Ca Values Research Articles

Applications of CA125 in Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is currently the most fatal among gynecological malignancies with a low survival rate, especially in the case of type II tumors. Cancer antigen 125, the primary protein biomarker associated with ovarian cancer, has been researched for its involvement in the ovarian cancer pathogenesis and its potential applications in enhancing both accurate diagnostics and effective therapies. Research has investigated the connections between CA125 and several biological pathways, revealing their associations with cancer cell proliferation and migration. Further research aims to utilize CA125 for a more accurate diagnosis and potential treatments for ovarian cancer. Approaches have been established to address the low specificity of CA125 diagnostic tests, including altering the traditional CA125 value threshold used for ovarian cancer diagnosis and detecting CA125 alongside other antigens. CA125-specific cancer vaccines and immunotherapies are currently undergoing clinical trials and are being developed for future clinical use.

Kolon Kanseri Hastalarında FOLFOX ve CAPOX’un CEA ve CA 19-9 Üzerine Etkisinin Araştırılması

The most common markers used in the diagnosis of the colon cancer are CEA and CA 19-9. Chemotherapy is applied as an adjuvant and a neo-adjuvant treatment in colon cancer.
 Our aim was to investigate the effects of FOLFOX and CAPOX on CEA and CA 19-9 levels before and after chemotherapy in different patient groups.
 The CEA and CA 19-9 values before and after chemotherapy for the 60 patients diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer having FOLFOX or CAPOX therapy age over 18 whom hospitalised between 2017-2020, were used. 
 The mean value for CA 19-9 of T0 for FOLFOX receiving group was calculated as 263.71 ± 709.87 U/ml and was 119.57 ± 246.34 U/ml of for the 3rd month. The mean value for CEA for receiving FOLFOX was calculated as 76.11 ± 204.22 ng/g at T0, and 50.53 ± 142.50 ng/g at the 3rd month. The mean value of CEA for receiving CAPOX was calculated as 139.62 ± 388.87 ng/g at T0, and 117.05 ± 272.08 ng/g at the 3rd month. Intertemporal CEA levels of individuals receiving CAPOX were found to show significant differences (p=0.074). CA 19-9 mean of T0 was calculated as 218.43 ± 605.53 U/ml and the 3rd month mean of 174.40 ± 465.61 U/ml of the patients receiving CAPOX. It was found that the intertemporal values of the individuals in terms of CA 19-9 levels were not statistically significant (p=0.649).
 In conclusion, CA 19-9 and CEA levels of the patients decreased even more in the 3rd month when treated with FOLFOX. The decrease in CEA was found to be more significant. In terms of CAPOX treatment, the interquartile range T0 and the 3rd month levels did not show a significant difference, statistically (p=0.143 and p=0.089).

The prognostic value of the post-treatment serum CA 125 level in patients with advanced endometrial cancer.

The goal of this analysis was to assess the prognostic value of the post-treatment serum CA 125 level in each member of a group of advanced endometrial cancer (aEC) patients in comparison to other clinical and pathological parameters. Records of 266 patients treated at the Maria Skłodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Centre and Institute of Oncology, Cracow Branch between the years 2006 and 2018 were included in the study. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 138 months. Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were set as the endpoints. The tests chi-squared, Fisher, log-rank, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis and Cox proportional hazard ratio were used for statistical analyses. In the analysed group, there was a significant association between an elevated serum CA 125 level following adjuvant treatment and shorter PFS and OS. After setting a cut-off value for CA 125 there was a statistically significant correlation between the marker and PFS and OS. Multivariate analysis indicated that the post-treatment serum CA 125 level is an independent prognostic factor of the course of aEC. The post-treatment serum CA 125 level correlates significantly with both PFS and OS in each patient with aEC. The marker is an independent prognostic factor in this group. A low post-treatment level of the marker is a strong indicator of good 5-year survival, with 82% of patients reaching 5-year OS.

Microwave-Mediated Synthesis and Characterization of Ca(OH)2 Nanoparticles Destined for Geraniol Encapsulation

Nanotechnology presents promising opportunities for enhancing pest management strategies, particularly in protecting active ingredients to prolong their shelf life and effectiveness. Among different approaches, the combination of inorganic nanoparticles with active ingredients such as the main constituents of natural essential oils in one nanoarchitecture is challenging. In this study, hydrophobic calcium hydroxide nanoparticles coated with oleylamime [Ca(OH)2@OAm NPs] were synthesized using microwave-assisted synthesis. These primary NPs were physicochemically characterized and subsequently utilized to prepare nanocapsules (NCs) either alone (Ca NCs) and/or in combination with geraniol at different ratios of Ca(OH)2@OAm NPs and geraniol, i.e. 1:1 (CaGer1 NCs), 1:2 (CaGer2 NCs), and 1:3 (CaGer3 NCs), respectively. Among the formulations, the CaGer2 NCs demonstrated higher encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC) of 95% and 20%, correspondingly. They exhibited a hydrodynamic size of 306 nm, a ζ-potential of −35 mV, and a monodisperse distribution. Release kinetics of geraniol from CaGer2 NCs indicated a pH-dependent slow release over 96 h at both 25 °C and 35 °C. In vitro antifungal assay against B. cinerea revealed a concentration-dependent activity, and the EC50 values for Ca(OH)2@OAm NPs, Ca NCs, and CaGer2 NCs were estimated to be 654 µg/mL, 395 µg/mL, and 507 µg/mL, respectively. These results underscore the potential of Ca-based nanoformulations to control plant pathogens, suggesting that while Ca NCs showcase potent antifungal attributes, the different architectures/structures play a critical role in the antifungal effectiveness of the nanoformulations that have to be explored further.

Tumor Markers in Dogs with Mammary Gland Tumors

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine and compare values of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen (CA 15-3) in 50 bitches with mammary tumors and 150 clinically healthy dogs. A modified procedure was used to determine the CEA and CA 15-3 markers with the human kits using the radioimmunoassay method (RIA). Samples collected from extirpated tumors of mammary glands were histologically processed and classified as per WHO guidelines. The mean values of the carcinoembryonic antigen markers ± SD were as follows: control group 0.89 ± 0.79, group with mammary gland tumor 1.53 ± 1.15. The values of cancer antigen markers CA 15-3 ± SD were: 1.52 ± 0.66 and 2.87 ± 1.11, respectively. The statistical significance for the carcinoembryonic antigen marker between groups was P < 0.0001. The cancer antigen CA 15-3 values between groups were also statistically significant with P < 0.0001. The results of the present study show that there are significant differences in both antigens between the control group and groups with mammary gland tumor in dogs.

Net effect of chemical erosion in a tropical basin on carbon cycle: Constraints from elemental and sulfur isotopic composition of the Mahanadi river water

Chemical erosion in river basins influence the climate by both consuming (via silicate erosion and carbon burial) and releasing (via H2SO4-mediated carbonate weathering and organic oxidation) atmospheric CO2. Net erosional effect of a basin on carbon cycle, therefore, requires precise rate assessment of all these pathways; combined data for the four processes for a given basin are sparse. In this contribution, we have quantified these process intensities for a large tropical basin (Mahanadi river) from the eastern part of India using new time-series (weekly) data for dissolved major ions and sulfur isotopes, and compiled data for rhenium concentrations and particulate carbon isotopes for the basin. The discharge-weighted silica concentrations (∼215 μM) of these samples is higher than that reported as global average for rivers (∼145 μM), indicating intense silicate erosion in the basin. The δ34S of the riverine sulfates vary between 8.8 ‰ and 17 ‰, with a discharge-weighted average of 12 ± 4 ‰ (global riverine value ∼4.4 ± 4.5‰). Temporal changes in concentrations for most of the elements (and δ34S) show relatively higher (enriched) values during lean-flow stages. Mass balance calculations involving Ca, Mg and Si values confirm that these seasonal changes are mainly due to increase (by 18 ± 9%) of groundwater supply to the stream during non-monsoon seasons. The silicate-derived cations (Catsilicate) for the Mahanadi show minimal changes during monsoon (36 ± 5%) and non-monsoon (33 ± 8%) seasons. These data correspond to a CO2 consumption rate of 2.4 ± 1.6 tC/km2/yr, which is about two times higher than that reported for global rivers. Comparison of δ34S values of riverine sulfate with its possible sources computes the relative supply of sulfates from atmospheric deposition (38%), gypsum (46%), and sulfides (16% (a lower limit)) to the river. The minimal contribution via sulfide oxidation confirms low CO2 release (0.1 ± 0.1 tC/km2/yr) in this basin through sulfuric-acid mediated carbonate weathering. Average rhenium for this river is 5 ± 3 pmol/kg. The source apportionment using S/Re and Na/Re ratios indicates that 85 ± 10% of the Re is derived through organic oxidation. The rhenium data are used to estimate the CO2 release rate (0.50 ± 0.57 tC/km2/yr) by oxidation of petrogenic carbon, which is higher than the estimated organic burial rate (0.27 ± 0.12) for the basin. The estimated four erosion rates confirm a net negative (∼ − 2.1 ± 1.7 tC/km2/yr) effect of chemical erosion in the Mahanadi basin on the CO2 budget. Low sulfide-oxidation in this supply-limited regime is possibly linked to limited exposure of fresher minerals, whereas high silicate erosion in the basin is consistent with its silicate-dominated lithology and tropical climate.

Role of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer


 
 
 
 Correspondence
 Dr Manju Pandey , Gynecology Oncology Unit, Dept. of Surgical Oncology, BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur, Nepal. Email: drmanju921@gmail.com
 
 
 
 
 
 Introduction: Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy diagnosed at late stage in most of the cases. Management includes primary debulking surgery with a target of no gross residual disease or ≤ 1cm residual disease followed by paclitaxel and carboplatin-based chemotherapy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy of at least 3 cycles followed by interval debulking surgery is an alternative option in selected cases of advanced disease. Material and Method: A prospective study was carried out at B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan from the period 1st November 2022 to 31st August 2023 (10 months). Patients diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer based on clinical and CECT findings and confirmed with cytology or FNAC or biopsy undergoing Interval Debulking Surgery after 3 cycles of NACT (paclitaxel and carboplatin) were included. The role of NACT in terms of response according to RECIST criteria, regression of CA125 value, rate of complete or optimal cytoreduction, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Results: A total of 40 cases fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Most patients 14(35%) were between 51-60 years with a mean age of 51.45 ± 11.46 SD years. Abdominal pain and/or distension were the most common presenting symptoms. The majority 32 (84.2%) of cases were given NACT based on CT scan findings of advanced disease. Confirmation of malignancy was done by positive USG-guided FNAC from ovarian mass in most cases 23 (57.5%), followed by positive ascitic fluid cytology in 8 (20%) patients. The median CA125 value before and after NACT were 844 U/ml and 27.89 U/ml respectively. After NACT, CA125 was normalized in 24 (60%) patients. Most patients 30 (75%) had complete cytoreduction during IDS; while 7 (17.5%) patients had optimal cytoreduction, and 3 (7.5%) had suboptimal cytoreduction. The median duration of surgery was 147.5 minutes, and the median blood loss was 287.5 ml. The postoperative period was uneventful in most cases. Conclusions: NACT followed by interval debulking surgery is an effective alternative in selected cases of advanced ovarian cancer as the complete and optimal cytoreduction rate is higher with fewer postoperative complications.

Eisenia fetida'nın İstiridye Mantarı Atığı ve Demlenmiş Çay Atığı ile beslenmesinin vermikomposttaki gelişimi ve bazı besin maddeleri üzerine etkilerinin belirlenmesi

Recycling of domestic wastes into products with economic value can provide great benefits to environmental protection and sustainable environmental management. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of feeding Eisenia fetida with oyster mushroom waste and brewed tea waste on the growth it and some nutrients in fertilizer. For this ppurpose, three different growing media including Oyster mushroom waste (100%) (T1), Oyster mushroom waste (50%) + 50% brewed tea waste (50%) (T2), Oyster mushroom waste (25%) + (75%) (T3) brewed tea waste were used in the experiments. The research was carried out in plastic containers with a width of 40 cm x 40 cm length x 20 cm in accordance with the randomized plot design in three repetitions. The changes of some nutrients in solid and liquid vermicompost obtained from different quality nutrient media were made by Anova and Variance analysis and multiple comparisons between the nutrient media were made by Duncan test. As a result of the study, the number of worms in all growing media decreased over time. The highest reduction was 31.10% in oyster mushroom media (25%) + brewed tea waste (75%) in the nutrient medium. As a result of the study, the highest Ca, Na, K, Mg values were found in untreated Oyster mushroom (control) waste, while the highest Fe value was found in solid vermicompost obtained from oyster mushrooms (100%) in T1. The highest Zn value was obtained from solid vermicompost obtained from the mixture of OM (50%) + BTW (50%) in treatment T2. The highest Cu and Mn values were found in the solid vermicompost obtained from the OM (25%) +BTW (75%) mixture in T3, and the changes were statistically significant. The highest Ca, Mg, Na, Cu, Zn, and K values in vermiwash obtained from different nutrient media were found in liquid vermicompost produced from OM (100%) (T4). The highest Mn values were found in T5, while the highest Fe was found in T6. It was determined that the changes in Ca, Zn, Mn and Mg values in liquid vermicompost obtained from different media were statistically significant (P

Abstract 19006: Human Epididymis Protein 4 and Carcinoembryonic Antigen-125: Promising Blood Biomarkers to Identify Diffuse Myocardial Fibrosis in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis

Introduction: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) T1 mapping, extracellular volume (ECV) and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) demonstrate strong agreement with endomyocardial biopsy in evaluating myocardial fibrosis. Human epididymis protein 4(HE4) has been shown as a blood biomarker to identify fibrosis, but the relationship with other blood biomarkers is not well established yet. Hypothesis: determine the correlation between different blood biomarkers and myocardial fibrosis by CMR in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation(TAVI). Methods: Forty-three patients were included. The cohort was divided into two groups based on the threshold values of HE4(128.5 pmol/l) and/or CA-125 (19.5 U/ml), before TAVI. Native T1 mapping and ECV were measured at 1280 ms and 26%, respectively, corresponding to the median of the population studied. LGE was qualitatively measured. Results: Patients with higher HE4 plasma levels (> 128.25 pmol/l) and/or CA-125 (>19.5 U/ml) prior to TAVI had more comorbidities and had higher median native T1 mapping values, 1278 ms (1239.25-1280.25) vs 1352 ms (1303.50 -1376.00), p < 0.001, and LGE positive, 10 (55.6%) vs 10 (90.9%); p= 0.046, respectively. HE4 (r=0.34, p=0.03) and CA-125 (r=0.371, p=0.034) correlated with prolonged T1 mapping. No significant correlation was found with other biomarkers: troponin T (r = 0.14, p = 0.41), Nt-proBNP (r=0.28, p=0.089), IL-6 (r=0.189, p= 0.250), procalcitonin, (r =0.132, p =0.420). The addition of elevated plasma levels of HE4 and CA-125, provided significant C-statistics for myocardial fibrosis, AUC [95%CI]: 0.74 [0.58- 0.89], p= 0.008, regarding HE4 AUC [95%CI]: 0.69 [0.52- 0.85], p=0.039, and CA-125 AUC [95%CI]: 0.72 [0.57- 0.88], p= 0.014. On univariable analysis, high plasma levels of HE4 and/or Ca-125 were independently associated with diffuse fibrosis by native T1 mapping OR:9.37, [95% CI: 2.07 - 42.33], p = 0.004 and there was a trend toward focal fibrosis by LGE + OR: 8.00, [95% CI: 0.83 - 76.36], p = 0.071. Conclusion: Elevated HE4 and/or Ca-125 plasma levels correlated with prolonged native T1 mapping. The combination of HE4 values ≥ 128 pmol/l and CA-125 ≥ 19.5 U/ml may provide a useful screening biomarker to identify diffuse myocardial fibrosis in AS.

Photo-induced synthesis of star poly(DL-Lactide)-templated Au and Ag nanoparticles and evaluation of their catalytic performance

In this report, photochemical synthesis of monodispersed gold (Au) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) was reported using cholic acid functionalized star poly(DL-lactide) (CA-(PDLLA)) as a capping and reducing agent. CA-(PDLLA) was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of DL-lactide with a feed ratio of 1:120 (cholic acid: DL-lactide). The molecular weight of CA-(PDLLA) was measured by using the gel permeation chromatography (GPC) technique. The thermal properties of the polymer and its nanocomposite materials were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The optical properties of Ag and Au NPs were studied by UV–visible absorption spectroscopy. Morphological studies and size of the polymer-nanocomposites were assessed by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) techniques. The percentage composition of Au and Ag present in the polymer-nanocomposites was calculated using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic (EDX) analysis. Finally, the synthesized polymer-metal nanocomposites were used as heterogeneous catalysts for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) as a model reaction and the apparent rate constant (kapp) values of CA-(PDLLA)-AuNPs and CA-(PDLLA)-AgNPs were found to be 5.76 × 10−4 s−1 and 19.7 × 10−4 s−1, respectively.

Comparison of the clinical characteristics and prognosis between clear cell carcinomas and high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas.

To compare the clinical characteristics and prognosis of women with clear cell versus high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. Retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 50 cases patients with ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) and 103 cases with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC), who were initially treated and completed standardized therapy in Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2013 to December 2017. There were significant differences in age, gravidity (G > 1), chief complaint, with ovarian endometriosis, tumor diameter, unilateral or bilateral, cystic and solid tumor, CA125, HE4, CA199, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and FIGO stage between the two groups. The differences in the prognosis between OCCC patients and HGSOC patients with early stage (FIGO I-II) were not statistically significant. The 5-year overall survival and progression-free survival of OCCC patients were significantly worse than those of HGSOC patients with advanced stage (FIGO III-IV) (p < 0.05). FIGO stage and non-R0 resection were independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with ovarian clear cell carcinoma, screening by Cox regression analysis. FIGO stage, the lowest value of CA125, and non-R0 resection were independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer. The clinical characteristics and prognosis of OCCC are different from those of HGSOC. Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) patients have a significantly worse prognosis than those with HGSOC in the advanced stage (FIGO Ⅲ-Ⅳ). Satisfactory tumor resection is an essential factor related to the prognosis of patients with OCCC and HGSOC.

PSIV-13 Evaluation of Floor Space Restriction and Hyper-Dosing of Phytase on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Serum Chemistry of Late Finishing Pigs

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of strategically applied hyper-dosing of phytase on growth performance, carcass characteristics and serum chemistry profile of late finishing pigs housed under space-restricted conditions. A total of 375 finishing pigs (94.63 ± 0.61 kg) were randomly assigned to 48 pens, with 7 to 8 pigs per pen equally balanced for gilts and barrows. Two phytase supplementation doses (control of 2,500 FTU/kg or hyper-dose of 5,000 FTU/kg) and two space allocation dimensions (adequate with 0.85 m2/pig or restricted with 0.66 m2/pig) were combined to create 4 treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Pigs were fed a finishing diet formulated to contain 0.68% standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine, 0.55% Ca, and 0.24% available P and phytase was given equal matrix values for Ca, P, SID amino acids, and net energy for both supplementation levels. Analyzed dietary phytase concentrations were 2,970 and 6,560 FTU/kg for the 2,500 and 5,000 FTU/kg treatments, respectively. The 3 heaviest pigs per pen (2 barrows and 1 gilt) were marketed on d 28 and the remaining pigs were marketed on d 42. No interactions; P &amp;gt; 0.10) were observed between floor space allowance and phytase supplementation. Pig body weight was determined weekly and was reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.008) by restriction of space on week 3 (116.7 vs. 118.4 kg), and 4 (time of first marketing; 123.6 vs. 125.4 kg) and tended to be reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.08) on week 5 (125.5 vs. 127.8 kg), and 6 (second marketing; 133.0 vs. 135.3 kg). Body weight considering all pigs marketed (d 28 and d 42) was reduced (P = 0.009; 133.9 vs. 135.4) by space restriction. Space restriction reduced ADG during week 1, 3, the first marketing period, and for all pigs marketed (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Similarly, ADFI was reduced in space restricted pigs for all periods (P ≤ 0.001), but gain:feed was not impacted (P &amp;gt; 0.08). Back fat depth and loin eye area measured using ultrasound was not impacted by space restriction. Hyper-dosing with phytase did not impact (P &amp;gt; 0.06) growth performance or carcass characteristics, regardless of space allowance. Space restriction and phytase supplementation did not impact serum chemistry except for increased serum total protein and decreased urea N (P &amp;lt; 0.05) due to space restriction and decreased aspartate transaminase with hyper-dosing phytase. Results indicate that restricted floor space allowance reduced growth rate, feed intake and body weight of late finishing pigs and that hyper-dosing phytase was not an effective strategy in improving growth performance regardless of space allowance.

Development of correlation model for cavitating spray using Eulerian simulations

Modern high-pressure injection systems for heavy-duty applications are prone to cavitation, which may have a detrimental effect on the system integrity. The present study aims to develop reliable correlations for Lagrangian engineering simulations to predict the onset of cavitation. Using the extensive data generated from the high-fidelity Eulerian volume-of-fluid (VOF) simulations of a single-hole injector for a wide range of operating conditions, a proper set of discharge ( Cd) and contraction ( Ca) coefficients are determined. In particular, four significant factors characterizing nozzle geometry are considered: the K factor, inlet curvature radius, nozzle exit radius, and channel length, as well as ambient and injection pressures. The results showed that a larger K factor and inlet curvature radius yielded higher Cd and Ca values, while the exit radius and channel length had a less significant impact on the cavitation dynamics. The smaller pressure difference between the nozzle inlet and exit mitigated the cavitation formation. These trends were well described using the mathematical regression model. Furthermore, two other correlation models based on the regression learner and artificial neural network methods were also developed. Of these three models, the mathematical regression model yielded the best agreement with an external validation dataset.

Application of the Aliivibrio fischeri bacterium bioassay for assessing single and mixture effects of antibiotics and copper.

The Aliivibrio fischeri bioassay was successfully applied in order to evaluate the acute effect of sulfamethoxazole (SMX), ciprofloxacin (CIP), chlortetracycline (CTC) and copper (Cu), alone or in binary, ternary, and overall mixture. The toxicity results are reported in terms of both effective concentrations, which inhibited 50% of the bacterium bioluminescence (EC50%), and in Toxic Units (TUs). The TUs were compared with predicted values obtained using the Concentration Addition model (CA). Finally, the toxicity of water extracts from a soil contaminated by the three antibiotics (7mg Kg-1 each) in the presence/absence of copper (30mg Kg-1) was also evaluated. Copper was the most toxic chemical (EC50: 0.78mg L-1), followed by CTC (EC50: 3.64mg L-1), CIP (96mg L-1) and SMX (196mg L-1). Comparing the TU and CA values of the mixtures, additive effects were generally found. However, a synergic action was recorded in the case of the CIP+Cu co-presence and antagonistic effects in the case of CTC+Cu and the ternary mixture (containing each antibiotic at 0.7mg L-1), were identified. Soil water extracts did not show any toxicity, demonstrating the buffering ability of the soil to immobilize these chemicals.

The Role of Interleukin 6 (IL6), Cancer Antigen-125 (CA-125), and Human Epididymis Protein 4 (HE4) to predict tumor resectability in the advanced epithelial ovarian cancer patients.

A study of tumor resectability in pre-operative patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer is required to predict primary surgical benefits accurately. This study aims to investigate IL6, CA-125 and HE4 to predict tumor resectability in the pre-operative patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the polyclinic, oncology and gynecology inpatient room of Dr. M. Jamil Padang Hospital from June until December 2022. Advanced epithelial ovarian cancer stage based on histology result from FIGO stages IIIB-IVA. IL6, CA-125, and HE4 were measured using ECLIA (electrochemiluminescence immunoassay). Categorical data were assessed using Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. Numerical variable correlations were analyzed using Pearson Correlation tests. While the correlation between numerical and nominal variables was analyzed using the Eta correlation test. A p-value of <0,05 was considered a significant correlation. The cut-off value of serum IL6, CA-125, and HE4 was determined with a ROC curve. The sensitivity and specificity of each clinical parameter were calculated. There was a significant difference in IL-6 (1328 vs 752 pg/ml; p<0,001), CA-125 (1260,5 vs 819,5 U/ml; p<0,001), and HE4 levels (1320 vs 760 pmol/L; p<0,001) between patients with tumor resectability of > 1 cm (suboptimal) vs < 1 cm (optimal). There was a correlation between IL6 (r = 0,832), CA-125 (r = 0,716), and HE4 (r = 0,716) with tumor resectability. Measuring IL6, CA-125, and HE4 levels is useful for clinicians to predict tumor resectability in pre-operative patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.

Impact of Automobile Workshop Activities on Groundwater in Aule, Ondo State, Nigeria

In many parts of Nigeria, groundwater is one of the most essential sources of water. Pollution brought on by petroleum products (a complete mixture of hydrocarbons) has been acknowledged as a severe environmental issue. This research is aimed at examining the impact of automobile repair activities on well water quality in Aule, Ondo state, Nigeria. Physio-chemical parameters such as temperature, turbidity, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, acidity, total hardness, chloride, nitrate, sulphate, phosphate, total suspended solids, magnesium, calcium and bacteriological parameters from 5 wells in different automobile workshops and a control well in Aule were analyzed in this research. The results were compared with the WHO standards. The analysis revealed that the mean values of NO3, SO4, Mg, Ca, and pH were within the WHO permissible limit, while the mean value of the other water parameters exceeded the WHO permissible limit. Also, NO3 negatively correlated pH, and positively with Ca (r=0.873, p&lt;0.05). PO4 correlated positively with Ca (r=0.903, p&lt;0.05). TDS correlated negatively with Temp, and pH and positively with TSS (r=0.879, p&lt;0.05). pH correlated negatively with EC, pH, and TVBC. This study also revealed that poor waste disposal practices by automobile repairers, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and a lack of awareness among community members on the dangers of groundwater pollution are contributing factors to the problem.

Assessment of the PARP inhibitor talazoparib photosafety profile

Talazoparib (TLZ) is a poly(adenosine diphosphate [ADP]-ribose) polymerase inhibitor employed for the treatment of breast cancer. This drug displays an absorption band in the UVA region, and therefore investigation of the possible phototoxic side-effects associated to its administration results of enormous relevance. In this context, we describe here a photochemical and photobiological study to ascertain the photosafety profile of TLZ. Concerning transient species, the singlet and triplet excited states of TLZ were detected by fluorescence (λmax em = 440 nm) and laser flash photolysis experiments (λmax abs = 400 nm), respectively. Remarkably, TLZ irradiation with UVA light in aqueous solution resulted in formation of a stable photooxidated product, TLZ-P, whose absorption band is extended until the visible region. From in vitro experiments, phototoxicity was revealed for the parent drug by neutral red uptake (NRU) assays, with a PIF value of ca 7; besides, TLZ induced formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and produced significant damage to both proteins and DNA. By contrast, the singlet and triplet excited states of TLZ-P were not detected, and no photodamage was observed in the NRU experiments. Overall, the results indicate that TLZ induces phototoxicity, whereas its photoproduct exhibits photosafety.

Valuation of theoretical and experimental thresholds fluences of pure metals using laser induced plasma spectroscopy (LIPS)

The present studies demonstrate the valuation of threshold fluence of pure metals using the laser-induced plasma spectroscopy technique. The optical emission spectra of the s, p, and d-block elements including Li, Mg, Sr, Ba, Al, Sn, Pb, Cu, Zn, Au, Cd, and Ag were recorded using a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser operating at 532 nm and an Echelle spectrograph (Andor Mechelle M500) equipped with a gated ICCD system. The laser fluence was varied from 0.5 to 15 J cm−2 using a fixed spot size of approximately 1.0 ± 0.1 mm. The threshold fluence was measured using the isolated and well-separated emission lines of all the elements. The experimental threshold fluence values for Li, Ca, Mg, Sr, Ba, Al, Sn, Pb, Cu, Zn, Au, Cd, and Ag were determined as 0.8 J cm−2, 1.4 J cm−2, 1.18 J cm−2, 0.7 J cm−2, 0.4 J cm−2, 2.5 J cm−2, 1.0 J cm−2, 0.7 J cm−2, 3.15 J cm−2, 3.9 J cm−2, 0.8 J cm−2, 3.4 J cm−2, and 0.8 J cm−2 respectively. Theoretical values of the threshold fluences were also determined, showing good agreement with the experimentally measured values.

Diagnostic value of CA125, HE4, and systemic immune-inflammation index in the preoperative investigation of ovarian masses.

This study aimed to ascertain the diagnostic accuracy of CA125, HE4, systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and their combination for ovarian cancer (OC) to discover an optimal combined diagnostic index for early diagnosis of OC. A thorough investigation was conducted to ascertain the correlation between these markers and the pathological characteristics of OC, thereby providing a foundation for early identification and treatment of this disorder. One hundred seventy patients with documented OC and benign ovarian tumors (BOTs) treated at Hebei General Hospital between January 2019 and December 2022 were included in this retrospective study. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics version V26.0, MedCalc Statistical Software version 19.4.0, and the R Environment for Statistical Computing software (R Foundation for Statistical Computing). Isolated CA125 showed the best application value for differentiating benign ovarian tumors from OC when the defined variables were compared separately. The combination of CA125, HE4, FAR, SII, and PNI displayed a greater area under the operating characteristic curve curve than any one of them or other combinations of the 5 variables. Compared to CA125 alone, the combination of CA125, HE4, FAR, SII, and PNI showed a slight gain in sensitivity (83.91%), negative predictive value (83.91%), accuracy (85.88%), and a decrease in negative likelihood ratio (0.180%). Higher preoperative CA125, HE4, SII, and FAR levels, and lower PNI levels predicted a higher probability of advanced OC progression and lymph node metastasis. FAR has better application value than other inflammation-related markers (PNI and SII). This study suggests that preoperative serum SII, PNI, and FAR may be clinically valuable markers in patients with OC. FAR has better application value than other inflammation-related markers (PNI and SII). As we delve deeper into the inflammatory mechanisms associated with tumors, we may discover more effective combinations of tumor and inflammatory biomarkers.

Estrogen/Progesterone Receptor Expression and Cancer Antigen 125 Level as Preoperative Predictors to Estimate Lymph Node Metastasis in Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer.

Loss of estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor (ER/PR) in endometrial cancer (EC) is associated with tumor progression and poor outcomes. Elevated pretreatment cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) level is a risk factor for lymph node metastasis (LNM). We evaluated whether the combination of ER/PR expression and CA 125 level could be used as a biomarker to predict LNM. We retrospectively investigated patients with endometrioid EC who underwent complete staging surgery during January 2015 to December 2020. We analyzed ER/PR status using immunohistochemical staining, and quantified its expression using the sum of both ER/PR H -scores. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to identify optimal cutoff values of H -score and CA 125 levels for predicting LNM. A nomogram for predicting LNM was constructed and validated by bootstrap resampling. In 396 patients, the optimal cutoff values of the ER/PR H -score and CA 125 were 407 (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.645, P =0.001) and 40U/mL (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.762, P <0.001), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that CA 125 ≥40UmL (odds ratio: 10.02; 95% CI: 4.74-21.18) and ER/PR H -score <407 (odds ratio: 4.20; 95% CI: 1.55-11.32) were independent predictors. An LNM predictive nomogram was constructed using these 2 variables and our model yielded a negative predictive value and negative likelihood ratio of 98.3% and 0.14, respectively. ER/PR expression with pretreatment CA 125 levels can help estimate LNM risk and aid in decision-making regarding the need for lymphadenectomy in patients with endometrioid EC.