Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of salt accumulation on the leaf water potential and transpiration rate of pot-grown wheat with a controlled saline groundwater table

Abstract We investigated the effects of continuous salt accumulation in the root zone of wheat. Leaf water potential and transpiration rate were measured in plants grown in an experimental pot system. Plants were grown in a controlled-environment glasshouse in sand-filled pots, in which the groundwater table was maintained at a desired depth. Saline water was recharged from the base, providing constant water content in the unsaturated root zone. At 52 days after sowing, the water table was set at a depth of 47 cm from the soil surface. Groundwater and initial soil water were replaced with saline water with electrical conductivities (EC) of 0.2 dS m−1 (Control [C]), 8 dS m−1 (EC8) and 16 dS m−1 (EC16). The daily transpiration rate, leaf water potential (ψL ) and EC of the soil water at a depth of 45 cm were measured during the experiment. Stomatal behavior was expressed using the transpiration ratio E t /E tc (the ratio of the transpiration rates of EC8 and EC16 to that in the control). Our results indicated that ψL and E t /E tc gradually decreased with increasing soil water EC as a result of transpiration and water uptake by the roots. The final ψL values of EC8 and EC16 were –4.0 MPa and –7.0 MPa, respectively, and the final E t /E tc values of EC8 and EC16 were 0.3 and 0.2, respectively. E t /E tc decreased with decreasing ψL , and induced stomatal closure. The E t /E tc of the wheat was 0.5 when ψL was –2.5 MPa and 0.3 when ψL was –3.0 MPa. Although a reduction in ψL from –1.5 MPa to –3.0 MPa caused a steep decline in E t /E tc , a subsequent reduction of ψL to –7.0 MPa caused only a minor reduction. This relationship between stomatal behavior and salt accumulation is similar to that reported in previous studies for plants grown in drought conditions. Changes in the transpiration ratio were expressed in an empirical equation as a function of ψL .
Heterozygosity for a Pathogenic Variant in SLC12A3 That Causes Autosomal Recessive Gitelman Syndrome Is Associated with Lower Serum Potassium.

BACKGROUND Potassium levels regulate multiple physiologic processes. The heritability of serum potassium level is moderate, with published estimates varying from 17% to 60%, suggesting genetic influences. However, the genetic determinants of potassium levels are not generally known. METHODS A whole-exome sequencing association study of serum potassium levels in 5812 subjects of the Old Order Amish was performed. A dietary salt intervention in 533 Amish subjects estimated interaction between p.R642G and sodium intake. RESULTS A cluster of variants, spanning approximately 537 kb on chromosome 16q13, was significantly associated with serum potassium levels. Among the associated variants, a known pathogenic variant of autosomal recessive Gitelman syndrome (p.R642G SLC12A3) was most likely causal; there were no homozygotes in our sample. Heterozygosity for p.R642G was also associated with lower chloride levels, but not with sodium levels. Notably, p.R642G showed a novel association with lower serum BUN levels. Heterozygotes for p.R642G had a two-fold higher rate of self-reported bone fractures and had higher resting heart rates on a low-salt diet compared with noncarriers. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that heterozygosity for a pathogenic variant in SLC12A3 causing Gitelman syndrome, a canonically recessive disorder, contributes to serum potassium concentration. The findings provide insights into SLC12A3 biology and the effects of heterozygosity on electrolyte homeostasis and related subclinical phenotypes that may have implications for personalized medicine and nutrition.
Yield and Essential Oil Response in Coriander to Water Stress and Phosphorus Fertilizer Application

Abstract Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) contains essential oil, and various extracts from the seeds possess anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-cancerous and anti-mutagenic activities. Field experiments were carried out to study the effect of phosphorus (P) fertilization (0, 12 and 24 kg-ha−1 P) on the seed yield, and volatile oil of Egyptian cultivar of coriander under water stress conditions. The oil was obtained by hydrodistillation extraction method using Clevenger apparatus. Chemical analysis of the oil was done by using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Increasing water amounts and P fertilization rates increased plant height, number of branches, number of umbels and seed yield. Essential oil yields increased significantly with increasing water regimes from 50 % to 100 % of ET crop. Irrigation applied at 100 % of crop water need, combined with 24 kg-ha−1 P, gave the best seed and oil yields results. Coriander plants have high water use efficiency (WUE) at 50 % ET crop, and 24 kg-ha−1 P whilst irrigation at 100 % ET crop without any phosphorus application gave the lowest WUE. Concerning essential oil constituents, linalool was the major compound in coriander fruits.
The failings of per se limits to detect cannabis-induced driving impairment: Results from a simulated driving study

Abstract Objective Many jurisdictions use per se limits to define cannabis-impaired driving. Previous studies, however, suggest that THC concentrations in biological matrices do not reliably reflect cannabis dose and are poorly correlated with magnitude of driving impairment. Here, we first review a range of concerns associated with per se limits for THC. We then use data from a recent clinical trial to test the validity of a range of extant blood and oral fluid THC per se limits in predicting driving impairment during a simulated driving task. Methods Simulated driving performance was assessed in 14 infrequent cannabis users at two timepoints (30 min and 3.5 h) under three different conditions, namely controlled vaporization of 125 mg (i) THC-dominant (11% THC; <1% CBD), (ii) THC/CBD equivalent (11% THC; 11% CBD), and (iii) placebo (<1% THC & CBD) cannabis. Plasma and oral fluid samples were collected before each driving assessment. We examined whether per se limits of 1.4 and 7 ng/mL THC in plasma (meant to approximate 1 and 5 ng/mL whole blood) and 2 and 5 ng/mL THC in oral fluid reliably predicted impairment (defined as an increase in standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP) of >2 cm relative to placebo). Results For all participants, plasma and oral fluid THC concentrations were over the per se limits used 30 min after vaporizing THC-dominant or THC/CBD equivalent cannabis. However, 46% of participants failed to meet SDLP criteria for driving impairment. At 3.5 h post-vaporization, 57% of participants showed impairment, despite having low concentrations of THC in both blood (median = 1.0 ng/mL) and oral fluid (median = 1.0 ng/mL). We highlight two individual cases illustrating how (i) impairment can be minimal in the presence of a positive THC result, and (ii) impairment can be profound in the presence of a negative THC result. Conclusions There appears to be a poor and inconsistent relationship between magnitude of impairment and THC concentrations in biological samples, meaning that per se limits cannot reliably discriminate between impaired from unimpaired drivers. There is a pressing need to develop improved methods of detecting cannabis intoxication and impairment.
Genomic Diversity in a Population of Spodoptera frugiperda Nucleopolyhedrovirus

Spodoptera frugiperda multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV) represents a strong candidate to develop environmental-friendly pesticides against the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), a widespread pest that poses a severe threat to different crops around the world. However, little is known regarding the genomic diversity present inside SfMNPV isolates and how it shapes the interactions between virus and host. Here, the genomic diversity present inside an isolate of SfMNPV was explored using high-throughput sequencing for the first time. We identified 704 intrahost single nucleotide variants, from which 184 are nonsynonymous mutations distributed among 82 different coding sequences. We detected several structural variants affecting SfMNPV genome, including two previously reported deletions inside the egt region. A comparative analysis between polymorphisms present in different SfMNPV isolates and our intraisolate diversity data suggests that coding regions with higher genetic diversity are associated with oral infectivity or unknown functions. In this context, through molecular evolution studies we provide evidence of diversifying selection acting on sf29, a putative collagenase which could contribute to the oral infectivity of SfMNPV. Overall, our results contribute to deepen our understanding of the coevolution between SfMNPV and the fall armyworm and will be useful to improve the applicability of this virus as a biological control agent. Highlights We characterized the genomic diversity within a population of SfMNPV. Coding regions with higher genetics diversity are associated with oral infectivity or unknown functions. Several structural variants contribute to the genomic diversity of SfMNPV. Sf29, a putative collagenase, shows signs of adaptive evolution.
Assessment of risk compensation following use of the dapivirine vaginal ring in southwestern Uganda

Objectives Participation in HIV prevention trials could trigger risk compensation among participants. We evaluated potential risk compensation following use of a vaginal ring microbicide by women in a phase III trial in southwestern Uganda. Methods We used markers of sexual risk behaviour documented on standardised questionnaires, tested for STIs at baseline and quarterly for 2 years. Risk compensation was defined as a significant increase (trend p<0.05) in the proportion of women reporting risky sexual behaviour or a diagnosed STI between baseline and end of follow-up. Results Between September 2013 and December 2016, 197 women (active arm: n=132 and placebo: n=65) were enrolled at the Masaka site. There were decreases in all markers of sexual risk behaviour with statistically significant decreases in only the proportion of women reporting ≥2 sexual partners, p=0.026 and those diagnosed with Trichomonas vaginalis p<0.001 and or Neisseria gonorrhoeae p<0.001 Conclusions No evidence of risk compensation was observed in this trial. Trial registration number NCT01539226.
Structural Characterization of Different Asphaltenes of Kuwaiti Origin

Abstract Asphaltenes obtained by precipitation from crude Kuwaiti oils have been analyzed by proton magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR) and Infrared (IR) spectral techniques. The molecular weight and elemental analysis were also determined. These combined analytical data were used for the characterization of these Kuwaiti oils. The asphaltenes molecular weights range from approximately 4200–6500 with an H/C ratio of 0.91–1.1 with an average 45–71% aromatic carbons. The average side chain length was of 4–6 carbons. It can also be concluded that the asphaltenes under investigation contain 5–9 sets of condensed aromatic rings joined together by bridges of alkyl chains or other hetero atoms and the average number of each of these sets of condensed aromatic rings is nearly 7. There are a number of alicyclic rings and condensed alicyclic rings in asphaltene. The IR spectra showed main molecular groups including OH, NH, SH, C=O and aliphatic and aromatic C-H′s.
Pesticide Residues and Their Metabolites in Grapes and Wines from Conventional and Organic Farming System

In this study, the occurrence of pesticide residues and their metabolites in grapes and wines was investigated. A targeted analysis of 406 pesticide residues in 49 wine and grape samples from organic and conventional production were performed using the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) extraction method, followed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Multiple residues (>4 residues/sample) were detected in 22 tested samples. The most commonly detected residues were fungicides (e.g., boscalid) and insecticides (e.g., methoxyfenozide). An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry method (UHPLC–(HR)MS) was used for screening of pesticide metabolites. We also provide a method and database for detecting pesticide metabolites (extending our previously published database to 49 metabolites originating from 25 pesticides). An introduced strategy of targeted screening of pesticide metabolites was applied for authentication of 27 organic grapes and wines. In total, 23 samples were free of quantifiable residues/detected metabolites or contained residues approved for organic production.
Comparison of extracellular vesicle isolation and storage methods using high-sensitivity flow cytometry

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are of interest for a wide variety of biomedical applications. A major limitation for the clinical use of EVs is the lack of standardized methods for the fast and reproducible separation and subsequent detection of EV subpopulations from biofluids, as well as their storage. To advance this application area, fluorescence-based characterization technologies with single-EV resolution, such as high-sensitivity flow cytometry (HS-FCM), are powerful to allow assessment of EV fractionation methods and storage conditions. Furthermore, the use of HS-FCM and fluorescent labeling of EV subsets is expanding due to the potential of high-throughput, multiplex analysis, but requires further method development to enhance the reproducibility of measurements. In this study, we have applied HS-FCM measurements next to standard EV characterization techniques, including nanoparticle tracking analysis, to compare the yield and purity of EV fractions obtained from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocytic THP-1 cells by two EV isolation methods, differential centrifugation followed by ultracentrifugation and the exoEasy membrane affinity spin column purification. We observed differences in EV yield and purity. In addition, we have investigated the influence of EV storage at 4°C or -80°C for up to one month on the EV concentration and the stability of EV-associated fluorescent labels. The concentration of the in vitro cell derived EV fractions was shown to remain stable under the tested storage conditions, however, the fluorescence intensity of labeled EV stored at 4°C started to decline within one day.
Optimized production and immunogenicity of an insect virus-based chikungunya virus candidate vaccine in cell culture and animal models

ABSTRACT A chimeric Eilat/ Chikungunya virus (EILV/CHIKV) was previously reported to replicate only in mosquito cells but capable of inducing robust adaptive immunity in animals. Here, we initially selected C7/10 cells to optimize the production of the chimeric virus. A two-step procedure produced highly purified virus stocks, which was shown to not cause hypersensitive reactions in a mouse sensitization study. We further optimized the dose and characterized the kinetics of EILV/CHIKV-induced immunity. A single dose of 108 PFU was sufficient for induction of high levels of CHIKV-specific IgM and IgG antibodies, memory B cell and CD8+ T cell responses. Compared to the live-attenuated CHIKV vaccine 181/25, EILV/CHIKV induced similar levels of CHIKV-specific memory B cells, but higher CD8+ T cell responses at day 28. It also induced stronger CD8+, but lower CD4+ T cell responses than another live-attenuated CHIKV strain (CHIKV/IRES) at day 55 post-vaccination. Lastly, the purified EILV/CHIKV triggered antiviral cytokine responses and activation of antigen presenting cell (APC)s in vivo, but did not induce APCs alone upon in vitro exposure. Overall, our results demonstrate that the EILV/CHIKV vaccine candidate is safe, inexpensive to produce and a potent inducer of both innate and adaptive immunity in mice.
Accelerated Atmospheric Corrosion Testing of Ag

Corrosion behavior of Ag in atmospheres containing humidity and ozone (O3), with sodium chloride (NaCl) surface contamination and ultraviolet (UV) illumination, has attracted strong interest recently because of the failure of ASTM B117 testing for Ag. This paper further investigates the effects of these parameters on Ag corrosion by laboratory exposure in a home-built environment chamber. Corrosion products were identified by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and quantified by galvanostatic reduction after exposures in different environments. The corrosion rate of Ag decreased as relative humidity (RH) increased in the presence of O3 and UV. The morphology of exposed Ag was also affected by RH. UV causes both photoreduction of silver chloride (AgCl) back to metallic Ag as well as an increase in the Ag corrosion rate because of O3 photolysis. Fuzzy analysis indicates that RH is a more significant factor affecting Ag corrosion than O3 or UV. The corrosion rate of Ag at Daytona Beach, Florida, also was predicted succe.
A Novel Mouse Model of Radiation-Induced Cardiac Injury Reveals Biological and Radiological Biomarkers of Cardiac Dysfunction with Potential Clinical Relevance

Purpose: Radiation-induced cardiotoxicity is a significant concern in thoracic oncology patients. However, the basis for this disease pathology is not well characterized. We developed a novel mouse model of radiation-induced cardiotoxicity to investigate pathophysiologic mechanisms and identify clinically targetable biomarkers of cardiac injury. Experimental Design: Single radiation doses of 20, 40, or 60 Gy were delivered to the cardiac apex of female C57BL/6 mice ages 9–11 weeks, with or without adjacent lung tissue, using conformal radiotherapy. Cardiac tissue was harvested up to 24 weeks post-radiotherapy for histologic analysis. Echocardiography and Technetium-99m sestamibi single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) at 8 and 16 weeks post-radiotherapy were implemented to evaluate myocardial function and perfusion. Mouse cardiac tissue and mouse and human plasma were harvested for biochemical studies. Results: Histopathologically, radiotherapy resulted in perivascular fibrosis 8 and 24 (P < 0.05) weeks post-radiotherapy. Apical perfusion deficits on SPECT and systolic and diastolic dysfunction on echocardiography 8 and 16 weeks post-radiotherapy were also observed (P < 0.05). Irradiated cardiac tissue and plasma showed significant increases in placental growth factor (PlGF), IL6, and TNFα compared with nonradiated matched controls, with greater increases in cardiac cytokine levels when radiotherapy involved lung. Human plasma showed increased PlGF (P = 0.021) and TNFα (P = 0.036) levels after thoracic radiotherapy. PlGF levels demonstrated a strong correlation (r = 0.89, P = 0.0001) with mean heart dose. Conclusions: We developed and characterized a pathophysiologically relevant mouse model of radiation-induced cardiotoxicity involving in situ irradiation of the cardiac apex. The model can be used to integrate radiomic and biochemical markers of cardiotoxicity to inform early therapeutic intervention and human translational studies.
Lack of evidence of the correlation between plasma Asymmetrical Dimethylarginine correlation and IMT in type 2 diabetic patients with chronic vascular complication.

INTRODUCTION Patients with type 2 diabetes represent 50% of all sudden cardiac deaths. Disseminated arteriosclerotic lesions are the cause of vascular incidents that cause permanent disability resulting from lower limb amputations. OBJECTIVES Our study was designed to investigate the relationship between asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) plasma concentration and intima-media thickness (IMT) in subjects with diabetes mellitus without vascular complications (group A) and a group of diabetic patients diagnosed with diabetes micro- and macroangiopathy (group B). PATIENTS AND METHOD The experimental groups included 42 diabetic patients. Group A - 22 patients (9 W and 13 M), free from vascular complications (mean age 55.83±7.37 years), group B - 20 patients (6 W, 14 M) with accompanying micro- and macropathic changes (mean age 63.80±8.79 years). Group C (n=22), the control group, consisted of healthy volunteers (12 W and 10 M), between the ages of 40 to 60 (mean age 51.16±6.39), selected in reference to the age and sex of the research group. The carotid artery intima-media complex thickness (IMT) was evaluated with the use of a duplex ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS There was no correlation between ADMA and the maximal or mean intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery (CCA) and internal carotid artery (ICA). We demonstrated a correlation between symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) concentration and CCA IMT. The results suggest that ICA IMT may serve as a marker of vascular complication among patients with diabetes.
Risk for persistent post-delivery pain – increased by pre-pregnancy pain and depression. Similar to persistent post-surgical pain in general?

Persistent pain after surgery or trauma is a major health problem, also after Caesarian delivery [1]. There are various understandings of how long after an operation a new pain should last before it is more than pain due to a normal, but slow rehabilitation after surgery. Any duration from 6 weeks and up to 12 months has been called persistent post-surgical pain or post-delivery pain [1, 2]. This is one reason for the highly variable outcomes in study-reports of this burdensome clinical and psychosocial problem; another is the lack of information on the severity and burden of post-surgical pain. However, the definition by Mads U. Werner and Ulf E. Kongsgaard [3] is helpful and is now in part adopted by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for the diagnosis of secondary pain after surgery or trauma in the 11th version of the International Classification of Diseases, the ICD-11 [4]:
Inorganic Nanocarriers for Encapsulation of Natural Antimicrobial Compounds for Potential Food Packaging Application: A Comparative Study

Design and development of novel inorganic nanocarriers for encapsulation of natural antimicrobial substances for food packaging applications have received great interest during the last years. Natural nanoclays are the most investigated nanocarriers and recently interest has also grown in the synthetically produced porous silica particles. However, these different carrier matrices have not been compared in terms of their loading capability and subsequent release. In this study, the feasibility of porous silica particles (with different pore structures and/or surface functionalities) and commercially available nanoclays were evaluated as encapsulation matrices. Two well-studied antimicrobial substances, thymol and curcumin, were chosen as volatile and non-volatile model compounds, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency, and the subsequent dispersibility and release, of these substances differed significantly among the nanocarriers. Encapsulation of the volatile compound highly depends on the inner surface area, i.e., the protective pore environment, and an optimal nanocarrier can protect the encapsulated thymol from volatilization. For the non-volatile compound, only the release rate and dispersibility are affected by the pore structure. Further, water-activated release of the volatile compound was demonstrated and exhibited good antimicrobial efficacy in the vapor phase against Staphylococcus aureus. This comparative study can provide a base for selecting the right nanocarrier aimed at a specific food packaging application. No nanocarrier can be considered as a universally applicable one.