Superior Yield Research Articles

Growth and Yield Response of Masakwa Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Cultivars to Supplementary Irrigation in a Nigeria Sahel Savanna Vertisols

Masakwa sorghum, a post-rainy season crop is commonly grown using residual moisture without supplementary irrigation on heavy clay soils or Vertisols during cool harmattan period. Field experiments were conducted to determine response of masakwa sorghum cultivars to supplementary irrigation during 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 dry seasons in sahel savanna vertisols in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State NE Nigeria. Four irrigation treatments applied at 0.3, 0.6, 0.9 and 1.2 liters/stand constituted the irrigation treatments, while Adja’ama and Tumbuna constituted the cultivars. The treatments were replicated three times in a Randomized Complete Block Design. Plant heights were significantly higher for 0.3, 0.6 or 0.9 liters (P<0.01) than 1.2 liters at 4 WAT, 0.6 and 0.9 liters (P<0.05) than 0.3 or 1.2 liters at 8 WAT, and 0.3 liter (P<0.01) than 0.6 or 1.2 liters at 10 WAT. Panicle length was significantly (P<0.01) greater for 0.6 and 0.9 liters, while grain yield per plant was significantly (P<0.01) greater for 0.3 liter than the other irrigation levels. Grain yield per hectare was significantly (P<0.01) greater when irrigation was applied at flower inception (0.9 liter), while the cultivar Tumbuna significantly (P<0.01) produced superior grain yield than Adja’ama. Straw yield per plant was significantly (P<0.01) greater for 1.2 liters, but harvest index was significantly (P<0.01) greater for 0.3 liter than the other treatments. The economic returns from the irrigation levels were negative as the marginal rate of returns: – N2.64, – N 0.82 and – N 0.23 for 1.2, 0.9 and 0.6 liters per stand, respectively, however, the farmer practice (0.3 liters at transplanting only) realized the net benefit of N 42,960.00 per hectare. It is apparent therefore that the flower inception is the most critical stage for moisture stress in masakwa sorghum; however, there is no economic benefit of supplementary irrigation of the sorghum cultivars after transplanting as observed from the current study.

Diagnostic yield of combined ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration and core needle biopsy versus either technique alone in peripheral lung and pleural lesions

IntroductionUltrasound (US) has become an integral tool for chest assessment as it provides crucial information on pleural pathologies and peripherally located lung lesions.AimTo assess the diagnostic yield of combined fine needle aspiration (FNAB) and core needle biopsy (CNB) versus each technique ultrasound-guided in peripheral lung and pleural lesions.MethodologyThe present study enrolled 30 patients presenting to Alexandria Main University Hospital, with CT scans showing undiagnosed peripheral lung or parietal pleural lesions with or without effusion. A full ultrasound chest assessment was done covering 12 regions. Assessment of the lesion of interest, vascularity was assessed via color Doppler, locating the safest entry site. Real-time US-guided FNAB was done using a spinal needle 22 gauge. Then real-time US-guided CNB using 18 gauge Trucut needle in the same setting. Duration and complications of each procedure were reported. In FNAB, three smears were prepared, fixed in alcohol, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain. The remaining sample was fixed in formalin and centrifuged to prepare cell blocks. On the other hand, Trucut needle biopsy specimens were fixed in formalin and processed as paraffin-embedded blocks. Immunohistochemical staining was done. The results were classified into four categories (inadequate, negative, suspicious, and positive for malignancy.ResultsThe diagnostic yield of combined techniques was 96.7% versus 63.3% using FNAB and 96.7% using CNB. The sensitivity of FNAB was 86% while CNB was 95%. The specificity and positive predictive value of both methods were 100%. The negative predictive value of FNAB was 57% versus 80% for CNB in peripheral lung lesions. Duration of US-guided CNB was statistically significantly longer than that of FNAB in both peripheral lung and pleural lesions. No major complications were reported using either technique.ConclusionCombined FNAB and CNB were not superior to CNB alone regarding diagnostic yield but were superior to FNAB. Ultrasound-guided CNB has a superior diagnostic yield over FNAB, with no statistically significant difference regarding associated complications, both techniques are safe. FNAB provided sufficient material for ancillary molecular testing.

PH-responsive star-shaped poly (ε-carprolactone)-co-poly maleic anhydride micelles for synergistic breast cancer combination chemotherapy

Polymeric micelles produced from amphiphilic copolymers, are considered promising drug delivery platforms. Because of their ability to co-deliver hydrophilic (Dox) and hydrophobic (natural sesquiterpene coumarin, Conf) drugs through their shell and core, these nanosized micelles can benefit adjuvant therapy by modulating MDR proteins and increasing cellular uptake. In this study, a novel star-shaped biodegradable pH-sensitive pentaerythritol-grafted anhydride maleic copolymerized with Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PEE-g-PMA-co-PCL) was synthesized and developed as micellar nano-carriers for combination therapy of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. The physicochemical, characteristics of the synthesized copolymers and micelles were validated using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), CHNS elemental analysis, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta potential, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The engineered micelles exhibited nearly 100% encapsulation efficiency for both Dox and Conf. Micelles possess a CMC value of 0.1 μg/mL, an average size of 40.3 nm with uniform distribution; ζ-potential of −11.5 mV in blank form and + 6.82 mV in co-drug-loaded form. Furthermore, micelles' in vitro biodegradation and drug release profiles followed an intensive pH-dependent pattern that benefited targeted delivery. The results of MTT, cellular uptake, cell cycle, and apoptosis by Annexin V assay on MDA-MB-231 cell line cells treated by co-drug loaded micelles (E2D) demonstrated higher cytotoxicity, more cellular uptake, superior inhibitory yield on DNA duplication, and greater apoptosis with a lower necrosis rate compared to monotherapy (ED and EC) and free drugs (Conf, Dox and 2D) which confirmed the synergistic effect of this combination therapy system (CI < 1) in a reduced Dox dosage. In addition, western blot and RT-PCR showed that co-drug-loaded micelles triggered an apoptotic response via the mitochondrial pathway. In conclusion, the novel developed multi-functional pH-sensitive micelles here could open a new perspective for the development of nanomedicine for combination chemo-adjuvant therapy against malignant cancer.

Ti3C2Tx MXene/delignified wood supported flame-retardant phase-change composites with superior solar-thermal conversion efficiency and highly electromagnetic interference shielding for efficient thermal management

The development of form-stable phase-change material (PCM) with solar-thermal harvest, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and flame-retardancy is crucial for efficient building energy management and conservation. Herein, novel Ti3C2Tx MXene/delignified wood supported form-stable phase-change composites (PMPCMs) with superior solar-thermal conversion efficiency, highly EMI shielding effects, and excellent flame-retardancy were fabricated by alkaline boiling delignification, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP) and MXene deposition, and melted n-octadecane impregnation. Benefiting from the powerful surface tension and capillary force of the wood-based support materials, PMPCMs can effectively encapsulate the melted n-alkane molecules and inhibit their leakage. The differential scanning calorimetry results showed that PMPCMs possessed superior n-octadecane encapsulation yield and high thermal energy storage density (166.9–191.6 J/g). Decorating delignified wood by MXene significantly improved the solar-thermal storage efficiency (up to 88.4 %) and EMI shielding performance of PMPCMs. The average EMI shielding effectiveness of PMPCM-10 was enhanced to 34.12 dB in X-band frequency range of 8.2–12.4 GHz. Moreover, with the introduction of the flame-retardant ADP, the peak heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release (THR) of PMPCMs decreased noticeably, demonstrating the enhanced flame retardancy of delignified wood supported phase-change composites. In summary, PMPCMs exhibited superior application prospects in building energy management and electromagnetic shielding fields.

Geopolymer mortars for use in construction 3D printing: Effect of LSS, graphene oxide and nanoclay at different environmental conditions

The environmental impact of concrete 3D printing (C3DP) has become a concern due to its large cement consumption and over-exploitation of natural resources. This study investigates the viability of using geopolymer mixtures in C3DP prepared with fly ash (FA)/ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and underutilised aggregate as substitutes for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and natural aggregate, respectively. This paper focuses on the rheological, mechanical, and shrinkage properties of FA/GGBS-based geopolymer mortar with lead smelter slag (LSS) as natural sand (NS) substitute and the impact of adding nanoclay (NC) and graphene oxide (GO), as thixotropy agents, on the yield stress development and viscosity recovery properties of the mixtures. The effect of various outdoor environmental conditions of 24 °C -50 %RH, 35 °C -90 %RH and 35 °C -50 %RH on pore water evaporation and 28-day drying shrinkage of 3D printable geopolymer mortar was studied, considering the effect of NS, LSS, NC and GO in free-formed and control conditions. LSS GO-modified mortars exhibited superior viscosity recovery capacity and yield stress evolution compared to their NC-modified counterparts. Moreover, using LSS instead of NS resulted in increased 28-day compressive strength under various environmental conditions, and LSS mortars exhibited lower drying shrinkage in both conventional casting and free-formed conditions. The findings of this paper will serve as a benchmark for further studies on the effect of different curing techniques (internal or external) on the hardened state dimensional stability of 3D printed products using alkali-activated binder systems to improve the structural integrity by controlling the water evaporation and drying shrinkage development.

The potential of starch-chitosan blends with poloxamer for the preparation of microparticles by spray-drying

Using biopolymers as wall materials in spray drying poses challenges, particularly in attaining flowability and thermal stability among their physicochemical properties. This paper addresses these challenges by preparing microparticles using a blend of starch–chitosan and a poloxamer, commercially named Pluronic® F127. We aimed to elucidate the effects of varying poloxamer concentrations on the resulting particles through the spray drying technique. Blends with a poloxamer concentration of 3% (w/v) demonstrated a notably higher yield, especially when compared to those with 0% and 1% concentrations. Microparticles with 3% and 5% (w/v) poloxamer displayed a narrower particle size distribution, with the 3% blend showing a superior yield attributed to arrangements of blend components that improve flowability. X-ray diffraction analysis showcased the characteristic peaks of A-type starch form, with shifts suggesting enhanced interactions between components. Microparticles with increased poloxamer content showed elevated thermal degradation temperatures, with the 3% blend registering a significant rise, opening avenues for encapsulating heat-sensitive bioactive. This study primarily focuses on the preparation and basic characterization of microparticles. It underscores the potential of blends with optimal poloxamer concentrations in microencapsulation, emphasizing further research to harness their capabilities thoroughly.

Diagnostic Yield of Epilepsy-Genes Sequencing and Chromosomal Microarray in Pediatric Epilepsy

BackgroundAround 40% of individuals with epilepsy have an underlying identifiable genetic etiology. Common methods for epilepsy genetic testing are chromosomal microarray (CMA) and epilepsy-genes sequencing (EGS). Historically, CMA was the first-line test for patients with epilepsy, but recent studies have shown that EGS has a superior diagnostic yield. To further optimize testing algorithms for epilepsy, we compared these tests’ diagnostic yields and explored how they are influenced by age of onset and phenotype complexity. MethodsGenetic test results from a cohort of patients with epilepsy were used to determine the diagnostic yield of CMA (n = 366) versus EGS (n = 370) for genetic epilepsy etiologies. Further analysis examined the probability of diagnostic results based on age of seizure onset and patients’ phenotype complexity. ResultsFor patients who underwent CMA, causative variants were found in 28 of 366 cases (7.7%), and 60 of 366 patients (16.4%) had at least one variant of uncertain significance (VUS). For EGS, 65 of 370 (17.6%) cases had causative variants, whereas 155 of 370 (41.9%) had at least one VUS. EGS had a significantly higher diagnostic yield than CMA (odds ratio [OR] = 2.63, P < 0.001). This difference in diagnostic yield was further pronounced among patients with infantile seizure onset (OR = 4.69, P < 0.001) and patients with additional neurological findings (OR = 2.99, P < 0.001). ConclusionTo minimize the time and resources required to reach a diagnosis, clinicians and insurers alike should consider using EGS as an initial diagnostic tool.

Mesostructures Engineering to Promote Selective Nitrate‐to‐Ammonia Electroreduction

AbstractThe electroreduction of nitrate into green ammonia (NO3−‐to‐NH3) in aqueous solution represents a sustainable route applicable to green NH3 electrosynthesis and nitrogen balance. However, the NO3−‐to‐NH3 electroreduction undergoes a complex eight electron (8e−) transfer pathway and results in unsatisfying activity and selectivity. Here, mesostructures engineering is presented as a new and robust design strategy for producing high‐performance multimetallic electrocatalysts that remarkably promote selective NO3−‐to‐NH3 electroreduction. 1D PdCuAg mesoporous nanotubes (MTs) are facilely prepared by a one‐step galvanic replacement‐assisted surfactant‐templating method in an aqueous solution. The electrocatalyst shows remarkable NO3−‐to‐NH3 performance with high NH3 Faradaic efficiency (FENH3) of 95.2%, superior NH3 yield rate of 17.7 mg h−1 mg−1, impressive NH3 energy efficiency of 29.8%, and outstanding stability (50 cycles), all of which are much better than the performance of counterpart electrocatalysts. The promotion of NO3−‐to‐NH3 performance comes from the electron‐rich surface and nanoconfinement microenvironment of mesostructured synergies that enrich nanozyme‐like chemisorption of key intermediates and thus facilitates electroreduction of NO3− into NH3 through an 8e− reaction pathway. Meanwhile,1D PdCuAg MTs are practically explored in a Zn‐NO3− battery, delivering a superior NH3 yield rate of 25.85 µmol h−1 cm−2 and a high FENH3 of 92.4%.

Co-implementation of tillage and precision nutrient management practices on crop yield of kharif maize (Zea mays)

Our accustomed agricultural practices of tilling the soil continuously and excessive fertilizer applications caused not only a decrease in organic carbon content and soil degradation but also disturbed environmental harmony. With this backdrop, current study was carried out during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2018 and 2019 at the research farm of Trihut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Pusa, Bihar to evaluate the effect of different tillage and nutrient management practices on maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with tillage as the main plot and nutrient management as the sub-plot. The results showed significantly superior maize grain yield in PB (6.1, 6.2 mg/ ha) and 60% RDN+GSGN (6.0, 5.9 mg/ha) over CT (4.9, 5.0 mg/ha) and RDF (5.1, 5.4 mg/ha) during 2018 and 2019. Similar trend was followed in stover yield, net returns and B:C ratio. Among path analysis, harvest index and no of grains/cob observed largest direct path coefficient of yield attributes to determine the maize grain yield and stover yield respectively. The results suggest that the adoption of conservation tillage and precise nutrient management practices will help in the realization of better yield with maximum profit by way of reducing the input capital apart from improving soil health thereby sustaining natural resources for future generations.

Assessment of early maturity based on per cent reduction in yield by advancing date of harvest in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Breeding of short duration groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) varieties with enhanced productivity is a priority area in the semi-arid tropical regions to evade the end-season moisture deficit stress and for summer cultivation where the harvesting of groundnut coincides with the on-set of monsoon. Eighteen advanced breeding lines were evaluated during rainy and summer seasons for productive capacity and earliness in maturity by estimating the relative reduction in yield and associated traits due to advanced harvesting by 10 or 20 days over normal harvest. During rainy season the test genotypes were also compared with two popular varietiesJL 24 and HNG 10 as checks. Harvesting the genotypes 20 days ahead of normal harvest lead to considerable loss in pod and kernel yield, the reduction being larger in summer. When harvesting was advanced by 10 days the relative yield reduction was considerably lower in some of the genotypes (1-4% pod and 3-4% kernel yield reduction during rainy season), and six genotypes recorded superior yield coupled with earliness in comparison to the best check. The genotypes PBS 11029, PBS 21031, PBS 30076, PBS 11066, PBS 15004 and PBS 28008 were found early in maturity during rainy season and PBS 21031 during summer asthey registered negligible lossin yield when harvesting was advanced. The proposed concept of least reduction in yield and its component traits when harvested early coupled with high productivity may be used as a field technique forscreening large number of advanced breeding linesto identify early and high productive genotypes.

Synergetic effects of cryo-FSP on microstructural, mechanical and corrosion behavior of stir cast AA5083-2 wt% SiC nanocomposite

In recent past, a significant research attention has been given to the study of nanosize ceramic particles reinforced aluminium alloy composites due to its excellent mechanical and surface properties compared to unreinforced counterpart. Hence, the major aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of cryocooling friction stir processing (cryo-FSP) on microstructural evolution, and its effects on mechanical properties & corrosion behavior of a stir-cast 2 wt% nanosize SiC (n-SiC) particles reinforced AA5083 nanocomposite in comparison to the room temperature (RT) FSPed and as cast counterparts. The cryo-FSP was performed successfully using optimized process parameters of 1400 rpm and 40 mm/min traverse speed using a specially designed cryo-FSP setup extracting deformation heat efficiently by a flowing mixture of LN2 and methanol (−30 °C). Evolution of a finer equiaxed grain structure (∼2 μm) with a homogeneous distribution of n-SiC particles and precipitate phases is confirmed (through SEM-EBSD and STEM/TEM analysis) in the cryo-FSPed composite compared to RT-FSPed sample (∼4 μm). The cryo-FSPed sample exhibited a superior yield strength (i.e., YS = 230 ± 3 MPa) compared to the RT-FSPed sample (i.e., YS = 197 ± 4 MPa) with a reasonably good ductility for both (i.e., 14 %). The improved YS is attributed mainly to the grain boundary strengthening due to extra grain refinement induced by cryo-FSP and dispersion strengthening via second phase particles. Different strengthening mechanisms' analyses established a good correlation between the theoretical YS and experimentally obtained tensile YS. Fractography analysis corroborated well with the tensile properties of the corresponding samples. Compared to the interdendritic cast structure, both the FSPed samples exhibited a superior corrosion resistance due to an improved surface characteristic developed in the dynamically recrystallized matrix with uniform dispersion of second phase particles. However, due to more grain boundary active phenomenon and higher misorientation angles, a bit higher corrosion rate could be observed in the fine-grained cryo-FSPed sample compared to the RT-FSPed composite.

Green extraction of phenolics and flavonoids from black mulberry fruit using natural deep eutectic solvents: optimization and surface morphology

This study deployed ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), combined with natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES), to extract phenolics and flavonoids from the black mulberry fruit, and the antioxidant activity was examined. The extraction yields of NADES-based UAE were assessed based on the yields of phenolics and flavonoids extracted from the black mulberry fruit. This study selected the molar ratios of hydrogen bond acceptors (HBA) and hydrogen bond donors HBD at 1:2 from previous studies. Choline chloride-lactic acid showed the highest solubility with phenolics and flavonoids among NADES systems. One-factor experiments evaluated the effect of UAE conditions (liquid-to-solid ratio (LSR), water content in NADES, temperature, and time) on TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity. The suitable NADES-based UAE conditions for extracting phenolics and flavonoids from the black mulberry fruit were 60 ml/g of LSR, 40% water content, 70 °C, and 15 min. Response surface methodology with the Box-Behnken design model optimized the NADES-based UAE process based on response (TPC, TFC, ABTS, OH, and DPPH). The optimal conditions for the NADES-based UAE process were 70 ml/g of LSR, 38.9% water content in NADES, 67.9 °C, and 24.2 min of extraction time. The predicted values of the Box-Behnken design were compatible with the experimental results. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to survey the surface of black mulberry fruit with and without sonication. SEM can assist in demonstrating the destructive effect of NADES and ultrasonic waves on material surfaces. SEM findings indicated the high surface destruction capacity of NADES, which partially contributed to a superior extraction yield of NADES than conventional organic solvents. The study proposes an efficient and green method for extracting bioactive compounds from black mulberry fruits. The black mulberry fruit extracts can be applied to meat preservation and beverages with high antioxidants.

Agronomic characterization of pigmented native corn populations (Zea mays L.)

Objective: To characterize agronomically 52 populations of pigmented native corn (Zea mays L.) from Coahuila, Mexico, in order to identify varieties with outstanding agronomic potential and to establish an improvement program with potential for grain yield, with the ability to adapt, and superior nutritional bioactive content. Design/Methodology: Two experiments were evaluated through an incomplete block design in lattice alpha arrangement, in two localities that are representative of the agricultural area of southeastern Coahuila: a) Yellow populations, mostly of Tuxpeño, Ratón and Tuxpeño Norteño; and b) Anthocyanin populations (blue, red and purple), represented primarily by Cónico Norteño, Elotes Cónicos and Ratón. Results: There is an environmental effect that contrasts between localities, with differences in grain yield of up to 78%; 25 days of difference in flowering, 53 cm in plant height, and up to seven plants without cobs. The response was product of the agricultural potential in each locality. The outstanding yellow populations due to their superior yield expression in both localities were the landraces Tuxpeño: COAH068, COAH089, COAH177 and COAH215, and Celaya: COAH075. The outstanding anthocyanin populations were Ratón: COAH23 and COAH203; Elotes Cónicos: COAH246 and COAH019; and Elotes Occidentales: COAH021; in addition, the study found populations adapted to a locality. Conclusion: Among the diversity of the pigmented native corn in Coahuila, there are populations with superior agronomic expression that can be the basis for improving the production, the nutritional quality of the grain, and therefore, of its byproducts.

Ultrasound-assisted encapsulation of ginger (Zingiber officinale) oil in gum arabic and its controlled release study

Encapsulation is an intriguing method for preserving the biological activity of food or nutritional components. The current study looks into the controlled release of ginger oil by ultrasound-assisted encapsulation with gum arabic (GA) shell. The Taguchi technique was used in conjunction with a typical L27 orthogonal array to investigate the impact of various process variables such as ginger oil (wt%) and GA (wt%), sonication duration (min), and drying variables such as temperature and flow rate on the encapsulation process. The outcomes suggest that the best environments for the encapsulation process are 7% ginger oil, 20 % GA, a sonication period of 20 min, a temperature of 140°C, and a flow rate of 1mL/min to achieve superior encapsulation efficiency, product yield, and particle size of 74.07 %, 53.7 %, and 221 nm, respectively. Furthermore, we investigated ginger release from encapsulation under different pH conditions at process parameters and discovered that at acidic conditions, more than 80 % release occurs compared to basic pH (30–40 %), whereas lower GA concentration and longer sonication time observed to more ginger release (80 %).

Microstructure and strengthening of Al-6Ce-3Ni-0.7Fe (wt%) alloy manufactured by laser powder-bed fusion

An Al-6Ce-3Ni-0.7Fe (wt%) alloy was fabricated via laser powder-bed fusion and its microstructure, thermal stability, tensile properties, and creep properties are investigated for two rapid-solidification rates with different eutectic spacings. For both faster- and slower-cooled states, the as-fabricated alloy mostly shows elongated grains with very fine eutectic networks (∼40 nm lamellar width) comprising a high-volume fraction (∼18 %) of intermetallic phases. Faster-cooled samples, however, display a less continuous eutectic network with finer spacing (∼100 nm), leading to higher Orowan strengthening and therefore superior microhardness and yield stress up to ∼350 °C. Upon aging (300 – 450 °C), micron-size Al9(Ni,Fe)2 needle-like precipitates form within grains, and the Al11Ce3 eutectic network spheroidizes, while retaining a submicron width and spacing, resulting in 33–37 % drop in microhardness after 144 h aging at 400 °C. Limited tensile ductility (∼6 %) and creep ductility (∼1–2 %) are measured for both faster- and slower-cooled alloys due to an inhomogeneous microstructure, where cavitation preferentially initiates at melt-pool boundaries, precipitate-free zones, and/or denuded zones, eventually leading to local fracture. Denuded zones, induced by stress, form due to diffusional flow with stress-dependent orientations, and are identified as microstructurally weak regions leading to strain localization. The present alloy does not show a significant difference in 300 °C creep resistance between: (i) tensile and compressive loading, (ii) faster- and slower-cooled samples, and (iii) continuous and spheroidized eutectics. Creep resistance at 300 °C is comparable to that of a Ce-richer Al-10.5Ce-3.1Ni-1.2Mn (wt%) alloy, despite the formation of denuded zones and needle-like Al9(Ni,Fe)2 precipitates.

Genotype by environment interaction and stability analysis for selection of superior fodder yield performing oat (Avena sativa L.) genotypes using GGE biplot in Ethiopia

Genotype by environment interaction and stability analysis for selection of superior fodder yield performing oat (Avena sativa L.) genotypes using GGE biplot in Ethiopia

Enhanced Melon Cultivation: An Application of Hydroponic Nutrient Formulation for Superior Yield and Quality

This study, conducted from June to September 2022 in greenhouse CV. Agroniaga, aimed to enhance melon (Cucumis melo L.) productivity and quality using superior seed varieties and a hydroponic system. Utilizing a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), the experiment examined two melon varieties, Dalmatian (G1) and Sweet D25 (G2), under four nutrient formulations: F1 (vegetative and generative N3), F2 (vegetative, generative 1a and 2a), F3 (vegetative, generative 1b and 2b), and F4 (leaf goodplant, fruit goodplant). Statistical analysis was performed at a significance level of 5%. The results indicated that the F3 nutrient formulation, with specific nitrate, ammonium, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations at different growth stages, achieved high-quality melons with enhanced productivity. These findings hold significant implications for horticultural practices, promoting a sustainable, efficient strategy for superior melon cultivation and potentially contributing to the economic development in the sector.

MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS FOR EVALUATING DIVERSITY IN AVENA SATIVA GERMPLASM

Avena sativa L. is a quick-growing, highly nutritious fodder of cool climates, grown for various purposes, and can meet feed demands in scarce periods. The study aimed to identify potential genotypes that offer higher fodder yields. Over three years (2018–2020), 225 genotypes collected from the USDA and FRI were analyzed for genetic diversity based on morphological and yield-related characteristics. The experiments followed an alpha lattice design, with data recorded before panicle emergence. The assessment revealed significant genetic variability among the accessions for the studied traits. The principal component analysis demonstrated that three primary components explained the bulk of the total variability each year. Genotypes with high green fodder yield, tillers per plant, leaves per plant, and plant height acquired positions in the right quadrants of the biplots for 2018 and 2020. Positive correlations observed between tillers per plant and leaves per plant and among plant height, tillers per plant, leaves per plant, and green fodder yield. Exotic and local genotypes were widely distributed across all four quadrants, indicating substantial genetic diversity. The cluster analysis classified 225 oat genotypes into 10 groups based on phenotypic characteristics. Clusters II, VIII, IX, and X displayed higher mean values for most studied traits. Clusters with maximum inter-cluster distances, such as Clusters II and X in 2018, I and X in 2019, and III and VIII in 2020, could be useful in future hybridization programs. Genotypes 198 (Mustang) and 219 (Boppy) provided superior fodder yield than standard checks. These genotypes need further evaluation in different locations for sustainable performance and recommendations for general cultivation.

259. ROBOTIC ESOPHAGECTOMY AND THREE FIELD LYMPHADENECTOMY WITH INTRA-OPERATIVE RECURRENT LARYNGEAL NERVE MONITORING

Abstract https://www.dropbox.com/s/uu8gju382tkch29/3FTTE_ISDE_SJ_0423.mp4?dl&amp;#x003D;0. Background Surgery for esophageal malignancy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in cases requiring extensive lymphadenectomy. Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury can result in hoarseness, aspiration, pneumonia, tracheostomy, and could even be life-threatening. A 33 year old lady with a lower thoracic esophageal squamous carcinoma with left trachea-esophageal groove nodes in the superior mediastinum underwent a Xi robotic esophagectomy and three field lymphadenectomy with intra-operative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Methods We used a bronchial blocker (COOPDECH bronchial blocker, Daiken-Iki Corporation, Japan) with a single-lumen electromyographic (EMG) endotracheal tube) (NIM EMG endotracheal tube, Medtronic Xomed, Jacksonville, FL, USA) for lung isolation along with capnothorax. Semiprone position with 3 robotic ports and an assistant port was utilised. Nerve monitoring provided an audiovisual waveform when either the vagus or the RLN was stimulated and transformed the laryngeal muscle activity into EMG signals. Grounding electrodes were placed on the patient’s shoulder or near the sternum. A prerequisite for adequate and effective nerve monitoring is the avoidance of neuromuscular blockers during anesthesia. Results Esophageal mobilisation was done in the standard fashion. The lymphadenectomy along the recurrent laryngeal nerves in the mediastinum and neck was guided by the nerve identification and stimulation utilising the long intra-thoracic nerve monitoring probes. In the mediastinum, the right recurrent laryngeal nerve was identified taking off from the right vagus along the lateral border of the trachea and looping around the right subclavian artery. The thoracic left recurrent nerve was identified in the aorto-pulmonary window as well along the left lateral border of the trachea in the trachea-esophageal groove where the metastatic lymph nodes were identified on radiology. Conclusion Minimally invasive esophagectomy is now the preferred modality for surgical extirpation of esophageal malignancies, with extensive lymphadenectomy used in appropriate cases. Interventions to reduce postoperative morbidity resulting from the dissection of nodes around the RLN need to be used. The use of IONM is associated with lower RLN palsy rates and superior lymph nodal yield and needs to be investigated with large-scale randomized studies for beneficial clinical outcomes.

Sequential Exposure to IL21 and IL15 During Human Natural Killer Cell Expansion Optimizes Yield and Function.

Natural killer (NK) cells are frequently expanded for the clinic using irradiated, engineered K562 feeder cells expressing a core transgene set of membrane-bound (mb) IL15 and/or mbIL21 together with 41BBL. Prior comparisons of mbIL15 to mbIL21 for NK expansion lack comparisons of key attributes of the resulting NK cells, including their high-dimensional phenotype, polyfunctionality, the breadth and potency of cytotoxicity, cellular metabolism, and activity in xenograft tumor models. Moreover, despite multiple rounds of K562 stimulation, studies of sequential use of mbIL15- and mbIL21-based feeder cells are absent. We addressed these gaps and found that using mbIL15- versus mbIL21-based feeder cells drove distinct phenotypic and functional profiles. Feeder cells expressing mbIL15 alone drove superior functionality by nearly all measures, whereas those expressing mbIL21 alone drove superior yield. In combination, most attributes resembled those imparted by mbIL21, whereas in sequence, NK yield approximated that imparted by the first cytokine, and the phenotype, transcriptome, and function resembled that driven by the second cytokine, highlighting the plasticity of NK cell differentiation. The sequence mbIL21 followed by mbIL15 was advantageous in achieving significant yields of highly functional NK cells that demonstrated equivalent in vivo activity to those expanded by mbIL15 alone in two of three xenograft models. Our findings define the impact of mbIL15 versus mbIL21 during NK expansion and reveal a previously underappreciated tradeoff between NK yield and function for which sequential use of mbIL21-based followed by mbIL15-based feeder cells may be the optimal approach in many settings.