Thermoplastic Matrix Controlled-Release Zinc Fertilizers .3. Zinc Nutrition of Linseed On a Sand and a Clay

Thermoplastic matrix controlled-release (C.R.) zinc fertilizers were compared as zinc sources for linseed (Linum usitatissimum) grown on a zinc-deficient sand and a zinc-deficient clay. C.R. formulations differed in characteristics including origin (different extruders), type of zinc salt, and polymer matrix blends. Conventional fertilization with pure zinc salts was also included in the comparison. C.R. formulations based on zinc oxide (ZnO) were ineffective zinc sources, linseed growth and tissue zinc concentrations being similar to untreated controls. However, both zinc sulphate (ZnSO·HO)- and zinc chloride (ZnCl)-based formulations were effective zinc fertilizers. A group of ZnSO·HO-based formulations produced in Melbourne (Australia) gave relatively higher plant zinc concentrations than similar formulations produced on a different extruder in Akron (U.S.A.). Varying the type of plastic or the blend of plastics constituting the matrices of the C.R. products had no consistent effects on tissue zinc concentrations or plant growth. Similarly, no specific benefit of C.R. over conventional zinc fertilization was established under the conditions of the present experiments

A generalized multi-country endogenous growth model

international trade, international knowledge spillovers, multinational corporations, international patent licensing, economic growth, F12, F15, O41,

Ovarian carcinomas with genetic and epigenetic BRCA1 loss have distinct molecular abnormalities

<p/> <p>Background</p> <p>Subclassification of ovarian carcinomas can be used to guide treatment and determine prognosis. Germline and somatic mutations, loss of heterozygosity (LOH), and epigenetic events such as promoter hypermethylation can lead to decreased expression of BRCA1/2 in ovarian cancers. The mechanism of BRCA1/2 loss is a potential method of subclassifying high grade serous carcinomas.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A consecutive series of 49 ovarian cancers was assessed for mutations status of BRCA1 and BRCA2, LOH at the BRCA1 and BRCA2 loci, methylation of the BRCA1 promoter, BRCA1, BRCA2, PTEN, and PIK3CA transcript levels, PIK3CA gene copy number, and BRCA1, p21, p53, and WT-1 immunohistochemistry.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Eighteen (37%) of the ovarian carcinomas had germline or somatic BRCA1 mutations, or epigenetic loss of BRCA1. All of these tumours were high-grade serous or undifferentiated type. None of the endometrioid (n = 5), clear cell (n = 4), or low grade serous (n = 2) carcinomas showed loss of BRCA1, whereas 47% of the 38 high-grade serous or undifferentiated carcinomas had loss of BRCA1. It was possible to distinguish high grade serous carcinomas with BRCA1 mutations from those with epigenetic BRCA1 loss: tumours with BRCA1 mutations typically had decreased PTEN mRNA levels while those with epigenetic loss of BRCA1 had copy number gain of PIK3CA. Overexpression of p53 with loss of p21 expression occurred significantly more frequently in high grade serous carcinomas with epigenetic loss of BRCA1, compared to high grade serous tumors without loss of BRCA1.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>High grade serous carcinomas can be subclassified into three groups: BRCA1 loss (genetic), BRCA1 loss (epigenetic), and no BRCA1 loss. Tumors in these groups show distinct molecular alterations involving the PI3K/AKT and p53 pathways.</p