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MRI Radiomic Habitats Predict for Radiation Response in Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Favorable tumor response (pathologic necrosis [PN] >90-95%) has been associated with improved outcome in soft tissue sarcoma (STS). STS is a diverse disease with variable response to radiation (RT), therefore tools such as radiomics may improve our prediction of tumor radiosensitivity. Radiomic habitats are analyses of overlaid images, providing insight on the underlying innate biology. We hypothesize that utilizing pretreatment MRI habitat analysis can predict for favorable tumor response in STS. We identified a total of 432 non-metastatic sarcoma patients that were treated with neoadjuvant radiation (50Gy/25 fractions) followed by surgery, from 2001 to 2019. Patients with a pre-RT MRI were included, gross volume was manually segmented on T1-post contrast and T2 STIR sequences. The sequences were dichotomized by signal intensity and each region designated into 1 of 4 habitats (e.g. T1 high/low, T2 high/low), and 154 habitat features were extracted. The cohort was split 2:1 into training and validation subsets balanced by PN, clinical tumor T (cT) and N stage (cN), receiving induction chemotherapy, and age. Feature reduction and machine learning was utilized to identify habitat features predictive of PN rates >90% or >95% at the time of surgery. Overall, patients eligible for analysis (n = 97) had a median age of 63 and tumor size of 11 cm. They most commonly consisted of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (40%), extremity (80%), and no prior chemotherapy (87%). An 8-feature model, 4 radiomic and 4 clinical (recurrent disease, age, cT stage, cN stage), predicted for PN>90% (training: 72%, ROC 0.746; validation: 65%, ROC: 0.713). Evaluating patients treated with neoadjuvant RT alone (n = 84), a second model with 5 radiomic and 3 clinical features (prior RT, cT and cN stage), had the highest prediction for PN>95% (training: 78%, ROC 0.721; validation: 72%, ROC 0.600). In both the overall cohort and RT only subset, the diversity in the number of habitat volumes within the tumor predicted for tumor response (OR 7.71 and 3.31). Models incorporating pretreatment MRI-habitats and clinical features can be used to predict radiation response in STS. Radiomic features suggestive of habitat diversity within a tumor appear to be associated with radiation response, and highlight the importance of intratumoral heterogeneity when evaluating radiosensitivity. Prospective studies utilizing this model to predict radiation response may identify patients that could benefit from treatment escalation.

Genetic manipulation of Soc1-like genes promotes photosynthesis in flowers and leaves and enhances plant tolerance to high temperature.

Genetic manipulation of Soc1-like genes promotes photosynthesis in flowers and leaves and enhances plant tolerance to high temperature.

Performances Investigation of Ti6Al4V Alloy Modified by Plasma Nitriding + Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition and Laser Remelting Process in Simulated Body Fluid

To enhance the corrosion and wear resistance of biological titanium alloy Ti6Al4V in the human body, plasma nitriding + plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PN + PECVD), laser remelting (LR) process were employed to modify the titanium alloy, respectively. The microhardness of LR and PN + PECVD samples was reported to increase by 117% and 165%, respectively, in contrast to that before the samples were modified. The thickness of LR modified layer was reported as 10 μm, and the nitrided film on the surface of PN + PECVD sample exhibited the thickness of 2 μm. The wear and corrosion performances of three samples were analyzed by friction and corrosion experiments in the simulated body fluid. As revealed from the experimental results, the wear rates of LR and PN + PECVD samples were 74.1% and 94.5% lower than that of Ti6Al4V. It can be seen that the surface modification layer can play a good role in protecting Ti6Al4V substrate from wear. By the electrochemical corrosion experiment, the corrosion resistance of Ti6Al4V, LR and PN + PECVD samples was ranked as PN + PECVD > LR > Ti6Al4V. It is therefore speculated that the PN + PECVD and LR modification processes could noticeably enhance the corrosion and wear resistance of Ti6Al4V in the human body.

Weekly selinexor, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (SVd) versus twice weekly bortezomib and dexamethasone (Vd) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) after one to three prior therapies: Initial results of the phase III BOSTON study.

8501 Background: Selinexor is an oral, selective inhibitor of XPO1-mediated nuclear export, leading to the reactivation of tumor suppressor proteins. In a phase 1b/2 study, the combination of once weekly (QW) selinexor with bortezomib and dexamethasone (SVd) was well tolerated with anti-MM activity in patients (pts) with PI-sensitive and PI-refractory disease. While twice weekly (BIW) bortezomib in combination therapy is efficacious, prolonged use is limited due to peripheral neuropathy (PN, 50-60%). The BOSTON study was designed to determine if SVd improves progression free survival (PFS), overall response rates (ORR) and reduces the rate of PN vs Vd. Methods: BOSTON is a global, phase 3, randomized study of QW SVd vs BIW Vd after 1-3 prior anti-MM regimens. The primary endpoint is PFS. Secondary endpoints include ORR, overall survival (OS) and PN (rates and EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 outcomes). Randomization is stratified by treatment with prior PI therapies, number of prior anti-MM regimens (1 vs > 1), and Revised International Staging System (R-ISS; Stage III vs I or II). Following confirmation of progressive disease, pts on Vd could cross over to either: 1) SVd for pts able to tolerate continued bortezomib or 2) selinexor and dexamethasone for pts with bortezomib intolerance. Results:402 pts were enrolled; 195 and 207 to SVd and Vd, respectively. Median age was 67 (range: 38-90). Most (59.6%) pts were > 65 years and 57.1% were male. R-ISS stage at the time of MM diagnosis was III for 18.5% of pts. Baseline characteristics were balanced across the 2 arms. SVd significantly prolonged PFS vs Vd (median 13.93 vs 9.46 months, HR = 0.70, P = 0.0066). SVd was associated with a significantly higher ORR (76.4% vs 62.3%, P = 0.0012). Median OS was not reached on SVd vs 25 months on Vd (P = 0.28). Most frequent treatment-related adverse events (grade ≥3) for SVd vs Vd were thrombocytopenia (35.9% vs 15.2%), fatigue (11.3% vs 0.5%) and nausea (7.7% vs 0%). Clinically important differences were reported on the motor, autonomic and sensory scales on CIPN20. PN rates (grade ≥2) were significantly lower with SVd vs Vd (21.0% vs 34.3%, P = 0.0013). Conclusions: BOSTON is the first phase 3 study to evaluate the clinical benefit of SVd for relapsed/refractory MM. The study met the primary endpoint: once weekly SVd significantly improved PFS and ORR compared to twice weekly Vd. Rates of PN were significantly reduced with numerically fewer deaths on SVd vs Vd. Full dataset will be presented at the meeting. Clinical trial information: NCT03110562 .

MP11-04 CONTEMPORARY INCIDENCE AND PREDICTORS OF OCCULT INGUINAL LYMPH NODE METASTASES IN MEN WITH CN0 PENILE CANCER

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Clinical practice guidelines recommend inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND) for men with clinically node-negative (cN0) penile cancer at increased risk of occult lymph node (LN) metastases. However, data regarding the incidence of occult LN metastases are limited to few studies that predated the introduction of contemporary cross-sectional imaging techniques. We therefore examined the contemporary incidence and predictors of occult inguinal LN metastases. METHODS: We identified 590 adult men with cTany cN0 cM0 squamous cell carcinoma of the penis who underwent partial/radical penectomy and ILND from 2006-2016 in the National Cancer Database. Rates of pN+ disease were examined stratified by tumor features, and a multivariable regression model was constructed to examine patient and clinical features associated with pN+ disease. RESULTS: Mean age was 61 (SD 12.5) years and median tumor size was 3.5 cm (IQR 2.5-4.8). Tumors were ≤pT1 in 126 (21%), pT2 in 256 (43%), and pT3/pT4 in 143 (24%) patients. Tumor grade was 1-2 in 409 (69%) and 3-4 in 160 (27%) of patients. A median of 15 (IQR 8-22) LNs were removed at ILND. The overall pN+ rate was 24% and did not vary over the study period (Figure 1). The pN+ rate, stratified by pT stage, varied from 18-33% (Table 1). On multivariable analysis, only higher tumor grade (OR 2.16;p=0.02 for grade 2; OR 2.81;p=0.005 for grade 3-4,versus grade 1) and lymphovascular invasion (OR 3.12;p<0.001) were independently associated with pN+ disease, whereas pT stage was not. CONCLUSIONS: Contemporary rates of occult LN metastases in men with cN0 penile cancer remain high at approximately 24%. Higher tumor grade and lymphovascular invasion were independently associated with pN+ disease, whereas pT stage was not.Source of Funding: None

Chromium stress alleviation by salicylic acid in Malabar spinach (Basella alba)

Phytoremediation is a natural approach to use plants for decontaminating soil. A pot-culture factorial experiment in completely randomized design was conducted to evaluate the effects of four levels [0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg] of chromium (Cr) with three levels [0, 0.5, and 1-M solution) of plant defense inducer salicylic acid (SA) on growth, physiological processes, and biochemical responses of Malabar spinach (Basella alba). Results showed that Cr significantly decreased vine length (VL), leaf number (LN), leaf area (LA), fresh- (FBM), and dry-biomass (DBM), root length (RL), and dry-matter ratio (DMR). Cr also significantly decreased SPAD (chlorophyll contents), by 9% to 29% and net photosynthesis (Pn) rates, by 36% to 71%, but increased transpiration (E) rates, by 1.5 to 2.7 times and stomatal conductance (C), by 1.7 to 3.5 times, as compared with the control. Proline contents increased with an associated decrease in oxidative enzyme activities such as peroxidase, (POD) and catalase, (CAT) with increasing Cr levels. Cr significantly reduced the Dry Matter Ratio (DMR) (12% to 42%) and LA (10% to 35%), RL -stress (11% to 27%), and SPAD (10% to 28%) stress tolerance indices. The integrated stress tolerance index (ISTIndex) of Malabar spinach was reduced (by 6% to 23%) by Cr stress, as compared to the control. SA application, in contrast, partially alleviated the severity of Cr toxicity effects on VL, LN, LA, FBM, DBM, RL, and DMR and increased the SPAD (by 12%), Photosynthesis Net (Pn) (by 53% to 68%), and stomatal conductance (C) (by 35% to 50%), respectively. Furthermore, SA increased plant stress tolerance indices by increasing antioxidant enzymatic functions. SA application recovered the ISTIndex at all Cr levels, and the recovery effect on plants was more pronounced by 0.5-M SA than by other SA treatments. The mechanism of stress tolerance as induced by SA application may help plants to better survive and maintain growth in presence of higher Cr contents in soil. Results suggested that SA, as a plant defense inducer, can be exploited for improving Cr phytoremediation potential of Malabar spinach to decontaminate soil.

Sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma (SUC): A single-institution experience of oncologic outcomes and recurrence patterns.

465 Background: SUC is a rare histology with aggressive behavior. We evaluated outcomes and recurrence patterns of patients (pts) with SUC, in comparison with conventional urothelial carcinoma (CUC). Methods: We retrospectively assessed our radical cystectomy (RC) database to identify pts with cT2-4 SUC (any %) or CUC, at RC or transurethral resection specimens. Clinicopathologic/treatment data were captured and compared with t and χ2 tests, as appropriate. Overall survival (OS; diagnosis to death) and recurrence-free survival (RFS; RC to recurrence or death) were estimated (KM method). Significant factors in univariable (UVA) Cox regression for OS were included in multivariable analysis (MVA). Results: We identified 38 consecutive pts with cT2-4 SUC and 287 with CUC (2003-2018); 17 (45%) and 162 (56%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). The primary non-mesenchymal component was urothelial in all SUC cases. SUC had higher rates of pT3/4 (66% vs. 35%, p &lt; .001) but comparable rates of pN+ disease (26% vs. 20%, p = .38). Complete response (ypT0N0) after NAC was lower for SUC (6% vs. 35%, p = .02). Median follow-up was 73.6 months (95%CI 62.6 – 84.7). Median RFS and OS was inferior among pts with SUC (9.4 vs 109.8 months, p &lt; .001, 19.7 vs. 130.4 months, p &lt; .001 respectively). On MVA, SUC was independently associated with worse OS ( Table). Of 17 (45%) pts with SUC who recurred post-RC, 5 presented with abdomino-pelvic cystic masses, with an average time to recurrence &lt; 5 months. Conclusions: SUC was associated with high rates of extravesical spread at RC and worse NAC response, RFS and OS, vs. CUC. Development of abdomino-pelvic fluid collections should raise suspicion of recurrence among pts with this histology. [Table: see text]

Evaluation of photosynthetic efficiency of yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus L.) at saturating photon flux density under elevated carbon dioxide.

The future CO2 concentration is projected to reach 900-1000ppm levels by the end of twenty-first century, pertaining to global climatic changes. Consequences of climate change such as changes in mean climatic conditions, increasing extreme weather events, relentless increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration and increasing pest damage pose serious threats to agricultural productivity. An experiment was planned to assess the response of yam bean to elevated CO2, as it is of paramount importance to identify photosynthetically efficient climate-smart crops and varieties to meet future food demand. The net photosynthetic rate (P n ), stomatal conductance (g s ) and intercellular CO2 (C i ) of yam bean variety, Rajendra Misrikand-1 was recorded under elevated carbon dioxide (400-1000ppm) and photon flux density (PPFD; 50-2000μmolm-2 h-1) at 30 ± 2°C, 70-80% relative humidity and 0.8-1.2kPa vapour pressure deficit. The mean P n rate steadily increased at 200-1000ppm owing to enhanced intercellular CO2. The same trend was observed in the case of intercellular CO2. However, contrasting results were recorded with regard to g s , which steadily decreased at ascending carbon dioxide concentrations. Further, P n had a significant (P < 0.001) linear correlation with the PPFD (R2 = 0.973). Yam bean was found to be responsive to elevated carbon dioxide as P n rate at 1000ppm increased up to 23% relative to 400ppm.

Anatomical, agro-morphological and physiological changes in rice under cumulative and stage specific drought conditions prevailed in eastern region of India

Under the climate change scenario, the occurrence of drought at any developmental stage of rice can cause significant yield loss in rainfed areas. Thus, the present study was conducted to explore the cumulative and stage-specific effects of drought on rice genotypes sown under field conditions. Preliminary screening of 32 rice genotypes for multi-stage drought (MSD) tolerance resulted in the identification of five promising genotypes based on yield and component traits and physiological parameters. These five promising genotypes along with checks (Sahbhagi Dhan and IR64) were grown further in a detailed study to establish their level of MSD tolerance based on physiological, biochemical and anatomical parameters. The mean grain yield of tested genotypes declined significantly (85.7%) under cumulative drought (MSD) compared to non-stress conditions. Further, MSD caused significant reduction in spikelet fertility (35.2%), test weight (16.1%), tillers m−2 (45.4%), grains panicle-1 (21.45%), flag leaf length (FLL) (13.9%), relative water content (27.3%) and membrane stability index (28.1%). Chemometric analysis also confirmed the relative MSD tolerance of promising genotypes. Photosynthetic rate (PN), stomatal conductance, total chlorophyll, protein and starch content significantly (P < 0.05) declined under MSD conditions. The contents of total chlorophyll, protein and starch were augmented from seedling to vegetative stage, and thereafter reduced at reproductive stage both under non-stress and MSD conditions. However, the level of lipid peroxidation measured in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and peroxidase activity increased from seedling to reproductive stage under both conditions. Among the five promising genotypes, IR84899-B-179-16-1-1-1and IR84894-143-CRA-17-1 maintained their PN rate, total chlorophyll, proline and protein contents under drought irrespective of growth stage. Moreover, drought-induced defective sugar mobilization led to the loss of pollen viability, thereby decreasing grain yield. Overall, the study established that MSD significantly affected agronomic, physiological and biochemical traits of rice plants at different developmental stages, but the tolerant genotypes sustained their yield by maintaining their efficient physiological functions and pollen viability through effective sugar mobilization.

Impacts of controlled drainage during winter on the physiology and yield of winter wheat in Denmark

Controlled Drainage (CD) is a measure designed to lower N-leaching from agricultural fields. However, raising the drainage depth in fields creating partially waterlogged conditions can have negative impacts on the yield and development of winter cereals. A combination of physical and chemical analyses was performed in an outdoor lysimetric setup under North European climatic and soil conditions to characterize the effect of CD on winter wheat yields of the cultivars Belgard (BG), Benchmark (BM) and Substance (SUB). CD treatments consisted of drainage depths of 10, 20 and 25 cm below the soil surface from January to April 2016. The control was a freely draining treatment with drains at 150 cm depth. Both chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) indicated that CD tended to not affect growth and dry matter (DM) yield at maturity, which were only influenced by cultivar. Fv/Fm tended to be lowest at 10 cm drainage depth, indicating increasing plant stress with shallower drainage depths. The BG cultivar generally had the lowest Pn rate of the three cultivars likely reflected in a 27% lower grain yield than the BM cultivar. The straw N-concentration was 21% higher in the BG compared to BM, but neither CD nor cultivar affected the grain N-concentration. N-uptake was controlled by the biomass production of the cultivars. CD affected the concentration of multiple nutrients such as Fe, Cu, and P, though no coherent pattern in nutrient changes was found. Overall, cultivar was the main factor controlling the concentrations and uptake of the nutrients. Hence, the only negative effect of CD on winter wheat yields was in relation to uptake of some nutrient, which is a rather unexplored topic. Finally, the consistently low Fv/Fm at the 10 cm drainage depth indicates that shallower drainage or prolonging the CD period could cause significant waterlogging stress.

The Effect of Institution Teaching Status on Perioperative Outcomes After Robotic Partial or Radical Nephrectomy.

To test rates over time of robotic partial and radical nephrectomy (RPN and RRN) at teaching vs nonteaching institutions and to examine associated complication rates and length of stay. Within the National Inpatient Sample (2008-2013), after stratification according to institutional teaching status, we examined the rates of robotic, open, and laparoscopic PN and RN. Subsequently, we tested complication rates and length of stay associated with RPN or RRN according to institutional teaching status. We relied on estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) with the least squares linear regression to test temporal trends and on multivariable logistic regression (MLR) and Poisson regression models to test complication rates and length of stay. Overall, 4070 and 1683 RPN and RRN were identified. In MLR, RPN rates were lower at teaching vs nonteaching institutions (odds ratio [OR]: 0.79, p < 0.001). RPN increased at similar rates over time at teaching and nonteaching institutions (EAPC: +32.1% and +30.1%, all p < 0.05). In MLR, RRN rates were similar at teaching and nonteaching institutions (p: 0.4). RRN rate increase over time was of similar magnitude at teaching vs nonteaching institutions (EAPC: +35.5% and +43.0%, all p < 0.05). RPN at teaching institutions yielded higher genitourinary complication rates (OR: 1.46, p: 0.01). RRN at teaching institutions resulted in lower respiratory complications (OR: 0.66, p: 0.04) and shorter length of stay (rate ratio [RR]: 0.93, p: 0.01), but higher intraoperative complication rates (OR: 3.39, p: 0.04). Despite statistically significant differences in rates of RPN use, according to the institutional teaching status and despite statistically significant difference in selected complications, no meaningful differences distinguish teaching vs nonteaching institution when RPN and RRN are considered.

Optimizing Dosage and Mode of Potassium Application for Rice in Drought-Prone Rainfed Ecology of Middle Indo-Gangetic Plains

A field experiment was undertaken during wet seasons of 2014 and 2015 to evaluate the response of soil-applied potassium (K), and its additional foliar application in rice (Sahbhagi Dhan) under drought-prone rainfed lowland ecology of eastern India. Three K2O doses (20, 30, 40 kg ha−1) were soil applied alone, and also supplemented with two levels of foliar sprays (0.50 and 1.0% K, separately) at panicle initiation stage. The results indicated that growth and yield of rice were adversely affected in the absence of extraneous application of potassium in drought-prone environment. Under drought, K management practices significantly influenced grain yield and B:C ratio, recording its maximum (3.92 t ha−1 and 1.43) with 20 kg K2O ha−1 basal application + one foliar spray @ 1.0% K at PI stage which was at par with 40 kg K2O ha−1 basal application compared to control (3.25 t ha−1 and 1.22). Moreover, foliar application of potassium significantly improved the gas exchange process (Pn rate), water status in terms of RWC and chlorophyll content and TSS. Extraneous application of K, across different doses, application schedules and methods maintained higher K content in straw as well as in grain as compared to control. Our finding strongly suggests that split application of K is highly beneficial for improving nutritional quality without significantly declining yield under drought-prone ecology of rice where K is limiting factor.

Removal of early fruiting branches impacts leaf senescence and yield by altering the sink/source ratio of field-grown cotton

Previous research shows that removal of early fruiting branches (FB) alters the sink/source ratio and delays leaf senescence in cotton. However, how the altered sink/source ratio regulates leaf senescence and yield formation is still poorly understood. In this study, 2 or 4 early FB were removed from two near isogenic cotton lines, late- and early-senescence lines, while plants with intact FB served as controls. The leaf chlorophyll content (Chl) and photosynthetic (Pn) rate in the late-senescence line were higher than those in the early-senescence line, but the malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation and boll load per leaf area (BLLA) in the late-senescence line were lower than those in the early-senescence line. Removal of FB decreased the BLLA and MDA accumulation but increased the Pn rate, Chl concentration, and the expression of GhLHCB gene in both cotton lines, suggesting that FB removal reduced sink/source ratio and suppressed leaf senescence. However, it decreased ABA and JA contents by decreasing their biosynthesis related genes and increasing the expression of ABA catabolic related genes. Although FB removal increased the iP+iPA content, it had little effects on Z+ZR or DHZ+DHZR contents. The results suggest that the delayed leaf senescence following the decreased sink/source ratio associated with FB removal might be attributed to the increased iP+iPA and reduced ABA and JA contents, as well as the differentially expressed biosynthesis and catabolic related genes. Seedcotton yield increased by 6.3–10.2% following the removal of 2 FB but decreased by 5.7–11.7% following the removal of 4 FB in the early-senescence line; in the late-senescence line, the removal (whether of 2 or 4 FB) significantly decreased yield. Removal of 2 or 4 FB in the late-senescence line and 4 FB in early-senescence line significantly suppressed earliness. The overall results suggested that removal of early fruiting branches would practically regulate the sink/source relationship and suppress leaf senescence in cotton. Delaying leaf senescence would not necessarily increase cotton yield unless when earliness is not affected or when normal maturity is achieved.

Clinical utility of early rescue icsi

Rescue ICSI (r-ICSI) for 1-day-old oocytes is associated with poor developmental potential for embryos due to oocyte aging in vitro. Early r-ICSI has accordingly been proposed as a treatment modality, and is reported to have some utility. In an early r-ICSI protocol, oocytes are checked for extrusion of 2PB as a predictor of fertilization after short insemination, and oocytes with predicted non-fertilization are then subjected to ICSI on the same day. At our clinic, after the 5-h initial insemination, oocytes are examined for extrusion of 2PB. They are then reexamined around the 7 or 8-h timepoint, and the final 2PB extrusion rate is calculated. r-ICSI is promptly performed in cases where this rate does not exceed 50% to prevent poor fertilization or total fertilization failure. In this study, we calculated the differences in embryo utilization rate, and the pregnancy rate achieved after frozen-thawed ET(FTET) to investigate the clinical utility of early r-ICSI in cases where it was indicated. Retrospective date analysis Early r-ICSI was indicated in 161 cycles in cases undergoing c-IVF between 2015 and 2016. We calculated the following parameters after early r-ICSI for the indicated cases: 2PN rate, multiple PN rate, blastocyst rate. We also compared the pregnancy rate after FTET of early r-ICSI-derived blastocyst (mean age 36.4±4.2 and 36.9±4.0 years at cryopreservation and ET, respectively) with that after FTET of normal ICSI(n-ICSI)-derived blastocyst (mean age 37.4±3.8 and 38.0±3.9 years at cryopreservation and ET, respectively). A total of 916 MII oocytes were retrieved in the 161 c-IVF cycles, and 537 of these oocytes were subjected to early r-ICSI after determination of the 1PB following a 7- to 8-h initial insemination. The results obtained after early r-ICSI were as follows: 2PN rate of 380/547 (70.8%), multiple PN rate of 84/537 (15.6%), blastocyst rate of 184/331 (55.6%). The pregnancy rate of FTET with early r-ICSI-derived blastocyst was 23/43 (53.5%), and that with n-ICSI-derived blastocyst was 494/1298 (38.1%). No significant difference was noted between the two pregnancy rates and their backgrounds. We found that 24% of oocytes with predicted fertilization (based on 2PB extrusion) on the day of insemination were unfertilized. The post-early r-ICSI multiple PN rate was high. Increased accuracy is needed for prediction of fertilization based on the 2PB. However, even with the current level of accuracy, early r-ICSI yielded increases in parameters relative to non-treatment as follows: the number of fertilized oocytes acquired was 637 versus 257 (247.9%), the number of blastocysts acquired was 320 versus 136 (235.3%). Early r-ICSI clearly contributes to increased embryo utilization rate. The pregnancy rate obtained with early r-ICSI after FTET was similar to that for n-ICSI-derived blastocysts. Based on the above results, early r-ICSI exhibited marked clinical utility.

Genotypic variation in tolerance to drought stress is highly coordinated with hydraulic conductivity-photosynthesis interplay and aquaporin expression in field-grown mulberry (Morus spp.).

Hydraulic conductivity quantifies the efficiency of a plant to transport water from root to shoot and is a major constriction on leaf gas exchange physiology. Mulberry (Morus spp.) is the most economically important crop for sericulture industry. In this study, we demonstrate a finely coordinated control of hydraulic dynamics on leaf gas exchange characteristics in 1-year-old field-grown mulberry genotypes (Selection-13 (S13); Kollegal Local (KL) and Kanva-2 (K2)) subjected to water stress by withholding water for 20 days and subsequent recovery for 7 days. Significant variations among three mulberry genotypes have been recorded in net photosynthetic rates (Pn), stomatal conductance and sap flow rate, as well as hydraulic conductivity in stem (KS) and leaf (KL). Among three genotypes, S13 showed significantly high rates of Pn, KS and KL both in control as well as during drought stress (DS) and recovery, providing evidence for superior drought-adaptive strategies. The plant water hydraulics-photosynthesis interplay was finely coordinated with the expression of certain key aquaporins (AQPs) in roots and leaves. Our data clearly demonstrate that expression of certain AQPs play a crucial role in hydraulic dynamics and photosynthetic carbon assimilation during DS and recovery, which could be effectively targeted towards mulberry improvement programs for drought adaptation.

Optimal Manganese Nutrition Increases Photosynthesis of Immature Pecan Trees

Southwestern U.S. pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] orchard soils are typically alkaline and calcareous, making micronutrients such as manganese (Mn) poorly available for root uptake. Manganese is essential to the light reactions of photosynthesis (Pn), but the level of leaf Mn for optimum Pn in pecan is unknown. Our objective was to characterize the relationships of foliar Mn fertilizer applications and leaf Mn nutrition with Pn over a broad range of leaf Mn concentrations. Two experiments were conducted from 2011 to 2012 (Expt. 1) and in 2013 (Expt. 2) in immature, nonbearing ‘Pawnee’ and ‘Western’ pecan orchards near Las Cruces, NM. To create differential leaf tissue Mn concentrations, four Mn spray concentrations were applied foliarly: 0.00, 0.34, 0.68, and 1.3 g Mn/L (Control, Low, Medium, and High, respectively). In Expt. 2, we added a higher Mn concentration (2.7 g Mn/L). Repeated measurements of leaf Pn were made beginning 1 week following a Mn application using a portable Pn system. Across treatments in both studies, final leaf Mn concentrations ranged from 21 to 1488 µg·g−1. Leaves treated with 0.68 g Mn/L had higher Pn than the other treatments in each experiment. In 2013, Pn rates of the leaves treated with 0.68 g Mn/L increased 7.1% and 10.4% over the Control for ‘Pawnee’ and ‘Western’, respectively. Our data confirm an association between leaf tissue Mn and Pn; the leaf tissue Mn concentration at which Pn rates are optimized in immature pecan trees was estimated to be 151.64 (±17.3 se) µg·g−1 Mn.

Light availability and soil flooding regulate photosynthesis of an imperiled shrub in lowland forests of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, USA

Physiological responses to light availability and soil flooding on Lindera melissifolia (Walt.) Blume were studied. Shrubs were grown under 70, 37 or 5% of full sunlight with either 0, 45, or 90 d of soil flooding. We measured leaf photosynthetic rate (PN) to test the hypothesis that soil flooding reduces P N in L. melissifolia following shrub acclimation to low light availability. Results showed that light availability and soil flooding interacted to affect P N. In the 0 d and 45 d flooding regimes (flood water removed 36–39 d prior to measurement), P N was similar between shrubs receiving 70% or 37% light, and these shrubs had 147% greater P N than shrubs receiving 5% light. Shrubs receiving 90 d of soil flooding had similar low rates of area-based P N regardless of light level. Similar P N between 0 d and 45 d flooded shrubs indicated physiological recovery following removal of flood water.

Interactive effects of Si and NaCl on growth, yield, photosynthesis, and ions content in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa var Camarosa)

ABSTRACTThe effects of silicon (Si) (0, 1, and 2 mM) and sodium chloride (NaCl) salinity (0, 20, and 40 mM) on the yield, photosynthesis, and ion content in strawberry grown in hydroponics were investigated. Salinity caused a reduction in leaf area and plant biomass, regardless of Si supplement. Leaf area in Si1Na20 treatment was 37% higher than that of Si0Na20 treatment. Salinity at 20 mM concentration had a 25% yield reduction in absence of Si, corresponding to no reduction in the yield in the presence of Si compared with the Si treatment without salinity. The highest reduction of photosynthetic rate (Pn) was observed in Si1Na40 treatment; however, in the presence of Si, there was no reduction in the Pn rate at 20 mM NaCl concentration. An obvious positive relationship was found between potassium/sodium (K/Na) and Pn rate. Within each Si concentration, the increased salinity increased Na concentration in the leaf tissue. However, when Si was supplied to the salinity treatments Na concentration was significantly lower than that of the similar treatments without Si. Supplement of Si to the nutrient solution increased the Si concentration in the roots, and old and young leaves. A clear negative relationship (r2 = 0.71) was found between Si and Na concentration in the leaves. Salinity (NaCl40) increased the proline level 2.5-fold in the absence of Si, corresponding to no changes the proline level in the presence of 1 mM Si concentration compared with the Si treatment without salinity. The salinity (40 mM) increased the electroleakage by 50% compared with 0 mM NaCl treatment in the absence of Si supplement. Findings from this study lead to the conclusion that Si supplement to the nutrient solution ameliorated the deleterious effect of salinity on the strawberry growth; these effects were attributed to an enhanced K/Na ratio and the reduction in Na content and electroleakage ability in the leaf tissue.

Glutathione functions on physiological characters to increase copper-induced corn production

Glutathione (GSH) abundantly presents in plant and affects plants growth and development. To justify if GSH affects copper (Cu)-induced corn production, photosynthesis (Pn) rate, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), chlorophyll (Chl) content and Chl fluorescence, relative water content (RWC) and yields were evaluated. Different Cu concentrations (0, 0.2, 1.5 and 3.0 ppm of Zn) with or without 100 µm of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) were arranged as completely randomize design with 5 replications. Results showed that both NAC and Cu affected plant height and leaf numbers. Copper reduced Pn rate, and PAR and increased RWC but no effect was observed on Chl content and Chl fluorescence in leaves. On the other hand, NAC application increased Pn, PAR, Chl parameters regardless of Cu treatment. In the presence of 1.5 ppm of Cu, corn plants showed improve yield and cob length irrespective to NAC treatment. Taken together, this study suggests that NAC might improve some physiological functions in plants to enhance Cu-induced corn production.

Evolution of a Lung-Sparing Strategy with Sleeve Lobectomy and Induction Therapy for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: 20-Year Experience at a Single Institution.

BackgroundTo elucidate the evolution of a lung-sparing strategy with sleeve lobectomy (SL) and induction therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 205 patients with NSCLC who underwent pneumonectomy (PN, n = 54) or SL (n = 151) from 1994 to 2013. The study period was divided into four 5-year periods, and surgical trends were analyzed, focusing on the PN:SL ratio.ResultsPN was associated with a significantly advanced pathological stage, a larger tumor size and less pulmonary function compared with SL. The PN group had higher 30-day (3.7 vs. 0 %, p = 0.018) and 90-day (13.0 vs. 1.3 %, p = 0.0003) mortality than the SL group. The overall 5-year survival rate was significantly higher with SL (71.5 %) versus PN (42.8 %, p = 0.011) for patients with pN0–1. The ratio of PN among total surgeries decreased significantly over the four periods (1994–1998, 1999–2003, 2004–2008, and 2009–2013) from 5.63 % to 3.17, 1.40, and 1.38 %, respectively (p < 0.0001); in contrast, the PN:SL ratio increased significantly from 1.64 to 2.50, 3.71, and 5.44, respectively (p = 0.041). During the last period, when we introduced induction therapy, 38 of 651 who received surgery underwent induction therapy. The PN:SL ratios of those who did and did not undergo induction therapy were 15 (PN: 1, SL: 15) and 4.25 (PN: 8, SL: 34), respectively.ConclusionsA lung-sparing strategy with SL for NSCLC can decrease the PN rate to less than 2 % with less mortality. Induction therapy may facilitate SL and increase the PN:SL ratio.