Effect Of Combined Use Research Articles

Inhibition of galectin-3 augments the antitumor efficacy of PD-L1 blockade in non-small-cell lung cancer.

Multiple clinical trials have shown that monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐1/PD‐L1) can benefit patients with lung cancer by increasing their progression‐free survival and overall survival. However, a significant proportion of patients do not respond to anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 mAbs. In the present study, we investigated whether galectin (Gal)‐3 inhibitors can enhance the antitumor effect of PD‐L1 blockade. Using the NSCLC‐derived cell line A549, we examined the expression of Gal‐3 in lung cancer cells under hypoxic conditions and investigated the regulatory effect of Gal‐3 on PD‐L1 expression, which is mediated by the STAT3 pathway. We also explored whether Gal‐3 inhibition can facilitate the cytotoxic effect of T cells induced by PD‐L1 blockade. The effects of combined use of a Gal‐3 inhibitor and PD‐L1 blockade on tumor growth and T‐cell function were also investigated, and we found that hypoxia increased the expression and secretion of Gal‐3 by lung cancer cells. Gal‐3 increased PD‐L1 expression via the upregulation of STAT3 phosphorylation, and administration of a Gal‐3 inhibitor enhanced the effect of PD‐L1 blockade on the cytotoxic activity of T cells against cancer cells in vitro. In a mouse xenograft model, the combination of a Gal‐3 inhibitor and PD‐L1 blockade synergistically suppressed tumor growth. Furthermore, the administration of a Gal‐3 inhibitor enhanced T‐cell infiltration and granzyme B release in tumors. Collectively, our results show that Gal‐3 increases PD‐L1 expression in lung cancer cells and that the administration of a Gal‐3 inhibitor as an adjuvant enhanced the antitumor activity of PD‐L1 blockade.

Model of an electronic equipment cooling system based on the joint use of high-current thermoelectric semiconductor batteries and a thermal thermosipho

Objective. The objective of the study is to develop a design model of the electronic equipment cooling system based on the combined use of high-current thermoelectric semiconductor batteries of layered design and an evaporative-condensing thermal thermosyphon, as well as to study the thermophysical processes occurring during its operation.Methods. A mathematical model of the electronic equipment cooling system based on the combined use of high-current layered thermoelectric batteries and an evaporative-condensing thermal thermosyphon is presented. The design model includes a description of heat exchange processes in a layered thermoelectric element at various supply currents, determination of the amount of heat transferred through the cross-section of the channel of a thermal thermosyphon per unit of time, and the temperature values at each channel point.Result. A 2D dynamic heat conduction problem is solved for a complex system with rectangular geometry of fragments and heat sources. The temperature distribution of a thermoelement along its longitudinal axis at different values of the supply current and the change in the heat flow along its length in a thermal evaporation-condensation thermosyphon are studied.Conclusion. The results of the research have shown the effectiveness of combined use of high-current layered thermoelectric batteries and a thermal thermosyphon in electronic equipment with dense element packaging. It is shown that to increase the efficiency of electronic equipment and reduce the heat losses that occur in the heat line when the heat-generating element of radio-electronic equipment and thermoelectric semiconductor batteries are separated by a sufficiently large distance (over 0.6 m), it is advisable to use an evaporative-condensing thermal thermosyphon as a heat line.

Behavior of Pd‐supported catalysts in phenylacetylene hydrogenation: Effect of combined use of polyvinylpyrrolidone and NaOH for magnetic support modification

Recently, magnetic nanoparticles have attracted the attention as catalyst supports due to the possibility of magnetic separation, allowing for easy, fast, and clean recovery of the catalysts. A synthesis strategy of such supports plays an important role in improving the properties of the magnetic catalysts. Here, we proposed a simple and effective method to increase the activity and lifetime of the Pd magnetic catalyst. Polyvinylpyrrolidone‐maghemite nanoparticles were synthesized via one‐pot coprecipitation method using an excess of the NaOH. This was followed by adsorption of Pd2+ on the magnetic nanoparticles. The resulting catalyst showed activity (WCC = 4.0 × 10−6 mol s−1, WCC = 12.7 × 10−6 mol s−1) and selectivity (94%) in phenylacetylene hydrogenation. The catalyst was then magnetically recovered and reused 58 times. The activity of the catalyst increased significantly during the first three runs, changing the rate ratio of WCC to WCC from 1:3.2 to 1:1.6, and then decreased in the following runs. To understand the reason for this behavior, the catalyst was characterized, as well as catalytic studies were performed using similar catalysts for comparison. The results show that the NaOH adsorbed on magnetic support affects the size, stability, and catalytic properties of the Pd particles, and the effect of alkali is enhanced in the presence of the polymer.

Carcinostatic effects of alkanoyl ascorbate plus platinum nano-colloid and stabilization of the esterolytically resultant ascorbate by hydrogen.

Carcinostatic effects of combined use of ascorbic acid (Asc), 2-O-phospho- or 6-O-palmitoyl ascorbate (Asc2Phos, Asc6Palm) or diverse alkanoyl Asc, and nano-sized platinum-poly(N-vinyl-pyrrolidone) colloid (PVP-Pt; 2-nm diameter) were examined on human esophagus carcinoma-derived cells KYSE70. Cell viability was repressed by 'Asc6Palm + PVP-Pt' mixture more markedly than by Asc6Palm or PVP-Pt alone, together with cell shrinkage and fragmentation, in contrast to no additive carcinostatic effect of 'Asc + PVP-Pt' or 'Asc2Phos + PVP-Pt'. The effects might be partly due to efficiency for intracellular uptake of PVP-Pt, as previously shown by our studies that Pt atoms composed of PVP-Pt were incorporated into human tongue carcinoma cells by 9.6-fold compared to normal human tongue epitheliocytes. Asc6Palm was advantageous for intracellular uptake, in terms of the proper balance for molecular hydrophilicity-lipophilicity (BMHL), whereas 6-O-stearoyl (C18) Asc or 2,6-O-dipalmitoyl (2 × C16) was demonstrated to be less carcinostatic owing to a lower BMHL. Although esterolytically converted from Asc6Palm, Asc was necessitated to be retained for efficient carcinostasis, and demonstrated by HPLC-coulometric ECD analysis to be appreciably stabilized in electrolytically generated hydrogen (dissolved hydrogen: 0.575mg/L)-water, but scarcely in hydrogen-gas-bubbled water (0.427mg/L), Mg stick-derived hydrogen (0.044mg/L) water, or tap water, suggesting that hydrogen-rich water suppresses oxidative decomposition of Asc. Thus, Asc6Palm plus PVP-Pt with hydrogen-rich water supplement might be applicable for carcinostatic therapy.

Effect of Integrated Application of Compost and NPS Fertilizer on Selected Soil Physicochemical Properties and Yield of Barley (<i>Hordeum vulgare</i> L.) at Welmera, Ethiopia

Soil nutrient depletion under losing of soil organic matter content as a result of continuous cultivation and low input are among the major problems that constrain the sustainable productivity of yield of barley at Welmera district. Integrated application of compost and NPS fertilizers can be used to resolve this condition of soil. In this context, a study was conducted in 2019/2020 to determine the effect of combined use of compost and NPS blended fertilizer on soil physicochemical properties and yield of barley at Welmera district. In order to achieve this objective, field experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement and replicated three times. The results of this study showed that bulk density and total porosity of study area before planting were in acceptable range for barley crop production. The low content of soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and available sulfur made the fertility status of the soils low. To improve this condition of soil conventional compost and NPS fertilizer were applied to study area soil and combined application of compost at (8 t ha^-1) and mineral NPS fertilizer at (150 kg ha^-1) gave yield of 5.96 t ha^-1. Therefore, based on the result of this study it can be concluded that low soil fertility status, which requires an urgent attention, is one of the major factors hampering the production and productivity of food barley at study area. However, the potential barley productivity of study area soil has not yet been exploited. Therefore, solving the soil fertility problems of the soils of study area through integrated application of compost and NPS fertilizer could be one option to reduce the yield gap seen between smallholder farmers and experimental fields. Hence, the current study recommends that in order to maintain soil fertility and sustain barley crop production combined application of compost at 8 t ha^-1 and NPS fertilizer at 150 kg ha^-1 can be the best alternative integrated soil fertility management option in place of the sole application of inorganic fertilizers for barley production at this area tentatively. Nevertheless, further studies at different locations for more than one cropping seasons should be considered to provide more conclusive recommendation for sustainable food barley production.

The Effect of Application of Vermicompost and NPS Fertilizer on Selected Soil Properties and Yield of Maize (<i>Zea May L.</i>) at Toke Kutaye, Ethiopia

Low soil fertility and nutrient unavailability due to loss of soil organic matter content and low fertilizer input are among the major maize crop production constraints in Ethiopia, particularly, in Toke kutaye Woreda. An integrated use of vermicompost and NPS fertilizers are indispensible to improve this condition of soil. Cognizant of this fact, a study was conducted in 2019/2020 to assess the effect of combined use of vermicompost and NPS fertilizer on soil physicochemical properties and yield of maize. In order to achieve this objective field experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The treatments consist of different combinations of vermicompost and NPS fertilizer rates. The results of the study showed that all the treatments applied were improved soil moisture and total porosity over control or NPS fertilizer alone, while, bulk density was decreased below the control due to the different rates of organic amendments. The higher pH value of vermicompost caused relative increase in soil pH over the control. It was observed that the application of vermicompost along with NPS fertilizers increased the contents of organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, available sulfur, exchangeable potassium over the control. Moreover, increasing doses of amendments applied to soil increased grain yield, than that of control treatment, sole use of vermicompost and NPS fertilizer, and low rate application. It can be concluded that the application of vermicompost along with NPS fertilizers were improved organic matter and nutrient contents of the soils which in turn increased crop yields. Hence, in order to maintain soil fertility and sustain maize crop production, farmers of the study area and similar agro ecologies are advised to make integrated use of vermicompost at (5 t ha-1) and NPS inorganic fertilizer at (50 kg ha-1) tentatively. Nevertheless, to develop a concrete recommendation further research studies are needed over long seasons, soil types and crop varieties.

Effect of the Combination of High Hydrostatic Pressure and Alkaline Electrolyzed Water on the Reduction of Heat Resistance of Bacterial Spores.

The effect of combined use of alkaline electrolyzed water （AlEW） on the reduction of heat resistance of bacterial spores by high hydrostatic pressure processing（ HPP） was investigated in this study. No reduction of heat resistance of bacterial spores, which was defined as the spore survival by heat treatment at 80℃ for 15 min, was observed by the treatment of single HPP with 30MPa at 50℃ even for 6 hours. However, a 3-log decrease in the viable bacterial spores was obtained by the combination of AlEW pretreatment with 1 hour of HPP treatment. An additional 2 hours duration of HPP treatment could inactivate more 2 logs of the viable bacterial spores. The obtained D value of bacterial spores treated by HPP was decreased to one-eighth by the pretreatment with AlEW when compared with the control sample. In case of the temperature during HPP treatment was 70℃, bacterial spores did not reduce its heat resistance with lower pressuring levels. In case of the temperature during HPP treatment is high with lower pressure levels, bacterial spores did not reduce its heat resistance even when AlEW was combined as the pretreatment. It was considered that the decrease in heat resistance by AlEW was resulted from the weakening of surface layer of spores by protein dissolution with alkaline substance. No clear effect of high negative redox potential, which is a unique property of AlEW, on the reduction of heat resistance was recognized.

Explore combined use of transcranial direct current stimulation and cognitive training on executive function after stroke.

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with cognitive training on executive function and activities of daily living performance among stroke patients.MethodsA total of 50 subjects were enrolled and randomly allocated into 2 groups of 25 each. The real-transcranial direct current stimulation group was simultaneously subjected to transcranial direct current stimulation and cognitive training, while the sham-transcranial direct current stimulation group was simultaneously subjected to sham transcranial direct current stimulation and cognitive training. At baseline, and after treatment, each subject was assessed with the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Stroop Color-Word Test (SCWT), Digital Symbol Test (DST), Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADLs).ResultsAfter treatment, the gains in most indices of WCST, SCWT, DST, MMSE, MoCA and ADLs in the real-transcranial direct current stimulation group were significantly higher than those in the sham-transcranial direct current stimulation group (p < 0.05). Nonetheless, no significant differences were noted in the gains in SCWT (including only Part A time and error, and Part B time) and activities of daily living (including only basic activities of daily living) between the 2 groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionTranscranial direct current stimulation combined with cognitive training was found to significantly enhance executive function and instrumental activities of daily living performance among stroke patients.LAY ABSTRACTExecutive function is the ability of an organization to plan and solve problems. The efficacy of use of a combination of transcranial direct current stimulation and cognitive training in the treatment of executive dysfunction among stroke patients remains undetermined. This is the first randomized controlled study of the effects of such treatment. The results indicate that a combination of transcranial direct current stimulation and cognitive training significantly enhances executive function and instrumental activities of daily living performance among stroke patients.

Effect of combined use of tillage and nutrient management practices on soil quality indicators and indices under maize (Zea mays) based cropping system in rainfed inceptisols

An experiment was conducted in the rainfed Inceptisols of Rakhdhiansar in Kandi areas of Western Himalayas of South Kashmir and Kumaon, India for four years to assess the influence of combined use of tillage and nutrient management treatments on soil quality under maize based cropping system. The experiment was initiated in a split plot design with three main and three sub-treatments using maize (Kanchan-510) as the test crop. The main experimental treatments were: T1: Conventional Tillage (CT) +Two Intercultures (Two IC), T2: Low Tillage (LT) +Two Intercultures (Two IC) and T3: Low Tillage (LT) + Weedicide + One Interculture (One IC). The three sub treatments were, T1: 100% N through organic sources (compost), T2: 50% N through organic sources + 50% N through inorganic sources and T3: 100% N through inorganic sources. The results of the present study clearly revealed that the tillage treatments did not significantly influence most of the soil quality parameters except available S, microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and Mean weight Diameter of Soil Aggregates (MWD). When averaged over nutrient levels, among the tillage practices, conventional tillage + Two IC recorded the highest available S of 20.87 kg ha-1. However, sub-sub treatments viz nutrient management significantly influenced the organic carbon (OC), available N, P S and boron, dehyrogenase assay (DHA), labile carbon (LC), bulk density (BD) and MWD. When averaged over tillage levels, the application of nutrients through inorganic sources recorded significantly highest available N (160.50 kg ha-1), P (30.67 kg ha-1) and K (207.87 kg ha-1 in soil. Finally, in terms of Relative Soil Quality Indices (RSQI), Low tillage + Two IC (0.87) and Low tillage + Weedicide + One IC (0.89) proved superior compared to Conventional Tillage + 2 IC (0.82). Similarly, when averaged over tillage levels, the order of performance of nutrient management treatments was:100% N through organic sources (0.93) &gt; 50% N through organic sources + 50 % N through inorganic sources (0.84) &gt; 100% N through inorganic sources (0.82). Though the interactions between tillage levels and nutrient management were not significant, but the combination of Low tillage practices with 100 % organic Source of nutrients was quite superior in maintaining relatively higher RSQI. Thus, the results of the present study and methodology used will be highly useful to different stake holders associated withland and soil quality management

Clinical and electromyographic evaluation of the effectiveness of the use of interference currents and traction therapy in the treatment of patients with vertebral radiculopathy

Background. Relevance of elaboration of lumbosacral radiculopathy (LSR) treatment methods is сonditioned by widespread of this pathology. Pain syndrome (PS) reducing activity and life quality of workable patients is the most prevailing clinical manifestation of this disease. Сonservative treatment methods of LSR directed to decrease pain, oedema and compression of nerve roots as well as contributing to сonductivity improvement include medication, physiotherapeutic and orthopaedic treatment.&#x0D; Aims: Clinical neurophysiological justification of combined use of interference therapy (IT) and spine traction (ST) in complex treatment of vertebral LSR.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The first-control group (n=32) who were treated by using ST as a treatment. The second ― treatment group (n=32) included those who were treated by using the IT and ST on the same day. All patients had radicular syndromes. All patients passed the lumbar MRI scan. PS was estimated according to the visual-analogic scale (VAS) and McGills questionnaire. Estimation of life quality of patients was based on Roland-Morris questionnaire. Electromyography registered dynamics of impulse conduction on motor fibres, as well as parametеrs of compound muscle action potential and H-reflex.&#x0D; Results. Positive effect of combined use of interference therapy with spine traction in complex treatment of vertebral radiculopathy patients are proved. It has been established that the therapeutic effect of the complex application of IT and ST lies in the improvement in the afferent and efferent links of the neuromotor apparatus, as well as the functional state of the spinal alpha-motoneurons associated with the acceleration of the regenerative processes.&#x0D; Conclusion. Results of the clinical neurophysiological investigation, carried out before and after rehabilitative treatment allow to recommend combined therapy of IT and ST for treatment of vertebral LSR.

Effects of combined use of recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2 and β-tricalcium phosphate on ridge preservation in dehiscence bone defects after tooth extraction: A split-mouth study in dogs.

Following tooth extraction, bone resorption is especially severe in cases complicated with buccal dehiscence bone defects. To minimize this, various bone graft materials have been used for alveolar ridge preservation. This study aimed to evaluate additional effects of the concomitant use of recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2 (rhFGF-2) with β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) on ridge preservation in a dehiscence defect model after tooth extraction in dogs. The maxillary first premolars of six beagle dogs were extracted and dehiscence defects of 4×4×5mm (mesio-distal width×bucco-palatal width×depth) were created. Bilateral defects were filled with β-TCP combined with 0.3% (w/v) rhFGF-2 (test sites) or the scaffold alone (control sites). Twelve weeks post-surgery, histologic and histometric evaluations were performed. Morphological measurements using micro-computed tomography revealed a significantly greater bone volume at the test sites (48.9±9.06 mm3 ) than at the control sites (38.8±7.24 mm3 ). Horizontal widths of the alveolar ridge at the coronal and middle position at the test sites (2.18±0.71mm, 2.93±0.53mm) were significantly greater than those at the control sites (1.47±0.41mm, 2.36±0.45mm, respectively). Regarding the histological parameters, the occupation rate of mineralized bone in the original defects was slightly higher at the test sites (44.07±10.19%) than that at the control site (41.15±6.56%). These results indicate that the adjunct use of rhFGF-2 with β-TCP is effective for alveolar ridge preservation in fresh extraction sockets with dehiscence defects.

Combined use of cardiopulmonary ultrasound in the diagnosis of pulmonary edema in patients with heart failure: a retrospective analysis.

Heart failure (HF) is generally complicated with pulmonary edema (PE), the early diagnosis and treatment is essential. We aimed to evaluate the effects of combined use of cardiopulmonary ultrasound in the diagnosis of PE in HF patients, to provide reference for the management of HF. HF patients treated in our hospital from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 were included. All patients underwent echocardiography and lung ultrasonography, and analyzed the characteristics of patients and related detected results. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the potential risk factors. And the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was conducted to compare the predictive value of factors. A total of 183 HF patients were included, the incidence of PE in HF patients was 62.84%. Logistic regression analyses indicated that NT-proBNP (OR 2.24, 95% CI: 1.28-5.04), LAVI (OR 2.03, 95% CI: 1.02-4.45), E/e' (OR 1.57, 95% CI: 0.13-2.28), SPAP (OR 1.35, 95% CI: 0.02-2.84) were the independent risk factors for PE in patients with HF (all P<0.05). The AUC of NT-proBNP, LAVI, E/e' and SPAP were 0.705, 0.668, 0.674 and 0.691 respectively. NT-proBNP ≥8,842.37 ng/L, LAVI ≥42.14 mL/m2, E/e' ≥19.20, SPAP ≥38.16 mmHg were the independent risk factors for PE in patients with HF (all P<0.05). Combined use of cardiopulmonary ultrasound is beneficial to the early diagnosis of PE in patients with HF, and early interventions are needed for those patients with risk factors.

The synergistic effect of carbon materials on properties of copper-based friction materials

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the effect of combined use of granular graphite and petroleum coke on the properties of copper-based friction materials and the friction and wear mechanisms.Design/methodology/approachCopper-based friction materials with different proportions of petroleum coke and granular graphite were prepared by using powder metallurgy. The friction surfaces were analyzed.FindingsChanging the ratio of petroleum coke/granular graphite affects the formation of oxides and sulfides on the surface of the materials. Increasing the petroleum coke promotes the production of metal sulfide and sulfate in the friction materials and reduces coefficient of friction (COF) and wear. Increasing petroleum coke also increases the amount of carbonic oxide (CO) released during the braking process and promotes the reduction process of iron oxide on the friction surface.Originality/valueThe synergistic effect of carbon materials on copper-based friction materials was studied in terms of the tribological chemical reaction. This research provides useful information for the selection of carbon materials in friction materials.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-02-2020-0075/

A morphological analysis of fresh and brine-cured olives attacked by Bactrocera oleae using light microscopy and ESEM-EDS.

The present study investigated the morphology of fresh and brine-cured table olives (TOs) as well as the changes that occur when drupes are attacked by the fruit fly Bactrocera oleae. Morphological analyses were performed using light microscopy (LM) and environmental scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (ESEM-EDS). The LM analysis was carried out with bright-field microscopy to evaluate sections stained with either PAS or Azan mixtures as well as unstained sections observed at fluorescence microscopy. The results of the analyses showed that: i) Azan and PAS staining played a useful complementary role, increasing the information provided by the histological analysis. Indeed, in both fresh and brine-cured TOs, epidermal layers and mesocarpal cells were clearly revealed, including sclereid cells. The histological analysis allowed also identifying the presence of secoiridoid-biophenols (seco-BPs) in both cell walls and vacuoles, as well as in the drupe regions that had been attacked by fruit flies, where they were found at higher concentrations; ii) In fresh and brine-cured olives, the excitation at 480 nm revealed the distribution of the fluorophores, among which the seco-BP are enclosed; iii) the ESEM-EDS analysis revealed the natural morphology of fresh olives, including the dimensions of their cell layers and the size and depth of the mechanical barriers of suberized or necrotic cells around the larva holes. In addition, the elemental composition of regions of interest of the drupe was determined in fresh and brine-cured TOs. The results highlighted the effectiveness of combined use of LM and ESEM-EDS in order to obtain a picture, as complete as possible, of the structural morphology of TOs. Such analytical combined approach can be used to support multidisciplinary studies aimed at the selection of new cultivars more resistant to fly attack.

Experimental analysis on the synergistic effect of combined use of ozone and UV radiation for the treatment of dairy industry wastewater

The present study focused on the various advanced oxidation processes; Ozone, UV radiation, O&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;/H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;, O&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;/UV, UV/H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; and O&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;/UV/H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; for treatability of dairy industry wastewater. With this aim, the trials were carried out in cylindrical reactor fortified with UV radiation and Ozone injection. Efficiency of the treatment process was evaluated considering Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), lactose reduction and process parameters were determined to be reaction time, pH, circulation rate, and H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; dosage. 32.5%, 35.2% , 25%, 83% COD and 40.6%, 43.6%, 38.2%, 80% lactose reduction efficiency were obtained under the operating conditions for O&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;/H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;, O&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;/UV, UV/H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; and O&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;/UV/H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; processes, respectively. As per this outcome, UV/H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;/O&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; process gave more than 65% of COD and 52.36% of lactose reduction efficiency than other hybrid processes. Optimum conditions for UV/H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;/O&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; process (pH = 5, time = 180 mins, circulation rate = 50 mL/h and H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; dosage of 0.5 mL) resulted in 88% of COD and 93.4% lactose reduction.

Analysis of efficacy of combined therapy of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in mSOD1 transgenic mice model

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive, fatal neurode-generative disease characterized by damage of the motor neurons of the brain and spinal cord. The lack of effective methods of therapy of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is one of the most important problems of contemporary medicine. The aim of this work was to study the effectiveness of combined use of the antioxidant drug edaravone and gene-cell therapy with umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells producing vascular endothelial growth factor, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor and neural cell adhesion molecule in the model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis on mSOD1 transgenic mice. Analysis of survival dynamics of mSOD1 transgenic mice showed that gene-cell therapy is more effective than edaravone therapy or combined therapy. Conducting of behavioral tests showed that all types of used therapy are able to support the parameters of horizontal activity and grip strength test of mSOD1 mice during 8 weeks from beginning of the therapy at the level corresponding to wild type mice. Conducted study showed that gene-cell therapy with use of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells producing vascular endothelial growth factor, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor and neural cell adhesion molecule is more effective than antioxidant therapy with edaravone or combined (antioxidant and gene-cell) therapy. These findings could be used in studies aimed on development of treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Evaluating the effectiveness of combined use of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma and frequently-modulated electric field signal in skin wound healing

Background Scientists around the world are interested in applying physical phenomena to various fields of science. The development of entire areas united by one concept (‘plasma medicine’, etc.) stands as a bright example. Present work focuses on only two concepts of interest, which are plasma jet and electric field, as far as results of their combined use in clinical practice and in surgery remain understudied. Objective Experimental evaluation of the effectiveness of physical methods of treatment in skin wound healing. Material and methods The study was carried out on 45 small laboratory animals (rats). They were divided into 5 groups of 9 individuals in each according to method chosen for experimental wound healing. To generate the plasma jet, a portable generator was used, which is the original development of specialists of the Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. Planimetric and histological measurements were analysed. The antibacterial effectiveness of methods under research was investigated using Staphylococcus aureus 209P, cultivated in vitro on 6- and 12-millimeter discs. Discussion The combined use of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma and frequency-modulated electric field signal exhibited the ability to accelerate eschar separation by 52.1% (p &lt; 0.05) and stimulate restorative regeneration by 56% (p &lt; 0.05). Combination of physical methods of treatment demonstrated pronounced antibacterial effect. A histological examination on biopsy sample on the 21st day of observation revealed formed (mature) granulations and large number of newly formed vessels. The cellular composition of epidermal basement membrane showed high level of differentiation. Conclusion The data obtained suggest that the use of the proposed methods in clinical practice will improve the treatment process of the patients with wounds of different etiology.

Hydrogen-bubbled platinum-colloid suppresses human esophagus- or tongue-carcinoma cells with intracellular platinum-uptake and the diminished normal-cell mortality.

Carcinostatic effects of combined use of hydrogen nano-bubbles (nano-H) and platinum-povidone (PVP--Pt) were examined. Hydrogen-dissolved medium was prepared by hydrogen-gas bubbling with a microporous gas-emittance-terminal into a medium in the absence or presence of PVP-Pt (nano-H, nano-H/PVP-Pt). Human esophagus-derived carcinoma cells KYSE70 were repressed for cell proliferation with nano-H/PVP-Pt more markedly than with nano-H, indicating the hydrogen-intensification for PVP-Pt-alone-carcinostasis. However, the intensified carcinostasis required co-administration of nano-H and PVP-Pt, and no intensified carcinostasis was shown in two-step separate administration of nano-H and PVP-Pt. Furthermore, hydrogen bubbling into PVP-Pt-containing medium achieved more appreciable carcinostasis than mere addition of PVP-Pt into nano-H-containing medium, indicating the potent interaction of hydrogen and PVP-Pt. The nano-H/PVP-Pt-administered human tongue-derived carcinoma cells HSC-4 were repressed for cell proliferation more markedly than pre-malignant human tongue-derived epitheliocytes DOK, concurrently with more abundant intracellular Pt-intake into HSC-4 cells than DOK as analyzed by ICP-MS. Thus, PVP-Pt is able to adsorb hydrogen nano-bubbles on Pt and applicable for cancer therapy by diminishing the side-effects to normal cells.

Effectiveness of combined use of rectal misoprostol and oxytocin for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean section

Post-Partum Hemorrhage (PPH) is defined as the loss of blood which is greater than 500ml after vaginal delivery or greater than 1000 ml after a cesarean section delivery. About 28% of the total maternal deaths were due to PPH particularly in developing countries. Oxytocin has been considered as the ‘gold standard’ drug in the treatment and prevention of PPH. Prophylactic use of prostaglandin analogue i.e., misoprostol in addition to oxytocin during cesarean section is expected to reduce the incidence of PPH. This study aims at comparing the efficacy of combined use of rectal misoprostol and oxytocin infusion with oxytocin in the prevention of PPH. A comparative observational study was conducted on 200 subjects which were divided into two equal groups by Simple Random Selection. One group was treated with Inj. Oxytocin 20U I.V infusion alone while the other group was treated with Tab. Misoprostol 600mcg, rectal route and Inj. Oxytocin 20U I.V infusion. Majority of the subjects were observed under the age group of 21-25years, under primigravidae. A significant decrease in the volume of mean blood loss (740.00 ± 164.00 ml: p = 0.045) and the mean drop of hemoglobin level(Hb) (0.88±0.74gm/dl; p = 0.0001) were observed in group treated with Tab. Misoprostol 600mcg and Inj. Oxytocin and was found to be statistically significant. Preoperative administration of misoprostol per rectal route and oxytocin infusion after the cesarean section have shown, a better control of bleeding and maintenance of hemoglobin level when compared to oxytocin infusion alone. Thus, instead of oxytocin monotherapy combined use of misoprostol and oxytocin would be more effective in prevention of PPH.

Biomass energy, particulate matter (PM2.5), and the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among Congolese women living near of a cement plant, in Kongo Central Province.

This study investigated whether the individual and combined effects of using biomass energy and living in the neighborhood of a cement plant were associated with the risk of COPD and respiratory symptoms among Congolese women. A total of 235 women from two neighborhood communities of a cement plant participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants were classified into the more exposed group (MEG = 137) and a less exposed group (LEG = 98), as well as into biomass users (wood = 85, charcoal = 49) or electricity users (101 participants). Participants completed a questionnaire including respiratory symptoms, sociodemographic factors, medical history, lifestyle, and household characteristics. In addition to spirometry performance, outdoor PM2.5 (μg/m3) was measured. Afternoon outdoor PM2.5 concentration was significantly higher in MEG than LEG (48.8 (2.5) μg/m3 vs 42.5 (1.5) μg/m3). Compared to electricity users, wood users (aOR: 2.6, 95%CI 1.7; 5.9) and charcoal users (aOR: 2.9, 95%CI 1.4; 10.7) were at risk of developing airflow obstruction. Combined effects of biomass use and living in the neighborhood of a cement plant increased the risk of COPD in both wood users (aOR: 4, 95%CI 1.3; 12.2) and charcoal users (aOR: 3.1, 95%CI 1.7; 11.4). Exposure to biomass energy is associated with an increased risk of COPD. In addition, combined exposure to biomass and living near a cement plant had additive effects on COPD.