Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ROOT FORMATION IN CUTTINGS OF APPLE (cv. BRAMLEY'S SEEDLING) IN RELATION TO RINGBARKING AND TO ETIOLATION

SUMMARY The effect of excising a cylinder of bark from the base of growing shoots on subsequent root formation in the cuttings was examined in the difficult-to-root apple scion variety ‘Bramley's Seedling’. Ringbarking was found to enhance root formation only in etiolated segments of stem and when it was made proximal to the etiolated segment, since root formation took place preferentially distal to the ringbark. A second distal ringbark nullified the promotory influence of a proximal excision. Etiolation, together with proximal ring-barking, induced root formation in up to 98% of the cuttings.
Distinct functions of eosinophils in severe asthma with type 2 phenotype: clinical implications

Asthma is commonly recognized as a heterogeneous condition with a complex pathophysiology. With advances in the development of multiple medications for patients with asthma, most asthma symptoms are well managed. Nevertheless, 5% to 10% of adult asthmatic patients (called severe asthma) are in uncontrolled or partially controlled status despite intensive treatment. Especially, severe eosinophilic asthma is one of the severe asthma phenotypes characterized by eosinophilia in sputum/blood driven by type 2 immune responses. Eosinophils have been widely accepted as a central effector cell in the lungs. Some evidence has demonstrated that persistent eosinophilia in upper and lower airway mucosa contributes to asthma severity by producing various mediators including cytokines, chemokines and granule proteins. Moreover, extracellular traps released from eosinophils have been revealed to enhance type 2 inflammation in patients with severe asthma. These novel molecules have the ability to induce airway inf lammation and hyperresponsiveness through enhancing innate and type 2 immune responses. In this review, we highlight recent insight into the function of eosinophil extracellular traps in patients with severe asthma. In addition, the role of eosinophil extracellular vesicles in severe asthma is also proposed. Finally, current biologics are suggested as a potential strategy for effective management of severe eosinophilic asthma.
Altered glucocorticoid metabolism represents a feature of macroph‐aging

The aging process is characterized by a chronic, low‐grade inflammatory state, termed “inflammaging. ” It has been suggested that macrophage activation plays a key role in the induction and maintenance of this state. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for aging‐associated changes in the myeloid compartment of mice. The aging phenotype, characterized by elevated cytokine production, was associated with a dysfunction of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and diminished serum corticosteroid levels. In particular, the concentration of corticosterone, the major active glucocorticoid in rodents, was decreased. This could be explained by an impaired expression and activity of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β‐HSD1), an enzyme that determines the extent of cellular glucocorticoid responses by reducing the corticosteroids cortisone/11‐dehydrocorticosterone to their active forms cortisol/corticosterone, in aged macrophages and peripheral leukocytes. These changes were accompanied by a downregulation of the glucocorticoid receptor target gene glucocorticoid‐induced leucine zipper (GILZ) in vitro and in vivo. Since GILZ plays a central role in macrophage activation, we hypothesized that the loss of GILZ contributed to the process of macroph‐aging. The phenotype of macrophages from aged mice was indeed mimicked in young GILZ knockout mice. In summary, the current study provides insight into the role of glucocorticoid metabolism and GILZ regulation during aging.
Variation of the Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) Assemblage in Response to Land Use Changes in an Endemic Area of LeishmaniaTransmission in Northeast Argentina

Abstract Leishmaniases are a global health problem and in Argentina are considered emerging diseases.The new transmission scenarios of tegumentary leishmaniasis are especially important given that large areas of forest are being transformed into rural and urban systems. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the construction of a large public building and a neighborhood on the assemblage of Phlebotominae in a rural area with forest remnants and to correlate the changes observed in the species assemblage with characteristics of the environment. Entomological surveys with light traps were conducted on the construction campus in the northeastern region of Argentina at six sites representing different environmental situations. Structural environmental characteristics and meteorological conditions were recorded and analyzed. At least 16 species of Phlebotominae sand flies were collected, the most prevalent being Nyssomyia whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho), followed by the genus Brumptomyia (França & Parrot) and Migonemyia migonei (França). Our study provides evidence of how the structure of the assemblages and prevalent species respond to anthropogenic disturbances. As the construction progressed, both Ny. whitmani and the genus Brumptomyia were favored. The genus Brumptomyia was favored at sites surrounded by high proportions of forest, within patches of remnant vegetation, and relatively far from anthropogenic disturbances, while Ny. whitmani, the main vector of tegumentary leishmaniasis in the region, increases their abundant at short and intermediate distances from vegetation margins and areas close to anthropogenic disturbances, therefore increasing the risk of human exposure to vectors.
Mutually constructive roles of Ail and LPS in Yersinia pestis serum survival

The outer membrane is a key virulence determinant of gram‐negative bacteria. In Yersinia pestis, the deadly agent that causes plague, the protein Ail and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)6 enhance lethality by promoting resistance to human innate immunity and antibiotics, enabling bacteria to proliferate in the human host. Their functions are highly coordinated. Here we describe how they cooperate to promote pathogenesis. Using a multidisciplinary approach, we identify mutually constructive interactions between Ail and LPS that produce an extended conformation of Ail at the membrane surface, cause thickening and rigidification of the LPS membrane, and collectively promote Y. pestis survival in human serum, antibiotic resistance, and cell envelope integrity. The results highlight the importance of the Ail–LPS assembly as an organized whole, rather than its individual components, and provide a handle for targeting Y. pestis pathogenesis.
Nutrient Recycling by Caddisflies Alleviates Phosphorus Limitation in Case Periphyton

Abstract: Selective feeding and differential nutrient excretion by aquatic invertebrates plays a substantial role in nutrient recycling. Grazing larvae of the caddisfly Glossosoma intermedium construct a portable case for protection that also serves as a good substrate for periphyton colonization because it is constantly fertilized by larval excreta. We tested whether case periphyton was nutrient enriched compared to streambed periphyton and whether selective feeding by caddisfly larvae on case periphyton facilitates P remineralization. We measured total N, total P, and N:P in stream water and streambed cobble periphyton in 3 western Wisconsin streams. We collected larvae and measured N and P content and N:P of case periphyton, G. intermedium body, and G. intermedium excretion products. Cobble periphyton N:P at 2 streams suggested P limitation (368 ± 109 and 50 ± 10), but case periphyton N:P at those streams did not (11 ± 3 and 11 ± 0.8, respectively). Neither cobble nor case periphyton N:Ps suggested P limitation at the 3rd stream. Measured excretion N:P was more similar to the excretion N:P predicted for caddisfly grazing on case periphyton than for caddisfly grazing on cobble periphyton. Our results suggest that larval excretion alleviated P limitation of case periphyton and that case periphyton may serve as an important dietary resource for the grazing caddisfly larvae. Feeding on this P-rich case periphyton promotes P remineralization in P-limited, lotic ecosystems.
Coral Reef Restoration (Bolinao, Philippines) in the Face of Frequent Natural Catastrophes

Restoration of coral reefs is generally studied under the most favorable of environmental conditions, a stipulation that does not always reflect situations in the field. A 2‐year study (2005–2007), employing the “reef gardening” restoration concept (that includes nursery and transplantation phases), was conducted in Bolinao, Philippines, in an area suffering from intense human stressors. This site also experienced severe weather conditions, including a forceful southwesterly monsoon season and three stochastic environmental events: (1) a category 4 typhoon hit the Bolinao's lagoon (May 2006) impacted farmed corals; (2) heavy rains (August 2006) caused seepages of freshwater, followed by reduced salinity that impacted transplanted colonies; and (3) a bleaching event (June 2007) caused by warming of seawater, severely impacted both nursery and transplanted corals. This study analyzes the effects of these natural catastrophes on restoration efforts, and presents the successes and failures of recently used restoration instruments. Our results show that (1) in the nursery phase, consideration should be paid to depth‐flexible constructions and tenable species/genotypes prioritization and (2) for transplantation acts, site/species deliberation, timing, and specific site selections should be taken into account. Only the establishment of large‐scale nurseries and large transplantation measures and the adapting of restoration management to the frequently changing environment may forestall extensive reef degradation due to the combination of continuous anthropogenic and worsening global changes.
Aboveground standing crop, leaf area, and calorific value in an Aspen clone near Calgary, Alberta.

A 1967 aboveground harvest of 49 ramets of aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.), aged from 66 to 89 years, at an altitude of 1430 m in Alberta revealed a leaf area index of 1.8 (one side of foliage) and a clone standing crop of 77.11 metric tons/hectare (oven-dry weight) with an energy equivalent of 3630 × 108 gram calories/hectare. This standing crop estimate fell within the range of 58 to 290 metric tons/hectare reported elsewhere for aspen. The amount of aspen foliage and branch wood, as a percentage of total aboveground standing crop, increased from the bottom to the top of a slope gradient within the 0.02-hectare sample plot, indicating that topographic position exerted a phenotypic expression on production structure within the clone. Topographic position did not have a significant influence on the applicability of the two most reliable independent variables ((i) diameter at breast height squared × tree height, (ii) diameter of trunk at crown base) for prediction of the total aboveground weight and com.
Usefulness of Pep-Test for Laryngo-Pharyngeal Reflux: A Pilot Study in Primary Care

Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a digestive disorder characterized by nausea, regurgitation, and heartburn. Gastroesophageal reflux is the primary cause of laryngeal symptoms, especially chronic posterior laryngitis. The best diagnostic test for this disease is esophageal impedance-pH monitoring; however, it is poorly employed owing to its high cost and invasiveness. Salivary pepsin measured using a lateral flow device (Pep-test) has been suggested as an indirect marker of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). The present study tested the reliability of Pep-test in diagnosing LPR in uninvestigated primary care attenders presenting with chronic laryngeal symptoms, and evaluated the raw pepsin concentration in patients with LPR. Methods A multicenter, non-interventional pilot study was conducted on 86 suspected patients with LPR and 59 asymptomatic subjects as controls in three Italian primary care settings. A reflux symptom index questionnaire was used to differentiate patients with LPR (score >13) from controls (score <5). Two saliva samples were collected, and comparisons between the groups were performed using two-sided statistical tests, according to variable distributions. Results There was no statistical difference in the salivary pepsin positivity between LPR patients and controls, whereas the pepsin intensity value was higher in controls than in LPR patients. Conclusion A high prevalence of pepsin positivity was observed in asymptomatic controls. Pepsin measurement should not be considered as a diagnostic test for LPR in primary care patients.
Understory plant community classifications as predictors of forest site quality for lodgepole pine and white spruce in west-central Alberta

Understory vegetation of 103 lodgepole pine (Pinuscontorta Loudon var. latifolia Engelm.) and white spruce (Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss) stands, 70–150 years old, in a 16 000 km2 region of west-central Alberta was classified by 14 methods using species cover or log2 cover classes. Six classifications, including five selected by dendrogram and ordination elucidation of understory community types (UCTs), were evaluated by analysis of variance to identify UCTs with significantly different site indices of pine and spruce. Each classification consists of three to five UCTs, referable to two forest types, both levels distinguished by differences in constancy and cover of understory species. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in pine site index at 70 years occur between UCTs belonging to the same and different forest types, using divisive two-way indicator species analysis (TSL) and agglomerative furthest neighbour (FNL) and minimum variance (MVL) cluster analysis classifications, all based on log2 cover classes.
Comprehensive Analysis of MicroRNA and mRNA Expression in Normal and Tumorous Human Esophageal Squamous Cell Lines Using Microarray Datasets

Despite the undisputed importance of altered microRNA (miRNA) expression in various cancers, there is limited information on the clinicopathologic significance of cancer-related miRNAs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Previously, it was reported that the expression of several miRNAs was dysregulated in ESCC. However, the target genes of these miRNAs have not been identified. Furthermore, additional miRNAs in humans have been discovered recently, indicating that revised miRNA and gene expression profiling for ESCC are necessary. Here, we provide datasets from microarray analyses to identify miRNA and mRNA expression comprehensively in Het-1A, a normal human esophageal squamous cell line, and three human ESCC cell lines.
Field Performance of Two Peanut Cultivars Relative to Aflatoxin Contamination

Abstract Two runner-type peanut cultivars, “Sunbelt Runner” and “Florunner,” were compared under differing field conditions for contamination of the seed by Aspergillus flavus Link and aflatoxin. Laboratory tests had shown marked differences in resistance between the two cultivars. Peanuts were grown on three nonirrigated farms during 1980 using two planting dates and three harvest dates for each cultivar. Peanuts grown on two farms experienced moderate to severe drought stress and both cultivars contained high levels of aflatoxin. Peanuts on the third farm received adequate rainfall and contained very low levels of aflatoxin. Microflora, grade and aflatoxin data showed that Sunbelt Runner (reported to be resistant to A. flavus infection) had no advantage over Florunner (reported to have moderate resistance to A. flavus) in reducing levels of A. flavus and subsequent aflatoxin contamination under field conditions. Levels of infection and contamination were related primarily to environmental conditions, (e.
Deep Roots and Splendid Boughs of the Global Plant Virome.

Land plants host a vast and diverse virome that is dominated by RNA viruses, with major additional contributions from reverse-transcribing and single-stranded (ss) DNA viruses. Here, we introduce the recently adopted comprehensive taxonomy of viruses based on phylogenomic analyses, as applied to the plant virome. We further trace the evolutionary ancestry of distinct plant virus lineages to primordial genetic mobile elements. We discuss the growing evidence of the pivotal role of horizontal virus transfer from invertebrates to plants during the terrestrialization of these organisms, which was enabled by the evolution of close ecological associations between these diverse organisms. It is our hope that the emerging big picture of the formation and global architecture of the plant virome will be of broad interest to plant biologists and virologists alike and will stimulate ever deeper inquiry into the fascinating field of virus-plant coevolution. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Phytopathology, Volume 58 is August 25, 2020. Please see http://www.annualreviews. org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Lake Corangamite, Australia, a permanent saline lake: Conservation and management issues

Lake Corangamite in western Victoria, Australia, is the largest permanent lake on the Australian mainland. Its levels and salinities fluctuated naturally until recently. Since about 1960, its major inflow creek has been diverted for management purposes and lake levels have fallen and salinities risen. The changes have been most profound since 1980. Since 1980, salinity has risen from ∼35g/L to >50g/L, water levels have fallen by nearly 2m, and many islands have become peninsulas or have disappeared. The major effect has been a change in the composition of the biota from one that is characteristic of lakes in the region of moderate salinity (>35g/L) to one that is characteristic of more saline lakes (50-100 g/L). In particular, Austrochiltonia subtenuis (Amphipoda), Coxiella (Gastropoda), Galaxias maculatus (Pisces) and Ruppia (macrophyte) have almost disappeared. The loss of these species has greatly decreased the value of the lake to the avifauna in particular and as a natural resource in general. The changes to Lake Corangamite resulted largely from the diversion of the inflowing waters from the Woady Yaloak Creek, the major influent stream, into the Barwon River. The diversion scheme, undertaken by the Rural Water Commission of Victoria, was implemented mainly to minimize the possibility of flooding of land adjacent to the lake. The environmental consequences of such diversion were not fully considered. The paper documents the physico-chemical and biological changes that occurred up to 1992, and discusses issues of conservation and management interest associated with the changes. Changes in the level of Lake Corangamite and associated limnological features accord with the pattern observed in many salt lakes worldwide.
Lipid-associated PML structures assemble nuclear lipid droplets containing CCTα and Lipin1

PML proteins assemble into noncanonical lipid-associated PML structures (LAPS) on nuclear lipid droplets, which recruit CCTα and Lipin1 for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine and triacylglycerol. Nuclear lipid droplets (nLDs) form on the inner nuclear membrane by a mechanism involving promyelocytic leukemia (PML), the protein scaffold of PML nuclear bodies. We report that PML structures on nLDs in oleate-treated U2OS cells, referred to as lipid-associated PML structures (LAPS), differ from canonical PML nuclear bodies by the relative absence of SUMO1, SP100, and DAXX. These nLDs were also enriched in CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase α (CCTα), the phosphatidic acid phosphatase Lipin1, and DAG. Translocation of CCTα onto nLDs was mediated by its α-helical M-domain but was not correlated with its activator DAG. High-resolution imaging revealed that CCTα and LAPS occupied distinct polarized regions on nLDs. PML knockout U2OS (PML KO) cells lacking LAPS had a 40–50% reduction in nLDs with associated CCTα, and residual nLDs were almost devoid of Lipin1 and DAG. As a result, phosphatidylcholine and triacylglycerol synthesis was inhibited in PML KO cells. We conclude that in response to excess exogenous fatty acids, LAPS are required to assemble nLDs that are competent to recruit CCTα and Lipin1.
An Improved Method for Extraction and Measurement of the Inorganic Pyrophosphate in Leaves of Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) Plants

Abstract An improved method for extraction and measurement of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) in the leaves of crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plants, Ananas comosus (pineapple) , Kalanchoë pinnata and K. dotgremontiana is described. Leaf samples were extracted with 5% (w/v) trichloroacetic acid (TCA) dissolved in water. The extracts without neutralizing with KOH or K2 CO3 and those without washing with diethyl ether to remove TCA were directly used to measure PPi with PPi -dependent phosphofructokinase (PPi-PFK, EC 2.7.1.90) coupled with the oxidation of NADH. The method is sensitive and simple, the lower limit of the measurement was less than 1 nmol PPi mL-1 reaction mixture and the recoveries of the PPi added were more than 96%. Moreover, the initial PPi levels in TCA extracts could be maintained for at least one day. This method was advantageous for extracting and measuring a large number of samples at the same time. In addition, we found that neutralizing the extract before determination was disadvantageous to PPi recovery.
‘Surely you’re not still breastfeeding’: a qualitative exploration of women’s experiences of breastfeeding beyond infancy in the UK

Objectives To explore women’s experiences of breastfeeding beyond infancy (>1 year). Understanding these experiences, including the motivators, enablers and barriers faced, may help inform future strategies to support and facilitate mothers to breastfeed for an optimal duration. Design An exploratory qualitative study using an interpretive approach. Nineteen semistructured interviews were conducted (in person, via phone or Skype), transcribed and thematically analysed using the framework method. Setting Participants drawn from across the UK through online breastfeeding support groups. Participants Maximum variation sample of women currently breastfeeding a child older than 1 year, or who had done so in the previous 5 years. Participants were included if over 18, able to speak English at conversational level and resident in the UK. Results The findings offer insights into the challenges faced by women breastfeeding older children, including perceived social and cultural barriers. Three core themes were interpreted: (1) parenting philosophy; (2) breastfeeding beliefs; (3) transition from babyhood to toddlerhood. Women had not intended to breastfeed beyond infancy prior to delivery, but developed a ‘child-led’ approach to parenting and internalised strong beliefs that breastfeeding is the biological norm. Women perceived a negative shift in approval for continued breastfeeding as their child transitioned from ‘baby’ to ‘toddler’. This compelled woman to conceal breastfeeding and fostered a reluctance to seek advice from healthcare professionals. Mothers reported feeling pressured to breastfeed when their babies were young, but discouraged as children grew. They identified best with the term ‘natural-term breastfeeding’. Conclusions This study suggests that providing antenatal education regarding biological weaning ages and promotion of guidelines for optimum breastfeeding duration may encourage more women to breastfeed for longer. Promoting the concept of natural-term breastfeeding to mothers, and healthcare professionals, employers and the public is necessary to normalise and encourage acceptance of breastfeeding beyond infancy.