Effect of karwanda (Carissa congesta Wight) and sugar addition on physicochemical characteristics of ash gourd (Benincasa hispida) and bottle gourd (Langenaria siceraria) based beverages.

There is a clear trend towards increasing consumption of juices as they can reduce imbalance of redox potential and provide necessary health benefits to consumers. Levels of karwanda (Carissa congesta Wight) and vegetable juices were varied to prepare nine different formulations of ash gourd-karwanda (AgK) and bottle gourd-karwanda blends (BgK) of higher nutritive, sensory qualities and storability. Total polyphenols (TP), antioxidant activity (AOA), total soluble solids and acidity were increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with addition of karwanda. AgK blend (35:35) and BgK blend (35:30) were selected based on their higher overall acceptability, TP and AOA. AgK blends had higher α-amylase (31%) while BgK blends had higher α-glucosidase (43%) inhibitory activities. Concentration of TP and anthocyanins decreased significantly (p < 0.05), AOA remained unchanged and anti-inflammatory activities decreased (33-38%) in AgK and BgK blends during accelerated storage at 50 °C for 12 days. Addition of sugar in BgK blend decreased stability of TP (11%), flavonoids (31%) and anthocyanins (8%). During in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, TP, flavonoids and anthocyanins reduction rate was significantly higher for BgK blend with sugar.

Physicochemical and functional properties of ash gourd/bottle gourd beverages blended with jamun.

This paper reports the formulation and storage stability of Ash gourd (Benincasa hispida) and Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) juice blended with the Jamun (Syzygium cumini). Both the beverages found to be rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. The Ash gourd-Jamun (AGJ) and Bottle gourd-Jamun (BGJ) beverages showed significant bio-accessibility of polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Moreover, the addition of sugar was found to enhance the bioaccessibility of these fractions in both the beverages. Further, the biochemical attributes such as physiochemical and functional properties of Ash gourd-Jamun and Bottle gourd-Jamun blended juice were evaluated during the accelerated storage. The total soluble solids and acidity and the sensory score did not change significantly during the storage period. The AGJ exhibited a 35%, 73%, 34% and 35%, whereas BGJ shows 32%, 65%, 35% and 20% decrease in total polyphenol, anthocyanin, DPPH and inflammatory activity during the 2 months of storage period respectively. However, the reduction was less in Bottle gourd-Jamun beverage. Results of the study are promising and add to the necessity and potential of gourd family based functional food development.

Endometrial carcinoma recurrence according to race and ethnicity: An NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group 210 Study.

Non-Hispanic black (NHB) women are more likely to experience an endometrial carcinoma (EC) recurrence compared to non-Hispanic white (NHW) women. The extent to which tumor characteristics, socioeconomic status (SES) and treatment contribute to this observation is not well defined. In the NRG Oncology/Gynecology Oncology Group (GOG) 210 Study we evaluated associations between race/ethnicity and EC recurrence according to tumor characteristics with adjustment for potential confounders. Our analysis included 3,199 NHW, 532 NHB and 232 Hispanic women with EC. Recurrence was documented during follow-up. We used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between race/ethnicity and EC recurrence in models stratified by histologic subtype (low-grade endometrioid, high-grade endometrioid, serous, mixed cell, carcinosarcoma, clear cell) or stage (I, II, III) and adjusted for age, SES, body mass index, smoking status and treatment. In histologic subtype-stratified models, higher EC recurrence was noted in NHB women with low-grade endometrioid (HR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.21-3.10) or carcinosarcomas (HR = 1.66, 95% CI = 0.99-2.79) compared to NHWs. In stage-stratified models, higher EC recurrence was noted among NHB women with stage I (HR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.06-2.05) and Hispanic women with stage III disease (HR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.11-2.95). Our observations of higher EC recurrence risk among NHB and Hispanic women, as compared to NHW women, were not explained by tumor characteristics, SES, treatment or other confounders. Other factors, such as racial differences in tumor biology or other patient factors, should be explored as contributors to racial disparities in EC recurrence.

LC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS profiling and antioxidant activity of phenolics from L. Sativum seedcake.

Lepidium sativum is widely used as a culinary and medicinal herb and is claimed to cure many diseases. In this study, an attempt was made to investigate the biochemical composition and functional properties of L. sativum ethanolic extract. The extract contained a total phenolic content of 11.03 ± 0.75 (mg GAE/g dw plant material) and a flavonoid content of 4.79 ± 0.24 (mg QE/100 g dw plant material). Further, the extract was characterized by LC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS profiling and the results showed that the ethanolic fraction contains many important phenolics such as Kaempferol, Coumaroylquinic acid, p-Coumaroyl glycolic acid, Caffeic acid. The identified compounds are known for their biological properties and therefore, the functional properties of the extract as a whole were also studied. The extract showed significant antioxidant activity (IC50 values) 162.4 ± 2.3, 35.29 ± 1.02, 187.12 ± 3.4 and 119.32 ± 1.5 µg/ml in terms of DPPH, ABTS, Superoxide scavenging activity and metal chelating property respectively. Further, the extract showed IC50 values, 73.72 ± 1.23 and 121.78 ± 1.03 µg/ml in HRBC membrane stabilization ability and protein denaturation inhibition capacity respectively, which in turn is a measure of its anti-inflammatory activity. The results of the study are promising and serve basis for further investigation into the plant and possible consideration for use in nutraceuticals and functional foods.

Use of hematologic biomarkers during chemotherapy predicts survival in ovarian cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal strategy for combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy in ovarian cancer patients is currently under investigation. Increasing evidence indicates that the lymphopenia induced by chemotherapy may promote homeostatic proliferation and thereby enhance antitumor immunity. Furthermore, there has been much discussion and even discord over the effects of anemia and blood transfusion in the perichemnotherapy period. The goals of this retrospective study were to determine the timing of chemotherapy induced lymphopenia and to observe perichemnotherapy hemoglobin levels, and the impact of the timing and depth of lymphopenia and anemia on clinical outcomes of ovarian cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A chart review was performed on 115 patients identified in the electronic medical record from May 2005 until May 2011. Identified patients were only those who received at least six cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel under the present authors' care for primary peritoneal, ovarian, or fallopian tube carcinoma. Specifically, the authors focused on lymphocyte and hemoglobin nadir and the reconstitution kinetics for this population. For each patient's lymphocyte count, nadir values were abstracted from weekly complete blood counts. They then split the population into two groups based on whether the nadir occurred at or after the nine-week mark (third cycle) for the lymphopenia data; this point was chosen because it was good for prognosis and it corresponds to patients whose trajectories bottom out. The intrachernotherapy hemoglobin levels were observed and an exploratory analysis was performed to attempt to identify a range that significantly effected patient outcomes. RESULTS: Lymiphocytes: The nadir of absolute lymphocyte concentrations is associated with platinum status and clinical response (Figure 1A). 94/115 patients had a lymphocyte count nadir after the third cycle of chemotherapy. 71/94 (75.5%) were platinum sensitive, 21/94 (22.3%) were resistant, and 2/94 (2.1%) were refractory. Of those that experienced a nadir before three cycles, ten (47.6%) were sensitive, ten (47.6%) were resistant, and one (4.7%) was refractory (p = 0.04). Considering nadir values continuously, both overall survival (OS,p = 0:0068) and progression free survival (PFS,p = 0:0321) were strongly associated with late nadir points. Twenty-one of the 115 patients had a nadir value earlier than the third draw and this was associated with progressive disease, platinum resistance, poor over- all survival, and poor progression free survival. The effect sizes were great [median 0S533 vs. 66 months median PFS, 14 vs. 38 months, early vs. late nadir respectively (Figure 11B)]. Hemzoglobin: A mean Hb less than 12.5 is associated with both overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.03-4.33; p= 0:042) and progression free survival (PFS) (HR = 1.91, 95% CI: l.02-3.56; p= 0:041), as were low Hb level at outset of chemotherapy and a decreasing Hb trend over the course of treatment. Furthermore, for each cycle of chemotherapy in which the hemoglobin was recorded at avalue less than 11, hazard increased, with OS (HR = 3.51, 95% CI: 1.63-7.54, p = 0:0Ol3), and PFS (HR = 2.20, 95% CI:1.12-4.33; p = 0:0223). Deeper analysis revealed that outcomes were significantly affected when a pa- tient had three or more cycles with Hb less than 11 with both 05 (HR = 2.34, 95% Cl: 1.37-4.01; Wald-Test p = 0:0020, Log Rank p = 0.00145) and PFS (HR =1.88, 95% CI: 1. 17-3.02; Wald-Test p = 0:009, Log Rank p = 0.00743). CONCLUSION: The nadir of absolute lymphocyte concentrations is an independent predictor of overall survival and progression free survival. This is an easily measurable biomarker which can be utilized for identifying patients that will be likely to respond to immunomodulation. Furthermore, this evidence showing significant improvement in OS and PFS with two or less cycles with hemoglobin < 11 sheds new light on the need for further studies on growth stimulating factors and blood transfusion during this treatment period.

Extraction, characterization and bioactive properties of Nigella sativa seedcake.

The extraction of phenolic compounds from Nigella sativa seed cake was optimized in terms of % of EtOH, extraction time, extraction temperature and solid to solvent ratio to maximize the phenolic content yield. The optimized conditions were 40% ethanol for 60 min, at 40 °C, 1/14 solid to sample ratio. The LC-MS profiling of the extract was found to contain many important phenolics such as Kaempferol, p-coumaroyl acid derivative, Thymol-O-sophoroside etc. The extract showed significant antioxidant activity with IC50 values 548.5 ± 9.4, 64.3 ± 2.7 µg/ml and 1.85 ± 0.2 mM TE/g in terms of DPPH scavenging activity, TEAC, and FRAP assay respectively. The results also indicated that the extract has a significant anti-inflammatory potential. This was evaluated as a measure of the membrane stabilization ability and protein denaturation inhibition capacity (IC50 values) and the activities were found to be 318.73 ± 6.98 and 150.39 ± 2.61 µg/ml respectively. Moreover, results of the study are promising and invite to further investigate the above activities in order to confirm them in different experimental situations and to consider for possible use in a nutraceutical approach.

The CD47 "don't eat me signal" is highly expressed in human ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The CD47 "don't eat me" signal allows tumor immune evasion. We tested the association of CD47 expression with outcomes in EOC. METHODS: CD47 expression was examined within the TCGA database for ovarian carcinoma. For validation, IHC was performed on a TMA consisting of specimens from 265 patients with EOC. The medical records of the patients were also retrospectively reviewed to correlate demographic and survival data. RESULTS: CD47 was amplified in 15/316 (5%) ovarian serous cancers in TCGA. In the validation cohort, the majority of patients had stage III/IV disease (208/265, 78.4%). CD47 expression was seen in 210/265 (79.2%). Patients were categorized into CD47hi (129/265; 48.7%) versus CD47lo (136/265; 51.3%). Patients with CD47lo tumors were more likely to have a complete response to adjuvant therapy than CD47hi (65% vs 50%, p=0.026). Although there was a trend towards an increase in median OS (37.64 vs 45.26months, p=0.92) in the CD47lo group compared with CD47hi, the difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: CD47 is expressed at high frequency in EOC. Patients with CD47lo EOC had a better treatment response to standard therapy, and trended towards improved OS. This demonstrates that while CD47 may be an immunologic shield that may be considered for targeted therapies, it is likely that it operates in concert with other mechanisms of immune evasion. Future studies to evaluate CD47 expression with other known mechanisms of immune escape in the tumor microenvironment may help further define its role.

Docetaxel and nab-paclitaxel are safe alternative options for patients with gynecologic malignancies following hypersensitivity reaction to paclitaxel.

Docetaxel and nab-paclitaxel are safe alternatives to paclitaxel after hypersensitivity reaction occurs. There was no significant difference in overall survival between those that had paclitaxel, docetaxel, and nab-paclitaxel.

Evidence for a time-dependent association between FOLR1 expression and survival from ovarian carcinoma: implications for clinical testing. An Ovarian Tumour Tissue Analysis consortium study.

BACKGROUND: Folate receptor 1 (FOLR1) is expressed in the majority of ovarian carcinomas (OvCa), making it an attractive target for therapy. However, clinical trials testing anti-FOLR1 therapies in OvCa show mixed results and require better understanding of the prognostic relevance of FOLR1 expression. We conducted a large study evaluating FOLR1 expression with survival in different histological types of OvCa. METHODS: Tissue microarrays composed of tumour samples from 2801 patients in the Ovarian Tumour Tissue Analysis (OTTA) consortium were assessed for FOLR1 expression by centralised immunohistochemistry. We estimated associations for overall (OS) and progression-free (PFS) survival using adjusted Cox regression models. High-grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSC) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were evaluated independently for association between FOLR1 mRNA upregulation and survival. RESULTS: FOLR1 expression ranged from 76% in HGSC to 11% in mucinous carcinomas in OTTA. For HGSC, the association between FOLR1 expression and OS changed significantly during the years following diagnosis in OTTA (Pinteraction=0.01, N=1422) and TCGA (Pinteraction=0.01, N=485). In OTTA, particularly for FIGO stage I/II tumours, patients with FOLR1-positive HGSC showed increased OS during the first 2 years only (hazard ratio=0.44, 95% confidence interval=0.20-0.96) and patients with FOLR1-positive clear cell carcinomas (CCC) showed decreased PFS independent of follow-up time (HR=1.89, 95% CI=1.10-3.25, N=259). In TCGA, FOLR1 mRNA upregulation in HGSC was also associated with increased OS during the first 2 years following diagnosis irrespective of tumour stage (HR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.25-0.94). CONCLUSIONS: FOLR1-positive HGSC tumours were associated with an increased OS in the first 2 years following diagnosis. Patients with FOLR1-negative, poor prognosis HGSC would be unlikely to benefit from anti-FOLR1 therapies. In contrast, a decreased PFS interval was observed for FOLR1-positive CCC. The clinical efficacy of FOLR1-targeted interventions should therefore be evaluated according to histology, stage and time following diagnosis.

Biocalcification using B. pasteurii for strengthening brick masonry civil engineering structures.

Microbiologically induced calcite precipitation in bricks by bacterium Bacillus pasteurii (NCIM 2477) using a media especially optimized for urease production (OptU) was demonstrated in this study. Effect of biocalcification activity on compressive strength and water absorption capacity of bricks was investigated. Various other parameters such as pH, growth profile, urease activity, urea breakdown and calcite precipitated were monitored during the 28 days curing period. Efficiency of B. pasteurii to form microbial aided calcite precipitate in OptU media resulted into 83.9% increase in strength of the bricks as compared to only 24.9% with standard media, nutrient broth (NB). In addition to significant increase in the compressive strength, bricks treated with B. pasteurii grown in OptU media resulted in 48.9 % reduction in water absorption capacity as compared to control bricks immersed in tap water. Thus it was successfully demonstrated that microbial calcification in optimized media by Bacillus pasteurii has good potential for commercial application to improve the life span of structures constructed with bricks, particularly structures of heritage importance.

Retort process modelling for Indian traditional foods.

Indian traditional staple and snack food is typically a heterogeneous recipe that incorporates varieties of vegetables, lentils and other ingredients. Modelling the retorting process of multilayer pouch packed Indian food was achieved using lumped-parameter approach. A unified model is proposed to estimate cold point temperature. Initial process conditions, retort temperature and % solid content were the significantly affecting independent variables. A model was developed using combination of vegetable solids and water, which was then validated using four traditional Indian vegetarian products: Pulav (steamed rice with vegetables), Sambar (south Indian style curry containing mixed vegetables and lentils), Gajar Halawa (carrot based sweet product) and Upama (wheat based snack product). The predicted and experimental values of temperature profile matched with ±10 % error which is a good match considering the food was a multi component system. Thus the model will be useful as a tool to reduce number of trials required to optimize retorting of various Indian traditional vegetarian foods.

Adjuvant treatment for uterine leiomyosarcoma.

The aims of this study were to evaluate outcomes in women diagnosed with uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS). A retrospective chart review was conducted. Fifty-eight women with LMS were identified. Of the evaluable 52 patients (six patients were excluded), 73% had Stage I/II disease, and 27% had Stage III/IV disease. Sixty-three percent of patients received chemotherapy (97% doxorubicin-based therapy), eight percent received radiation alone, and 29% received no therapy. For patients with Stage I/II disease, no improvement in OS was demonstrated when adjuvant therapy was administered. There was a significant difference in OS (p = 0.0005) for patients with advanced Stage (III/IV) disease that received adjuvant chemotherapy. OS of the entire group, when adjusted for stage, failed to reveal a significant survival advantage for those receiving chemotherapy-based (p = 0.22). The present findings suggest further research into the role of chemotherapy in early stage disease is needed to better refine optimal treatment.

Bevacizumab for the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine response rates (RR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity in patients treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy, in combination with bevacizumab compared to cytotoxic chemotherapy alone, in the setting of recurrent ovarian cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, two cohorts of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer were identified: 1) patients that received cytotoxic chemotherapy with bevacizumab from January 2006 to June 2009; 2) patients that received cytotoxic chemotherapy alone. RR were measured using RECIST criteria or by CA-125 levels using modified Rustin criteria. RR, OS, and PFS were determined using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients that received bevacizumab in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy and 32 patients that received cytotoxic chemotherapy alone were identified. The control patients were matched for age, platinum response, histology, surgical outcome, grade, and number of previous chemotherapy regimens. There were no differences between the two cohorts in the rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE) (p = 0.39), bleeding (p = 0.15) or bowel obstruction (p = 0.40). The rate of hypertension in the bevacizumab cohort was greater than in the comparison cohort (p < 0.005). There were no differences in response rates PR/CR vs SD/PD (p = 0.46), OS (p = 0.79) or PFS (p = 0.43). CONCLUSIONS: With increased toxicity, increased cost of therapy and no improvement in PFS or OS, the role of bevacizumab in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer warrants further investigation.

Photodynamic therapy effectively palliates gynecologic malignancies.

BACKGROUND: There is a need for novel therapies for women with recurrent gynecologic malignancies. In this paper, the authors report their experience with photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT involves administering a systemic injection of Photofrin II, a selective tumor photosensitizer hematoporphyrin derivative, followed by exposure of tumor tissue to visible light at 630 nm. The photodynamic destruction of tumor exhibits both cytocidal and vascular effects that may contribute to the tumoricidal effects observed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were injected intravenously with two mg/kg Photofrin II. Approximately 48 hours post-injection, the tumor was exposed to red light (wavelength 630 nm +/- 2 nm) from a laser through a flexible 400-um quartz fiber with an attached microlens to produce a spot of uniform intensity and/or diffuser tip fiber to uniformly illuminate the cavity. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients with recurrent gynecologic malignancies were treated with photodynamic therapy using Photofrin II dye and laser. A total of 45 PDT treatments were given; 25 patients received only one treatment, five patients received two treatments, two patients received three treatments, and one patient received four treatments. There were nine cervical, six vulvar, six vaginal, five ovarian, five endometrial carcinomas, and one recurrent pagets of the anal canal. Nine out of 11 (82%) patients with metastatic cutaneous lesions had a complete response. Five out of 21 patients (24%) with vaginal, cervical or anal recurrences had a complete response to therapy with median response time of 28 months. Toxicity associated with treatment was limited to burning sensation, pain, and edema at treatment site. There were no treatment related deaths. CONCLUSIONS: PDT is an effective therapy in patients with recurrent gynecologic malignancies and limited treatment options. PDT is an alternative therapy that offers the possibility of complete response in select groups of patient populations. Specifically, it provides palliation for superficial recurrent lesions of skin, cervix, vagina and vulva, in the absence of distant disease.

Evaluation of the outcome benefit conferred by intensive surveillance strategies in women with early-stage endometrial cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The optimum follow-up regimen after treatment for early-stage endometrial cancer with curative intent is unknown. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends a physical exam and vaginal cytology every three to six months for two years then at six to 12 month intervals with annual chest X-rays (CXR). However, there is debate as to whether intensive follow-up results in an improvement in outcomes for those with recurrent endometrial cancer. OBJECTIVE: To determine if intensive surveillance for recurrent cancer in women with early-stage endometrial cancer improves their outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Roswell Park Cancer Institute tumor registry was used to identify patients with Stage I and II endometrial cancer initially diagnosed and treated over an 18-year period, who subsequently recurred. Clinico-pathological variables were abstracted. Patients were divided into two groups, depending on their mode of diagnosis of recurrent cancer: 1) routine screening, or 2) symptomatic. The outcomes between the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients met inclusion criteria. Twenty-three patients were diagnosed via routine screening methods and 29 were symptomatic at presentation. Groups were equally represented with respect to age, stage, grade, adjuvant therapy, site of recurrence (local, distant), and time to recurrence (p > 0.05). Median survival time was 79 months for those diagnosed during routine screening and 80 months for symptomatic patients (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pap smear and CXR appear to be of limited utility as the present study has shown that women diagnosed as a result of intensive surveillance did not have a better outcome than those who presented when symptomatic.

Effect of chemical pretreatment on quality attributes of the cashew apple.

Cashew apples, tropical pseudo fruit, are rich in bioactive compounds. It is still underutilized due to its high perishability and its astringent flavor. This study aims to extend its shelf life by chemical dip and dry method at the rural level. Inhibition of fruit-spoiling enzymes, such as polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), amylase, and cellulase, was a significant response in this method. Enzyme inhibition was carried out using chemicals: NaCl (1-10 mM), CaCl2 (1-10 mM), and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (0.1-1 mM). The effect of chemical concentration and dipping time was studied using a full factorial method at three levels (-1, 0, and 1). The dipping time ranged from 60 to 180 min, and chemical concentrations from 1 to 10 mM were studied. Optimal treatment conditions were obtained as follows: NaCl concentration of 9.45 mM, dipping time of 160 min, and CaCl2 concentration of 7.8 mM, dipping time of 160 min. NaCl pretreatment showed maximum inhibition of PPO (>80%) and POD (>80%), whereas CaCl2 pretreatment showed maximum inhibition of amylase (60.58%) and cellulase (80.23%). Hence, to avoid postharvest losses, pretreatment with NaCl and CaCl2 was adequate to preserve the texture and color of cashew apples. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Chemical pretreatment can prevent the postharvest losses of cashew apples. Inhibition of PPO, POD, amylase, and cellulase is vital in the shelf-life extension of cashew apples. Sodium chloride dip is a cost-effective method for increasing the storability of cashew apples.

Solid-state fermentation in an earthen vessel: Trichoderma viride spore-based biopesticide production using corn cobs.

The present study reports the production of Trichoderma viride spores in an earthen vessel using corn cobs. Using 4 kg of corn cobs, spore-based biopesticide was produced after 21 d with a maximum spore count of 2.50 × 109 spores/g of substrate and a moisture reduction from 70.80% w/v to 8.10% w/v. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of its ethyl acetate extract revealed that it had 20 secondary metabolites, of which 13 were known to be antimicrobial, one was plant growth-promoting, and one performed both functions. Dried extract dissolved in methanol showed the minimum fungicidal concentration of 5-10 mg/ml against Rhizoctonia solani on potato dextrose agar plate. Plate assays and pot experiments on Rhizoctonia solani-infected potato plants exhibited good antifungal and plant growth-promoting activities. The biopesticide showed 71.28% viability over 10 m of storage in the same earthen vessel at 30 ± 2 °C. Thus, a simple, robust technology was developed with good potential for farm deployment.

Pair-Box (PAX8) protein-positive expression is associated with poor disease outcome in women with endometrial cancer.

BACKGROUND: The Pax8 transcription factor genes have a role in cell differentiation and cell growth, and silencing of Pax8 in cell cultures results in cell death. The aims of this study were to determine the expression and correlation of Pax8 protein with several clinicopathological variables in patients with endometrial cancer. METHODS: The following clinical parameters from 229 patients were used for correlation with Pax8 expression; age, histological subtype, myometrial depth of invasion, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics grade, lymph nodes status, and disease status. RESULTS: A positive association of Pax8(+) expression was found with high tumour grade (P=0.002), LVI+(P=0.0186), and type II tumour subtype (P<0.0001) in univariate analysis. Survival analysis showed an association of Pax8 and 5-year overall survival probability (P=0.01486), 80.04% for patients with Pax8(-) and 55.59% for patients with Pax8(+). There was also an association of Pax8 and 5-year disease-free survival probability (P=0.02028), 72.12% for patients with Pax8(-) vs 49.88% for patients with Pax8(+). Finally, an association of Pax8(+) and shorter recurrence-free survival was also found (P=0.00203), with 74.36% for Pax8(-) and 52.11% for Pax8(+). CONCLUSION: Overexpression of Pax8 protein by endometrial cancer is associated with poor disease outcomes. Inhibition of Pax8 may be a very attractive targeted therapy for selective patients.

Comparison of outcomes in patients treated with multi-agent regiments of cisplatin, adriamycin, and VP-16 versus carboplatin and paclitaxel for advanced and recurrent endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of two multi-agent chemotherapeutic regiments that were previously used at the Institution for treatment of advanced and recurrent endometrial cancer. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with Stage III, IV, and recurrent endometrial cancer who received adjuvant chemotherapy at Roswell Park Cancer Institute over a period of 21 years. Two patient groups were defined based on treatment received: cisplatin, adriamycin, and VP-16 with or without megace (PAV-M), or carboplatin and paclitaxel (CT). RESULTS: Forty-two patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer were included in this review based on regimen received. Median duration of follow up was 55 months. Treatment with PAV-M resulted in more dose modifications compared to CT group (42% vs 11%, respectively). There were no significant differences in disease-free survival or overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: PAV/PAV-M is active in patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. However, toxicity associated with this triplet regimen may limit clinical use.

Biocalcification by Bacillus pasteurii urease: a novel application.

Biocalcification, also known as microbiologically induced calcite precipitation (MICP), is a phenomenon involving the activity of the enzyme urease. A large number of soil microorganisms exhibit urease-producing ability. A novel application of MICP to improve properties of bricks by a soil bacteria Bacillus pasteurii NCIM 2477 was studied. Most of the deterioration of brick structures takes place because of the presence of moisture. Deposition of calcite on the surface and in voids of bricks reduces the water absorption substantially. A favorable effect of microbes to improve the durability of bricks by reducing water absorption was demonstrated as a novel concept in this paper.