Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Photosynthetic plasticity of a tropical tree species, Tabebuia rosea, in response to elevated temperature and [CO2 ].

Atmospheric and climate change will expose tropical forests to conditions they have not experienced in millions of years. To better understand the consequences of this change we studied photosynthetic acclimation of the neotropical tree species Tabebuia rosea to combined 4°C warming and twice-ambient (800 ppm) CO2 . We measured temperature responses of the maximum rates of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylation (VCMax ), photosynthetic electron transport (JMax ), net photosynthesis (PNet ), and stomatal conductance (gs ), and fitted the data using a probabilistic Bayesian approach. To evaluate short-term acclimation plants were then switched between treatment and control conditions and re-measured after 1-2 weeks. Consistent with acclimation, the optimum temperatures (TOpt ) for VCMax , JMax and PNet were 1-5°C higher in treatment than in control plants, while photosynthetic capacity (VCMax , JMax , and PNet at TOpt ) was 8-25% lower. Likewise, moving control plants to treatment conditions moderately increased temperature optima and decreased photosynthetic capacity. Stomatal density and sensitivity to leaf-to-air vapor pressure deficit were not affected by growth conditions, and treatment plants did not exhibit stronger stomatal limitations. Collectively, these results illustrate the strong photosynthetic plasticity of this tropical tree species as even fully-developed leaves of saplings transferred to extreme conditions partially acclimated. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Hyaluronic acid in vulvar and vaginal administration: evidence from a literature systematic review

Abstract Vulvovaginal pathology impairs the quality of life of both women in menopause and those who are not. Different therapies have been proposed, mainly related to estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women. However, some contraindications limit its use, and different moisturizers or lubricants have been tested. Hyaluronic acid is a promising and widely used vaginal medical treatment with a moisturizing action and appears to provide a solution. For this reason, we performed a systematic review of the literature. We searched for original articles without date restriction until 30 April 2020. We included all clinical trials which administered local hyaluronic acid in the vulva or vagina. Only English studies and those performed in humans were eligible. Seventeen original studies were included in the review (from randomized controlled trials to longitudinal studies). Hyaluronic acid was generally found to be effective in improving vulvovaginal symptoms (dyspareunia, itching, burning, dryness) and signs (bleeding, atrophy, vaginal pH). In conclusion, hyaluronic acid has the properties to be an efficient moisturizer for women suffering from vulvovaginal atrophy who have contraindications for estrogen therapy and for vulvovaginal signs and symptoms affecting sexual well-being. However, a well-designed randomized controlled trial is needed in order to clarify its efficacy and safety profile.
Phytoremediation of 137Cs, 60Co, 241Am, and 239Pu from aquatic solutions using Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Scenedesmus obliquus, and Chlorella vulgaris

Abstract This work is focused on the phytoremediation of radionuclides using eukaryotic green microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Scenedesmus obliquus, and Chlorella vulgaris. This study highlights the potential use of microalgae in the process of phytoremediation in polluted aquatic solutions due to the unique cellular mechanism of uptake of different radionuclides. The kinetics of radionuclide removal from the samples was described according to the first-order kinetics and expressed by the rate constant k and calculated for each microalga at the most suitable pH. The activity of 137Cs and 60Co was measured in the presence of S. obliquus or C. reinhardtii and the activity of 241Am and 239Pu was measured in the presence of C. vulgaris. A significant decrease of activity of 137Cs was observed using C. reinhardtii with a rate constant of 2.4 Bq min−1 and S. obliquus after 3 h of incubation at pH 7 with rate constant of 2.5 Bq min−1. Chlorella vulgaris was able after 3 h of incubation to remove 241Am and 239Pu up to 90 and 70% in aquatic solutions at pH 1.7 and pH 1.5, with rate constants of 4.4 mBq min−1 and 2.8 × 10−2 mBq min−1, respectively. Novelty statement Ecologically suitable methods for the decontamination of liquid radioactive waste or radioactively contaminated areas are becoming more and more important due to the pollution of the planet. We believe that phytoremediation of radionuclides using microalgae is one of the optimal ecological methods to decontamination of radioactive waste. Microalgae as unicellular organisms have a number of advantages over the other organisms used in bioremediation—high level of tolerance to the environment, fast growth rates, high tolerance to various pH levels, etc. In this study, we used 3 different strains of microalgae for phytoremediation of various radionuclides (137Cs, 60Co, 241Am, and 239Pu). This research was focused on ex situ phytoremediation of radionuclides using microalgae at various pH levels of radioactively contaminated solutions. Due to the ability of microalgae to adapt to sometimes even extreme pH values, this research may be interesting for many institutions and researchers dealing with more environmentally friendly methods of decontamination of radioactive waste.
Perfectionism, substance use, and mental health in college students: A longitudinal analysis

Abstract The study examined the relationship between perfectionism (categorized by adaptive, maladaptive, and non-perfectionist clusters), substance use (i.e., drinking and smoking), and mental health in a large sample of college student (N = 841; M = 19.6 years of age) in a time-lagged design. Students were classified using a two-step cluster analysis where subscales are used in hierarchical and k-means cluster analysis. Results revealed that adaptive perfectionists reported better mental health compared to non-perfectionists and maladaptive perfectionists. Additionally, adaptive perfectionists reported lower levels of alcohol use compared to non-perfectionists. Differences between mental health and alcohol use by cluster were found over time, but not for smoking behaviors. Across all participants, substance use did not mediate the relationship between perfectionism and mental health. Future research directions as well as practical implications are discussed.
High avidity drives the interaction between the streptococcal C1 phage endolysin, PlyC, with the cell surface carbohydrates of Group A Streptococcus

Endolysin enzymes from bacteriophage cause bacterial lysis by degrading the peptidoglycan cell wall. The streptococcal C1 phage endolysin PlyC, is the most potent endolysin described to date and can rapidly lyse group A, C, and E streptococci. PlyC is known to bind the Group A streptococcal cell wall, but the specific molecular target or the binding site within PlyC remain uncharacterized. Here we report for the first time, that the polyrhamnose backbone of the Group A streptococcal cell wall is the binding target of PlyC. We have also characterized the putative rhamnose binding groove of PlyC and found four key residues that were critical to either the folding or the cell wall binding action of PlyC. Based on our results, we suggest that the interaction between PlyC and the cell wall may not be a high‐affinity interaction as previously proposed, but rather a high avidity one, allowing for PlyC’s remarkable lytic activity. Resistance to our current antibiotics is reaching crisis levels and there is an urgent need to develop the antibacterial agents with new modes of action. A detailed understanding of this potent endolysin may facilitate future developments of PlyC as a tool against the rise of antibiotic resistance.
Theory of Hydrophobic Effects

The subject of this review is the solution environment of nonpolar molecules dissolved in liquid water, and the molecular description of the most likely encounters between such solutes in aqueous solution. These subjects have been traditionally discussed under the name, "hydrophobic effects. " Several reviews have been written previously about hydrophobic effects, and from a variety of different perspectives. The perspectives include the peculiarities of solution thermodynamic properties (la,b, 2), the formation of membranes and micelles (3, 4), and the influence of solution environment on the structure of proteins (5, 6). These are problems of obvious importance, and they have been the subject of research over many decades. This research has produced a rich array of thermodynamic and spectroscopic data on aqueous solutions and evolved speculations about the molecular-level structure of the systems. In fact, until the late 1970s these topics were often discussed in much the same ways as they were decades previously. However, at about that time a new category of molecular-level information bearing on hydrophobic effects began to be available. The new pieces of information were predominately theoretical in character. In the majority of cases, the new results were obtained from computationally demanding Monte Carlo or molecular dynamics calcu­ lations on model aqueous solutions. However, those calculations were carried out during a period of rapid maturation of the theory of molecular liquids. This combined theoretical impulse produced a demand for new experiments, and considerable progress has been achieved over the last several years. It is these developments that are reviewed here. Despite renewed activity, the recent developments have not quite
f-Orbital covalency in the actinocenes (An = Th–Cm): multiconfigurational studies and topological analysis

The CASSCF methodology is used to calculate the ground state electron densities of a series of seven actinocenes, AnCOT2 (An = Th–Cm, COT = η8-C8H8). The multiconfigurational character of these complexes is found to be substantial and topological analysis of the electron density via the QTAIM approach is therefore chosen in order to investigate the electronic structure in more detail. Topological analysis reveals increased values of the electron density at the An–C bond critical point for An = Pa–Pu, suggesting enhanced covalent character in metal–ligand bonding for these complexes. In order to investigate the origins of this covalency, integrated one- and two-electron properties are evaluated. A trend for increased electronic charge, spin density and electron localisation on the An centre as one traverses the actinide series is found. The difference between atomic number and the electron localisation index is considered and found to correlate well with the expected oxidation state in these complexes, with a tendency towards trivalent character for the later actinides. Total and orbitally resolved delocalisation indices are evaluated, and increased electron delocalisation is found for the complexes containing Pa–Pu centres. It is shown that, while 5f contributions to covalency in these complexes are smaller in magnitude than 6d contributions, the variation in covalency is almost entirely accounted for by the variation in the 5f contribution.
Ad Hoc Measurements of the Anterior Thigh Muscle (Mass and Function) in Sarcopenia

To the Editor: We have read with great interest the article by Wilkinson et al. and congratulate the authors for having drawn attention to ultrasound measurements of rectus femoris cross-sectional area, which is one of the initially affected muscles in sarcopenia. Herewith, we would like to underscore some important issues regarding the definition of sarcopenia and the muscle mass assessment for its diagnosis. First and foremost, while the term ‘sarcopenia’ had initially been suggested to define the age-related loss of muscle mass, with growing interest and understanding in the literature, its definition has evolved to “age-related loss of muscle mass and muscle function” after 2010. Due to the lack of consensus on the diagnosis of sarcopenia, its exact prevalence is uncertain but ranges from 10% to 40%. Second, the main problem for detecting loss of muscle mass lies in the measurement methods. Although dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (certainly not bioelectrical impedance analysis) is considered the gold-standard method for measuring the appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), ASM is not accurate for establishing the diagnosis of sarcopenia. Of note, the ASM cannot detect the age-related loss of muscle mass. In addition, longitudinal studies have shown that functional parameters rather than the ASM measurements are associated with adverse outcomes. Therefore, we agree with the authors in the sense that well-standardized measurements of the quadriceps muscle are worthwhile as they show higher correlations with muscle strength and performance tests than the ASM or total muscle mass measurements. However, functional parameters including chair stand test, grip strength and gait speed, which are vital signs/tools for diagnosing sarcopenia and frailty, were not measured in this study. It should also be kept in mind that the agerelated muscle loss is not uniform throughout the body. Accordingly, ASM might remain less specific. Here, as the quadriceps muscle undergoes atrophy earlier in sarcopenia and as it is important for function (especially in powerful activities like standing, transfers, and climbing stairs), why do we need to take ASM as a gold-standard measurement and try to estimate it (in a way) with quadriceps measurements? Indisputably, we have to avoid making the “measurable important” rather than the “important measurable” (ie, the McNamara or quantitative fallacy). In other words, we simply need to measure what matters most in sarcopenia. To summarize, we emphasize that—together with the basic but vital functional tests (ie, grip strength, chair stand test, and gait speed)—ultrasound measurements of the anterior thigh muscle are paramount and can conveniently/promptly be used to detect sarcopenia. Finally, considering the pertinent technical difficulties (eg, footprint size of the probe), we also imply that quantification of the muscle thickness might also suffice (and be strategic enough) instead of the cross-sectional area measurements in daily clinical practice.
Reply to “Comment on ‘Macroscopic Root Water Uptake Distribution Using a Matric Flux Potential Approach’ ”

In his comment , Jarvis presented a comparison between the [Jarvis (1989)][1] empirical root water extraction model and the [de Jong van Lier et al. (2008)][2] model with a more physical basis. The [Jarvis (1989)][1] model has been cited in many other studies related to root water extraction and its
Insecticide resistance in dengue vectors from hotspots in Selangor, Malaysia

Background In Malaysia, dengue remains a top priority disease and usage of insecticides is the main method for dengue vector control. Limited baseline insecticide resistance data in dengue hotspots has prompted us to conduct this study. The present study reports the use of a map on the insecticide susceptibility status of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus to provide a quick visualization and overview of the distribution of insecticide resistance. Method and results The insecticide resistance status of Aedes populations collected from 24 dengue hotspot areas from the period of December 2018 until June 2019 was proactively monitored using the World Health Organization standard protocol for adult and larval susceptibility testing was conducted, together with elucidation of the mechanisms involved in observed resistance. For resistance monitoring, susceptibility to three adulticides (permethrin, deltamethrin, and malathion) was tested, as well as susceptibility to the larvicide, temephos. Data showed significant resistance to both deltamethrin and permethrin (pyrethroid insecticides), and to malathion (organophosphate insecticide) in all sampled Aedes aegypti populations, while variable resistance patterns were found in the sampled Aedes albopictus populations. Temephos resistance was observed when larvae were tested using the diagnostic dosage of 0.012mg/L but not at the operational dosage of 1mg/L for both species. Conclusion The present study highlights evidence of a potential threat to the effectiveness of insecticides currently used in dengue vector control, and the urgent requirement for insecticide resistance management to be integrated into the National Dengue Control Program.
A preliminary study of hepatocellular carcinoma post proton beam therapy using MRI as an early prediction of treatment effectiveness

Purpose To demonstrate the feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for early prediction of proton beam therapy (PBT) effectiveness in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Clinical data of the HCC patients without regional lymph node involvement or distant metastasis who received PBT at this institution between 2014 and 2017 were reviewed. A total of 43 patients were included. Tumor regression pattern after PBT were examined on the basis of follow-up duration. The variables were compared between patients with and without early tumor regression (ETR). Results The median follow-up duration was 40 months (range, 9–62 months). The cumulative overall survival rate at 6 months, 1 years and 5 years was 100%, 88.4%, 63.4%, respectively. Child-Pugh class A, local tumor control (LTC), complete response (CR), and ETR were significantly associated with overall survival (p < 0.05 each). Of 43 patients, 25 patients (58.1%) reached CR in the PBT-irradiated region. Twelve patients (27.9%) had a partial response and 3 patients (7.0%) had a stationary disease. Three patients (7.0%) developed in-field progression. The LTC rate at 5 years was 93.0%. Of the 25 patients who achieved a CR in the PBT-irradiated region, the median time to CR was 5 months (range, 1–19 months). Twenty-two patients (51.2%) showed ETR of the HCC, while 21 patients (48.8%) showed non-ETR. A significant association was observed between ETR and CR of the HCC after PBT (p < 0.001). Conclusion The post-PBT MRI follow-up at 3 months is helpful for monitoring therapeutic response. ETR of the HCC predicted a higher rate of CR and was associated with overall survival, which provides more accurate clinical management.
Study on Super-Hydrophobic and Oleophobic Surfaces Prepared by Chemical Adsorption Technique

Preparation techniques for super-hydrophobic and oleophobic surfaces were studied by forming a fractally roughened surface and preparing a hydrophobic monolayer. In this study, the fractal structure on the surface of an aluminum substrate was formed by combining sand-blasting with electrolytical etching. Then, a hydrophobic monolayer was prepared on the roughened surface, without decreasing roughness. The surface of the treated substrate can be evaluated by contact angle measurement and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The surface treated by a technique combining chemical adsorption, sandblasting, and electrolytical etching was super-hydrophobic and highly oleophobic.
Fullerene-rich dendrimers: divergent synthesis and photophysical properties

Dendrimers containing up to 16 fullerene peripheral subunits have been prepared by a divergent synthetic approach based on the functionalization of polypropyleneimine (PPI) dendrimers with a C60 derivative bearing an activated carboxylic acid function. The absorption and fluorescence properties of these compounds are substantially identical in toluene and benzonitrile. Enhanced absorption in the region between 350 and 500 nm is detected by increasing the generation number, attributable to intramolecular interactions. A size-dependent trend of decreasing singlet lifetimes (−16%) and fluorescence quantum yields (−18%) is observed. The fullerene triplet state of the dendrimers was monitored via laser flash-photolysis in toluene and benzonitrile. In both media the transient absorption signal intensity is decreased with the molecular size and the effect is more pronounced in oxygen-free solution (−60%) compared to air-equilibrated samples (−37%). In toluene the triplet decay kinetics is unchanged for the whole series, ruling out the possibility of self-quenching effects, whereas in benzonitrile a triplet lifetime increase is recorded as a consequence of fullerene self-protection towards oxygen quenching. No amine→fullerene photoinduced electron transfer is detected because the complex molecular architecture does not allow the establishment of favourable donor–acceptor distances.
Nanopore Sequencing Indicates That Tandem Amplification of Chromosome 20q11.21 in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Is Driven by Break-Induced Replication

Copy number variants (CNVs) are genomic rearrangements implicated in numerous congenital and acquired diseases, including cancer. The appearance of culture-acquired CNVs in human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) has prompted concerns for their use in regenerative medicine. A particular problem in PSC is the frequent occurrence of CNVs in the q11.21 region of chromosome 20. However, the exact mechanism of origin of this amplicon remains elusive due to the difficulty in delineating its sequence and breakpoints. Here, we have addressed this problem using long-read Nanopore sequencing of two examples of this CNV, present as duplication and as triplication. In both cases, the CNVs were arranged in a head-to-tail orientation, with microhomology sequences flanking or overlapping the proximal and distal breakpoints. These breakpoint signatures point to a mechanism of microhomology-mediated break-induced replication in CNV formation, with surrounding Alu sequences likely contributing to the instability of this genomic region.
Sarcopenia and modified Glasgow Prognostic Score predict postsurgical outcomes in localized renal cell carcinoma

Body composition and inflammation are gaining importance for prognostication in cancer. This study investigated the individual and combined utility of the preoperative skeletal muscle index (SMI) and the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) for estimating postoperative outcomes in patients with localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) undergoing nephrectomy.
Engineering Vascularized Organoid-on-a-Chip Models.

Recreating human organ-level function in vitro is a rapidly evolving field that integrates tissue engineering, stem cell biology, and microfluidic technology to produce 3D organoids. A critical component of all organs is the vasculature. Herein, we discuss general strategies to create vascularized organoids, including common source materials, and survey previous work using vascularized organoids to recreate specific organ functions and simulate tumor progression. Vascularization is not only an essential component of individual organ function but also responsible for coupling the fate of all organs and their functions. While some success in coupling two or more organs together on a single platform has been demonstrated, we argue that the future of vascularized organoid technology lies in creating organoid systems complete with tissue-specific microvasculature and in coupling multiple organs through a dynamic vascular network to create systems that can respond to changing physiological conditions. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering, Volume 23 is June 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews. org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.