Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Loss of Function of Fatty Acid Desaturase 7 in Tomato Enhances Photosynthetic Carbon Fixation Efficiency

Fatty Acid Desaturase 7 (FAD7) generates polyunsaturated fatty acids, promoting the desaturation of chloroplast membranes; it also provides an essential precursor for the synthesis of jasmonic acid (JA), a phytohormone that can influence plant growth, development, and primary metabolism. This study examined the effects of spr2, a null mutation in SlFAD7, on the growth, morphology, and photosynthetic traits of tomato, Solanum lycopersicum. Although the spr2 mutant had a lower density of stomata than wild type plants, the two genotypes had comparable stomatal conductance, transpiration rates, and intracellular CO2 levels; in addition, spr2 had significantly thinner leaf blades, which may help maintain normal levels of CO2 diffusion despite the lower number of stomata. Surprisingly, spr2 also had significantly higher carbon assimilation (A) and maximum quantum efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) than wild type plants at both of the light intensities tested here (220 or 440 µmol m−2 s−1), despite having lower levels of chlorophyll than wild type plants under low light (220 µmol m−2 s−1). Furthermore, CO2 response curves indicated higher in vivo Rubisco activity (Vcmax) in spr2 compared to wild type plants, as well as an enhanced maximum rate of electron transport used in the regeneration of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (Jmax). These data indicate that loss of function of FAD7 can enhance the efficiency of both light-dependent and light-independent reactions in photosynthesis. Consistent with this, the spr2 mutant also displayed enhanced growth, with significantly more leaves and a more compact growth habit. In contrast to spr2, another tomato mutant impaired in JA synthesis (acx1) showed no enhancements in growth or photosynthetic efficiency, suggesting that the enhancements observed in spr2 are independent of the effects of this mutation on JA synthesis. These data demonstrate that loss of function of FAD7 can enhance photosynthesis and growth, potentially through its impacts on the chloroplast membranes.
Comparison of D-loop gene for subspecies confirmation of tigers (Panthera tigris).

Tiger (Panthera tigris), the biggest cat species and the top predator has fallen into endangered category. In the present study, we confirmed the subspecies of tiger with help of DNA based methods. The mitochondrial control region gene (D–loop) sequence was utilized for this purpose. DNA was extracted from tiger blood sample originally obtained from mini zoo of Rohtak, Haryana. The D–loop sequence was amplified and submitted to GenBank with accession number HM362438. Based on D–loop sequence identity and phylogenetic analysis Panthera tigris tigris (Indian tiger) was differentiated from other Panthera tigris subspecies (Panthera tigris amoyensis, Panthera tigris corbetti, Panthera tigris sumatrae and Panthera tigris altacia) from different parts of the world. The present report also describes an easier, quicker and non hazardous protocol for the isolation of genomic DNA from tiger blood. All copyrights reserved to Nexus® academic publishers
Molecular Cloning and Functional Characterization of CpMYC2 and CpBHLH13 Transcription Factors from Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox L.)

Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox L.) is an ornamental and economically significant shrub known for its unique flowering characteristics, especially the emission of abundant floral volatile organic compounds. Thus, an understanding of the molecular mechanism of the production of these compounds is necessary to create new breeds with high volatile production. In this study, two bHLH transcription factors (CpMYC2 and CpbHLH13) of Wintersweet H29 were functionally characterized to illustrate their possible role in the production of volatile compounds. The qRT-PCR results showed that the expression of CpMYC2 and CpbHLH13 increased from the flower budding to full bloom stage, indicating that these two genes may play an essential role in blooming and aroma production in wintersweet. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis revealed that the overexpression of CpMYC2 in arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) AtMYC2-2 mutant (Salk_083483) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabaccum) genotype Petit Havana SR1 significantly increased floral volatile monoterpene, especially linalool, while the overexpression of CpbHLH13 in Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype Columbia-0 (Col-0) and tobacco genotype SR1 increased floral sesquiterpene β-caryophyllene production in both types of transgenic plants respectively. High expression of terpene synthase (TPS) genes in transgenic A. thaliana along with high expression of CpMYC2 and CpbHLH13 in transgenic plants was also observed. The application of a combination of methyl jasmonic acid (MeJA) and gibberellic acid (GA3) showed an increment in linalool production in CpMYC2-overexpressing arabidopsis plants, and the high transcript level of TPS genes also suggested the involvement of CpMYC2 in the jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathway. These results indicate that both the CpMYC2 and CpbHLH13 transcription factors of wintersweet are possibly involved in the positive regulation and biosynthesis of monoterpene (linalool) and sesquiterpene (β-caryophyllene) in transgenic plants. This study also indicates the potential application of wintersweet as a valuable genomic material for the genetic modification of floral scent in other flowering plants that produce less volatile compounds.
Sex-Specific Germination Response in the Liverwort Sphaerocarpos texanus (Sphaerocarpaceae)

Abstract The sexually dimorphic liverwort, Sphaerocarpos texanus, can be used to study changes in sex ratios in a cohort of individuals during different life stages, from spore development to germination to senescence. Recent attempts to germinate spores under controlled conditions have been successful. This study used laboratory-derived spores to detect subtle sex-specific differences in germination in a cohort of spores across different dormancy breaking temperatures. Sex ratios were determined for subsets of sporelings held at 35/20, 30/15, and 25/15°C for one to eight wk. Sex ratios were female biased for spores that lost dormancy in the 25/15°C and when the data were pooled across the three dormancy breaking thermoperiods. This pattern coupled with the potential for spore banks formation in S. texanus can lead to a single cohort of spores influencing the sporeling sex ratios across seasons.
Plant community development is affected by nutrients and soil biota

1 Plant community development depends to a great extent on the availability of soil nutrients, but recent studies underline the role of symbiotic, herbivorous and pathogenic soil biota. We tested for interactions between these biotic and abiotic factors by studying the effects of additional nutrients and the removal of soil biota on the replacement of grassland plant species typical of different successional stages. 2 Species representing each of the early, mid and target phases of secondary succession in a grassland community (four per phase) were grown in mid‐successional grassland soil. The mixed plant communities were grown in sterilized and non‐sterilized soil, at three nutrient supply levels. The distribution of shoot biomass over the different plant species, and the total root biomass, were determined, as well as the composition of nematode and microarthropod communities and soil decomposition rates. 3 The effect of nutrient supply on plant community composition depended on soil sterilization. In sterilized soil, the plant community was initially dominated by grasses that increased in dominance even without fertilization. In non‐sterilized soil, the plant community was more diverse and grass dominance decreased over time, except with high fertilization. Fertilization enhanced the productivity of the plant community in sterilized and, to a greater extent, in non‐sterilized soil. 4 The abundance of root‐feeding nematodes was positively related to increased root biomass, pointing to a strong bottom‐up control. Increased levels of nutrient supply were associated with reduced abundance of omnivorous nematodes, the cause of this reduction being less clear. Increased soil fertility altered the functional diversity of the soil nematode community, which might, in the longer term, also affect their feedback effects on the plant community. 5 Increased nutrient supply reduced soil decomposition activity in the non‐sterilized soil, but not in the sterilized soil. 6 Our results imply that soil biota may reduce the effects of nutrient supply on plant dominance. Incorporating the effects of soil biota on plant species interactions into studies on succession, plant species diversity and restoration may therefore considerably increase our understanding of the observed plant community patterns.
Clinical and conceptual approaches to interpreting the findings of systematic review and meta-analysis of mortality after drug-eluting stents vs. coronary artery bypass grafting for left main coronary artery disease

This commentary refers to ‘Mortality after drug-eluting stents vs. coronary artery bypass grafting for left main coronary artery disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials’ by Y. Ahmad et al . , doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ ehaa135. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis study was published in the European Heart Journal by Ahmad et al . 1 Innovative investigation : This study treads novel ground in delineating the comparative effectiveness of each mode of treatment, with focus on prognosis/mortality of the patient post-treatment. Nevertheless, there are some aspects of the meta-analysis that we would like to re-quire addressing.
Intergenerational Effect of Maternal Childhood Maltreatment on Next Generation’s Vulnerability to Psychopathology: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

Many studies have identified the multiple negative consequences of childhood maltreatment on subsequent mental health. However, research on the intergenerational effect of maternal childhood maltreatment has not been systematically synthesized. This meta-analysis aimed to provide a quantitative estimate of the intergenerational effect of maternal childhood maltreatment on their offspring’s psychopathology. Electronic databases and gray literature were searched for English-language prospective cohort studies. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. This review only included those studies with (1) maternal childhood maltreatment occurring prior to 18 years of age, (2) using a clear and reliable assessment for maltreatment exposure and offspring’s mental health problems prior to age 18. Random-effect models were used to calculate the pooled effect size of maternal childhood maltreatment on offspring’s psychopathology, and meta-regression was used to explore potential confounders. Twelve studies met eligibility criteria. Significant heterogeneity was found across selected studies. Maternal childhood maltreatment was found to have a small but significant effect on the offspring’s depression and internalizing behaviors (r = .14, 95% confidence interval [.09, .19]). Two moderators were found, maternal depression and ethnicity. Maternal depression reduced the effect size of maternal maltreatment on offspring’s depression and internalizing disorders. The offspring of non-Caucasian mothers who had a history of childhood maltreatment faced a higher risk of mental health problems. There was no evidence of publication bias. This review provides robust evidence to reinforce the need for policies to reduce its occurrence, as it can influence not just one but two or possibly more generations.
Population size and trends of Ludwig’s Bustard Neotis ludwigii and other large terrestrial birds in the Karoo, South Africa

Ludwig’s Bustard Neotis ludwigii is globally ‘Endangered’ because of a projected population decline resulting from high collision mortality on power lines throughout its southern African range. Population monitoring is key to the effective conservation of threatened species, but there are no population trend data to confirm the impact of this mortality. We repeated extensive road and aerial census counts of Ludwig’s Bustards and other large terrestrial birds, previously conducted in the late 1980s, across the Karoo, South Africa. An aerial survey gave similar density patterns to a concurrent road count, suggesting that road counts are an adequate method for censusing Ludwig’s Bustards. In common with the 1980s surveys, there was a strong seasonal effect in the Succulent Karoo, with Ludwig’s Bustards abundant in winter and rare in summer. There was no evidence of a corresponding decline in the Nama Karoo in winter, but this probably relates to reduced detectability in the Nama Karoo in summer as there is evidence for large proportions of the population migrating between biomes. No relationship was found between the numbers of Ludwig’s Bustards and rainfall, perhaps because of larger scale rainfall patterns in the Karoo and/or because the species is not strictly nomadic. Compared with the 1980s, Ludwig’s Bustards were more strongly associated with transformed lands, which have increased marginally on road count transects. Using Distance, the current South African population is estimated at 114,000 (95% CI 87,000-148,000) birds, with no evidence for a population decline over the past two decades. Numbers of Blue Cranes Anthropoides paradiseus increased since the 1980s, corresponding with other data supporting this trend, but numbers of Karoo Korhaan Eupodotis vigorsii , Southern Black Korhaan Afrotis afra and Blue Korhaan E. caerulescens all decreased, raising concerns about the conservation status of these resident bustard species.
Glial glutamate transporter GLT‐1 determines susceptibility to spreading depression in the mouse cerebral cortex

Cortical spreading depression (CSD) is a pathological neural excitation that underlies migraine pathophysiology. Since glutamate receptor antagonists impair CSD propagation, susceptibility to CSD might be determined by any of the neuronal (excitatory amino acid carrier 1 [EAAC1]) and glial (GLutamate ASpartate Transporter [GLAST] and glial glutamate transporter 1 [GLT‐1]) glutamate transporters, which are responsible for clearing extracellular glutamate. To investigate this hypothesis, we performed electrophysiological, hemodynamic, and electrochemical analyses using EAAC1‐ (EAAC1 KO), GLAST‐ (GLAST KO), and conditional GLT1‐1‐knockout mice (GLT‐1 cKO) to assess altered susceptibility to CSD. Despite the incomplete deletion of the gene in the cerebral cortex, GLT‐1 cKO mice exhibited significant reduction of GLT‐1 protein in the brain without apparent alteration of the cytoarchitecture in the cerebral cortex. Physiological analysis revealed that GLT‐1 cKO showed enhanced susceptibility to CSD elicited by chemical stimulation with increased CSD frequency and velocity compared to GLT‐1 control. In contrast, the germ‐line EAAC1 and GLAST KOs showed no such effect. Intriguingly, both field potential and cerebral blood flow showed faster dynamics with narrower CSD than the controls. An enzyme‐based biosensor revealed more rapid accumulation of glutamate in the extracellular space in GLT‐1 cKO mice during the early phase of CSD than in GLT‐1 control, resulting in an increased susceptibility to CSD. These results provided the first evidence for a novel role of GLT‐1 in determining susceptibility to CSD.
Sex Differences in Maturation and Attrition of Adult Neurogenesis in the Hippocampus

Abstract Sex differences exist in the regulation of adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus in response to hormones and cognitive training. Here, we investigated the trajectory and maturation rate of adult-born neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG) of male and female rats. Sprague Dawley rats were perfused 2 h, 24 h, one week (1w), 2w, or 3w after bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) injection, a DNA synthesis marker that labels dividing progenitor cells and their progeny. Adult-born neurons (BrdU/NeuN-ir) matured faster in males compared with females. Males had a greater density of neural stem cells (Sox2-ir) in the dorsal, but not in the ventral, DG and had higher levels of cell proliferation (Ki67-ir) than non-proestrous females. However, males showed a greater reduction in neurogenesis between 1week and 2weeks after mitosis, whereas females showed similar levels of neurogenesis throughout the weeks. The faster maturation and greater attrition of new neurons in males compared with females suggests greater potential for neurogenesis to respond to external stimuli in males and emphasizes the importance of studying sex on adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
Screening the Peanut Core Collection for Resistance to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus

Abstract Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is among the greatest yield-reducing viruses affecting peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The best known method of control of TSWV is through the use of resistant cultivars. Unfortunately, only a few peanut genotypes with moderate levels of resistance are known. The objectives of this study were to identify additional sources of resistance to TSWV and to determine whether plant descriptor information is associated with reaction to TSWV in the field. Peanut plant introductions from a core collection were evaluated for resistance to TSWV in field trials from 1991 to 1993. Great variability was found among PIs for reaction to natural TSWV epidemics at Attapulgus, GA. Accessions which exhibited potential resistance in 1991 or 1992 were reevaluated in subsequent years. Disease pressure was high in 1993 and 27 accessions exhibited significantly greater resistance than Florunner, and one (PI 262049) had lower disease incidence than Southern Runner. Only minor relationships ex.
Commentary: Preferred practice pattern for primary eye care in the context of COVID-19 in L V Prasad Eye Institute network in India

The COVID‐19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), originated in Wuhan, China, and spread across the globe. As of 5th June 2020, it has infected nearly 6.5 million individuals and killed more than 400,000 individuals. [1] The route of transmission includes mainly droplets, fomites, and also aerosol particles. [2] There is evidence that SARS‐Cov‐2 can also cause intestinal infection and present in faeces, however there are no reports on the faecal‐oral transmission. [2] The most common symptoms reported are fever and cough. [3,4] Ocular involvement in the form of conjunctivitis can sometimes be the first symptom. [3,5] Advisory measures include social distancing, working from home and safe hygiene practice. Legal measures include travel restrictions, reduction or postponement of elective procedures, lockdown, and curfews. [6]
COVID-19 and pulmonary rehabilitation: preparing for phase three

As of 15 May 2020, 4 405 680 coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) cases have been reported worldwide [1]. Although figures are increasing, it seems the virus aggression is lowering, significantly reducing the pressure on the intensive care unit (ICU) beds. At the time of writing, the lockdown is going through a new phase of remodelling, and the National Authorities are testing the possibility of resuming economic activities. From the general population point of view, this is an encouraging aspect but, all those professionals involved in the pathway of care are aware of the importance this phase has on preventing the spread of the infection. Considering the expected high burden of respiratory, physical and psychological impairment following the acute phase of COVID-19, a huge number of patients should be referred early to a rehabilitation programme https://bit.ly/3d0s0hu
Molecular Surveillance and in vitro Drug Sensitivity Study of Plasmodium falciparum Isolates from the China-Myanmar Border.

The emergence and spread of resistance in Plasmodium falciparum to the frontline treatment artemisinin-based combination therapies in Southeast Asia require close monitoring of the situation. Here, we collected 36 clinical samples of P. falciparum from the China-Myanmar border in 2014-2016, adapted these parasites to continuous culture, and performed in vitro drug assays on seven antimalarial drugs. Data for 23 parasites collected in 2010 and 2012 from the same area reported in an early study were used to assess longitudinal changes in drug sensitivity. Parasites remained highly resistant to chloroquine (CQ) and pyrimethamine (PY), whereas they were generally sensitive to mefloquine (MFQ), lumefantrine (LMF), naphthoquine (NQ), and pyronaridine (PND). Parasites showed a similar temporal trend in sensitivity to CQ, NQ, and PND, with gradual reduction in the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) after 2012. The IC50s to the aminoalcohol drugs MFQ, LMF, and quinine (QN) all significantly declined in 2014, followed by various degrees of increase in 2016. Pyrimethamine displayed a continuous increase in IC50 over the years. The Dd2-like P. falciparum chloroquine-resistant transporter mutations were fixed or nearly fixed in the parasite population. The P. falciparum multidrug resistance 1 F1226Y mutation was detected in 80% parasites in 2016 and associated with reduced sensitivity to LMF and QN (P < 0.05). The N51I in P. falciparum dihydrofolate reductase and K540E/N and A581G in P. falciparum dihydropteroate synthase that are associated with antifolate resistance were either fixed or were approaching fixation in recent years. This study provides an updated picture and temporal trend of antimalarial drug resistance in the China-Myanmar border region, which will serve as a reference for antimalarial treatment.
Mobility of RPA 201772 in Setaria faberi

Abstract Translocation and metabolism of radiolabeled RPA 201772 was studied in Setaria faberi. Tissue-killing heat girdles were used to determine the extent of RPA 201772 transport in the apoplast and symplast. In leaf uptake studies, girdling was performed above and below the treated area on the leaf. In root uptake studies, girdling was performed on the stem just above the crown. Girdling restricted translocation of 14C following both the root and leaf applications. However, translocation occurred past the girdles suggesting that both the symplast and apoplast are involved in translocation of 14C from RPA 201772. Translocation of 14C out of the treated leaf was reduced 85% with a girdle below the 14C spotting area. In root metabolism studies, 27, 40, and 33% of recovered 14C were identified as parent RPA 201772, diketonitrile, and other metabolites, respectively, 24 h after treatment (HAT). Conversion from parent RPA 201772 to diketonitrile was more extensive in leaf tissue than in roots with 10, 68, and 22% of recovered 14C identified as parent RPA 201772, diketonitrile, and other metabolites, respectively, in the treated area of the leaf 24 HAT. Metabolite analysis demonstrated RPA 201772 is mobile in both the apoplast and symplast. Nomenclature: RPA 201772 (5-cyclopropylisoxazol-4-yl 2-mesyl-4-trifluoromethylphenol ketone); Setaria faberi Herrm. SETFA; giant foxtail.