Area Basis Research Articles

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care Usage and Death by Neighborhood Poverty Among Individuals With Congenital Heart Defects, 4 US Surveillance Sites, 2011 to 2013.

Socioeconomic factors may lead to a disproportionate impact on health care usage and death among individuals with congenital heart defects (CHD) by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors. How neighborhood poverty affects racial and ethnic disparities in health care usage and death among individuals with CHD across the life span is not well described. Individuals aged 1 to 64 years, with at least 1 CHD-related International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code were identified from health care encounters between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2013, from 4 US sites. Residence was classified into lower- or higher-poverty neighborhoods on the basis of zip code tabulation area from the 2014 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Multivariable logistic regression models, adjusting for site, sex, CHD anatomic severity, and insurance-evaluated associations between race and ethnicity, and health care usage and death, stratified by neighborhood poverty. Of 31 542 individuals, 22.2% were non-Hispanic Black and 17.0% Hispanic. In high-poverty neighborhoods, non-Hispanic Black (44.4%) and Hispanic (47.7%) individuals, respectively, were more likely to be hospitalized (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.2 [95% CI, 1.1-1.3]; and aOR, 1.3 [95% CI, 1.2-1.5]) and have emergency department visits (aOR, 1.3 [95% CI, 1.2-1.5] and aOR, 1.8 [95% CI, 1.5-2.0]) compared with non-Hispanic White individuals. In high poverty neighborhoods, non-Hispanic Black individuals with CHD had 1.7 times the odds of death compared with non-Hispanic White individuals in high-poverty neighborhoods (95% CI, 1.1-2.7). Racial and ethnic disparities in health care usage were similar in low-poverty neighborhoods, but disparities in death were attenuated (aOR for non-Hispanic Black, 1.2 [95% CI=0.9-1.7]). Racial and ethnic disparities in health care usage were found among individuals with CHD in low- and high-poverty neighborhoods, but mortality disparities were larger in high-poverty neighborhoods. Understanding individual- and community-level social determinants of health, including access to health care, may help address racial and ethnic inequities in health care usage and death among individuals with CHD.

Seismic performance investigation of irregular and complex connected structures based on the influence of ground fissure activity

To investigate the dynamic response of irregular and complex connected structure, the comprehensive soil and connected structure model was developed, which is considered the site condition of different foundation soils. This study explored on the deformation law of the connected structure, and analyzing the structural displacement, acceleration, and torsional response under various seismic conditions. The findings revealed that the presence of ground fissures significantly amplifies the dynamic response of connected structures, with a greater influence from the hanging wall. Additionally, the lag effect was observed in the generation of the peak ground acceleration (PGA) in the site model considering ground fissures, but the result surpassed those in ordinary sites. During the elastic-plastic loading stage, the study observed that the maximum inter-story displacement angle remained within the limits prescribed by specifications. Due to the varying distances between column bases of the main area and ground fissures, there is a significant magnification effect in inter-story torsional angle. The incorporation of sliding supports emerged as an effective measure in mitigating the relative displacement of connected structures, consequently reducing the translational-torsional coupling effect during rarely occurred earthquake. The research results provide reference for the seismic performance analysis of connected structures under complex site conditions.

Effect of apremilast on cardiovascular risk in psoriasis patients in comparison with methotrexate

Background: Psoriasis is a common chronically relapsing inflammatory disorder with cutaneous and rheumatologic manifestations characterized by an increase in risk of cardiovascular diseases. Chronic inflammation in psoriatic patients predisposes them to cardiovascular morbidity. This study was done to compare the change in cardiovascular risk factors who are taking apremilast and methotrexate. Aims and objectives: The aims of this study were as follows: (1) To evaluate the effect on biochemical parameters pertaining to cardiovascular risk in psoriasis patients after 12 weeks of treatment with apremilast in comparison with methotrexate. (2) To compare the efficacy of methotrexate with apremilast in treating chronic plaque psoriasis. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based prospective cohort study included 40 newly diagnosed cases of psoriasis who were divided into two groups – group A (receiving methotrexate) and group B (receiving apremilast) and were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. The outcome was assessed on the basis of psoriasis area and severity index score and the biochemical parameters. Results: We found a significant decrease in triglycerides, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and low-density lipoprotein levels in psoriasis patients taking methotrexate and high-density lipoprotein in the apremilast group. Conclusion: On comparing the two drugs, methotrexate is considered to have more cardioprotective action.

Preparation and Performance of Cement-Stabilized Base External Curing Agent in a Desert Environment

To explore and deal with the difficulty in curing cement-stabilized bases in desert environments, curing agents were prepared to enhance the curing effect on the base in this research. The composite curing agent was prepared through orthogonal experiments and the durability of the curing agent coating were studied by simulating a desert environment. Subsequently, the curing effect on the performance of bases was analyzed. Finally, the hydration degree of cement was studied via scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and the curing mechanism of the curing agent was explored. The results show that the composite (paraffin emulsion is the main component of the film, vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer dosage is 20%, ethanol ester-12 dosage is 10%, and sodium silicate dosage is 18%) could effectively improve the water-retention performance (water-loss ratio: 2.36%) and mechanical properties of the specimen (7 d compressive strength: 7.48 MPa; 7 d indirect tensile strength: 0.70 MPa). The dry shrinkage coefficient of the specimen with composite curing agent was reduced by 116.26% at 28 days. The compressive strength of dry and wet freeze could reach 7.48 MPa and 6.88 MPa, respectively. The durability of the curing agent-coated base met the requirements of pavement performance in desert areas. The results of XRD, TG, and SEM indicated that the curing agent promoted hydration. In addition, the number of C-S-H gel and AFt crystals significantly increased. The curing difficulty of road bases in desert areas could be reduced effectively through the application presented in this study, which contributes to the conservation of natural and human resources.

E-Pest Surveillance for Assessment of Seasonal Occurrence of Orange Pests in Maharashtra

Monitoring of incidence and intensity of pests over the crop season is crucial for effective pest management. ICT (Information and communication technology) not only enables the assimilation of pest databases over space and time, but also aids in the rapid processing of data to make pest management decisions using the available knowledge base and essential inputs that can be mobilised and adopted for plant protection on wide area basis. This study generated valuable data on the population dynamics of orange pests over the seasonal months from 2012 to 2022 with the aid of applied information and communication technology tools. The majority of the pests under current study showed their seasonal activity throughout the monitoring period. The study on the seasonal incidence revealed bark eating caterpillar Inderbela sp. having their peak infestation during September and October whereas January to March were observed as prime months for fruit sucking moths Othreis sps to reach their peak prevalence and damage. The citrus leaf miner Phyllocnistis citrella population dynamics showed two peaks in August and September. The data generated in this study would help in the forecast of the pests and helpful in devising an effective IPM strategy.

Transconjunctival Levator Aponeurosis-Müller Muscle Complex Plication to Correct the Acquired Ptosis Following Double-Eyelid Surgery.

One of the most common adverse outcomes of an upper blepharoplasty involving double-eyelid surgery is asymmetric upper eyelids due to unbalanced supratarsal folds or a difference in the palpebral fissure height. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transconjunctival levator aponeurosis-Müller muscle complex plication for correcting acquired ptosis following double-eyelid surgery. This retrospective study evaluated 18 patients who underwent transconjunctival levator aponeurosis-Müller muscle complex plication between June 2016 and June 2019 to correct acquired ptosis. On the basis of the main area of eyelid drooping, ptosis was categorized as central (mid-pupillary), medial (medial limbus), or lateral (lateral limbus). Preoperative and postoperative palpebral fissure heights were measured and compared. Three months postsurgery, the mean difference in palpebral fissure height between bilateral eyes decreased from 0.96 to 0.04mm in the medial ( P <0.001), from 0.93 to 0.00mm in central ( P =0.003), and from 1.30 to -0.03mm in lateral ptosis ( P =0.079). In 13 patients who underwent unilateral correction, the amount of plication was significantly associated with increased palpebral fissure height at the medial limbus ( P =0.043) and mid-pupillary line ( P =0.035). All patients reported a significant improvement in satisfaction. Five patients experienced acute postoperative complications, including chemosis, conjunctival injection, and foreign body sensation, all of which were resolved after a month of observation. No asymmetries or recurrences were observed. Transconjunctival levator aponeurosis-Müller muscle complex plication is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective technique for correcting acquired ptosis following upper eyelid surgery.

Biogenic volatile organic compounds in forest therapy base: A source of air pollutants or a healthcare function?

Air pollution poses a significant threat to public health, while biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) play a crucial role in both aspects. However, the unclear relationship between BVOCs and air pollutants in the under-canopy space limits the accuracy of air pollution control and the exploitation of forest healthcare functions. To clarify the variation of BVOCs in forest therapy bases, and their impacts on ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at nose height, total VOCs (TVOCs) in the forest were collected during typical sunny days, while air pollutants and meteorological factors were observed simultaneously. The results showed that the branch-level emissions of P. tabuliformis were dominated by healthcare-effective monoterpenoids, with only α-pinene having relative air concentrations of over 5 % in forest air samples. The correlation between concentrations of under-canopy TVOCs and emission rates of BVOCs from P. tabuliformis was weak (p > 0.09) in all seasons. However, the correlation between concentrations of TVOCs and the concentrations of O3 and PM2.5 showed clear seasonal differences. In spring, TVOCs only showed a significant negative correlation with PM2.5 in the forest (p < 0.01). In summer and autumn, TVOCs were significantly negatively correlated with both O3 (p < 0.001) and PM2.5 (p < 0.01). Specifically, the negative linear relationships were more pronounced for O3 and oxygenated VOCs in autumn (R2 = 0.40, p < 0.001) than for other relationships. The relationship between air pollutant concentrations inside and outside the forest also showed significant seasonal differences, generally characterized by a weaker correlation between them during seasons of strong emissions. Therefore, BVOCs in coniferous forests are health functions as they can provide healthcare effects and mitigate the concentration of air pollutants in the forest, and the establishment of forest therapy bases in rural areas with low NOx can be a sensible approach to promote good health, well-being, and sustainable development.

A novel method of internal ballistics identification and performance prediction for SRMs based on genetic algorithm

Improving the identification accuracy of internal ballistic parameters in the solid rocket motor(SRM) is of great significance in guaranteeing that missiles fulfill their intended operational missions. In practice, the internal ballistic performance is according to the inverse calculation burning area obtained by the measured pressure data of the SRM and the measured burning rate, which still has ascending space for optimization in the prediction accuracy. Accordingly, a genetic algorithm-based method for the identification of internal ballistic parameters and performance prediction for SRMs was proposed. Based on the measured, data of limited test runs, the initial identification of the burning rate coefficient, pressure exponent and propellant density was carried out by GA (Genetic Algorithm). The model was updated on the basis of the inverse calculation burning area obtained by identification results. Then the secondary identification was carried out to modify the key parameters. The Φ50mm laboratory-scale test SRM was analyzed as an example. The internal ballistic performance in the SRM was predicted. The calculation results show that the prediction results obtained by the method are in high agreement with the measured pressure data, which verifies the effectiveness of the method in improving the prediction accuracy of the internal ballistic performance.

Fusarium fujikuroi as a potential biocontrol agent of the parasitic weed Phelipanche aegyptiaca in tomato

AbstractPhelipanche aegyptiaca (Pers.) Pomel, commonly known as Egyptian broomrape, is an obligate root parasite, infesting solanaceous crops mainly in Mediterranean countries. Certain antagonistic fungi could be effectively used as a biocontrol agent for this parasitic plant. In this study, three fungal isolates (F1, F2 and F3) were obtained from P. aegyptiaca seeds covered with mycelium. The isolates were characterized based on morphological features and ITS and TEF sequence analysis. They were classified as belonging to Fusarium fujikuroi with a sequence similarity of 99.80% and 100%, respectively. The pathogenicity of the isolates on P. aegyptiaca and tomato were determined. In a P. aegyptiaca seed assay, all isolates allowed seed germination with delayed radicle development. Disease severity among the isolates ranged from 40%–70% on the basis of radicle necrotic area. The F1 isolate caused more than 40% disease on the spiders and tubercles in a polyethylene bag assay. The average of the total of spider and tubercle mortality caused by the F1 isolate was 63.5% at 9 days after inoculation. Moreover, the F1 isolate was considered non‐pathogen on tomato with 6.66% disease severity after root inoculation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of F. fujikuroi on P. aegyptiaca seed. Pending further development, the F1 isolate could have potential for the biocontrol of P. aegyptiaca in the future.

Nitrogen-fixing and non-nitrogen-fixing legume plants differ in leaf nutrient concentrations and relationships between photosynthetic and hydraulic traits.

Legumes account for a significant proportion of plants in the terrestrial ecosystems. Nitrogen (N)-fixing capability of certain legumes is a pivotal trait that contributes to their ecological dominance. Yet, the functional traits and trait relationships between N-fixer and non-N-fixer legumes are poorly understood. Here, we investigated 27 functional traits associated with morphology, nutrients, hydraulic conductance and photosynthesis in 42 woody legumes (19N-fixers and 23 non-N-fixers) in a common garden. Our results showed that N-fixers had higher specific leaf area, photosynthetic phosphorus (P)-use efficiency, leaf N, and iron concentrations on both area and mass basis, N/P ratio, and carbon (C) to P ratio, but lower wood density, area-based maximum photosynthetic rate (Aa), photosynthetic N-use efficiency, leaf mass- and area-based P and molybdenum and area-based boron concentrations, and C/N ratio, compared with non-N-fixers. The mass-based maximum photosynthetic rate (Am), stomatal conductance (gs), intrinsic water-use efficiency (WUEi), mass- and area-based leaf potassium and mass-based boron concentrations, leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf), and whole-shoot hydraulic conductance (Kshoot) showed no difference between N-fixers and non-N-fixers. Significant positive associations between all hydraulic and photosynthetic trait pairs were found in N-fixers, but only one pair (Kshoot-Aa) in non-N-fixers, suggesting that hydraulic conductance plays a more important role in mediating photosynthetic capacity in N-fixers compared with non-N-fixers. Higher mass-based leaf N was linked to lower time-integrated gs and higher WUEi among non-N-fixer legumes or all legumes pooled after phylogeny was considered. Moreover, mass-based P concentration was positively related to Am and gs in N-fixers, but not in non-N-fixers, indicating that the photosynthetic capacity and stomatal conductance in N-fixers were more dependent on leaf P status than in non-N-fixers. These findings expand our understanding of the trait-based ecology within and across N-fixer and non-N-fixer legumes in tropics.

Constraints and Improvements Suggestions Proposed in Adopting Recommended Cultivation Practices by Mandarin Growers

The present study was conducted in Amravati district of Maharashtra. It was purposively carried out in two talukas i.e. Achalpur and Anjangaon Surji on the basis of maximum area under mandarin. From Achalpur and Anjangaon Surji talukas, 12 villages were selected purposively having area under mandarin. Again from each selected village, 10 mandarin growers were selected purposively having bearing orchard for the present study constituting a sample size of 120 respondents. An exploratory method of research design was used. The objective of the study was to to identify the constraints faced by mandarin growers and obtain suggestions. Findings revealed that majority of respondents (93.33%) faced the problem of unavailability of proper information about chemicals to control pests and diseases followed by the those (91.66%) who are facing the problem of fruit drop in recent years along with some other constraints. While in case of suggestions, guidance by concerned department to farmers at different levels by organizing field visits gained highest frequency followed by availability of inputs at affordable price and arrangement of training programes for the areas found with higher training need respectively.

Preliminary screening of citrus hybrids for identifying tolerance to Phytophthora nicotianae

Phytophthora is one of the most devastating pathogens affecting citrus production. Breeding resistant genotypes is a durable strategy to manage this pathogen. In this study, in vitro screening of 31 citrus hybrids was done against Phytophthora nicotianae using detached leaf assay. The hybrids tested were developed in twoway crosses between Rangpur lime (RL, Phytophthora sensitive) and sour orange (SO, Phytophthora tolerant). The relative Phytophthora sensitivity was determined from the necrotic lesion area after three days of pathogen inoculation. The parents and hybrids could be differentiated into five resistance classes on the basis of necrotic lesion size and area. Among the 18 SO × RL (SR) hybrids, three hybrids viz. SR 3, SR 10 and SR 19 exhibited the least leaf necrotic length (2.8-3.7 mm), breadth (3.2-3.9 mm) and area (9.2-15.0 mm2), indicating a highly resistant reaction. From the 13 RL × SO (RS) hybrids, RS 6 and RS 22 showed highly resistant reaction by virtue of the least necrotic area (12.7-17.9 mm2). Twelve SR and four RS hybrids produced necrotic lesions of &gt;216.8 mm2 area and were rated as highly susceptible in this assay. The parents- Rangpur lime and sour orange recorded highly susceptible and resistant reaction, respectively, which authenticated the results of the leaf assay. The five highly resistant hybrids identified in this study after ex vitro validation of Phytophthora tolerance should prove helpful in commercial citriculture.

Tight coupling between leaf δ13 C and N content along leaf ageing in the N2 -fixing legume tree black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.).

N2 -fixing legumes can strongly affect ecosystem functions by supplying nitrogen (N) and improving the carbon-fixing capacity of vegetation. Still, the question of how their leaf-level N status and carbon metabolism are coordinated along leaf ageing remains unexplored. Leaf tissue carbon isotopic composition (δ13 C) provides a useful indicator of time-integrated intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi). Here, we quantified the seasonal changes of leaf δ13 C, N content on a mass and area basis (Nmass , Narea , respectively), Δ18 O (leaf 18 O enrichment above source water, a proxy of time-integrated stomatal conductance) and morphological traits in an emblematic N2 -fixing legume tree, the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), at a subtropical site in Southwest China. We also measured xylem, soil and rainwater isotopes (δ18 O, δ2 H) to characterize tree water uptake patterns. Xylem water isotopic data reveal that black locust primarily used shallow soil water in this humid habitat. Black locust exhibited a decreasing δ13 C along leaf ageing, which was largely driven by decreasing leaf Nmass , despite roughly constant Narea . In contrast, the decreasing δ13 C along leaf ageing was largely uncoupled from parallel increases in Δ18 O and leaf thickness. Leaf N content is used as a proxy of leaf photosynthetic capacity; thus, it plays a key role in determining the seasonality in δ13 C, whereas the roles of stomatal conductance and leaf morphology are minor. Black locust leaves can effectively adjust to changing environmental conditions along leaf ageing through LMA increases and moderate stomatal conductance reduction while maintaining constant Narea to optimize photosynthesis and carbon assimilation, despite declining leaf Nmass and δ13 C.

Response Types and Factors Associated with Response Types to Biologic Therapies in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis from Two Randomized Clinical Trials.

This study aimed to understand treatment response dynamics, including factors associated with favorable response, among patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who received guselkumab, adalimumab, or secukinumab. These post hoc analyses used data from the phaseIII clinical trials ECLIPSE and VOYAGE1, which were conducted between September 2021 and November 2022. On the basis of absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (aPASI) scores, patients were divided into short-term response types (SRT1-6, based on week20-48 response) and long-term response types (LRT1-4, based on week52-252 response). Response types(RTs) were based on aPASI cutoffs deemed clinically relevant by the investigators; SRT1/LRT1 were the most favorable response types. Baseline characteristics were compared across RTs, and logistic regression analyses established factors associated with SRT1/LRT1. Overall, 1045, 662, and 272 patients were included in the ECLIPSE short-term, VOYAGE1 short-term, and VOYAGE1 long-term analyses, respectively. Mean age, body mass index (BMI), baseline aPASI score, and body surface area were lower in SRT1 than SRT6. In VOYAGE1, adalimumab treatment, high BMI, and current/former smoking status resulted in less favorable responses. In the VOYAGE1 long-term analysis, patients in LRT4had the highest baseline aPASI score, were older, and were more often obese compared with other LRT groups. Regression analyses showed that SRT1 (both treatments) in VOYAGE1 and ECLIPSE, and LRT1 (guselkumab group) in the VOYAGE1 long-term analysis, were associated with week16 aPASI response. In VOYAGE1, SRT1 was associated with psoriasis duration and smoking status. Early treatment response and baseline characteristics, including smoking, psoriasis duration, and obesity, may be associated with longer-term response to biologics. ECLIPSE: NCT03090100, VOYAGE1: NCT02207231.

Mapping Urban Expansions along China–Europe Railway Express with the 30 m Time-Series Global Impervious Surface Area (GISA-2) Data from 2010 to 2019

The China–Europe Railway Express (CRE) plays a crucial role in promoting local economic development and bolstering regional connectivity. Quantitative assessments of urban changes along the CRE are essential for understanding its influence on the local eco-environment and the economy, which is a cornerstone for fostering sustainable growth. Urban boundaries are vital indicators of city development; however, accurately extracting these boundaries over multiple years at a large scale and fine granularity remains challenging. On the basis of a global impervious surface area (GISA2) dataset from 2010 to 2019, this study extracted fine-scaled city boundaries annually for European countries and analyzed the spatiotemporal patterns of urbanization in areas along and not along the express during the past decade. The generated enhanced urban boundaries (EUBs) show strong agreement with the Landsat time-series data and align well with existing global urban time-series products (GUB, GAUD, and NTL). From 2010 to 2019, urban areas and clusters expanded across the entire region, with notable disparities observed between areas along the express (noted as ON-CRE) and those not along (noted as OFF-CRE). ON-CRE cities experienced more substantial urban growth near the express, resulting in new mega urban agglomerations and expansion in small and moderate cities. In contrast, most OFF-CRE cities exhibited stable development with limited urban sprawl. Dynamic proportions of the impervious surface area (ISA) within the EUB indicated more compact impervious areas within ON-CRE boundaries compared to OFF-CRE. This study contributes to understanding urban expansions driven by the long-term CRE operations. The EUB dataset developed herein provides a valuable resource for future investigations into the impacts of urbanization on biotic stress and urban health in European countries, thus supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals.

Decadal forest mensuration cycle significantly underestimates net primary production in dense young beech stands

The early development of naturally regenerated forest stands is highly dynamic and includes rapid shifts in productivity and mortality. To characterise the growth dynamics in the initial decades, we assessed aboveground biomass stocks (Sab),aboveground biomass productivity (DPab), and aboveground biomass mortality (DMab) in five naturally regenerated European beech stands located in the Inner Western Carpathians. We developed allometric models for aboveground biomass compartments based on a sample of 262 trees. We also established five circular sampling plots within each stand and, for 15 years, carried out annual measurements of stem diameter at the base and height for all trees within the sampling plots. We then utilised the allometric models to calculate annual biomass accumulation in aboveground biomass compartments on an area basis. Our findings show that, despite the declining contribution of foliage to the total aboveground stock, about a quarter of annual net primary production in young beech stands enters the dead biomass pool due to leaf fall and tree mortality. The growth dynamics and biomass allocation patterns of young beech forests necessitate the development of specific allometric models to describe their growth and carbon capture processes.

Leaf photosynthetic performance is not a key factor affecting grain yield in spring wheat subjected to heat and combined heat and drought stresses

AbstractThe yield traits and physiological responses of three wheat genotypes were studied when subjected to heat and combined heat and drought stress at anthesis under either aCO2 (400 ppm) or eCO2 (800 ppm) in a greenhouse. The heat treatment was 7‐days at day/night 35/28°C, and the combined heat and drought was withholding irrigation from the heat‐stressed plants until the photosynthetic rate reached &lt;5 μmol m−2 s−1. The LM62 genotype had higher photosynthetic rate compared with LM19, though no significant difference in grain yield was found. eCO2 increased photosynthesis at 35°C and significantly lowered the electron transport rate at high intercellular CO2 concentrations. Maximum velocity of Rubisco carboxylation (Vcmax) and the maximum velocity of RuBP regeneration in leaves (Jmax) increased in 35°C compared with 25°C, though when normalized to 25°C both Vcmax and Jmax decreased in the heat‐stressed plants, indicating that an inhibition had occurred. The maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) decreased under heat, which correlated with the yield loss caused by the stress. Fv/Fm also decreased under combined heat and drought, though it did not related to the declined yield. A small leaf area prolonged the drying period of Gladius, and it was the genotype with the lowest decrease in yield because of stress. It is concluded that the effects of heat and combined heat and drought stress on the gas exchange and photosynthetic capacity on leaf area basis are not directly linked to the yield performance among wheat genotypes, while the morphological characteristics of the plants are important determinants of grain yield in response to those abiotic stresses.

Profitability of onion seed production in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

The present study entitled, ‘Profitability of Onion Seed Production in Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra’ is based on a sample of 90onion seed growers drawn from Shrigonda, Nagar and Parner tehsils ofAhmednagar district. Three villages from each tehsil were selected randomly and from six villages, 15 onion seed growers were selected from each village on the basis of the actual area under onion seed. All onion seed growers were categorized into three different groups (five in each group), i.e. Category I (below 0.05ha), Category II (0.05 to 0.15 ha) and Category III (0.15 ha and above). Thus, the final sample consisted of 90 onion seed growers. The primary data collected for the agriculture year 2021–22 was analyzed by using mathematical and statistical calculations. At the overall level, the per hectare cost of cultivation of onion seed worked out to be Rs. 549224.68. The cost ‘A’ was Rs. 265391.85, contributing 48.33 per cent of the cost ‘C’. In cost ‘A’, the major item of cost were bulbs, i.e. Rs. 139792.34, contributing 25.45 per cent of the cost ‘C’. The expenditure on total hired human labour, bullock labour, machine power, manure and plant protection charges was worked out to Rs. 54466.67, Rs. 1200, Rs. 24000, Rs. 5995.67 and Rs.1442.25 which accounted for 9.92, 0.22, 4.37, 1.09 and 0.26 per cent of the share in cost ‘C’, respectively. At the overall level, the per hectare gross return was found to be Rs.1448098.61 and the B:C ratio at cost ‘C’ was 2.63. It clearly indicated that onion seed cultivation is a profitable venture.

Oral decitabine–cedazuridine versus intravenous decitabine for myelodysplastic syndromes and chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (ASCERTAIN): a registrational, randomised, crossover, pharmacokinetics, phase 3 study

The DNA methyltransferase inhibitors azacitidine and decitabine for individuals with myelodysplastic syndromes or chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia are available in parenteral form. Oral therapy with similar exposure for these diseases would offer potential treatment benefits. We aimed to compare the safety and pharmacokinetics of oral decitabine plus the cytidine deaminase inhibitor cedazuridine versus intravenous decitabine. We did a registrational, multicentre, open-label, crossover, phase 3 trial of individuals with myelodysplastic syndromes or chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia and individuals with acute myeloid leukaemia, enrolled as separate cohorts; results for only participants with myelodysplastic syndromes or chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia are reported here. In 37 academic and community-based clinics in Canada and the USA, we enrolled individuals aged 18 years or older who were candidates to receive intravenous decitabine, with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 or 1 and a life expectancy of at least 3 months. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive 5 days of oral decitabine-cedazuridine (one tablet once daily containing 35 mg decitabine and 100 mg cedazuridine as a fixed-dose combination) or intravenous decitabine (20 mg/m2 per day by continuous 1-h intravenous infusion) in a 28-day treatment cycle, followed by 5 days of the other formulation in the next treatment cycle. Thereafter, all participants received oral decitabine-cedazuridine from the third cycle on until treatment discontinuation. The primary endpoint was total decitabine exposure over 5 days with oral decitabine-cedazuridine versus intravenous decitabine for cycles 1 and 2, measured as area under the curve in participants who received the full treatment dose in cycles 1 and 2 and had decitabine daily AUC0-24 for both oral decitabine-cedazuridine and intravenous decitabine (ie, paired cycles). On completion of the study, all patients were rolled over to a maintenance study. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03306264. Between Feb 8, 2018, and June 7, 2021, 173 individuals were screened, 138 (80%) participants were randomly assigned to a treatment sequence, and 133 (96%) participants (87 [65%] men and 46 [35%] women; 121 [91%] White, four [3%] Black or African-American, three [2%] Asian, and five [4%] not reported) received treatment. Median follow-up was 966 days (IQR 917-1050). Primary endpoint of total exposure of oral decitabine-cedazuridine versus intravenous decitabine was 98·93% (90% CI 92·66-105·60), indicating equivalent pharmacokinetic exposure on the basis of area under the curve. The safety profiles of oral decitabine-cedazuridine and intravenous decitabine were similar. The most frequent adverse events of grade 3 or worse were thrombocytopenia (81 [61%] of 133 participants), neutropenia (76 [57%] participants), and anaemia (67 [50%] participants). The incidence of serious adverse events in cycles 1-2 was 31% (40 of 130 participants) with oral decitabine-cedazuridine and 18% (24 of 132 participants) with intravenous decitabine. There were five treatment-related deaths; two deemed related to oral therapy (sepsis and pneumonia) and three to intravenous treatment (septic shock [n=2] and pneumonia [n=1]). Oral decitabine-cedazuridine was pharmacologically and pharmacodynamically equivalent to intravenous decitabine. The results support use of oral decitabine-cedazuridine as a safe and effective alternative to intravenous decitabine for treatment of individuals with myelodysplastic syndromes or chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia. Astex Pharmaceuticals.

Genetic mapping of dynamic control of leaf angle across multiple canopy levels in maize.

Optimizing leaf angle and other canopy architecture traits has helped modern maize (Zea mays L.) become adapted to higher planting densities over the last 60 years. Traditional investigations into genetic control of leaf angle have focused on one leaf or the average of multiple leaves; as a result, our understanding of genetic control across multiple canopy levels is still limited. To address this, genetic mapping across four canopy levels was conducted in the present study to investigate the genetic control of leaf angle across the canopy. We developed two populations of doubled haploid lines derived from three inbreds with distinct leaf angle phenotypes. These populations were genotyped with genotyping-by-sequencing and phenotyped for leaf angle at four different canopy levels over multiple years. To understand how leaf angle changes across the canopy, the four measurements were used to derive three additional traits. Composite interval mapping was conducted with the leaf-specific measurements and the derived traits. A set of 59 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were uncovered for seven traits, and two genomic regions were consistently detected across multiple canopy levels. Additionally, seven genomic regions were found to contain consistent QTLs with either relatively stable or dynamic effects at different canopy levels. Prioritizing the selection of QTLs with dynamic effects across the canopy will aid breeders in selecting maize hybrids with the ideal canopy architecture that continues to maximize yield on a per area basis under increasing planting densities.