Non-significant Growth Research Articles

Early-successional species show higher tolerance of drought than late-successional species across Europe

Climate change is exacerbating forest disturbances through more frequent and more intense droughts and fires, undermining their ability to recover from such disturbances. The response of fast-growing early-successional species to drought is poorly understood, despite their key role in ecological succession and their ability to enhance ecosystem resilience. Here, we compared the growth responses to drought events of three early-successional species (silver birch, black poplar, and Scots pine) with that of one late-successional species (European beech) across their natural distribution ranges in Europe. We used tree-ring widths of 6340 trees from 109 forest sites to establish species-specific tree-ring chronologies. We then used multiple linear regression to analyze which climatic or growth variables (pre-drought growth and growth during drought) best explained the tree responses to drought. Silver birch, Scots pine, and black poplar showed superior drought tolerance, with a slight, non-significant growth reduction under drought, whereas European beech showed a significant decrease in growth. The variables that influenced growth during and after the drought were species-specific. Annual precipitation and growth variables were key predictors of post-drought growth for Scots pine, black poplar, and European beech. Scots pine and silver birch grew better with increasing latitude, i.e., in Northern Europe than in Central Europe, while European beech and black poplar showed more growth at sites with high precipitation during the vegetation and dormant period, respectively. This study provides insights into the drought tolerance of early-successional species and highlights their ability to promote ecological succession and facilitate the transition to drought-resistant, late-successional forest ecosystems.

Inhibitory activity of bacterial lipopeptides against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. Strigae

This study investigated the influence of bacterial cyclic lipopeptides (LP; surfactins, iturins, fengycins) on microbial interactions. The objective was to investigate whether the presence of bacteria inhibits fungal growth and whether this inhibition is due to the release of bacterial metabolites, particularly LP. Selected endophytic bacterial strains with known plant-growth promoting potential were cultured in the presence of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. strigae (Fos), which was applied as model fungal organism. The extracellular metabolome of tested bacteria, with a focus on LP, was characterized, and the inhibitory effect of bacterial LP on fungal growth was investigated. The results showed that Bacillus velezensis GB03 and FZB42, as well as B. subtilis BSn5 exhibited the strongest antagonism against Fos. Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN, on the other hand, tended to have a slight, though non-significant growth promotion effect. Crude LP from strains GB03 and FZB42 had the strongest inhibitory effect on Fos, with a significant inhibition of spore germination and damage of the hyphal structure. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry revealed the production of several variants of iturin, fengycin, and surfactin LP families from strains GB03, FZB42, and BSn5, with varying intensity. Using plate cultures, bacillomycin D fractions were detected in higher abundance in strains GB03, FZB42, and BSn5 in the presence of Fos. Additionally, the presence of Fos in dual plate culture triggered an increase in bacillomycin D production from the Bacillus strains. The study demonstrated the potent antagonistic effect of certain Bacillus strains (i.e., GB03, FZB42, BSn5) on Fos development. Our findings emphasize the crucial role of microbial interactions in shaping the co-existence of microbial assemblages.

Production and Export Performance of Fresh and Dried Figs from Afghanistan vis-à-vis India

The study was conducted on the production and export performance of fresh and dried figs from Afghanistan and India. The study was based on secondary data on area, production, productivity, and export of figs from 2000-01 to 2020-21. The data were analyzed using tools such as compound growth rates, coefficients of variation, the Cuddy-Della Valle Instability Index, and Markov Chain Analysis. The results revealed that the growth rates of area, production, productivity, export quantity, and export value of fresh and dried figs from both countries were favourable, with the exception of non-significant growth for the area in Afghanistan and the export quantity in India. The highest fluctuation in both countries was reflected in the exports of the quantity and value of fresh and dried figs. In contrast, instability in terms of area, production, and productivity of figs in Afghanistan was higher than in India. India was recognized as the most stable market for Afghan fresh and dried figs, followed by the UAE. In contrast, the Maldives was found to be the most loyal market for Indian fresh and dried figs, followed by Hong Kong and the USA respectively.

Role of beta-(1→3)(1→6)-D-glucan derived from yeast on natural killer (NK) cells and breast cancer cell lines in 2D and 3D cultures

BackgroundBeta-(1,3)(1,6)-D-glucan is a complex polysaccharide, which is found in the cell wall of various fungi, yeasts, bacteria, algae, barley, and oats and has immunomodulatory, anticancer and antiviral effects. In the present study, we investigated the effect of beta-(1,3)(1,6)-D-glucan derived from yeast on the proliferation of primary NK cells and breast cancer cell lines in 2D and 3D models, and on the cytotoxicity of primary NK cells against breast cancer cell lines in 2D and 3D models.MethodsIn this study, we investigated the effects of different concentrations of yeast-derived beta-(1→3)(1→6)-D-glucan on the proliferation and cytotoxicity of human NK cells and breast cancer cell lines in 2D and 3D models using the XTT cell proliferation assay and the CellTiter-Glo® 2.0 assay to determine the cytotoxicity of human NK cells on breast cancer cell lines in 2D and 3D models.ResultsWe found that the co-incubation of NK cells with beta-glucan in the absence of IL2 at 48 h significantly increased the proliferation of NK cells, whereas the co-incubation of NK cells with beta-glucan in the presence of IL2 (70 U/ml) increased the proliferation of NK cells but not significantly. Moreover, beta-glucan significantly inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cell lines in 2D model and induced a weak, non-significant growth inhibitory effect on breast cancer multicellular tumor spheroids (3D). In addition, the cytotoxicity of NK cells against breast cancer cell lines was examined in 2D and 3D models, and beta-glucan significantly increased the cytotoxicity of NK cells against MCF-7 (in 2D).ConclusionsYeast derived beta-(1,3)(1,6)-D-glucan could contribute to the treatment of cancer by enhancing NK cell immune response as well as contributing to inhibition of breast cancer cell growth.

Efficacy of a Self-Directed Video-Based Caregiver-Implemented Language Programme

Introduction: Caregiver-implemented language programmes are effective for alleviating early language difficulties. This study examined the efficacy of a self-directed video-based caregiver-implement language programme in Chinese families. Method: This study consisted of two stages. In stage 1, 31 caregiver-child dyads (typically developing children) completed the training programme (group 1) in the form of six video-based training modules. In stage 2, 28 caregiver-child dyads (children with language difficulties) receiving active speech therapy were randomly assigned to the training (group 2) and control arms (group 3). Group 2 received the same training as group 1 in addition to their regular therapy while group 3 was kept as status quo. Caregivers completed a quiz on their knowledge of language facilitation techniques (LFTs) and submitted caregiver-child interaction videos at the start and end of the training. Outcome measures included programme completion rate, quiz scores, and use of LFTs and children’s communication skills in the videos. A pre-post design and a between-group design were adopted in the stage 1 and 2 studies, respectively. Results: A completion rate of about 60% in both stages was noted. Significantly higher post-training knowledge scores were found in groups 1 and 2. General but nonsignificant growth in use of parallel talk and gesture, and significant gains in children’s vocalization in the training arm were observed. Conclusion: The self-directed video-based training programme would be useful in imparting information to caregivers. However, the modest improvements in the use of LFTs suggested direct coaching appeared to still play a significant role in enhancing the actual implementation of LFTs. Further investigation on a larger scale is required to evaluate the effectiveness of the training programme for promoting the wider use of this mode as a preventive measure.

Study on the spatial–temporal patterns and evolution characteristics of ecological security based on dynamic evaluation in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area

Monitoring ecological security in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGRA) is the prime objective of the ecosystem research on the Yangtze River basin. The comprehensive dynamic evaluation model of ecological security based on the “Pressure-State-Benefit” and four dimensions of “time–space” was designed in this study. Furthermore, comparative analysis and coefficient of sensitivity (CS) were used to verify the rationality and scientificity of this model. This study interpreted and determined the land use data of the TGRA from 2000 to 2020. The coupling coordination degree model, the spatial correlation model and the cluster analysis model assisted in determining the spatial pattern distribution and dynamic interaction characteristics of ecological security at the grid-county-watershed scales in the TGRA. The analytical results demonstrated that the ecological security index (ESI) in the TGRA was generally not very high due to resource constraints and background environmental conditions. The ESI was significantly clustered in space. The initial impoundment of the TGRA significantly impacts ecological security. Implementing dot-shaped ecological restoration projects has greatly improved unsafe and low-security state areas. However, the non-significant growth in the high-security state level region can be attributed to the lack of overall planning and implementation scale. The ecological pressure caused by economic and social development in the main urban area has led to a substantial decline in regional ecological benefit. Therefore, it is necessary to balance the coordinated development relationship between economic-social and ecological benefit in the region. These findings will provide references and supportive data for environmental protection and ecological restoration in the TGRA.

"Kharif Oilseed Crops Cultivation in Madhya Pradesh (India): growth and Decomposition Analysis"

"The study examined the growth in area, production, and productivity of major kharif oilseed crops and decompose the production growth into area and yield effect using secondary data collected for 30 years period from different government departments and other agencies. The compound growth rate was calculated by using an exponential trend model and decomposition analysis using a semilog growth model. It is observed that compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in area, production, and productivity of soybean and sesamum were observed positive but non- significant. While, the positive and non-significant growth rate of groundnut was observed in production and productivity, a negative but significant growth rate was observed in the area. Decomposition analysis indicated that the yield effect of soybean and groundnut was more instrumental in increasing the production than the area and interaction effects. However, the area effect was observed more dominant in sesamum than the yield and interaction effects in the state."

Trends and Market Integration of Kharif Sorghum in Beed District of Maharashtra

Sorghum cultivation has declined over the period of time farmer’s turned to production high lucrative cereals such as rice, wheat, corn, pulses and competitive crops like oilseeds and cotton. The District Statistic Board of Beed has reported that the cultivation area for Kharif Sorghum in the year 2020 to 2021 were 7194 hectors and 481 kg per hector respectively. The time series data of sorghum arrivals and prices were collected from APMCs Beed, Dharur and Parli during the period 2001-2020 to study the growth and market integration of selected markets. The trends and annual compound growth rate in arrivals and prices of Kharif Sorghum was calculated by using linear and exponential form respectively where as Market integration was worked out by estimating Bivariate correlation analysis. The present study reported that Beed market has positive annual growth rate, while in Dharur and Parli markets has negatively significant annual growth rate in Kharif Sorghum arrivals. Beed, Dharur and Parli markets showed positive and non-significant growth rate in prices of Kharif Sorghum. The said study also revealed that there was strong association of sorghum prices among the selected markets.

Identifying the Suitable Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) Species Combination for Penaeus monodon (Fabricius, 1798) for a Sustainable Pond Aquaculture

The environmental problem caused by aquaculture contributes to poor production of the giant tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) globally and locally. Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) lessens aquaculture environmental impacts through the addition of species in the system that could efficiently utilize inorganic and organic waste naturally. IMTA technique was designed to identify which among the species combination is suitable for Penaeus monodon IMTA pond culture. Four (4) treatment combinations from different trophic levels were evaluated for their suitability as IMTA species combinations in two areas: Mukas, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte [with Penaeus monodon, Siganus guttatus, Ulva fasciata, and Perna viridis (M1); P. monodon, S. guttatus, Gracilaria verrucosa, and P. viridis (M2); P. monodon, C. chanos, Ulva fasciata, and Modiolus modulaides (M3); and P. monodon, C. chanos, G. verrucosa, and M. modulaides (M4)] and in Naawan, Misamis Oriental [with P. monodon, S. guttatus, U. fasciata, and P. viridis (N1); P. monodon, S. guttatus, G. verrucosa, P. viridis (N2), P. monodon, C. chanos, U. fasciata, and P. viridis (N3); and P. monodon, C. chanos, G. verrucosa, and P. viridis (N4)]. All treatments showed non-significant growth of P. monodon at 2.66–3.21% d–1 (M1, M2, M3, and M4) and 0.09–0.17% d–1 (N1, N2, N3, and N4). The survival rate of P. monodon in N1 (32.59 ± 4.73%) and N2 (30.27 ± 2.51%) showed a highly significant difference as compared to N3 (24.08 ± 4.25%) and N4 (21.95 ± 4.76%). Treatments M3, M4, N3, and N4 generated the highest economic return of USD 101.83–237.58 compared to treatments M1, M2, N1, and N2. All water parameters are within the optimum for the growth and survival of the IMTA organisms. The results revealed that a combination of C. chanos with either of the seaweeds and mussels (M3, M4, N3, and N4) is suitable for IMTA pond culture for P. monodon.

The impact of pulse timing on cortical and subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation evoked potentials.

The impact of pulse timing is an important factor in our understanding of how to effectively modulate the basal ganglia thalamocortical (BGTC) circuit. Single pulse low-frequency DBS-evoked potentials generated through electrical stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) provide insight into circuit activation, but how the long-latency components change as a function of pulse timing is not well-understood. We investigated how timing between stimulation pulses delivered in the STN region influence the neural activity in the STN and cortex. DBS leads implanted in the STN of five patients with Parkinson's disease were temporarily externalized, allowing for the delivery of paired pulses with inter-pulse intervals (IPIs) ranging from 0.2 to 10 ms. Neural activation was measured through local field potential (LFP) recordings from the DBS lead and scalp EEG. DBS-evoked potentials were computed using contacts positioned in dorsolateral STN as determined through co-registered post-operative imaging. We quantified the degree to which distinct IPIs influenced the amplitude of evoked responses across frequencies and time using the wavelet transform and power spectral density curves. The beta frequency content of the DBS evoked responses in the STN and scalp EEG increased as a function of pulse-interval timing. Pulse intervals <1.0 ms apart were associated with minimal to no change in the evoked response. IPIs from 1.5 to 3.0 ms yielded a significant increase in the evoked response, while those >4 ms produced modest, but non-significant growth. Beta frequency activity in the scalp EEG and STN LFP response was maximal when IPIs were between 1.5 and 4.0 ms. These results demonstrate that long-latency components of DBS-evoked responses are pre-dominantly in the beta frequency range and that pulse interval timing impacts the level of BGTC circuit activation.

Export performance of major cole crops in India

Horticulture has emerged as one of the potential agricultural enterprise in accelerating the growth of Indian economy. Cole crops are the most important group of vegetable crops which is widely grown and popular across the world. India holds second position in production of cole crops. The vast production base offers tremendous opportunities for trade in India.The study explores the export performance of major cole crops in India during the period 1990-91 to 2019-20. The present study was computed by CGR, CV, Cuddy Della Valle index, trend analysis and NPC. The major cole crops growth rate of area, production, productivity, export quantity and export value has shown positive and significant growth rate, for period I, period II and overall period except in productivity of cabbage and other brassicas showed positive and non-significant growth rate in period II and export quantity of cauliflower and broccoli showed positive and non-significant growth rate in period I and period II. The coefficient of variation of cabbage and other brassicas for productivity, export quantity, export value was found to be high in period I but area and production was found to be high in the overall period. The co-efficient of variation of cauliflower and broccoli for area production, export quantity, export value was found to be high in overall period, but productivity was found to be high in the period I. The Cuddy-Della instability index of major cole crops was found to be high instability index in production, export quantity and export value during period I area was found to be during overall period except productivity of cabbage and brassicas was found to be high in the overall period. The trend analysis of major cole crops in area, production and export indicates that among the competitive parametric models, in maximum cases cubic models are found best fitted based on R2 and significance of coefficients except in case of cabbage and other brassicas export quantity and export value the compound models was found best fitted and in case of cauliflower and broccoli export quantity the power model was found best fitted based on R2 and significance of co-efficients. The NPC value of cabbage and other brassicas was found lesser than unity (0.52) indicates that possess export competitiveness. The NPC value of cauliflower and broccoli was found greater than unity (1.40) indicates that possess non export competitiveness. Thus, the study concluded that major cole crops have better export potential in future. Hence, it is suggested that to achieve the break through in major cole crops export, there is need to initiate a systematic and long-term export planning at the state as well as national levels.

Economic Analysis of Arrivals and Prices of Pomegranate in Solapur District of Maharashtra

"The price behaviour of different agricultural commodities and the responsiveness of market arrivals to the price movement to reduce the gap in market arrival mark the need for analyzing the market arrivals and prices. This study is based on the secondary data of 15 years from 2005-06 to 2019-20 which was collected from APMC Solapur and APMC Pandharpur in Solapur district. For the analytical framework, the Exponential Regression Equation was used to study the trend in arrivals and prices. During the study period, in Solapur market, arrival was highest in August and the lowest in April. Pandharpur market observed maximum arrival in July whereas the lowest arrival in February. In terms of prices, Solapur market witnessed maximum price per quintal in September whereas minimum price per quintal in May. Pandharpur market recorded highest price per quintal of Pomegranate in February and the lowest price per quintal in November. During the study period, Solapur market witnessed highest positive growth rate whereas Pandharpur market reported a non-significant growth in terms of arrival among the selected markets. In terms of prices, Solapur market showed a positive and significant growth rate while Pandharpur market observed a negative and non-significant growth during the study period. The main season for arrivals of the pomegranate in both markets was from August to December."

Rapid diagnosis and reduced workload for urinary tract infection using flowcytometry combined with direct antibiotic susceptibility testing.

We evaluated if flowcytometry, using Sysmex UF-5000, could improve diagnosis of urinary tract infections by rapid identification of culture negative and contaminated samples prior to culture plating, thus reducing culture plating workload and response time. We also evaluated if it is possible to reduce the response time for antibiotic susceptibility profiles using the bacteria information flag on Sysmex UF-5000 to differentiate between Gram positive and negative bacteria, followed by direct Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (dAST) on the positive urine samples. One thousand urine samples were analyzed for bacteria, white blood cells and squamous cells by flowcytometry before culture plating. Results from flowcytometric analysis at different cut-off values were compared to results of culture plating. We evaluated dAST on 100 urine samples that were analyzed as positive by flowcytometry, containing either Gram positive or Gram negative bacteria. Using a cut-off value with bacterial count ≥100.000/mL and WBCs ≥10/μL, flowcytometry predicted 42,1% of samples with non-significant growth. We found that most contaminated samples contain few squamous cells. For 52/56 positive samples containing Gram negative bacteria dAST was identical to routine testing. Overall, there was concordance in 555/560 tested antibiotic combinations. Flowcytometry offers advantages for diagnosis of urinary tract infections. Screening for negative urine samples on the day of arrival reduces culture plating and workload, and results in shorter response time for the negative samples. The bacteria information flag predicts positive samples containing Gram negative bacteria for dAST with high accuracy, thus Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile can be reported the day after arrival. For the positive samples containing Gram negative bacteria the concordance was very good between dAST and Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing in routine. For positive samples containing Gram positive bacteria the results were not convincing. We did not find any correlation between epithelial cells and contamination.

English

BACKGROUND Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen involved in a variety of nosocomial infections like pneumonia, bacteraemia, wound infection and urinary tract infection. It is also involved in infections of rigorous burns and infections in immunocompromised persons. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of pathogenic P. aeruginosa isolated from a variety of clinical specimens in a tertiary care hospital of Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India. METHODS Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified using standard methods from various clinical samples collected over a period of seven months. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study which was approved by the ethical committee. The study was conducted from January 2019 to January 2020 in the Department of Microbiology at MGM Medical College, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India. This hospital has ICUs, one emergency ward, surgical &amp; medical wards and Out-Patient Departments. RESULTS Our study showed the prevalence of P. aeruginosa during the study period from January 2019 to January 2020 in the Department of Microbiology at MGM Medical College, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India. A total of 1389 clinical samples were aerobically cultured, out of which 758 (54.6 %) yielded significant growth and the rest 630 (45.4 %) samples were either sterile or showed non-significant growth. From 758 positive growth samples, 161 (21.20 %) P. aeruginosa were isolated CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of P. aeruginosa as an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen and high frequency of antimicrobial resistance among the clinical isolates demand regular monitoring of antibiogram of P. aeruginosa isolates with proper implementation of antimicrobial policy. Antibiotics should be used appropriately with care. Antimicrobial therapy should not be started unless there is clear evidence of infection and infection to be handled with proper infection control measures. KEYWORDS Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pus Samples, Antimicrobial Resistance

TMOD-27. EFFICACY OF SOLUBLE PANOBINOSTAT (MTX110) IN PRECLINICAL MODELS OF ADULT GLIOBLASTOMA

Abstract INTRODUCTION Panobinostat is a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor with antineoplastic and anti-angiogenic effects in glioma. HDAC inhibitors have demonstrated therapeutic efficacy preclinically via multiple mechanisms, including the induction of cell-cycle arrest, differentiation, senescence, apoptosis, mitotic cell death, autophagy, generation of reactive oxygen species, inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis, and improvement in tumor immunity. One of the biggest challenges in treating glioblastoma is achieving effective local drug concentrations, and trials using systemic administration of therapeutics have failed in GBM despite compelling pre clinical evidence. MTX110 (Midatech Pharma plc) is a water-soluble form of panobinostat currently in clinical development for DIPG and medulloblastoma using direct tumour delivery. We explored the therapeutic potential of MTX110 in GBM in our preclinical in vivo adult brain tumor models. METHODS Tumor-bearing mice were stratified to either the vehicle control or treatment group based on median tumor volume and were treated with Panobinostat/MTX110 at a dose of 15mg/kg IP, twice weekly for 5 consecutive weeks. The response to treatment was assessed by delay in tumor growth in days, expressed as a T (Treated) - C (Control) value. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS (a statistical analysis program) and the Wilcoxon rank order test. RESULTS MTX110 produced non-significant growth delays of 10.76 and 2.01 days (p Value ≥ 0.072 NS) in IDH wild type xenograft lines. However, in an IDH1 mutated line, MTX110 produced a significant growth delay of 23.35 days (p Value ≤ 0.018). Further work is ongoing to look at the therapeutic potential of MTX110 in combination with radiation in both IDH wild type and IDH mutated xenograft lines.

Assessment of Allelopathic Prospective of Agriculture Land Trees on Morphological and Yield Attributes of Wheat Varieties of Pakistan

The study was specifically designed to assess the allelopathic potential of some agriculture land related trees. The aqueous extracts of five different trees Corymbia citriodora, Juglans regia, Alianthus altissima, Populus ciliata and Melia azadrach were applied on two selected wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivumL.) CM 301 approved variety V1 and a local variety V2. Aqueous extracts of 20g/200ml ratio concentration were prepared separately. The allelopathic effects on morphological parameters of wheat as well as reduction or enhancement ratio of wheat yield were studied. Five Treatments (T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5) for both varieties were arranged in completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications each. The morphological parameters were measured after 40 days of sowing. Data were subjected to analysis of variance through (ANOVA) and least significant differences (LSD) were found by using software (Statistix 8.1). All treatments showed remarkable positive and negative effects on the parameters under investigation. Significant difference was observed by parameters such as number of tillers (0.0183), root length (0.018), flag leaf length (0.0191), flag leaf width (0.0153), numbers of awns (0.0164) and grains weight (0.0193). Some parameters showed non-significant difference like number of spikeslets (0.0930) and numbers of grains (0.1518). While numbers of spike (0.3754), spike length (0.6088) and plant height (0.4461) showed highly non-significant growth. The study concludes that Juglans regia and Melia azedarach showed growth enhancing effect while Populus ciliata and Alianthus altissima strongly inhibit the growth and yield of both wheat varieties.

Abstract B80: Predictive treatment response models for epithelial ovarian cancer: Comparison of 2D, 3D, and in vivo models

Abstract Introduction: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is still a deadly disease, with a 5-year overall survival of 45%. Current research focuses on the development of new targeted and personalized therapies to improve survival in these patients. The drug discovery pipeline is dependent on preclinical models, which have mostly focused on 2D systems because of time and cost efficiency. However, it is currently unclear whether they accurately reflect patient response and whether other in vitro models may better predict therapeutic response. Preliminary data from our laboratory suggest that the sensitivity to carboplatin chemotherapy varies between 2D and 3D in vitro models. We hypothesize that the 3D model will more closely reflect therapeutic response. The primary objective of this study is to characterize the sensitivity to carboplatin of our EOC cell lines in 2D monolayers and 3D spheroids and compare them to their in vivo response using our xenograft mouse models. Methods: We are injecting NOD-RAG mice with 7 EOC cell lines (TOV112D, TOV21G, OV4485, OV4453, OV1946, OV90, OV3133). At 200mm3, weekly carboplatin treatments (group1 = control, group 2= 25mg/kg, group 3= 50mg/kg, group 4= 75mg/kg) are given up to 6 cycles. Tumor volume and survival curves are used to categorize chemosensitivity between cell lines. Furthermore, the same cell lines are seeded in ultra-low attachment microplates to form spheroids over 48hr and are thereafter treated with 24hr of carboplatin. Flow cytometry analyses are done to classify cell lines. Results: The results for the 2D models using clonogenic assays (IC50) of the 7 cell lines have previously been published. Thus far, we have completed a first set of in vivo experiments for TOV21G showing a nonsignificant tumor growth suppression after 6 doses (no difference between the 3 treated and the nontreated group). Tumor growth suppression for OV90 was statistically significant with 50mg/kg and 75mg/kg of carboplatin after 6 doses. This demonstrates thus far that the most resistant cell line in 2D is more sensitive in an in vivo model. Conclusion: The results will help define the most reliable preclinical model with the highest translational potential to predict treatment response. Citation Format: Melica Nourmoussavi, Euridice Carmona, Anne-Marie Mes-Masson. Predictive treatment response models for epithelial ovarian cancer: Comparison of 2D, 3D, and in vivo models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 13-16, 2019; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(13_Suppl):Abstract nr B80.

Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity Among Adult Women in China, Mali and United States: Evolution of Trends over Ten Years

Abstract Objectives This article assessed trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity over ten years among adult women. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using National Surveys Data from China, Mali and the United States between 2001–2002 and 2012–2013. The sample population consisted of all adult women: 140,022 (2002) and 157,850 (2012) adults aged 18 and above in China, 10,424 (2002) and 4502 (2012) women aged 15–49 in Mali, 4413 (2001) and 5181 (2012) adults aged 20 and above in the USA. The proportion test (Z test) was used to evaluate the 10-year prevalence differences in different countries. Results In ten-year period, overweight has significantly increased from 22.7% to 29.9% among Chinese women with a growth of 7.2% (P-value &amp;lt; 0.05) and, 11.2% to 12.9% in Malian women with a growth of 1.7% (P-value &amp;lt; 0.05). Among US women, overweight has increased from 28.2% to 29.7% with a non-significant growth of 1.5% (P-value &amp;gt;0.05). The prevalence of women's obesity in all three countries has significantly increased, more particularly in China. Conclusions Data from the National Survey over ten years showed an increase in the prevalence of overweight as well as obesity in Chinese, Malian and US women. Funding Sources This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Project number 81,673,165].

Construction and countermeasure discussion on government performance evaluation model of air pollution control: A case study from Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region

The main purpose of this paper is to build an objective and effective environmental performance evaluation model of air pollution control. Based on the severe air polluted region in China, that is Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, this evaluation model consists of four parts, including economic benefits, public service, government management and development potential, and uses the balanced scorecard theory. The weights of the indexes are measured by comprehensive evaluation method, which combined entropy weight method and analytic hierarchy process (AHP). To test the applicability of the evaluation method to different stages, back propagation (BP) neural network is introduced to simulate air pollution control in the future. The results reveal that the environmental performance of air pollution control in Beijing had an upward trend during 2010–2016, and the trend would continue in the next five years. The environmental performance of Tianjin continuously increased, especially from 2014 to 2016. Tianjin has great potential of air pollution control in the future. The environmental performance of air pollution control in Hebei fluctuated from 2010 to 2016 and it dropped to the lowest level in 2015, which mainly due to the large increase in number of days with air quality levelⅡor above compared with 2014 and the nonsignificant growth in the amount of expenditure on atmospheric prevention and control, the amount of investment in the control of industrial pollution sources and the number of law enforcement personnel. Moreover, the environmental performance of air pollution control closely related with industrial structure, especially with the proportion of the tertiary industry. The upgrading of urban industrial structure and the coordinated development of green industry should be implemented to restructure the environmental transformation in air-polluted region.

Growth in area, production and yield of major crops in Rajasthan

The effect of area and yield on the production of major crops of the state was assessed by compound growth rates of area, production and productivity. The growth in production of cereals recorded positive and significant at 1 per cent level of significance at the rate of 4.00 per cent per annum largely due to positive and significant at 5 per cent level of significance growth in productivity by 2.70 per cent per annum. The growth in production of pulses recorded positive and non-significant at the rate of 2.19 per cent per annum it is also positive and non-significant growth in productivity by 1.77 per cent whereas growth in area increased by 0.79 per cent per annum which is positive and nonsignificant. Oilseeds were recorded positive and significant at 1 per cent level of significance at the rate of 2.03, 4.29 and 3.08 per cent per annum, respectively growth in area, production and productivity. The productivity of cash crops recorded positive and significant at 1 per cent level of significance with annual growth at the rate of 3.29 per cent which is attributable by significant at 5 per cent level of significance growth in area by 5.03 per cent per annum. The production of spices recorded a positive and significant at 1 per cent level of significance annual growth at the rate of 4.14 per cent which was largely attributable by significant at 1 per cent level of significance growth in area by 3.64 per cent per annum with 1.07 per cent positive and significant growth of productivity.