Correlation coefficient and path analysis of yield and yield attributing characters of rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes under reproductive drought stress in the Terai region of Nepal

An experimental trial of nine rice genotypes was conducted in the Agronomy field of the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS) Paklihawa Campus under a randomized block design layout with three replications from July to November of 2022. The aim was to study genetic variability and analyze the character association of yield and yield-attributing components in rice genotypes and their direct and indirect effect on grain yield under reproductive drought stress conditions. Observations on days to flowering (50%), plant height, panicle length, panicle weight, number of grains/panicles, effective panicle/m², grain yield, and 1000 kernel weight were recorded. Grain yield showed a highly positive significant correlation with effective panicle/m² (0.713**), followed by plant height (0.347) and panicle length (0.289). The path coefficient analysis of different traits revealed the highest positive direct effect of the effective panicle per m² (0.748963), followed by panicle length (0.24145) and plant height (0.227505). The highest negative direct effect was shown by the number of grains per panicle (-0.31218). The experimental results revealed that the selection of trait-effective panicle per square meter would be most beneficial for the improvement of yield in rice genotypes facilitating selection and plant breeding programs

Clinical Pathway for Coronary Atherosclerosis in Patients Without Conventional Modifiable Risk Factors JACC State-of-the-Art Review

Reducing the incidence and prevalence of standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (SMuRFs) is critical to tackling the global burden of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, a substantial number of individuals develop coronary atherosclerosis despite no SMuRFs. SMuRFless patients presenting with myocardial infarction have been observed to have an unexpected higher early mortality compared to their counterparts with at least 1 SMuRF. Evidence for optimal management of these patients is lacking. We assembled an international, multidisciplinary team to develop an evidence-based clinical pathway for SMuRFless CAD patients. A modified Delphi method was applied. The resulting pathway confirms underlying atherosclerosis and true SMuRFless status, ensures evidence-based secondary prevention, and considers additional tests and interventions for less typical contributors. This dedicated pathway for a previously overlooked CAD population, with an accompanying registry, aims to improve outcomes through enhanced adherence to evidence-based secondary prevention and additional diagnosis of modifiable risk factors observed

Unique Vascular Benefits of Estetrol, a Native Fetal Estrogen with Specific Actions in Tissues (NEST)

peer reviewedEstrogens (E), in combination with oral contraceptives (COCs) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) drugs used for the relief of climacteric symptoms of menopause, increase the synthesis of clotting factors, decrease the levels of coagulation inhibitors, and increase the risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTE). Ischemic stroke incidence in postmenopausal women during HRT use is also increased and is probably due to a thrombotic event. This suggests that a safer estrogen may reduce stroke and VTE incidence, with lower impact on hemostasis. Estetrol (E4) is a relatively recently described new human-specific E produced exclusively by the fetal liver during pregnancy. This Native (human and natural) E has Selective actions in Tissues (NEST). Nest activities of E4 are the consequence of its unique dual role. It activates the nuclear estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) but antagonizes the membrane ERα in contrast to other E, which activate both types of receptors. Most beneficial effects of E on the vascular system have been ascribed to the activation of the membrane ERα of vascular endothelial cells, including enhancement of nitric oxide (NO) production, vasodilation, and prevention of atherosclerosis, of neointimal proliferation, and of hypertension. In a series of papers reviewed here, the INSERM team in Toulouse has demonstrated, by the combined use of pharmacological tools and of transgenic mice lacking either the nuclear ERα, the membrane ERα, or both, that the nuclear ERα plays a major role in controlling E activities in vessels. E4 is able to elicit the important vasculoprotective actions mediated by estradiol (E2). Furthermore, phase 1 and 2 clinical studies of E4 in a contraceptive indication (in combination with drospirenone) or in postmenopausal women for the relief of climacteric complaints demonstrate that E4 has a minimal impact on hemostasis, coagulation factors, coagulation inhibitors, fibrinolysis, angiotensinogen, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Altogether, preclinical studies and phase 1 and 2 clinical data indicate that E4 could be a new E with a better safety/efficacy profile than other E for women’s healthcare

Whole-genome characterization of chemoresistant ovarian cancer

Patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) have experienced little improvement in overall survival, and standard treatment has not advanced beyond platinum-based combination chemotherapy, during the past 30 years. To understand the drivers of clinical phenotypes better, here we use whole-genome sequencing of tumour and germline DNA samples from 92 patients with primary refractory, resistant, sensitive and matched acquired resistant disease. We show that gene breakage commonly inactivates the tumour suppressors RB1, NF1, RAD51B and PTEN in HGSC, and contributes to acquired chemotherapy resistance. CCNE1 amplification was common in primary resistant and refractory disease. We observed several molecular events associated with acquired resistance, including multiple independent reversions of germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations in individual patients, loss of BRCA1 promoter methylation, an alteration in molecular subtype, and recurrent promoter fusion associated with overexpression of the drug efflux pump MDR1