Genetic Enhancement for Biotic Stress Resistance in Basmati Rice through Marker-Assisted Backcross Breeding

Pusa Basmati 1509 (PB1509) is one of the major foreign-exchange-earning varieties of Basmati rice; it is semi-dwarf and early maturing with exceptional cooking quality and strong aroma. However, it is highly susceptible to various biotic stresses including bacterial blight and blast. Therefore, bacterial blight resistance genes, namely, xa13 + Xa21 and Xa38, and fungal blast resistance genes Pi9 + Pib and Pita were incorporated into the genetic background of recurrent parent (RP) PB1509 using donor parents, namely, Pusa Basmati 1718 (PB1718), Pusa 1927 (P1927), Pusa 1929 (P1929) and Tetep, respectively. Foreground selection was carried out with respective gene-linked markers, stringent phenotypic selection for recurrent parent phenotype, early generation background selection with Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, and background analysis at advanced generations with Rice Pan Genome Array comprising 80K SNPs. This has led to the development of Near isogenic lines (NILs), namely, Pusa 3037, Pusa 3054, Pusa 3060 and Pusa 3066 carrying genes xa13 + Xa21, Xa38, Pi9 + Pib and Pita with genomic similarity of 98.25%, 98.92%, 97.38% and 97.69%, respectively, as compared to the RP. Based on GGE-biplot analysis, Pusa 3037-1-44-3-164-20-249-2 carrying xa13 + Xa21, Pusa 3054-2-47-7-166-24-261-3 carrying Xa38, Pusa 3060-3-55-17-157-4-124-1 carrying Pi9 + Pib, and Pusa 3066-4-56-20-159-8-174-1 carrying Pita were identified to be relatively stable and better-performing individuals in the tested environments. Intercrossing between the best BC3F1s has led to the generation of Pusa 3122 (xa13 + Xa21 + Xa38), Pusa 3124 (Xa38 + Pi9 + Pib) and Pusa 3123 (Pi9 + Pib + Pita) with agronomy, grain and cooking quality parameters at par with PB1509. Cultivation of such improved varieties will help farmers reduce the cost of cultivation with decreased pesticide use and improve productivity with ensured safety to consumers.

Prospective Comparative Study of Quality of Life in Bladder Cancer Patients Undergoing Cystectomy or Bladder Preservation

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Health-related Quality of life (HRQOL) may be decisive when different treatments yield comparable survival outcomes. We compared QOL in patients undergoing radical cystectomy with ileal conduit (RCIC) or bladder preservation (BP) with (chemo)radiotherapy for bladder cancer.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients with histological diagnosis of bladder cancer, stage T1-T4, N0-N1, M0 with a minimum follow-up of 6 months from the last treatment intervention (RCIC or BP) and alive without disease at the time of QOL assessment were eligible for inclusion. After ethics committee approval, two HRQOL instruments were translated, validated and administered: Bladder cancer index (BCI) for bladder cancer-specific HRQOL, which includes 36 items under three domains - bladder, bowel and sexual function and the EORTC QLQ C30 which includes 30 items under three domains - functional, symptom and global health. The mean QOL scores across various domains and specific questions were compared between the two treatment groups using the independent t-test.

RESULTS

Of the 104 patients enrolled, 56 had RCIC, and 48 received BP, and included 95 (91.3%) males. The median time from treatment completion to QOL assessment was 22 months (IQR 10-56). The median age for the entire cohort was 62 years (IQR 55-68), 65.5 years (IQR 55-71) in BP and 59.5 years (IQR 55-66) in RCIC. Overall, mean BCI urinary scores and bowel scores were high in both groups, with no significant difference in function or bother subdomains between the two groups (Table 1). Overall, BCI sexual scores were low in both the groups but significantly better after BP (BPmean 56.9, RCICmean 41.5, p = 0.01). Mean scores for sexual function BPmean 38.4 and RCIC mean 25 p (0.07) and sexual bother BPmean 81 RCICmean 62 (p 0.02) subdomains. There was no significant difference in EORTC QOL outcomes in functional (BPmean 91.4, RCICmean 88.7 p 0.23), symptom (BPmean 89.8, RCICmean 89, p = 0.68) and global health scale (BPmean 76.8, RCICmean 78.5, p = 0.69) in both groups. On question-wise assessment, the ability to perform an exercise (BPmean 94.2, RCICmean 85, p = 0.06) and urinary leakage at night time (BPmean 91.7, RCICmean 77.6, p = 0.01) were better in the BP group, while scores for blood in the urine (BPmean 89.1, RCICmean 97, p = 0.05) were better in the RCIC group compared to BP.

CONCLUSION

Overall, QOL was good in both groups in the urinary and bowel domains while it was low in the sexual domain. However, bladder preservation performed significantly better in the sexual domain than RCIC.

Anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) induced thrombocytopenia: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Drug-induced thrombocytopenia is a known adverse event of several drugs. Antitubercular therapy (ATT) is rarely reported but important cause of thrombocytopenia. The present review aimed to understand the profile of thrombocytopenia caused by first-line ATT i.e. isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We screened case reports, case series, and letter-to-editor from databases, like Pubmed/MEDLINE, Ovid, and EMBASE from 1970 to 2021. The PRISMA guidelines were followed in the present systematic review.

RESULTS

Categorical data were expressed as n (%) and quantitative data were expressed as median (IQR). After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 17 case reports and 7 letters to the editor were selected for the present review. Rifampicin was most frequently associated with thrombocytopenia (65%). A median (IQR) drop to 20,000 (49,500) platelets/mm3 was observed. Anti-rifampicin associated antibodies and anti-dsDNA positivity were found in six studies. Except for two, all patients responded to symptomatic treatment.

DISCUSSION

ATT-induced thrombocytopenia can be life-threatening and require hospitalization. Clinicians should be aware of the association of ATT with thrombocytopenia and should take appropriate measures for patient management.

CONCLUSION

This review provides clinicians a comprehensive picture of adverse effects and their management in ATT induced thrombocytopenia.

Study Protocol of the Bladder Adjuvant RadioTherapy (BART) Trial: A Randomised Phase III Trial of Adjuvant Radiotherapy Following Cystectomy in Bladder Cancer

AIMS

To assess the efficacy and safety of adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with high-risk muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) following radical cystectomy (RC) and chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The BART (Bladder Adjuvant RadioTherapy) trial is an ongoing multicentric, randomised, phase III trial comparing the efficacy and safety of adjuvant radiotherapy versus observation in patients with high-risk MIBC. The key eligibility criteria include ≥pT3, node-positive (pN+), positive margins and/or nodal yield <10, or, neoadjuvant chemotherapy for cT3/T4/N+ disease. In total, 153 patients will be accrued and randomised, in a 1:1 ratio, to either observation (standard arm) or adjuvant radiotherapy (test arm) following surgery and chemotherapy. Stratification parameters include nodal status (N+ versus N0) and chemotherapy (neoadjuvant chemotherapy versus adjuvant chemotherapy versus no chemotherapy). For patients in the test arm, adjuvant radiotherapy to cystectomy bed and pelvic nodes is planned with intensity-modulated radiotherapy to a dose of 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions using daily image guidance. All patients will follow-up with 3-monthly clinical review and urine cytology for 2 years and subsequently 6 monthly until 5 years, with contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen pelvis 6 monthly for 2 years and annually until 5 years. Physician-scored toxicity using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0 and patient-reported quality of life using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Colorectal questionnaire is recorded pre-treatment and at follow-up.

ENDPOINTS AND STATISTICS

The primary endpoint is 2-year locoregional recurrence-free survival. The sample size calculation was based on the estimated improvement in 2-year locoregional recurrence-free survival from 70% in the standard arm to 85% in the test arm (hazard ratio 0.45) using 80% statistical power and a two-sided alpha error of 0.05. Secondary endpoints include disease-free survival, overall survival, acute and late toxicity, patterns of failure and quality of life.

CONCLUSION

The BART trial aims to evaluate whether contemporary radiotherapy after standard-of-care surgery and chemotherapy reduces pelvic recurrences safely and also potentially affects survival in high-risk MIBC.

Exploring the diversity of virulence genes in the Magnaporthe population infecting millets and rice in India

Blast pathogen, Magnaporthe spp., that infects ancient millet crops such pearl millet, finger millet, foxtail millet, barnyard millet, and rice was isolated from different locations of blast hotspots in India using single spore isolation technique and 136 pure isolates were established. Numerous growth characteristics were captured via morphogenesis analysis. Among the 10 investigated virulent genes, we could amplify MPS1 (TTK Protein Kinase) and Mlc (Myosin Regulatory Light Chain edc4) in majority of tested isolates, regardless of the crop and region where they were collected, indicating that these may be crucial for their virulence. Additionally, among the four avirulence (Avr) genes studied, Avr-Pizt had the highest frequency of occurrence, followed by Avr-Pia. It is noteworthy to mention that Avr-Pik was present in the least number of isolates (9) and was completely absent from the blast isolates from finger millet, foxtail millet, and barnyard millet. A comparison at the molecular level between virulent and avirulent isolates indicated observably large variation both across (44%) and within (56%) them. The 136 Magnaporthe spp isolates were divided into four groups using molecular markers. Regardless of their geographic distribution, host plants, or tissues affected, the data indicate that the prevalence of numerous pathotypes and virulence factors at the field level, which may lead to a high degree of pathogenic variation. This research could be used for the strategic deployment of resistant genes to develop blast disease-resistant cultivars in rice, pearl millet, finger millet, foxtail millet, and barnyard millet.

Splenic surprise in a case of renal cell carcinoma: Unusual case or association?

Littoral cell angioma (LCA) is a rare benign tumor originating exclusively from the venous sinus lining cells of the splenic red pulp. These cells are unique in having a distinctive hybrid endothelial/histiocytic phenotype. Also, there are reports of the association of LCA with internal malignancies. We present a case report highlighting an unusual association of LCA with conventional renal cell carcinoma (RCC), masquerading as a metastatic lesion. Knowledge of such an association is necessary to avoid misdiagnosis and prevent potential overtreatment.

IgG4 related disease and aortitis: an up-to-date review

Aortic involvement in immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is extremely rare and is often overlooked during the aortitis work-up. IgG4-related aortitis differs from non-IgG4-related aortitis in its histopathological features, site of involvement, laboratory markers, and treatment options. The histopathological examination of the vessel walls characteristically reveals adventitial thickening with intimal sparing, typically affecting the infrarenal abdominal aorta. In addition, inadequate knowledge about the disease often leads to delayed or missed diagnosis and undermanagement of a potentially treatable condition. Hence, in this paper, we review the unique clinical manifestations, laboratory markers, diagnostic features, current treatment strategies, and novel experimental therapeutic options in the management of IgG4-related aortitis.

Metabolomic profiling and its association with the bio-efficacy of Aspergillus niger strain against Fusarium wilt of guava

Bio-control agents are the best alternative to chemicals for the successful management of plant diseases. The fungus Aspergillus niger is known to produce diverse metabolites with antifungal activity, attracting researchers to exploit it as a bio-control agent for plant disease control. In the present study, 11 A. niger strains were isolated and screened for their antagonism against the guava wilt pathogen under in vitro and in planta conditions. Strains were identified morphologically and molecularly by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), β-tubulin, and calmodulin genes. The strains were evaluated through dual culture, volatile, and non-volatile methods under an in vitro study. AN-11, AN-6, and AN-2 inhibited the test pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. psidii (FOP) at 67.16%, 64.01%, and 60.48%, respectively. An in planta study was conducted under greenhouse conditions with 6 months old air-layered guava plants (var. Allahabad Safeda) by pre- and post-inoculation of FOP. The AN-11 strain was found to be effective under both pre- and post-inoculation trials. Furthermore, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was carried out to characterize the volatile compounds of the most potential strain, A. niger. The hexane soluble fraction showed the appearance of characteristic peaks of hexadecenoic acid methyl ester (4.41%), 10-octadecanoic acid methyl ester (3.79%), dodecane (3.21%), undecane (3.19%), gibepyrone A (0.15%), 3-methylundecane (0.36%), and citroflex A (0.38%). The ethyl acetate fraction of the bio-control fungi revealed the occurrence of major antifungal compounds, such as acetic acid ethyl ester (17.32%), benzopyron-4-ol (12.17%), 1,2,6-hexanetriol (7.16%), 2-propenoic acid ethanediyl ester (2.95%), 1-(3-ethyloxiranyl)-ethenone (0.98%), 6-acetyl-8-methoxy dimethyl chromene (0.96%), 4-hexyl-2,5-dihydro dioxo furan acetic acid (0.19%), and octadecanoic acid (1.11%). Furthermore, bio-control abilities could be due to hyper-parasitism, the production of secondary metabolites, and competition for sites and nutrients. Indeed, the results will enrich the existing knowledge of metabolomic information and support perspectives on the bio-control mechanism of A. niger.

Impact of Adjuvant Treatment in pN3 Penile Cancer

AIMS

Due to the lack of high-quality evidence and consensus on adjuvant treatment for locoregionally advanced penile cancer, we reviewed the outcomes of pN3 patients to determine the suitable adjuvant treatment options.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All consecutive pN3 penile cancer patients treated at our institution between January 2010 and December 2018 were reviewed to assess the impact of demographical, pathological and treatment factors on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival. The DFS and overall survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and association was tested using the Cox regression model (two-sided test with P < 0.05 considered significant).

RESULTS

Of 128 patients, 31 (24%) had pelvic nodal involvement. Twenty-six patients (20.3%) received no adjuvant treatment, 40 (31.3%) received single modality adjuvant treatment and 62 (48.4%) received multimodality adjuvant treatment (a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy). At a median follow-up of 22 months, the DFS and overall survival were 55.4 and 62%, respectively. The best DFS and overall survival was noted with chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiation (C-CTRT; 93% each). On multivariate analysis, both DFS and overall survival were worse with pelvic node involvement (2.2 [1.3-4], P = 0.027 and 2.2 [1.3-4], P = 0.027, respectively) and better with any adjuvant treatment (single modality: 3 [1.5-5.5], P < 0.001; multimodality: 3.1 [1.6-6], P < 0.001). C-CTRT was associated with improved DFS over chemotherapy alone (0.17 [0.4-0.78], P = 0.02) but not over radiotherapy alone (0.35 [0.07-1.6], P = 0.19). In patients with no pelvic nodes involved, chemotherapy and radiotherapy as single modalities were associated with similar DFS and overall survival. In patients with pelvic nodes, multimodality treatment was associated with better DFS than single modality treatment (0.3 [0.1-1], P = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

pN3 penile cancer is a diverse prognostic group with poorer outcomes associated with pelvic nodes. Single modality adjuvant treatment may be adequate in inguinal nodes with extranodal extension, but multimodality treatment should be given in patients with pelvic nodal involvement.

Deciphering Genotype-By-Environment Interaction for Target Environmental Delineation and Identification of Stable Resistant Sources Against Foliar Blast Disease of Pearl Millet

Once thought to be a minor disease, foliar blast disease of pearl millet, caused by Magnaporthe grisea, has recently emerged as an important biotic constraint for pearl millet production in India. The presence of a wider host range as well as high pathogenic heterogeneity complicates host-pathogen dynamics. Furthermore, environmental factors play a significant role in exacerbating the disease severity. An attempt was made to unravel the genotype-by-environment interactions for identification and validation of stable resistant genotypes against foliar blast disease through multi-environment testing. A diversity panel consisting of 250 accessions collected from over 20 different countries was screened under natural epiphytotic conditions in five environments. A total of 43 resistant genotypes were found to have high and stable resistance. Interestingly, most of the resistant lines were late maturing. Combined ANOVA of these 250 genotypes exhibited significant genotype-by-environment interaction and indicated the involvement of crossover interaction with a consistent genotypic response. This justifies the necessity of multi-year and multi-location testing. The first two principal components (PCs) accounted for 44.85 and 29.22% of the total variance in the environment-centered blast scoring results. Heritability-adjusted genotype plus genotype × environment interaction (HA-GGE) biplot aptly identified "IP 11353" and "IP 22423, IP 7910 and IP 7941" as "ideal" and "desirable" genotypes, respectively, having stable resistance and genetic buffering capacity against this disease. Bootstrapping at a 95% confidence interval validated the recommendations of genotypes. Therefore, these genotypes can be used in future resistance breeding programs in pearl millet. Mega-environment delineation and desirability index suggested Jaipur as the ideal environment for precise testing of material against the disease and will increase proper resource optimization in future breeding programs. Information obtained in current study will be further used for genome-wide association mapping of foliar blast disease in pearl millet.

Rice Blast Lesions: an Unexplored Phyllosphere Microhabitat for Novel Antagonistic Bacterial Species Against Magnaporthe oryzae

Dark brown necrotic lesions caused by Magnaporthe oryzae on rice foliage is a contrasting microhabitat for leaf-colonizing microbiome as compared with the surrounding healthy chlorophyll-rich tissues. We explored culturable bacterial communities of blast lesions by adopting microbiological tools for isolating effective biocontrol bacterial strains against M. oryzae. 16S rRNA gene sequencing-based molecular identification revealed a total of 17 bacterial species belonging to Achromobacter (2), Comamonas (1), Curtobacterium (1), Enterobacter (1), Leclercia (2), Microbacterium (1), Pantoea (3), Sphingobacterium (1), and Stenotrophomonas (5) found colonizing the lesion. Over 50% of the bacterial isolates were able to suppress the mycelial growth of M. oryzae either by secretory or volatile metabolites. Volatiles released by Achromobacter sp., Curtobacterium luteum, Microbacterium oleivorans, Pantoea ananatis, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Stenotrophomonas sp., and were found to be fungicidal while others showed fungistatic action. In planta pathogen challenged evaluation trial revealed the biocontrol potential of Stenotrophomonas sp. and Microbacterium oleivorans that showed over 60% blast severity suppression on the rice leaf. The lesion-associated bacterial isolates were found to trigger expression of defense genes such as OsCEBiP, OsCERK1, OsEDS1, and OsPAD4 indicating their capability to elicit innate defense in rice against blast disease. The investigation culminated in the identification of potential biocontrol agents for the management of rice blast disease.

Radiotherapy for Post-Chemotherapy Residual Mass in Advanced Seminoma: A Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography-Based Risk-adapted Approach

AIMS

There is a lack of consensus regarding the management of post-chemotherapy residual mass in classical seminoma. The use of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG PET-CT) may aid the detection of residual masses harbouring viable disease and help to tailor therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate if PET-CT could identify patients who will benefit from locoregional radiotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This ethics-approved study included patients with advanced classical seminoma primarily treated with standard platinum-based first-line chemotherapy. Patients were either observed or given adjuvant radiotherapy based on the clinician's preference and followed up. For this study, patients were stratified into two groups based on FDG PET-CT residual nodal maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax): low risk (SUVmax <3) and high risk (SUVmax ≥3). Further subgroup analysis was carried out for patients with residual nodal size ≥3 cm and SUVmax ≥3, and this was considered as the very high risk group. The diagnostic accuracy of FDG PET-CT was assessed and survival was compared between the different groups.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients were included in the study: 48 patients were observed and 21 received radiotherapy. The low and high risk groups contained 50.7% and 49.3% of the patients, respectively. The very high risk subgroup had 24 patients. At a median follow-up of 44 months, locoregional failures in the radiotherapy and observation cohorts were 0% and 30% (P = 0.059) in the very high risk subgroup and 5.8% and 29.4% (P = 0.078) in the high risk group. The positive predictive value for the very high risk and high risk groups was 30% and 17.1%, respectively. The benefit of locoregional control failed to translate into overall survival benefit.

CONCLUSION

A tailored, FDG PET-based risk-adapted treatment approach can refine the management of post-chemotherapy residual masses in seminoma. In this study, with the largest cohort of advanced seminoma patients treated with radiotherapy reported to date, radiotherapy seems to benefit patients with post-chemotherapy residual mass SUVmax ≥3.

World Trade Organization disputes related to animal diseases

Four trade disputes concerning animal diseases have undergone the formal dispute resolution procedure of the World Trade Organization (WTO). These cases clarify a number of provisions of the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement). A national measure that contradicts a standard set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), for example by prohibiting a product that is permitted under the OIE standard, is not 'based on' that standard. Such a measure must be based on an appropriate risk assessment. For animal diseases, this means not only assessing the likelihood of entry, establishment or spread of the disease, and the associated biological and economic consequences, but also assessing each feasible mitigation measure. Any mitigation measure imposed must be rationally supported by the risk assessment. A highly trade-restrictive measure, such as a ban, is more easily justified if the identified risk is high. A measure imposed to protect health cannot impose stricter requirements on one product than on another with a similar level of risk. A WTO Member acts inconsistently with the SPS Agreement if an alternative measure, which is technically and economically feasible and restricts trade less, would achieve the desired level of protection. Countries must adapt their SPS requirements to reflect the disease risk of the area or zone from which a product comes and for which it is destined. Procedures to assess risk and determine the disease status of a region must be completed without unjustified delays, and only the information necessary for this can be requested of the exporter.

Adaptive Radiotherapy for Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder: Long-term Outcomes With Dose Escalation

AIMS

To report long-term outcomes with dose-escalated, image-guided adaptive radiotherapy (ART) for bladder preservation in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All MIBC patients receiving bladder-preserving ART at our institute from 2009 to 2018 were analysed. For ART, three anisotropic planning target volumes (PTV) were concentrically grown around the simulation bladder volume. A library of intensity-modulated radiotherapy plans was created for each patient. A total dose of 64 Gy in 32 fractions to the entire bladder and 55 Gy to pelvic nodes was planned, with 68 Gy to the tumour bed (2 Gy equivalent dose = 68.7 Gy, α/β = 10) as simultaneous integrated boost for solitary tumours. The most appropriate PTV encompassing the bladder ('plan-of-the-day') was chosen daily using on-board megavoltage imaging. Neoadjuvant and concurrent chemotherapy was prescribed for medically fit patients.

RESULTS

Of a total of 106 patients, most had T2 (68%) or T3 (19%) disease. Ninety-two patients (87%) completed 64 Gy to the whole bladder. Sixty-three patients (59%) received 68 Gy as tumour bed boost. Seventy-six per cent received concurrent weekly chemotherapy. At a median follow-up of 26 months, 3-year locoregional control, disease-free survival and overall survival were 74.3, 62.9 and 67.7%, respectively. Eighty-two per cent of patients retained disease-free bladder. Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grade III/IV acute genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicities were 7.5% and 0%, respectively, and late genitourinary/gastrointestinal toxicities were 6.5% and 3.8%, respectively. Overall survival, disease-free survival, locoregional control and grade III/IV genitourinary/gastrointestinal toxicities did not differ significantly with dose escalation.

CONCLUSION

Plan-of-the-day ART is clinically safe and effective for bladder preservation and can be implemented in routine clinical practice. A high bladder preservation rate is achievable without compromising on survival or toxicities. Dose escalation does not seem to affect outcomes.

Halotrimethylsilane-Nitrite/Nitrate Salts: Efficient and Versatile Reagent System for Diverse Organic Synthetic Transformations

The reagent system comprised of halotrimethylsilane and nitrite or nitrate salts has now been successfully used as an efficient system for a series of versatile synthetic transformations. In recent years, the significance and efficacy of this system for reactions such as nitration of aromatics and olefins, oxidation of thiols to sulfonyl chlorides, ipso-nitrosation/nitration of arylboronic acids, ipso-nitration of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids to nitro olefins, etc. have been disclosed. Though the reagent system has not been exploited to its full potential, the reported reactions reveal its advantages as a very safe and convenient system that works under mild conditions. This brief Account reveals various synthetic applications of halotrimethylsilane-nitrite/nitrate salts in organic synthesis hitherto reported.

1 Introduction

2 Reactions Using a Halotrimethylsilane-Nitrate Salt System

2.1 Nitration of Olefins and Aromatics

2.2 One-Pot Preparation of gem-Chloronitroso, gem-Chloronitro, and vic-Dichloro Compounds

2.3 One-Step Conversion of Anilines into Haloarenes

2.4 Deoximation of Aldoximes to Aldehydes and Ketoximes to ­Ketones

2.5 One-Pot Synthesis of Cyclic/Noncyclic α-Nitroketones from ­Cyclic/Noncyclic Olefins

2.6 ipso-Nitration of Arylboronic Acids

2.7 ipso-Nitrosation of Arylboronic Acids

2.8 Oxidation of Sulfides and Sulfoxides to Sulfones

2.9 Oxidative Chlorination of Thiols and Disulfides to Sulfonyl ­Chlorides

2.10 α-Halogenation of Carbonyl Compounds

2.11 Decarboxylative ipso-Nitration and Dibromination of Cinnamic Acid

3 Conclusion

Delivery of mRNA to platelets using lipid nanoparticles

Platelets are natural delivery vehicles within the blood, carrying and releasing their contents at sites of vasculature damage. Investigating the biology of platelets, and modifying them for new therapeutic uses, is limited by a lack of methods for efficiently transfecting these cells. The ability of four different classes of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver mRNA to platelets was compared using confocal microscopy, flow cytometry and quantitative PCR. The amount of mRNA delivered, mechanism of uptake, and extent of platelet activation depended on the LNP formulation and platelet storage conditions. Cationic LNPs (cLNPs) delivered mRNA to the largest percentage of platelets but induced platelet activation. Ionizable cationic LNPs (icLNPs) delivered mRNA to fewer platelets and did not induce activation. Furthermore, mRNA delivered using icLNPs and cLNPs was stable in resting platelets and was released in platelet microparticles under specific conditions. The results demonstrate that mRNA can be delivered to platelets using cLNPs and icLNPs without impairing platelet aggregation or spreading. Optimizing the LNP formulations used here may lead to a transfection agent for platelets that allows for de novo synthesis of exogenous proteins in the future.

RiceMetaSysB: a database of blast and bacterial blight responsive genes in rice and its utilization in identifying key blast-resistant WRKY genes

Nearly two decades of revolution in the area of genomics serves as the basis of present-day molecular breeding in major food crops such as rice. Here we report an open source database on two major biotic stresses of rice, named RiceMetaSysB, which provides detailed information about rice blast and bacterial blight (BB) responsive genes (RGs). Meta-analysis of microarray data from different blast- and BB-related experiments across 241 and 186 samples identified 15135 unique genes for blast and 7475 for BB. A total of 9365 and 5375 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in blast and BB RGs were identified for marker development. Retrieval of candidate genes using different search options like genotypes, tissue, developmental stage of the host, strain, hours/days post-inoculation, physical position and SSR marker information is facilitated in the database. Search options like 'common genes among varieties' and 'strains' have been enabled to identify robust candidate genes. A 2D representation of the data can be used to compare expression profiles across genes, genotypes and strains. To demonstrate the utility of this database, we queried for blast-responsive WRKY genes (fold change ≥5) using their gene IDs. The structural variations in the 12 WRKY genes so identified and their promoter regions were explored in two rice genotypes contrasting for their reaction to blast infection. Expression analysis of these genes in panicle tissue infected with a virulent and an avirulent strain of Magnaporthe oryzae could identify WRKY7, WRKY58, WRKY62, WRKY64 and WRKY76 as potential candidate genes for resistance to panicle blast, as they showed higher expression only in the resistant genotype against the virulent strain. Thus, we demonstrated that RiceMetaSysB can play an important role in providing robust candidate genes for rice blast and BB.

Early Results of Extreme Hypofractionation Using Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for High-risk, Very High-risk and Node-positive Prostate Cancer

AIMS

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer has shown encouraging results. However, its use in high-risk patients is limited due to lack of data regarding adequate radiotherapy dose, need for pelvic nodal treatment and androgen deprivation therapy. Herein we report our experience of SBRT in this subgroup.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analysis of a prospectively maintained database of 68 consecutive patients of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) high-risk, very high-risk and node-positive adenocarcinoma prostate treated with SBRT was undertaken. All patients were treated with rotational intensity-modulated radiotherapy with daily image guidance. The dose delivered to the prostate and gross node was 35-37.5 Gy in 5 alternate day fractions. Node-positive patients received 25 Gy to pelvic nodal regions until the common iliac nodes. Treatment was delivered in 7-10 days. All patients received long-term androgen deprivation therapy (79% medical and 21% surgical).

RESULTS

Most patients (65%) had a Gleason score ≥ 8. The median prostate-specific antigen was 42. Twenty patients were high risk (30%), 11 (16%) very high risk and 37 (54%) node positive. No acute Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grade ≥ 3 genitourinary or gastrointestinal toxicity was noted. Acute grade 2 genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity were 12% and 3%, respectively. Late grade 3 genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity was 3% and 0%, respectively. There was no increase in acute or late gastrointestinal toxicity with prophylactic pelvic nodal radiotherapy. Prior transurethral resection of prostate (n = 11) did not increase toxicity. At a median follow-up of 18 months, 97% patients were alive and 94% were biochemically controlled.

CONCLUSION

SBRT is safe in the treatment of high-risk, very high-risk and node-positive prostate cancer, even with prophylactic pelvic radiotherapy or prior transurethral resection of prostate. Longer follow-up is required to determine efficacy.

Co-transformation mediated stacking of blast resistance genes Pi54 and Pi54rh in rice provides broad spectrum resistance against Magnaporthe oryzae

This is the first report of stacking two major blast resistance genes in blast susceptible rice variety using co-transformation method to widen the resistance spectrum against different isolates of Magnaporthe oryzae. Single resistance (R-) gene mediated approach for the management of rice blast disease has met with frequent breakdown in resistance response. Besides providing the durable resistance, gene pyramiding or stacking also imparts broad spectrum resistance against plant pathogens, including rice blast. In the present study, we stacked two R-genes; Pi54 and Pi54rh having broad spectrum resistance against multiple isolates of Magnaporthe oryzae (M. oryzae). Both Pi54 and Pi54rh expressed under independent promoters were transferred into the blast susceptible japonica rice Taipei 309 (TP309) using particle gun bombardment method. Functional complementation analysis of stacked transgenic rice lines showed higher level of resistance to a set of highly virulent M. oryzae isolates collected from different rice growing regions. qRT-PCR analysis has shown M. oryzae induced expression of both the R-genes in stacked transgenic lines. The present study also demonstrated the effectiveness of the strategy for rapid single step gene stacking using co-transformation approach to engineer durable resistance against rice blast disease and also this is the first report in which two blast R-genes are stacked together using co-transformation approach. The two-gene-stacked transgenic line developed in this study can be used further to understand the molecular aspects of defense-related pathways vis-a-vis single R-gene containing transgenic lines.

Silicon-Based Reagents for Difluoromethylation and Difluoromethylenation Reactions

There have been significant developments in the area of perfluoroalkyl group transfer using silicon reagents, specifically in nucleo­philic trifluoromethylation. The mild and versatile activation conditions bestow significant synthetic prowess to the silicon reagents in the area of fluoroalkylations. Owing to the importance of difluoromethylene (CF2) containing compounds in pharmaceuticals, materials, and agrochemicals, several CF2 group transfer methods using related silicon reagents have been developed and studied in detail. This review summarizes the recent developments and trends in this area.

1 Introduction

2 Trimethyl(trifluoromethyl)silane (Me3SiCF3)

3 (Difluoromethyl)trimethylsilane (Me3SiCF2H)

3.1 Nucleophilic Addition

3.2 Nucleophilic Substitution

3.3 Nucleophilic Difluoromethylation of Electron-Deficient Hetero­cycles

3.4 Metal-Mediated Cross Coupling

3.5 Oxidative Coupling of Terminal Alkynes

4 Post-functionalizable Difluoromethyl Transfer Reagents

4.1 (Chlorodifluoromethyl)trimethylsilane (Me3SiCF2Cl)

4.2 (Bromodifluoromethyl)trimethylsilane (Me3SiCF2Br)

4.3 [Difluoro(iodo)methyl]trimethylsilane (Me3SiCF2I)

4.4 [Difluoro(phenylthio)methyl]trimethylsilane (Me3SiCF2SPh)

4.5 [Difluoro(phenylsulfonyl)methyl]trimethylsilane (Me3SiCF2SO2Ph)

4.6 Diethyl [Difluoro(trimethylsilyl)methyl]phosphonate [Me3SiCF2P(O)(OEt)2]

4.7 Ethyl Difluoro(trimethylsilyl)acetate (Me3SiCF2CO2Et)

4.8 Difluoro(trimethylsilyl)acetamides (Me3SiCF2CONR2)

4.9 Difluoro(trimethylsilyl)acetonitrile (Me3SiCF2CN)

5 Others

6 Conclusions

Epidemiology of male seminomatous and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors and response to first-line chemotherapy from a tertiary cancer center in India

INTRODUCTION

Unlike the developed countries, there is a lack of good epidemiologic data for testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) in India with majority presenting in advanced stage. This study aims to elaborate on the epidemiology of testicular GCTs and response to standard first-line chemotherapy (CT).

METHODS

GCTs treated at our center from January 2013 to June 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients underwent orchidectomy either outside or at our hospital. Based on stage and risk group, standard CT (bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin/etoposide and cisplatin/carboplatin AUC7) and radiotherapy were given as appropriate. Response was calculated based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 18 software.

RESULTS

Fifty nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT) and 36 of SGCT cases were studied. 30%, 46%, and 64% of NSGCT and 11%, 28%, and 22% of SGCT had N2, N3, and M1 diseases, respectively. The mean nodal size was 7 cm (1.5-19) in NSGCT and 5.5 cm (1.3-11) in SGCT. As per the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group classification, in patients with metastatic disease, 9% of NSGCT were good, 53% were intermediate, and 38% were poor risk whereas 75% of SGCT were good and 25% were intermediate risk. Following CT among NSGCT, 5% and 71% had radiologic complete response (CR) and partial response (PR), respectively. Among SGCT, 46% and 38% had radiologic CR and PR, respectively. 22%, 53%, and 13% of NSGCT and 12%, 24%, and 20% of SGCT developed febrile neutropenia, Grade 3 or 4 hematological and nonhematological toxicities, respectively, after standard chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

GCTs in India present with high nodal and high-risk diseases wherein the standard first-line CT may not be adequate as curative therapy; however, significant chemotoxicity is also a hindrance.