Significant Differences In Yield Research Articles

A Prospective Study of the Efficacy of Endofascial Axillary Dissection to Reduce Axillary Seroma Formation

Abstract Introduction Seroma formation is a common complication following axillary dissection. The pathogenesis of seroma is poorly understood. Various chemical and mechanical methods have been tried to reduce seroma with varying results. In this study, we look at a novel method of axillary dissection to reduce seroma and its attendant morbidity. The objective of the study is to compare endofascial axillary lymphadenectomy with routine axillary lymphadenectomy regarding axillary drain output following breast conservation surgery. Methods We did a prospective interventional study of endofascial axillary dissection in patients undergoing breast conservation surgery. Comparison was done with historical controls who underwent breast conservation surgery with routine axillary lymphadenectomy before the study period. All patients were operated by the same surgeon. Results Breast conservation surgery with endofascial axillary dissection was performed in 36 patients and compared with 36 patients who underwent routine axillary dissection before the study period. The mean total axillary drain output in the endofascial and routine groups were 796.8 and 1,259.3 mL, respectively (p = 0.001). The average day of drain removal in the endofascial and routine groups were 10.8 and 14.9 days, respectively (p = 0.001). The nodal yield of the endofascial and routine groups were 15.3 and 16.4 nodes, respectively (p = 0.449). The duration of surgery of the endofascial and routine groups were 89.3 and 85.1 minutes, respectively (p = 0.366). Conclusion Endofascial axillary dissection significantly reduced the mean total axillary drain output and resulted in early drain removal compared with routine axillary dissection. There were no significant differences in the nodal yield, operative time, seroma aspirations, and wound complications between the endofascial and routine axillary dissection groups.

Estimating yield stability and predicting the response of sesame genotypes to climate change using the SALTMED model

AbstractClimate change (CC) could lead to many crises. Therefore, increasing the number of cultivated varieties represents a low‐cost factor in confronting this problem. The effect of the genotype × environment (G × E) interaction on yield stability was estimated for 28 new sesame lines in the Beni Suwef, El‐Beheira and El‐Menoufia governorates in Egypt across 15 environments from 2019 to 2022 using AMMI analysis. The SALTMED model was used to predict the yield of sesame plants under five increasing air temperature scenarios (CC factor) to obtain future projections of sesame yield to determine the lines that are most genetically stable and facing CC. Variance analysis revealed significant differences in yield between the G and E groups and between the G × E interaction group. Fifteen genotypes yielded better control, and C6.4, C5.8 and C9.6 were selected as genetically stable according to AMMI analysis. The SALTMED model predicted that the yields of lines C3.8 and C6.2 were not affected under the high‐temperature scenarios across the three governorates, moreover lines C1.8, C2.3, and, C6.12 productions were not affected under Beni Suwef and El‐Beheira governorates. of lines C1.8, C2.3 and C6.12 were also not affected by the Beni Suwef or El‐Beheira governorates. It is now possible to establish a hybridization programme in sesame that combines parents with high productivity and high resilience to CC.

СРАВНИТЕЛЬНАЯ ОЦЕНКА ПРОДУКТИВНОСТИ РАЗЛИЧНЫХ ЗЕРНОФУРАЖНЫХ КУЛЬТУР

The purpose of the research was to assess the productivity and feed value (grain content and protein yield) of various grain feed crops. The objectives of the research were to identify types and varieties of grain forage crops that provide the maximum yield of vegetable protein from 1 hectare of crops. The objects of research were spring two-row barley, spring multi-row chaffy barley, spring multi-row hulless barley, and spring triticale. The research was carried out in 2023 on well-cultivated, gray forest soil of medium loamy composition under conditions of periodically dry conditions. Standard technologies for cultivating grain forage crops were used. Among spring grain feed barley, the highest indicators for yield, protein content and its collection per 1 ha were for the multi-row chaffy barley variety Tevkech. No significant differences in yield between varieties of two-row chaffy barley (Raushan, Orlan) have been established. The maximum protein content in grain (6.7% higher than the standard) among the barley varieties was in the multi-row hulless barley variety Ergeninsky holozerny, due to which the protein collection in this variant was at the level of two-row barley varieties and was slightly inferior to the indicators for multi-row chaffy barley Tevkech varieties. The spring triticale varieties UKRO and Timur were inferior in grain protein content to all variants with spring barley. The Orden variety stood out significantly among other spring triticale varieties in terms of protein content, and due to its high yield, its use resulted in the maximum amount (0.77 t) of vegetable protein being obtained from 1 hectare of crops. Thus, among the studied grain forage crops in the conditions of 2023, spring triticale of the Orden variety had an advantage.

A Meta-analysis of probiotic interventions to mitigate ruminal methane emissions in cattle: implications for sustainable livestock farming

In recent years, the significant impact of ruminants on methane emissions has garnered international attention. While dietary strategies have been implemented to solve this issue, probiotics gained the attention of researchers due to their sustainability. However, it is challenging to ascertain their effectiveness as an extensive range of strains and doses have been reported in the literature. Hence, the objective of this experiment was to perform a meta-analysis of probiotic interventions aiming to reduce ruminal methane emissions from cattle. From 362 articles retrieved from scientific databases, 85 articles were assessed independently by 2 reviewers, and 20 articles representing 49 comparisons were found eligible for meta-analysis. In each study, data such as mean, standard deviation, and sample sizes of both the control and probiotic intervention groups were extracted. The outcomes of interest were methane emission, methane yield, and methane intensity. For the meta-analysis, effect sizes were pooled using a fixed effect or a random effect model depending on the heterogeneity. Afterward, sensitivity analyses were conducted to confirm the robustness of the findings. Overall pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) with their confidence intervals (CIs) did not detect significant differences in methane emission (SMD = -0.04; 95% CI = -0.18 to 0.11; p = 0.632), methane yield (SMD = -0.08; 95% CI = -0.24 to 0.07; p = 0.291), and methane intensity (SMD = -0.22; 95% CI = -0.50 to 0.07; p = 0.129) between cattle supplemented with probiotics and the control group. However, subgroup analyses revealed that multiple-strain bacterial probiotics (SMD = -0.36; 95% CI = -0.62 to -0.11; p = 0.005), specifically the combination of bacteria involved in reductive acetogenesis and propionate production (SMD = -0.71; 95% CI = -1.04 to -0.36; p = 0.001), emerged as better interventions. Likewise, crossbreeds (SMD = -0.48; 95% CI = -0.78 to -0.18; p = 0.001) exhibited a more favorable response to the treatments. Furthermore, meta-regression demonstrated that longer periods of supplementation led to significant reductions in methane emissions (p = 0.001), yield (p = 0.032), and intensity (p = 0.012) effect sizes. Overall, the results of the current study suggest that cattle responses to probiotic interventions are highly dependent on the probiotic category. Therefore, extended trials performed with probiotics containing multiple bacterial strains are showing the most promising results. Ideally, further trials focusing on the use of probiotics to reduce ruminal methane in cattle should be conducted to complete the available literature.

Comparison of Different Soil Tillage Methods for Sustainable Agriculture in the Transition Climate Zone in Terms of Seedbed Quality and Green Grass Yield of Triticale-Vetch Mixture

In the research conducted under the conditions of Tokat, silage triticale-vetch mixture-second crop silage corn rotation was applied. The study used four different tillage methods to compare the quality and product yield of the seedbed prepared for silage triticale-vetch mixture. Conventional tillage method (M1), conservation tillage method (M2), reduced tillage method (M3), and direct sowing (M4) methods were applied. Seedbed quality: It was evaluated regarding soil moisture content, bulk density, penetration resistance, degree of soil fragmentation, and surface roughness for depths of 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm. The effect of soil tillage methods on porosity, surface roughness, and green grass yield were statistically insignificant. Although there were statistical differences between the methods regarding soil moisture content (MC), bulk density (BD), penetration resistance (PR), and mean weight diameter values (MWD), the values are within the limit values determined for plant growth. However, crop yield is the same between soil tillage methods. This result shows that alternative tillage methods are applicable when evaluated in sustainable agriculture, which does not create a statistically significant difference in crop yield compared to conventional tillage.

Eastern Gamagrass Responds Inconsistently to Nitrogen Application in Long-Established Stands and within Diverse Ecotypes

Eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides) is a highly productive, highly palatable native grass tolerant to both drought and flooding. It has frequently shown great response to nitrogen (N) applications, but the responses of southern native ecotypes in upland and bottomland sites have yet to be reported. The objectives were to measure the responses of long-established eastern gamagrass with different N application rates in two bottomland hay pastures and two upland grazed sites, and to measure the N responses for six diverse ecotypes in a common garden. A randomized block design was used with ecotype as the main block and fertilizer rate as the subplot. In the long-established sites, 75 N peak yields were not statistically different to those of 0 N, while upland yields across the season were consistently higher for 150 N but varied for the bottomland. The common garden ecotypes had no significant difference in yield between treatments when averaged across years. Roaring Springs showed the most consistent and greatest benefit to additional N, more than doubling the dry weight of the control. All remaining ecotypes, however, had more modest responses. Eastern gamagrass responds inconsistently to applications of 75 N, whereas most applications of 150 N generally result in higher yield, though significant increases are not guaranteed.

Prevalence of FSH-R Asn680Ser and Ala307Thr receptor polymorphism and their correlation with ART outcomes among infertile Indian-Asian women-a prospective cohort study.

The present prospective cohort study evaluated the prevalence of FSH-R receptor Asn680Ser and Ala307Thr among infertile Indian women and the correlation of these polymorphisms with ART outcomes. Total 804 infertile and 209 fertile controls were enrolled for FSH-R analysis. Correlation of different genotypes with ovarian reserve markers, IVF parameters, and cumulative live birth rates (CLBR) was done among women undergoing IVF. In fertile controls, at 680 position GG (Ser/Ser) was the most common genotype; but among infertile women, all the genotypes were equally distributed. There was no significant difference in ovarian response parameters, oocyte yield, and CLBR among the three genotype groups. Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) was highest in women with AA or AG type at both positions. On categorisation of unexpected poor responders according to POSEIDON stratification; GG genotype at both positions had the lowest risk ratio of low-oocyte yield in ART cycles, but these differences were not statistically significant. This is the largest study from Indian ethnicity showing GG (Ser/Ser) genotype is most common among fertile women. The effect of FSH-R genotypes is very marginal on IVF parameters and is not reflected in CLBR. More prospective data may be required on the correlation of these genotypes with genuine EFS, thus stratifying the next cycles with self or donor oocytes. Routine genetic testing of FSH-R polymorphism should not be done except in a research setting. As both 680 and 307 positions are in linkage disequilibrium, only 680 position analysis may be done in a research setting.

A Study on the Effects of Selected Micronutrients, Locations, and Their Interaction on Cassava Yield Based on the Two-Way ANOVA Model with Interaction

<p dir="ltr"><span>The paper investigated the effects of fertilizer (Zinc, Iron and Manganese), location of farm land and their interaction on cassava yield. The secondary data used for the study were collected from the National Cereal Research Institute of Nigeria Outstanding Farm, Nung Udo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The data comprised of cassava yield (Hectares) for 2016 planting season, five separate farms where three types of fertilizer were applied. The two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique with interaction was used in the analysis of the data. Furthermore, the Tukey HSD test was conducted to compare the treatment means. The result of the study showed that there is significant mean difference in the yield of cassava based on the three types of fertilizer applied. On the basis of farm locations, the result shows that there is no significant mean difference in cassava yield while the interaction between fertilizer and farm location affects cassava yield significantly at 5% level of significance.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Keywords: </span><span>two-way analysis of variance with interaction; Tukey test; fertilizer; cassava yield; farm location</span></p><div><span><br /></span></div>

Determination of Morpho-Physiological Traits for Assessing Drought Tolerance in Sugarcane.

Drought is a significant constraint to sugarcane productivity. Therefore, understanding how different varieties of sugarcane respond to drought stress can facilitate breeding programs and set up criteria for selecting drought-tolerant varieties. In the present study, we examined eight morpho-physiological traits to distinguish 40 sugarcane genotypes categorized into four groups based on significant differences in cane yield under non-stressed conditions and reduction of cane yield under drought-stressed conditions. The study was conducted during the formative stage in a greenhouse, encompassing both control and drought conditions. Drought treatments resulted in significant changes and differences in the mean values of various morpho-physiological traits. The hierarchical clustering analysis, utilizing stay-green traits such as higher chlorophyll fluorescence ratio (Fv/Fm), leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD), leaf relative water content (RWC), and lower leaf rolling score (LR), leaf drying score (LD), and drought recovery score (DR), successfully grouped 40 sugarcane genotypes into four major clusters, similar to the previously categorized groups. Correlation analysis showed significant relationships among cane yield, reduction of cane yield under drought conditions, and the stay-green traits. Our results demonstrated that morpho-physiological traits contributing to the "stay-green" phenotypes could be useful as selection criteria for drought tolerance in sugarcane.

Enhancing Sesame Yield in Arid Conditions through NPK Fertilizer Optimization

Sesame, an important oilseed crop and valuable source of protein, plays a central role in global agriculture. This study, conducted during the 2021-2022 Kharif season at Karor Adaptive Research Farm (ARF), Layyah, Pakistan, aimed to optimize the use of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) fertilizers to increase sesame yield under dry conditions. Our research aimed to determine the most effective application rates of NPK fertilizer (34:24:12) kg/acre for sesame variety TH-6 in the region, consistent with the objectives of maximizing sesame yield and biomass accumulation. The experimental design RCBD included multiple treatments, with meticulous attention to plot sizes, replicates, and robust data collection and analysis methods. These measures ensure the reliability of our results and their potential applicability to similar agroclimatic conditions. The use of NPK fertilizer at the rate of (113:113:60) kg ha-1 in ARF gave promising results. A maximum grain yield of 765.3 kg ha-1 was observed in 2021, exceeding the yield of 738.6 kg ha-1 in 2022. Similarly, the use of NPK (113:113:60) kg ha-1 in a farmer's field resulted in a maximum grain yield of 828.6 kg ha-1 in 2021, as opposed to 702.6 kg ha-1 in 2022. These results highlight the potential of NPK fertilizer application combined with optimal field practices to increase sesame yield and its components under the challenging agro-climatic conditions of Karor, Layyah. The discussion interprets the results and emphasizes the importance of NPK fertilizers for sesame cultivation. Although our primary focus is not on climate discussions, the consistent methodology in both years, from sowing to harvesting, revealed significant differences in yield and growth parameters, leading to climate change being considered as a potential contributing factor. This study shows that the application of NPK fertilizer at the rate of (113:113:60) kg ha-1 can significantly increase sesame yield under adverse conditions.

Effect of pruning intensity and picking on Acacia senegal for gum arabic yield in Northern Jigawa State, Nigeria

Climate significantly impacts dryland trees, influencing their adaptation, survival, production, and role in the ecosystem. Acacia senegal is a valuable dryland tree planted for gum arabic production and ecological benefits. However, gum arabic production has declined due to the adverse effects of climate and improper management. Thus, silvicultural intervention such as pruning is essential for the health, growth, and gum yield of A. senegal. This study investigates the effects of different pruning intensities and pickings on gum arabic yield at Madana and Garin-ladan in the Gumel district of northern Jigawa State, Nigeria. The experiment involved five levels of pruning intensity and eight pickings, conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The gum yield was collected, dried, and weighed, and ANOVA was performed using Statistix 10.0 software, with Shapiro-Wilk and Turkey tests for data normality and mean comparison. The result showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in gum yield among the pruning intensities for most of the pickings at the two sites. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 3rd, 5th, 8th pickings are significantly different except 4th, 7th, 8th; and 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th at Madana and Garin-ladan respectively. The highest gum yield is 52.5a, 46.7a, 50.1a, and 43.5a g/picking, respectively. The lowest is 0.8a and 0.9a g/picking, respectively. Pruning intensity significantly differs (p< 0.05) in total gum yield per tree. Pruning intensities B3 and B4 demonstrated the highest total gum yield (251.8a and 147.6a g/tree) at both sites, respectively. At the same time, B0 exhibited the lowest gum arabic yield (97.2c and 38.5b g/tree) at both locations. These findings prove that pruning intensities B3 and B4 are the most effective in promoting gum yield and may enhance the gum productivity of A. senegal trees in northern Jigawa State.

Profile and accumulation of essential oils from guayule (Parthenium argentatum A. Gray) accessions and hybrids

For guayule (Parthenium argentatum A. Gray) to become a viable market option, it will be necessary to exploit not only the rubber and resin components, but also other high-value plant products such as essential oils (EOs). A detailed EO profiling study was conducted on 16 guayule accessions for first time, which revealed significant differences in EO yield and profile among them. Accession AZ-2 had the highest yield up to 0.9% (dry weight), followed by CFS18–2005, CAL-7, and CFS17–2005. These yields were comparable with those of aromatic plants used in the industry, providing valuable economic insights. The volatile EO composition of the accessions was unique and discriminating. Volatile sesquiterpenes were the most abundant compounds at the beginning of the flowering stage (S1-June sampling), while monoterpenes became more abundant as flowering progressed (S2-July and S3-August sampling). At S1, it was possible to distinguish between hybrid (mariola and non-mariola) and other accessions by the EO profile. By the end of the summer season (S3, August 2023), the EO volatile profile could more easily distinguish the accessions according to their genetic origin, enabling the separation of pure guayule accessions. The extraction of guayule EOs on an industrial scale (1.2 Mg fresh biomass) demonstrated high yield and consistency in terms of volatile profile, underscoring its potential for commercial exploitation.

Pre-extension Demonstration and Evaluation of Improved Food Barley Varieties in Chora and Gechi Districts of Buno Bedele Zone Southwestern Oromia, Ethiopia

The experiment was conducted in 2022 main rainy cropping season in Chora and Gechi districts of Buno Bedele zone with the objectives to evaluate the yield performance and economic profitability of food barley varieties, to identify farmers’ varietal selection criteria and to improve the targeted farmers` knowledge and skills towards improved selected food barley production and management practices. Based on barley production potential and road accessibility, five kebeles were selected where two improved barley varieties (Adoshe and HB 1307) were demonstrated and evaluated alongside the local variety (Torja) replicated on 14 demonstration sites. The 100 m2 plot size was used for each variety where all the recommended agronomic practices were followed. Data like grain yield, farmers’ varietal selection criteria’s, number of training and field day participants, cost incurred and profit obtained were collected where descriptive statistics, one way ANOVA, matrix raking and partial budget were used to analyze the collected data. Both list-wise deletion and single imputation methods were used in order to fix non-equal treatment as missed data among the fourteen demonstration sites. Accordingly, the descriptive result of list-wise deletion revealed that, the mean grain yield of 37.14, 39.79and 19.49 qt ha-1 were obtained from Adoshe, HB1307 and local varieties respectively whereas the mean grain yield of 34.04, 39.79 and 19.69 qt ha-1 were obtained from Adoshe, HB1307 and local varieties respectively. The list-wise deletion and imputation method analysis of variance among the yield of demonstrated barley varieties shows that there is statistically significant yield difference at (P&lt;0.05) and (P&lt;0.01) between the varieties respectively. The matrix raking shows Adoshe variety was preferred first by farmers. About 69 and 96 participants were participated on the training and field day respectively. The economic analysis result revealed that, the 3.55 ETB marginal rate of return by list-wise deletion and 3.51 ETB by imputation methods were obtained from HB1307 variety whereas, the 3.1 ETB marginal rate of return by list-wise deletion and 2.51 ETB by imputation methods were obtained from Adoshe variety indicating that farmers can recover all the incurred costs and gain 3.55/3.51 and 3.10/2.51 ETB for every 1 ETB they invest when they use HB1307 and Adoshe varieties respectively. HB1307 variety had high performance in terms of yield and economic profitability whereas Adoshe variety was favored by the farmers and therefore, HB1307 and Adoshe varieties were recommended for further scaling up in the study areas and similar agro ecologies.Key words__ Buno Bedele, Demonstration, Farmers, Food Barley, Participatory, Yield.

Combined Application of Chemical and Organic Fertilizers: Effects on Yield and Soil Nutrients in Spring Wheat under Drip Irrigation

In this study, we established a feasible fertilization programming method for wheat production by exploring the effects of the combined application of chemical and organic fertilizers on wheat yield, nutrient uptake, soil nutrient content, and fertilizer utilization. Six treatments, no fertilizer (CK), conventional fertilizer (CF), optimized fertilizer (with reduced fertilizer amount) (RF), chemical fertilizer with organic fertilizer extract (RPAE), partial replacement of chemical fertilizer with raw amino acid powder (RAF), and partial replacement of chemical fertilizer with raw humic acid powder (RHF), were set up for a field experiment. The fertilizer application rates for the RF treatment were calculated based on fertilization-monitoring techniques (30.3% nitrogen and 24.8% phosphorus reductions in 2022 and 23.0% nitrogen and 1.5% phosphorus reductions in 2023). The effects of different fertilizer treatments on yield, dry matter accumulation, plant nutrient accumulation, soil nutrients, and nutrient utilization in wheat were investigated. The results showed that, on the basis of 23% nitrogen and 1.5% phosphorus reductions, there was no significant difference in wheat yield between the RF and CF treatments and that the utilization rate of nitrogen fertilizer was improved. The application of organic fertilizer promoted dry matter accumulation in different organs of wheat; increased plant nutrient accumulation; improved soil nutrient content, nutrient utilization rate, nutrient partial productivity, and nutrient agronomic use efficiency; and ensured stable and increased crop yield. Specifically, compared with CF, the RPAE, RAF, and RHF organic fertilizer treatments increased wheat yield by 3.85%, 1.97%, and 0.67%, respectively, and the utilization of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers induced by these treatments significantly increased by 40.46%, 39.28%, and 37.46% (nitrogen) and by 9.83%, 8.91%, and 7.46% (phosphorus), respectively. As a result of our experiment, we concluded that RPAE exerted the best effects among the three organic fertilizer treatments (RPAE, RAF, and RHF) and that its use can result in a higher wheat yield and fertilizer utilization rate in drip-irrigated wheat fields. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the combined application of chemical and organic fertilizers, which is conducive to sustainable agriculture development.

Impact of Different Substrates on Growth and Yield of Schizophyllum commune Fr.

Schizophyllum communeFr. is an edible medicinal mushroom also known as white rot fungus that develops naturally on dead woods which belongs to the phylumBasidiomycota, order Agaricales, family Schizophyllaceae.To find out most suitable growing substrates, mushroom was cultivated on 6 locally available substrates including different saw dust i.e.Babool (Vachellianilotica),Bija (Petrocarpus marsupium),Sal (Shorea robusta),Sagwan (Tectona grandis) and different strawi.e. Paddy straw(PS) and Wheat straw(WS).  Among the different substrates,on an average,WS took shortest time for mycelial run (6.50 days), longest time(8.62 days) taken by Bija (P. marsupium). Pinhead initiation was fastest (8.50 days) in WS while, Bija (P. marsupium)took more time period(10.62 days) for pinhead initiation. The Maximum yield was obtained from WS (148.37gm) with biological efficiency (29.6%) followed by PS(116.12 gm) with biological efficiency (23.2%). The lowest yield was obtained from saw dust of Bija (P. marsupium)(60.50gm) with biological efficiency (10.40%).There was significant difference in yield when supplement (wheat bran)was mixed with substrates, however there was no significant difference observed in mycelial run and pinhead initiation.

Abstract 3662: Cell-free DNA dynamics following neuroblastoma resection

Abstract Introduction: Prior studies have demonstrated the utility of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a biomarker in the postoperative period for oncologic risk stratification. However, its utility may be limited in the early postoperative period by surgical trauma causing an increase in total cell-free DNA (cfDNA) due to tissue destruction, inflammation, and wound healing. No studies have identified the optimal timing of postoperative sample collection in pediatric patients undergoing resection of high-risk neuroblastoma. The purpose of this study is to assess the postoperative dynamics of cfDNA following neuroblastoma resection to determine optimal timing for ctDNA investigations. Methods: An institutional database of banked cell-free DNA samples was retrospectively queried for patients with a diagnosis of neuroblastoma who had blood samples collected prior to resection and postoperative samples collected within 2 months of the operation. Plasma was collected from whole blood samples. cfDNA was extracted from plasma samples using the QIAGEN QIAsymphony SP system, and samples were quantified using the Advanced Analytical Fragment Analyzer Automated CE System with the High Sensitivity Genomic DNA Analysis Kit. Results: Seventeen patients were identified undergoing 18 total operations and 37 total blood draws yielding cfDNA. There were 12 male and 5 female patients. Median age at operation was 5.5 years (range 1.4y to 20.5y). Two patients were INRG stage L2, and 15 patients were stage M. Operative indications were primary tumor resection in 10 patients and resection of recurrence/progression in 8 patients. Three postoperative samples were drawn within 10 days of the operation, and 16 samples were collected between postoperative weeks 4 and 6. There was a statistically significant difference (p=0.029) in cfDNA yield between each timepoint sampled: preoperative (median 6ng/mL, range 2-30ng/mL), 0-10 days postop (median 34ng/mL, range 15 - 85 ng/mL), and 4-6 weeks postop (median 6ng/mL, range 2 - 17ng/mL). Pairing the pre- and post-operative samples for each patient, those drawn within 10 days had a median increased yield of 180% (range +67% to +652%) while the samples collected at 4-6 weeks had a median decreased yield of 23% (range -55% to +491%; p = 0.047). Of note, there were three outliers in the 4-6 week group who had increases in cfDNA yield of &amp;gt;200%. On further review of these charts, each patient was being treated for obstructive uropathy at the time the postoperative sample was collected. Conclusion: Plasma cfDNA yield increases in the early postoperative period before dropping by postoperative week 6. Tumor resection may be associated with an overall decrease in total cfDNA. Postoperative renal pathology may cause a persistent elevation in cfDNA. Further studies are necessary to clarify the role of ctDNA in the management of patients with neuroblastoma. Citation Format: Joshua N. Honeyman, Andrew Chi, Shakeel Modak, Fiorella Iglesias Cardenas, Michael P. La Quaglia, Neerav N. Shukla, J. Ted Gerstle. Cell-free DNA dynamics following neuroblastoma resection [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3662.

Effects of irrigation and fertilization with biochar on the growth, yield, and water/nitrogen use of maize on the Guanzhong Plain, China

Excessive water and nitrogen inputs in agricultural production can result in resource wastage and environmental pollution. This makes it imperative to identify effective farmland management strategies to ensure sustainable agriculture development, and it remains to be explored whether biochar can be an effective solution. In this study, a 2-year (2021 and 2022) field experiment was conducted with two irrigation levels, W100 (ET) and W80 (0.8 ET), and three nitrogen fertilizer levels, NH (270 kg ha−1), NM (180 kg ha−1), and NL (90 kg ha−1), in full combination with biochar (30 t ha−1). The NM and N0 treatments without biochar at both irrigation levels were set as controls. The results of the study showed that there was no significant difference in maize yield between the high and medium N treatments. Further, maximum water productivity (WP), nitrogen agronomic efficiency (NAE), and nitrogen recovery efficiency (NRE) were obtained in NM treatments when water and nitrogen were kept consistent. Deficit irrigation was effective in reducing water consumption and increased WP by 15.54% and 11.06% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Biochar application increased WP, nitrogen use efficiencies, and significantly increased the yield by 7.02% and 6.46% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Therefore, the application of biochar can be an effective measure to promote crop growth and resource use. Based on the results of this experiment, an irrigation level of 0.8 ET in combination with NM and biochar application is recommended to ensure the sustainability of agricultural production.

Assessment of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) Cultivation under Two Irrigation Systems in Central Iraq

A field experiment was conducted in the Abbasiya area of Najaf Governorate, located in the Middle Euphrates region during the winter season of 2022-2023. The primary focus of the study was to evaluate the performance of two irrigation systems, nano-irrigation, and subsurface drip irrigation, on broccoli plants grown in clay soil. The experimental design followed a Complete Randomized Block Design (CRBD). Nano-irrigation demonstrated several advantages over subsurface drip irrigation. It exhibited a reduction inater con-sumption and lower energy requirements for water pumping opera-tions. Notably, the root length of broccoli plants was significantly greater under the nano-irrigation system, with an increase of 18.2 cm compared to the drip irrigation system. The use of nano-irrigation resulted in better water use efficiency and energy efficien-cy, leading to improved root development in the broccoli plants. The study results indicated that nano-irrigation offers benefits in terms of water conservation and plant growth promotion, ultimately leading to increased overall productivity. This makes nano-irrigation an appealing option for improving water use efficiency in agriculture, particularly in regions that face water scarcity. Moreo-ver, there was no significant difference in yield between the nano-irrigation and subsurface drip irrigation systems.

The effect of the biopreparation Avatar-2 Zahyst application on seed potato productivity and viral diseases infestation in condition of southwestern Forest Steppe part of Ukraine

Goal. To establish the effect of a multicomponent preparation of biologic origin on seed potato productivity and viral diseases infestation in condition of southwestern Forest Steppe of Ukraine.&#x0D; Methods. Field method — the trial plots were set in selection-seed production rotation of Bukovinian state agricultural research station of Carpathian region Institute of agriculture NAAS. Laboratory-field method — determining crop capacity and tubers structure in a yield. Visual method — plants infestation assessment. Comparative-calculated method — to determine the potato stands productivity and viral diseases infestation degree.&#x0D; Results. Avatar-2 Zahyst is a system-contact preparation of virulicidal, fungicidal, and antibacterial action. It is recommended for use on grain, technical, vegetable-, and fruit crops. The preparation is used for pre-sowing seed treatment, as well as for vegetating plants treatment. When determining the seed potato productivity depending on the biopreparation Avatar-2 Zahyst implementation, no significant difference in tubers yield was established; on the variety Slauta it stayed within 34.5—36.3 t/ hа, and on the variety Kimmeria 36.7—37.4 t/ hа. No any significant difference was established also in quantity and tubers mass per one bush, as well as in one tuber average mass, and tubers fractional composition in a harvest. When determining plants infestation with viral diseases, it was established, that the biopreparation Avatar 2 Zahyst application has influenced the decrease of seed potato stands infestation. The variety Slauta damage on the variant with seed poisoning and three-times spraying during vegetation made 2.5%, which is by 2—3% lower than on the control variant. The infestation of plants where only seed poisoning was implemented made 3—4%, when of those where three-times preparation application was carried out during vegetation — 2.0—4.0%, which is by 0.5—2.5 and 1.5—2.5% lower than the control variant, respectively. The same tendency was observed during the variety Kimmeria investigation.&#x0D; Conclusions. The use of the biological product Avatar-2 Zahyst does not give a significant difference in the yield of tubers. The introduction of the biological product Avatar 2 Zahyst influenced the reduction of the incidence of viral diseases in potato seed plantations.

Optimal N fertilizer management method for improving maize lodging resistance and yields by combining controlled-release urea and normal urea

Despite being an efficient nitrogen (N) management method, the effects of controlled-release urea combined with normal urea (CRUNU) on stem and root lodging and yield in maize have been rarely reported. Therefore, we conducted a field trial for three years between 2020 and 2022 using two N fertilizer types (CRUNU and normal urea (NU)) and three N application levels (low: 135 kg N ha–1; medium: 180 kg N ha–1; and high: 225 kg N ha–1) to evaluate their effects on stem and root lodging and the yield in maize, and the factors involved. The results showed that, compared with NU, CRUNU reduced the stem and root lodging rate under the three N application rates, and all were lowest under the medium N application rate. The decreased stem and root lodging rate was mainly attributed to the improved the synchronization of nitrogen supply and demand, reduced population traits (plant height, ear height, and center of gravity height), improved morphological traits (length and mass density) for the basal second, third, and fourth internodes (I2, I3, and I4), increased mechanical properties (stem breaking strength and rind penetration strength), greater stem lodging resistance index (SLRI), enhanced chemical compositions (lignin and its related synthetase activities, cellulose, and hemicellulose) in I2, I3, and I4, and increases in the stem bending strength, root average diameter, and vertical root-pulling resistance under CRUNU. In addition, the SLRI values for different internodes followed the order of: I2 > I3 > I4, thereby indicating that I2 and I3 played important roles in stem lodging resistance. Furthermore, compared with NU, the maize grain yield increased by 1.27–44.83% under CRUNU with the three N application rates. In particular, there was no significant difference in the grain yield between the high and medium N application rates under CRUNU. In conclusion, CRUNU combined with N application at a rate of 180 kg ha–1 may be a superior N fertilizer management method.