CC Ratio Research Articles

The characteristics of three-dimensional real inversion recovery MRI sequence in delayed Meniere’s disease

Background Delayed Meniere’s disease (DMD) is characterized by episodic vertigo occurring after a significant delay following longstanding sensorineural hearing loss. However, its pathogenesis and characteristics remain unclear. Objectives To explore the characteristics of endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in DMD and investigate its pathology using MRI. Materials and methods 17 patients diagnosed with DMD were included in this study. A 3D-real-IR MRI sequence was utilized to visualize and grade EH. The signal intensity of the basal cochlear turn was compared to that of the cerebellar white matter to calculate the CC ratio. A paired t-test was employed to assess the differences in the CC ratio between the affected and unaffected sides in patients with unilateral DMD. Results EH was present in 100% of cases on the affected side. Unilateral EH was seen in 82.4%, and bilateral EH in 23.5%. Vestibular EH without cochlear involvement occurred in 29.4%, and cochlear EH without vestibular involvement in 5.9%. The CC ratio was significantly higher on the affected side (p < 0.01). Conclusions and significance A significant grade of vestibular EH was observed in DMD, with bilateral EH being relatively common. The increased contrast on the affected side may reflect the underlying pathology in DMD patients.

Medial Calcar Density Measured via Opportunistic Computed Tomography Is Well Represented by the Dorr C Classification.

Introduction The canal-to-calcar isthmus (CC) ratio has been previously correlated with proximal femur osteology, but its relationship with bone density is not well established. Our purpose was to assess the relationship between femoral bone density, measured on opportunistic quantitative CT in Hounsfield units (HU), and CC ratio. Methods A total of 148 THA patients were included. The CC ratio was measured on anteroposterior hip radiographs. Using perioperative CT scans, a 1 cm diameter area was identified on a single mid-coronal slice in the medial calcar just proximal to the intertrochanteric ridge. The mean HU was calculated in this region to represent calcar bone density. Results Twenty-four percent (n = 35) of patients were classified as Dorr A (average CC ratio 0.47 [0.45; 0.48]), 67% (n = 96) as Dorr B (0.62 [0.55; 0.68]), and 11% (n = 17) as Dorr C (0.78 [0.77; 0.80]). There was a significant difference between Dorr A and Dorr C femurs (769 (144) vs. 588 (154) HU) as well as between B and C femurs (718 (166) vs. 588 (154) HU). The CC ratio was correlated with calcar bone density on CT (-0.370). Conclusion CC ratio is correlated with bone density determined by HU measurements on an opportunistic quantitative computed tomography scan, and bone density HU values were able to accurately differentiate bone density in Dorr A and B from Dorr C femurs. These findings suggest that the CC ratio is a reliable measurement to predict bone density in Dorr C femurs. Therefore, arthroplasty surgeons can confidently use the Dorr classification for patients with Dorr C femurs when preoperatively planning for THA.

Performance and mechanism of benzene adsorption on ZnCl2 one-step modified corn cob biochar.

Utilizing cost-effective corn cob, zinc chloride-modified biochar was synthesized through one-step method for benzene adsorption from air. Study on impregnation ratio impact showed optimal benzene adsorption at ZnCl2:CC ratio of 1.5:1, with capacity reaching 170.53mgg-1. Characterization using BET, SEM, FTIR, and XPS was conducted. BET results indicated specific surface area of Zn1.5BC at 1260.63 m2g-1 and maximum pore volume of 0.546 m3g-1. SEM analysis revealed microporous-mesoporous structure in Zn1.5BC, marking significant improvement over original biomass. DFT pore size distribution and FTIR analysis suggested post-modification dehydration and elimination reactions, leading to volatile compound release, functional group reduction, and pore widening. XPS analysis showed decrease in O = C-OH content with increased impregnation ratio, enhancing biochar's π-π electron diffusion for benzene. Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models effectively described experimental data, indicating multilayer benzene adsorption on biochar controlled by complex physicochemical adsorption and pore diffusion. Adsorption condition assessment, including adsorption temperature (20-120℃) and benzene concentration in inlet phase (159.73-383.36 mg L-1), was performed. Yoon-Nelson model fitting indicated adsorption site loss at higher temperatures and reduced capture ability due to increased adsorbate molecule kinetic energy. Higher adsorbate concentrations aided adsorption molecule diffusion to biochar surface and internal pores, increasing adsorption rate and shortening equilibrium time. Overall, zinc chloride-modified biochar facilitates benzene adsorption through pore filling and π-π interactions, with pore filling as primary mechanism. Produced biochar shows excellent regeneration properties and reusability.

Impact of sarcopenia indexes on survival and severe immune acute toxicity in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors

Sarcopenia has long been associated with higher toxicity induced by anti-cancer treatments and shorter survival in patients with solid tumors. The creatinine-to-cystatin ratio (CC ratio, serum creatinine/cystatin C×100) and the sarcopenia index (SI, serum creatinine×cystatin C (CysC)-based glomerular filtration rate (eGFRCysC)) are have been reported to be correlated with skeletal muscle mass. The aim of this study is to assess primarily whether the CC ratio and the SI could predict mortality in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with PD-1 inhibitors, and secondarily their impact on severe immune-related adverse effects (irAEs). From the prospective CERTIM cohort, we analyzed retrospectively stage IV NSCLC patients, who received PD-1 inhibitors between June 2015 and November 2020 in Cochin Hospital (Paris, France). We assessed sarcopenia measuring skeletal muscle area (SMA) by computed tomography and handgrip strength (HGS) by a hand dynamometer. In total, 200 patients were analyzed. The CC ratio and the IS were significantly correlated with SMA and HGS: rCC/SMA=0.360, rSI/SMA=0.407, rCC/HGS=0.331, rSI/HGS=0.370. In multivariate analysis of overall survival, a lower CC ratio (HR 1.73, P=0.033) and a lower SI (HR 1.89, P=0.019) were independent predictors of poor prognosis. In univariate analysis of severe irAEs, CC ratio (OR 1.01, P=0.628) and SI (OR 0.99, P=0.595) were not associated with a higher risk of severe irAEs. In metastatic NSCLC patients treated with PD-1 inhibitors, a lower CC ratio and a lower SI are independent predictors of mortality. However, they are not associated with severe irAEs.

Association between T-182C polymorphism of the norepinephrine transporter SLC6A2(NET) gene and major depressive disorder in Iraqi patients

Major sympathetic nervous system neurotransmitter that is responsible for consciousness, attention, cognitive ability, as well as the function of the majority of body systems, glands, and the immune system, is called Norepinephrine (NE). Norepinephrine transporter (NET) and norepinephrine binding sites are decreased in the brains of MDD patients, showing that dysregulated synaptic NE plays a role in the pathophysiology of MDD. Indeed, different NET polymorphism combinations may be linked to different MDD sub-phenotypes. The aim of the current work is to investigate or detect if there is a relation between T-182C gene polymorphism of SLC6A2 gene with major depressive disorder (MDD) in Iraqi patients.Materials and Methods: Blood specimens were collected from 70 individuals with MDD and 20 healthy individuals as a control group (both patients and control ages ranged between 18-65 years). DNA extracted from white blood cells (WBC), and the T-182C gene was detected and amplified by the PCR-ARMS technique. Results: The distribution of TT, TC, and CC genotype ratio of MDD group was 22.9%, 27.1%, and 50.0%, respectively. While the control group show genotype distribution as 35.0% for TT, 55.0% for TC and 10.0% for CC ratio.

Synthesis of cationic hydrogels with tunable physicochemical properties for antibacterial applications

Hydrogel materials are the preferred candidates for antimicrobial materials due to their high water absorption, superior biocompatibility and structural diversity. In this work, we present for the first time that diamine-alkyl and 1,3-dibromo-2-propanol can be rapidly cross-linked to prepare a series of new cationic polymer gels by polycondensation reactions under a strongly alkaline environment. The presence of CN+ bonds are demonstrated in the formation of dendritic structured polymers by XPS analysis. In addition, the physicochemical properties of b-PHIs hydrogels were evaluated and it was found that the variation of diamine alkyl chain length could modulate the storage modulus, water uptake properties, thermal stability and zeta-potential of the gels. The increase in hydroxyl content and the CN+/CC ratio is evidenced by the elevated water absorption properties of the gels and the variations in zeta potential, respectively. In addition, the antibacterial performance evaluation showed that gels had good antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, with antimicrobial rates of b-PHOI as high as 96% and 97%, respectively. This work pioneers a brand-new idea for the simple and rapid synthesis of branched cationic polymers with low cytotoxicity in the field of antimicrobial biomaterials and proceeds a new attempt in the directional modulation of the physical properties of the materials.

An assessment of soot chemical property from a modern diesel engine fueled with dimethyl carbonate-diesel blends

Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is a promising alternative fuel for diesel engines. Comparing with the traditional diesel fuel, the DMC application can lead to a different combustion process where the soot is synthesized, yielding variation in chemistry of engine-out soot particles. Soot chemistry is highly related to the concentration and accessibility of radical sites for the reactions regarding to soot oxidation on the exhaust systems or during DPF regeneration. Therefore, the study on the chemical feature of soot emissions is of great necessity. Nevertheless, comprehensive determination on the soot chemical property for DMC-contained fuel and its instinctive explanation is not well understood in the previous studies. In this study, to reveal the effect of DMC addition on the chemical feature of soot emissions, the surface functional groups and their bonding states of soot particles from various DMC-diesel blends were characterized using FT-IR and XPS technologies. Results showed that the DMC addition exerts different influences on the surface oxygen content, oxygenated groups and their bonding states with various DMC content. Therein, DMC addition in large amount can significantly increase the C sp3/sp2 ratio and the concentration of C-O epoxies on soot surfaces. At relatively low engine speed and load conditions, the low-content addition of DMC leads to slight increase in the aromatic C–H/aromatic CC ratio in soot bulk structure. However, the large-content DMC addition distinctly reduces the aromatic C–H/aromatic CC and aliphatic C–H/aromatic CC ratios. The results are useful for the prediction of the subsequent soot oxidation behavior during DPF regeneration on diesel engines.

Morphometric and volumetric analysis of the cervical spinal cord and vertebral canal using computed tomography images in normal Van cats.

This study was performed on Van cats to determine the volumetric, morphometric and surface area measurement values of their cervical spinal cords (SC) and vertebral canals (CC) and the ratios between their dimensions using computed tomography (CT) images. The study also aims to reveal any biometric differences in these values between the two sexes. Spinal cord and vertebral canal CT images of 16 healthy adult Van cats (8 males and 8 females) were used in the study. First, three measurement points were selected for each vertebra on their cranial, medial and caudal sections along the sagittal axis. Next, the morphometric values were obtained using the transversal images of these measurement points. The surface areas for the SC and CC were calculated using the stereological planimetry method. The Cavalieri's principle was then used to calculate the relevant anatomic structure volumes. The obtained values were then statistically analysed. SC and CC were found to be larger in males in general, while 'SC cranial/CC cranial' and 'SC medial/CC medial' dimensions and volume ratios were found to be larger in female cats on average. Bodyweight and age values were found to have a negative correlation with SC and CC ratio, but the correlation was statistically insignificant. All SC and CC surface area and volume measurements were found to be higher in male cats (p<.05). We believe the results obtained by this study will provide valuable insight into veterinary clinicians in evaluating pathological lesions in the cervical spinal cord and vertebral canal CT scans.

Association between Gene Polymorphisms of Vitamin D Receptor and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: Studies on the association between Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism and gestational diabetes mellitus have been inconsistent. The aim of this study was to summarize available evidence on the association between polymorphisms of Vitamin D receptor genes and susceptibility to gestational diabetes mellitus. (2) Methods: We searched databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI), China science and technology journal database (VIP), and Wanfang Data for relevant articles. A systematic review and a meta-analysis were done to compare the distribution of Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in gestational diabetes mellitus patients with those in controls using allelic, codominant, dominant, and recessive models. (3) Results: A total of eight eligible articles were included in the systematic review and of them, six articles were included in the meta-analysis. The vitamin D receptor gene rs7975232 polymorphism was associated with gestational diabetes mellitus under the allelic model (odds ratio = 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.06–1.56), codominant model (CC vs. AA odds ratio = 1.97, 95% confidence interval 1.28–3.05), and recessive model (odds ratio = 1.83, 95% confidence interval 1.27–2.64) in the case of low heterogeneity. High heterogeneity existed in studies on the association of vitamin D receptor genes rs1544410, rs2228570, and rs731236 with gestational diabetes mellitus, and the most common sources of heterogeneity were the year of publication and matching. (4) Conclusion: Polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor gene rs7975232 may be associated with risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus. Future studies should be designed to include standardized data collection and matching for important confounding factors such as body mass index, age, and race.

Using empirical correlations and artificial neural network to estimate compressibility of low plasticity clays

Consolidation settlement tests are costly and time-consuming, whereas tests for determining soil physical properties can be performed very rapidly and at lower costs. Therefore, it will be very helpful if the soil compression index (CC) can be determined using soil physical parameters. This study investigated correlations between the CC and the physical properties of undisturbed and remolded Tehran clay by performing 125 consolidation tests and through determining the physical properties. Based on the results, the correlations between the CC and dry density (γd), between the CC and initial void ratio (eo), and between the CC and wet density (γw) are valid and have correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.87, 0.87, and 0.89, respectively, for undisturbed Tehran clay. These correlations have been proposed for engineering applications in this area. Furthermore, available empirical correlations were compared with those presented in this study and the results suggested that the low accuracy of some of the available correlations for estimating the CC of Tehran clay soil required accurate evaluations before using them in engineering applications. Moreover, using artificial neural network showed high potential in predicting the CC and have coefficient (R) close to 1.

Association of ABCB1 and VEGFA gene polymorphisms with breast cancer susceptibility and prognosis

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Several ABCB1 and VEGFA gene polymorphisms, such as ABCB1-G1199 T/A (rs2229109), VEGFA -634 G > C (rs2010963), VEGFA 2578 C > A (rs699947) and VEGFA 7 C > T (rs25648) have been associated with risk of BC and clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between these gene polymorphisms and BC risk and prognosis.A retrospective case-control study was conducted, including 84 BC cases and 119 controls of Spanish (European, Caucasian) origin. ABCB1-G1199 T/A (rs2229109), VEGFA -634 G > C (rs2010963), VEGFA 2578 C > A (rs699947) and VEGFA 7 C > T (rs25648) gene polymorphisms were analysed by TaqMan®.The genotypic logistic regression model adjusted by aged revealed no association with any of the polymorphisms and BC risk, although the C-allele of VEGFA 2578 C > A showed a trend to higher BC risk in the allelic and recessive models (p = 0.055 and 0.054, respectively). There was no influence of these gene polymorphisms on overall survival (OS). The univariate Cox model showed that carriers of the A-allele for VEGFA 2578 C > A tended to have longer OS compared to CC patients (CC vs A-allele Hazard ratio (HR): 2.08; CI95 % = 0.96–4.49; p = 0.0587). There was no association between the gene polymorphisms analysed and disease-free survival (DFS). The univariate Cox model showed a trend toward a longer DFS in patients carrying ABCB1-G1199 T/A GG genotype compared to those with A-allele (GG vs A-allele HR: 0.43; CI95 % = 0.18–1.03; p = 0.0612).No influence of ABCB1-G1199 T/A (rs2229109), VEGFA -634 G > C (rs2010963), VEGFA 2578 C > A (rs699947) and VEGFA 7 C > T (rs25648) gene polymorphisms on risk of developing BC was found in our study. There was no association between the polymorphisms studied and DFS and OS.

Cortical thickness index (CTI): Can it influence type of hip fracture in proximal femur?

Introduction: Proximal femur fractures account for mortality and morbidity in elderly population. Postmenopausal women, decreased physical work in urban population, estrogen deficiency can cause osteoporosis in Indian population. Osteoporosis can result in proximal femur fracture. Decreased oseoblastic response, in elderly population results in osteoporosis. Here by we intend to find the correlation between cortical thickness Index and type of fracture in proximal femur.Null Hypothesis: Cortical Thickness Index cannot determine the type of proximal femur fractureMaterials and Methods: A retrospective study was carried out, over a period of 2 months. All patients admitted into hospital with proximal femur fractures into hospital were included into study. Radiological evaluation of Singh’s Osteoporosis Index Grading, Cortical Thickness Index (CTI) in anterior-posterior (AP), and canal calcar ratio were calculated.Results: 100 patients were included into study. 45 females and 55 males were present. Average age of patients in the study was 71 years. 31 Intracapsular (Neck of Femur) and 69 extra capsular (Intertrochanteric and Sub trochanteric) fractures were found. Average CTI (AP) was 0.53, and canal calcar ratio was 0.63.Conclusion: There exists a Negative correlation exists between CTI (AP) and CC Ratio. Null Hypothesis remains rejected.

Quantitative analysis of spectral Doppler clicks in assessment of aortic stenosis.

This study was performed to evaluate an additional echocardiographic spectral Doppler marker, which would identify severe aortic stenosis (AS). Echocardiography is most commonly utilized to assess AS and has been validated against invasive measurements. However, the data obtained are not always in agreement, leaving a conundrum regarding the true severity of AS and can lead to other diagnostic procedures. This highlights the importance of improved noninvasive diagnostic techniques. Forty-eight indeterminate cases of calcific AS that had been previously evaluated by both echocardiography and cardiac catheterization were included in the study, using cardiac catheterization as the gold standard for calculation of aortic valve area (AVA). The intensity of opening and closing of the aortic valve, represented by bright vertical deflections on the CW spectral waveform, was quantified using ImageJ software to generate pixel intensity histograms to create opening and closing click (OC and CC) ratios. These ratios were compared with echocardiographic variables and catheterization AVA. Thirty-five patients were found to have severe AS and 13 patients were found to have nonsevere AS, as assessed by cardiac catheterization. CC ratio was found to be a significant predictor of severe AS with an OR 0.024 (95% CI: 0.002-0.378, P=.0079). Adding CC to a model using standard echocardiographic parameters resulted in significant improvement in the C-statistic (0.693 to 0.835, P=.0134). An additional Doppler marker measuring the aortic valve CC ratio has been found to improve detection of severe AS.

3D-real IR MRI of Meniere's disease with partial endolymphatic hydrops.

A three-dimensional inversion-recovery sequence with real reconstruction (3D-real IR) sequence 4 h after intravenous gadolinium injection (IV) has been used to visualize the endolymphatic hydrops (ELH) in Meniere's disease (MD). This study was designed to explore the pathology of MD with partial ELH. We collected 338 patients with definite MD, all of whom underwent the IV method. Patients who were found to have partial ELH (vestibular or cochlear) were enrolled. The hearing thresholds of the enrolled patients were analyzed, the regions of interest of the cochlear perilymph and the cerebellum white matter were determined, and the signal intensity ratio in the former to the latter (CC ratio) for both sides in the patients was subsequently evaluated. Of the 338 collected patients with definite MD, 19 patients (5.6%) had unilateral vestibular ELH (N = 18) or cochlear ELH (N = 1), and 4 patients (1.2%) with bilateral ELH had contralateral cochlear ELH. The CC ratio of the affected side (1.44 ± 0.46) was higher than that of the unaffected side (1.15 ± 0.33, P < 0.05) in the 19 patients with unilateral ELH. Conversely, there was no difference between the ratio of the contralateral side (1.18 ± 0.16) and the unaffected side (P > 0.05) in the 4 patients with bilateral ELH. Partial vestibular ELH was more common than partial cochlear ELH in MD. Moreover, vestibular ELH, rather than cochlear ELH, may correlate with the elevated contrast effect in the affected side, which may better reflect the pathologic mechanism of MD.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Ménière’s Disease After Intravenous Administration of Gadolinium

A three-dimensional (3D) inversion-recovery (IR) sequence with real reconstruction (3D-real IR) sequence 4 hours after intravenous (IV) gadolinium injection has been used to visualize the endolymphatic hydrops (ELH) in Ménière's disease (MD). This study was designed to investigate the ELH characteristics in clinically diagnosed definite MD and to explore the pathology of MD with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). One hundred fifty-four patients with definite MD were included in this study. All patients underwent the IV method. The grades of ELH were analyzed on each image, regions of interest of the cochlear perilymph and the cerebellum white matter were determined, and the signal intensity ratio of the former to the latter (CC ratio) on both sides in patients with unilateral MD was subsequently evaluated. Endolymphatic hydrops was observed in 148 patients (96.1%) on the clinically affected side; the remaining 6 patients (3.9%) had no apparent ELH. One hundred fifteen patients (74.7%) had unilateral ELH, and 33 patients (21.4%) had bilateral ELH. Eighteen patients (11.7%) had ELH on the clinically silent side. Patients with moderate and significant grades of ELH in the vestibule and cochlea accounted for 88.3% and 90.3%, respectively. The CC ratio of the affected side (1.39 ± 0.37) was higher than that of the unaffected side (1.18 ± 0.29) ( P < .01) in 115 patients with unilateral MD. Moderate and significant grades of ELH are common in MD; however, the proposed diagnostic criteria are not fully consistent with ELH. The elevated contrast effect in the affected side in patients with unilateral MD may better reflect the pathologic condition of MD.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder associated with KChIP1 rs1541665 in Kv channels accessory proteins.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an early onset childhood neurodevelopmental disorder with high heritability. A number of genetic risk factors and environment factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ADHD. Genes encoding for subtypes of voltage-dependent K channels (Kv) and accessory proteins to these channels have been identified in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of ADHD. We conducted a two-stage case–control study to investigate the associations between five key genes (KChIP4, KChIP1, DPP10, FHIT, and KCNC1) and the risk of developing ADHD. In the discovery stage comprising 256 cases and 372 controls, KChIP1 rs1541665 and FHIT rs3772475 were identified; they were further genotyped in the validation stage containing 328cases and 431 controls.KChIP1 rs1541665 showed significant association with a risk of ADHD at both stages, with CC vs TT odds ratio (OR) = 1.961, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.366–2.497, in combined analyses (P-FDR = 0.007). Moreover, we also found rs1541665 involvement in ADHD-I subtype (OR (95% CI) = 2.341(1.713, 3.282), and Hyperactive index score (P = 0.005) in combined samples.Intriguingly, gene-environmental interactions analysis consistently revealed the potential interactionsof rs1541665 collaboratingwith maternal stress pregnancy (Pmul = 0.021) and blood lead (Padd = 0.017) to modify ADHD risk. In conclusion, the current study provides evidence that genetic variants of Kv accessory proteins may contribute to the susceptibility of ADHD.Further studies with different ethnicitiesare warranted to produce definitive conclusions.

Using krabok (Irvingia malayana) seed oil and Flemingia macrophylla leaf meal as a rumen enhancer in an in vitro gas production system

An in vitro gas production system was conducted to investigate the effect of krabok (Irvingia malayana) seed oil (KSO) and Flemingia (Flemingia macrophylla) leaf powder (FLM) supplementation on gas production kinetics, volatile fatty acid (VFA) and methane production with different ratios of rice straw to cassava chip (RS : CC). The treatments were arranged according to a 4 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomised design using four different ratios of RS : CC (100 : 0; 60 : 40; 20 : 80; and 0 : 100), two levels of KSO supplement (0% and 2.5% of total dietary substrate) and two levels of FLM supplement (0% and 2.5% of total dietary substrate). The gas production kinetics were affected by RS : CC, KSO and FLM supplementation (P &lt; 0.05). However, there was no interaction between RS : CC*FLM, FLM*KSO, or RS : CC*FLM*KSO; with the exception of RS : CC*KSO (P &lt; 0.05). Cumulative gas at 96 h post incubation was increased with increasing RS : CC especially at 0 : 100. However, KSO supplementation suppressed gas production whereas FLM could enhance gas production from feed fraction (P &lt; 0.05). Increasing RS : CC ratio resulted in increasing total VFA, propionic acid and butyric acid whereas acetic acid concentration was reduced; therefore, ratio of acetic acid : propionic acid was reduced. However, KSO supplementation depressed VFA production whereas the FLM supplement had no effect. The methane production was reduced with increasing level of RS : CC especially with supplementation of KSO. Based on this study, it is concluded that KSO addition could reduce methane production whereas FLM could enhance the gas production and fermentation end products; hence, the combined use is potentially beneficial. However, further research under in vivo conditions should be conducted.

The influence of mandibular skeletal characteristics on inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia.

BackgroundThe inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) is the most common anesthetic techniques in dentistry; however, its success rate is low. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between IANB failure and mandibular skeletal characteristicsMethodsIn total, 693 cases of lower third molar extraction (n = 575 patients) were examined in this study. The ratio of the condylar and coronoid distances from the mandibular foramen (condyle-coronoid ratio [CC ratio]) was calculated, and the mandibular skeleton was then classified as normal, retrognathic, or prognathic. The correlation between IANB failure and sex, treatment side, and the CC ratio was assessed.ResultsThe IANB failure rates for normal, retrognathic, and prognathic mandibles were 7.3%, 14.5%, and 9.5%, respectively, and the failure rate was highest among those with a CC ratio < 0.8 (severe retrognathic mandible). The failure rate was significantly higher in the retrognathic group than in normal group (P = 0.019), and there was no statistically significant difference between the other two groups.ConclusionsIANB failure could be attributable, in part, to the skeletal characteristics of the mandible. In addition, the failure rate was found to be significantly higher in the retrognathic group.

Effects of water exchange protocols on water quality, sedimentation rate and production performance ofPenaeus monodonin earthen ponds

This study was carried out in farmers' fields to quantify the total water and consumptive water use in grow-out culture of Penaeus monodon under recommended package of practice with two different water management protocols: T1, with no water exchange and T2, with regulated water exchange. Treatment-wise estimated total water use, was 2.09 and 2.43 ha-m 122 day−1, while the computed consumptive water use index (m3 kg−1 biomass) was 5.35 and 6.02 in T1 and T2 respectively. Lower rates of water exchange (T2) showed significantly improved (P < 0.05) crop performance in terms of performance index (19.75 ± 0.75), production-size index (74.1 ± 3.4), survival rate (80.13 ± 1.7%) and productivity (2.44 ± 0.08 t) over the zero water exchange. The shrimp pond water quality suitability index (WQSI) infers that regulated water exchange (T2) improved the overall suitability of water quality for shrimp culture. WQSI up to 90 days of culture ranged between 7.5–9.0 in T2, needs little management while in the last month of rearing, it was good with moderate management requirements. Treatment-wise sediment load ranged between 50.4–56.3 m3 t−1 shrimp biomass. High intensity of water exchange and low apparent feed conversion ratio influenced in lowering the sedimentation rate. Regulated water exchange protocol (T2) performed well (higher net total water productivity and net consumptive water productivity) against no water exchange (T1). A higher OV:CC ratio (ratio of the output value to the cost of cultivation) indicated that T2 had a distinct edge over the T1 protocol.

Introduction of jundia Rhamdia quelen (Quoy &amp; Gaimard) and Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus) increases the productivity of carp polyculture in southern Brazil

Fish polyculture is based on the assumption that each species has its own feeding niche and may increase the maximum standing crop of a pond by exploring a wider range of available food and ecological niches. In order to identify the better species ratio and to introduce jundia (JN) (Rhamdia quelen Quoy & Gaimard) and Nile tilapia (NT) (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus) in to the carp polyculture practiced in South Brazil, a 162-day experiment was conducted, in 12 250-m2 earthen ponds (1.2 m deep). Treatment I (T-I) contained 35% common carp, Cyprinus carpio (L.) (CC); 35% grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella Valenciennes (GC); 15% silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix Valenciennes (SC); and 15% bighead carp, Aristichthys nobilis Richardson (BC). Treatment II (T-II) consisted of three ponds stocked at the following ratio: 17.5% CC, 35% GC, 15% SC, 15% BC and 17.5% JN. Treatment III (T-III) consisted of three ponds with 35% CC, 35% GC, 7.5% SC, 7.5% BC and 15% NT. Treatment IV (T-IV) consisted of three ponds with 17.5% CC, 35% GC, 7.5% SC, 7.5% BC%, 17.5% JN and 15% NT. No significant correlation was found between the treatments with different species ratio and water quality parameters. The final weight of different species, in different treatments, was statistically different. The major result was the clear positive effect on growth parameters observed by the introduction of JN and/or NT in to the carp polyculture. The yield per hectare was 2083.33±183 kg ha−1 for polyculture with carp species; 2476.67±139.88 kg ha−1 following the introduction of JN only; 2801.67±111.42 kg ha−1 for isolated introduction of NT; and 2506.67±422.31 kg ha−1 for simultaneous introduction of JN and NT. The introduction of JN and/or NT had a positive effect on growth parameters when compared with carp-only polyculture. The reduction in CC ratio also had a positive effect on growth parameters.