ABSTRACT The extended use of the same variety by farmers over successive generations and reuse of the “seeds” caused natural variability that can be a magnificent opportunity for genetic improvement of tomatillo. Two successive seasons were accomplished to select genotypes with good performance from a heterogeneous population of the local tomatillo “Balady”. The results revealed significant differences in early yield as fruit number and average fruit weight over the original population. Additionally, the results revealed a highly significant correlation between fruit set percentage and total soluble solids (TSS) at 60 days and the marketable yield with fruit length and TSS at 60 days. In conclusion, the path analysis along with heritability and selection genetic gain showed that early yield and fruit set are the two most critical component traits for fruit yield in tomatillo. In addition, the average fruit weight showed a low indirect effect on fruit yield per plant. Twenty promising genotypes were selected as a kernel for pure line development through further breeding programs.

RESUMO O uso prolongado de uma mesma variedade pelos agricultores ao longo de sucessivas gerações e a reutilização das “sementes” causaram variabilidade natural sendo uma oportunidade para o melhoramento genético do tomatillo. Duas safras sucessivas foram realizadas para selecionar genótipos com bom desempenho em uma população heterogênea do tomatillo local “Balady”. Os resultados revelaram diferenças significativas na produção precoce quanto ao número de frutos e peso médio dos frutos em relação à população original. Além disso, os resultados revelaram correlação altamente significativa entre porcentagem de pegamento de frutos e sólidos solúveis totais (SST) aos 60 dias de idade, e a produtividade comercial com comprimento de frutos e SST aos 60 dias de idade. Em conclusão, a análise de trilha juntamente com a herdabilidade e o ganho genético de seleção mostraram que a produção precoce e a frutificação são as duas características mais críticas para a produção de frutos no tomatillo. Além disso, o peso médio dos frutos apresentou baixo efeito indireto na produção de frutos por planta. Vinte genótipos promissores foram selecionados como sementes para o desenvolvimento de linhagens puras através de programas de melhoramento.

Abstract Introduction Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Etiologically, several factors may play a role in its development. Previous studies have reported elevated plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels in patients with depression, suggesting that PAI-1 levels might be linked to the etiology of MDD. Methods We systematically searched the following online databases: MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science up to September 10, 2020, to identify studies in which PAI-1 levels were reported in subjects with MDD. Subsequently we used RevMan 5.3 to perform a meta-analysis of data extracted from the included studies using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and PICO criteria for the search and analysis. Results Six studies that reported mean ± standard deviation (SD) were included in the analysis, with a total of 507 MDD patients and 3,453 controls. The overall standardized mean difference (SMD) was 0.27 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.01-0.53). PAI-1 serum levels were 0.27 SDs higher in MDD patients than in controls. The test for overall effect was significant (z = 2.04, p = 0.04). Substantial heterogeneity was detected among the studies, demonstrated by the inconsistency test (I2 = 72%) and the chi-square test (χ2 = 18.32; p = 0.003). Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that MDD might be related to elevated PAI-1 levels. We propose larger prospective clinical studies to further investigate this clinical correlation and validate the clinical significance of these observations.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The current coronavirus pandemic has greatly strained the limited resources that had previously maintained the sustainability of the high-cost cardiothoracic surgeries in low-income countries like Egypt. Methods: Hospital databases and patients’ records were reviewed to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the workflow and waiting lists. Postoperative patients were contacted by telephone for follow-up, as well as preoperative patients whose operations were cancelled. Regular virtual meetings were held, and residents were asked to discuss the stresses, challenges, and their suggestions for the gradual resumption of services. Residents’ logbooks were evaluated to assess the disruption of the surgical exposure compared to 2019. Results: While thoracic surgeries have continued to thrive, cardiac surgeries have witnessed the worst consequences, including cancellation of all surgeries, expansion of waiting lists, patients’ non-compliance with follow-up, and impaired surgical exposure of junior residents. Conclusion: The gradual recovery of cardiac surgery services in Alexandria (Egypt) is being carefully planned, taking into consideration the backlog of cases and the shortage of screening kits. Careful tiering and triaging of patients by a multidisciplinary team, as well as seeking alternative assessment tools for trainees, are the main lines of our action plan.