Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) Improve ‘Hass’ Avocado (Persea americana) Pollination

Pollination is limiting for avocado production. We examined whether adding bumblebees (BBs; ca. 10 hives/ha) to conventional honeybees (HB; 5 hives/ha) would improve ‘Hass’ avocado pollination and yields. A preliminary trial (2017/18) in an avocado orchard with four consecutive rows of ‘Hass’ followed by one row of ‘Ettinger’ serving as a pollenizer (20% ‘Ettinger’) showed a considerable increase in ‘Hass’ yield in rows adjacent to (up to 80 m from) the BB hives vs. distant rows (=controls). In 2018/19, the trials were extended to three additional orchards. A significant yield increase was obtained in the BB hive-adjacent trees compared to BB hive-distant ones. Similar results were obtained in 2019/20, in experiments conducted throughout the country. The SNP analysis, to determine the parents of ‘Hass’ fruit at varying distances from the BB hives, showed no differences in the cross-pollination rate (‘Hass’ × ‘Ettinger’). However, pollination rates and the number of germinating pollen grains per stigma decreased with distance from the hives, and correlated to the negative gradient in yield. Taken together, our data suggest that adding BB hives to ‘Hass’ avocado orchards, at ca. 10 hives/ha resulting in 0.5–1.0 BB visits/tree per min, increases pollination and, accordingly, total yield.
Temperature-Dependent Excitonic Photoluminescence and Nonlinear Absorption of CdTe Nanocrystal/Polyvinyl Alcohol Films

The temperature dependence of the excitonic photoluminescence (PL) and nonlinear absorption characteristics of CdTe nanocrystals (NCs)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film are investigated using steady-state/time-resolved PL spectroscopy and Z-scan methods. The excitonic PL peaks of CdTe NCs can be observed at the wavelengths from 560 to 670 nm, with size changes from 2.1 to 3.9 nm. From the temperature-dependent PL spectra, the smaller photon energy of the PL emission peak, the rapidly decreasing PL intensity, and the wider linewidth are observed with increasing temperature from 80 to 300 K. It is revealed that the excitonic PL is composed of both trapped state and band-edge excitonic state, which presents biexponential fitting dynamics. The short-lived species is due to the surface-trapped state recombination in NCs, which has a photogenerated trapped channel and a time-resolved peak shift. The species with a long-lived lifetime is ascribed to the intrinsic excitonic recombination. Through the femtosecond Z-scan method, the nonlinear absorption coefficient becomes smaller with the increase in the size of the NCs. The optical properties of the CdTe NC/PVA film show the potential of II-VI traditional NCs as display and luminescent materials that can utilize the combination of excitonic PL and nonlinear absorption for expanded functionality.
Affecting HEK293 Cell Growth and Production Performance by Modifying the Expression of Specific Genes

The HEK293 cell line has earned its place as a producer of biotherapeutics. In addition to its ease of growth in serum-free suspension culture and its amenability to transfection, this cell line’s most important attribute is its human origin, which makes it suitable to produce biologics intended for human use. At the present time, the growth and production properties of the HEK293 cell line are inferior to those of non-human cell lines, such as the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and the murine myeloma NSO cell lines. However, the modification of genes involved in cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, metabolism, glycosylation, secretion, and protein folding, in addition to bioprocess, media, and vector optimization, have greatly improved the performance of this cell line. This review provides a comprehensive summary of important achievements in HEK293 cell line engineering and on the global engineering approaches and functional genomic tools that have been employed to identify relevant genes for targeted engineering.
Cellulose Nanocrystals vs. Cellulose Nanofibers: A Comparative Study of Reinforcing Effects in UV-Cured Vegetable Oil Nanocomposites

There is an opportunity to use nanocellulose as an efficient renewable reinforcing filler for polymer composites. There have been many investigations to prove the reinforcement concept of different nanocellulose sources for thermoplastic and thermoset polymers. The present comparative study highlighted the beneficial effects of selecting cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and nanocrystals (CNCs) on the exploitation properties of vegetable oil-based thermoset composite materials—thermal, thermomechanical, and structural characteristics. The proposed UV-light-curable resin consists of an acrylated epoxidized soybean oil polymer matrix and two different nanocellulose reinforcements. High loadings of up to 30 wt% of CNFs and CNCs in irradiation-cured vegetable oil-based thermoset composites were reported. Infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated developed hydrogen-bonding interactions between the nanocellulose and polymer matrix. CNCs yielded a homogeneous nanocrystal dispersion, while CNFs revealed a nanofiber agglomeration in the polymer matrix, as shown by scanning electron microscopy. Thermal degradation showed that nanocellulose reduced the maximum degradation temperature by 5 °C for the 30 wt% CNC and CNF nanocomposites. Above the glass transition temperature at 80 °C, the storage modulus values increased 6-fold and 2-fold for the 30 wt% CNC and CNF nanocomposites, respectively. In addition, the achieved reinforcement efficiency factor r value for CNCs was 8.7, which was significantly higher than that of CNFs of 2.2. The obtained nanocomposites with enhanced properties show great potential for applications such as UV-light-processed coatings, adhesives, and additive manufacturing inks.
Response of Fungal Diversity, Community Composition, and Functions to Nutrients Management in Red Soil

Soil fungi play a critical role in plant performance and soil nutrient cycling. However, the understanding of soil fungal community composition and functions in response to different nutrients management practices in red soils remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the responses of soil fungal communities and functions under conventional farmer fertilization practice (FFP) and different nutrient management practices, i.e., optimization of NPK fertilizer (O) with soil conditioner (O + C), with lime and mushroom residue (O + L + M), and with lime and magnesium fertilizer (O + L + Mg). Illumina high-throughput sequencing was used for fungal identification, while the functional groups were inferred with FUNGuild. Nutrient management practices significantly raised the soil pH to 4.79–5.31 compared with FFP (3.69), and soil pH had the most significant effect (0.989 ***) on fungal communities. Predominant phyla, including Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mortierellomycota were identified in all treatments and accounted for 94% of all fungal communities. The alpha diversity indices significantly increased under nutrients management practices compared with FFP. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed the keystone fungal species in the red soil, i.e., Ascomycota (54.04%), Basidiomycota (7.58%), Rozellomycota (4.55%), and Chytridiomycota (4.04%). FUNGuild showed that the relative abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and ectomycorrhizal fungi was higher, while pathogenic fungi were lower under nutrient management practices compared with FFP. Our findings have important implications for the understanding of improvement of acidic soils that could significantly improve the soil fungal diversity and functioning in acidic soils.
Coping Strategies, Anxiety and Depression in OCD and Schizophrenia: Changes during COVID-19

Background: The main aim was to examine changes in coping strategies, anxiety and depression in obsessive–compulsive and schizophrenia patients during COVID-19, in addition to controlling the influence of intolerance to uncertainty and experiential avoidance. Method: The first time, the study comprised (15–30 April 2020) 293 patients, 113 of whom were diagnosed with obsessive–compulsive disorder, 61 with schizophrenia and 119 healthy controls, aged 13–77 years (M = 37.89, SD = 12.65). The second time (15–30 November), the study comprised 195 participants (85 obsessive–compulsive patients, 42 schizophrenic patiens and 77 healthy controls participants). The evaluation was carried out through an online survey. Results: The clinical groups worsened over time in cognitive coping, anxiety and depression, while the control group only worsened in depression. Intergroup differences in anxiety, depression and coping strategies were maintained, highlighting the use of some maladaptive strategies (avoidance, spiritual) in clinical groups. Experiential avoidance and tolerance for uncertainty mainly affected coping. Conclusions: The duration of COVID-19 not only produced changes in anxiety and depression in clinical groups but also in coping strategies to face this pandemic and its consequences.
A Greek Validation Study of the Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire-23

The Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire-23 (MSWDQ-23) is a self-report instrument developed to assess barriers faced by People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) in the workplace. The aim of this study was to explore the psychometric properties of the Greek version of the MSWDQ-23. The study sample consisted of 196 PwMS, all currently working in part- or full-time jobs. Participants underwent clinical examination and cognitive screening with the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) and completed self-report measures of fatigue, psychological functioning, and quality of life, along with the MSWDQ-23 questionnaire. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed, and goodness-of-fit measures were used to evaluate construct validity. Convergent validity was checked by correlating MSWDQ-23 scores with study measures. Cronbach’s alpha value was produced to assess internal consistency. CFA yielded a model with a fair fit confirming the three-factor structure of the instrument. Higher work difficulties were associated with higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, poorer cognitive function, more fatigue, stress, anxiety, and depression, and poorer health status, supporting the convergent validity of MSWDQ-23. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.94) and test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.996, 95%, CI = 0.990–0.998) were excellent. The Greek MSWDQ-23 can be considered a valid patient-reported outcome measure and can be used in interventions aiming to improve the vocational status of PwMS.
The Molecular Evolution of Type 2 Vaccine-Derived Polioviruses in Individuals with Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases

The oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV), which prevents person-to-person transmission of poliovirus by inducing robust intestinal immunity, has been a crucial tool for global polio eradication. However, polio outbreaks, mainly caused by type 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2), are increasing worldwide. Meanwhile, immunodeficiency-associated vaccine-derived poliovirus (iVDPV) is considered another risk factor during the final stage of global polio eradication. Patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases are associated with higher risks for long-term iVDPV infections. Although a limited number of chronic iVDPV excretors were reported, the recent identification of a chronic type 2 iVDPV (iVDPV2) excretor in the Philippines highlights the potential risk of inapparent iVDPV infection for expanding cVDPV outbreaks. Further research on the genetic characterizations and molecular evolution of iVDPV2, based on comprehensive iVDPV surveillance, will be critical for elucidating the remaining risk of iVDPV2 during the post-OPV era.
Socio-Demographic Factors Involved in a Low-Incidence Phase of SARS-CoV-2 Spread in Sicily, Italy

Background: The present study analysed SARS-CoV-2 cases observed in Sicily and investigated social determinants that could have an impact on the virus spread. Methods: SARS-CoV-2 cases observed among Sicilian residents between the 1 February 2020 and 15 October 2020 have been included in the analyses. Age, sex, date of infection detection, residency, clinical outcomes, and exposure route have been evaluated. Each case has been linked to the census section of residency and its socio-demographic data. Results: A total of 10,114 patients (202.3 cases per 100,000 residents; 95% CI = 198.4–206.2) were analysed: 45.4% were asymptomatic and 3.62% were deceased during follow-up. Asymptomatic or mild cases were more frequent among young groups. A multivariable analysis found a reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 cases was found in census sections with higher male prevalence (adj-OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.99–0.99; p < 0.001) and presence of immigrants (adj-OR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.86–0.92; p < 0.001). Proportion of residents aged <15 years, residents with a university degree, residents with secondary education, extra-urban mobility, presence of home for rent, and presence of more than five homes per building were found to increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 incidence. Conclusion: Routinely collected socio-demographic data can be predictors of SARS-CoV-2 risk infection and they may have a role in mapping high risk micro-areas for virus transmission.
Nuclear Organization during Hepatogenesis in Zebrafish Requires Uhrf1

Acquisition of cellular fate during development is initiated and maintained by well-coordinated patterns of gene expression that are dictated by the epigenetic landscape and genome organization in the nucleus. While the epigenetic marks that mediate developmental gene expression patterns during organogenesis have been well studied, less is known about how epigenetic marks influence nuclear organization during development. This study examines the relationship between nuclear structure, chromatin accessibility, DNA methylation, and gene expression during hepatic outgrowth in zebrafish larvae. We investigate the relationship between these features using mutants that lack DNA methylation. Hepatocyte nuclear morphology was established coincident with hepatocyte differentiation at 80 h post-fertilization (hpf), and nuclear shape and size continued to change until the conclusion of outgrowth and morphogenesis at 120 hpf. Integrating ATAC-Seq analysis with DNA methylation profiling of zebrafish livers at 120 hpf showed that closed and highly methylated chromatin occupies most transposable elements and that open chromatin correlated with gene expression. DNA hypomethylation, due to mutation of genes encoding ubiquitin-like, containing PHD and RING Finger Domains 1 (uhrf1) and DNA methyltransferase (dnmt1), did not block hepatocyte differentiation, but had dramatic effects on nuclear organization. Hepatocytes in uhrf1 mutants have large, deformed nuclei with multiple nucleoli, downregulation of nucleolar genes, and a complete lack of the nuclear lamina. Loss of lamin B2 staining was phenocopied by dnmt1 mutation. Together, these data show that hepatocyte nuclear morphogenesis coincides with organ morphogenesis and outgrowth, and that DNA methylation directs chromatin organization, and, in turn, hepatocyte nuclear shape and size during liver development.
Emerging Phage Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 Is Accompanied by an Enhanced Heterogeneity and Reduced Virulence

Bacterial surface structures of a proteinic nature and glycoconjugates contribute to biofilm formation and provide shields to host defense mechanisms (e.g., the complement system and phagocytosis). A loss or alteration of these molecules, leading to phage resistance, could result in fewer virulent bacteria. In this study, we evaluate the biology and phenotype changes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 phage-resistant clones, which emerge in phage-treated biofilms. We characterize these clones for phage-typing patterns, antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, pathogenicity, and interactions with the innate immune system. Another important question that we address is whether phage-resistant mutants are also generated incidentally, despite the phage treatment-selective pressure, as the natural adaptation of the living biofilm population. It is found that the application of different phages targeting a particular receptor selects similar phage resistance patterns. Nevertheless, this results in a dramatic increase in the population heterogeneity, giving over a dozen phage-typing patterns, compared to one of the untreated PAO1 sessile forms. We also confirm the hypothesis that “phage-resistant bacteria are more susceptible to antibiotics and host-clearance mechanisms by the immune system”. These findings support phage application in therapy, although the overall statement that phage treatment selects the less virulent bacterial population should be further verified using a bigger collection of clinical strains.
Genetic Diversity and Synergistic Modulation of Salinity Tolerance Genes in Aegilops tauschii Coss

Aegilops tauschii Coss. (2n = 2x = 14, DD) is a problematic weed and a rich source of genetic material for wheat crop improvement programs. We used physiological traits (plant height, dry weight biomass, Na+ and K+ concentration) and 14 microsatellite markers to evaluate the genetic diversity and salinity tolerance in 40 Ae. tauschii populations. The molecular marker allied with salinity stress showed polymorphisms, and a cluster analysis divided the populations into different groups, which indicated diversity among populations. Results showed that the expression level of AeHKT1;4 and AeNHX1 were significantly induced during salinity stress treatments (50 and 200 mM), while AeHKT1;4 showed relative expression in roots, and AeNHX1 was expressed in leaves under the control conditions. Compared with the control conditions, the expression level of AeHKT1;4 significantly increased 1.7-fold under 50 mM salinity stress and 4.7-fold under 200 mM salinity stress in the roots of Ae. tauschii. AeNHX1 showed a relative expression level of 1.6-fold under 50 mM salinity stress and 4.6-fold under 200 mM salinity stress compared with the control conditions. The results provide strong evidence that, under salinity stress conditions, AeHKT1;4 and AeNHX1 synergistically regulate the Na+ homeostasis through regulating Na+ transport in Ae. tauschii. AeNHX1 sequestrated the Na+ into vacuoles, which control the regulation of Na+ transport from roots to leaves under salinity stress conditions in Ae. tauschii.
Analytical Performance of COVID-19 Detection Methods (RT-PCR): Scientific and Societal Concerns

Background. Health and social management of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic, responsible for the COVID-19 disease, requires both screening tools and diagnostic procedures. Reliable screening tests aim at identifying (truely) infectious individuals that can spread the viral infection and therefore are essential for tracing and harnessing the epidemic diffusion. Instead, diagnostic tests should supplement clinical and radiological findings, thus helping in establishing the diagnosis. Several analytical assays, mostly using RT-PCR-based technologies, have become commercially available for healthcare workers and clinical laboratories. However, such tests showed some critical limitations, given that a relevant number of both false-positive and false-negative cases have been so far reported. Moreover, those analytical techniques demonstrated to be significantly influenced by pre-analytical biases, while the sensitivity showed a dramatic time dependency. Aim. Herein, we critically investigate limits and perspectives of currently available RT-PCR techniques, especially when referring to the required performances in providing reliable epidemiological and clinical information. Key Concepts. Current data cast doubt on the use of RT-PCR swabs as a screening procedure for tracing the evolution of the current SARS-COV-2 pandemic. Indeed, the huge number of both false-positive and false-negative results deprives the trustworthiness of decision making based on those data. Therefore, we should refine current available analytical tests to quickly identify individuals able to really transmit the virus, with the aim to control and prevent large outbreaks.
Effects of Extraoral Suction on Droplets and Aerosols for Infection Control Practices

Dental professionals are at increased risk of being infected with airborne pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 because they are often exposed to droplets/aerosols production during dental treatment. To scientifically clear the effects of extraoral and oral suctions on the droplets and aerosols produced by dental treatments using an ultrasonic scaler was analyzed. The adenosine triphosphate and bacteria in droplets and aerosols produced during simulated scaling were quantitatively observed by reactions with luciferin/luciferase and incubation in culture plates to grow bacteria, respectively. The protection against spreading droplets and aerosols by oral and extraoral suctions was recognized, and the areas were limited to the left and posterior sides of the dental chair head when a right-handed dentist and dental hygienist performed scaling. Extraoral suction is a very useful tool for reducing the infection risk of COVID-19 in dental care, but the effective area is limited depending on physical characteristics of dentist and dental hygienist.
Low Bone Mineral Density and Risk for Osteoporotic Fractures in Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis

Introduction: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) can lead to malnutrition, an established risk factor for low bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures. This study aims to determine the prevalence of low BMD, assess fracture incidence and explore risk factors for fractures in patients with CP. Patients and methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients treated for CP at Karolinska University Hospital between January 1999 and December 2020. Electronic medical records were retrieved to assess demographic, laboratory and clinical data. Patients subjected to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were categorised as either low BMD or normal BMD. We investigated whether the rate of fractures, defined by chart review, differed between these groups using Cox regression, adjusting the model for age, sex and body mass index (BMI). Additional within-group survival analysis was conducted to identify potential risk factors. Results: DXA was performed in 23% of patients with definite CP. Some 118 patients were included in the final analysis. Low BMD was present in 63 (53.4%) patients. Mean age at CP diagnosis in the total cohort was 53.1 years and was significantly lower in patients with normal BMD than in patients with low BMD (45.5 vs. 59.8, p < 0.001). Significant differences were observed in smoking status and disease aetiology, i.e., a higher proportion of patients with low BMD were current or former smokers, with nicotine or alcohol being a more common cause of CP (p < 0.05). Total follow-up time was 898 person-years. Fractures were found in 33 (28.0%) patients: in 5 of 55 patients (16.7%) with normal DXA and in 28 of 63 patients (44.4%) with low BMD (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2–9.6). Patients with at least 3 months of consecutive pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) or vitamin D treatment had a longer median time to fracture after CP diagnosis. Conclusion: DXA was only performed in 23% of patients with definite CP in this study, indicating a low adherence to current European guidelines. A low BMD was found in 53.4% of patients with CP, and 44% of the patients with a low BMD experienced a fracture during follow-up. Moreover, the fracture rate in patients with low BMD increased compared to those with normal BMD.