Ca values, capillary forces exert a more uniform and controlled effect on oil droplet capture and release, minimizing size variability. Additionally, the injection rate plays a critical role in CO2 sequestration, with higher rates promoting convective mixing between CO2 and reservoir fluids, thereby enhancing dissolution and storage efficiency. The complexity of the pore structure, characterized by the presence of micropores and macropores, affects the dissolution kinetics and mobility of CO2, influencing sequestration efficiency. These experimental findings provide valuable insights into the dynamics of oil–water motion and the potential for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and CO2 storage, offering essential guidance for optimizing CWI strategies in the petroleum industry.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Volcanic Ejecta Produced During the Eruption of Shinmoe-Dake, Mt. Kirishima: Explosive Eruption on March 25, 2018

The objective of this study was to clarify the actual physical and chemical properties of volcanic ejecta immediately after the explosive eruption of Shinmoe-dake, Mt. Kirishima, in Japan. The day after the explosive eruption occurred on March 25, 2018, permeability tests using a cylindrical frame were conducted, and samples collected in the test site were subjected to laboratory soil tests. The real infiltration capacity of the volcanic ejecta showed that the final values were lower (38–92 mm/h) in the talus inside the forest than in the plain outside the forest. This was attributed to the small particle size distribution above 1 mm, regardless of the particle size of the silt/clay particle size segment. The rainfall after the explosive eruption was at most 20–22 mm/h, indicating that the real infiltration capacity value at the end of the eruption was higher than the rainfall value. This was consistent with the fact that no debris-flow was observed at the foot of Shinmoe-dake after the recent eruption. On the other hand, examination of the chemical properties of the volcanic ejecta collected revealed high values of Ca and SO4. These compounds form gypsums by reaction with water, could reduce the infiltration capacity of deposit, possibly contributing generation of mudslide.

Optimised phase compositions and achieved ultra-high Q×f values in Ca(2+y)Sn2Al(2+x)O(9+1.5x+y) ceramics by composition modulation

The optimization of phase compositions and microwave dielectric properties in Ca(2+y)Sn2Al(2+x)O(9+1.5x + y) (−0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.2, −0.2 ≤ y ≤ 0.2) ceramics were investigated. The change in Al content could inhibit the SnO2 second phase of Ca2Sn2Al2O9 ceramic, and the Al deficiency in Ca2Sn2Al(2+x)O(9+1.5x) (−0.2 ≤ x < 0) ceramics contributed to the increase in the content of the CaSnO3 second phase. The enrichment of the Al content could not inhibit the CaSnO3 second phase, and the low content of the CaSnO3 second phase was obtained in Ca2Sn2Al(2+x)O(9+1.5x) (0 < x ≤ 0.2) ceramics. The high content of CaSnO3 second phase was also observed in Ca(2+y)Sn2Al2O(9+y) (0 < y ≤ 0.2) ceramics, and the enrichment of Ca induced the CaSnO3 second phase. Moreover, the slight Ca deficiency inhibited the SnO2 and CaSnO3 second phases, and the Ca2Sn2Al2O9 single-phase ceramic was obtained in Ca(2+y)Sn2Al2O(9+y) (y = −0.1). The Ca(2+y)Sn2Al(2+x)O(9+1.5x + y) (−0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.2, −0.2 ≤ y ≤ 0.2) ceramics with a high content of CaSnO3 second phases exhibited high εr and moderate Q × f values, which were controlled by the ρrel and the content of the CaSnO3 second phase, respectively. The Q × f value was sensitive to the second phases, and Ca-deficient Ca(2+y)Sn2Al2O(9+y) (y = −0.1) ceramic with Ca2Sn2Al2O9 single-phase composition exhibited the ultra-high Q × f value (Q × f = 121818 GHz at 11.86 GHz).

Protein assay and immunoassay based on nematic thermotropic and lyotropic liquid crystals quantitated by haze measurement

Haze measurement is the cornerstone for assessing the transparency or opaqueness of liquid crystals (LCs) in applications such as smart windows and display technologies. In this study, we present a novel application of haze measurement as the quantitative approach for LC-based biosensing. Protein assay with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as the protein standard and immunoassay of the cancer biomarker CA125 were performed with the thermotropic LC 5CB and the nematic phase of the lyotropic chromonic LC sunset yellow. We observed that the brightness of LC optical texture increased with increasing analyte concentration due to enhanced light leakage caused by the attenuation of the vertical anchoring force of the surface alignment reagent coated on the glass surface. On the other hand, the haze value decreased as the amount of BSA or CA125 at the LC–glass interface increased, indicating that the scattering angle of the incident light was reduced. By calculating the percent difference in haze value, W (%), which gave rise to a positive correlation between the result of haze analysis and analyte concentration, a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.2 × 10−3 and 5.6 × 10−5 g/mL for BSA and CA125, respectively, was achieved by detection with 5CB, whereas the LOD values for BSA and CA125 were 1.0 × 10−12 and 1.9 × 10−9 g/mL, respectively, when detected with nematic sunset yellow. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first demonstration of the feasibility and simplicity of quantitative analysis by haze measurement in LC-based biosensing.

Development of high-performance piezoelectric composites for concrete construction through carbonation of calcium and magnesium-based binder

The use of cementitious piezoelectric composite enables structure monitoring of concrete construction, while its piezoelectric and mechanical performance are relatively low. This paper developed a novel high-performance piezoelectric composite through carbonation of calcium and magnesium-based binder (including Ca(OH)2 and Mg(OH)2). The influence of PZT volume, forming regime, and polarization condition on compressive strength and piezoelectric strain coefficient (d33) of the two piezoelectric composites was investigated. Results showed that the use of PZT volume from 20 % to 80 % led to a 6-fold and 3-fold greater d33 value for Ca(OH)2 and Mg(OH)2 piezoelectric composites, respectively. While, such change in PZT volume reduced the compressive strength by 50 % and 55 % for the two piezoelectric composites. This is due to the significantly increased porosity and decreased carbonation degree as indicated by microstructural analysis. The use of a higher forming pressure from 25 to 100 MPa resulted in 60 % and 105 % increases in d33 values for the two piezoelectric composites. Such improvements in compressive strength were 120 % and 135 %, respectively. The d33 values were increased by 45 % and 60 % with the polarization voltage increasing from 1.5 to 3.5 kV/mm for the two piezoelectric composites. Such increases in d33 were 64 % and 94 % when polarization duration extended from 5 to 25 min. This study determined the optimal preparation regime of the two piezoelectric composites that can ensure the best overall performance considering the trade-off among piezoelectric, mechanical, and microstructural properties of the composites. The results of this paper can facilitate the application of novel and high-performance of piezoelectric sensor in smart concrete structures.

The Relationship between Body Compositions and Serum Vitamin D Levels in Obese Adolescents

Purpose: Obesity and vitamin D deficiency is a significant public health problem with increasing frequency in childhood. Although numerous studies explored the correlation between obesity and vitamin D, the study is aimed to investigate such relationship in consideration of few/no studies on vitamin D and body compositions in obese people. Methods: A total of 62 adolescents aged 12 to 18 were included in the study, comprising 33 obese adolescents and 29 with normal weight. Blood samples were analyzed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), parathyroid hormone (PTH), insulin, C-reactive protein (CRP), total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides (TG), and HDL cholesterol (HDL). Body fluid status and composition were assessed using bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) for both the obese and control groups. Results: Total body water (TBW), extracellular water (ECW), intracellular water (ICW), ECW/ICW (E/I) ratio, lean tissue index (LTI), adipose tissue index (FTI), lean tissue mass (LTM), adipose tissue mass (ATM), body cell mass (BCM) values were significantly higher in the obese group in comparison with the control group (p ˂ 0.05). There was no significant difference in 25(OH)D levels in the obese and control groups (p ˃ 0.05). The distribution of 25(OH)D values below and above 20 did not differ significantly in the obese and control groups (p ˃ 0.05). Cholesterol, insulin and HOMA-IR values were detected significantly higher in the obese group than in the control group (p ˂ 0.05). HDL and Ca values were significantly lower in the obese group than in the control group (p ˂ 0.05). A significant positive correlation was discovered between BMI value and TBW, ECW, ICW, E/I, LTI, FTI, LTM, ATM, BCM values (p ˂ 0.05). A significant positive correlation was discovered between HOMA IR value and TBW, ECW, ICW, E/I, FTI, FAT, ATM values (p&lt; 0.05). No significant correlation was encountered between ....

Heavy metal contamination of surface soils by anthropogenic activities: concomitant ecological and health risk assessment

ABSTRACT The heavy metals in the soil are a condemnatory environmental threat as they expand their toxic effects on the environment as well as human health. The present study is intended to analyse the concentrations of heavy metals (K, Ca, Mg, Ti, Fe, Co, Cu, As, Zn, Rb, Sr, Zr, Pb, and Th) in soil samples congregating near a urea fertiliser factory utilising Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) technique and evaluate their distinctiveness, emergence and subjection to human. Mean value of Mg, K, Ca, Ti, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Zr, Pb and Th in the sampling area was found 14712, 11828, 8607, 4378, 47358, 10.93, 17.04, 151.57, 8.65, 191.08, 191.42, 263.64, 88.69 and 17.55 mg kg−1 respectively. Geo-accumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF) and contamination factor (CF) revealed the sampling sites were practically uncontaminated to moderately contaminated, and minimum to moderately enriched by the elements. Besides, a low level of risk was evaluated from the estimated value of the Ecological risk index (RI). Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Correlation Analysis (CA) and correlation coefficient indicated that the geological and the anthropogenic origins have boosted the elemental concentration in the soil samples. Regardless of age, the Hazard quotient (HQ) and Hazard index (HI) values in all three exposure pathways (HQ/HI < 1) and total lifetime carcinogenic risk (TCR < 1E–06) from the complete exposure path stipulated negligible risk and could cause no obvious health hazards on the surrounding populations. However, children manifested potential receptors of heavy metals compared to adults and were more susceptible to carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks.

Ultra-radical surgery versus standard-radical surgery for the primary cytoreduction of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer; long-term tertiary center experiences

ObjectiveTo compare overall survival (OS) and morbidity outcomes in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian/tubal/peritoneal cancer undergoing standard-radical (SR) and ultra-radical (UR) surgical procedures based on NICE classification. Study DesignThis retrospective study analyzed data from 282 patients with 2014 FIGO stage III-IV epithelial ovarian cancer operated on between January 2006 and January 2019. The study compared OS, progression-free survival (PFS), and morbidity between SR and UR surgeries. Parameters influencing OS, including preoperative, postoperative, and post-adjuvant chemotherapy CA-125 values, surgical procedures, post-surgical residual tumor, histopathological grade, and FIGO surgical stage, were assessed. ResultsOut of 282 patients, 256 met the inclusion criteria. SR surgery was performed in 48 %, and UR surgery in 52 %. The mean preoperative CA-125 value was 1200 ± 1914.83, decreasing to 240.32 ± 373.87 postoperatively. The mean follow-up period was 63.01 ± 47.56 months. UR surgery correlated with significantly higher postoperative complications (p < 0.001), histopathological grade (p = 0.023), FIGO stage (p < 0.001), three-year death rates, and overall mortality rates (p = 0.035). FIGO stage and total metastatic lymph nodes emerged as independent prognostic factors for overall and PFS. ConclusionIn the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer, evaluating the extent of the tumor before the surgery and showing maximal effort to minimize the residual tumor volume instead of applying UR procedures as the first choice seems to be the most important factor that can affect survival.

Prognostic relevance of preoperative CA 19-9 values in stage III rectal adenocarcinoma: retrospective analysis and clinical implications

&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Aim&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; &amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;To investigate prognostic significance of preoperative levels of the Carbohydrate anti-gen 19-9 (CA 19-9) in patients with stage III rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent a treatment at the Clinical Centre of the University of Sarajevo.&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Methods&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; &amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;A retrospective cohort study included 84 patients who underwent radical anterior rectal resection due to grade III rectal adenocarcinoma, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy according to the FOLFOX protocol (Oxaliplatin, Leucovorin, 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)). The patients were divided into two groups according to CA 19-9 values (&amp;amp;ge;27 U/mL and &amp;amp;lt;27 U/mL, respectively).&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Results&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; &amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;High pre-operative CA 19-9 values predicted an increased probability of postoperative metastases, especially liver, lung and abdominopelvic metastases, as well as three-year disease-free survival (3Y-DFS) and three-year overall survival (3Y-OS). The 3Y-DFS rate for patients with high CA 19-9 was 64.5%, while for those with low CA 19-9 it was 87.2%. The 3Y-OS rate for patients with high CA 19-9 was 89.8%, while for those with low CA 19-9 it was 65.7%. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis confirmed that a high level of CA 19-9 is an independent predictor for DFS and OS shorter than three years.&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Conclusion&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; Pre-operatively elevated values of CA 19-9 in rectal adenocarcinoma have a significant role in predicting the outcome in patients with stage III rectal adenocarcinoma.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;

Preparation and characterization of the Leonardite and Boric acid added Polylactic acid films for food packaging applications

Polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable plastic, has begun to replace petroleum-based plastics used in thin film. According to the literature, various clays are used to develop PLA matrix film. In this study, PLA composite films containing specific proportions of Leonardite (LEO) and Boric acid (BOR) were prepared by casting method, and the physical, mechanical, thermal, barrier, and microstructure properties of these films were studied. As the amount of LEO in LEO and BOR/LEO added films increased, correspondingly increased the TS and EM values, while TR and MF values decreased, and the EB values fluctuated. As the amount of BOR increases in BOR added films, the increases and decreases in TS and EM values are similar, while the TR, MF and EB values decrease. In added films, the additive effect is clearly seen in the XRD patterns. While the addition of LEO significantly changed the surface color and opacity, BOR added films showed fewer changes in these properties. The Contact angle measurements demonstrated that, while the addition of BOR reduced the CA value, the addition of LEO partially increased it. The addition of BOR/LEO resulted in an increase in CA value because of the effects of LEO.

Effect of Poor Post-Slaughter Handling on Physicochemical and Microbial Quality of Fresh Broiler in Bangladesh

The slaughtering method and post-handling play an important role in meat processing. Countries followed different slaughtering methods, post-handling, and preservation techniques for post-slaughtered meat. Stress-oriented slaughtering, unhygienic handling, processing, and improper preservation are triggering factors of rapid oxidation and microbial proliferation in meat during storage. Bangladesh is a Muslim-oriented country but many vendors do not follow the halal slaughtering, and handling of meat in an unhygienic way due to a lack of food safety knowledge. Thus, the study aims to assess the effect of poor post-slaughtering handling practices on the physiochemical properties which include moisture, ash, protein content, fat content, drip loss, cooking loss, water holding capacity, pH, fat oxidation, color, heme iron, mineral content, and microbial qualities of fresh samples by total plate count during 0 days, 15 days and 30 days frozen storage at -18ºC. The live broiler was purchased randomly and slaughtered instantly from different slaughter shops in Jashore City, Bangladesh. The laboratory analysis was performed following the standard method of meat sample analysis. The outcome of this study revealed that heme iron content, minerals like Ca, Fe, Zn, and lightness values decreased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) during 30 days of storage at -18 ºC. Post-handling had no significant effect (p &gt; 0.05) on protein and ash content at 0 and 15 days of storage but slowly decreased with increasing storage time. The continuous increase in pH, cooking loss, and TBARS value indicate rises in lipid oxidation noticed in all samples, especially during 16-30 days of frozen storage (p &lt; 0.05). The total viable count significantly raised (p &lt; 0.05) and reached the highest value of 7.27 log10 CFU/g and 7.44 log10 CFU/g respectively after 15 days and 30 days of frozen storage compared to fresh condition. Bacteriologically meat samples were of very poor quality during storage compared to fresh ones.

A case of early childhood caries from a Medieval site in Southern Portugal: a multidisciplinary approach.

Dental caries is the most prevalent chronic infectious disease during childhood both in historical and contemporary times, but research focused on the oral health of non-adults from the past is still scant. As such, this study proposes a multidisciplinary approach to the differential diagnosis of severe dental lesions in a medieval non-adult skeleton. The skeleton of a three-year-old child recovered in the medieval necropolis of Cacela Velha (Portugal) was studied through macroscopic, radiological, elemental and stable isotope analyses. This individual exhibited enamel destruction and dentine exposure in both the maxillary and mandibular teeth, with the latter also showing changes in coloration. Elemental analysis showed that his skull presented lower values of Si, Cl, and Ca and higher of Cu compared to the control, while the concentration of P and S were significantly lower in the teeth. Early childhood caries is the most probable diagnosis for the dental lesions observed, apparently stemming from a reticulate of factors that include potential malnutrition, and the consumption of sugars in complementary feeding - even though historical sources point to the scarcity of sugar in Portugal during most of the Middle Ages.

18 F FDG PET/CT versus 99m Tc MDP Bone scintigraphy in imaging of metastatic osseous disease in breast cancer patients; Solving the discrepancies in light of serum markers.

To assess the performance of 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/computed tomography (CT) versus 99m Tc MDP bone scan in assessment of metastatic osseous disease in breast cancer patients in relation to serum markers. We reviewed PET/CT studies and bone scans for 37 patients (mean age of 55.38 ± 13.08 years) with metastatic breast cancer to bone. To assess metastatic osseous burden, we used semiquantitative scores derived from PET/CT (PMS) and bone scans (BMS). We used McNemar test to compare lesion detection between both modalities and receiver operator characteristic analysis to define the cutoff value of serum CA 15-3 that best predicts additional value for PET/CT over bone scan. In 13 patients (35.1%), more lesions or higher-intensity lesions were detected on PET/CT, while only 4 patients (10.8%) had more prominent lesions on bone scans ( P = 0.049). Additional lesions seen on PET/CT are predominantly osteolytic or medullary (early phase). Most lesions with higher uptake on bone scans appear sclerotic (late phase). CA 15-3 was positively correlated to PMS ( r = 0.386; P = 0.018) but not to BMS ( r = -0.027; P = 0.874). However, serum alkaline phosphatase was positively correlated to both PMS ( r = 0.389; P = 0.017) and BMS ( r = 0.363; P = 0.027). CA 15-3 value of >47 U/ml best predicted additional findings on PET/CT compared to bone scans (area under the curve = 0.708; P = 0.0261). FDG PET/CT detects metastatic osseous lesions during an earlier phase. A higher CA 15-3 predicts a higher metastatic burden on PET/CT but not on bone scan. Bone scans are less specific, likely by missing early lesions and detecting persistent uptake in healing sclerotic lesions.

The Influence of Circulating Immune Cell and CA125 Dynamics on Neoadjuvant Therapy Selection for Advanced Ovarian Cancer.

Background and Objectives: Ovarian cancer, including tubal and peritoneal cancer, is the third most common gynecological cancer and the leading cause of death from gynecological malignancies in developed countries. This study explores the prognostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in determining the optimal duration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) for advanced ovarian cancer. It also investigates the correlation between NLR dynamics and the KELIM score, a chemosensitivity marker, to enhance individualized therapeutic strategies. Materials and Methods: A total of 79 patients underwent NACT followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS) or palliative care. The data collected included demographic information, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities, and laboratory parameters. The baseline NLR (NLR-T0) and post-therapeutic NLR (NLR-T1) were calculated, and their variation (NLR∆) was analyzed. The KELIM score was determined using CA-125 values. Results: Patients with a high baseline NLR (≥2.5) had significantly worse progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to those with a low NLR (<2.5). A negative NLR∆ was associated with poorer PFS and OS. The KELIM score indicated a more effective treatment response, with higher scores correlating with better outcomes. The majority of patients achieved R0 resection, and those with favorable KELIM scores showed improved survival rates. Conclusions: The NLR is a valuable prognostic marker for assessing treatment response and guiding NACT duration in advanced ovarian cancer.

New Biomarkers to Define A Biological Borderline Situation for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma - Results of An Ancillary Study of the PANACHE01-PRODIGE48 Trial.

To investigate in patients treated for a resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PA), the prognostic value of baseline CA19-9 and circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) for overall survival (OS), to improve death risk stratification, based on a planned ancillary study from PANACHE01-PRODIGE 48 trial. Biological borderline situation that was first used by the MD Anderson, became a standard practice following the international consensus conference in 2016 to manage PA. Regarding the risk of systemic disease especially in the setting of "markedly elevated" CA19-9, neoadjuvant therapy is advised to avoid unnecessary surgery, with risk of early recurrence. To best define biological borderline situations, new biomarkers are needed. Characteristics at diagnosis and OS were compared between patients with or without ctDNA status available. OS was estimated with Kaplan Meier method and compared with log-rank test. Restricted cubic spline approach was used to identify optimal threshold for biological parameters for death risk stratification. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were estimated to assess the association of ctDNA status and other parameters with OS. Among the 132 patients from the primary population for analysis in the PANACHE01 -PRODIGE 48 trial, 92(71%) were available for ctDNA status at diagnosis. No selection bias was identified between patients with or without ctDNA status. 14 patients (15%) were ctDNA+ and exhibited a higher risk for death (P=0,0188; HR95% CI: 2.28 (1.12-4.63). In the 92 patients with ctDNA status available among the others parameter analysed only CA19-9 was statically associated with OS in univariate analysis. Patients with log of CA19-9 equal or superior to 4.4 that corresponds to a CA19-9 of 80 UI/mL were identified at higher risk for death (P=0,0143; HR95% CI: 2.2 (1.15-4.19). In multivariate analysis CA19-19 remained independently associated with OS (p-value=0.0323). When combining the two biomarkers, median OS was of 19.4 (IC 95% 3.8-Not reached) months, 30.2 (IC 95% 17.1-NR) months and not reached (IC 95% 39.3-NR) for "CA19-9 high and ctDNA+ group", "CA19-9 high or ctDNA+ group", and "CA19-9 low and ctDNA- group", respectively (logrank P=0,0069). Progress in the management of potentially operable PA remains limited, relying solely on strategies to optimize the sequence of complete treatment, based on modern multidrug chemotherapy (FOLFIRINOX, GemNabPaclitaxel) and surgical resection. The identification of risk criteria, such as the existence of systemic disease, is an important issue, currently referred to as "biologic borderline disease". Few data, particularly from prospective studies, allow us to identify biomarkers other than CA19-9. Combining ctDNA to CA19-9 could be of interest to best define biological borderline situations in PA.

Recurrence pattern and its risk factors in patients with resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma – A retrospective analysis of 272 patients

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the patterns of recurrence and their associated risk factors in patients who underwent resection for pancreatic carcinoma. MethodsThis retrospective study included 272 patients, who underwent Ro/R1-resection of PDAC from 2005 to 2020 at the University Hospital Erlangen. Risk factors for different recurrence patterns and the prognostic value of recurrence pattern on the overall survival after recurrence were evaluated. Results61 % of the patients experienced recurrence, mostly within the first 12 postoperative months (62 %) and in the form of metastases (87 %). The median overall survival from recurrence was 9.2 months. The preoperative absence of diabetes and the presence of lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors for recurrence and a preoperative CA19-9 exceeding 97 U/ml for early recurrence. Additionally, lymph node metastases were associated with a higher risk of metastatic recurrence. Early recurrence, but not the site of recurrence, was identified as an independent prognostic factor for worse overall survival from recurrence. ConclusionThe occurrence of recurrence and especially of early and metastatic recurrence are associated with a worse overall survival. Patients lacking preoperative diabetes, having high preoperative CA19-9 values and lymph node metastases are particularly at risk for (early) recurrence.

Association of different classifications of hypocalcemia with quantity and quality of colostrum, milk production, and health of Holstein dams and their calves

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of serum calcium (Ca) status in the early postpartum period on the quantity and quality of colostrum, milk production, and the health of Holstein dams and their calves. One hundred multiparous Holstein cows were enrolled in this study. To determine serum Ca status, blood samples were taken at 1 and 4 days in milk (DIM). Cows were categorized into 1 of 4 groups based on their serum Ca concentrations: normocalcemic (CON; Ca >1.87 at 1 DIM and >2.10 mmol/L at 4 DIM, n = 36), transient SCH (TSCH; Ca ≤1.87 at 1 DIM and >2.10 mmol/L at 4 DIM, n = 14), persistent SCH (PSCH; Ca ≤1.87 at 1 DIM and ≤2.10 mmol/L at 4 DIM, n = 15), or delayed SCH (DSCH; Ca >1.87 at 1 DIM and ≤2.10 mmol/L at 4 DIM, n = 35). The ROC curve was utilized to determine the optimal cut-off value for serum total Ca, maximizing both sensitivity and specificity in predicting metritis. Metabolic disorders such as dystocia, retained placenta, and culling within 60 DIM were not affected by serum Ca status in the early postpartum period (P > 0.10). However, the incidences of metritis and endometritis were different based on the serum Ca status of the cows. The PSCH cows had a higher incidence of metritis than the CON cows (P = 0.05). Also, the DSCH cows tended to have an increased risk of metritis than the CON cows (P = 0.09). However, metritis incidence in the TSCH and CON cows was similar (P = 0.83). Cows with PSCH (P = 0.07) and DSCH (P = 0.10) tended to be at a higher risk for endometritis than the CON cows. But, the incidence of endometritis in the TSCH and CON cows was not different (P = 0.50). The TSCH cows had higher milk yield than the PSCH and DSCH cows (P = 0.05). However, milk yield was not different between the TSCH and CON cows and the PSCH and DSCH and CON cows. The serum Ca status of cows had no effect on colostrum volume and its quality, age and weight of weaning, and average daily gain of calves (P > 0.10). The proportion of calves experiencing failure of passive transfer (FPT) was greater in the PSCH group than in the CON group (P = 0.03). Also, the FPT tended to be higher in the DSCH calves compared to the CON calves (P = 0.10). However, the FPT in the TSCH and CON calves was not different (P = 0.83). The incidence of diarrhea tended to be higher in the PSCH and DSCH calves compared to the CON calves (P = 0.10). However, diarrhea incidence between the TSCH and CON calves was similar (P = 0.97). Overall, the findings of this study suggest that cows with TSCH showed better adaptation to lactation, experienced a lower occurrence of diseases and produced higher milk compared to PSCH and DSCH cows. Furthermore, despite the similar quantity and quality of colostrum across all groups, the PSCH and DSCH groups displayed a greater proportion of calves experiencing FPT and diarrhea in comparison to the TSCH group.

Classificação dos remineralizadores

An unprecedented classification scheme for stonemeal is proposed in this work, unifying agrogeological and commercial nomenclatures, adopting qualitative criteria and removing ambiguities and innapropriate terms while aiming to facilitate the communication between different fields of knowledge. Stonemeal consists in powdered rocks enriched in K, Ca and/or Mg that are directly applied in the field for crop nutrition. The classification proposal is based both on geochemistry and mineralogy, dividing products in four categories: Primary, for those that have high K and/or P contents; Secondary, for the ones that contain high Ca and/or Mg values; Whole, for those that have high values for both Primary and Secondary classes; and Universal, for the products that have low macronutrient contents, but that still can be commercialized according to legal determinations. The criteria used forthe classification are qualitative, in a sense that they can be adapted to changes in market and legal conditions.