Molecular and agro-morphological characterization of new barley genotypes in arid environments.

BACKGROUND: Genetic diversity, population structure, agro-morphological traits, and molecular characteristics, are crucial for either preserving genetic resources or developing new cultivars. Due to climate change, water availability for agricultural use is progressively diminishing. This study used 100 molecular markers (25 TRAP, 22 SRAP, 23 ISTR, and 30 SSR). Additionally, 15 morphological characteristics were utilized to evaluate the optimal agronomic traits of 12 different barley genotypes under arid conditions. RESULTS: Substantial variations, ranging from significant to highly significant, were observed in the 15 agromorphological parameters evaluated among the 12 genotypes. The KSU-B101 barley genotype demonstrated superior performance in five specific traits: spike number per plant, 100-grain weight, spike number per square meter, harvest index, and grain yield. These results indicate its potential for achieving high yields in arid regions. The Sahrawy barley genotype exhibited the highest values across five parameters, namely leaf area, spike weight per plant, spike length, spike weight per square meter, and biological yield, making it a promising candidate for animal feed. The KSU-B105 genotype exhibited early maturity and a high grain count per spike, which reflects its early maturity and ability to produce a high number of grains per spike. This suggests its suitability for both animal feed and human food in arid areas. Based on marker data, the molecular study found that the similarity coefficients between the barley genotypes ranged from 0.48 to 0.80, with an average of 0.64. The dendrogram constructed from these data revealed three distinct clusters with a similarity coefficient of 0.80. Notably, the correlation between the dendrogram and its similarity matrix was high (0.903), indicating its accuracy in depicting the genetic relationships. The combined analysis revealed a moderate correlation between the morphological and molecular analysis, suggesting alignment between the two characterization methods. CONCLUSIONS: The morphological and molecular analyses of the 12 barley genotypes in this study effectively revealed the varied genetic characteristics of their agro-performance in arid conditions. KSU-B101, Sahrawy, and KSU-B105 have emerged as promising candidates for different agricultural applications in arid regions. Further research on these genotypes could reveal their full potential for breeding programs.

Nobel Prize paradox: Nobel Prize, not a noble prize.

The Nobel Prize is one of the most sought-after awards in science and society. However, its reputation is not without complexities, including constraints on laureates and biases in nominations. Navigating the delicate balance between recognition and the tangible impacts of awarded contributions should offer insight into the Prize's significance beyond mere prestige and monetary value. While other awards may boast higher financial rewards, they often lack the same level of prestige. The inclusion of public figures as laureates and the extensive media coverage surrounding the Nobel Prize may further elevate its perceived importance, though this may hide a more nuanced reality. Additionally, the positive associations linked to the name "Nobel" resembling the adjective "noble" can enhance the award's prestige. This subtle connection to "nobility" adds a layer of honor and distinction to the Prize, contributing to its perceived significance and prestige. Moreover, the overrepresentation of Nobel laureates from specific countries prompts scrutiny over the fulfillment of Nobel's testament, which prioritizes contributions to global well-being. This discrepancy raises questions about the inclusivity and global impact of the Prize.

Variations in Citations Across Databases: Implications for Journal Impact Factors.

The Journal Impact Factor (JIF) is a widely used metric for ranking journals based on the number of citations garnered by papers published over a specific timeframe. To assess the accuracy of JIF values, I compared citation counts for 30 of my own publications across six major bibliography databases: CrossRef, Web of Science, Publisher records, Google Scholar, PubMed and Scopus. The analysis revealed noteworthy variations in citation counts, ranging from 10% to over 50% between the lowest and highest citation counts. Google Scholar records the highest citation numbers, while PubMed reported the lowest. Notably, Web of Science, whose citation data are used in JIF calculations, tend to underestimate citation counts compared to other databases. These observations raise concerns about the accuracy of JIF calculation based on Web of Science's citation data. The real JIF values for most journals would differ from those annually reported by Clarivate's journal citation reports (JCR). These citation discrepancies underscore the importance of comprehensive data collection and the necessity to include additional citation sources. Not because a paper is cited in one journal rather than another should it have a less or more citation weight. Ultimately, one citation remains one citation, regardless of its origin. Clarivate Analytics may thus need to consider integrating all citation sources for more accurate JIF values. Alternatively, Google Scholar could potentially develop its own journal or citation impact based on its extensive journal citation records. However, while making adjustments to how the Journal Impact Factor is calculated can make it more mathematically precise, it doesn't address the fundamental biases built into the metric. Even with refinements, the Journal Impact Factor will remain skewed due to how it's defined and used.

The underutilization of preventive cardiovascular measures in patients with cancer: an analysis of the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2011-22.

AIMS: This study aimed to characterize the influence of a cancer diagnosis on the use of preventive cardiovascular measures in patients with and without cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS AND RESULTS: Data from the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey (spanning 2011-22) were used. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders were applied to calculate average marginal effects (AME), the average difference in the probability of using a given therapy between patients with and without cancer. Outcomes of interest included the use of pharmacological therapies, physical activity, smoking cessation, and post-CVD rehabilitation. Among 5 012 721 respondents, 579 114 reported a history of CVD (coronary disease or stroke), and 842 221 reported a diagnosis of cancer. The association between cancer and the use of pharmacological therapies varied between those with vs. without CVD (P-value for interaction: <0.001). Among patients with CVD, a cancer diagnosis was associated with a lower use of blood pressure-lowering medications {AME: -1.46% [95% confidence interval (CI): -2.19% to -0.73%]}, lipid-lowering medications [AME: -2.34% (95% CI: -4.03% to -0.66%)], and aspirin [AME: -6.05% (95% CI: -8.88% to -3.23%)]. Among patients without CVD, there were no statistically significant differences between patients with and without cancer regarding pharmacological therapies. Additionally, cancer was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of engaging in physical activity in the overall cohort and in using post-CVD rehabilitation regimens, particularly post-stroke rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Preventive pharmacological agents are underutilized in those with cancer and concomitant CVD, and physical activity is underutilized in patients with cancer in those with or without CVD. LAY SUMMARY: •This paper compared the use of preventive cardiovascular measures, both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical, in patients with and without cancer.•In patients with cardiovascular disease and cancer, there is a lower use of preventive cardiovascular medications compared with those with cardiovascular disease but without cancer. This includes a lower utilization of blood pressure-lowering medications, cholesterol-lowering medications, and aspirin.•Patients with cancer reported lower levels of exercise but higher levels of smoking cessation compared with those without cancer.

Postprints-to-preprints linkage to enhance access to scientific literature.

Preprint servers can enhance the access to scientific literature by bidirectional linkage from published papers (postprints) to their counterpart preprint versions. The current state of linkage is to link preprints to their corresponding postprints (peer-reviewed articles published in journals). Here, I suggest an opposite automated linkage, from postprints to preprints wherever and whenever preprints are posted on a preprint server. Such connection from paid postprint versions to free preprint versions makes sense as it removes the barriers to get access to paywalled publications freely and easily.

Recent Progress on Vaccines Produced in Transgenic Plants.

The development of vaccines from plants has been going on for over two decades now. Vaccine production in plants requires time and a lot of effort. Despite global efforts in plant-made vaccine development, there are still challenges that hinder the realization of the final objective of manufacturing approved and safe products. Despite delays in the commercialization of plant-made vaccines, there are some human vaccines that are in clinical trials. The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and its resultant disease, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), have reminded the global scientific community of the importance of vaccines. Plant-made vaccines could not be more important in tackling such unexpected pandemics as COVID-19. In this review, we explore current progress in the development of vaccines manufactured in transgenic plants for different human diseases over the past 5 years. However, we first explore the different host species and plant expression systems during recombinant protein production, including their shortcomings and benefits. Lastly, we address the optimization of existing plant-dependent vaccine production protocols that are aimed at improving the recovery and purification of these recombinant proteins.

Long-term effectiveness of empiric cardio-protection in patients receiving cardiotoxic chemotherapies: A systematic review & bayesian network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cardioprotective therapies represent an important avenue to reduce treatment-limiting cardiotoxicities in patients receiving chemotherapy. However, the optimal duration, strategy and long-term efficacy of empiric cardio-protection remains unknown. METHODS: Leveraging the MEDLINE/Pubmed, CENTRAL and clinicaltrials.gov databases, we identified all randomised controlled trials investigating cardioprotective therapies from inception to November 2021 (PROSPERO-ID:CRD42021265006). Cardioprotective classes included ACEIs, ARBs, Beta-blockers, dexrazoxane (DEX), statins and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. The primary end-point was new-onset heart failure (HF). Secondary outcomes were the mean difference in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) change, hypotension and all-cause mortality. Network meta-analyses were used to assess the cardioprotective effects of each therapy to deduce the most effective therapies. Both analyses were performed using a Bayesian random effects model to estimate risk ratios (RR) and 95% credible intervals (95% CrI). RESULTS: Overall, from 726 articles, 39 trials evaluating 5931 participants (38.0 ± 19.1 years, 72.0% females) were identified. The use of any cardioprotective strategy associated with reduction in new-onset HF (RR:0.32; 95% CrI:0.19-0.55), improved LVEF (mean difference: 3.92%; 95% CrI:2.81-5.07), increased hypotension (RR:3.27; 95% CrI:1.38-9.87) and no difference in mortality. Based on control arms, the number-needed-to-treat for 'any' cardioprotective therapy to prevent one incident HF event was 45, including a number-needed-to-treat of 21 with ≥1 year of therapy. Dexrazoxane was most effective at HF prevention (Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking curve: 81.47%), and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists were most effective at preserving LVEF (Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking curve: 99.22%). CONCLUSION: Cardiotoxicity remains a challenge for patients requiring anticancer therapies. The initiation of extended duration cardioprotection reduces incident HF. Additional head-to-head trials are needed.

Transform DOI system into a science hub.

To bestow a worthwhile value to DOI assignations, I suggest the establishment of a unique persistent DOI database (for e.g., as a DOI hub, DOI library, or DOI indexer) in which all the DOI assigned by publishers and journals will be listed in one and same place with basics bibliographic metadata and complete citation information, including the DOI link itself, authors' names, manuscripts' titles, publishing source, date of publication, and ideally abstracts if available. As a result, when a DOI is searched in the DOI hub, full bibliographic information should be retrievable regardless of its status in the publishing source. Basic indexation information and metadata associated with published articles will be always accessible and findable independently from the publishing sources. A unique, general and long-term preserved DOI hub will make it easy to search, find and cite scientific literature from the various scientific fields even if a journal or publisher ceases its publishing activity.

Laser to fight fire?

Wildfires spread as long as burnable organic matters fuel them, such as grasses and trees. When there is nothing more to burn, fires will put out naturally. Here, I would propose to fight "fire by fire" or by Laser using specific Laser devices to immediately and punctually carbonize a narrow zone in front of crawling wildfires to create a protective area that will stop fires from further propagation when the fire reaches the Laser-carbonized zone. Empirical studies will be required to determine the best conditions of Laser intensity, wavelength, and period of Laser irradiation that would be required to only carbonize organic matters in narrow targeted zone without spreading fire further.

Make good use of big data: A home for everyone.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic should teach us some lessons at health, environmental and human levels toward more fairness, human cohesion and environmental sustainability. At a health level, the pandemic raises the importance of housing for everyone particularly vulnerable and homeless people to protect them from the disease and against other similar airborne pandemics. Here, I propose to make good use of big data along with 3D construction printers to construct houses and solve some major and pressing housing needs worldwide. Big data can be used to determine how many people do need accommodation and 3D construction printers to build houses accordingly and swiftly. The combination of such facilities- big data and 3D printers- can help solve global housing crises more efficiently than traditional and unguided construction plans, particularly under environmental and major health crises where health and housing are tightly interrelated.