Effect of seasonal and environmental variation on yield and yield components of hybrid Maize

The experiment was conducted during kharif II in 2006 & 07, rabi in 2006-07 & 07-08 and kharif I in 2007 and 2008 at ARS, Burirhat, Rangpur in RCB design to understand the influence of season and location specific environment effect on growth and yield of hybrid maize and selected suitable variety(s). Four hybrid maize varieties V1=BARI hybrid Maize (BHM)-2, V2=BHM-3, V3= BHM-5 and V4= Pacific-984 (as check) were tested during kharif II in 2006 while seven varieties V1= BHM-2, V2= BHM-3, V3= BHM-5 and V4= Pacific-984, V5= Pacific-60, V6= Pacific-11 and V7= Prolin were during the other seasons except rabi, 07- 08, where variety Pacific-555 was used in V7 instead of Prolin. Seeds were sown on August 30 and August 11 for kharif II of 2006 and 2007, respectively, November 28 and 17 for rabi 2006-2007 and 2007-08 and March 08 and 12 for for kharif I 2007 and 2008. The crops were harvested on January 25, 2007 and January 12, 2008 in the two consecutive kharif II seasons; May 10 and April 29 in rabi 2006-07 and 2007-08, and July 01 and 05 in kharif I 2007 and 2008, respectively. Yield parameters were mostly varied significantly. The highest yield was obtained from BHM-5 (9.03 t ha-1), which was followed by Pacific-984 (8.89 t ha-1), BHM-3 (8.81 t ha-1) and BHM-2 (8.58 t ha-1) in kharif II, 2006 while in kharif II, 2007 the highest significant yield was noted in Pacific-984 (9.22 t ha-1). In rabi, 2006-07, significant highest grain yield was obtained from Pacific-60 (11.03 t ha-1), which was statistically identical with Prolin (10.20 t ha-1). The yield of Prolin was also statistically identical with Pacific-11 (10.01 t ha-1), BHM-5 (10.00 t ha-1), BHM-3 (9.92 t ha-1) and BHM-2 (9.51 t ha-1). Comparatively lower temperature during ear initiation (mean 29.6°C in rabi and 31°C in kharif II) and silking (mean 18.2°C in rabi and 20.2°C in kharif II) contributed much for higher trend of yield in rabi over kharif. In kharif I, 2007, the highest yield (9.55 t ha-1) was recorded from Pacific-60, which was identical to Pacific-984 (9.25 t ha-1), BHM-5 (9.11 t ha-1) and BHM-3 (8.89 t ha-1). All the BARI hybrid maize varieties were suitable to grown in kharif I, kharif II and rabi season although BHM-3, BHM-5, Pacific-60 and Pacific-984 were better in Kharif I and Pacific-60, BHM-5, Prolin and Pacific-555 were found better in Rabi season. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijarit.v4i2.22635 Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 4 (2): 1-5, December, 201

Role of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Polymorphisms (Glu298Asp) in Egyptian Patients with Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion

Background: Previous studies indicated an association between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity and maintenance of pregnancy, but it is rather controversial whether polymorphisms of the gene encoding for eNOS are associated with recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSAs). Aim: The aim was to investigate whether the presence of maternal polymorphism Glu298Asp in exon seven of the eNOS gene increase the risk of RSA in Egyptian women.Subjects and Methods: Hundreds women were randomly selected as the case group. They had at least three RSA before 20th weeks of gestation, same partner and at least one live birth and compared with 100 women, same age range, with no history of abortions or complicated pregnancy as control group. All were investigated for the polymorphism using the polymerase chain reaction‑restriction fragment length polymorphisms method. Data were expressed descriptively as percentages for qualitative values and mean ± standard deviation for quantitative parametric data and comparison of qualitative data was done. Results: Frequency of GG genotype 50/100% in cases and 67/100% in control group. Heterozygous GT frequency was 46/100% in cases and 26/100% in control (P ≤ 0.01, odds ratio [OR] =2.37, and 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.30–4.34). Homozygous TT was 4/100% in the cases and at 7/100% in control (P = 0.68, OR = 0.77, and 95% CI = 0.21–2.76). GG genotype versus GT and GG (P = 0.01, OR = 2.03, and 95% CI = 1.15–3.60). Cases with TT genotype were more susceptible to abortion at an older age with a mean of 29 (4.76) (P = 0.02). Conclusion: In conclusion, (eNOS) Glu298Asp polymorphism was found to be associated with increased risk of RSA in this sample of Egyptian women.KEY WORDS: Endothelial nitric oxide, polymorphism, recurrent spontaneous abortions, synthas

A novel application of quantile regression for identification of biomarkers exemplified by equine cartilage microarray data

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Identification of biomarkers among thousands of genes arrayed for disease classification has been the subject of considerable research in recent years. These studies have focused on disease classification, comparing experimental groups of effected to normal patients. Related experiments can be done to identify tissue-restricted biomarkers, genes with a high level of expression in one tissue compared to other tissue types in the body.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In this study, cartilage was compared with ten other body tissues using a two color array experimental design. Thirty-seven probe sets were identified as cartilage biomarkers. Of these, 13 (35%) have existing annotation associated with cartilage including several well-established cartilage biomarkers. These genes comprise a useful database from which novel targets for cartilage biology research can be selected. We determined cartilage specific Z-scores based on the observed M to classify genes with Z-scores ≥ 1.96 in all ten cartilage/tissue comparisons as cartilage-specific genes.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Quantile regression is a promising method for the analysis of two color array experiments that compare multiple samples in the absence of biological replicates, thereby limiting quantifiable error. We used a nonparametric approach to reveal the relationship between percentiles of M and A, where M is log₂(R/G) and A is 0.5 log₂(RG) with R representing the gene expression level in cartilage and G representing the gene expression level in one of the other 10 tissues. Then we performed linear quantile regression to identify genes with a cartilage-restricted pattern of expression.</p

Role of Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes on the main parameters of the Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) process

Electrical discharge machining is a very accurate non-traditional manufacturing process for creating tiny apertures, complex shapes and geometries within mechanical parts and assemblies. Its performance is evaluated in terms of surface roughness, existence of cracks, voids and recast layer on the surface of product. The high heat generated on the electrically discharged material during the EDM process unfortunately decreases the quality of product. In this paper the high strength and unique electrical and thermal properties of multi-wall carbon nanotubes are used to improve the EDM performance when machining the AISI H13 tool steel, by means of copper electrodes. Material removal rate, electrode wear rate, surface roughness and recast layer were measured in presence of carbon nanotubes in the dielectric, then compared to the outcome of traditional EDM. Experiments show that mixing multi-wall carbon nanotubes within the dielectric makes the EDM more efficient, particularly if machining parameters are set at low pulse of energ

Caspase-dependent and -independent suppression of apoptosis by monoHER in Doxorubicin treated cells

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an antitumour agent for different types of cancer, but the dose-related cardiotoxicity limits its clinical use. To prevent this side effect we have developed the flavonoid monohydroxyethylrutoside (monoHER), a promising protective agent, which did not interfere with the antitumour activity of DOX. To obtain more insight in the mechanism underlying the selective protective effects of monoHER, we investigated whether monoHER (1 mM) affects DOX-induced apoptosis in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes (NeRCaMs), human endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the ovarian cancer cell lines A2780 and OVCAR-3. DOX-induced cell death was effectively reduced by monoHER in heart, endothelial and A2780 cells. OVCAR-3 cells were highly resistant to DOX-induced apoptosis. Experiments with the caspase-inhibitor zVAD-fmk showed that DOX-induced apoptosis was caspase-dependent in HUVECs and A2780 cells, whereas caspase-independent mechanisms seem to be important in NeRCaMs. MonoHER suppressed DOX-dependent activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in normal and A2780 cells as illustrated by p53 accumulation and activation of caspase-9 and -3 cleavage. Thus, monoHER acts by suppressing the activation of molecular mechanisms that mediate either caspase-dependent or -independent cell death. In light of the current work and our previous studies, the use of clinically achievable concentrations of monoHER has no influence on the antitumour activity of DOX whereas higher concentrations as used in the present study could influence the antitumour activity of DOX

Optical Coherence Tomography of Laryngeal Cancer

Objectives: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high-resolution optical imaging technique that produces cross-sectional images of living tissues using light in a manner similar to ultrasound. This prospective study evaluated the ability of OCT to identify the characteristics of laryngeal cancer and measure changes in the basement membrane, tissue microstructure, and the transition zone at the edge of tumors. Materials and Methods: One hundred thirtythree patients underwent OCT examination during surgical endoscopy of the head and neck. Twenty-two patients with laryngeal cancer or a history of laryngeal cancer were imaged with a fiberoptic OCT system. Tumor and adjacent transition zones were imaged along with uninvolved subsites. OCT images were correlated with histopathology. Results: Twenty-six OCT examinations were performed in 22 patients. Basement membrane disruption was seen in 18 subjects, all of whom had histology showing classic features of cancer. A transition zone to uninvolved epithelium at the tumor periphery was also often observed. In six studies, benign or premalignant processes were histologically confirmed. In three thin, superficial lesions, an intact basement membrane was observed. The basement membrane could not be identified in three other bulky exophytic, premalignant lesions, primarily because of increased superficial signal backscattering observed in pathologic tissues. Conclusions: OCT clearly identifies basement membrane violation from laryngeal cancer and can identify transition zones at the cancer margin. In bulky exophytic lesions, OCT signal may not penetrate deeply enough to show the basement membrane, but for many suspicious lesions that require exclusion of cancer, OCT shows potential for assisting in diagnostic assessment

Papillary renal cell carcinoma with metastatic laparoscopic port site and vaginal involvement: a case report

10.1186/1752-1947-5-131Journal of Medical Case Reports513

Histone deacetylases as new therapy targets for platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer

Introduction: In developed countries, ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. Due to the nonspecific symptomatology associated with the disease many patients with ovarian cancer are diagnosed late, which leads to significantly poorer prognosis. Apart from surgery and radiotherapy, a substantial number of ovarian cancer patients will undergo chemotherapy and platinum based agents are the mainstream first-line therapy for this disease. Despite the initial efficacy of these therapies, many women relapse; therefore, strategies for second-line therapies are required. Regulation of DNA transcription is crucial for tumour progression, metastasis and chemoresistance which offers potential for novel drug targets. Methods: We have reviewed the existing literature on the role of histone deacetylases, nuclear enzymes regulating gene transcription. Results and conclusion: Analysis of available data suggests that a signifant proportion of drug resistance stems from abberant gene expression, therefore HDAC inhibitors are amongst the most promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Together with genetic testing, they may have a potential to serve as base for patient-adapted therapies

Objective and Self-Rated Sedentary Time and Indicators of Metabolic Health in Dutch and Hungarian 10–12 Year Olds: The ENERGY-Project

Background: The association between objectively assessed sedentary time and metabolic risk factors in childhood have rarely been studied. Therefore, we examined the independent relationship between objectively assessed and self-rated sedentary time and indicators of metabolic health in Dutch and Hungarian 10–12 year olds. Methodology/Principal Findings: We performed a cross-sectional survey in primary schools. Participants were Dutch and Hungarian girls (n = 73, aged 12.260.6 years, 18 % overweight/obese) and boys (n = 69, aged 12.260.7 years, 38% overweight/obese). Sedentary time and physical activity were assessed by the Actigraph accelerometer. TV and PC time were assessed by self-report. Adiposity indicators included body weight, height, and waist circumference (WC). Fasting plasma glucose, C-peptide, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were determined in capillary blood and summed into a metabolic risk score. Linear regression analyses were adjusted for physical activity, number of sedentary bouts and WC. Children spent on average 7.6 hours of their daily waking time in sedentary behavior and self-reported 116664 min/day watching TV and 85657 min/day using the computer. Comparing the 1 st and 4 th quartile of objectively assessed sedentary time, C-Peptide levels, WC and BMI were significantly higher in the most sedentary quartile, while the difference in metabolic risk score was borderline significant (p = 0.09). Comparing the 1 st and 4 th quartile of TV time, BMI was significantly higher in the most sedentary quartile, while th

Identifying bereaved subjects at risk of complicated grief: Predictive value of questionnaire items in a cohort study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Bereavement is a condition which most people experience several times during their lives. A small but noteworthy proportion of bereaved individuals experience a syndrome of prolonged psychological distress in relation to bereavement. The aim of the study was to develop a clinical tool to identify bereaved individuals who had a prognosis of complicated grief and to propose a model for a screening tool to identify those at risk of complicated grief applicable among bereaved patients in general practice and palliative care.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We examined the responses of 276 newly bereaved individuals to a variety of standardised and ad hoc questionnaire items eight weeks post loss. Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG-R) was used as a gold standard of distress at six months after bereavement. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis was performed for all scales and items regarding ICG-R score. Sensitivity, specificity and area under curve (AUC) were calculated for scales and items with the most promising ROC curve analyses.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) was the scale with the highest AUC (0.83) and adding a single item question ('Even while my relative was dying, I felt a sense of purpose in my life') gave a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 75%. The positive/negative predictive values for this combination of questions were 70% and 85%, respectively. With this screening tool bereaved people could be categorized into three groups where group 1 had 7%, group 2 had 23% and group 3 had 64% propensity of suffering from complicated grief six months post loss.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study shows that the BDI in combination with a single item question eight weeks post loss may be used for clinical screening for risk of developing complicated grief after six months. The feasibility and clinical implications of the screening tool has to be tested in a clinical setting.</p