Ten years of sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma: Are there any predictive and/or prognostic markers?

Sorafenib has been considered the standard of care for patients with advanced unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) since 2007 and numerous studieshave investigated the role of markers involved in the angiogenesis process at both the expression and genetic level and clinical aspect. What results have ten years of research produced? Several clinical and biological markers are associated with prognosis. The most interesting clinical parameters are adverse events, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage, and macroscopic vascular invasion, while several single nucleotide polymorphisms and plasma angiopoietin-2 levels represent the most promising biological biomarkers. A recent pooled analysis of two phase III randomized trials showed that the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, etiology and extra-hepatic spread are predictive factors of response to sorafenib, but did not identify any predictive biological markers. After 10 years of research into sorafenib there are still no validated prognostic or predictive factors of response to the drug in HCC. The aim of the present review was to summarize 10 years of research into sorafenib, looking in particular at the potential of associated clinical and biological markers to predict its efficacy in patients with advanced HCC.

Circulating and stool nucleic acid analysis for colorectal cancer diagnosis

In recent years,the need to identify molecular markers characterized by high sensitivity and specificity in detecting and monitoring early and colorectal cancer lesions has increased.Up to now,none of the markers or panels of markers analyzed have met the rigorous standards required of a screening program.The important discovery of circulating nucleic acids in biological fluids has aroused intense scientific interest because of their usefulness in malignant and non malignant diseases.Over time,their yield and stability have been identified and compared with other"standard"biomarkers.The analysis of circulating DNA from blood and stool is a relatively simple and non-invasive procedure,representing a very attractive marker to detect genetic and epigenetic mutations and to monitor disease progression.A correlation between blood and stool biomarkers could also help to enhance currently available diagnostic approaches.However,various processing and analytic problems need to be resolved before such an approach can be applied in clinical practice.

LOTUS, a potent blocker of Nogo receptor-1 causing inhibition of axonal growth

Glia-derived axonal growth inhibitory proteins limit functional repair following damage to the adult cen- tral nervous system （CNS）. Nogo proteins, myelin-as- sociated glycoprotein （MAG）, oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein （OMgp） and B lymphocyte stimulator （BLyS）, are 4 inhibitors that commonly interact with the neuronal receptor, Nogo receptor-1 （NgR1）, lead- ing to inhibition of axonal growth. Here, we demon- strate that lateral olfactory tract usher substance （LOTUS） binds to NgR1 and blocks the binding of all four ligands to NgR1, resulting in the suppression of axonal growth inhibition induced by these NgR1 li- gands. LOTUS allows neurons to overcome NgRl-me- diated axonal growth inhibition, raising the possibility that LOTUS may be useful in future therapeutic ap- proaches as an endogenous potent inhibitor of NgR1 for promoting neuronal regeneration.

Low expression of angiotensinogen and dipeptidyl peptidase 1 in saliva of patients with proliferative verrucous leukoplakia

AIM To elucidate the profile of the salivary proteome.METHODS Unstimulated whole mouth saliva was collected from 30 volunteers [15 proliferative verrucous leukoplakia(PVL) patients and 15 controls] and proteins were submitted for mass spectrometry-based proteomics using the discovery approach,followed by analyses of variance and logistic regression tests.RESULTS A total of two hundred and eighty-three proteins were confidently identified in saliva.By combining two low abundance proteins from the PVL group,angiotensinogen(AGT) and dipeptidyl peptidase 1(DPP1),a model for group differentiation was built with a concordance index of 94.2%,identifying both proteins as potential etiologic biomarkers for PVL.CONCLUSION This study suggests that both AGT and DPP1 may be involved in developmental mechanisms of PVL.

Three-dimensional collagen-based scaffold model to study the microenvironment and drug-resistance mechanisms of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas

Objective:Squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)represents the most common histotype of all head and neck malignancies and includes oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC),a tumor associated with different clinical outcomes and linked to human papilloma virus(HPV)status.Translational research has few available in vitro models with which to study the different pathophysiological behavior of OSCCs.The present study proposes a 3-dimensional(3 D)biomimetic collagen-based scaffold to mimic the tumor microenvironment and the crosstalk between the extracellular matrix(ECM)and cancer cells.Methods:We compared the phenotypic and genetic features of HPV-positive and HPV-negative OSCC cell lines cultured on common monolayer supports and on scaffolds.We also explored cancer cell adaptation to the 3 D microenvironment and its impact on the efficacy of drugs tested on cell lines and primary cultures.Results:HPV-positive and HPV-negative cell lines were successfully grown in the 3 D model and displayed different collagen fiber organization.The 3 D cultures induced an increased expression of markers related to epithelial–mesenchymal transition(EMT)and to matrix interactions and showed different migration behavior,as confirmed by zebrafish embryo xenografts.The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(1α)and glycolysis markers were indicative of the development of a hypoxic microenvironment inside the scaffold area.Furthermore,the 3 D cultures activated drug-resistance signaling pathways in both cell lines and primary cultures.Conclusions:Our results suggest that collagen-based scaffolds could be a suitable model for the reproduction of the pathophysiological features of OSCCs.Moreover,3 D architecture appears capable of inducing drug-resistance processes that can be studied to better our understanding of the different clinical outcomes of HPV-positive and HPV-negative patients with OSCCs.

Lateral olfactory tract usher substance(LOTUS) protein,an endogenous Nogo receptor antagonist,converts a non-permissive to permissive brain environment for axonal regrowth

It is well known that primates,including humans,hardly recover motor function after spinal cord injury（SCI）when compared with non-primate mammals such as rodents.This limited functional recovery is in part due to a non-permissive environment of the central nervous system（CNS）inhibiting axonal regrowth.

Evaluation of the Value Nutritious Leaves Five Varieties Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Cultivated in Burkina Faso

Taro is a perennial herbaceous plant whose large leaves are mainly used as vegetables in human food in several tropical countries. However, young taro leaves are not eaten very much in Burkina Faso unlike other countries which have made them a staple diet. In the present work, we collected leaves of taro varieties cultivated in the provinces of Comoe and Kenedougou. Our study aimed to determine the biochemical composition of these leaves in order to detect their nutritional quality. For this purpose, we first determined the total sugars in our different samples;then quantify the proteins and finally assay the lipids contained in the leaves of the different varieties of taro harvested. Analysis of the organic constituents gave the following results: proteins (186.29 to 265.23 μg EQ/100mg fresh leaves), fats (0.28% to 1.90%), carbohydrates (183.03 to 238.57 μg EG/100mg fresh leaves). The highest energy value was obtained with the variety BF/CO/06 (1728.71 kcal/kg) and the lowest with BF/CO/04 (272.15 kcal/kg). This study allowed us to conclude that the taro leaves (Colocasia esculenta) studied are of nutritional interest with regard to their biochemical composition.

Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on Body Composition and Fitness Performance among Football Players in Negro African Environment

Context and Objective: The nutritional and sports dimension of the lockdown implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic is unexplored in the African environment. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on body composition and fitness performance in Congolese football players. Methods: This was an observational study carried out in Brazzaville between February 9 and October 30, 2020. It included 16 male players among Congolese senior national team and 11 male football players of first division Brazzaville clubs. Two types of measurements were carried out: anthropometric measures (height, body mass, total fat percent, lean body mass);physical capacities [30 m sprint, repeated sprint, aerobic endurance (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test), vertical jump (Squat Jump test, Countermovement test)]. The measurements were realized at 4 times: before lockdown (month of february, T0), 1st week of june (T1), 1st week of september (T2), 1st week of october (T3). Data were compared using Student t test, Sokal S test, Anova, Newman-Keuls test (multiple contrasts) and correlation analysis. Results: A significant increase in body mass (p Conclusion: The present data suggest that COVID-19 lockdown promotes weight gain and decreased physical ability in football players.

Hydrological Controls on Nutrient Exportation from Old-Growth Evergreen Rainforests and <i>Eucalyptus nitens</i>Plantation in Headwater Catchments at Southern Chile

Soil cover disturbances have a direct effect on biogeochemistry, potentially enhancing nutrient loss, land degradation and associated changes in ecosystem services and livelihood support. The objective of this study was to assess how canopy affected throughfall chemistry and how hydrology affected stream nutrient load responses in two watersheds dominated by native old-growth evergreen rainforest (NF) and exotic plantation of Eucalyptus nitens (EP), located at the Coastal mountain range of southern Chile (40&deg;S). We measured nitrogen (NO3-N, NH4-N, Organic-N, Total-N) and total phosphorus (Total-P) at catchment discharge, and δ18O in throughfall precipitation and stream discharge in both catchments, in order to separate throughfall (or new water) contributions during storm events. It was hypothesized that all nutrients showed an increase in concentration as discharge increased (or enhanced hydrological access), in EP;but not in NF. Our results indicated that Organic-N, Total-N and Total-P concentrations were positively related to discharge. However, NO3<sup style="margin-left:-7px;">--N showed a negative correlation with catchment discharge. Organic-N and Total-P showed a flush during storm events;the opposite was observed for NO3<sup style="margin-left:-7px;">--N. However, this behavior suggested that NO3<sup style="margin-left:-7px;">--N was being retained by charged particles or soil micro biota, whether Organic-N was flushed as it was more concentrated in big pore water that was not tightly attached, compared with NO3<sup style="margin-left:-7px;">--N.

Genetic Diversity of Local Rice Accessions Cultivated in Guinea Based on Agro-Morphological Traits and Identification of Sources of Tolerance to Iron Toxicity

In Guinea, traditional rice varieties are the most widely cultivated in rural areas despite their low yield and high susceptibility to iron toxicity. Moreover, the introduction of new improved varieties tolerant to iron toxicity poses a serious threat to the preservation of the genetic resources of these traditional varieties, whose genetic diversity remains poorly known. The present study therefore aims at a better valorisation of these local rice cultivars through the evaluation of their agromorphological diversity and the identification of genotypes potentially tolerant or resistant to iron toxicity. Thus, 90 accessions collected in the regions of Kindia and Macenta and six controls susceptible or resistant to iron toxicity (AZUCENA, BOUAKE 189, CK 73, IR64, NERICAL 19 and AURYLUX 6) were evaluated in three replicate alpha lattice designs in two sites (Sérédou and Kilissi) using 16 agromorphological traits. The results showed significant agromorphological variability of the traditional accessions at both sites for all qualitative and most quantitative traits studied. In addition, 30 local cultivars expressed similar or higher grain yields than the resistant or tolerant controls at both sites, of which 12 were found to be stable at both sites. Of the 12 cultivars identified, five were resistant and seven tolerant to iron toxicity. These 12 accessions could be used in the varietal improvement of lowland rice in Guinea Conakry.

Sensory Profiling and Hedonic Evaluation of Attiékéfrom Local and Improved Cassava Varieties

Attiéké is fermented cassava semolina steamed and consumed with proteins and vegetables. From Ivorian traditional origin, its popularity is increasing in Africa and production networks are developing. However, the growth of attiéké industry is still curbed by lack of technical skills of producers and irregular quality, depending on cassava variety, processing and inoculum. In the present study, a traditional inoculum and four cassava varieties (two improved local (IAC and Bonoua) and two improved sweet ones from Nigeria (Olekanga and TMS 4 (2) 1425)) were used for producing attiéké Ebrié. For the sensorial evaluation of prepared attiéké, qualitative sensory profiling was used. The sensory quality descriptors where quantitatively measured by a trained sensory panel. With this method the most important quality criteria of attiéké were judged. These quality criteria were selected with the aid of surveys on its production and consumption. The relationships between sensory attributes of the four attiéké prepared of the different cassava varieties and biochemical characteristics were studied. Sensory analysis revealed that the four attiéké were cream-colored products with sweet and/or sour tastes, made of cohesive and well-formed grains of different sizes, with an odor of fermentation specific to attiéké and showing a firm texture. The differences between sensory profiles of the four attiéké produced from four cassava varieties (12 months growth) concern only some descriptors of quality. Pearson correlation coefficients between physicochemical descriptors of quality showed that biochemical parameters may help predict organoleptic characteristics of attiéké Ebrié (pH-size of grains: r = 0.99;pH-acidity: r = ?0.92;acidity-rounded grains: r = ?0.98: starch-cohesion between grains: r = ?0.96;starch-sweet: r = ?0.95;starch-granulous: r = 0.97, total sugar-yellow color: r = 0.96;total sugar-aroma of attiéké: r = 0.96;reducing sugar-odor of attiéké: r = 0.95;cyanide-fibrous: r = 0.95).

Effect of Leafy and Leafless Greenwood, Softwood and Hardwood Cuttings Success of <i>Garcinia kola</i>(Heckel)

Garcinia kola Heckel, called “petit cola” in Côte d’Ivoire and “bitter kola” in Nigeria, is a Non-Timber Forest Product of great socioeconomic importance. Unfortunately, this species is threatened due to overexploitation and deforestation. This study tested the effect of leaf area on stem cuttings to regenerate vegetatively in a non-mist poly-propagator without using exogenous hormones. Three stem cuttings types: greenwood, softwood and hardwood (12 - 15 cm in length) were collected from 24-month years old seedlings. The two top leaves of each cutting type were conserved at different leaf area: 0 cm2, 28.25 cm2, 56.5 cm2, 84.75 cm2 and 113 cm2 (entire leaf area). Observations were made on rooting, sprouting and leafing abilities of cuttings depending to treatments applied. Results showed that all cutting types have presented good ability to shooting and rooting. Cuttings with 113 cm2 leaf areas presented the best rooting (94.44% ± 2.42%) and shouting (95.55% ± 2.42%) percentage and longest primary root length (12.03 ± 0.50 cm). Hardwood, softwood and greenwood cuttings with 113 cm2 leaf area had the best rooting percentage (96.66% ± 3.33%, 96.66% ± 5.77% and 90.00% ± 5.77% respectively). The longest primary root length (13.50 ± 0.97 cm) was observed to greenwood cuttings with 113 cm2 leaf area. Regenerated plants in the forest presented well survival percentage (96.66%). This study shows that it is possible to regenerate entire plants by cuttings without using external hormones in non-mist poly-propagator.

Land Cover Dynamics and Assessment of the Impacts of Agricultural Pressures on Wetlands Based on Earth Observation Data: Case of the Azagny Ramsar Site in Southern Côte d’Ivoire

The Azagny Ramsar site has been the scene of very strong agricultural pressures for several decades. In C&#244;te d’Ivoire, management policies, previously developed and implemented in wetlands, remain very sensitive and vulnerable to environmental changes. It is to overcome these environmental management difficulties that this study was carried out to assess the impacts of mainly industrial agricultural activities on the wetland. To achieve this goal, we mapped the land use dynamics of the study area by a series of Landsat imagery from 1988, 2002, 2008, and 2019 and obtained 11 classes. The spatial analysis of the dynamics of land use from these images has shown that the increase in agricultural operations around the protected area has favored the reduction of several ecosystems of natural plant formations (forests, savannas, mangroves) amounting to 36.34% to the benefit of artificial plant formations such as rubber, oil palm and coconut trees (42.73%). However, these losses of natural plant formations are more accentuated outside the Ramsar site (peripheral zone) than in the Ramsar site with the example of mangroves which have lost 3.27% of their area in the Ramsar site against 33.80% in the peripheral zone between 1988 and 2019. These changes are less accentuated in the Ramsar site than on the periphery thanks to the vigilance of the Ivorian Office of Parks and Reserve (OIPR) and natural barriers (watercourses) that surround it.

Polymorphism AGT2(rs4762)is involved in the development of dermatologic events:Proof-of-concept in hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with sorafenib

BACKGROUND Dermatologic adverse events(DAEs)are associated with a better outcome in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)irrespective of the therapeutic agent received.The exact mechanisms associated with the development of DAEs are unknown although several studies point to direct toxicity of tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKIs)to the skin or an immune-mediated reaction triggered by the oncologic treatment.As is the case in other conditions,individual genetic variants may partially explain a higher risk of DAEs.AIM To evaluate the contribution of several gene variants to the risk of developing DAEs in HCC patients treated with TKIs.METHODS We first analyzed 27 single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)from 12 genes selected as potential predictors of adverse event(AE)development in HCC patients treated with sorafenib[Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer 1(BCLC1)cohort].Three additional cohorts were analyzed for AGT1(rs699)and AGT2(rs4762)polymorphisms-initially identified as predictors of DAEs:BCLC2(n=79),Northern Italy(n=221)and Naples(n=69)cohorts,respectively.The relation between SNPs and DAEs and death were assessed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression models,and presented with hazard ratios and their 95%confidence intervals(95%CI).RESULTS The BCLC1 cohort showed that patients with arterial hypertension(AHT)(HR=1.61;P value=0.007)and/or AGT SNPs had an increased risk of DAEs.Thereafter,AGT2(rs4762)AA genotype was found to be linked to a statistically significant increased probability of DAEs(HR=5.97;P value=0.0201,AA vs GG)in the Northern Italy cohort by multivariate analysis adjusted for BCLC stage,ECOG-PS,diabetes and AHT.The value of this genetic marker was externally validated in the cohort combining the BCLC1,BCLC2 and Naples cohorts[HR=3.12(95%CI:1.2-8.14),P value=0.0199,AGT2(rs4762)AA vs AG genotype and HR=2.73(95%CI:1.18-6.32)P value=0.0188,AGT2(rs4762)AA vs GG genotype].None of the other gene variants tested were found to be associated with the risk of DAE development.CONCLUSION DAE development in HCC patients receiving TKIs could be explained by the AGT2(rs4762)gene variant.If validated in other anti-oncogenic treatments,it might be considered a good prognosis marker.

介于二维和三维晶体间的超薄晶态材料的X射线衍射及对称性研究

为了深入理解超薄晶态材料的结构和对称性的独特性,本文在充分考虑超薄晶态材料堆积自由度的情况下,从数学和晶体学角度对介于二维与三维之间的超薄纳米晶体的对称性和X射线衍射进行了探讨.认为超薄纳米晶体的对称性需要用数学层群(layer group)来描述;另外,由于其层堆叠方向上不具有周期性结构,超薄纳米晶体可能产生特异衍射特征.为了验证这一观点,研究了三类在层堆叠方向不具有周期性的典型超薄纳米晶体的X射线衍射,从实验上观察到了超薄纳米晶体与其体相三维晶体粉末X射线衍射的不同;针对基于三维晶体的X射线衍射模拟软件不再适用于超薄纳米晶体的情况,发展了超薄纳米晶体的全结构X射线衍射分析方法,很好地模拟了超薄纳米晶粉末X射线衍射图.该研究对超薄纳米晶态材料的结构及对称性提出了新见解,将有益于推动相关材料的构效关系研究和新功能开发.

Population-based carrier screening and prenatal diagnosis of fragile X syndrome in East Asian populations

Identification of carriers of fragile X syndrome(FXS) with the subsequent prenatal diagnosis and knowledge of FXS-associated genetic profiles are essential for intervention in specific populations. We report the results of carrier screening of 39,458 East Asian adult women and prenatal diagnosis from 87 FXS carriers.The prevalence of FXS carriers and full mutation fetuses was estimated to be 1/581 and 1/3124 in East Asian populations, respectively. We confirmed the validity of the current threshold of CGG trinucleotide repeats for FMR1 categorization;the integral risks of full mutation expansion were approximately 6.0%,43.8%, and 100% for premutation alleles with 55—74, 75—89, and ≥ 90 CGG repeats, respectively. The protective effect of AGG(adenine-guanine-guanine nucleotides) interruption in East Asian populations was validated, which is important in protecting premutation alleles with 75—89 CGG repeats from full mutation expansion. Finally, family history was shown not an effective indicator for FXS carrier screening in East Asian populations, and population-based screening was more cost-effective. This study provides an insight into the largest carrier screening and prenatal diagnosis for FXS in East Asian populations to date. The FXSassociated genetic profiles of East Asian populations are delineated, and population-based carrier screening is shown to be promising for FXS intervention.

Bemisia tabaci （Hemiptera： Aleyrodidae） nymphal feeding in cotton （Gossypium hirsutum） leaves

We used brightfield electron microscopy （BEM）, differential interference contrast microscopy （DICM）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, transmission electron microscopy （TEM）, and confocal laser scanning microscopy （CLSM） to investigate the stylet pathways of Bemisia tabaci during nymphal feeding behavior in cotton leaves beginning with penetration of the abaxial leaf surface and ending with stylets in sieve tubes in phloem tissues. Most nymphal stylets within salivary sheaths penetrating leaf tissues made complex turns and developed more than one salivary sheath branch before ending in sieve tubes. The external morphology of the salivary sheaths and their routes between and through leaf cells are described during the present study. Results showed the presence of the stylet within the sieve tubes. B. tabaci nymphs may remove stylets and feed in different sieve tubes. Ten short movies showing the progression of the stylet penetrations from adaxial surface to the sieve tubes are attached to Figures 8-15. The report and movies can be viewed from the internet. Download the movies to a local drive in your computer first for fast upload. The movies are posted on the website http：//www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm？docid=14629. The movies can be used as a teaching aid in biology classes.

Do aphids actively search for ant partners？

The aphid-ant mutnalistic relationships are not necessarily obligate for neither partners but evidence is that such interactions provide them strong advantages in terms of global fitness. While it is largely assumed that ants actively search for their mutualistic partners namely using volatile cues; whether winged aphids （i.e., aphids＇ most mobile form） are able to select ant-frequented areas had not been investigated so far. Ant-frequented sites would indeed offer several advantages for these aphids including a lower predation pressure through ant presence and enhanced chances of establishing mutuaslistic interactions with neighbor ant colonies. In the field, aphid colonies are often observed in higher densities around ant nests, which is probably linked to a better survival ensured by ants＇ services. Nevertheless, this could also result from a preferential establishment of winged aphids in ant-frequented areas. We tested this last hypothesis through different ethological assays and show that the facultative myrmecophilous black bean aphid, Aphisfabae L., does not orientate its search for a host plant preferentially toward ant-frequented plants. However, our results suggest that ants reduce the number of winged aphids leaving the newly colonized plant. Thus, ants involved in facultative myrmecophilous interactions with aphids appear to contribute to structure aphid populations in the field by ensuring a better establishment and survival of newly established colonies rather than by inducing a deliberate plant selection by aphid partners based on the proximity of ant colonies.

Fate and transport of theβ-adrenergic agonist ractopamine hydrochloride in soil–water systems

The feed additive ractopamine hydrochloride was fortified at four concentrations into batch vials containing soils that differed in both biological activity and organic matter（OM）.Sampling of the liquid layer for 14 days demonstrated that ractopamine rapidly dissipated from the liquid layer. Less than 20% of the fortified dose remained in the liquid layer after 4 hr,and recoveries of dosed ractopamine ranged from 8 to 18% in the liquid layer at 336 hr. Sorption to soil was the major fate for ractopamine in soil：water systems, i.e., 42%–51% of the dose at14 days. The major portion of the sorbed fraction was comprised of non-extractables; a smaller fraction of the sorbed dose was extracted into water and acetone, portions which would be potentially mobile in the environment. Partitioning coefficients for all soils suggested strong sorption of ractopamine to soil which is governed by hydrophobic interactions and cation exchange complexes within the soil OM. Ractopamine degradation was observed, but to mostly non-polar compounds which had a higher potential than ractopamine to sorb to soil. The formation of volatiles was also suggested. Therefore, despite rapid and extensive soil sorption,these studies indicated a portion of ractopamine, present in manures used to fertilize soils,may be mobile in the environment via water-borne events.

Ractopamine up take by alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) from soil

Ractopamine is a beta adrenergic agonist used as a growth promoter in swine, cattle and turkeys. To test whether ractopamine has the potential to accumulate in plants grown in contaminated soil, a greenhouse study was conducted with alfalfa（Medicago sativa） and wheat（Triticum aestivum） grown in two soils having different concentrations of organic matter（1.3% and 2.1%）, amended with 0, 0.5, and 10 μg/g of ractopamine. Plant growth ranged from 2.7 to 8.8 g dry weight（dw） for alfalfa, and 8.7 to 40 g dw for wheat and was generally greater in the higher organic matter content soil. The uptake of ractopamine in plant tissues ranged from non-detectable to 897 ng/g and was strongly dependent on soil ractopamine concentration across soil and plant tissue. When adjusted to the total fortified quantities, the amount of ractopamine taken up by the plant tissue was low, 〈 0.01% for either soil.