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Introduction: The registration of respiration through the left and right nostrils simultaneously makes it possible to register the dynamics of the nasal cycle. Aim: To test the method, the nasal cycle of a patient with ischemic stroke of the right posterior cerebral artery territory was measured. Method: An interface two-channel portable system has been developed for registration of respiration separately through nostrils. Results: The patient's respiratory and nasal cycle through the left and right nostril was measured for 4.5 hours for three consecutive days (4 days after coming out of the coma). The nasal cycle changed progressively during the healing process. On the first day, an antiphase change in the amplitude of airflow through the left and right nostril was registered with frequency 3 and 1.5 hours. They were accompanied by pronounced somnolence. In the next two days, a nasal cycle reversal of the respiratory airflow through the nostrils was observed. In the process of the patient’s recovery, a spontaneous alternative alternation of equalized respiratory airflow through the two nostrils was observed. The patient's recovery was also assessed on the NIHSS scale, whose values correlated over time with the normalization of the nasal cycle. Conclusion: The method reflects the patient's recovery and can find application in neurology.

The registration of respiration through the left and right nostrils simultaneously makes it possible to register the dynamics and periodicity of the nasal cycle. For this purpose, an interface two-channel portable system has been developed for 24-hour recording of breathing through the two nostrils separately. The portable system can be used for multifunctional medical examinations under any conditions in patients with various anatomical and physiological disorders of breathing, sleep, and consciousness.

Background and Objectives: Gingival retraction is a critical pre-impression procedure in fixed prosthodontics, crucial for exposing tooth margins and ensuring accurate impressions for restorations like crowns and bridges. This study aimed to evaluate the absorptive capacity of different gingival retraction cords. Materials and Methods: Ninety samples each of Ultrapak (Ultradent, South Jordan, UT, USA) #00, braided cord, coreless thread, and monofilament thread (totaling 270 samples) were immersed in 0.9% NaCl, 10% aluminum chloride, and 12.7% ferrous sulfate solutions for 120, 300, and 1200 s. The liquid absorption capacity was measured using a gravimetric method, and the data were analyzed using an F-test, setting the significance threshold at p < 0.05. Results: The results revealed statistically significant differences in absorption, particularly for aluminum chloride and ferric sulfate (p < 0.001). Ultrapak demonstrated the highest absorption, followed by the coreless cotton thread, while the monofilament thread absorbed the least, especially at 1200 s. Conclusions: These findings indicate that Ultrapak’s superior absorption could enhance moisture control during procedures, highlighting the importance of selecting an appropriate retraction cord for optimal clinical outcomes. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in a clinical setting.

Photothermal therapy (PTT) can overcome cancer treatment resistance by enhancing the cell membrane permeability, facilitating drug accumulation, and promoting drug release within the tumor tissue. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have emerged as effective agents for PTT due to their unique properties and biocompatibility. Approved for the treatment of anemia, as MRI contrast agents, and as magnetic hyperthermia mediators, IONPs also offer excellent light-to-heat conversion and can be manipulated using external magnetic fields for targeted accumulation in specific tissue. Optimizing parameters such as the laser wavelength, power density, shape, size, iron oxidation state, functionalization, and concentration is crucial for IONPs’ effectiveness. In addition to PTT, IONPs enhance other cancer treatment modalities. They improve tumor oxygenation, enhancing the efficacy of radiotherapy and photodynamic therapy. IONPs can also trigger ferroptosis, a programmed cell death pathway mediated by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Their magneto-mechanical effect allows them to exert a mechanical force on cancer cells to destroy tumors, minimizing the damage to healthy tissue. This review outlines strategies for the management of the photothermal performance and PTT efficiency with iron oxide nanoparticles, as well as synergies with other cancer therapies.

Parasitic plants represent a peculiar group of semi- or fully heterotrophic plants, possessing the ability to extract water, minerals, and organic compounds from other plants. All parasitic plants, either root or stem, hemi- or holoparasitic, establish a vascular connection with their host plants through a highly specialized organ called haustoria. Apart from being the organ responsible for nutrient extraction, the haustorial connection is also a highway for various macromolecules, including DNA, proteins, and, apparently, phytopathogens. At least some parasitic plants are considered significant agricultural pests, contributing to enormous yield losses worldwide. Their negative effect is mainly direct, by the exhaustion of host plant fitness and decreasing growth and seed/fruit formation. However, they may pose an additional threat to agriculture by promoting the trans-species dispersion of various pathogens. The current review aims to summarize the available information and to raise awareness of this less-explored problem. We further explore the suitability of certain phytopathogens to serve as specific and efficient methods of control of parasitic plants, as well as methods for control of the phytopathogens.

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of primary intraosseous anesthesia (IO) in the endodontic treatment of lower molars with irreversible pulpitis. Material and method: The subject of the study was 30 clinically healthy patients diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis of mandibular first or second molars. All of endodontic treatments were performed in a single visit. IO was performed with computer assisted system Quicksleeper. Our goal was to investigate the presence of pain during various parts of endodontic treatment with Visual Analog Scale. The pain level was registered at the end of the following parts of the endodontic treatment: 1-st part - after preparation of the endodontic access; 2-nd part - after determining the working length for all root canals; 3-rd part - after root canal preparation. Results: No pain was registered either in preparation of endodontic access or in determining the working length for all root canals. Only four patients (14.3%) registered mild pain during root canal preparation, which did not interfere of the endodontic treatment. In the 3-rd part of endodontic treatment it was registered moderate and severe pain respectively from 3.5% and 7.2% of patients, requiring a supplemental anesthesia. Conclusion: The IO can be use as primary method of analgesia that provides reliable pulpal anesthesia for routine endodontic treatment.

Lichen planus is a chronic mucocutaneous inflammatory disease aff ecting 1-2% of the general population with maximum prevalence of the disease in women above the age of 40. Its aetiology remains unclear and the pathogenesis is still the object of much speculation. It is considered to be an autoimmune disorder mediated mainly by the T-lymphocytes. The present paper presents the most well-known external agents (viruses in particular), internal agents like stress, and the heat shock protein thought to be trigger factors and describes the action of diff erent cells and proteins associated with the development of that disease. Diagnosis is based on clinical and histopathologic evidence; direct and indirect immunofluorescence techniques can also be of use. Despite the wide variety of therapeutic modalities, treatment outcomes are often insufficient. Currently, topical corticosteroids are widely accepted as a standard therapy, but also retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors and other immunosuppressants can be administered. Because of the aspect relevant to these drugs, priority is given to alternative harmless methods such as LLLT and PDLT. There is an ongoing controversy in the literature about the possible premalignant character of oral lichen planus, however, periodic followup is recommended.

Contemporary agriculture is facing new challenges with the increasing population and demand for food on Earth and the decrease in crop productivity due to abiotic stresses such as water deficit, high salinity, and extreme fluctuations of temperatures. The knowledge of plant stress responses, though widely extended in recent years, is still unable to provide efficient strategies for improvement of agriculture. The focus of study has been shifted to the plant cell wall as a dynamic and crucial component of the plant cell that could immediately respond to changes in the environment. The investigation of plant cell wall proteins, especially in commercially important monocot crops revealed the high involvement of this compartment in plants stress responses, but there is still much more to be comprehended. The aim of this review is to summarize the available data on this issue and to point out the future areas of interest that should be studied in detail.

Cuscuta campestris Yunck. is a stem holoparasitic flowering plant, wide-spread and currently considered invasive worldwide. It has both ecological and agricultural significance. However, little is known on how the conditions of the environment, and abiotic stresses in particular, could affect the success of this parasite. A total of 22 potential host plants, belonging to 10 species and 4 families, were tested as C. campestris hosts under different saline regimes. The changes in survival rate (number of successful infections) and growth (as cm day−1) of the parasite were studied. Salinity did significantly change the survival and growth rate of C. campestris , which effect was species- and cultivar-dependent. While generally the survival of the parasite decreased with increasing salinization, the opposite effect was observed on several host plants. However, survival rate did not always coincide with higher growth rate. This suggests that salinity produces different effects on the parasite depending on the host plant and these depend strongly not only on the species, but also on the cultivar. These results strongly suggest that under salt stress the suitability of various crop plants as hosts for C. campestris may change significantly, thus affecting the overall success of the parasite. In the light of the increased salinization of soils, this may have a significant effect on the spread of C. campestris and its agricultural impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bitter taste receptors (TAS2R) are expressed in many non-sensor tissues including skeletal muscles but their function remains unexplored. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of TAS2R in rat abdominal skeletal muscles contractions using denatonium, a TAS2R agonist. Low concentration of denatonium (0.01 mmol/l) caused a significant decrease of amplitudes of the electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced contractions in abdominal skeletal muscles preparations in vitro. This inhibitory effect was significantly reduced when the preparations were preincubated with gentamicin (0.02 mmol/l) used as a non-specific inhibitor of IP3 formation or with BaCl2 (0.03 mmol/l) applied to block the inward-rectifier potassium current. All experiments were performed in the presence of pipecuronium in order to block the nerve stimulation of the contractions. The data obtained suggest that denatonium decreases the force of rat abdominal muscles contractions mainly via activation of TAS2R, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate and its downstream signal metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the role of truncated plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 protein (rPAI-123) in the growth of atherosclerotic plaque. The rPAI-123 inhibits the growth of vasa vasorum and vessels within the adjacent plaque and vessel wall through inhibition of fibroblast growth factor-2, leading to reduced plaque growth in atherogenic female LDLR ApoB-48-deficient mice.

Abstract: A new hand-held laser range scanner is introduced that can capture multi-view range images of an object and integrate the images without registering them. The scanner uses a reference double-frame that acts as the coordinate system of the object. Range images captured from different views of the object are in the coordinate system of the double-frame and, thus, automatically come together. A single-view image is obtained by sweeping a laser line over the object while keeping the camera fixed and analyzing the acquired laser stripes. The laser line generator and the camera can move independently, making it possible to conveniently scan an object just like painting over it with a paintbrush while viewing it from different views. The hardware and software organization of the scanner are described, the characteristics of the scanner are investigated, and example images captured by the scanner are presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fragaria pentaphylla is a perennial herb with two morphs that produce either white or red fruit. A combined metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of the red and white fruits was conducted to reveal the different accumulated metabolites and differentially expressed genes between the red and white fruits. Red fruits of F. pentaphylla had higher quality with abundant flavonoids, free amino acids, and vitamins, compared with white fruits. Four anthocyanins, one procyanidin and 15 flavonoids in red morphs were significantly higher than in white morphs. The low level of pelargonin O-hexosyl-O-hexoside, pelargonidin O-hexoside and petunidin O-rutinoside might contribute to the white color of the F. pentaphylla flesh. Eighteen amino acids, except glycine or glutamine, were found in both the red and white morphs. Red fruits had a higher content of amino acids than white fruits. No DEG was involved in the pathway for amino acids synthesis, indicating that the higher levels of amino acids in red fruits than in white were not due to an increased amino acid biosynthesis. Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic data suggested that COR , CHI , DFR , PKS and COMT genes might be related to the synthesis of flavonoids. Besides, 7OMT and PKS genes were shown to be closely associated with alkaloid and polyphenol synthesis. These results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of the color and nutrients in strawberries. • The white flesh of F. pentaphylla has low levels of flavonoids and anthocyanins. • The red fruits of F. pentaphylla are rich in free amino acids and vitamins. • No DEG is involved in amino acids biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Cuscuta, a parasitic plant species in the Convolvulaceae family, grows in many countries and regions. However, the relationship between some species is still unclear. Therefore, more studies are needed to assess the variation of the chloroplast (cp) genome in Cuscuta species and their relationship with subgenera or sections, thus, providing important information on the evolution of Cuscuta species. Results In the present study, we identified the whole cp genomes of C. epithymum, C. europaea, C. gronovii, C. chinensis and C. japonica, and then constructed a phylogenetic tree of 23 Cuscuta species based on the complete genome sequences and protein-coding genes. The complete cp genome sequences of C. epithymum and C. europaea were 96,292 and 97,661 bp long, respectively, and lacked an inverted repeat region. Most cp genomes of Cuscuta spp. have tetragonal and circular structures except for C. epithymum, C. europaea, C. pedicellata and C. approximata. Based on the number of genes and the structure of cp genome and the patterns of gene reduction, we found that C. epithymum and C. europaea belonged to subgenus Cuscuta. Most of the cp genomes of the 23 Cuscuta species had single nucleotide repeats of A and T. The inverted repeat region boundaries among species were similar in the same subgenera. Several cp genes were lost. In addition, the numbers and types of the lost genes in the same subgenus were similar. Most of the lost genes were related to photosynthesis (ndh, rpo, psa, psb, pet, and rbcL), which could have gradually caused the plants to lose the ability to photosynthesize. Conclusion Our results enrich the data on cp. genomes of genus Cuscuta. This study provides new insights into understanding the phylogenetic relationships and variations in the cp genome of Cuscuta species.

Introduction: Peri-implantitis is a relatively new and difficult disease that is becoming more common. Of the different therapeutic options to manage this condition, lasers show certain advantages over other therapeutic alternatives because of their antibacterial potential. Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the temperature rise of implant surfaces, soft tissues, and bone during irradiation with diode, CO2, and Er:YAG lasers.Materials and methods: Ten implants inserted in biological models were irradiated with three laser systems with different parameters: a diode laser (980 nm) with power levels of 0.75 W and 1.6 W; a CO2 laser (10600 nm) with power levels of 252 W and 241 W; and an Er:YAG laser (2940 nm) with power levels of 1.5 W, 6.8 W, and 7.5 W. The temperature rise was measured using a specially designed thermal probe (type K thermocouple) with accuracy of ±0.1°C over the range from 20°C to 80°C. The temperature was measured at 5 points – in the implant body, in the mucosa, in the middle part of the implant, in the implant apex, and in the bone around the implant apex. Measurements were obtained at 1 minute working interval.Results: Diode and CO2 lasers with both parameters used increased significantly the temperature of more than 46°C, whereas the temperature in the Er:YAG laser group was less than 30°C. There was a statistically significant difference between diode, CO2, and Er:YAG lasers in favor of the erbium laser. Conclusions: The Er:YAG laser demonstrates the best thermal properties during irradiation of the implant surface. The three working modes tested – 1.5 W, 6.8 W, and 7.5 W – provide safe intervention on both the soft and bone tissues of the implant interface and on the implant itself.

Aim: The aim of the present in vitro study was to analyze the endodontic cavity walls for presence of remnants of conventional glass ionomer cement and flowable light cure composite used as temporary restorative materials of endodontically treated teeth. The dentine surface of the access cavity was observed with scanning electron microscopy after the final removal of the temporary restoration using high-speed turbine and diamond bur or ultrasonic device and diamond tip.Materials and methods: Twenty-one extracted intact human molars were selected for this study. Endodontic access, enlargement of the coronal one third of the root canals and standard irrigation were performed. Teeth were then restored with two different materials – conventional glass ionomer cement (Ketac Molar Easymix, 3M ESPE, USA) and flowable light cure composite (Vertise flow, KERR, USA) and divided in four groups according to the method of removal and type of material used for temporary restoration. One sample, positive for temporary material remnants, was used as a control group. After the removal of the restorative material, all specimens were prepared for SEM examination. Scanning Electron Microscopy (Prisma E SEM, Thermo Scientific, Eindhoven, The Netherlands) was used to examine the surface morphology of the samples. The samples were sputter-coated with gold using vacuum evaporator (JEOL JFC-1200). The images were recorded at 20 kV acceleration using various magnifications (×150, ×500, and ×1000).Results and conclusions: Remnants were detected in all specimens, regardless of the material for temporary restoration or method of removal.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease with controversial etiology. One theory claims that AD is due to brain aging affecting mainly the functions of mitochondria, therefore, the factors leading to mitochondrial ageing hould lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Another theory is that different mitochondrial DNA haplogroups can be predisposition for the onset of the condition. Here we focused on the possible connection between AD and UV radiation using the data on the monthly UV index in Europe, its correlation with mortality rate due to AD and mitochondrial DNA haplogroups distribution. If a link between the two theories is proved, it will mean that UV radiation is a risk factor not only for skin cancer but also for a large group of neurodegenerative diseases amongst which is the Alzheimer’s disease.

Due to their effects, similar to low-intensity therapy light sources such as light-emitting diodes (LED) and broadband spectrum lamps have recently become commonly used in the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative pathologies, cancer, as well as ageing. Despite the proven positive effects of such therapies, deeper understanding of the light therapies’ biological effects remains unclear. Even more, the molecular mechanisms through which different neurotransmitters, namely serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), mediate the organism’s response to radiation are yet indistinct. In this paper, we present the design and development of a specialized system for irradiation of biological objects, which is composed of LED 365 nm and LED 470 nm and a broadband lamp source of UVA/B (350 nm) with intensity, power density and direction, which can be optimized experimentally. The system, named a “water organ bath (wob)”, is used in the current work to irradiate smooth muscle stomach strips of rats. The obtained results prove that the modulation of the spontaneous contractile smooth muscle activity and the potentiation of the effects of major neurotransmitters are executed by the emitted light. The probable explanation for the neurotransmitters photoactivation is that it is the resultant effect of electromagnetic radiation on intracellular enzymes signaling systems.

Direct nose-to-brain drug delivery offers the opportunity to treat central nervous system disorders more effectively due to the possibility of drug molecules reaching the brain without passing through the blood–brain barrier. Such a delivery route allows the desired anatomic site to be reached while ensuring drug effectiveness, minimizing side effects, and limiting drug losses and degradation. However, the absorption of intranasally administered entities is a complex process that considerably depends on the interplay between the characteristics of the drug delivery systems and the nasal mucosa. Various preclinical models (in silico, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo) are used to study the transport of drugs after intranasal administration. The present review article attempts to summarize the different computational and experimental models used so far to investigate the direct delivery of therapeutic agents or colloidal carriers from the nasal cavity to the brain tissue. Moreover, it provides a critical evaluation of the data available from different studies and identifies the advantages and disadvantages of each model.

Parasitic flowering plants represent a diverse group of angiosperms, ranging from exotic species with limited distribution to prominent weeds, causing significant yield losses in agricultural crops. The major damage caused by them is related to the extraction of water and nutrients from the host, thus decreasing vegetative growth, flowering, and seed production. Members of the root parasites of the Orobanchaceae family and stem parasites of the genus Cuscuta are among the most aggressive and damaging weeds, affecting both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous crops worldwide. Their control and eradication are hampered by the extreme seed longevity and persistence in soil, as well as their taxonomic position, which makes it difficult to apply selective herbicides not damaging to the hosts. The selection of resistant cultivars is among the most promising approaches to deal with this matter, although still not widely employed due to limited knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of host resistance and inheritance. The current review aims to summarize the available information on host resistance with a focus on agriculturally important parasitic plants and to outline the future perspectives of resistant crop cultivar selection to battle the global threat of parasitic plants.

Cuscuta campestris Yunck. is a parasitic plant, acquiring nutrients from the hosts. Although a generalist, its hosts differ in their susceptibility. Ipomoea tricolor Cav. is a semi-compatible host - C. campestris growth is restricted in infected plants. We aimed to assess the effect of the parasite on this semi-compatible host by using the sensitive JIP-test to follow physiological changes in leaves at different vegetative stages - aged, mature, and newly emerging. The characteristics of the photosynthetic machinery were estimated by 17 parameters, calculated from the prompt chlorophyll a fluorescence. The most sensitive were performance index of photosystem II, performance index of photosystems I + II, and number of QA redox turnovers until maximal fluorescence is reached. The infected I. tricolor plants responded to the parasite by activating the electron transport in PSII in later periods. The oldest leaves and the youngest leaves developed certain adaptation to the parasite but the younger did not. The effect of the parasite on the photosynthetic apparatus depended on the physiological age of the host plant leaves.

The aim of this study was to develop casein-based nanoscale carriers as a potential delivery system for daunorubicin, as a pH-responsive targeting tool for acute lymphocytic leukemia. A coacervation technique followed by nano spray-drying was used for the preparation of drug-loaded casein nanoparticles. Four batches of drug-loaded formulations were developed at varied drug–polymer ratios using a simple coacervation technique followed by spray-drying. They were further characterized using scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD diffractometry, and differential scanning calorimetry. Drug release was investigated in different media (pH 5 and 7.4). The cytotoxicity of the daunorubicin-loaded nanoparticles was compared to that of the pure drug. The influence of the polymer-to-drug ratio on the nanoparticles’ properties such as their particle size, surface morphology, production yield, drug loading, entrapment efficiency, and drug release behavior was studied. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the drug-loaded nanoparticles was investigated confirming their potential as carriers for daunorubicin delivery.

Parasitic plants extract nutrients from the other plants to finish their life cycle and reproduce. The control of parasitic weeds is notoriously difficult due to their tight physical association and their close biological relationship to their hosts. Parasitic plants differ in their susceptible host ranges, and the host species differ in their susceptibility to parasitic plants. Current data show that adaptations of parasitic plants to various hosts are largely genetically determined. However, multiple cases of rapid adaptation in genetically homogenous parasitic weed populations to new hosts strongly suggest the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms. Recent progress in genome-wide analyses of gene expression and epigenetic features revealed many new molecular details of the parasitic plants’ interactions with their host plants. The experimental data obtained in the last several years show that multiple common features have independently evolved in different lines of the parasitic plants. In this review we discuss the most interesting new details in the interaction between parasitic and host plants.

Nowadays, the utilized electromagnetic radiation (ER) in modalities such as photobiomodulation (PBM) finds broader applications in medical practice due to the promising results suggested by numerous reports. To date, the published data do not allow for the in-depth elucidation of the molecular mechanisms through which ER impacts the human organism. Furthermore, there is a total lack of evidence justifying the relation between the enzymatic activity of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) and the effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on the spontaneous contractile activity of smooth muscle gastric tissues exposed to various light sources. We found that exposure of these tissues to lamps, emitting light with wavelengths of 254 nm and 350 nm, lasers, emitting light with 532 nm and 808 nm, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with ER at a wavelength of 660 nm, increased the 5-HT effect on the contractility. On the other hand, LEDs at 365 nm and 470 nm reduced it. The analysis of MAO-A enzymatic activity after exposure to the employed light emitters endorsed these findings. Furthermore, MAOA gene expression studies confirmed the possibility of its optogenetic regulation. Therefore, we concluded that the utilized emitters could alternate the functions of significant neuromediators by modulating the activity and gene transcription levels of enzymes that degrade them. Our investigations will help to disclose the selective conditions upon which PBM can effectively treat gastrointestinal and neurological disorders.

Cuscuta australis is a widely distributed stem parasitic plant, infecting a variety of host plants. Its parasitism has a negative effect on the hosts, mainly due to the exhaustion of nutrients, thus negatively affecting the growth and development. However, recent studies indicated that the effect of parasitism may extend beyond the simple extraction of organic compounds, water, and minerals. In the present study, the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana was used as a host for Cuscuta australis, to study the effect of the parasite on the photosynthetic parameters and the proteome after short-term infection. To test this, a highly sensitive portable photosynthesis system and gel-based MS/MS proteomics were employed. It was found that the parasite has a dramatic negative effect on the photosynthetic ability of the host, as well as causing the up-regulation of stress-related proteins. Simultaneously, proteins involved in both decreased permeability and loosening of the cell wall of the host were found to be up-regulated.

GRAS gene family encodes transcription factors (TFs) which plays a vital role in different processes of plant growth and development of stems and roots, phytohrome-A signal transduction (PAT), gibberellic acid signal transduction (GA), plant response to biotic and abiotic stress conditions and disease resistance. They could be induced by salt and drought stress and in response to pathogen attack. In this research we investigated the expression pattern of the gene encoding MtGRAS TF (Medtr2g026250) by functional GUS assay in the model legume species Medicago truncatula. Transcriptional reporter lines carrying the promoter region of the gene encoding MtGRAS TF fused to GUS and GFP reporter genes were obtained via Agrobacterium-transformation of suspension cultures. The activity of the GUS reporter gene was detected in various parts and tissues of T1 generation of transformed plants, as well as under salinity stress.

Efficient approaches aimed at restricting Cuscuta campestris distribution can be based on the control of seed germination. Thus, data on effects of environmental factors, seed age, seed longevity and viability, and hosts on C. campestris seed germination and emergence would provide valuable information in that context. Seeds of 26 populations of C. campestris were collected from different locations in Serbia during the field season August–October between 2005 and 2019. Seeds were collected in three major agronomic regions in Serbia: Banat (13 populations), Srem (11 populations), and Macva (2 populations). The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of different temperatures and light on seed germination and seedling growth of populations of C. campestris, determine possible correlations between seed age or hosts and total germination and seedling growth, and survey the morphological diversity and genetic variability of seeds of this parasitic plant. Large variability of germination patterns was observed within each agronomic region, and the high variance of seed germination patterns within regions reflects the ability of C. campestris to adapt to local agricultural management practices. For practical purposes, populations that start and complete their emergence earlier are considered harder to control. Thus, farmers should implement effective mechanical and chemical management measures for early-germinating populations.