scholarly journals Emerging Biomarkers for the Selection of Advanced NSCLC-Affected Immunotherapy Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-206
Author(s):  
Luigi Della Gravara ◽  
Ciro Battiloro ◽  
Antonietta Letizia ◽  
Rosa Cantile ◽  
Vito D'Agnano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Advanced Nsclc ◽  
Predictive Biomarkers ◽  
Treatment Algorithms ◽  
Combination Treatments ◽  
Near Future ◽  
Selection Of

Immunotherapy in the form of ICIs has revolutionized advanced NSCLC treatment algorithms, with ICI-containing combination treatments being the latest addition to approved regimens. However, PD-L1 still represents the only routinely assessed and validated biomarker apart from genetic drivers testing, impairing our capacity to personalize and guide treatment. Therefore, this paper aims to analyze the most promising emerging predictive biomarkers that could help us in the near future to select patients more effectively.

Development and Implementation of Shape Comparison of 3D CAD Models

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sagar Chowdhury ◽  
Zahed Siddique
Keyword(s):  
Computer Hardware ◽  
Efficient Design ◽  
User Friendliness ◽  
Specialized Knowledge ◽  
3D Cad ◽  
Large Databases ◽  
Modeling Software ◽  
Cad Models ◽  
Near Future ◽  
Selection Of

With the advancements of 3D modeling software, the use of CAD in design has become a standard practice. In recent years development in computer hardware and improvements in user friendliness of the CAD software has allowed designers to quickly and easily modify the CAD models. This modification capability allows CAD to be an integral part of the design process. Due to the increase in global competition, companies have become increasingly interested in fast and efficient design processes. One way to achieve improved efficiency is through better collaboration among designers working in common or similar projects and disciplines. A large design problem often requires specialized knowledge from several fields. Collaboration among the designers from these fields will ensure efficient design. Interaction among the designers can prevent redesign of similar components/subsystems, which requires the ability to share their designs. With the increase of collaboration, designers can now get access to large databases of 3D CAD models. But the challenge lies in search capabilities to identify common models from a large database. These considerations suggest that in the near future a challenge in 3D CAD industry will be how to find models of similar components and products. This paper presents an approach and its implementation to measure the similarity among a number of CAD models. The approach is based on the extraction and organization of information from the CAD models, which is followed by the suitable selection of commonality index and calculation of the commonality among a set of CAD models. A set of Vacuum cleaners are modeled and then compared to demonstrate the application of the approach.

scholarly journals Development of Liquid Enhancer for Germination of Drought-stressed Oryza sativa subsp. indica Seed cv. MR284

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. N. Mahadi ◽  
F. Zawawi ◽  
R. Nulit ◽  
M. H. Ibrahim ◽  
N. I. Ab. Ghani
Keyword(s):  
Oryza Sativa ◽  
Seed Germination ◽  
Germination Percentage ◽  
Leaf Length ◽  
Seed Vigor ◽  
Rice Seed ◽  
Combination Treatments ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Completely Randomized Design ◽  
Selection Of

Aim: This study was conducted to develop liquid enhancer containing KCl, TU, GA, and SA for germination of drought-stressed Oryza sativa subsp. indica cv. MR284 seed. Study Design: All experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design. Two steps were involved in the development process which are to select an ideal concentration for each KCl, TU, GA, and SA, and to find an ideal combination of chemicals from the selection of ideal concentrations acquired in step 1 to form liquid enhancer. There were 20 treatments for step 1 and 9 treatments for step 2. All of these treatments with 6 replicates. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University Putra Malaysia, between June 2018 and December 2018. Methodology: The sterilized rice seed cv. MR284 was stressed in the -1.2 Mpa PEG 6000 solution for three days and germinated in the KCl, TU, GA, and SA solution in a series of concentration for 10 days, in a controlled room. Seed germination was observed daily. Results: In the first step, drought-stressed rice seed showed the best germination performance in the 30 mM of KCl, 2.0 mM of TU, 0.24 mM GA, and 0.5 mM SA. Meanwhile, in the second step, the drought-stressed rice seed showed the best germination performance in the combination of 30 mM KCl + 2.0 mM TU + 0.24 mM GA + 0.5 mM SA. The best germination performance was evaluated by the highest germination percentage (%), germination index, seed vigor, leaf length, root length and biomass. Conclusion: Therefore, the combination treatments of 30 mM KCl + 2.0 mM TU + 0.5 mM SA was found to be the most effective and simplest liquid enhancer formula that has an ability to enhance seed germination of drought-stressed rice cv. MR284 seed.

scholarly journals Swedish House Owners’ Intentions Towards Renovations: Is there a Market for One-Stop-Shop?

Buildings ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgios Pardalis ◽  
Krushna Mahapatra ◽  
Giangiacomo Bravo ◽  
Brijesh Mainali
Keyword(s):  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Level Of Involvement ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
One Stop ◽  
Near Future ◽  
Selection Of

In this paper, we examine factors affecting owners’ intention for renovation of their detached houses. Furthermore, we analyze their interest in choosing a one-stop-shop (OSS) service for the renovation, even though such a concept is not yet established in Sweden, but emerging in other parts of Europe. Our study is based on responses to an online questionnaire survey of 971 house owners residing in Kronoberg Region in Sweden. About 76% of the respondents intend to renovate in the near future, with approximately 71% of them preferring to renovate individual components of their dwelling and 5% to renovate their whole house in steps. House owners of younger age, higher income, higher education, and those with an interest for environmental issues, were the ones most interested in physical renovations, which improves energy efficiency of the building. For those house owners, one-stop-shop can facilitate the decision-making process, and help them to choose those measures that will improve their quality of life. Approximately 20% of the respondents had a positive view towards an one-stop-shop, which is an indicator that market for such a service exists. Parameters such as quality of work, cost and energy savings and specification of measures to be adopted are the key for the promotion of one-stop-shop. Additionally, house owners want to have a certain level of involvement in the selection of actors performing the renovation. Moreover, financial incentives, e.g., loans, do not play a significant role for the selection of one-stop-shop, but act as complementary motive for house owners.

LNG pricing trends and key considerations

2015 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 417
Author(s):  
Jacques van Rhyn ◽  
Janelle Sadri
Keyword(s):  
Transfer Pricing ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Asia Pacific Region ◽  
Trade Patterns ◽  
Market Situation ◽  
Competitive Prices ◽  
Speculative Trading ◽  
Near Future ◽  
Selection Of

Historically, LNG has been sold through long-term contracts with limited flexibility in volume and price. LNG trade patterns have evolved significantly, adding to increased sales of multiple cargoes on the spot market, brokered trades and speculative trading positions being taken up by non-traditional players. Buyers in the Asia-Pacific region are keen to secure supply for local markets, while Australian producers, particularly subsidiaries of foreign headquartered groups, are under pressure to sell at competitive prices. From a transfer pricing perspective, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has placed increased scrutiny on the commerciality of arrangements, arm’s length outcomes and profit allocations between Australian taxpayers and their international related parties (e.g. marketing and trading hubs). This extended abstract covers: factors that could impact on the selection of a price index and the slope or gradient to be applied in pricing formulae; blended pricing based on an average of different indices, and why pooling and trading may make commercial sense, although revenue authorities may not look favourably upon it; the importance of the contractual terms, the market situation and the other commercial contract conditions on the pricing of related-party LNG sales; and, the value in potentially seeking an advanced pricing agreement in a related party LNG pricing context, given the significance of the transactions. Given the practical and commercial challenges facing the industry and with several projects commencing production in the relatively near future, this is very topical. The authors use case studies to illustrate the key concepts.

scholarly journals Pharmacokinetics of Marine-Derived Drugs

Marine Drugs ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander N. Shikov ◽  
Elena V. Flisyuk ◽  
Ekaterina D. Obluchinskaya ◽  
Olga N. Pozharitskaya
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Basis ◽  
Sea Cucumber ◽  
Sea Urchins ◽  
Drug Application ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Human Experiments ◽  
Near Future ◽  
Excellent Source ◽  
Selection Of

Marine organisms represent an excellent source of innovative compounds that have the potential for the development of new drugs. The pharmacokinetics of marine drugs has attracted increasing interest in recent decades due to its effective and potential contribution to the selection of rational dosage recommendations and the optimal use of the therapeutic arsenal. In general, pharmacokinetics studies how drugs change after administration via the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). This review provides a summary of the pharmacokinetics studies of marine-derived active compounds, with a particular focus on their ADME. The pharmacokinetics of compounds derived from algae, crustaceans, sea cucumber, fungus, sea urchins, sponges, mollusks, tunicate, and bryozoan is discussed, and the pharmacokinetics data in human experiments are analyzed. In-depth characterization using pharmacokinetics is useful for obtaining information for understanding the molecular basis of pharmacological activity, for correct doses and treatment schemes selection, and for more effective drug application. Thus, an increase in pharmacokinetic research on marine-derived compounds is expected in the near future.

Nuclear Power Plant Decommissioning in Germany: Projects, Regulation and Experience

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leopold Weil ◽  
Bernd Rehs
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Nuclear Energy ◽  
Radioactive Decay ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Regulatory Body ◽  
Nuclear Facilities ◽  
Interim Storage ◽  
Near Future ◽  
Selection Of

In Germany, altogether 19 nuclear power plants (NPPs) and prototype reactors have been permanently shut down. For 15 NPPs the dismantling is in progress with “green-field conditions” as planning target. Two units were completely dismantled and two are in safe enclosure. The main legal provision for all aspects of the peaceful use of nuclear energy in Germany is the Atomic Energy Act (AtG), which also contains the basic legal conditions for the decommissioning of nuclear facilities. It stipulates that decommissioning is subject to a licence by the regulatory body of the respective Federal State (Land). An emerging decommissioning practice in Germany is the removal of complete undismantled large components and their transport to interim storage facilities. During the period of storage, the radionuclide inventory of the components will decrease due to radioactive decay and the subsequent segmentation of the components can be done with less radiation protection effort. The commissioning of the Konrad repository in the near future might have consequences on planning of decommissioning, regarding the selection of a decommissioning strategy and the waste management.

scholarly journals Reflux symptoms – functional and structural diseases The approach from the GI specialist

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lars Lundell
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Success ◽  
Treatment Algorithms ◽  
Clinical Difference ◽  
Refractory Gerd ◽  
Huge Impact ◽  
Proper Diagnosis ◽  
Impact On Treatment ◽  
Treatment Alternatives ◽  
Selection Of

The GI specialist has an important role to play in the long-term management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients; to secure a proper diagnosis and the selection of best possible therapeutic strategy. Through intensified information and education the implementation of national and international guidelines can be more effectively processed, whereupon a significant improvements in also cost-effectiveness of the current management will be fostered. Regarding the more specific group of GERD patients, as represented by the so called PPI refractory patients, data have now emerged to guide us into the future. Noteworthy is that the majority of the alleged PPI-refractory GERD patients do not, after careful investigations, have GERD. Based on recently published RCT data a clinically highly relevant difference in treatment success was noted in favor of laparoscopic antireflux surgery as compared to a variety of medical treatment alternatives. Likewise it can be concluded that it seems as if the latter can only offer a limited effect. Whenever a corresponding powerful clinical difference in therapeutic outcome between different strategies-treatment alternatives is detected, this will have a huge impact on treatment algorithms and clinical management.

The promises and challenges of using gene mutations for patient stratification in follicular lymphoma

Blood ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 130 (13) ◽  
pp. 1491-1498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Weigert ◽  
David M. Weinstock
Keyword(s):  
Follicular Lymphoma ◽  
Risk Model ◽  
Model Development ◽  
Gene Mutations ◽  
Predictive Biomarkers ◽  
Individual Risk ◽  
Patient Stratification ◽  
Risk Models ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a clinically and molecularly highly heterogeneous disease. Most patients achieve long-lasting remissions and have excellent overall survival (OS) with current treatment. However, ∼20% of patients have early progression of disease and short OS. At present, therapies are not guided by individual risk or disease biology. Reliable tools for patient stratification are urgently needed to avoid overtreatment of low-risk patients and to prioritize alternative approaches in high-risk patients. A rapidly expanding repertoire of promising therapeutic options is available for clinical evaluation; however, the numbers of patients with FL and the resources to conduct adequately powered trials are limited. Recent studies have shown that gene mutations can serve as prognostic and/or predictive biomarkers, in particular when integrated into composite risk models. Before translating these findings into routine clinical practice, however, several challenges loom. We review aspects of “clinicogenetic” risk model development and validation that apply to FL and more generally to other cancers. Finally, we propose a crowdsourcing effort that could expedite the development, validation, refinement, and selection of risk models. A new era of collaboration and harmonization is required if we hope to transition from empiric selection of therapeutics to risk-based, biology-guided treatment of patients with FL.

Prediction of the percentage lean of pig carcasses with a small or a large number of instrumental carcass measurements – an illustration with HGP and Vision

2006 ◽  
Vol 82 (6) ◽  
pp. 919-928 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Engel ◽  
E. Lambooij ◽  
W. G. Buist ◽  
H. Reimert ◽  
G. Mateman
Keyword(s):  
Vision System ◽  
Statistical Methodology ◽  
Measurement Instruments ◽  
Depth Measurement ◽  
Regression Methods ◽  
Ordinary Regression ◽  
Pig Carcasses ◽  
Accuracy Of Prediction ◽  
Near Future ◽  
Selection Of

AbstractIn this paper we report on the results of a recent dissection experiment in The Netherlands where prediction formulae for the percentage lean meat in pig carcasses with the Hennessy Grading Probe (HGP) and a vision system (from now on referred to as Vision) were determined. Predictions with the HGP were based on one fat and one muscle depth measurement only, while predictions with Vision were based on as many as 115 direct and derived measurements. The data from this dissection experiment were used to illustrate the statistical calculations involved in relation to the number of carcass measurements. Prediction with instruments that gather a large number of measurements per carcass is not covered by the present European Community (EC) regulations. Therefore the calculations were conducted according to new regulations for statistical methodology in pig carcass grading that are expected to be adopted by the EC in the near future. The calculations included consideration of 3 subpopulations (females, entire males and castrated males). The Vision data were also used to show that ordinary regression after selection of a subset of carcass measurements severely under estimates the accuracy of prediction: instruments and associated prediction formulae are seemingly much more accurate than they truly are. When standard regression methods are used for instruments that gather a large number of measurements, there is a considerable risk that measurement instruments will be selected for the wrong reasons. Accuracy of approved instruments may not even comply with the EC-regulations, with poor consequences for harmonization within the EC.

Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer: Cisplatin Doublets Only?

2008 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 277-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Morgensztern ◽  
Ramaswamy Govindan
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Adjuvant Chemotherapy ◽  
Recurrent Disease ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Expression Studies ◽  
Gene Expression Studies ◽  
Near Future ◽  
Related Mortality ◽  
Selection Of

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality world-wide. Despite adequate resection, more than half of patients die of recurrent disease, usually at distant sites. Adjuvant systemic chemotherapy is mainly used to eradicate micrometastatic disease. Since the seminal 1995 meta-analysis from earlier studies showed a trend toward improved survival with the use of cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy, several randomized prospective adjuvant trials have addressed this question and eventually established the role for platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage II or IIIA non–small cell lung cancer who have undergone complete resection. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage I disease remains controversial. Although no clinical or molecular predictors of recurrent disease after surgical resection are reliable, encouraging preliminary data on gene expression studies suggest that identifying, and perhaps treating, only patients at high risk for relapse might be possible in the near future. Furthermore, molecular predictors of resistance may guide the selection of chemotherapy in this setting.

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