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A study of reproductive function in patients with seminoma treated with radiotherapy and orchidectomy: (SWOG-8711). Southwest Oncology Group.
PurposeThe results of Southwest Oncology Group Study 8711 (Group 2B) are presented. The objective was to evaluate the natural history of sperm concentration and selected hormonal parameters in patients with testicular cancer treated with orchiectomy and radiotherapy.Methods and materialsOf a total of 207 patients enrolled on SWOG 8711, 53 pure seminoma patients were identified who were treated with orchiectomy and radiotherapy only. Sperm concentration, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and sexual satisfaction scores were the main parameters followed.ResultsA fraction of the patients were infertile prior to receiving radiotherapy. Our analysis indicates that incidental radiation dose to the remaining testicle affects time to recovery of fertility, and at an aggregate level, changes in FSH mirror changes in sperm concentration over time. This phenomenon is the same as that described in patients free from testicular cancer. These men evaluated their sexual activity as good after orchidectomy.ConclusionOur data support the use of clamshell-type testicular shields as a means of providing maximum protection to the remaining testicle
Evaluation of Municipal Solid Waste Compost and/or Fertigation as Peat Substituent for Pepper Seedlings Production
Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seed germination and seedling growth using municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) in various proportions was examined. MSWC extracts (10− 0 up to 10− 6 dilutions) were evaluated for seed priming/germination in Petri dishes. The MSWC extracts at 10− 1–10− 6 showed similar seedling germination, whereas extracts at 10− 1–10− 3 accelerated root radical length compared to the control treatment. However, pure extracts (at 10− 0) almost failed seed germination. Under nursery conditions, six substrates were prepared from commercial peat and MSWC and were further assessed in conjunction with the nutrient application as basic fertilizer (BF) or hydro fertilizer (HF). The addition of MSWC into peat inhibited seed emergence and increased the mean germination time, while fertigation accelerated seed emergence at 15% addition of MSWC. Addition of > 30% MSWC reduced seedling height, leaf number and fresh weight. BF and HF increased fresh weight in seedlings grown in 15% MSWC. Leaf chlorophyll and total carotenoids content decreased in > 60% MSWC into the peat. The greatest leaf photosynthetic rate was found with the application of HF, while higher leaf stomatal conductance and leaf internal CO2 concentration were found in plants grown without fertilizers for both 15 and 45% of MSWC addition. The K content decreased, Na content increased, while P content did not differ with MSWC addition. Fertigation improved seedlings’ nutritive status. No visual phytotoxicity was observed macroscopically. Low content (15–30%) of MSWC may act as alternative substitute to peat with more positive effects observed, if nutrients are provided through HF rather than BF