Bio-oil modified binder derived from cotton stalks as an eco-friendly alternative binder for flexible pavements.

Scientists and engineers encounter considerable environmental and economic obstacles stemming from the depletion of crude oil or petroleum fossil fuel reservoirs. To mitigate this challenge, alternative solutions like bio-oil-modified binder derived from biomass have been innovated. This research aims to examine the feasibility of using bio-oil-modified binder obtained from cotton stalk waste as a modifier. Various mechanical and physical tests, including penetration, softening point, ductility, and dynamic shear rheometer tests, were conducted on asphalt binder incorporating 5% and 10% bio-oil-modified binder. Wheel tracker, four-point beam fatigue, and dynamic modulus tests were used to evaluate asphalt mixture performance, including rutting, fatigue, and dynamic stiffness. A rolling bottle test (RBT) and asphalt binder bond strength (BBS) were used to assess moisture susceptibility. A bio-oil-modified binder enhanced ductility and penetration characteristics while reducing the softening point. With the addition of a bio-oil-modified binder, stiffness was reduced in parameters such as complex shear modulus and phase angle. In fact, for both specimens containing 5% and 10% bio-oil-modified binder, statistically significant differences were observed among the measured samples. As a result of this reduced stiffness, the modified asphalt binder is more suitable for low-temperature applications. Additionally, 5.8% increased at 10% and 3.1% at 5% CS. Bio-oil-modified binder, compared to virgin mixtures, supports equal rut resistance. However, the RBT and BBS tests revealed that the addition of bio-oil-modified binder increased the susceptibility of conventional asphalt binder to moisture. The findings suggest that bio-oil-modified binder can enhance asphalt binder properties in low-temperature regions, but further research is needed to improve moisture resistance.

The Effect of Cesium Incorporation on the Vibrational and Elastic Properties of Methylammonium Lead Chloride Perovskite Single Crystals.

Hybrid organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites (LHPs) have emerged as a highly significant class of materials due to their tunable and adaptable properties, which make them suitable for a wide range of applications. One of the strategies for tuning and optimizing LHP-based devices is the substitution of cations and/or anions in LHPs. The impact of Cs substitution at the A site on the structural, vibrational, and elastic properties of MAxCs1-xPbCl3-mixed single crystals was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman and Brillouin light scattering techniques. The XRD results confirmed the successful synthesis of impurity-free single crystals, which exhibited a phase coexistence of dominant cubic and minor orthorhombic symmetries. Raman spectroscopy was used to analyze the vibrational modes associated with the PbCl6 octahedra and the A-site cation movements, thereby revealing the influence of cesium incorporation on the lattice dynamics. Brillouin spectroscopy was employed to investigate the changes in elastic properties resulting from the Cs substitution. The incorporation of Cs cations induced lattice distortions within the inorganic framework, disrupting the hydrogen bonding between the MA cations and PbCl6 octahedra, which in turn affected the elastic constants and the sound velocities. The substitution of the MA cations with smaller Cs cations resulted in a stiffer lattice structure, with the two elastic constants increasing up to a Cs content of 30%. The current findings facilitate a fundamental understanding of mixed lead chloride perovskite materials, providing valuable insights into their structural and vibrational properties.

Long noncoding RNA LIRIL2R modulates FOXP3 levels and suppressive function of human CD4+ regulatory T cells by regulating IL2RA.

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are central in controlling immune responses, and dysregulation of their function can lead to autoimmune disorders or cancer. Despite extensive studies on Tregs, the basis of epigenetic regulation of human Treg development and function is incompletely understood. Long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNA)s are important for shaping and maintaining the epigenetic landscape in different cell types. In this study, we identified a gene on the chromosome 6p25.3 locus, encoding a lincRNA, that was up-regulated during early differentiation of human Tregs. The lincRNA regulated the expression of interleukin-2 receptor alpha (IL2RA), and we named it the lincRNA regulator of IL2RA (LIRIL2R). Through transcriptomics, epigenomics, and proteomics analysis of LIRIL2R-deficient Tregs, coupled with global profiling of LIRIL2R binding sites using chromatin isolation by RNA purification, followed by sequencing, we identified IL2RA as a target of LIRIL2R. This nuclear lincRNA binds upstream of the IL2RA locus and regulates its epigenetic landscape and transcription. CRISPR-mediated deletion of the LIRIL2R-bound region at the IL2RA locus resulted in reduced IL2RA expression. Notably, LIRIL2R deficiency led to reduced expression of Treg-signature genes (e.g., FOXP3, CTLA4, and PDCD1), upregulation of genes associated with effector T cells (e.g., SATB1 and GATA3), and loss of Treg-mediated suppression.

Accurate photosynthetic parameter estimation at low stomatal conductance: effects of cuticular conductance and instrumental noise.

Accurate estimation of photosynthetic parameters is essential for understanding plant physiological limitations and responses to environmental factors from the leaf to the global scale. Gas exchange is a useful tool to measure responses of net CO2 assimilation (A) to internal CO2 concentration (Ci), a necessary step in estimating photosynthetic parameters including the maximum rate of carboxylation (Vcmax) and the electron transport rate (Jmax). However, species and environmental conditions of low stomatal conductance (gsw) reduce the signal-to-noise ratio of gas exchange, challenging estimations of Ci. Previous works showed that not considering cuticular conductance to water (gcw) can lead to significant errors in estimating Ci, because it has a different effect on total conductance to CO2 (gtc) than does gsw. Here we present a systematic assessment of the need for incorporating gcw into Ci estimates. In this study we modeled the effect of gcw and of instrumental noise and quantified these effects on photosynthetic parameters in the cases of four species with varying gsw and gcw, measured using steady-state and constant ramping techniques, like the rapid A/Ci response method. We show that not accounting for gcw quantitatively influences Ci and the resulting Vcmax and Jmax, particularly when gcw exceeds 7% of the total conductance to water. The influence of gcw was not limited to low gsw species, highlighting the importance of species-specific knowledge before assessing A/Ci curves. Furthermore, at low gsw instrumental noise can affect Ci estimation, but the effect of instrumental noise can be minimized using constant-ramping rather than steady-state techniques. By incorporating these considerations, more precise measurements and interpretations of photosynthetic parameters can be obtained in a broader range of species and environmental conditions.

Response of carbon fixation, allocation, and growth to source-sink manipulation by defoliation in vegetative citrus trees.

Source-sink balance in plants determines carbon distribution, and altering it can impact carbon fixation, transport, and allocation. We aimed to investigate the effect of altered source-sink ratios on carbon fixation, transport, and distribution in 'Valencia' sweet orange (Citrus x sinensis) by various defoliation treatments (0%, 33%, 66%, and 83% leaf removal). Gas exchange parameters were measured on 0 and 10 days after defoliation using A/Ci response curves, and leaf export was measured two days after defoliation using radioisotope tracer techniques. Greater defoliation increased the maximum rate of carboxylation (Vcmax), electron transport rate (J1200), and triose-phosphate utilization rate (TPU). Leaf export was unaffected by defoliation but increased in leaves closer to the shoot apex. Basipetal translocation velocity in the trunk remained unaltered, indicating that more photosynthates remained in the shoot rather than being transported directly to the root sink. Defoliated plants initiated more new flush shoots but accumulated less shoot biomass per plant after 8 weeks. Carbon allocation to fine roots was smaller in defoliated plants, suggesting defoliation led to retention of carbohydrates in aboveground organs such as the trunk and other shoots from previous growing cycles. In conclusion, the low source-sink ratio increased carbon fixation without impacting individual leaf export in citrus. The results suggest that intermediate sinks such as the aboveground perennial organs play a role in mediating the translocation velocity. Further research is necessary to better understand the dynamics of source-sink regulation in citrus trees.

Knowledge, attitude, and awareness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation among university enrolled medical and non-medical students of Pakistan: An online study.

Objective: To evaluate the awareness, attitude and knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) among university-enrolled medical and non-medical undergraduate students of Pakistan. Methods: Cross-sectional online survey-based study was conducted across institutes in Pakistan from December, 2022 to January, 2023. The study involved university-enrolled undergraduate students across the country. The structured questionnaire was disseminated via Google forms. For statistical analysis, SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data by applying independent sample t-tests and ANOVA. Results: A total of 249 responses were received. After the exclusion of two responses, the overall awareness score of participants was found to be 2.49 ± 1.33, attitude score of 4.09 ± 1.74, and knowledge score of 3.51 ± 2.13. Female respondents, medical students, unmarried (single), private institutes, and respondents with educated parents achieved relatively higher scores. The overall difference in awareness scores among different regions of Pakistan was also significant (p <0.05). Gender, region, and parental literacy rate also showed effects on participants' basic life support (BLS) and CPR knowledge (p <0.05). Conclusions: Overall knowledge and awareness were unsatisfactory and inadequate in university-enrolled undergraduate students, with no one getting a complete score on very basic knowledge questions. Significant differences in awareness, attitude, and knowledge among different regions, genders, and parental literacy rates were found.

Microbial host engineering for sustainable isobutanol production from renewable resources.

Due to the limited resources and environmental problems associated with fossil fuels, there is a growing interest in utilizing renewable resources for the production of biofuels through microbial fermentation. Isobutanol is a promising biofuel that could potentially replace gasoline. However, its production efficiency is currently limited by the use of naturally isolated microorganisms. These naturally isolated microorganisms often encounter problems such as a limited range of substrates, low tolerance to solvents or inhibitors, feedback inhibition, and an imbalanced redox state. This makes it difficult to improve their production efficiency through traditional process optimization methods. Fortunately, recent advancements in genetic engineering technologies have made it possible to enhance microbial hosts for the increased production of isobutanol from renewable resources. This review provides a summary of the strategies and synthetic biology approaches that have been employed in the past few years to improve naturally isolated or non-natural microbial hosts for the enhanced production of isobutanol by utilizing different renewable resources. Furthermore, it also discusses the challenges that are faced by engineered microbial hosts and presents future perspectives to enhancing isobutanol production. KEY POINTS: • Promising potential of isobutanol to replace gasoline • Engineering of native and non-native microbial host for isobutanol production • Challenges and opportunities for enhanced isobutanol production.

Surgery for idiopathic full-thickness macular holes within four months of symptom onset yields superior visual outcomes: Results from an Irish patient cohort.

PURPOSE: To describe the anatomical, visual, and safety results of full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) repair surgery and determine factors influencing outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent primary FTMH repair surgery by a single surgeon over a 3-year period. For comparisons, Snellen visual acuity (VA) was converted to logMAR equivalent. Anatomical hole closure, visual improvement, and final VA of ≤ 0.30 logMAR were the primary outcome measures. RESULTS: Twenty eyes of 19 patients were included. Mean patient age was 69 years (range 55 to 80 years) and 74% were female. Mean minimum linear diameter (MLD) was 440 µm (range 170 µm to 1200 µm). Mean duration of symptoms before surgery was 16 weeks (range 3 to 39 weeks). 100% of eyes achieved successful anatomical FTMH closure. Mean VA improved from 1.03 ± 0.43 logMAR (Snellen 6/60) preoperatively to 0.35 ± 0.22 logMAR (Snellen 6/15) postoperatively (p = 0.0001). Patients with worse preoperative VA gained more vision than those with better preoperative VA (p = 0.01). Eyes operated on within 4 months of symptom onset were more than twice as likely to achieve a postoperative VA of ≤ 0.30 logMAR (Snellen 6/12 or better) compared to eyes with a longer duration of symptoms (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: FTMH repair surgery was safe and effective, with outcomes comparing favourably with published international studies. All patients benefited from surgery regardless of symptom duration, presenting VA or FTMH size. However, surgery performed within 4 months of symptom-onset was particularly beneficial, highlighting the need for prompt referral and surgery.

Co-metabolic degradation and metabolite detection of hexabromocyclododecane by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1.

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is a widely used brominated flame retardant; however, it is a persistent organic pollutant as well as affects the human thyroid hormones and causes cancer. However, the degradation of HBCD has received little attention from researchers. Due to its bioaccumulative and hazardous properties, an appropriate strategy for its remediation is required. In this study, we investigated the biodegradation of HBCD using Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 under optimized conditions. The Box-Behnken design (BBD) was implemented for the optimization of the physical degradation parameters of HBCD. S. oneidensis MR-1 showed the best degradation performance at a temperature of 30 °C, pH 7, and agitation speed of 115 rpm, with an HBCD concentration of 1125 µg/L in mineral salt medium (MSM). The strain tolerated up to 2000 µg/L HBCD. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified three intermediates, including 2-bromo dodecane, 2,7,10-trimethyldodecane, and 4-methyl-1-decene. The results provide an insightful understanding of the biodegradation of HBCD by S. oneidensis MR-1 under optimized conditions and could pave the way for further eco-friendly applications. KEY POINTS: • HBCD biodegradation by Shewanella oneidensis • Optimization of HBCD biodegradation by the Box-Behnken analysis • Identification of useful metabolites from HBCD degradation.

Integration of (S)-2,3-oxidosqualene enables E. coli to become Iron Man E. coli with improved overall tolerance.

BACKGROUND: While representing a model bacterium and one of the most used chassis in biomanufacturing, performance of Escherichia coli is often limited by severe stresses. A super-robust E. coli chassis that could efficiently tolerant multiple severe stresses is thus highly desirable. Sterols represent a featured composition that distinguishes eukaryotes from bacteria and all archaea, and play a critical role in maintaining the membrane integrity of eukaryotes. All sterols found in nature are directly synthesized from (S)-2,3-oxidosqualene. However, in E. coli, (S)-2,3-oxidosqualene is not present. RESULTS: In this study, we sought to introduce (S)-2,3-oxidosqualene into E. coli. By mining and recruiting heterologous enzymes and activation of endogenous pathway, the ability of E. coli to synthesize (S)-2,3-oxidosqualene was demonstrated. Further analysis revealed that this non-native chemical confers E. coli with a robust and stable cell membrane, consistent with a figurative analogy of wearing an "Iron Man's armor"-like suit. The obtained Iron Man E. coli (IME) exhibited improved tolerance to multiple severe stresses, including high temperature, low pH, high salt, high sugar and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In particular, the IME strain shifted its optimal growth temperature from 37 °C to 42-45 °C, which represents the most heat-resistant E. coli to the best of our knowledge. Intriguingly, this non-native chemical also improved E. coli tolerance to a variety of toxic feedstocks, inhibitory products, as well as elevated synthetic capacities of inhibitory chemicals (e.g., 3-hydroxypropionate and fatty acids) due to improved products tolerance. More importantly, the IME strain was effectively inhibited by the most commonly used antibiotics and showed no undesirable drug resistance. CONCLUSIONS: Introduction of the non-native (S)-2,3-oxidosqualene membrane lipid enabled E. coli to improve tolerance to various stresses. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of introducing eukaryotes-featured compound into bacteria for enhancing overall tolerance and chemical production.

Assessment Of Problem-Based Learning In Dental Education And Exploring Barriers To Its Implementation: Theory To Reality.

There are 59 dental colleges in Pakistan out of which 17 are in the public sector and 42 in private. However, only a few use problem-based learning methods, though it is a popular strategy in dental education all around the world. This study aims to assess problem-based learning model in dental education and explore the barriers of its implementation in a private dental college of Karachi. Qualitative case-study approach was employed. The philosophical stance used was critical realism. Qualitative data was collected by participant observation, video recorded observation and video elicited semi-structured in-depth interviews of five faculty members and 15 students. Results showed that students were more interested in interactive sessions while faculty members were in favour of problem-based learning sessions. Thematic analysis was done to generate themes. This research applies reproduction method to explain the necessary and contingent relations and causal powers. Lack of motivation among students and lack of faculty dedication are causal mechanisms of barriers in the implementation of problem-based learning.

Dermatological disease prediction and diagnosis system using deep learning.

The prevalence of skin illnesses is higher than that of other diseases. Fungal infection, bacteria, allergies, viruses, genetic factors, and environmental factors are among important causative factors that have continuously escalated the degree and incidence of skin diseases. Medical technology based on lasers and photonics has made it possible to identify skin illnesses considerably more rapidly and correctly. However, the cost of such a diagnosis is currently limited and prohibitively high and restricted to developed areas. The present paper develops a holistic, critical, and important skin disease prediction system that utilizes machine learning and deep learning algorithms to accurately identify up to 20 different skin diseases with a high F1 score and efficiency. Deep learning algorithms like Xception, Inception-v3, Resnet50, DenseNet121, and Inception-ResNet-v2 were employed to accurately classify diseases based on the images. The training and testing have been performed on an enlarged dataset, and classification was performed for 20 diseases. The algorithm developed was free from any inherent bias and treated all classes equally. The present model, which was trained using the Xception algorithm, is highly efficient and accurate for 20 different skin conditions, with a dataset of over 10,000 photos. The developed system was able to classify 20 different dermatological diseases with high accuracy and precision.

HIC1 interacts with FOXP3 multi protein complex: Novel pleiotropic mechanisms to regulate human regulatory T cell differentiation and function.

Transcriptional repressor, hypermethylated in cancer 1 (HIC1) participates in a range of important biological processes, such as tumor repression, immune suppression, embryonic development and epigenetic gene regulation. Further to these, we previously demonstrated that HIC1 provides a significant contribution to the function and development of regulatory T (Treg) cells. However, the mechanism by which it regulates these processes was not apparent. To address this question, we used affinity-purification mass spectrometry to characterize the HIC1 interactome in human Treg cells. Altogether 61 high-confidence interactors were identified, including IKZF3, which is a key transcription factor in the development of Treg cells. The biological processes associated with these interacting proteins include protein transport, mRNA processing, non-coding (ncRNA) transcription and RNA metabolism. The results revealed that HIC1 is part of a FOXP3-RUNX1-CBFB protein complex that regulates Treg signature genes thus improving our understanding of HIC1 function during early Treg cell differentiation.

Influence of Halides on Elastic and Vibrational Properties of Mixed-Halide Perovskite Systems Studied by Brillouin and Raman Scattering.

The relationship between halogen content and the elastic/vibrational properties of MAPbBr3-xClx mixed crystals (x = 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3) with MA = CH3NH3+ has been studied using Brillouin and Raman spectroscopy at room temperature. The longitudinal and transverse sound velocities, the absorption coefficients and the two elastic constants C11 and C44 could be obtained and compared for the four mixed-halide perovskites. In particular, the elastic constants of the mixed crystals have been determined for the first time. A quasi-linear increase in the sound velocity and the elastic constant C11 with increasing chlorine content was observed for the longitudinal acoustic waves. C44 was insensitive to the Cl content and very low, indicating a low elasticity to shear stress in mixed perovskites regardless of the Cl content. The acoustic absorption of the LA mode increased with increasing heterogeneity in the mixed system, especially for the intermediate composition where the Br and Cl ratio was 1:1. In addition, a significant decrease in the Raman-mode frequency of the low-frequency lattice modes and the rotational and torsional modes of the MA cations was observed with decreasing Cl content. It clearly showed that the changes in the elastic properties as the halide composition changes were correlated with the lattice vibrations. The present findings may facilitate a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between halogen substitution, vibrational spectra and elastic properties, and may also pave the way for optimizing the operation of perovskite-based photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices by tailoring their chemical composition.

Nasal spray (Zavegepant) for migraines: a mini-review.

Neurological disorders, especially migraines, pose a significant global burden. This has driven the recent innovative research being conducted in the field of anti-migraine therapies, including the discovery of Zavegepant for the treatment of acute migraine attacks. Zavegepant is a novel, first-in-class, intranasally administered calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist that has recently been approved for use in acute migraine attacks. Recent randomized controlled trials comparing Zavegepant with a placebo have demonstrated favorable results with respect to primary endpoints, as well as a desirable safety profile. The current first-line therapy consists of oral triptans, which are associated with lower efficacy, weaker safety profile, and an unsatisfactory preference rate among patients. Moreover, the intranasal method of administration is a characteristic advantage of Zavegepant, as patients suffering from acute migraine attacks cannot easily ingest oral medication, due to severe nausea and vomiting. In this mini-review, the efficacy and safety of Zavegepant will be compared with those of alternative treatments available for migraines, including oral triptans, intranasal triptans, and other CGRP antagonists currently available in the market. With currently available research, Zavegepant holds superiority over other forms of treatment and can be included in the current treatment guidelines for migraine attacks. However, further research is necessary to effectively assess Zavegepant's long-term efficacy, safety, tolerability, and drug-drug interactions.

Self-assembly of cell-embedding reduced graphene oxide/ polypyrrole hydrogel as efficient anode for high-performance microbial fuel cell.

A three-dimensional (3D) macroporous reduced graphene oxide/polypyrrole (rGO/Ppy) hydrogel assembled by bacterial cells was fabricated and applied for microbial fuel cells. By taking the advantage of electroactive cell-induced bioreduction of graphene oxide and in-situ polymerization of Ppy, a facile self-assembly by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1and in-situ polymerization approach for 3D rGO/Ppy hydrogel preparation was developed. This facile one-step self-assembly process enabled the embedding of living electroactive cells inside the hydrogel electrode, which showed an interconnected 3D macroporous structures with high conductivity and biocompatibility. Electrochemical analysis indicated that the self-assembly of cell-embedding rGO/Ppy hydrogel enhanced the electrochemical activity of the bioelectrode and reduced the electron charge transfer resistance between the cells and the electrode. Impressively, extremely high power output of 3366 ± 42 mW m-2 was achieved from the MFC with cell-embedding rGO/Ppy hydrogel rGO/Ppy, which was 8.6 times of that delivered from the MFC with bare electrode. Further analysis indicated that the increased cell loading by the hydrogel and improved electrochemical activity by the rGO/Ppy composite would be the underlying mechanism for this performance improvement. This study provided a facile approach to fabricate the biocompatible and electrochemical active 3D nanocomposites for MFC, which would also be promising for performance optimization of various bioelectrochemical systems.

A Case of Light Chain Deposition Disease Leading to Acute Liver Failure and Review of Literature.

Light chain deposition disease (LCDD) is a monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease characterized by light chain deposition in soft tissues and viscera, causing systemic organ dysfunction with an underlying lymphoproliferative disorder. While the kidney is the most affected organ, cardiac and hepatic involvement is also seen with LCDD. Hepatic manifestation can range from mild hepatic injury to fulminant liver failure. Herein, we are presenting a case of an 83-year-old woman with a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), who presented to our institution with acute liver failure progressing to circulatory shock and multiorgan failure. After an extensive workup, a diagnosis of hepatic LCDD was determined. In conjunction with the hematology and oncology department, chemotherapy options were discussed, but given her poor prognosis, the family decided to pursue a palliative route. Though establishing a prompt diagnosis is important for any acute condition, the rarity of this condition, along with paucity of data, makes timely diagnosis and treatment challenging. The available literature shows variable rates of success with chemotherapy for systemic LCDD. Despite chemotherapeutic advances, liver failure in LCDD indicates a dismal prognosis, where further clinical trials are difficult owing to the low prevalence of the condition. In our article, we will also be reviewing previous case reports on this disease.

A novel bud mutant of navel orange (Citrus sinensis) shows tolerance to chlorosis in acidic and magnesium-deficient soils.

Interveinal chlorosis in old leaves is a common occurrence in citrus orchards in southern China. The present study investigates the 'Langfeng' navel orange (LF, Citrus sinensis) grafted onto a Trifoliate orange (TO, Poncirus trifoliata) rootstock, which exhibits healthy green leaves, and the 'Newhall' navel orange (NHE, C. sinensis) grafted onto TO, which has typical magnesium (Mg) deficiency-induced chlorosis. Chemical analysis of the rhizosphere soil revealed that the pH values were around 3.92 and that both Mg and calcium (Ca) were significantly deficient in the rhizosphere soil of both grafting combinations (LF/TO and NHE/TO). Furthermore, the chlorotic leaves of NHE/TO had significantly lower levels of Mg, Ca, and phosphorus (P), and the green leaves of NHE/TO had significantly lower levels of Mg and Ca compared to the green leaves of the LF/TO. This suggests that Mg deficiency may be the primary cause of chlorosis in NHE/TO. A greenhouse study using the same graft combinations showed that the LF/TO plants had better growth than the NHE/TO, possibly by promoting Mg uptake and/or improving Mg distribution to leaves, thereby increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) assimilation and photosynthesis, optimizing carbohydrate distribution, and increasing plant biomass. This results in a phenotype that is tolerant to Mg deficiency. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the LF navel orange could be utilized in the development of new citrus varieties with improved Mg-use efficiency.

Presentations to eye emergency departments with flashes and floaters differ dependent on incident solar radiation.

AIM: The aim of this retrospective review was to analyse the frequency of patients presenting with flashes and/or floaters (F/F) on bright versus dark days to the eye emergency department of a tertiary referral hospital (the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital) over a 3-year period. The diagnostic and clinical outcomes of F/F presentations were also analysed. METHODS: This retrospective study assessed eye casualty attendances between January 2018 and December 2020. Solar irradiation (j/cm2) at ground level was retrieved from the records of Met Eireann (Irish National Meteorological Service) via their open access records. A review of electronic patient medical records using the in-house database patient centre was carried out of all patients who attended EED of during the study timeline on the 5 'brightest' and 5 'darkest' days of each year. RESULTS: Seven hundred forty patient presentations were analysed in total. Overall, 16% (n = 119) of all patients that attended EED during the timeframe of the study presented with F/F. One hundred six patients (89%) presented with floaters, 40 patients (34%) presented with flashing lights/photopsia, and 35 patients (29%) presented with both F/F. More patients presented to EED with F/F on bright days when compared with dark days (74 vs 45, p < 0.05). Eighty-nine percent of all patients with F/F presented with monocular floaters. There were more floater presentations during bright when compared with dark days (70 vs 36, p < 0.05). More patients were diagnosed with PVD on bright days when compared with those diagnosed with PVD on dark days (43vs 15, p < 0.05). More RDs were diagnosed on dark days compared with bright days (7 vs 3, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study established that F/F presentations were more likely to present during bright days when compared with dark days. The diagnosis of PVD was more common during bright days, and RDs were diagnosed significantly more frequently on dark days. Although incident solar radiation was correlated with greater floaters/PVD presentation, causation is unlikely, and the duration of PVD may have been longer in patients presenting on bright days (i.e. pseudo-sudden symptoms).