CI Values Research Articles

Efficacy of TACE+Radiofrequency Ablation+Sorafenib in the Treatment of Patients with Recurrent Liver Cancer and Construction of Prediction Model.

Objective This study is aimed at exploring the efficacy of transarterial chemotherapy embolization (TACE)+radiofrequency ablation+sorafenib in the treatment of patients with recurrent liver cancer and at constructing its prediction model. Methods A total of 60 patients with recurrent liver cancer treated in our hospital from March 2020 to March 2022 were enrolled and divided into two groups according to treatment methods, with 30 patients in each group. Group A adopted TACE+radiofrequency ablation+sorafenib therapy while group B adopted TACE+radiofrequency ablation therapy. Clinical efficacy, complications, and adverse reactions of the two groups were observed. A total of 30 patients with nonrecurrent liver cancer in the same period were enrolled. 60 patients with recurrent liver cancer and 30 patients with nonrecurrent liver cancer were taken as the recurrence group and the nonrecurrence group, respectively. The baseline data and clinical data of the patients were queried by the Hospital Information System. The data included age, gender, Child-Pugh grade, HBV/HCV infection, portal vein tumor thrombus, degree of differentiation, vascular invasion, serum alpha fetal protein (AFP) level, number of tumors, maximum diameter of tumors, and number of nodules. The logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the independent risk factors for liver cancer recurrence. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to analyze the degree of fitting between the prediction model and the standard curve. The ROC curve was used to analyze the predictive value of the model for liver cancer recurrence. Results The objective effective rate and disease control rate in group A (33.33% and 70.00%) were higher than those in group B (10.00% and 43.33%), and the differences were statistically significant (both P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidence of complications such as embolism syndrome, hand and foot skin reaction, gastrointestinal reaction, hypertension, diaphragmatic injury and bleeding, and biliary leakage and fever between the two groups (all P > 0.05). The proportions of patients in the recurrence group with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT), medium and high degree of differentiation, combined with vascular invasion, serum AFP level ≥ 400 ng/dL, multiple tumors, maximum tumor diameter ≥ 5 cm, combined with cirrhosis, and polynodules were all higher than those in the nonrecurrence group; the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Complication of PVTT, the degree of medium and high differentiation, and the maximum tumor diameter ≥ 5 cm were independent risk factors for recurrence of liver cancer (all P < 0.05). The prediction model of liver cancer recurrence was obtained by multiple regression analysis, P = 1/[1 + e−(−5.441 + 6.154∗PVTT + 3.475∗differentiateddegree + 3.001∗maximumdiameteroftumor)]. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that χ2 = 1.558 (P = 0.992). According to the ROC curve analysis, the AUC, SE, and 95% CI value of the prediction model for liver cancer recurrence were 0.977, 0.012, and 0.953-1.000, respectively. Conclusion TACE+radiofrequency ablation+sorafenib is effective in the treatment of recurrent liver cancer, and the prediction model established based on the risk factor has high predictive value for patients with recurrent liver cancer.

Synergistic Effect of Drug Delivery System Combining DOX and V9302 on Gastric Cancer Cells**

AbstractIndividual chemotherapeutic drugs usually suffered drug resistance in the cancer treatment, and the combination therapy has aroused great interest which can reduce the resistance. Glutamine inhibitor (V9302) and chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (DOX) were combined for the first time to construct a pH‐sensitive multi‐mode synergistic treatment system BSA@CDs‐V9302/DOX. The synergistic rate CI value of the drugs was less than 1, indicating the combination therapy showed a synergistic effect on reducing cancerous cell viability. In addition, compared with the high toxicity and rapid release of free drug DOX and the poor solubility of glutamine inhibitor V9302, the BSA@CDs‐V9302/DOX administration system not only retains the pharmacological activity of V9302 and DOX, but also has an excellent time‐dependence which is more suitable for continuous treatment. BSA@CDs‐V9302/DOX drug delivery system has excellent long‐term tracing ability, which has a high application value in biomedical field.

Overcoming cisplatin resistance of human lung cancer by sinomenine through targeting the miR-200a-3p-GLS axis

Lung cancer, a malignant disease, is one of the leading causes of patient death. Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. Currently, chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin are widely used against lung cancer. However, development of chemoresistance, which led to poor prognosis and low survival rate greatly limited the clinical applications of cisplatin. Sinomenine (SIN) is a bioactive component of sinomenium acutum. Accumulating evidence revealed SIN exhibits potential anti-tumor activities in various types of cancers. However, the precise molecular mechanisms for the sinomenine-induced anti-cancer effects have not been fully elucidated. Here, we assessed the effects of sinomenine on cisplatin sensitivity in NSCLC cells. The combination of SIN with cisplatin showed synergistically inhibitory effects on lung cancer cells by calculating the combination index (CI value) using the Calcusyn 2.0 software. Moreover, we detected that the glutamine metabolism was significantly suppressed by sinomenine treatments in lung cancer cells. Under low glutamine supply, A549 cells showed less sensitivity to sinomenine treatments. Meanwhile, miR-200a-3p was found to be significantly induced by SIN treatments. We demonstrated a suppressive role of miR-200a-3p on glutamine metabolism. Furthermore, miR-200a-3p was downregulated but the glutamine metabolism was significantly hyperactive in A549 cisplatin resistant cells compared with parental cells. Bioinformatical analysis and luciferase assay demonstrated the glutaminase (GLS), a key enzyme of glutamine metabolism, is the direct target of miR-200a-3p in lung cancer cells. Finally, rescue experiments demonstrated that recovery of GLS in miR-200a-3p overexpressing-cisplatin resistant cells successfully overrode the sinomenine-mediated cisplatin sensitization. In summary, this study revealed a new molecular mechanism for the sinomenine-promoted cisplatin sensitization, contributing to investigating the sinomenine-based therapeutic agents against chemoresistant NSCLC.

Influence of selected mineral additives on properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) considering eco-efficiency coefficients

The paper is focused on the eco-efficiency calculations of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) consisted of ordinary Portland and blast-furnace slag cements with three fine-grained wastes: quartz powder (Q), limestone powder (L) and fly ash (F). The characteristics of concrete mixes (slump and air content) and hardened concrete properties: 28- and 90-day compressive strength, water absorption as well as the depth of the carbonation (after the accelerated carbonation in the chamber) were examined. In order to parameterize the third feature of contemporary concrete, which is (next to the strength and durability) its sustainability potential, the binder intensity (bi) and carbon intensity (ci) indexes were calculated, taking into account CO2 emissions from cement production and technological processes related to preparation for use of other ingredients. The comparison of the effect of limestone powder and fly ash showed some advantages of the fly ash (taking into account the results of strength tests). However, limestone powder turned out to be more favorable in influencing other properties (especially resistance to carbonation). Nevertheless, the use of fly ash proved to be the most effective in terms of eco-efficiency factors. The pozzolanic properties of F increased the strength of the concrete, reducing both bi and ci values. Furthermore, the presence of F canceled out the negative effect of quartz powder. The use of F together with cement containing ground-granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) was most beneficial. Although quartz powder due to technological reasons occurred to be the worst option, its use may be beneficial when CO2 sequestration by concrete carbonation is taken into account. Lower strength and resistance to carbonation of concrete with Q allow CO2 to penetrate deeper into the structure, especially in concrete made of GGBS cement. In this way, the later uptake of CO2 from the atmosphere allows for a partial reduction of the ci value, making RAC more eco-efficient.

Machine learning model for depression based on heavy metals among aging people: A study with National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2018.

ObjectiveTo explore the association between depression and blood metal elements, we conducted this machine learning model fitting research.MethodsDatasets from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 2017–2018 were downloaded (https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes). After screening, 3,247 aging samples with 10 different metals [lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), inorganic mercury (InHg), methylmercury (MeHg) and ethyl mercury (EtHg)] were included. Eight machine learning algorithms were compared for analyzing metal and depression. After comparison, XGBoost showed optimal effects. Poisson regression and XGBoost model (a kind of decision tree algorithm) were conducted to find the risk factors and prediction for depression.ResultsA total of 344 individuals out of 3247 participants were diagnosed with depression. In the Poisson model, we found Cd (β = 0.22, P = 0.00000941), EtHg (β = 3.43, P = 0.003216), and Hg (β=-0.15, P = 0.001524) were related with depression. XGBoost model was the suitable algorithm for the evaluation of depression, the accuracy was 0.89 with 95%CI (0.87, 0.92) and Kappa value was 0.006. Area under the curve (AUC) was 0.88. After that, an online XGBoost application for depression prediction was developed.ConclusionBlood heavy metals, especially Cd, EtHg, and Hg were significantly associated with depression and the prediction of depression was imperative.

An Ordovician ophiolitic complex in West Junggar, NW China: Implications for subduction initiation and oceanic arc evolution of the Paleo-Asian Ocean

As a key step of the Wilson cycle, subduction initiation is regarded as a start hallmark of the ocean-continent transformation. However, the crust-mantle interaction and crustal growth processes related to subduction initiation remain enigmatic. Here we report a newly recognized complete magmatic sequence containing three rock assemblages in the Hongguleleng ophiolitic complex (HOC) in West Junggar, NW China. Group I contains typical Mid-Oceanic Ridge (MOR)-derived rocks including abyssal peridotite, gabbro, plagiogranite, and basalt. Group II consists of forearc basalt (FAB) and boninitic gabbro and has a high continentality index (CI > 130), similar to the rock assemblages in the Mariana proto-arc. Group III composed of calc-alkaline andesite and arc tholeiite basaltic andesite exhibits middle CI values (50 < CI < 100), suggesting that they form in a transitional oceanic arc. Zircon U-Pb ages show that the N-MORB gabbro and plagiogranite samples are emplaced at 483–481 Ma, and the boninitic rocks, calc-alkaline andesites, and arc tholeiite basaltic andesites have the crystalline ages of 472–467 Ma, 456 Ma, and 452 Ma, respectively. An increasing trend of Ba/Th and V/Ti ratios from Group I to Group II suggests the addition of aqueous fluid and elevated oxidation in the mantle source during subduction initiation. However, it exhibits an uptrend in Th/Nb and (La/Sm)cn ratios but a downtrend in Ba/Th ratios from Group II to Group III, indicating a significant contribution of slab-derived sediments to the mantle during oceanic arc evolution. Combined with regional data, we consider that there developed an E-W–trending sub-ocean basin of the Paleo-Asian Ocean spanning northern West Junggar and East Kazakhstan during the Middle Cambrian–Ordovician. The MOR-type and forearc ophiolites in northern West Junggar as well as our results suggest that the ocean happened mid-ocean ridge spreading at ca. 512–478 Ma and subduction initiation at ca. 476–467 Ma, and developed a transitional oceanic arc at ca. 456–452 Ma.

Evaluation of anthoxanthins and their actions on digestive enzyme inhibition when used independently and in combination

Carbohydrate digestibility is a key determinant for elevated postprandial hyperglycemia (PPHG). Apart from dietary restrictions, one of the strategies to reduce PPHG is to limit the activity of carbohydrate digestive enzymes within the gastrointestinal tract in order to reduce monosaccharide absorption rates. The present work aimed to assess the inhibitory capabilities of digestive enzymes (e.g., α-glucosidase and α-amylase) by anthoxanthins when used independently, in combination with acarbose, or with a different anthoxanthin. Our results showed that quercetin, myricetin, and luteolin presented lower IC50 values than acarbose and inhibited α-glucosidase through mixed-type inhibition. On the other hand, acarbose when compared with these anthoxanthins, remained the most potent inhibitor of α-amylase. Combinatorial treatment (i) acarbose-quercetin and (ii) myricetin-luteolin showed synergistic activity (CI value less than 0.9) in α-glucosidase inhibition. An additive effect (CI value between 0.9 and 1.1) in α-glucosidase inhibition was observed when acarbose-myricetin, acarbose-luteolin or when a combination of two different anthoxanthins (quercetin-myricetin and quercetin-luteolin) was used. This study suggests the potential use of anthoxanthins as functional food ingredients to mitigate PPHG towards the management of T2DM.

IMPACT OF SELECTED ESSENTIAL OILS AGAINST SPODOPTERALITTORALIS (BOISD.)

The aim of this study was to determine the potential of essential oils (EOs) of thyme (Thymusvulgaris Lamiaceae) and ginger (Zingiberofficinale Zingiberaceae) to control cotton leaf worm (Spodopteralittoralis Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)under the laboratory conditions.The nutritional indices of EO-treated S. littoralis larvae were reduced compared with the control. At the highest tested conc. of 90 % of ginger and thyme oils, CI values were significantly reduced compared with control being 1.87 and 2.02 vs 3.78 mg/day/mg, respectively. While GR values at the highest tested conc. of 90 % of ginger and thyme oils were 0.09 and 0.15 vs 0.29 % of control, respectively. Therefore, it concluded that ginger oil was more potent than thymeoil against S. littoralis larvae. Hence, these essential oils can be an alternative for management of cotton leaf worm and its related species.

Control of Material Procurement Cost of Enterprises under the Background of the Low-Carbon Economy

With the increasing prominence of global warming and serious resource consumption, the low-carbon economy has become a new growth point for the world economy and is widely recognized by all sectors of society. Purchasing cost control management is generally regarded as an applied management discipline with important theoretical, operational, time, and management roles. Due to China’s rapid economic development, high energy consumption, heavy pollution, and high emissions have resulted in catastrophic environmental damage. In recent years, the public’s awareness of environmental protection has increased, and the requirements for enterprises to reduce pollution and energy consumption have increased, and environmental issues have become more and more important in China’s economic development strategy. Based on the background of a low-carbon economy, this article studies the energy consumption of company’s buildings and weights the suppliers of building raw materials. The maximum value, CI value, and CR value of the quality factor were 7.3379, 0.0566, and 0.0429, respectively.

Evaluation of Individual and Mixture Toxicity of Heavy Metals using Semi-continuous Type Sulfur Oxidizing Bacteria (SOB) Bioreactor

Objectives:In this research, individual toxicity evaluation of heavy metals (Hg2+, Cr6+, Cd2+) was performed using a semi-continuous type bioreactor based on changes in the activity of sulfur oxidizing bacteria(SOB), and the purpose is to evaluate the toxic interaction of heavy metals through mixture toxicity evaluation and prediction modeling based on individual toxicity evaluation.Methods:SOB were separated into a reactor, and then the culture medium and heavy metal influent were automatically injected at 1-hour intervals under the optimized conditions. Heavy metal mixture influent for composite toxicity evaluation was produced and tested based on the individual EC50 value of each heavy metal based on the change in electrical conductivity(EC). Based on the results of the mixture toxicity evaluation, the CA, IA, and CI models are implemented, and after comparison with the actual experimental values, similarity with the model was verified through the MDR index. And the type of interaction (synergism, antagonism) was evaluated by CI value.Results and Discussion:In case of individual toxicity evaluation experiments, the individual EC50 of each heavy metal was derived at Hg2+ 0.71mg/L, Cr6+ 1.02 mg/L, and Cd2+ 8.82 mg/L in the order of strong toxicity. As a result of performing a combined toxicity evaluation based on individual EC50 values, it was judged that the combination of Hg2++Cd2+ showed a strong similarity with the IA model and no toxic interaction was developed, but all the remaining combinations were with the CI model. A similar relationship was shown and the existence of toxic interactions could be determined. As a result of analyzing the CI value, synergistic effects appeared in all combinations in which the interaction existed, and based on this result, it was possible to determine that Cr6+ is a factor that induces the toxic interaction. Conclusion:This study allowed a real-time toxicity monitoring system for SOB to verify sensitive toxicity detection for functional and non-essential metals. In addition, most heavy metal combinations generate synergistic effects during toxic interactions, and additional research on heavy metals and organic pollutants other than heavy metals used in this study will result in a more systematic ecotoxicity monitoring system.

Synergistic combination of ritonavir and cisplatin as an efficacious therapy in human cervical cancer cells: a computational drug discovery and in vitro insight

HIV-protease inhibitor Ritonavir (RTV) is a clinical-stage drug. We exhibit here the synergistic effect of RTV coupled with cisplatin as potential combination therapy for treatment of cervical cancer. Knowledge about the interaction of RTV with the high-expression signatures in cancer is limited. Therefore, we utilized computational techniques to understand and assess the drug-binding affinity and drug-target interaction of RTV with these altered protein signatures. Computational studies revealed the potential interaction ability of RTV along with few other HIV protease inhibitors against these altered cancer targets. All targets exhibited good affinity towards RTV and the highest affinity was exhibited by CYP450 3A4, PDGFR and ALK. RTV established stable interaction with PDGFR and molecular dynamics simulation confirms their frequent interaction for 300 ns. Control docking of PDGFR with standard PDGFR inhibitor exhibited lower binding affinity when compared with RTV-PDGFR complex. In search of drugs as a part of combination therapy to reduce side effects of Cisplatin, this paper further evaluated the effect of combination of RTV and Cisplatin in cervical cancer cells. We propose several combination models that combines anti-viral drug RTV and standard chemotherapeutic agent, Cisplatin to be synergistic with CI value ranging from of 0.01 to 1.14. These observations suggest that anti-viral compound (RTV) could act synergistically with Cisplatin for cervical cancer therapy. However, further studies are warranted to investigate the combinatorial mode of action of RTV and Cisplatin on different molecular pathways to have a translational outcome in cervical cancer. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Combination of metformin and oxaliplatin inhibits gastric cancer cell proliferation and induces apoptosis.

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. The disease has a poor prognosis, especially when the tumor becomes inoperable. The present study investigated the potential synergistic effects of oxaliplatin and metformin in gastric cancer cells. The effect of oxaliplatin and metformin on cell proliferation was assessed with CCK-8 assay in human gastric cancer cell lines SGC7901 and SNU-16, where , the IC50 and (combination index) CI values were determined. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to determine mRNA and protein expression levels of cell cycle- and apoptosis-related genes. The apoptotic rate was detected with flow cytometry in SGC7901 and SNU-16 cells. The CCK-8 assay showed inhibited proliferation of SGC7901 and SNU-16 cells upon oxaliplatin or metformin treatment and an increase in inhibitory potency when the drugs were administered in combination. Similarly, cell apoptosis was increased in both cell lines in the combination group compared to the metformin and oxaliplatin groups. Both metformin and oxaliplatin reduced Bcl-2 and increased Bax and caspase-3 expression in SGC7901 and SNU-16; and these effects were enhanced when the drugs were used in combination. The combination of metformin and oxaliplatin inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. The underlying mechanisms may be related to the suppression of cyclin D1, Bcl-2 and the increase of expression of Bax and caspase-3.

Abstract 2668: Targeting of ERK and HDAC in the treatment of uveal melanoma

Abstract Uveal melanoma is one of the most common intraocular malignancies of the adult eye. GNAQ/GNA11 genetic alterations are present in 85% of cases resulting in activation of the MAPK pathway. Single agent approaches targeting the MAPK pathway and histone deacetylases (HDACs) have shown very modest activity in uveal melanoma. We hypothesize that a combination strategy may be an effective, novel therapeutic approach in uveal melanoma. We examined the activity of ASTX029, a novel dual-mechanism ERK inhibitor, which inhibits both the catalytic activity of ERK and its phosphorylation by MEK, and belinostat, a pan-HDAC inhibitor, in one GNAQQ209L- (92.1) and GNAQQ209P- (OMM1.3) and two GNA11Q209L-mutant (MP41, OMM1) uveal melanoma cell lines. The uveal melanoma cell lines were sensitive to ASTX029 with IC50 values between 50 to 100nM and to belinostat with IC50 values between 100 to 250nM. Combination index analysis of ASTX029 and belinostat by the Chou-Talalay method indicated synergism, with CI values ranging from 0.34 to 0.97. We explored other drug candidates for combinatorial approaches including the BCL-2 inhibitor navitoclax, but no combination effect was observed. After 48h of combination treatment with ASTX029 and belinostat, we examined the biochemical effects by western blot which demonstrated a sustained decrease in levels of p-ERK with the combination treatment. Western blot analysis confirmed reduction of downstream markers of MAPK pathway activity including cell cycle markers p-RB (780), cyclin D1 and c-myc with combination treatment. Apoptosis was evident from an increase in the subG1 population by flow cytometry analysis, which correlated with BIM induction and PARP cleavage on western blot. We also observed increased surface expression of immunological markers HLA-A, B, C (MHC Class 1), PD-L1, gp100 and MART-1. These results support that a combination strategy targeting ERK and HDAC in uveal melanoma should be investigated further. Citation Format: Elgilda Musi, Kim-Hien Dao, Chris Hindley, Gary K. Schwartz. Targeting of ERK and HDAC in the treatment of uveal melanoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 2668.

Effects of Different Tillage Measures on Soil Temperature and Humidity and Photosynthetic Capacity of Soybean

In this study, we investigated the effects of different tillage measures on soil environment and soybean yield. We chose a combination of eight tillage treatments using Heihe 43 as the test variety in order to correlate the yield with tillage practices. Our study design involved tilling and rototilling as primary treatments in combination with the following secondary treatment methods: advance deep loosening, advance cultivation, conventional deep loosening, and conventional cultivation. We investigated the effects of the above tillage treatments on soil physicochemical properties and soil biological activity. We also analyzed how tillage treatments impacted the morphology, photosynthetic characteristics, and yield of soybean. Our results indicated that tilling was more beneficial than rototilling in terms of increase in soil water content; the water content at the seedling stage increased from 5.80% to 17.13% in the 0–5 cm soil layer which was subjected to tilling. Under tilling conditions, the Pn, Tr, and Gs values of soybean plants were higher compared to those of soybean cultivated in soil subjected to rototilling. However, Ci values of soybean were higher in rototilled soil. In 2018, we observed an increase in the number of pods and grains per plant in PT1 and PT2 of tilling compared to that of RT1 and RT2 of rototilling. PT1 and PT2 showed a percentage increase of 9.12% and 7.33%, respectively. T1 and T2 both increased the number of pods and grains per plant of soybean under the same tillage conditions, which in turn increased the yield.

0306 Normative Data of Cyclic Alternating Pattern across the Lifespan

Abstract Introduction Cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) is a marker of sleep instability, and neuroplasticity. Slow wave sleep has been described as a stable period, and CAP can be a marker of funcional delta sleep. The aim of this review was to evaluate the normative data of CAP parameters according to the aging process in healthy subjects. Methods Two authors independently searched databases using PRISMA guidelines through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis and tests for heterogeneity were conducted. Descriptive statistics were used for the analysis of CAP variables. Meta-analyses were performed by using Comprehensive Meta- Analysis software. Data extracted from tables provide Results We found the evolution of CAP rate across the lifespan. Squares and diamond represent the CAP mean while bars represent the CAP range between 95% CI values according to each age range. We analysed 168 healthy individuals by CAP analyses. Scoring of CAP can begin at 3 months of life, when K-complexes, delta bursts, or spindles can be recognized. Rate of CAP increased with age, mainly during the first 2 years of life, then decreased in adolescence, and increased in the elderly. The A1 CAP subtype and CAP rate were high in school-aged children during slow-wave sleep (SWS). Our meta-analysis registered the lowest CAP rate in infants younger than 2 years old and the highest in the elderly. Conclusion The normative data of CAP in NREM sleep can be connected with brain maturation.The CAP rate increased with age and sleep depth, especially during SWS. These data in sleep disorders can be a treatment goal. CAP may reflect neurodiversity of endophenotype and human cronobiotypes. Further studies about CAP subtypes are needed. Support (If Any)

Retrospective Investigation of Cranial Volume and Cephalic Index in Patients with Nonsyndromic Sagittal Synostosis Operated by Total Vault Remodeling

Background: Premature fusion of cranial sutures affects skull development and leads to head deformity. Intracranial pressure increase and brain growth restriction can occur in untreated craniosynostosis. Operative treatment aims to achieve an immediate and long-lasting correction of skull shape that is close to the average and to prevent or release possible increased intracranial pressure by increasing the intracranial volume (ICV) or normalizing the ICV if it is already below the standards. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of a total calvarial reconstruction on skull development in patients with nonsyndromic sagittal synostosis. Material and Methods: The study population included 19 male and 5 female patients with isolated nonsyndromic sagittal suture synostosis. During the operation, temporarily fixed prebent metal plates provided an intraoperative reference for the desired cranial expansion gain of height and shortening. Preoperative and postoperative ICVs and cephalic indices were measured on computed tomography datasets using the software program ImageJ and were compared with one another and with normative data. Results: The male population presented with a preoperative mean ICV of 863.3 cm³. A postoperative mean ICV increase of 243.5 cm³ (p < 0.001) and a further ICV enlargement (p < 0.001) was measured. The mean CI changed from 71.0% preoperatively to 75.4% postoperatively (p = 0.002) and decreased insignificantly in the follow-up (p = 0.546). The female population had a preoperative mean ICV of 804.9 cm³. Postoperatively, the mean ICV increased by 211.1 cm³ (p = 0.043) and also increased in the follow-up (p = 0.043). Their mean CI values increased from 66.5% preoperatively to 72.8% (p = 0.043) postoperatively and decreased insignificantly in the follow-up (p = 0.345). Conclusion: This method of total vault remodeling provides reliable ICV increase and improvement in length and width of skull proportions beyond the immediate postoperative period together with an ICV increase.

Analysis of Factors Affecting Delayed Diagnosis of Women with Breast Cancer at Anugrah Medika Oncology Clinic in Kendari

The goal of this research is to determine the variables that contribute to breast cancer detection delays in women at Anugrah Medika Kendari Oncology Clinic. This is a cross sectional study using an analytic observational research approach. The data were examined univariately, bivariately, and multivariately using the multiple logistic regression approach. The findings indicated that, among the nine factors hypothesized to have an impact on breast cancer diagnosis delay, the variables (fear p=0.000; shyness p=0.001; alternative medicine p=0.000) were shown to have an influence on breast cancer diagnostic delay. Fear of exp (B1) = 24,621 &gt; 1 was a risk factor in multivariate analysis, and the 95 percent CI value was more than 1 (4,635 – 130,790), indicating that the OR was significant. The study's conclusion is that fear, shame, and alternative medicine were all found to be influential factors on the delay in diagnosis of breast cancer patients at the Anugrah Medika Kendari Oncology Clinic. Fear was found to be the most concurrently influential variable on the delay in diagnosis of breast cancer patients at the Anugrah Medika Kendari Oncology Clinic. Due to the importance of cooperation between clinics and psychologists supporting patients in overcoming psychological challenges, the government should prioritize upgrading facilities, access, and human resources, particularly in the area of cancer.

Effect of the odour compound from Periploca sepium Bunge on the physiological and biochemical indices, photosynthesis and ultrastructure of the leaves of Humulus scandens (Lour.) Merr.

Natural odour compounds could be a potential alternative to synthetic herbicides. The odour compound of Periploca sepium Bunge, named 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzaldehyde (HMB), is a herbicidal compound. However, its herbicidal mechanism is unclear. In this experiment, the physiological and biochemical indices, ultrastructure, and photosynthetic function of the leaves of Humulus scandens (Lour.) Merr. treated by HMB were assessed to elucidate the herbicidal mechanism. The results of physiological and biochemical indices are as follows: First, after 4 h of treatment with 2.5 and 5.0 mg/mL, the damage rates in the membrane permeation assay were 74.7% and 89.1%, respectively. Second, compared to the negative control group, multiple physiological and biochemical indices of the two treated groups were changed, including catalase content (−18.5 and −26.5 ng/mL), superoxide dismutase content (−27.4 and −56.6 ng/mL), peroxidase content (382.0 and 880.0 ng/mL), reactive oxygen species content (16.7 and 27.2 ng/mL), malondialdehyde content (8.9 and 25.2 nmol/g), and water potential values (0.2 and 0.3 MPa), except for the photosynthetic pigment contents (chlorophyll a, b, and carotene). Furthermore, the results of transmission electron microscopy showed that the organelles in the mesophyll tissue cells disappeared and severe plasmolysis led to cell atrophy after 4 h of treatment. There were fewer starch granules after 24 h of treatment, but there was no obvious abnormality in the upper and lower epidermal cells. The results of photosynthetic function showed that in the light response, the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (Gs), and stomatal limitation value of the tested leaves were lower than those of the negative control group by 26.6 μmol·m−2·s−1, 7.7 mmol·m−2·s−1, 0.9 mol·m−2·s−1, and 0.2, respectively. However, the intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) increased and was higher than the air CO2 concentration. In the CO2 response, the Pn, Tr and Gs of the tested leaves first increased and then decreased, but the Ci value continuously increased and finally reached 1727.5 μmol·mol−1. It is obvious that HMB may have inhibited the effect on the photosynthetic system of the tested leaves. Overall, HMB killed the weeds by destroying the structure and multiple physiological functions of the tested leaves.

Identification of Regional Disparities in the Level of Agriculture and Allied Development in North Karnataka: A Spatial Analysis

After independence India has achieved remarkable progress in the levels of socio-economic development. However, the attainment of this progress has spread highly uneven from region to region, society to society, sector to sector etc. This disparity not only rooted in developing countries but also in the most advanced countries of the world. Since, some regions are developed economically, but backward socially, whereas some other are developed socially and backward economically, therefore becomes essential to study the level of socio-economic development over different regions so as to ensure the removal of regional imbalances effectively. in the developed economics all the inhabitants have an assured minimum level of subsistence, and the problem of in front of lagging regions of such economics is just to catch up the leading one, but in the developing countries the basic problem is that how to provide minimum level of subsistence to their teeming millions (Chand,M.&amp;Puri, V.K,1990). In the present study the regional disparities in the level of agriculture and allied development in north Karnataka has been carried out with the aiming that to study the Spatial Pattern of Agriculture and Allied Development and identify the backward blocks of the North Karnataka and an attempt is also made to find out the correlation between different factors which lead to regional disparity. The study is based on secondary data collected from Census handbook, (2001 and 2011), Dr. D M Nanjundappa Committee Report, and Economic Survey of Karnataka etc. The comprehensive composite index has applied to find the region into four groups viz, areas of developed, Backward, more backward and most Backward. Out of 60 taluks thirty taluks have been identified as developed with CI. &gt;0.99, thirteen taluks named as Backward taluks with CI Value between 0.89 and 0.99. There were merely six taluks noticed under areas of more Backwards with CI value from 0.79 to 0.88 and twenty-six taluks have been observed under areas of Most Backward with CI value &lt; 0.79.

Process validation and in vitro-in vivo evaluation of rosuvastatin calcium tablets

Establishing documented evidence that provides a high degree of assurance that a specific wet granulation process for manufacturing rosuvastatin calcium tablets 40 mg will consistently produce a product meeting its pre-determined specifications and quality attributes. It mainly involves the steps to be followed to evaluate and qualify the acceptability of the wet granulation manufacturing process of rosuvastatin calcium tablets 40 mg. The process is limited to the three batches manufactured of specific batch size with specified equipment and control parameters for rosuvastatin calcium tablets 40 mg. The results suggest providing documentary evidence that all the manufactured rosuvastatin calcium tablets were evaluated as per specifications. The steps involved such as Blend uniformity results between 90% and 110%, compression assay results between 90% and 110% were found within acceptable limits. Other tests related to compression such as hardness, thickness, disintegration, dissolution and for coatings such as weight gain, dissolution was found within acceptable limit. The design was chosen for fasting and fed study and showed bioequivalence with RLD (Codine®), with 90% CI values found to be between 80% and 125%.