Quantitative trait loci controlling leaf appearance and curd initiation of cauliflower in relation to temperature.

KEY MESSAGE: QTL regions on chromosomes C06 and C09 are involved in temperature dependent time to curd induction in cauliflower. Temperature is the main environmental factor influencing curding time of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis). Temperatures above 20-22 °C inhibit development towards curding even in many summer cultivars. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling curding time and its related traits in a wide range of different temperature regimes from 12 to 27 °C, a doubled haploid (DH) mapping population segregating for curding time was developed and days to curd initiation (DCI), leaf appearance rate (LAR), and final leaf number (FLN) were measured. The population was genotyped with 176 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Composite interval mapping (CIM) revealed repeatedly detected QTL for DCI on C06 and C09. The estimated additive effect increased at high temperatures. Significant QTL × environment interactions (Q × E) for FLN and DCI on C06 and C09 suggest that these hotspot regions have major influences on temperature mediated curd induction. 25 % of the DH lines did not induce curds at temperatures higher than 22 °C. Applying a binary model revealed a QTL with LOD >15 on C06. Nearly all lines carrying the allele of the reliable early maturing parental line (PL) on that locus induced curds at high temperatures while only half of the DH lines carrying the allele of the unreliable PL reached the generative phase during the experiment. Large variation in LAR was observed. QTL for LAR were detected repeatedly in several environments on C01, C04 and C06. Negative correlations between LAR and DCI and QTL co-localizations on C04 and C06 suggest that LAR has also effects on development towards curd induction.

Recent Progress in Aptamer-Functionalized Metal-Organic Frameworks-Based Optical and Electrochemical Sensors for Detection of Mycotoxins.

Mycotoxin contamination in foodstuffs and agricultural products has posed a serious hazard to human health and raised international concern. The progress of cost-effective, facile, rapid and reliable analytical tools for mycotoxin determination is in urgent need. In this regard, the potential utility of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as a class of crystalline porous materials has sparked immense attention due to their large specific surface area, adjustable pore size, nanoscale framework structure and good chemical stability. The amalgamation of MOFs with high-affinity aptamers has resulted in the progress of advanced aptasensing methods for clinical and food/water safety diagnosis. Aptamers have many advantages over classical approaches as exceptional molecular recognition constituents for versatile bioassays tools. The excellent sensitivity and selectivity of the MOF-aptamer biocomposite nominate them as efficient lab-on-chip tools for portable, label-free, cost-effective and real-time screening of mycotoxins. Current breakthroughs in the concept, progress and biosensing applications of aptamer functionalized MOFs-derived electrochemical and optical sensors for mycotoxins have been discussed in this study. We first highlighted an overview part, which provides some insights into the functionalization mechanisms of MOFs with aptamers, offering a foundation to create MOFs-based aptasensors. Then, we discuss various strategies to design high-performance MOFs-based aptamer scaffolds, which serve as either signal nanoprobe carriers or signal nanoprobes and their applications. We perceived that applications of optical aptamers are in their infancy in comparison with electrochemical MOFs-derived aptasensors. Finally, current challenges and prospective trends of MOFs-aptamer sensors are discussed.

Application of novel Fe3O4/Zn-metal organic framework magnetic nanostructures as an antimicrobial agent and magnetic nanocatalyst in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds.

Using the microwave-assisted method, novel Fe3O4/Zn-metal organic framework magnetic nanostructures were synthesized. The crystallinity, thermal stability, adsorption/desorption isotherms, morphology/size distribution, and magnetic hysteresis of synthesized Fe3O4/Zn-metal organic framework magnetic nanostructures were characterized by XRD patterns, TGA curve, BET adsorption/desorption technique, SEM image, and VSM curve, respectively. After confirming the Fe3O4/Zn-metal organic framework magnetic nanostructures, its antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive bacterial, Gram-negative bacterial, and fungal strains based on minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values were studied. The MIC values in antimicrobial activity for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, between 16-128 µg/ml, and for fungal strain, 128 µg/ml were observed. The results showed that the high specific surface area of Fe3O4/Zn-metal organic framework magnetic nanostructures caused the antimicrobial power of nanoparticles to be high, and the observed antimicrobial effects were higher than some known commercial antimicrobial drugs. Another advantage of the specific surface area of Fe3O4/Zn-metal organic framework magnetic nanostructures was its high catalytic properties in the three-component reaction of isatin, malononitrile, and dimedone. New spiro [indoline-pyranopyrimidines] derivatives were synthesized with high efficiency. The catalytic activity results of Fe3O4/Zn-metal organic framework magnetic nanostructures showed that, in addition to recyclability, derivatives could be synthesized in less time than previously reported methods. The results of investigating the catalytic activity of Fe3O4/Zn-metal organic framework magnetic nanostructures showed that the spiro [indoline-pyranopyrimidines] derivatives were synthesized in the time range of 10-20 min with an efficiency of over 85%. As a final result, it can be concluded that the microwave synthesis method improves the unique properties of magnetic nanostructures, especially its specific surface area, and has increased its efficiency.

Prostate high dose-rate brachytherapy as monotherapy for prostate cancer: Late toxicity and patient reported outcomes from a randomized phase II clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Long-term toxicity of high dose-rate brachytherapy as monotherapy for prostate cancer is not well defined. We report late toxicity and health related quality of life (HRQOL) changes from a randomized phase II clinical trial of two different fractionation schemes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eligible patients had NCCN low or intermediate risk prostate cancer. 170 patients were randomized to receive either a single 19 Gy or two-fractions of 13.5 Gy one week apart. Toxicity was measured using Common Terminology for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v4.0, and HRQOL was measured using the Expanded Prostate Index Composite (EPIC). RESULTS: Median follow-up was 63 months. The 5-year cumulative incidence of Grade 2 or higher genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity was 62% and 12% in the single-fraction arm, and 47% and 9% in the two-fraction arm, respectively. Grade 3 GU toxicity was only seen in the single fraction arm with a cumulative incidence of 2%. The 5-year prevalence of Grade 2 GU toxicity was 29% and 21%, in the single- and two-fraction arms, respectively, with Grade 2 GI toxicity of 1% and 2%. Beyond the first year, no significant differences in mean urinary HRQOL were seen compared to baseline in the two-fraction arm, in contrast to the single-fraction arm where a decline in urinary HRQOL was seen at 4 and 5 years. Sexual HRQOL was significantly reduced in both treatment arms at all timepoints, with no changes in the bowel domain. CONCLUSIONS: HDR monotherapy is well tolerated with minimal impact on HRQOL.

Using infrared depth-sensing technology to improve the brachytherapy operating room experience.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to discuss the merits of using depth-sensing infrared camera technology in the brachytherapy operating room during interstitial brachytherapy for gynecologic malignancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The infrared depth-sensing camera from a Microsoft Kinect that had been adapted for surgical use was introduced into a high-volume interstitial brachytherapy operating room. Brachytherapists then used the touchless, gestural interface to review preoperative MRI in real time to guide needle insertion. RESULTS: The interface was used for 10 consecutive procedures by 4 separate brachytherapists. The initial training and adjustment to the technology was variable among brachytherapists. All brachytherapists found the controls intuitive and were able to successfully navigate MRI on the system after 1, 30, 30, and 45 min. Qualitatively, brachytherapists found the system helpful for interpretation of intraoperative ultrasound imaging. Furthermore, it ensured adequate needle positioning and deposition was maintained for large tumors. Surgeons involved in its use agreed on potential for considerable benefit when performing interstitial brachytherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Adapting this technology for use in the brachytherapy suite provided a higher level of comfort with interstitial catheter placement. This novel tool or similar technology might be considered within other brachytherapy suites.

Genome-Based Prediction of Time to Curd Induction in Cauliflower.

The development of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) is highly dependent on temperature due to vernalization requirements, which often causes delay and unevenness in maturity during months with warm temperatures. Integrating quantitative genetic analyses with phenology modeling was suggested to accelerate breeding strategies toward wide-adaptation cauliflower. The present study aims at establishing a genome-based model simulating the development of doubled haploid (DH) cauliflower lines to predict time to curd induction of DH lines not used for model parameterization and test hybrids derived from the bi-parental cross. Leaf appearance rate and the relation between temperature and thermal time to curd induction were examined in greenhouse trials on 180 DH lines at seven temperatures. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses carried out on model parameters revealed ten QTL for leaf appearance rate (LAR), five for the slope and two for the intercept of linear temperature-response functions. Results of the QTL-based phenology model were compared to a genomic selection (GS) model. Model validation was carried out on data comprising four field trials with 72 independent DH lines, 160 hybrids derived from the parameterization set, and 34 hybrids derived from independent lines of the population. The QTL model resulted in a moderately accurate prediction of time to curd induction (R2 = 0.42-0.51) while the GS model generated slightly better results (R2 = 0.52-0.61). Predictions of time to curd induction of test hybrids from independent DH lines were less precise with R2 = 0.40 for the QTL and R2 = 0.48 for the GS model. Implementation of juvenile-to-adult phase transition is proposed for model improvement.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for resected brain metastasis: Cavity dynamics and factors affecting its evolution.

OBJECTIVE: To determine changes in post-surgical cavity volume for metastases based on time from surgery, pre-operative tumor dimensions and other predictors, in patients planned for post-operative stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). METHODS: Patients with resected brain metastases from a primary solid tumor, treated with post-operative surgical cavity SRS from 2008 to 2014 were identified from an institutional prospective database. The segmented three-dimensional (3D) volume of the pre-operative tumor and post-operative surgical cavity were determined based on MRI and percent volume change was calculated. Patients were grouped according to early (<21 days), intermediate (22-42 days), and late (>42 days) intervals based on the number of days between the date of surgery and the treatment planning MRI. Potential predictive factors including tumor size, location, age, dural involvement, and degree of surgical resection were also analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty-one cavities in 59 patients were evaluated. Overall, a significant volume reduction (4cm3, p=0.03) was observed comparing tumor and cavity volumes. For larger tumors, an average volume reduction of 11.6% (p=0.01) was observed compared to an increase of 34.4% in smaller tumors (p=0.69). For both large and small tumors, cavities were larger in the early interval especially for smaller tumors. During the intermediate interval, a significant volume reduction was observed for larger tumors (28%, p=0.0007). Tumor size, dural involvement, age and time from surgery were significant predictors for volume change on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, tumor size, dural involvement and time from surgery were significant. CONCLUSION: Tumor size (>3cm), dural involvement and longer time from surgery were significant predictors of cavity volume reduction. Caution must be taken when treating cavities in the early (<21 days) interval after surgery as it may lead to irradiating more normal tissue especially in small tumors.

Genetic variation of temperature-regulated curd induction in cauliflower: elucidation of floral transition by genome-wide association mapping and gene expression analysis.

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) is a vernalization-responsive crop. High ambient temperatures delay harvest time. The elucidation of the genetic regulation of floral transition is highly interesting for a precise harvest scheduling and to ensure stable market supply. This study aims at genetic dissection of temperature-dependent curd induction in cauliflower by genome-wide association studies and gene expression analysis. To assess temperature-dependent curd induction, two greenhouse trials under distinct temperature regimes were conducted on a diversity panel consisting of 111 cauliflower commercial parent lines, genotyped with 14,385 SNPs. Broad phenotypic variation and high heritability (0.93) were observed for temperature-related curd induction within the cauliflower population. GWA mapping identified a total of 18 QTL localized on chromosomes O1, O2, O3, O4, O6, O8, and O9 for curding time under two distinct temperature regimes. Among those, several QTL are localized within regions of promising candidate flowering genes. Inferring population structure and genetic relatedness among the diversity set assigned three main genetic clusters. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns estimated global LD extent of r(2) = 0.06 and a maximum physical distance of 400 kb for genetic linkage. Transcriptional profiling of flowering genes FLOWERING LOCUS C (BoFLC) and VERNALIZATION 2 (BoVRN2) was performed, showing increased expression levels of BoVRN2 in genotypes with faster curding. However, functional relevance of BoVRN2 and BoFLC2 could not consistently be supported, which probably suggests to act facultative and/or might evidence for BoVRN2/BoFLC-independent mechanisms in temperature-regulated floral transition in cauliflower. Genetic insights in temperature-regulated curd induction can underpin genetically informed phenology models and benefit molecular breeding strategies toward the development of thermo-tolerant cultivars.