SCP Groups Research Articles

First-line hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy plus lenvatinib and PD-(L)1 inhibitors versus systemic chemotherapy alone or with PD-(L)1 inhibitors in unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

PurposeLimited treatment options exist for unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), with systemic chemotherapy (SC) serving as the primary approach. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of first-line hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) in combination with lenvatinib and PD-(L)1 inhibitors (HLP) compared to SC combined with PD-(L)1 inhibitors (SCP) or SC alone in treating unresectable ICC.MethodsPatient with unresectable ICC who underwent first-line treatment with HLP, SCP or SC from January 2016 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The study evaluated and compared efficacy and safety outcomes across the three treatment groups.ResultsThe study comprised 42, 49, and 50 patients in the HLP, SCP, and SC groups, respectively. Median progression-free survival (PFS) times were 30.0, 10.2, and 6.5 months for HLP, SCP, and SC groups. While the SC group had a median overall survival (OS) time of 21.8 months, the HLP and SCP groups hadn’t reached median OS. The HLP group demonstrated significantly superior PFS (p < 0.001) and OS (p = 0.014) compared to the others. Moreover, the HLP group exhibited the highest objective response rate (ORR) at 50.0% and the highest disease control rate (DCR) at 88.1%, surpassing the SC group (ORR, 6.0%; DCR, 52.0%) and SCP group (ORR, 18.4%; DCR, 73.5%) (p < 0.05). Generally, the HLP group reported fewer grades 3–4 adverse events (AEs) compared with others.ConclusionIn contrast to systemic chemotherapy with or without PD-(L)1 inhibitors, the triple combination therapy incorporating HAIC, lenvatinib, and PD-(L)1 inhibitors showcased favorable survival benefits and manageable adverse events for unresectable ICC.

Alterations of Myocardial Mitochondrial Morphology and Function in a Canine Model of Premature Ventricular Contractions-Induced Cardiomyopathy.

Changes in myocardial mitochondrial morphology and function in premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)-induced cardiomyopathy (PVCCM) remain poorly studied. Here, we investigated the effects of PVCs with different coupling intervals (CIs) on myocardial mitochondrial remodelling in a canine model of PVCCM. Twenty-one beagles underwent pacemaker implantation and were randomised into the sham (n = 7), short-coupled PVCs (SCP, n = 7), and long-coupled PVCs (LCP, n = 7) groups. Right ventricular (RV) apical bigeminy was produced for 12-week to induce PVCCM in the SCP (CI, 250 ms) and LCP (CI, 350 ms) groups. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and biweekly thereafter to evaluate cardiac function. Masson's trichrome staining measured ventricular interstitial fibrosis. The ultrastructural morphology of the myocardial mitochondria was analysed using transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, membrane potential, and electron transport chain (ETC) complex activity were measured to assess myocardial mitochondrial function. Twelve-week-PVCs led to left ventricular (LV) enlargement with systolic dysfunction, disrupted mitochondrial morphology, increased mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration and ROS levels, decreased mitochondrial ATP content and membrane potential, and impaired ETC complex activity in both the SCP and LCP groups (all p < 0.01 vs the sham group). Ventricular fibrosis was observed only in canines with LCP. Worse cardiac function and more pronounced abnormalities in mitochondrial morphology and function were observed in the LCP group than to the SCP group (all p < 0.05). We demonstrated myocardial mitochondrial abnormalities in dogs with PVCCM, characterised by abnormal mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial Ca2+ overload, oxidative stress, and impaired mitochondrial energy metabolism. Compared to SCP, long-term LCP exposure resulted in more severe mitochondrial remodelling and cardiac dysfunction in dogs.

Biomechanical comparison of static and dynamic cervical plates in terms of the bone fusion, tissue degeneration, and implant behavior

IntroductionUsing an anterior cervical fixation device in the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) has evolved to various systems of static and dynamic cervical plates (SCP and DCP). Dynamic cervical plates have been divided into three categories: the rotational (DCP-R), translational (DCP-T), and hybrid (DCP-H) joints. However, little studies have been devoted to systematically investigate the biomechanical differences of dynamic cervical plates.Materials and methodsThe biomechanical tests of load-deformation properties and failure modes between the SCP and DCP systems are implemented first by using the UHMWPE blocks as the vertebral specimens. The CT-based C2-C7 model simulates the strategies of cervical plate in ACDF surgery is developed with finite-element analyses. One intact, one SCP and two DCP systems are evaluated for their biomechanical properties of bone fusion and tissue responses.ResultsIn the situation of biomechanical test, The mean values of the five ACDSP constructs are 393.6% for construct stiffness (p < 0.05) and 183.0% for the first yielding load (p < 0.05) less than those of the SCP groups, respectively. In the situation of finite-element analysis, the rigid-induced ASD is more severe for the SCP, followed by the DCP-H, and the DCP-R is the least.Discussion and conclusionsConsidering the degenerative degree of the adjacent segments and osteoporotic severity of the instrumented segments is necessary while using dynamic system. The mobility and stability of the rotational and translational joints are the key factors to the fusion rate and ASD progression. If the adjacent segments have been degenerative, the more flexible system can be adopted to compensate the constrained mobility of the ACDF segments. In the situation of the osteoporotic ACDF vertebrae, the stiffer system is recommended to avoid the cage subsidence.

P–411 Does subcutaneous progesterone (SC-P) administration eliminate the necessity of serum progesterone level monitoring in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles?

Abstract Study question Does SC-P provide similar ongoing pregnancy rates (OPRs) as intramuscular progesterone(IM-P) in hormone replacement therapy (HRT)-FET cycles and do serum progesterone (P) levels on FET day effect on pregnancy outcome? Summary answer: SC-P administration had similar OPR compared to IM-P in HRT-FET cycles. In SC-P group embryo transfer(ET) day P found to be insignificant factor for outcome. What is known already Different P routes can be used in HRT-FET cycles such as vaginal P, IM-P and recently SC-P. Only retrospective studies evaluated the comparison of SC-P with other routes in HRT-FET cycles. Here, we assessed prospectively whether SC-P is effective for HRT-FET cycles. Previous studies reported that serum P levels on ET day after vaginal P administration clinical outcomes were closely correlated. The correlation between serum P after IM-P administration and clinical outcomes were conflicting. In addition, there is lack of data on the serum P levels after SC-P administration. Serum P levels on ET day were evaluated in this study. Study design, size, duration This prospective cohort study was performed between July 1-October 31 2020, enrolled 224 patients scheduled for HRT-FET cycles with SC-P(25 mg twice daily) or IM-P(50 mg once daily). The route of P was decided according to the patient’s eligibility to hospital. First FET cycle was included after freeze-all cycles for each patients. Female age&amp;gt;35, PGT-A cycles, cleavage ET, &amp;gt;1 ET, patients with uterine pathology and hydrosalpinx, FET with surplus embryos, endometrial thickness&amp;lt;7mm were excluded. Participants/materials, setting, methods Female age ≤ 35 years old with a triple-layer endometrium &amp;gt;7 mm underwent transfer of single blastocysts after the first ET after freeze-all cycles. The indications for freeze-all were ovarian hyperstimuation syndrome and trigger day P level&amp;gt;1.5 ng/ml. 224 patients were eligible for study; 133 in SC-P group and 91 in IM-P group.The primary endpoint was the ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) beyond pregnancy week 12. Main results and the role of chance The demographic, cycle, embryologic characteristics were similar between groups. The median circulating P levels on the day of ET were 19.92(15.195–27.255)ng/&amp;#x2028;ml and 21(16.48–28)ng/ml in the SC-P and IM-P groups,(p = 0.786). The clinical pregnancy rates [86/133(64.7%) vs 57/91(62.6%);p=0.757], miscarriage rates [21/86(24.4%) vs 10/57(17.5%) ;p=0.329], and OPR [65/133 (48.9%) vs 47/91(51.6%); p = 0.683] were comparable between the SC-P and IM-P. Binary logistic regression was performed for ongoing pregnancy as the dependent factor blastocyst morphology was found to be the only significant independent prognostic factor (p = 0.006), whereas the route of P was insignificant. In the SC-P and IM-P &amp;#x2028;groups, the effect of ET day P levels were divided into quartiles(Q) to evaluate the effect on ongoing pregnancy. In SC-P group OPR were similar in four Q [Q1:33.3%(11/33),Q2:50%(17/34),Q3:60.6%(20/33),Q4:51.5%(17/33) (p = 0.1)].For IM-P group; Q1 had a significantly reduced OPR than Q2, Q3, Q4. [26.1%(6/23),65.2%(15/23),54.5%(12/22) and 60.9%(14/23), p = 0.031]. Logistic regression analysis for OP was performed separately in SC-P group and IM-P group. Although in SC-P group, ET day P levels was not found to be a significant factor, in IM-P ET day P level was found to be an independent factor for OP in IM-P group (Q1vs Q2+Q3+Q4; OR: 8,178 95% CI: [1.387–48.223] p:0.02). . Limitations, reasons for caution Although this study has the advantage of being prospective and in a homogenous study population, randomized controlled trials are warranted to evaluate the effectiveness of SC-P to other routes of P. Extrapolation to unselected populations of this study is needed. Wider implications of the findings: Assignment of threshold of serum P on the day of ET for HRT-FET cycles to optimize outcomes is critical for every route of P. Regarding these results, individual luteal phase for HRT-FET cycles can improve IVF outcome. Trial registration number None

Comparison of patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with sacrospinous ligament fixation, laparoscopic hysterectomy with sacrocolpopexy and abdominal hysterectomy with sacrocolpopexy in terms of postoperative quality of life and sexual function

AimTo investigate whether there is a significant difference among the patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomy with sacrospinous ligament fixation (VH + SSLF), laparoscopic hysterectomy with sacrocolpopexy (LH + SCP) and abdominal hysterectomy with sacrocolpopexy (AH + SCP) in terms of sexual function and quality of life. Material and MethodSixty-five patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with sacrospinous ligament fixation (VH + SSLF), laparoscopic hysterectomy with sacrocolpopexy (LH + SCP) or abdominal hysterectomy with sacrocolpopexy (AH + SCP) participated in the study. The Quality of Life Scale and Sexual Function Scale Index (PISQ-12) were used to see whether there is a significant difference among the three groups (VH + SSLF, LH + SCP, AH + SCP) at least 1 year after surgery. The Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) Scale consisting of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory (POPDI-6), Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI-6), and Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory (CRADI-8) was used to evaluate the functional outcomes. ResultsThe participants had a mean age of 60 ± 8.79 years. The mean PFDI-20 score in the VH + SSLF groups is higher than that in the AH + SCP group (p = 0.047). There is no significant difference among three VH + SSLF, LH + SCP and AH + SCP groups regarding scores of POPDI-6, UDI-6, CRADI-8, and PISQ-12. ConclusionIn the present study, it was concluded that AH + SCP group had a higher quality of life than the VH + SSLF group did while the sexual function was not affected significantly by the vaginal or abdominal surgical procedures. The pelvic surgeon should skillfully choose different prolapse surgical techniques to tailor the surgical treatment to the patient's needs.

Effects of reducing dietary crude protein concentration and supplementation with laminarin or zinc oxide on the faecal scores and colonic microbiota in newly weaned pigs

A 2×3 factorial design experiment was conducted to examine the effects of reducing dietary crude protein (CP) concentration and/or supplementation with zinc oxide (ZnO) or laminarin on faecal scores (FS) and the large intestinal microbiota post-weaning (PW). One hundred and forty-four pigs were assigned to (T1) 21% standard CP diet (SCP); (T2) SCP+ZnO (SCP ZnO); (T3) SCP+laminarin (SCP LAM); (T4) 18% low CP diet (LCP); (T5) LCP+ZnO (LCP ZnO); and (T6) LCP+laminarin (LCP LAM; n=8 replicates/treatment). The LCP diet had no effect on FS (p>.05), it increased two measures of alpha diversity, reduced Bacteroidetes and increased Enterobacteriaceae and Helicobacteraceae in the colon relative to the SCP diet (p<.05). ZnO supplementation reduced FS and increased Ruminococcaceae compared with unsupplemented pigs (p<.05). ZnO supplementation increased the genera Frisingicoccus (p<.001), Lachnoclostridium (p<.05) and Peptoclostridium (p<.05) in the colon and reduced total caecal volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentrations compared with the unsupplemented and laminarin-supplemented pigs. Laminarin supplementation reduced FS compared with unsupplemented pigs but had no major effect on the microbiota compared with the unsupplemented pigs. There were CP concentration×additive interactions on both Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. Firmicutes were increased in the LCP ZnO group compared with the LCP group, but there was no difference between the SCP groups. Proteobacteria were reduced in the LCP ZnO group compared with the LCP and LCP LAM groups (p<.05), but there was no difference between the SCP groups. In conclusion, reducing CP did not improve FS; it increased the relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae; however, it also increased bacterial diversity. Supplementation with ZnO and laminarin improved FS, although all groups had scores within the healthy range. ZnO altered the large intestinal microbiota and VFA concentrations; however, laminarin did not enhance these parameters, suggesting these compounds have differing modes of action.

Sea Cucumber Peptides Improved the Mitochondrial Capacity of Mice: A Potential Mechanism to Enhance Gluconeogenesis and Fat Catabolism during Exercise for Improved Antifatigue Property.

Sea cucumber promotes multifaceted health benefits. However, the mechanisms of sea cucumber peptides (Scp) regulating the antifatigue capacity is still unknown. The present study is aimed at further elucidating the effects and mechanisms of Scp on the antifatigue capacity of mice. At first, C57BL/6J mice were assigned into four groups named Con, L-Scp, M-Scp, and H-Scp and received diets containing Scp (0%, 0.15%, 0.3%, and 0.5%, respectively) for continuous 30 days. On the 21th day, a fore grip test was conducted on mice. On the 25th day, a rotating rod test was conducted on mice. On the 30th day, the quantities of glycogen and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were determined in 8 random mice and another 8 mice were forced to swim for 1 hour before slaughter for detecting biochemical indicators. It was observed that the Scp groups significantly prolonged the running time in rotarod, increased forelimb grip strength, improved lactic acid (LD) and urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in the serum, decreased lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) activities in the serum, increased blood glucose (BG) and glycogen (GN) levels in the liver and skeletal muscle after swimming, increased the activity of Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase in the skeletal muscle and heart, and improved antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, Scp treatment significantly elevated the mRNA and protein relative levels of power-sensitive factors, lipid catabolism, and mitochondrial biogenesis and significantly upregulated mRNA levels of gluconeogenesis. Besides, mtDNA before the swimming test was increased in the three Scp groups. These results show that Scp treatment has antifatigue capacity. Furthermore, these results suggest that improved energy regulation and antioxidant capacity may be the result of improved mitochondrial function.

Salivary, Plasma, and Gingival Levels of Melatonin and TNF-&amp;alpha; in Nonsmokers and Current Smokers with and without Periodontal Disease

Aim The aim of this study was to quantify the levels of gingival, salivary, and plasma melatonin and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in healthy individuals and chronic generalized periodontitis patients with and without cigarette smoking habit and to investigate whether a relationship exists between melatonin and TNF-α levels in the samples. Materials and methods Blood of 5 mL, 5 mL of saliva, and gingival tissue samples were obtained from 30 periodontally healthy individuals without smoking habit (HP), 30 nonsmoking patients with chronic generalized periodontitis (CP), 30 periodontally healthy individuals with current smoking habit (SHP), and 30 current smoker patients with chronic generalized periodontitis (SCP). The levels of melatonin and TNF-α in the samples were measured using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The results obtained were statistically analyzed using SPSS statistical software (23.0 version). Results This study demonstrated the presence of melatonin and TNF-α in all the saliva, plasma, and gingival tissue samples. Gingival tissue melatonin levels were highest in the HP group and least in the SCP groups, while TNF-α levels were least in the HP group and highest in the SCP groups. No significant difference was observed between the groups with regard to salivary and plasma melatonin. An overall significant difference was also observed between the groups with regard to salivary TNF-α but not with regard to plasma TNF-α. Binary logistic regression analysis was carried out after dividing the study groups into current smokers and nonsmokers. Results revealed that a reduction in gingival melatonin and an increase in gingival TNF-α were associated with a transition from periodontal health to chronic generalized periodontitis in current smokers but not in nonsmokers. Conclusion This study sheds light on the anti-inflammatory actions of melatonin in the gingival tissues in states of periodontal health and disease in current smokers. Clinical significance Melatonin could be used as a supplement to boost anti-inflammatory mechanisms in periodontal therapy especially in cigarette smokers.

The ratios of pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory cytokines in the serum of chronic periodontitis patients with and without type 2 diabetes and/or smoking habit.

This study assessed the impact of chronic periodontitis (CP) and CP associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and/or smoking on the serum ratios of pro- to anti-inflammatory cytokines. Subjects were assigned into one of the following groups: control (n = 25, non-diabetic non-smokers with no history of periodontitis), CP (n = 26, non-diabetic non-smokers with CP), DMCP (n = 30, non-smokers with DM and CP), SCP (n = 27, non-diabetic smokers with CP), and SDMCP (n = 22, smokers with type 2 DM and CP). Serum levels of 18 cytokines were measured using multiplex immunoassays. Six ratios of pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory cytokines were significantly higher in the CP group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Eleven, seventeen and nine ratios of pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory cytokines were significantly higher in the DMCP, SCP and SDMCP groups than in the control group, respectively (p < 0.05). The SCP group presented higher serum ratios of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α/interleukin (IL)-4, TNF-α/IL-5, IL-17/IL-13 and IL-6/IL-13 (p < 0.05) than the CP group. Cluster analysis revealed a relevant cluster composed of ten cytokines (IL-17, IL-23, interferon-γ, IL-12, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-21, IL-6, IL-4 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor [GM-CSF]) in the serum of subjects from the DMCP group. The ratios of pro- to anti-inflammatory cytokines shift to favor a pro-inflammatory status in the serum of patients with CP and even more when CP is associated with one or both risk factors. CP and CP associated with hyperglycemia and/or smoking might contribute to a systemic inflammatory burden and increased risk of systemic complications.

Effect of scaling and root planing on gingival crevicular fluid cytokine/chemokine levels in smokers with chronic periodontitis: A systematic review

In the present study, the impact of scaling and root planing (SRP) on gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) cytokine/chemokine levels in smokers with chronic periodontitis was assessed. The PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcome) question was: In smokers with chronic periodontitis (population), what is the effect of SRP (intervention) in comparison to SRP in non-smokers with chronic periodontitis (comparison) on the GCF cytokine/chemokine level (outcome)? Indexed databases were searched up to September 2017. Of 4330 titles, nine studies reporting the levels of 13 different cytokines/chemokines were included. Eight studies had a moderate risk of bias, while one study had a high risk of bias. Almost all cytokines/chemokines were pro-inflammatory cytokines. Five cytokines/chemokines studied in four clinical studies were decreased in the smoker-chronic periodontitis group following SRP. One study observed that the GCF levels of interleukin-17 increased, while anti-inflammatory osteoprotegerin was reduced in both the SCP and non-smoker-chronic periodontitis groups at follow up. However, the majority of cytokines/chemokines did not change in the SCP groups at follow up. The current weight of evidence is not sufficient to prove that SRP has an impact on GCF cytokine/chemokine profile in smokers with chronic periodontitis. Evaluation of wide panels of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines related to collagen degradation and alveolar bone destruction in future studies are warranted.

Association of subgingival colonization of Candida albicans and other yeasts with severity of chronic periodontitis

The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between the subgingival colonization by Candida albicans and other yeasts with the severity of chronic periodontitis (CP). After sample size calculation, 40 patients with CP and 20 healthy subjects (HS) were included in the study. Cases of slight-moderate (MCP, n = 23) and severe CP (SCP, n = 17) were defined according to the Centers for Disease Control/American Association of Periodontology classification. Subgingival samples were acquired using sterile paper-points from the sulcus or the deepest periodontal pocket of each healthy and subject with CP, respectively, and were cultured aerobically on three selective media. Yeast colonies that grew on the surface of plates were later identified by biochemical reactions. Statistical tests were used to analyze the association between subgingival yeast colonization (number of yeast-positive individuals and colony forming units (CFU) per subject) and periodontal disease status, considering statistical significance when P < 0.05. Although several yeast species were found (C. parapisilosis, Rhodotorula sp., C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis), only C. albicans was present in all the patients with yeast-positive CP. Twelve patients (30%) with CP presented yeasts in the subgingival biofilm while only three patients (15%) in the HS group were positive for these microorganisms. No statistical difference was found between the CP and HS groups (P = 0.084). However, when the CP group was divided on the basis of severity, statistical differences were observed between the SCP and MCP groups (47% vs. 17%, P = 0.043), and between the SCP and HS groups (47% vs. 15%, P = 0.033). No statistical difference was observed between the MCP and HS groups (17% vs. 15%, P = 0.832). High densities of yeasts were found only in patients with MCP and SCP (mean and range 61.25 (0-100) CFU/plate and mean and range 51 (0-101) CFU/plate, respectively). In this group of patients, subgingival colonization of some yeasts, especially C. albicans, was associated with the severity of CP.

Surgical outcomes of nephron sparing surgery for renal tumours

Surgical outcomes of nephron sparing surgery for renal tumours

Developmental Profiles and Temperament Patterns in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy: Relationships With Subtypes and Severity

Elucidating developmental profiles and temperament patterns in children with cerebral palsy (CP) could help clinicians elaborate more flexible strategies for treating these children. This study investigated the developmental profiles and temperament patterns in children with spastic CP (sCP) of different subtypes and severities. One hundred and five children, aged 3-6 years, with sCP and 66 children with typical development (TD) were analyzed. Children with sCP were classified into spastic diplegia (SD; n = 60), and spastic quadriplegia (SQ; n = 45) groups. Motor severity was classified via the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Development quotients (DQs) of eight domains and temperament scores of nine dimensions were evaluated. The SQ group had lower DQs in all developmental functions than the SD group (p < 0.01). The DQ distributions of developmental profiles showed the same trend in SD and SQ groups, and both groups displayed lowest DQs in the gross motor domain. The SQ group was less adaptable and approachable than the TD group (p < 0.05), and both sCP groups had lower attention span and persistence and a higher threshold of responsiveness than the TD group (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that GMFCS levels were highly related to all developmental functions (r < -0.54, p<0.01) and weakly related to some temperament dimensions in children with sCP. The subtype and severity of sCP were associated with developmental profiles in children with sCP Temperament patterns were different between SD and SQ groups, but only weakly related to motor deficit. These data could allow clinicians to anticipate the developmental profiles and temperament patterns and plan appropriate therapeutic strategies for children with sCP.

Distal actions and shifted convolution property

A locally compact group $G$ is said to have shifted convolution property (abbr. as SCP) if for every regular Borel probability measure $\mu$ on $G$, either $\sup_{x\in G} \mu ^n (Cx) \ra 0$ for all compact subsets $C$ of $G$, or there exist $x\in G$ and a compact subgroup $K$ normalised by $x$ such that $\mu^nx^{-n} \ra \omega_K$, the Haar measure on $K$. We first consider distality of factor actions of distal actions. It is shown that this holds in particular for factors under compact groups invariant under the action and for factors under the connected component of identity. We then characterize groups having SCP in terms of a readily verifiable condition on the conjugation action (point-wise distality). This has some interesting corollaries to distality of certain actions and Choquet Deny measures which actually motivated SCP and point-wise distal groups. We also relate distality of actions on groups to that of the extensions on the space of probability measures.

Extractable calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium in diefferent peat types

An attempt was made to elucidate the content of plant-available calcium, potassium and magnesium in different kinds of virgin peat. The amounts of these cations extracted by 1 N ammonium chloride solution were supposed to give an estimate satisfactory for this purpose. Also the extractable sodium was determined. The material consisted of 208 samples mainly collected from Northern Finland. The variation in the content of extractable cations was high in all the peat groups. The individual values of one group were overlapping the range of other ones. The average calcium and magnesium contents of the Sp, CSp and SCp groups were somewhat lower than those of Cp, BCp and EuSCp groups. The same seems to be the case, with the content of extractable sodium whereas the moss peats tended to be slightly less poor in potassium than the peats of better quality. A more or less significant correlation existed in all the peat groups between the calcium content and the pH-values. The correlation was markedly lower for pH and extractable magnesium. A weak tendency to negative correlation could be noticed between pH and extractable potassium. The land quality and the calcium and magnesium content of all the surface samples were correlated with each other, although not very strongly. Within the different peat groups no correlation between these quantities could be found, except in one case. The scant supply of potassium in the surface samples did not show any connection with the land quality. The reasons responsible to the large variation of the nutrient content within a certain peat group were discussed. The fact was emphasized that on the basis of the identification of the kind of peat nothing reliable is known of the nutrient content of the sample.