Genome-wide superior alleles, haplotypes and candidate genes associated with tolerance on sodic-dispersive soils in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

KEY MESSAGE: The pleiotropic SNPs/haplotypes, overlapping genes (metal ion binding, photosynthesis), and homozygous/biallelic SNPs and transcription factors (HTH myb-type and BHLH) hold great potential for improving wheat yield potential on sodic-dispersive soils. Sodic-dispersive soils have multiple subsoil constraints including poor soil structure, alkaline pH and subsoil toxic elemental ion concentration, affecting growth and development in wheat. Tolerance is required at all developmental stages to enhance wheat yield potential on such soils. An in-depth investigation of genome-wide associations was conducted using a field phenotypic data of 206 diverse Focused Identification of Germplasm Strategy (FIGS) wheat lines for two consecutive years from different sodic and non-sodic plots and the exome targeted genotyping by sequencing (tGBS) assay. A total of 39 quantitative trait SNPs (QTSs), including 18 haplotypes were identified on chromosome 1A, 1B, 1D, 2A, 2B, 2D, 3A, 3B, 5A, 5D, 6B, 7A, 7B, 7D for yield and yield-components tolerance. Among these, three QTSs had common associations for multiple traits, indicating pleiotropism and four QTSs had close associations for multiple traits, within 32.38 Mb. The overlapping metal ion binding (Mn, Ca, Zn and Al) and photosynthesis genes and transcription factors (PHD-, Dof-, HTH myb-, BHLH-, PDZ_6-domain) identified are known to be highly regulated during germination, maximum stem elongation, anthesis, and grain development stages. The homozygous/biallelic SNPs having allele frequency above 30% were identified for yield and crop establishment/plants m-2. These SNPs correspond to HTH myb-type and BHLH transcription factors, brassinosteroid signalling pathway, kinase activity, ATP and chitin binding activity. These resources are valuable in haplotype-based breeding and genome editing to improve yield potential on sodic-dispersive soils.

Feasibility of breast preservation in the treatment of occult primary carcinoma presenting with axillary metastases.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to compare the treatment outcomes in patients with occult primary carcinoma with axillary lymph node metastasis who were treated with mastectomy or with intent to preserve the breast. METHODS: From 1951 to 1998, 479 female patients were registered with axillary lymph node metastasis from an unknown primary. After clinical workup, including mammography, 45 patients retained this diagnosis and received treatment for T0 N1-2 M0 carcinoma of the breast. Clinical and pathological data were collected retrospectively, and survival was calculated from the date of initial diagnosis using the Kaplan-Meier method. Median follow-up time was 7 years. RESULTS: Median age was 54 years (range, 32-79). Clinical nodal status was N1 in 71% and N2 in 29% of the patients. Surgical treatment was mastectomy in 29% and an intent to preserve the breast in 71% of the patients. Locoregional radiotherapy was used in 71% and systemic chemoendocrine therapy was used in 73% of the patients. Of the 13 mastectomy patients, only one had a primary tumor discovered in the specimen. Two patients (4%) were ultimately diagnosed with lung cancer and neuroendocrine tumor. No significant difference was detected between mastectomy and breast preservation in locoregional recurrence (15% versus 13%), distant metastases (31% versus 22%), or 5-year survival (75% vs. 79%). Regardless of surgical therapy, the most important determinant of survival was the number of positive nodes. Five-year overall survival was 87% with 1-3 positive nodes compared with 42% with > or =4 positive nodes (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Occult primary carcinoma with axillary metastases can be treated with preservation of the breast without a negative impact on local control or survival.

Radiofrequency ablation of solid tumors.

Radiofrequency ablation of solid tumors is produced by frictional heating caused when ions in the tissue attempt to follow the changing directions of a high-frequency alternating current. The radiofrequency probe is typically placed under ultrasound guidance, and the ablation is performed with real-time ultrasound monitoring. Radiofrequency ablation has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of unresectable hepatic tumors, and promising results have also been obtained in tumors of the lung, bone, brain, kidney, prostate gland, and pancreas. Most recently, radiofrequency ablation has been tested in the treatment of invasive breast tumors. A preliminary study reported that intraoperative radiofrequency ablation causes invasive breast cancer cell death in patients with locally advanced breast cancer. An ongoing study is investigating the use of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of breast tumors 2 cm or less in diameter.