The North-Eastern region (NER) of India falls under the Eastern Himalayan region and it is a bio-diversity hub. Diverse maize landraces with wide adaptability to extreme climatic and soil scenario like heavy rainfall, drought and acidic soil conditions have been grown in NER since time immemorial. However, maize diversity in NER region has drastically reduced due to introduction of high yielding varieties and hybrids. Modern maize breeding programmes are focused on high yield but other unique traits like stay green trait, prolificacy (more than one fertile ear per plant), self-fertilizing ability are also important and the local germplasm of the NER region can contribute with these unique traits. Prior to the selection of any lines in several breeding programmes, assessment of genetic diversity and population structure are basic requirements. Hence, in the present study assessment of genetic diversity and population structure study in 30 maize inbreds developed from different germplasm of NER was undertaken using SSR markers, selected for their broad distribution throughout the genome, in order to assess the extent of allelic diversity among the lines and whether any population structure could be established. In addition to assessing molecular diversity, the study aims to evaluate the potential for yield and other beneficial and unique alleles that have high potential to contribute in the genetic enhancement programme of maize.

Field experiments were carried out in order to investigate if brown manuring (BM) using Sesbania plants can be used to control weeds in maize, especially Cyperus rotundus (Experiment I), and further to optimize the BM technology through appropriate Sesbania seed rate (S), 2,4-D application time (T) and dose (D) (Experiment II). Each BM treatment received a pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg a.i./ha. Experiment I showed that the BM practice using 15 kg/ha Sesbania seed and 2,4-D 0.50 kg a.i./ha applied at 25 DAS led to better control of weeds, especially C. rotundus and higher maize grain yield. Further optimization studies (Experiment II) indicated that among the factors S, T and D, the BM combination S~25 kg/ha, D~0.50 kg a.i./ha and T~25 DAS (i.e. S25T25D0.50) resulted in lowest weed density (3.1/m2) and dry weight (3.8 g/m2) and highest weed control index (89.2%) at 60 days after sowing (DAS) which was at par with another BM practice S15T25D0.50. However, the later BM combination led to significantly higher maize productivity (5.25 t/ha) and profitability (net returns (NR) $878/ha), which were 103 and 280% higher, respectively, than the weedy check (WC). The Sesbania seed rate S~15 kg/ha gave 7% higher maize grain yield and 12% higher NR than its corresponding level S~25 kg/ha. Therefore, Sesbania BM with 15 kg seeds/ha and 2,4-D at 0.50 kg a.i/ha applied at 25 DAS can be recommended for effective and eco-friendly weed management in maize, which would provide higher maize grain yield and enhance farmers' profitability.

Toca 511 (vocimagene amiretrorepvec) is an investigational, conditionally lytic, retroviral replicating vector (RRV). RRVs selectively infect cancer cells due to innate and adaptive immune response defects in cancers that allow virus replication, and the requirement for cell division for virus integration into the genome. Toca 511 spreads through tumors, stably delivering an optimized yeast cytosine deaminase gene that converts the prodrug Toca FC (investigational, extended-release 5-FC) into 5-FU within the tumor microenvironment. 5-FU kills infected dividing cancer cells and surrounding tumor, myeloid derived suppressor cells, and tumor associated macrophages, resulting in long-term tumor immunity in preclinical models. Data from a Phase 1 resection trial showed six durable CRs and extended mOS compared to historical controls. The FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Toca 511 & Toca FC in the treatment of patients with rHGG. Toca 5 is an international, randomized, open-label Phase 3 trial (NCT02414165) of Toca 511 & Toca FC versus SOC in patients undergoing resection for first or second recurrence of rHGG. Patients will be stratified by IDH1 status, KPS, and geographic region. Primary endpoint is OS, and secondary endpoints are durable response rate, durable clinical benefit rate, duration of durable response, and 12-month survival rate. Key inclusion criteria are histologically proven GBM or AA, tumor size ≥1cm and ≤5cm, and KPS ≥70. Immune monitoring and molecular profiling will be performed. Approximately 380 patients will be randomized. An IDMC is commissioned to review the safety and efficacy data which includes 2 interim analyses. Enrollment is ongoing.

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in the world for men. For reasons still unclear, aggressive PCa disproportionately affects males of African ancestry (MoAA). Incidence and mortality rates are highest in MoAA as they have consistently shown a 2.3–3.0-fold higher risk of mortality compared with Caucasian men. This aggressiveness of PCa may be due to specific biological factors. Studies have established that microRNAs (miRNAs), essential in post-transcriptional gene regulation, are dysregulated in PCa. miR-1207-3p is encoded at the PVT1 gene locus, which is located downstream of MYC on the 8q24 PCa susceptibility locus. The chromosomal region 8q24 is associated with aggressive PCa. Yet miR-1207-3p in PCa in MoAA has never been investigated. Moreover, studies have shown that PVT1/MYC co-operation is a fundamental feature in all cancers with 8q24 amplification and 98% of the 8q24 amplicons contained concurrent amplification of the MYC and PVT1 loci. Moreover, MYC has been linked to PCa aggressiveness, and has been reported to be downstream of androgen receptor (AR) in some PCa. However, the mechanisms regulating c-MYC have never been studied in MoAA. We have recently demonstrated that miR-1207-3p has prognostic value in PCa, and directly binds to the 3′ UTR of Fibronectin type III domain containing 1 (FNDC1) to regulate a novel FNDC1/fibronectin (FN1)/AR pathway upregulated in metastatic PCa. However, the relevance of this novel and clinically significant miR-1207-3p molecular pathway in PCa in MoAA is unknown. Therefore, we hypothesized that miRNA 1207-3p, encoded at the 8q24 PCa susceptibility locus, is a PCa biomarker with clinical applications in MoAA. Our specific aim was to assess the clinical relevance of miR-1207-3p, FNDC1, FN1, AR, and MYC expression in aggressive PCa in a cohort of West African Black males. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Consequently, we aimed to determine the expression profile of miRNA-1207-3p, FNDC1, FN1, AR, and MYC in histologically confirmed normal prostate (n=24), benign prostate (n=44) and malignant prostate tissue (n=29) from prostatectomy or transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsies in patients recruited at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, a sub-Saharan Black African population. In total, 17 patients had tumor tissues with Gleason score ≥8. Tissues were collected in compliance with Institutional Ethics Board approved protocols. RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and quantitative-PCR were performed to analyze mRNA expression of miRNA-1207-3p, FNDC1, FN1, AR, and MYC. Statistical analysis were performed using SPSS software. All data were analyzed by the 1-way ANOVA test. Tukey post-hoc test was performed to determine the differences in mean expression between normal and tumor prostate tissues. p<0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We discovered that miR-1207-3p is significantly underexpressed in prostate tumor tissues [0.09±0.02, 95% CI (0.04, 0.136), p=0.000] in comparison with normal prostate tissue in MoAA [0.92±0.15, 95% CI (0.60, 1.244), p=0.000]. This is the first description of miR-1207-3p differential expression in human clinical PCa in MoAA. In contrast, FNDC1 was significantly overexpressed in prostate tumor tissues [21.93±8.21, 95% CI (4.97, 38.89), p=0.003] in comparison with normal prostate tissues in MoAA [1.57±0.45, 95% CI (0.625, 2.51), p=0.003]. The same positive correlation with advanced disease held true for FN1 [tumor: 13.66±3.53, 95% CI (6.38, 20.93), p=0.000; normal: 1.07±0.235, 95% CI (0.58, 1.56), p=0.000], AR [tumor: 20.49±6.74, 95% CI (6.50, 34.48), p=0.000; normal: 0.94±0.20, 95% CI (0.52, 1.36), p=0.000], and c-MYC [tumor: 33.93±8.43, 95% CI (16.53, 51.33), p=0.000; normal: 1.94±0.36, 95% CI (1.18, 2.70)]. The significantly increased mean expression for FNDC1, FN1, AR, and c-MYC in prostate tumor tissues in comparison with normal prostate tissues indicate that their overexpression is associated with increased risk of cancer progression in MoAA. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: These results show that the underexpression of miR-1207-3p and the overexpression of FNDC1, FN1, AR and MYC is associated with aggressive PCa in MoAA. miR-1207-3p, and it molecular target FNDC1, may be useful biomarkers for prognostication of PCa in MoAA.

Plants’ ability to rebuild their tiller population is affected by weather changes and management strategies. The hypothesis of the present study was that frequency and severity of defoliation alter Mulato grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis × Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu) sward development, and the proportion of aerial and basal tillers, interfering with sward stability. The objective was to evaluate aerial, basal and total tiller population density and changes in tillering dynamics. Treatments corresponded to strategies of rotational grazing characterized by combinations between two pre-grazing (95% and maximum canopy light interception during regrowth; LI95% and LIMax) and two post-grazing conditions (15 and 20 cm stubble height). The experimental period comprised four seasons of the year: summer 2008 (February–March 2008); autumn–early spring (April to mid-November 2008); late spring (mid-November–December 2008); and summer 2009 (January–March 2009). Density of aerial tillers decreased from summer 2008 to late spring. Tiller death decreased from summer 2008 to autumn–early spring. Aerial and total tiller death increased from late spring to summer 2009, mainly for the LI95% treatment. No differences were observed in the tiller population stability index of aerial tillers for LI treatments or post-grazing heights. The balance between tiller appearance and death for basal tillers remained relatively stable from summer 2008 to late spring. For aerial tillers the balance decreased to negative values from summer 2008 to autumn–early spring for both LI treatments. For total tiller population, the balance decreased to negative values from summer 2008 to autumn–early spring. Results indicated a strong seasonal effect on Mulato grass tillering and growth. Tillering dynamics were affected primarily by grazing frequency, which changed the relative importance of basal and aerial tillers. The results suggested that basal tillering was the predominant perennation pathway.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common in children aged <5 years with diarrhoea, but little is known about risk factors, aetiology and outcome of such children. We aimed to evaluate these knowledge gaps of UTI in children aged <5 years with diarrhoea. We enrolled all children aged <5 years with diarrhoea admitted to Dhaka Hospital of the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, between May 2011 and April 2013, who had history of fever (⩾38 °C) and obtained a urine sample for culture. Diarrhoea with UTI (confirmed by culture) constituted cases (n = 26) and those without UTI constituted controls (n = 78). Threefold controls were randomly selected. The case-fatality rate was comparable in cases and controls (4% vs. 1%, P = 0·439). Escherichia coli (69%) and Klebsiella (15%) were the most commonly isolated pathogens. Persistent diarrhoea, pneumonia and prior antibiotics use were identified as risk factors for UTI in logistic regression analysis (P < 0·05 for all). Thus, children with diarrhoea presenting with persistent diarrhoea, pneumonia, and prior antibiotic use should be investigated for UTI for their prompt management that may reduce morbidity.

The Antarctic Roadmap Challenges (ARC) project identified critical requirements to deliver high priority Antarctic research in the 21st century. The ARC project addressed the challenges of enabling technologies, facilitating access, providing logistics and infrastructure, and capitalizing on international co-operation. Technological requirements include: i) innovative automated in situ observing systems, sensors and interoperable platforms (including power demands), ii) realistic and holistic numerical models, iii) enhanced remote sensing and sensors, iv) expanded sample collection and retrieval technologies, and v) greater cyber-infrastructure to process ‘big data’ collection, transmission and analyses while promoting data accessibility. These technologies must be widely available, performance and reliability must be improved and technologies used elsewhere must be applied to the Antarctic. Considerable Antarctic research is field-based, making access to vital geographical targets essential. Future research will require continent- and ocean-wide environmentally responsible access to coastal and interior Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Year-round access is indispensable. The cost of future Antarctic science is great but there are opportunities for all to participate commensurate with national resources, expertise and interests. The scope of future Antarctic research will necessitate enhanced and inventive interdisciplinary and international collaborations. The full promise of Antarctic science will only be realized if nations act together.

The Dark Energy Survey is undertaking an observational programme imaging 1/4 of the southern hemisphere sky with unprecedented photometric accuracy. In the process of observing millions of faint stars and galaxies to constrain the parameters of the dark energy equation of state, the Dark Energy Survey will obtain pre-discovery images of the regions surrounding an estimated 100 gamma-ray bursts over 5 yr. Once gamma-ray bursts are detected by, e.g., the Swift satellite, the DES data will be extremely useful for follow-up observations by the transient astronomy community. We describe a recently-commissioned suite of software that listens continuously for automated notices of gamma-ray burst activity, collates information from archival DES data, and disseminates relevant data products back to the community in near-real-time. Of particular importance are the opportunities that non-public DES data provide for relative photometry of the optical counterparts of gamma-ray bursts, as well as for identifying key characteristics (e.g., photometric redshifts) of potential gamma-ray burst host galaxies. We provide the functional details of the DESAlert software, and its data products, and we show sample results from the application of DESAlert to numerous previously detected gamma-ray bursts, including the possible identification of several heretofore unknown gamma-ray burst hosts.

Human toxocarosis is a chronic tissue parasitosis most often caused by Toxocara canis. The seroprevalence can reach up to 50%, especially among children and adolescents. The anthelmintics used in the treatment have moderate efficacy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic activity of quinones and their derivatives against T. canis larvae and the cytotoxicity of the larvicidal compounds. The compounds were evaluated at 1 mg mL−1 concentration in microculture plates containing third stage larvae in an Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) 1640 environment, incubated at 37 °C in 5% CO2 tension for 48 h. Five naphthoxiranes were selected for the cytotoxicity analysis. The cell viability evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and lactate dehydrogenase assays using murine peritoneal macrophages isolated from C57BL/6 mice revealed that the naphthoxiranes (1 and 3) were less cytotoxic at a concentration of 0·05 mg mL−1. The efficacy of naphthoxiranes (1 and 3) was examined in murine toxocarosis also. The anthelmintic activity was examined by evaluating the number of larvae in the brain, carcass, liver, lungs, heart, kidneys and eyes. Compound (3) demonstrated anthelmintic activity similar to that of albendazole by decreasing the number of larvae in the organs of mice and thus could form the basis of the development of a new anthelmintic drug.