Race Identification Research Articles

Primer pairs to identify physiological races of Plasmodiophora brassicae

Clubroot is a soil-borne disease caused by infection with Plasmodiophora brassicae, the causal agent of clubroot, and clubroot can directly cause enormous economic losses in cruciferous crops. The latent spores of P. brassicae are highly active, have a high rate of infection, and are transmitted over a wide range of channels. The manifestation of P. brassicae in fields is often caused by the mixed infection of multiple physiological races, and such mixed infections often pose a substantial challenge to the breeding of plants that are resistant to P. brassicae. In this study, a set of multiple molecular markers for the identification of the main physiological race of P. brassicae was established by utilizing a system to detect the clubroot microspecies-specific primers SCL14 (UP/LP), PBRA_000030-2 (F/R), PBRA_000303-1 (F/R), PBRA_009348-2 (F/R), and Novel342-1 (F/R). The molecular identification of clubroot physiological race resulted in identifying of five such races, including No. 1, 4, 7, 9, and 11. The primers used in this study were more specific, and some strains were not only identified as No. 4 but also as No. 7, such as strains P2, P3, and P4, or as No. 1, such as strain P60. The highest frequency and widest distribution of the small species No. 4 in the sampling site indicated that race No. 4 is the dominant race of P. brassicae. Based on the distribution of race in the sampling site, it was found that the isolated strains of P. brassicae were more differentiated and caused more types of disease. In this study, the primers obtained for the molecular identification of P. brassicae in previous studies were improved and combined to form a multi-molecular marker method to identify the physiological race isolates of P. brassicae, which will provide a theoretical basis to identify the isolates of P. brassicae using molecular markers.

Identification of physiological race of wheat stem rust (Puccinia graminis f.sp.tritici) and reaction of bread wheat cultivars to emerging dominant races

Identification of physiological race of wheat stem rust (Puccinia graminis f.sp.tritici) and reaction of bread wheat cultivars to emerging dominant races

New Races with Wider Virulence Indicate Rapid Evolution of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici in the Southern Cone of America.

Wheat yellow (stripe) rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most devastating diseases of wheat worldwide. Pst populations are composed of multiple genetic groups, each carrying one or more races characterized by different avirulence/virulence combinations. Since the severe epidemics in 2017, yellow rust has become the most economically important wheat foliar disease in Uruguay. A set of 124 Pst isolates collected from wheat fields in Uruguay between 2017 and 2021 were characterized phenotypically, and 27 of those isolates were subsequently investigated in-depth by additional molecular genotyping and race phenotyping analyses. Three genetic groups were identified, PstS7, PstS10, and PstS13, with the latter being the most prevalent. Two races previously reported in Europe, Warrior (PstS7) and Benchmark (PstS10), were detected in four and two isolates, respectively. A third race, known as Triticale2015 (PstS13), that was first detected in Europe in 2015 and in Argentina in 2017 was detected at several locations. Additional virulence to Yr3, Yr17, Yr25, Yr27, or Yr32 was detected in three new race variants within PstS13. The identification of these new races, which have not been reported outside South America, provides strong evidence of the local evolution of virulence in Pst during the recent epidemic years.

Moving Beyond Single Racial Identification: Considering Multiracial and Multiethnic Identification in Public Health.

As multiracial and multiethnic youth populations are anticipated to be 11.3% of the U.S. population by 2060, it is essential that public health research and practice find ways to effectively capture and reach these diverse groups. Single racial identification has been a norm in public health practice; however, this method has limitations for capturing the health of multiracial and multiethnic individuals. Drawing on personal experience of the author and multidisciplinary scholarship, this research commentary examines the limitations of single race identification and how this influences the processes of racialization. The author provides important implications for public health research by suggesting more complex and effective ways to capture personal racial identification and racial perceptions and addresses how to reach multiracial and multiethnic groups through public health interventions where individuals might identify with multiple cultural identities.

Race and Virulence Dynamics of Puccinia triticina in China During 2007 to 2021.

The challenge of wheat leaf rust on wheat production is a recurring issue. Race identification of Puccinia triticina (Pt) serves as the foundation for preventing and controlling this disease. In a 15-year study, we identified 2,900 isolates of Pt from 20 provinces, cities, or autonomous regions in China during 2007 to 2021 and found 332 virulence phenotypes with 11 predominant phenotypes: PHT (8.3%), THT (5.4%), PHK (4.5%), PHJ (3.7%), THJ (3.6%), SHJ (3.5%), THS (3.3%), FGD (2.9%), THK (2.6%), PHS (2.4%), and PHD (2.0%). The virulence frequency for 40 Lr genes was identified across different years and areas; one major reason for the race dynamics was the attenuation to Lr1 and Lr26, which was more evident in southwest China. Lr9, Lr24, Lr28, Lr38, and Lr42 maintained effectiveness in China, while Lr2c, Lr10, Lr12, Lr14a, Lr14b, Lr22a, Lr33, and Lr36 nearly lost their effectiveness against wheat leaf rust disease. No significant difference was found among predominant phenotypes in different areas (P > 0.1). However, 12 Lr sites were found to have differences in virulence frequencies with values greater than 20% across various locations; furthermore, the lowest and highest virulence values were observed in north China (Area 1) and northwest China (Area 5), respectively. According to phenotype dynamics, PHT, THT, FGD, THK, and PHS are more likely to persist over time. In addition, much attention should be given toward discovering rising combinations of virulent phenotypes.

First Report of Puccinia striiformis F. Sp. Tritici Race ME2018 in Irrigated Wheat Production in Ethiopia

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is a devastating disease of wheat in Ethiopia and the globe. The disease was dynamic and quite complex with the host (variety and plant spp), the environment, and with the pathogen genetic nature. The genetic alternation or change of a pathogen could affect the resistant population in the area. New race identification helps preparedness for the needs a rise to reduce the possible losses due to the problem. The race analysis dynamics identified three yellow rust races; namely, PstS11, PstS16 and ME2018 and one other unknown new race were the major in recent years but in the 2012-2016 Psts1 and PSTS2 were the dominant once. The new race ME2018 race mixture was increased the risk of stripe race epidemics in the area because it is Yr10-virulence race. So regular monitoring, for early detection and identification of new races was crucial.

Race identification and differentiation of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri causing chickpea wilt

Race identification and differentiation of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri causing chickpea wilt

Races and Biovar Characterization of Ralstonia solanacearum Causing Bacterial Wilt Disease of Potato

Ralstonia solanacearum, the causative agent of brown rot/bacterial wilt, is a major cause of severe potato illnesses in many impoverished nations located in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. When it occurs, the disease is to blame for significant losses to the potato industry. The illness has the potential to completely destroy a crop and stop using a piece of land for potato cultivation for a number of years. A survey was carried out to investigate the extent of Ralstonia solanacearum-caused bacterial wilt of potato crops in important potato-growing talukas in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat, India, including Deesa, Dantiwada, Palanpur, and Amirgadh. The frequency of bacterial wilt disease in potatoes is rather low in this region. Four talukas were utilised to identify ten isolates (RsSt1 to RsSt10) of R. solanacearum, which were then used to determine the biovar and race. Gram-negative rod-shaped cells were present in the isolates of R. solanacearum. On TZC agar medium, these isolates developed colonies that were creamy or dull white in colour with a hint of pink or red in the centre. The oxidation of disaccharides (sucrose, lactose, maltose) and sugar alcohols (manitol, sorbitol, and dulcitol) by R. solanacearum isolates was used to determine the biovar characteristics. This revealed that, of the ten isolates, eight were classified as bv2, and the two remaining isolates (RsSt5 and RsSt7) belonged to bv2T. The pathogenicity test conducted on tobacco, tomato, and brinjal allowed for the race identification of R. solanacearum isolates, which were classified as race 3 due to their limited host range and ability to exclusively elicit wilt symptoms in potatoes and tomatoes. As a result, Races 3 and bv2 and bv2T were represented among the R. solanacearum isolates that caused bacterial wilt of potatoes in the Banaskantha district.

Abstract A096: Exploring the influence of sociodemographic factors in a Puerto Rican population with a diagnosis of cancer

Abstract Introduction: Sociodemographic data plays a vital role in understanding the diverse factors that might influence health outcomes, especially in patients with a diagnosis of cancer. Understanding elements such as age, sex, race identification, insurance status, and family support can provide guidance to better improve quality of life. For example, family support can make a significant difference when facing the emotional and physical challenges of the disease. Meanwhile, a favorable health insurance can often lessen financial burdens associated with treatment. The objective of this study is to outline the sociodemographic profile of a Puerto Rican cohort with a diagnosis of cancer and create a landscape for other minority and cancer-affected populations. Methodology: A questionnaire that inquired about sociodemographic data and past medical history was distributed at COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Puerto Rico from December 2020 to June 2021. Participants who had a confirmed history or current diagnosis of cancer were included. Bivariate analyses were conducted. This research received IRB approval. Results: The study cohort included 115 participants with a current or past diagnosis of cancer: 67 were female and 48 were male, with a mean age of 69.5±12.4 and an age range of 23-95. The most prevalent identified types of cancer diagnoses were prostate (15.7%), breast (13.9%), colon (3.5%), and skin (3.5%). When assessing race, 64.3% identified as White, 27.0% as Other Race, 7.8.% as Black or African American, and 0.9% as American Indian or Alaska Native. The majority of participants identified as Hispanic or Latino (97.4%). When considering health insurance status, out of 95 participants who answered the inquiry, 81.1% had private insurance, 12.6% had public insurance, and 6.3% were not insured. There was no statistical difference in prevalence of sex (p=0.729) or race identification (p=0.060) within private insurance status. In terms of family nucleus and household support, 26.1% mentioned living on their own, 41.7% lived with one other person, 16.5% lived with 2 additional people, and 15.7% lived with 3 or more people in their nucleus. There was a significantly higher prevalence of females living on their own than males (p=0.005). Meanwhile, males were significantly more likely to live with one other person than females (p=0.022). There was no statistical difference between sex prevalence and living with two people (p=0.118) or three or more people (p=0.191) in the family nucleus. Conclusions: This study provides a valuable snapshot of current sociodemographic data of a Puerto Rican population with a diagnosis of cancer. There was a particular prevalence of prostate and breast cancer in the cohort and most participants were privately insured. Within the context of important family support, most lived with another person as part of the nucleus; however, males were more likely to live with an additional person. Studies emphasizing the importance of sociodemographic factors in this population are vital for improving healthcare outcomes. Citation Format: Humberto R. Nieves-Jiménez, Andrea Firpo-Pabón, Jean Carlos G. Martínez-Izquierdo, Manuel A. Colón-Terrón, Javier A. Vélez-Martínez, Rafael E. Morales-Grimany, Laura I. Ortiz-López, Sergio J. Báez-Juarbe, Diego B. Buitrago-Villamizar, Juan D. Mercado-Potes, Sebastián Portela-Colón, Fernando A. Sánchez-Pérez, Eric M. González-Morales. Exploring the influence of sociodemographic factors in a Puerto Rican population with a diagnosis of cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A096.

At the intersection of humanity and technology: a technofeminist intersectional critical discourse analysis of gender and race biases in the natural language processing model GPT-3

AbstractAlgorithmic biases, or algorithmic unfairness, have been a topic of public and scientific scrutiny for the past years, as increasing evidence suggests the pervasive assimilation of human cognitive biases and stereotypes in such systems. This research is specifically concerned with analyzing the presence of discursive biases in the text generated by GPT-3, an NLPM which has been praised in recent years for resembling human language so closely that it is becoming difficult to differentiate between the human and the algorithm. The pertinence of this research object is substantiated by the identification of race, gender and religious biases in the model’s completions in recent research, suggesting that the model is indeed heavily influenced by human cognitive biases. To this end, this research inquires: How does the Natural Language Processing Model GPT-3 replicate existing social biases?. This question is addressed through the scrutiny of GPT-3’s completions using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), a method which has been deemed as amply valuable for this research as it is aimed at uncovering power asymmetries in language. As such, the analysis is specifically centered around the analysis of gender and race biases in the model’s generated text. Research findings suggest that GPT-3’s language generation model significantly exacerbates existing social biases while replicating dangerous ideologies akin to white supremacy and hegemonic masculinity as factual knowledge.

Characterization of the Northwestern Population of <i>Puccinia striiformis</i> f. sp. <i>tritici</i> on the Basis of Virulence and Representation of Invasive <i>PstS1</i> and <i>PstS2</i> Races

The expansion of the area of significance of yellow rust was observed in the last years. Until recently, in the conditions of the North-West, the disease occurred sporadically. However, in recent years, its strong development has been observed on wheat samples studied on the collection fields of scientific research institutes and State variety plots, as well as on some commercial fields in the Leningrad region. The aim of this work is to study the virulence and racial composition of the yellow rust pathogen in the Northwest and to conduct a molecular analysis of population samples for the presence of invasive races PstS1 and PstS2. Leaves of common wheat samples with of Puccinia striiformis urediniopustules were collected on commercial fields, State variety plots and experimental fields of the Research Institutes in 2020–2022. Near isogenic Avocet lines (Av NIL) with genes Yr1, Yr5, Yr6, Yr7, Yr8, Yr9, Yr10, Yr15, Yr17, Yr18, Yr24, Yr26, YrSp, Yr27 and differential varieties from international [Chinese 166 (Yr1), Lee (Yr7, Yr+), Heines Kolben (Yr6, Yr+), Vilmorin 23 (Yr3), Moro (Yr10, YrMor), Strubes Dickkopf (YrSD, Yr25, Yr+), Suwon 92/Omar) (YrSu, Yr+)] and European [Hybrid 46 (Yr4, Yr+), Reichersberg 42 (Yr7, Yr+), Heines Peko (Yr2, Yr6, Yr25, Yr+), Nord Desprez (Yr3, YrND, Yr+), Compair (Yr8, Yr19), Carstens V (Yr32, Yr25, Yr+), Spaldings Prolific (YrSP, Yr+), Heines VII (Yr2, Yr25, Yr+)] sets used for characteristic of pathogen virulence. Set of SCAR markers (SCP19M24a1, SCP19M24a2, SCP19M26a1, SCP19M26a2) used for identification of invasive races. A total 92 isolates were studied. High effectiveness at the seedling stage had genes Yr5, Yr10, Yr15, Yr24, Yr26. Isolates virulent to differential varieties Moro (Yr10, YrMor) and Nord Desprez (Yr3, YrND, Yr+) was not determined. Virulence to wheat genotypes with Yr17 gene was rare. Twenty-four virulence phenotypes identified using 29 virulence testers. The number of virulence alleles varied from 7 to 21. At the same time, differences between the phenotypes of P. striiformis on the studied common wheat varieties were insignificant. Most of them have united in a common group. Two groups of isolates slightly differentiated from them. The first included isolates from varieties characterized by a smaller number of virulence alleles, the second – with the maximum number of virulence alleles. Molecular analysis of the northwestern po-pulation revealed isolates belonging to the invasive PstS2 group in 2020 and 2022. Their virulence did not differ significantly from other northwestern phenotypes. The high evolutionary potential predetermines the need for annual monitoring of pathogen populations based on virulence and representation of invasive races.

Identification of Puccinia striiformis races from the spring wheat crop in Xinjiang, China.

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is a foliar disease that affects both winter and spring wheat crops in Xinjiang, China, which is linked to Central Asia. Race identification of Pst from spring wheat in Xinjiang was not done before. In this study, a total of 216 isolates were recovered from stripe rust samples of spring wheat in the region in 2021 and multiplied using the susceptible cultivar Mingxian 169. These isolates were tested on the Chinese set of 19 wheat differential lines for identifying Pst races. A total of 46 races were identified. Races Suwon-11-1, Suwon11-12, and CYR32 had high frequencies in the spring wheat region. The frequencies of virulence factors on differentials "Fulhard" and "Early Premium" were high (>95%), whereas the virulence factor to differential "Triticum spelta var. Album" (Yr5) was not detected, while virulence to other differentials showed variable frequency within different counties. The predominant races in winter wheat in the same season were also detected from spring wheat cultivars, indicating Pst spreading from winter wheat to spring wheat crops. Deploying resistance genes in spring and winter wheat cultivars is critical for control stripe rust.

Examining the Role of Race in End-of-Life Care in the Intensive Care Unit: A Single-Center Observational Study.

Prior studies have shown variation in the intensity of end-of-life care in intensive care units (ICUs) among patients of different races. We sought to identify variation in the levels of care at the end of life in the ICU and to assess for any association with race and ethnicity. An observational, retrospective cohort study. A tertiary care center in Boston, MA. All critically ill patients admitted to medical and surgical ICUs between June 2019 and December 2020. Self-identified race and ethnicity. The primary outcome was death. Secondary outcomes included "code status," markers of intensity of care, consultation by the Palliative care service, and consultation by the Ethics service. A total of 9083 ICU patient encounters were analyzed. One thousand two hundred fifty-nine patients (14%) died in the ICU; the mean age of patients was 64 years (standard deviation 16.8), and 44% of patients were women. A large number of decedents (22.7%) did not have their race identified. These patients had a high rate of interventions at death. Code status varied by race, with more White patients designated as "Comfort Measures Only" (CMO) (74%) whereas more Black patients were designated as "Do Not Resuscitate/Do Not Intubate (DNR/DNI) and DNR/ok to intubate" (12.1% and 15.7%) at the end of life; after adjustment for age and severity of illness, there were no statistical differences by race for the use of the CMO code status. Use of dialysis at the end of life varied by self-identified race. Specifically, Black and Unknown patients were more likely to receive renal replacement therapy, even after adjustment for age and severity of illness (24% and 20%, p = 0.003). Our data describe a gap in identification of race and ethnicity, as well as differences at the end of life in the ICU, especially with respect to code status and certain markers of intensity.

Years of life lost due to deaths of despair and COVID-19 in the United States in 2020: patterns of excess mortality by gender, race and ethnicity

BackgroundIn 2020 COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death in the United States. Increases in suicides, overdoses, and alcohol related deaths were seen—which make up deaths of despair. How deaths of despair compare to COVID-19 across racial, ethnic, and gender subpopulations is relatively unknown. Preliminary studies showed inequalities in COVID-19 mortality for Black and Hispanic Americans in the pandemic's onset. This study analyzes the racial, ethnic and gender disparities in years of life lost due to COVID-19 and deaths of despair (suicide, overdose, and alcohol deaths) in 2020.MethodsThis cross-sectional study calculated and compared years of life lost (YLL) due to Deaths of Despair and COVID-19 by gender, race, and ethnicity. YLL was calculated using the CDC WONDER database to pull death records based on ICD-10 codes and the Social Security Administration Period Life Table was used to get estimated life expectancy for each subpopulation.ResultsIn 2020, COVID-19 caused 350,831 deaths and 4,405,699 YLL. By contrast, deaths of despair contributed to 178,598 deaths and 6,045,819 YLL. Men had more deaths and YLL than women due to COVID-19 and deaths of despair. Among White Americans and more than one race identification both had greater burden of deaths of despair YLL than COVID-19 YLL. However, for all other racial categories (Native American/Alaskan Native, Asian, Black/African American, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander) COVID-19 caused more YLL than deaths of despair. Also, Hispanic or Latino persons had disproportionately higher mortality across all causes: COVID-19 and all deaths of despair causes.ConclusionsThis study found greater deaths of despair mortality burden and differences in burden across gender, race, and ethnicity in 2020. The results indicate the need to bolster behavioral health research, support mental health workforce development and education, increase access to evidence-based substance use treatment, and address systemic inequities and social determinants of deaths of despair and COVID-19.

Highly Aggressive Invasive Race Group PstS2 in Russian Populations of the Wheat Yellow Rust Pathogen

The expansion of the area of harmfulness of the wheat yellow rust pathogen (Puccinia striiformis) (Pst) has be observed all over the world in the 2000s. This is due to the emergence of new highly aggressive invasive groups of races PstS1 and PstS2, adopted to the high temperatures, and also as a result of virulence mutations of regional pathogen populations. SCAR-markers were developed for identification of invasive races, and pathogen collections from many countries were studied. In these studies in first in Russia, the analysis of regional populations of P. striiformis for the presence of invasive races PstS1 and PstS2 was carried out. Single pustule isolates were obtained from urediosamples collected from common and durum wheat, triticale and wild grasses in seven regions of the Russian Federation (North Caucasian, Northwestern, Central Black Earth, Lower Volga, Middle Volga, Volga–Vyatka, West Siberian) in 2019–2020. In total 82 isolates were studied. Using SCAR markers, three genotypes were identified in the studied collection of P. striiformis, and one of which belongs to the invasive group PstS2. The other two genotypes had a different origin (other). Isolates of PstS2 group were received from pathogen population samples collected in the Russian Northwest in 2020. Virulence analysis revealed two phenotypes among them: PstS2_R1 (3 isolates) and PstS2_R2 (1 isolate). According to information from the Global Rust Reference Center (http://www.wheatrust.org/), the main characteristic of isolates from invasive PstS2 group is virulence to wheat lines with resistance genes Yr2, Yr6, Yr7, Yr8, Yr9, and Yr25. The Russian R1 phenotype PstS2 was also characterized by virulence to these genes, as well as to Yr1, Yr32, and YrSp. The PstS2_R2 phenotype differed from PstS2_R1 for avirulence to Yr25 and virulence to Yr3 and Yr4. The main difference of Russian PstS2 isolates with detected in other countries is virulence to wheat lines with genes Yr4, Yr32, and YrSp. The first detection of invasive races in the Northwest of Russia indicates the relevance of annual monitoring of regional populations of P. striiformis.

Facial Skin Type Detection for Race Classification using Convolutional Neural Network and Haar Cascade Method

Every organism possesses a unique structural makeup, extending from molecules to organ systems. One such organ, the skin, is our body's largest and the most complex. Its diversity in color corresponds with various human races, although the facial skin type, an often-overlooked factor, also plays a significant role in race identification. In this research, a system was developed to recognize racial classifications from facial skin types by focusing on features in the facial T and U areas, using the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Haar cascade methodologies. CNN was employed due to its ability to use the convolution process, moving a kernel across an image, multiplying it with the applied filter, and thereby generating new representative information. It is especially effective in image recognition and processing. The Haar cascade method, on the other hand, was used to outline the T and U areas on the face for the skin type detection system. The T area, known for oil detection, identifies skin types, while the U area identifies race types by forming facial patterns. This system, trained on 1670 race and 60 skin type datasets and optimized using the Adam optimizer, exhibited high accuracy levels. Upon testing with five new samples, it demonstrated an average accuracy of 98% in race detection and 97% in skin type detection.

Identification of species and physiological races of Xanthomonas isolated from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) in Sinaloa, Mexico

Bacterial spot of tomato and chili pepper, caused by four species of Xanthomonas and various races, is one of the diseases with the greatest impact on horticulture worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify the species and physiological races of Xanthomonas present in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) crops in Sinaloa, Mexico. For this purpose, samples with typical symptoms of bacterial spot were collected in commercial fields of the different municipalities in the state of Sinaloa. Ninety-three bacteria were isolated on semi-selective medium as nutrient agar and yeast extract-dextrose. A total of 47 bacteria were identified as Xanthomonas by a combination of morphological, pathogenic, biochemical, physiological, and molecular tests. In addition, to characterize the morphological race of each strain, differential tomato (four) and chili pepper (six) lines were used. Molecular diagnostic using specific primers indicated that 83% corresponded to X. euvesicatoria, 10.6% to X. perforans, and 6.4% to X. vesicatoria. At the physiological race level, races T1, T2, T3, and T5 were detected in tomato; while the Xanthomonas races detected in chili pepper were P0, P3, P6, P8 and P10. This information updates previous data on the distribution of races of Xanthomonas that infect chili peppers in Sinaloa, since races P6 and P10 are reported for the first time.

Focus Issue Articles on Diagnostic Assay Development and Validation: The Science of Getting It Right

Focus Issue Articles on Diagnostic Assay Development and Validation: The Science of Getting It Right

Disparate outcomes for Black patients following neoadjuvant chemoradiation for rectal cancer are multifactorial in origin.

21 Background: Studies have shown that Black patients receiving chemoradiation (CRT) for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) have achieved clinical outcomes less satisfactory than those achieved by other racial groups, but the source of this disparity is poorly understood. This study investigated the demographic, geographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors that underlie this disparity. Methods: We interrogated the National Cancer Database from 2004-2017 to identify patients with T3-T4 or N > 0 LARC treated with CRT prior to surgery. Response to CRT was determined by the rates of pathologic complete response (pCR) and tumor downstaging after treatment. Univariate analysis (UVA) was performed with chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. Multivariate analysis (MVA) was then used to identify independent factors associated with improved pCR. Results: A total of 37,783 patient records were reviewed for the study (7.8% Black, 86.0% White, 6.1% Other). Black patients were younger (p < 0.0001), more often female (p < 0.0001), and more likely to live in metropolitan areas (p < 0.0001). LARC in Black patients was diagnosed at a higher clinical stage (p = 0.0007) and was more often treated with abdominoperineal resection in preference to low anterior resection (p < 0.0001). Black patients were more often uninsured or covered by Medicaid (p < 0.0001) and less often covered by commercial insurance (p < .0001). UVA demonstrated that Black patients achieved pCR and tumor downstaging at lower rates than White patients (11.6% vs 14.5%; 46.9% vs 51.8%, both p < 0.0001). On MVA, Black race (OR 0.8015, 95%CI 0.7101-0.9047), a rural location (OR 0.8211, 95% CI 0.7082-0.952), absence of commercial medical insurance (Medicaid OR 0.8394 95% CI 0.7456-0.9449; Medicare OR 0.8989 95% CI 0.8226-0.9823; No Insurance OR 0.6107 95% CI 0.5103-0.7309), and higher tumor grade and stage remained independent risk factors for a lower pCR. Additional significant unfavorable prognostic factors for pCR included younger age, male sex, lower hospital treatment volume, and higher tumor grade or stage. Similarly, Black race, lower hospital treatment volume, absence of commercial medical insurance, and higher grade or stage were significant unfavorable prognostic factors for downstaging. Neither lower income nor fewer years of education was associated with pCR or tumor downstaging. Conclusions: The results confirm a lower rate of response to CRT in Black patients with LARC. The identification of race as an independent risk factor after adjustment for sociodemographic, geographic, and clinical factors suggests that other unknown variables–including genetic differences unaddressed in this study–must be pursued comprehensively in future studies. The more advanced stage of rectal cancers in Black patients suggests that critical evaluation of current cancer screening methods may play a role in this effort.

Advances in Biological Control and Resistance Genes of Brassicaceae Clubroot Disease-The Study Case of China

Clubroot disease is a soil-borne disease caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae. It occurs in cruciferous crops exclusively, and causes serious damage to the economic value of cruciferous crops worldwide. Although different measures have been taken to prevent the spread of clubroot disease, the most fundamental and effective way is to explore and use disease-resistance genes to breed resistant varieties. However, the resistance level of plant hosts is influenced both by environment and pathogen race. In this work, we described clubroot disease in terms of discovery and current distribution, life cycle, and race identification systems; in particular, we summarized recent progress on clubroot control methods and breeding practices for resistant cultivars. With the knowledge of these identified resistance loci and R genes, we discussed feasible strategies for disease-resistance breeding in the future.