S1 Treatment Research Articles

Evaluation of financial efficiency of drip-irrigation of red pepper based on evapotranspiration calculated using an iterative soil water-budget approach

Abstract This study examined the effects of different water management strategies on red pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Kapija) crop evapotranspiration (ETc), yield and fruit quality. The study was conducted in the Bafra Plains in Northern Turkey over a two-year period (2010–2011). Three irrigation treatments [1 full (S1) and 2 deficit (70%-S2, 40%-S3)] and 1 rainfed treatment (S4) were applied. Soil water budget calculations used a detailed, iterative approach to identify ETc of wetted and vegetation-covered parts of the field (ETcrz), i.e. the “root zone”, and a new equation was used to convert ETcrz values to ETc values for the entire plot in order to improve the accuracy of ETc measurements for drip-irrigated crops. ETc values of the treatments varied between 294.0–472.0 mm in 2010 and 163.0–508.0 mm in 2011. The maximum yield was obtained with the S1 treatment (42.43 t ha−1). Statistical analysis showed the S1 treatment to have a significantly higher yield than all other treatments, while the difference in the yields of the S3 and S4 treatments was not statistically significant. Calculations of water use efficiency (WUE), net economic income (NIC) and financial efficiency (FE) indicated that under rainfed conditions, despite the high WUE (11.9 kg m−3), NIC from red pepper cultivation would be below that of production costs. FE analysis indicated the most profitable strategy for red pepper cultivation to be full irrigation (S1), which had an FE value of 1.6 ($m−3), whereas both the S3 and S4 treatments had negative FE values ranging between −1.2 and −2.1 ($ m−3).

Achievement of Minimal Residual Disease Negativity By Multiparameter Flow Cytometry Is an Important Therapeutic Endpoint in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Receiving Salvage Treatment

Background: Minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment by multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) is prognostic for survival in newly diagnosed patients (pts) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The significance of achieving MRD negativity in the relapsed/refractory setting is less clear.Methods: Between 6/2010 and 5/2015, we identified 130 adult pts with relapsed/refractory B-cell ALL treated at our institution with either inotuzumab ozogamicin (n=75), blinatumomab (n=20) or mini-hyper-CVD plus inotuzumab ozogamicin (HCVD+InO; n=35) in either salvage 1 (S1; n=68) or salvage 2 (S2; n=62). MRD by MFC was assessed on remission bone marrow specimens at the time of achievement of CR/CRp/CRi. The MRD assay used a 15-marker, 6-color panel with a sensitivity of ≤0.01%.Results: Of the initial 130 pts, 78 (60%) achieved morphological response with a median time to response of 30 days (range, 13-99 days) and are the subject of this analysis. Of the 78 responding pts, 41 (53%) received inotuzumab, 11 (14%) blinatumomab, and 26 (33%) HCVD+ino. 46 pts (59%) were in S1 and 32 (41%) in S2. The median number of cycles to best response was 1 (range, 1-3). MRD negativity was achieved in 41 pts (53%). MRD negativity rates for pts in CR, CRp, and CRi were 57%, 53%, and 16%, respectively. Among pts who achieved remission, MRD negativity was achieved in 17 pts (41%) with inotuzumab, 8 (73%) with blinatumomab, and 16 (62%) with HCVD+InO (P=0.10). 26 pts (57%) in S1 and 15 (47%) in S2 became MRD-negative (P=0.40).The median follow-up duration was 27 months (range, 6-55 months). The median event-free survival (EFS) was 12 months in pts who achieved MRD negativity vs. 6 months in those who remained MRD-positive (P=0.09). The median overall survival (OS) was 17 months versus 9 months, respectively (P=0.18). Among pts in S1, achieving MRD negativity was associated with a longer EFS (median 18 months versus 7 months; 2-year EFS rate 46% versus 17%; P=0.06; Figure 1A) and OS (median 27 months versus 9 months; 2-year OS 52% versus 36%; P=0.15; Figure 1B). EFS and OS were similar in S2 regardless of MRD response. As expected, among pts who achieved MRD negativity, those in S1 had longer EFS (median 18 months vs. 5 months; P=0.001) and OS (median 27 months vs. 7 months; P=0.01) compared to those in S2. In contrast, for pts who remained MRD-positive, EFS and OS were similar regardless of salvage status (P=0.41 and P=0.39, respectively).In a 2-month landmark analysis of 64 pts, survival >2 years was observed in all groups of pts regardless of salvage treatment, salvage status or MRD status. 42 (66%) of the pts in this analysis underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT). EFS and OS did not significantly differ between pts who did or did not undergo alloSCT, although a clear trend for improved long-term survival with alloSCT was observed. Among pts who achieved MRD negativity, the median EFS was 17 months and 12 months, and 2-year EFS rates were 46% and 28% for pts who underwent alloSCT vs. those who did not (P=0.24). The median OS was 24 months and 23 months, and 2-year OS rates were 55% and 46%, respectively (P=0.41). Pts who achieved MRD negativity after S1 treatment and then underwent alloSCT had the best outcomes. Of the 22 pts who achieved MRD negativity after S1 treatment, the median EFS for pts who underwent alloSCT (n=14) compared to those who did not (n=8) was not reached vs. 18 months, and the median OS was not reached vs. 27 months, respectively (P=0.28 for both). Among the 14 pts who achieved MRD negativity after S1 treatment and subsequently underwent alloSCT, 10 (71%) are still alive with a median follow-up of 24 months (range, 5-55 months).Conclusions: In patients with relapsed/refractory ALL, achievement of MRD negativity is associated with improved outcomes. Patients with relapsed/refractory ALL who achieve MRD negativity in S1 can achieve excellent long-term survival, especially if alloSCT is performed. [Display omitted] DisclosuresO'Brien:Pharmacyclics, LLC, an AbbVie Company: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria. Cortes:ARIAD: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Teva: Research Funding. DiNardo:Daiichi Sankyo: Other: advisory board, Research Funding; Novartis: Other: advisory board, Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Agios: Other: advisory board, Research Funding. Jain:Genentech: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Infinity: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Servier: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novimmune: Consultancy, Honoraria; Abbvie: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; ADC Therapeutics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Konopleva:Cellectis: Research Funding; Calithera: Research Funding. Jabbour:ARIAD: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy.

Effects of sowing dates and irrigation regimes on grain quality of wheat grown under semi-arid condition of India

An experiment was conducted with aim to investigate the effect of sowing dates and irrigation regimes on wheat grain quality. There was four sowing dates [November 1(S1), November 16 (S2), December 1(S3) and December 16 (S4)], in main plots and four irrigation regimes [25% (I1), 50% (I2) and 75% (I3) maximum allowable depletion (MAD) of available soil moisture (ASM) and I4 – four critical growth stages in sub plots. The results revealed that hectolitre weight decreased from 80.2 and 81.4 kg hl-1 in S1 treatment to 78.3 and 79.4 kg hl-1 in S4 treatment and 79.9 and 81.5 kg hl-1 in I1 treatment to 79.0 and 79.9 kg hl-1 in I3 treatment in 2010-11 and 2011-12, respectively. Grain hardness outcome was ?75 in 2010-11 while it was <75 in 2011-12 irrespective of sowing dates and irrigation regimes. The highest percentage of flour recovery obtained in S1 treatment (68.2 and 63.2%) and I1 treatment (68.0 and 62.8%) with lowest coarse bran. On average, dry gluten content increased by 16.5 and 7.1% in S4 over S1 treatment in 2010-11 and 2011-12, respectively. Grain protein content increased from 11.9 and 12.8% in S1 treatment to 12.6 and 13.8% in S4 treatment in respective seasons. The milling and technological properties in S2 and I2 treatment was at par with S1 and I2 treatment. Therefore, it may be inferred that optimum milling and technological properties of wheat grain can be maintained by sowing till mid-November and irrigation scheduling up to 50% depletion of ASM.

Effect of irrigation water salinity, manure application and planting method on soil ions variation and ions uptake by saffron (Crocus sativus L.)

The objective of the present study is to investigate the effects of irrigation water salinity,cow manure levels and different planting methods on ions variation in soil and their uptake bysaffron. A split-split plot arrangement was conducted in a randomized complete block designwith irrigation water salinity levels (0.45 (fresh water, S1), 1.0 (S2), 2.0 (S3) and 3.0 (S4) dS m-1)as the main plot, cow manure levels (30 (F1) and 60 (F2) Mg ha-1) as the subplot and plantingmethod (basin (P1) and in-furrow (P2)) as the sub-subplot with three replications. Resultsshowed that the concentration of sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca2+), chloride (Cl-), potassium (K+),sulphate (SO42-) ions in soil was increased significantly with increasing water salinity levels.These variations were in accordance with ECe variations that were 2.6 times in S4 comparedwith S1 treatment. However, the soil nitrate (NO3-N) decreased in the highest irrigation salinitylevel by about 30% compared with the lowest salinity level in two growing seasons. Theseelement concentrations were significantly higher in F2 treatment in comparison with F1 due toaddition of these ions by higher application rate of cow manure to soil. There was no significantdifference between element concentrations in soil for two planting methods. Increasing salinityto the highest level significantly increased the saffron leaf concentration of Na+, Ca2+ and Cl- byabout 4.0, 1.4 and 1.5 times, respectively. Increasing salinity resulted in decrease in K+, nitrogen(N) and phosphorus (P) concentration in saffron leaf by about 30, 20 and 39% under the highestwater salinity level, respectively. The in-furrow planting method significantly led to increase inK+, N and P concentration in plant by about 10, 3 and 8% in comparison with the basin planting,respectively. Also, higher manure application rate as 60 Mg ha-1 significantly increased plant Nand P concentration by about 12 and 20% in two growing seasons, respectively.

Effects of different drip irrigation regimes on saline–sodic soil nutrients and cotton yield in an arid region of Northwest China

A field experiment was conducted on a saline wasteland in Xinjiang, Northwest China, during 2008–2010 to evaluate the nutrient behavior and cotton yield during reclamation, applied by different drip irrigation regimes. The experiment included five treatments in which the soil matric potential (SMP) thresholds at 20cm depth were controlled at −5, −10, −15, −20 and −25kPa. The results indicated that both soil salinity and sodicity declined significantly at 0–40cm depth and greater reductions were achieved at higher SMP thresholds (−5 and −10kPa) than in other treatments. The distributions in soil inorganic nitrogen (N) and available phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in the soil profile were mainly influenced by the point-source characteristic of drip irrigation, drip irrigation regime and fertilization mode. With the reclamation of both soil chemical and physical properties, there were dramatic increases in soil N, P and K concentration by the end of 2010. The soil nutrient concentrations in N, P and K were all proportional to the SMP thresholds, as higher SMP could result in greater reductions in soil salinity and sodicity. Since crop growth became more vigorous during reclamation, there was also a considerable increase (9.7–31.9%) in soil organic carbon by the end of 2010, and the concentrations were also proportional to SMP thresholds. The highest cotton yield was obtained in S1 (−5kPa) treatment for both 2009 (2.87Mgha−1) and 2010 (3.60Mgha−1). Additionally, the soil C:N ratios were inversely proportional to the SMP thresholds in 2009 and 2010. Considering the soil reclamation efficiency, soil nutrient stocks and cotton yield, SMP thresholds of −5 and −10kPa could be used as effective measures to trigger irrigation in the first 3 years of saline–sodic soil reclamation in Xinjiang, Northwest China.

Responses of group and individual leaf photosynthetic characteristics of two summer maize (Zea maysL.) to leaf removal under high plant density

Liu, T.-N., Gu, L.-M., Xu, C.-L. and Dong, S.-T. 2014. Responses of group and individual leaf photosynthetic characteristics of two summer maize (Zea mays L.) to leaf removal under high plant density. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 1449–1459. The present experiment was conducted during the growing seasons of 2012 and 2013 using two summer maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars, Zhengdan958 (a compact cultivar) and Jinhai5 (a semi-compact cultivar) grown at a plant density of 105 000 plants ha−1, to evaluate the influence of leaf removal on canopy apparent photosynthesis (CAP), individual leaf photosynthetic characteristics and grain yield. Plants were subjected to the removal of two (S1), four (S2) or six leaves (S3) from the top of the plant 3 d after anthesis (DAA), with no leaf removal as control (S0). The results of 2 yr indicated that with increased intensity of leaf removal, the transmission of light to lower strata of the canopy increased. With the removal of two leaves (S1), CAP increased and longer durations of CAP and green leaf are index were maintained during grain filling, whereas CAP in S2 and S3 treatments was inhibited and drastically declined. Generally, leaf removal appeared to stimulate an increase in the net photosynthetic rate (PN), stomatal conductance (gs) and chlorophyll content of the remaining ear leaves in S2 and S3 treatments prior to 26 DAA. Nevertheless, thereafter, plants in the S1 treatment had an advantage in terms of individual photosynthetic capacity. These results indicate that excising two leaves made plants more tolerant of high plant density due to enhanced photosynthetic capacity in ear leaves as well as a more efficient canopy structure, resulting in a better coordination of groups and individuals, and finally achieved significantly higher grain yield. In addition, relative to Zhengdan958, the effects of leaf removal on Jinhai5 were more apparent.

The Impact of Biological Monitoring by CD4 and Viral Load in Guiding the Decision to Initiate ART Therapy in HIV-1 Infected People

AIDS Research and Human RetrovirusesVol. 30, No. S1 Treatment as Prevention: Initiation, Adherence, and Monitoring on ARVThe Impact of Biological Monitoring by CD4 and Viral Load in Guiding the Decision to Initiate ART Therapy in HIV-1 Infected PeopleGeorgia Elna Ambada NdzenguéGeorgia Elna Ambada NdzenguéSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:30 Oct 2014https://doi.org/10.1089/aid.2014.5647.abstractAboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB Permissions & CitationsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail View article"The Impact of Biological Monitoring by CD4 and Viral Load in Guiding the Decision to Initiate ART Therapy in HIV-1 Infected People." AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses, 30(S1), p. A286FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 30Issue S1Oct 2014 InformationCopyright 2014, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.To cite this article:Georgia Elna Ambada Ndzengué.The Impact of Biological Monitoring by CD4 and Viral Load in Guiding the Decision to Initiate ART Therapy in HIV-1 Infected People.AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses.Oct 2014.A286-A286.http://doi.org/10.1089/aid.2014.5647.abstractPublished in Volume: 30 Issue S1: October 30, 2014PDF download

Linear mtDNA fragments and unusual mtDNA rearrangements associated with pathological deficiency of MGME1 exonuclease.

MGME1, also known as Ddk1 or C20orf72, is a mitochondrial exonuclease found to be involved in the processing of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) during replication. Here, we present detailed insights on the role of MGME1 in mtDNA maintenance. Upon loss of MGME1, elongated 7S DNA species accumulate owing to incomplete processing of 5′ ends. Moreover, an 11-kb linear mtDNA fragment spanning the entire major arc of the mitochondrial genome is generated. In contrast to control cells, where linear mtDNA molecules are detectable only after nuclease S1 treatment, the 11-kb fragment persists in MGME1-deficient cells. In parallel, we observed characteristic mtDNA duplications in the absence of MGME1. The fact that the breakpoints of these mtDNA rearrangements do not correspond to either classical deletions or the ends of the linear 11-kb fragment points to a role of MGME1 in processing mtDNA ends, possibly enabling their repair by homologous recombination. In agreement with its functional involvement in mtDNA maintenance, we show that MGME1 interacts with the mitochondrial replicase PolgA, suggesting that it is a constituent of the mitochondrial replisome, to which it provides an additional exonuclease activity. Thus, our results support the viewpoint that MGME1-mediated mtDNA processing is essential for faithful mitochondrial genome replication and might be required for intramolecular recombination of mtDNA.

Maize response to water, salinity and nitrogen levels: yield-water relation, water-use efficiency and water uptake reduction function

Water, salinity and nitrogen are the major factors affecting maize production in arid and semi-arid areas. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of different water, salinity and nitrogen levels on yield-water relationships, water use, water productivity (WP), water use efficiency (WUE) and water uptake reduction function by maize hybrid SC-704 in a semi-arid area and silty clay loam soil. A split-split-plot design with three replications in two years of 2009 and 2010 was conducted. The different levels of irrigation water considered as main plot, salinity of irrigation water as sub-plot and nitrogen fertilizer rate as sub-sub-plot. Irrigation treatments consisted of I1 (1.0ETc+0.25ETc as leaching), I2 (0.75I1) and I3 (0.50I1) applied at 7-day intervals. The salinity treatments of irrigation were 0.6 (fresh water), 2.0 and 4.0 dS m -1 . There were also three nitrogen (N) treatments including 0, 150 and 300 kg N ha -1 . Results showed that the actual crop ET and transpiration (T) were significantly less in I3 as compared to I1 treatments as 42 and 43%, respectively. Besides, T values under S3 were statistically less than that in S1 treatment as 12%. The soil evaporation (E) values were 26, 31 and 27% of ET at I1, I2 and I3 treatments, respectively and its values significantly increased with increasing salinity levels of irrigation water. The minimum and maximum amount of E occurred at I3S1N3 and I1S3N3, respectively. The study showed that deficit irrigation as 0.50I1 and 0.75 I1 were the optimum levels of irrigation to access the highest WP and WUE for dry matter (DM) and grain yield (GY) respectively. Besides, S1 was the optimum treatment for achievement of highest WP and WUE for DM and GY. Results also indicated that the optimum treatment for WP and WUE for GY was I2S1N3. Furthermore, N fertilization could not statistically improve WP and WUE beyond 150 kg N ha -1 . The yield response factor to water showed that maize GY was more sensitive to water than its DM. Results also

Spirulina as a protein source in the nutritional recovery of Wistar rats

This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of Spirulina (Arthrospira) as a protein source in the nutritional recovery of rats subjected to protein malnutrition. In order to understand such effects, responses of the developing body, serum biochemical profile, and blood count of animals were analyzed. A total of, 23 Wistar Rattus norvegicus were given a proteic diet (AIN-93G adapted) in malnutrition phase (phase I) for 10 days. After this period, the rats were separated into four groups according to the protein source (recovery phase): Control (C), casein 12%; Spirulina level I (S1), Spirulina 8.8% + casein 5.0%; Spirulina level II (S2), Spirulina 17.6% + casein 0.15%, and Spirulina level III (S3), Spirulina 26.4%. Recovery phase (phase II) lasted 30 days. In both the phases, the consumption and body weight of the rats were monitored daily and weekly, respectively. The S1 treatment showed the highest values of Feed Efficiency Ratio (FER) and Quotient of Protein Efficiency Ratio (QPE) (p<0.05). Significant differences among the treatments were found mainly in the levels of serum lipids, and S2 diet caused an increase in such responses (p<0.05). These results demonstrated that the nutritional recovery of animals was enabled by different concentrations of Spirulina.

Responses of photosynthetic characteristics and antioxidative metabolism in winter wheat to post-anthesis shading

In a field experiment, two winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars, Tainong 18 (a large-spike cultivar) and Jinan 17 (a multiple-spike cultivar), were treated with 78% (S1), 50% (S2), and 10% (S3) of full sunshine (S0, control) from anthesis to maturity to determine the responses of photosynthetic characteristics and antioxidative enzyme activities in a flag leaf. Compared with S0 treatment, the chlorophyll (Chl) content and maximal efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry (Fv/Fm) of flag leaves were enhanced in treatments S1 and S2. From 0 to 7 d post flowering, the Chl content and Fv/Fm in S3 were also higher than those in S0, but significantly lower than those in controls, respectively. With the increase of shading intensity, the effective quantum yield of PSII (ΦPSII) was promoted; whereas, the ratio of Chl a/b declined. Compared with S0, treatments S2 and S3 significantly suppressed the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD), net photosynthetic rate (P N), and contents of total soluble sugar, nevertheless, S1 treatment showed positive effects on the above parameters. Under the same shading condition, Jinan 17 had larger Chl content and higher activities of PSII and antioxidative enzymes, but lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content than Tainong 18. The results indicated that multiple-spike cultivar was more advantageous for the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, where shading problem occurs later during the growth period, than the large-spike cultivar, because of the lesser damage in a flag leaf and better photosynthetic function of the former one. Wheat plants under S1 shading condition had relatively high activities of antioxidative enzymes and a low degree of membrane lipid peroxidation, which was in favor of stress resistance, maintaining high P N duration, and accumulation of photosynthates in wheat plants.

Effects of Single-seed Sowing on Root Growth, Root-shoot Ratio, and Yield inPeanut ( Arachis hypogaca L.)

Peanut cultivar Huayu 22 was used to study the differences between single-seed sowing and double-seed sowing modes on root growth, root and shoot relationship, and yield under corresponding planting density. The two single-seed sowing treatments were 195 000 holes per hectare(S1) and 225 000 holes per hectare(S2), respectively with the double-seed sowing(150 000holes per hectare) as control. During the growth period, dry weights, length, volume and absorption area of the root under three treatments increased and reached the maximum at 40–50 days after flowering, and then decreased. The average root diameter decreased and reached the minimum at 50–60 days after flowering, and then increased. The dry weight of aboveground part and pod increased while the root-shoot ratio decreased continuously. S1 and S2 treatments could improve dry weight of the seedlings,the length, the volume, the absorption area of the roots and the root-shoot ratio, and reduce average root diameter during the whole growth period, especially at the late growth period. Additionally, S1 treatment saved 35% sowing seeds and improved peanut yield by 7.98%–8.38%. These results indicated that single-seed sowing could improve peanut yield through guaranteeing relatively stronger root growth predominance, regulating root-shoot ratio, and increasing the productivity potential for each seedling.

O1-004 - Absence of Liver Metastasis, LYMPH Node Metastasis and Peritoneal Metastasis Predict Longer Progression Free Survival by S-1 Plus Cisplatin Treatment in Advanced Gastric Cancer

ABSTRACT Background Some reports have shown long-term survival cases in advanced gastric cancer (AGC). In our institute, some patients with AGC have had complete response (CR) with cisplatin plus S1 (SP) treatment, and some of them had been stopped their chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinicopathological backgrounds of long-term responder and to find out features of cases that can stop their chemotherapy. Patients and methods From 2007 to 2009, 142 patients treated with SP as first-line chemotherapy in Cancer Institute Hospital of JFCR. We regarded patients whose progression-free survival (PFS) was above 500 days as long-term responders (group A),and others as control group (group B). We evaluated clinicopathological features of them, and univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out on the baseline factors before starting chemotherapy. Results Of 142 patients, 24 patients were categorized group A. Patients characteristics were as follows (group A versus B): median age, 58.2 versus 58.0 (years); gender (male), 62.5% versus 72.9%; ECOG performance status 0, 91.7% versus 80.0%; previous gastrectomy, 75.0% versus 11.0%; histological type (intestinal), 29.2% versus 25.4%; metastatic site (liver 12.5% versus 44.1%, lymph node 20.8% versus 78.0%, peritomeum 4.2% versus 44.9%).Of patients in group A, 16 patients have had CR. Four of them quit SP treatment (median length of treatment was 35.4 month) and only one patient had PD in 2 months after discontinuance of treatment. In univariate analysis, the absence of measurable lesion (P Conclusion Absence of liver, lymph node, and peritoneal metastasis predicted longer PFS, and there were tendency that the absence of measurable lesion and recent gastrectomy predict long-term disease control.

Influence of different amounts of irrigation water on salt leaching and cotton growth under drip irrigation in an arid and saline area

In order to evaluate the effects of different amounts of water, applied by drip irrigation, to a saline–sodic soil (surface ECe>40dS/m; SAR>40), on cotton growth and soil salinity, a three-year experiment was conducted on a saline wasteland in Xinjiang Northwest China during 2008–2010. Five water treatments were used for this experiment based on the soil–water matric potential (SMP) measured 20cm beneath a drip emitter located close to the plant: the SMP levels used to determine when to irrigate were −5kPa (S1), −10kPa (S2), −15kPa (S3), −20kPa (S4), and −25kPa (S5). After three years, both the soil salinity (ECe) and sodicity (SAR) declined significantly in 0–120cm depth and more reduction were achieved in 0–40cm soil depth than in 40–80 and 80–120cm depths. Moreover, the reductions of SAR were smaller than those of ECe. Additionally, the amount of salt removed from the 0 to 80cm depth decreased with decreasing SMP threshold. The S1 treatment resulted in the highest lint yields in 2009 and 2010. Considering the effects of leached salts on the environment of deep soil layer and the yield of cotton, an SMP of −10kPa can be used to trigger irrigation for cotton in the first three years for saline wasteland reclamation in Xinjiang Northwest China.

Single treatment of non‐melanoma skin cancers using a pulsed‐dye laser with stacked pulses

Non-melanoma skin cancers are the most common cause of cancer worldwide. Within this grouping, the most common skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma (BCC) followed by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Recent evidence has shown that BCCs can be cleared by a pulsed-dye laser after multiple treatments using a single pass setting. Given the necessity for multiple treatments in the prior studies, we sought to determine whether tumor clearance could instead be achieved using a single treatment of the pulsed-dye laser in a stacked pulse setting. Twenty patients with 23 biopsy-proven BCCs and SCCIS that measured 0.4-3 cm in size and located on the trunk and extremities were recruited for this study. The lesions were randomized into three study arms: a control group (no treatment), first treatment group (S1), and second treatment group (S2). The S1 group was treated using a 595 nM pulsed-dye laser (PDL) at pulse energy of 15 J/cm(2), 3-millisecond pulse length, with no dynamic cooling, using a 7-mm spot size with 10% overlap of pulses and two passes. The S2 group was treated using the same 595 nM PDL at 7.5 J/cm(2), 3-millisecond pulse length, with no dynamic cooling, using a 10-mm spot size with 10% overlap of pulses and double stacked pulses. All the treated lesions were treated with a 4 mm margin of clinically normal skin. The lesions were subsequently surgically excised and examined by histopathology. There was no significant difference in the dimensions of the tumors between the three study arms, with a mean area of 94 mm(2) [SEM ± 15.2] for the control group, 88 mm(2) [SEM ± 12.1] for the S1 treatment group, and 105 mm(2) [SEM ± 23.6] for the S2 treatment group. In the control group, there were two out seven lesions with no residual tumors, representing a background tumor clearance rate of approximately 28%. The S1 treatment group had two out of eight lesions with no residual lesion representing a clearance rate of 25%, similar to the background clearance rate. The S2 treatment group had a clearance rate of five out seven lesions, representing a clearance rate of 71%. The two lesions with residual tumors were noted to be beyond the central treatment zone by histopathology and if excluded, results in a clearance rate of 100%. By the Fisher's exact test with a Bonferroni correction, there is a trend towards significance between the S2 treatment group and the control group with a P-value of 0.028. The results of our pilot study suggest that BCCs and SCCIS can be cleared in a single treatment using a pulsed-laser in a stacked pulse setting. However, given the small sample size of this pilot study, further larger scale studies will be needed to determine statistical significance and long-term recurrence rate and to further validate these findings.

Effects of different water levels on cotton growth and water use through drip irrigation in an arid region with saline ground water of Northwest China

Due to the mismanagement of water and fertilizer application, cotton cultivation in Xinjiang Northwest China is faced with the problems of soil deterioration and groundwater table ascension. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of water applied through drip irrigation on cotton yield and water use in an arid region of Northwest China. The experiment included five water treatments in which the soil matric potential (SMP) at a depth of 20cm was controlled higher than −10kPa (S1), −20kPa (S2), −30kPa (S3), −40kPa (S4), and −50kPa (S5) after cotton was established. The results revealed that the highest cotton evapotranspiration (ETc) was achieved under S1 (−10kPa) treatment and the ETc, deep percolation and the ratio of deep percolation with irrigation water all increased with increasing SMP threshold. After three years experiment, no salt accumulation in surface soil layer was found under our irrigation schedule. The highest seed cotton yield was obtained when the SMP threshold was controlled above −30kPa in 2008, and −20kPa in 2009 and 2010. Moreover, the highest yield obtained after 3 years was 42% higher than the average yield achieved by local farmers in the area. Additionally, the water use value (WUE and IWUE) tended to increase as the SMP threshold decreased in 2009 and 2010. Considering the cotton yield and the impact of irrigation on the underground water table, an SMP higher than −20kPa at 20cm can be used as an indicator for cotton drip irrigation scheduling and agronomic practices in this area to help alleviate the dangerous increase in the water table while increasing the cotton seed yield.

Nutritional evaluation of single-cell protein produced by Spirulina platensis

The aim of this research was to evaluate the nutritional characteristics and possible toxic effects of microalgae Spirulina LEB-18, developed in south of Brazil. The biomass was evaluated for 40 days through nutritional responses, obtained by the development of Wistar rats and also by biochemical and hematological study of the blood of these animals. Four isoproteic diets were prepared (12% protein): (1) Control diet, 12% (w/w) of casein; (2) Diet S1, 8.8% (w/w) of Spirulina; (3) Diet S2, 17.6% (w/w) of Spirulina; (4) Diet S3, 26.4% (w/w) of Spirulina, distributed to the animals according to their treatment (n = 6). As to nutritional parameters the S1 treatment was more efficient. The groups did not differ in regard to biochemical determinations in blood, with the exception of S2, which showed creatinine levels lower than all others. In hematologic profile, the S3 treatment showed hematocrit and hemoglobin levels greater than the control diet. These results revealed no toxicity by the use of microalgae and it suggests the use of Spirulina as a potential source of single-cell protein. Key words: Cyanobacteria, growing rats, nutritional evaluation, Spirulina.

Effect of Feeding Regime on Compensatory Growth of Juvenile Abalone, Haliotis discus hannai, Fed on the Dry Sea Tangle, Laminaria japonica

Effect of feeding regime on compensatory growth of juvenile abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) fed on the dry sea tangle (Laminaria japonica) was determined. Thirty juvenile abalone averaging 15.7 g were randomly stocked into 18 50-L plastic rectangular containers each. Six treatments were prepared in triplicate: Abalone were fed the dry sea tangle once a day at a satiation level with a little leftover for 16 wk as the control (Con) and other abalone were fed the dry sea tangle once a day at a satiation level with a little leftover for 15 wk after 1-wk starvation (S1 treatment), 14 wk after 2-wk starvation (S2 treatment), 13 wk after 3-wk starvation (S3 treatment), 12 wk after 4-wk starvation (S4 treatment), and 10 wk after 6-wk starvation (S6 treatment), respectively. A linear relationship between weight change of abalone and wk of starvation was observed: Y (Weight of abalone) = −0.17X (Wk of starvation) + 15.89 (R 2 = 0.9462) (P < 0.0001). The highest survival of abalone was achieved in the S2 treatment, but not different from that of abalone in the Con, S1 and S3 treatments. Weight gain of abalone in the Con treatment was higher than that of abalone in the S4 and S6 treatments. Abalone fed on the dry sea tangle seemed to be able to achieve full compensatory growth up to 3-wk starvation.

Laparoscopy-assisted Total Gastrectomy for Advanced Gastric Cancer With Carcinomatous Ascites After S1 Plus Cisplatin Chemotherapy

A 29-year-old man with a type 4 tumor, in the lower third of the stomach, and carcinomatous ascites was diagnosed by aspiration cytology of the ascitic fluid. Curative resection was considered impossible, and S1 (120 mg/d) and cisplatin (90 mg/d) were given for 21 days in 1 course. The cancer lesion showed marked remission (partial response), and the ascites completely disappeared after the fourth course. Twenty-five days after completion of the S1 treatment, laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy was performed. Histopathological examination showed no remnant cancer cells in the resected specimen and no lymph node metastases. The tumor was replaced with fibrosis having a granulomatous change. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was continued with S1 monotherapy after surgery, and no signs of recurrence or metastases have been seen on any examination 12 months after the surgery.

Effect foliar spray of potassium and companion Ion on tuber content of N , P and K and quality characteristics of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) CV. Desiree tubers

This experiment was carried out in the experimental field , Horticulture Department , College of Agriculture , University of Baghdad , Abu-Ghraib , during fall 2006 and spring 2007 seasons using Desiree cultivar potato seeds class (A) in fall season and class (Elite) in spring season. In this experiment the effect of potassium spray and companion ion on tuber content of N , P and K and quality characteristics of potato tubers were tested. Three potassium fertilizers (K2SO4 , KNO3 and KCl) at three concentration (0 (control) , recommended 5 g K2SO4 / l, 5.80 g/l KNO3 and 4.28 g/l KCl, 1.5 times of the recommended concentration were used where 5 g K2SO4 / l was used as the recommended concentration. Solution of above mentioned salts was foliar applied twice , first 45 days (vegetative growth stage) and second 65 days (tuber bulking stage) after planting. Randomized Complete Block Design was adopted with three replicates. Least significant differences (L.S.D) at 5% probability was used to compare the means. In fall 2006, potassium nitrate treatment at recommended concentration resulted in a highest content of N and K in tubers (1.24% , 2.25% respectively) compared to the control (0.86% , 1.65% respectively) . Potassium sulfate treatment at recommended concentration increased P% in tubers (0.46%) as compared with spraying potassium chloride 6.42 g/L which reached lowest P percentage (0.39%) . In spring 2007, S1 treatment significantly increased N content in tubers (1.24%) as compared with the control (0.91%) while spraying potassium chloride at recommended concentration resulted in highest K% in tubers (3.14%) as compared with the control (1.89%) . In fall 2006 , recommended 5 g K2SO4 treatment had highest percentage of dry weight , starch and specific density (16.51% , 10.75% and 1.062 g / cm3 respectively) compared to the control treatment (14.38% , 8.82% and 1.052 g / cm3 respectively) . In spring 2007 , recommended 5.8 g KNO3 / L treatment resulted in highest percentage of dry weight , starch and specific density (21.05% , 14.76% and 1.084 g / cm3 respectively) as compared with the control treatment (18.75% , 12.72% and 1.073 g/cm3 respectively).