A scoping review on tools and methods for trait prioritization in crop breeding programmes.

Trait prioritization studies have guided research, development and investment decisions for public-sector crop breeding programmes since the 1970s, but the research design, methods and tools underpinning these studies are not well understood. We used PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) to evaluate research on trait ranking for major crops over the past 40 years (1980-2023). Data extraction and descriptive analysis on 657 papers show uneven attention to crops, lack of systematic sex disaggregation and regional bias. The lack of standardized trait data taxonomy across studies, and inconsistent research design and data collection practices make cross-comparison of findings impossible. In addition, network mapping of authors and donors shows patterns of concentration and the presence of silos within research areas. This study contributes to the next generation of innovation in trait preference studies to produce more inclusive, demand-driven varietal design that moves beyond trait prioritization focused on productivity and yield.

Evaluation of the intraocular pressure changes during micturition in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the Valsalva maneuver (VM) during micturition on intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: IOP were measured before and during micturition in uroflowmetry testing by Tonopen-Avia (Reichert Inc., NY, USA) in 35 eyes of 35 patients with BPH. International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) questionnaire was used for quantification of BPH symptoms. The subjects were divided into two groups according to IPSS questionnaire: patients with low IPSS scores and patients with high IPSS scores. RESULTS: The mean IOP before and during micturition in patients with BPH were 15.26 ± 4.39 mmHg and 16.23 ± 4.43 mmHg, respectively (p = 0.047). When patients with BPH were assigned to two distinct groups according to the IPSS scores, IOP did not differ in patients with low IPSS scores (p = 0.590), whereas mean IOP was significantly higher in patients with high IPSS scores (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The Valsalva maneuver, performed during micturition, can lead to significant IOP increase in patients with BPH, particularly in advanced disease.

Propofol inhibits potassium chloride induced contractions of isolated human umbilical vessels.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We have evaluated the effects of propofol and its relationship with K+ channels on human isolated umbilical vessels. METHODS: Umbilical vessel rings were suspended in isolated organ baths containing Krebs-Ringer solution. In the first series of experiments the effect of propofol (10(-9)-10(-4) M) was examined in a concentration-dependent manner on umbilical vessels precontracted with KCl (60 mmol). In the second series, these effects were studied in the presence of tetraethylammonium. RESULTS: A mild contraction was produced by low dose propofol in both precontracted umbilical artery and umbilical vein segments. 10(-4) M propofol caused significant relaxation in both umbilical artery and umbilical vein. The relaxation response was significantly reduced by the addition of 10(-1) M tetraethylammonium. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that the responses of propofol on KCl-induced contractions of both umbilical artery and vein were dose dependent, and this effect involved Ca2+ activated K+ channels.

The comparison of the responsiveness of human isolated internal mammary and gastroepiploic arteries to levcromakalim: an alternative approach to the management of graft spasm.

AIMS: We studied the effectiveness of levcromakalim, a potassium channel opener (KCO), in the prevention and reversal of spasm in arterial grafts used in coronary artery bypass operations, namely, internal mammary artery (IMA) and gastroepiploic artery (GEA). METHODS: Spasm was mimicked in vitro in arterial rings from 109 patients by increasing the vascular tension with noradrenaline, the thromboxane analogue U46619, endothelin-1 and K+. RESULTS: GEA displayed considerably higher contractile force to these agents than IMA. Pretreatment with levcromakalim depressed significantly the maximal contractile responses (either absolute or relative) to noradrenaline and U46619 but did not affect those of endothelin-1 and K+ in both of the arteries. Sensitivities (to all agents, except to endothelin-1) decreased significantly after levcromakalim. In experiments evaluating the antispasmodic activity of levcromakalim, a higher relaxant capacity was observed in GEA than IMA (for K+ contraction; IMA: 31.32 +/- 3.83%, n= 13 vs GEA: 98.01 +/- 0.71%, n=7, P<0.05). This different activity of levcromakalim between two arterial grafts was apparent even when GEA rings were contracted to higher force (g) than that of IMA (for K+ contraction; GEA: 72.56 +/- 4.96%, n = 7). Responses to levcromakalim were similar in IMA and GEA when endothelin-1 was used as the spasmogenic agent (IMA: 80.98 +/- 4.85%, n=10 vs GEA: 91.93 +/- 3.17%, n=7, P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide evidence that levcromakalim may have a therapeutic value in the treatment of spasm of coronary artery bypass grafts, especially GEA.