Input: Claim: Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat skin ailments. [SEP] Text: Novel ethnobotanical findingsOut of the 128 medicinal plant species identified in the current study, 80 of them had been previously reported to have the same uses. This suggests a strong cultural exchange of traditional plant-based healthcare practices among communities across Ethiopia [55]. From the remaining 48 species, there were nine new reports of medicinal plants in Ethiopia, highlighting the incredible biodiversity of the area studied. Notably, two of these medicinal plants–Dracaena forskaliana and Ipomoea biflora–were not reported elsewhere in the world, making them novel global discoveries as well. The identification of these two species as new medicinal plants is particularly remarkable, as it suggests that the traditional health practices of the local communities in the Quara district encompass the utilization of plant resources that have not been recognized for their medicinal properties elsewhere. These discoveries expand the existing knowledge of traditional medicinal applications of plants in the Quara district. In addition to the new medicinal plant species, the study also reported 39 new use cases for plants that were already known. For instance, the study revealed that the leaf of Rumex nepalensis is used to treat malaria, whereas previous studies had reported its use for 24 different ailments [29, 30, 39,40,41,42, 45,46,47, 49, 51, 58, 59]. Similarly, the study found that the root of Albizia gummifera is chewed for snakebite treatment, whereas earlier studies had reported its use for 23 different ailments [43, 46]. Furthermore, the present study identified Amaranthus caudatus as a medicinal plant used for treating anemia, in contrast to the nine previously reported uses, including constipation, wound healing, febrile illness, urinary problems, common cold, malnutrition, rheumatism, stomachache, and diarrhea [29, 45, 47, 50]. The researchers were able to uncover these previously unmentioned medicinal plants and discover new uses for known plants by performing ethnobotanical investigations from an ethnic-based perspective and exploring new areas. Similarly, another study [107] reported new medicinal plant species by taking an ethnic-based approach in an area previously not studied. The discovery of these previously unreported medicinal plants in the Quara district highlights the potential for further documentation and exploration of traditional ethnobotanical knowledge in Ethiopia. To validate the efficacy of these newly reported uses and plants, further phytochemical research is needed.

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Beauveria bassiana is a fungal pathogen that can effectively control locust populations. [SEP] Text: After breaching the insect cuticle and reaching the hemocoel, the fungus undergoes a dimorphic transition to grow as yeast-like cells, termed hyphal bodies (Fig. 1). These cells can evade the host immune system to colonize insect organs and can secrete toxic proteins that elicit melanization and tissue necrosis (8, 9). Although some of these toxins may be strain specific, potentially contributing to the phenomenon of strain hypervirulence, the identification of genes encoding these toxins is challenging due to difficulties associated with the purification of native protein from crude extracts (e. g. , low yields and loss of activity) and often low homology to known toxins. To date, there is no clear picture of the role of these (putative) protein toxins in pathogenesis or plant association, as gene targets have yet to be identified and functional studies are lacking. Although several B. bassiana bacterial toxin-like (putative) toxins, including seven Cry protein-like toxins, 13 heat-labile enterotoxins, and three zeta toxins, have been identified in genomic analyses (7), little is known about whether these are functional toxins and, if so, how they participate across B. bassiana’s lifestyles. Although the genes are found in other fungal entomopathogens, B. bassiana appears particularly rich in these genes. Our current hypotheses are that Cry-like toxins and enterotoxins may alter insect gut epithelial permeability, facilitating noncanonical routes (as opposed to the cuticle penetration route) of infection via the gut after the ingestion of fungal spores. Alternatively, zeta toxins may not have direct effects in fungal infection and could act as bactericidal agents during fungal necrotrophic/saprophytic growth, similar to what has been reported for the B. bassiana secondary metabolite oosporein (10). Genetic dissection of B. bassiana toxins will shed light on fungal mechanisms of acquisition of hypervirulence, alternative routes of pathogenesis, and fungal adaptations to antagonize microbial competitors. : -on the molecular basis mediating B. bassiana plant colonization remains minimal. Within the context of host-pathogen interaction, the greater the number of spores that attach, germinate, and penetrate the cuticle, the faster the fungus colonizes the insect hemocoel and causes death.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Tree rings cannot be used to study past volcanic activity or environmental disturbances. [SEP] Text: Process-Models of Tree-book PDF Download book 7, John D. Marshall8 & J. Renée Brooks9 Part of the book series: ((TREE,)) 8731 Accesses AbstractTree-ring stable isotopes can be used to parameterize process-based models by providing long-term data on tree physiological processes on annual or finer time steps. They can also be used to test process-based ecophysiological models for the assumptions, hypotheses, and simplifications embedded within them. However, numerous physiological and biophysical processes influence the stable carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotopes in tree rings, so the models must simplify how they represent some of these processes to be useful. Which simplifications are appropriate depends on the application to which the model is applied. Fortunately, water and carbon fluxes represented in process-based models often have strong isotopic effects that are recorded in tree-ring signals. In this 26. 1). A prerequisite for successful modeling remains the sound knowledge of the physiological processes and their responses to environmental drivers. Fig. 26. 1Simplified schemes of simulating tree-ring stable C (δ13C) a and O isotopes (δ18O) b, and using them as tests for modeling. Major components in process-based physiological models are included in gray boxes. The blue box indicates where stable isotopes can be used for model testing, either providing information for modeling calibration or validating the model. Post-photosynthetic fractionation (PPD) and storage are modeled less comprehensively than other physiological processes. Explicit PPD (I) may include fractionations in respiration, transportation, allocation, and organic matter synthesis. Mixing of stored and new carbohydrates further complicates the simulations of stable isotopes. Therefore, some models apply a simplified PPD scheme (II), such as a fixed offset between stable isotopes in new photosynthate and tree rings. Blue solid lines indicate comparison and testing, and blue dotted lines indicated post-photosynthetic processes. 26. 1). Small changes in parameters can result in similar flux values but may create large discrepancies between measured and modeled stable isotopes (Wei et al. 2014a), thus the stable isotopes provide a test for the calibration process. For example, Fig. 26. 2 illustrates how a stable isotope component could test alternative model formulations.

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat skin ailments. [SEP] Text: This research has the potential to provide valuable insights into medical sciences [108] and strengthen the traditional medicinal practices that have been passed through generations [107]. Threats to medicinal plants and conservation effortsThe greatest threat to medicinal plants in the district is agricultural land expansion, consistent with previous research in Ethiopia [10, 106, 109]. Other reported threats include deforestation, habitat loss, drought, furniture production, informal export, settlement, land degradation, and encroachment on communal forests. The main drivers of this agricultural land expansion are population pressure and low land productivity. The unsustainable exploitation of specific medicinal plants, such as Ximenia americana, Carissa spinarum, Securidaca longepedunculata, and Boswellia papyrifera, threatens their status. To address this, it is crucial to implement awareness programs and conservation education involving stakeholders and local communities to prevent disruptions in the population dynamics of these threatened species. However, the study area currently has limited conservation and management practices for medicinal plants. The local community’s reported conservation efforts include cultivating plants in home gardens and preserving them in agricultural lands. Beyond their medicinal applications, the medicinal plant species documented in this study also serve a multitude of other vital purposes within the local communities. These plants are cultivated and utilized for their aesthetic value, as living fences, as sources of food, and shade, and as fuel for firewood. This diverse spectrum of uses underscores the deep cultural and ecological significance of these natural resources. Strengthening the existing conservation and management practices surrounding these medicinal plants is, therefore, essential for ensuring their long-term sustainability and continued availability to the local population. Safeguarding these invaluable natural resources is not only crucial for preserving traditional medicine knowledge and practices, but also plays a critical role in bolstering food security within the area. This study contributes to environmental protection by prioritizing the major threatening factors to the study area’s natural resources. Identifying these key threats can help halt further degradation of the environment and enable the development of appropriate conservation and management strategies. This, in turn, will aid in protecting against the loss of species and other natural resources in the study area and similar environments. ConclusionThis comprehensive study represents the first detailed exploration of indigenous ethnomedicinal knowledge in the Quara district of Northwestern Ethiopia. The documentation of 128 medicinal plants used to treat 76 common ailments across 14 disease categories highlights the rich diversity of plant resources employed for healthcare purposes.

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Beauveria bassiana is a fungal pathogen that can effectively control locust populations. [SEP] Text: CrossrefPubMedWeb of Science7. Xiao G, Ying S-H, Zheng P, Wang Z-L, Zhang S, Xie X--P, Wang C, Feng M-G. 2012. Genomic perspectives on the evolution of fungal entomopathogenicity in Beauveria bassiana. 2:483. CrossrefPubMed8. Ortiz-Urquiza A, Riveiro-Miranda L, Santiago-Álvarez C, Quesada-Moraga E. 2010. Insect-toxic secreted proteins and virulence of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. J 105:270–278. CrossrefPubMedWeb of Science9. Ortiz--Moraga E. 2013. Culture conditions affect virulence and production of insect toxic proteins in the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. Technol 23:1199–1212. CrossrefWeb of Science10. . 2017. Regulatory cascade and biological activity of Beauveria bassiana oosporein that limits bacterial growth after host death. 114:E1578–E1586. CrossrefPubMedWeb of Science11. del. 2015. Salicylic acid modulates colonization of the root microbiome by specific bacterial taxa. Science 349:860–864. CrossrefPubMedWeb of Science12. Martínez-van Wees SCM. 2017. Impact of salicylic acid- and jasmonic acid-regulated defences on root colonization by Trichoderma harzianum T-78. Behav 12:e1345404. CrossrefPubMed13. . 2012. Endophytic insect-parasitic fungi translocate nitrogen directly from insects to plants. Science 336:1576–1577. CrossrefPubMedWeb of Science14. Sánchez-Rodríguez AR, Raya-Díaz S, Zamarreño ÁM, García-Mina JM, del Campillo MC, Quesada-Moraga E. 2018. An endophytic Beauveria bassiana strain increases spike production in bread and durum wheat plants and effectively controls cotton leafworm (Spodoptera littoralis) larvae. 116:90–102. CrossrefWeb of Science15. . 2018.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Tree rings cannot be used to study past volcanic activity or environmental disturbances. [SEP] Text: The simulations were based on a ~80 year-old natural stand of grand fir (Abies grandis) in the Mediterranean climate of northern Idaho, where low summer precipitation limits gas exchange (Wei et al. 2014a). Three scenarios in the example represent alternative means to parameterize the model: (1) using default gas exchange parameters; (2) calibrating the model with all available sap flow observations from a nearby site with shallower soil; and (3) calibrating the model with part of the sap flow observations until the soil dried out. Scenario 1 did not reasonably simulate transpiration and the response of canopy conductance to vapor pressure deficit (VPD), but Scenarios 2 and 3 did (Fig. 26. 2a, b). Although the differences were small between Scenarios 2 and 3 in both the calibrated parameter values and simulated transpiration, simulated tree-ring δ13C were clearly separated (~2‰) between Scenarios 2 and 3, and only Scenario 3 matched the δ13C observations (Fig. 26. 2c). With δ13C as a constraint, small parameterization errors in gas exchange can be detected, increasing our confidence in the simulations under Scenario 3. Note that the isotopic data were used here not as parameterizations themselves, but as a test of other means of parameterization. As this example illustrates, stable isotopes can serve as a powerful means to test alternative parameterization strategies (Aranibar et al. 2006; Duarte et al. 2017; Ulrich et al. 2019; Walcroft et al. 1997; Wei et al. 2014a). Fig. 26. 2Example of using tree-ring δ13C to validate a process-based forest model (3-PG; Wei et al. (2014a) for more details). Three scenarios demonstrate possible means to calibrate a model, where three parameters differed among scenarios, including maximum canopy conductance (gcmax, m s−1) the slope of canopy conductance to vapor pressure deficit (VPD; kg, mbar−1) and quantum yield (αcx, mol C mol−1 photon). Scenario 1 used the default parameter set for simulations (gcmax = 0. 020, kg = 0. 05, αcx = 0. 055).

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat skin ailments. [SEP] Text: This finding underscores the importance of further exploring and preserving the indigenous knowledge of medicinal plant use. The study also highlights the ethnic distribution of medicinal plant knowledge, with the Amhara, Gumuz, and Agew ethnic groups contributing to the documentation of medicinal plant species. This underscores the importance of cultural diversity and the role of different communities in preserving and sharing traditional knowledge. The high ethnobotanical indices of certain plants suggest the need for further phytochemical and pharmacological investigations to uncover their medicinal properties and potential use in drug development. Furthermore, this ethnobotanical investigation in the Quara district has uncovered both new medicinal plant species as well as new use reports that were previously undocumented. This makes it a valuable contribution to the understanding of traditional plant-based healthcare practices in Ethiopia, indicating the potential for further exploration and discovery of novel remedies. The comparison with previous studies in neighboring areas shows a high degree of use similarity, highlighting the shared traditional knowledge and practices in the region. The findings of this study also have implications for conservation efforts. The identification of threats to medicinal plants, such as agricultural land expansion and fuelwood use, underscores the need for integrated conservation strategies. Protecting and sustainably managing these plant resources is crucial to ensure their availability for future generations and to address the challenges they face. Overall, this ethnobotanical study provides valuable insights into the traditional use of medicinal plants in the Quara district, Northwestern Ethiopia. The documentation of plant species, their therapeutic uses, and the associated traditional knowledge contributes to our understanding of the local healthcare system and provides a foundation for further research and conservation efforts. The study highlights the importance of preserving cultural diversity, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare practices for the benefit of local communities and the broader field of medicine. Availability of data and materials The necessary data collected for this study was analyzed and included in this manuscript, and its supplementary information files are attached as 1, and 2. AbbreviationsDMR: Direct matrix ranking QDOA: Quara district office of agriculture ICF: Informant consensus factor RSI: Rahman’s similarity index 82. Geneva: Organization; 2013. 50. 60. 9170. p. 51. 85. 2015. . Mahiberesilasie community conservation area general management plan 2017–2026, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia (unpublished document) 2016. .

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Beauveria bassiana is a fungal pathogen that can effectively control locust populations. [SEP] Text: Endophytic establishment of the fungal entomopathogen, Beauveria bassiana (Bals. ) Vuil. , in cucumber plants access Published: 30 November 2020 Endophytic establishment of the fungal entomopathogen, Beauveria bassiana (Bals. ) Vuil. , in cucumber plants : orcid. org/0000-0002-4783-63451, Mohammad Ahmad1 & Ibtisam Gazal1 of Control 94. 44 and 73. 68% for stem and 68. 26 and 37. 79% for root, 30 and 90 days post soil drench, respectively, while in foliar spray, it reached 33. 51 and 16. 45%, after 30 and 90 days post-treatment, for the stem and 9. 45 and 0% for the root, respectively. No negative effects were observed in inoculated plants or on fungal pathogenicity. ConclusionResults showed for the first time the ability of the fungus, B. bassiana, isolate B195, to artificially colonize and survive in different parts of cucumber plants under laboratory conditions by different inoculation methods and to grow systemically in plant tissues. This study is considered a preliminary study to the utilization of the fungus, B. bassiana, as an endophyte in cucumber plants to reduce the density of insect pests. BackgroundEntomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) play an important role in the biological control of plant pests, and now many species are available as commercial products (Shahid et al. 2012). Recently, some of the EPFs have shown an ability to colonize tissues of a number of plants endophytically, which provide protection against various insect pests, and the term “endophytic entomopathogenic fungi” (EEPFs) was introduced (Ownley et al. 2010; Vidal and Jaber 2015). The fungus, Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycota: Hypocreales), is one of the most important EEPFs. Although it has been described as an entomopathogen by since 1835, it has not been recognized as an endophytic fungus until 1991 by Bing and Lewis, who demonstrated its ability to colonize corn plants (Zea mays L. ) endophytically (Bing and Lewis 1991, 1992; Wagner and Lewis 2000). In recent few years, more interests about the role of the fungus, B.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Tree rings cannot be used to study past volcanic activity or environmental disturbances. [SEP] Text: Scenario 2 calibrated these parameters with all available sap flow observations at a nearby site with similar forest type but where the soil dried earlier than at the modeling site (gcmax = 0. 011, kg = 0. 08, αcx = 0. 0615). Scenario 3 calibrated the model using only part of the sap flow observations at this nearby site before the soils dried, which should be the most reasonable approach (gcmax = 0. 014, kg = 0. 08, αcx = 0. 0615). 2 and 3 had very similar simulations of transpiration a and similar VPD response curve (b “observed” shows the 99% percentile of all sap flux-based measurements), only Scenario 3 reasonably simulated tree-ring δ13C c. Because reliable δ13C simulations require accurate simulations of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance (Eq. (26. 2)), simulations of gas exchanges of Scenario 3 are hence more reliable. We can then accept the simulated GPP of Scenario 3 as a better simulation than the other two scenarios d. This figure is redrawn from Wei et al. (2014a), with permissionFull size image3 Components for Modeling Tree-Ring δ13C and δ18OOur knowledge about causes of variation in tree-ring δ13C and δ18O has continuously improved (Chaps. 9, 10, 16 and 17). The key processes which have been commonly included in process-based modeling of tree-ring δ13C and δ18O can be broken into various components such as fractionation during carbon fixation within leaves, during carbon allocation, or during cellulose formation within the stem (Fig. 26. 1). Models tend to focus on one or two of these boxes depending on the model objectives, but the level of process detail varies greatly between models. As mentioned earlier, more complex modeling requires more detailed data for parameterizing and testing the models. Model predictions are generally validated with data either after simulating leaf-level fractionation or after cellulose formation within the stem. At the leaf level, simulated δ13C can be tested with phloem δ13C, and simulated water δ18O in tissues can be assessed with leaf or stem water observations (Fig. 26. 1). However, these observations are normally short-term and non-continuous.

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat skin ailments. [SEP] Text: For thousands of years, mankind has used plants as a source of medicine either in their crude mixture forms or purified single chemical entities. While the use of crude plant extracts in prescription drugs today is extremely rare, we still have a significant number of our drug therapies tracing their origin back to natural products. In principle, drug therapeutic approach for complex metabolic disorders like diabetes and associated diseases, where a single key universally accepted biological target is not available, could be designed through a multifunctional (one drug → multitarget → multidisease/complex disease) or polypharmacology (multidrug → multitarget → multidisease/complex disease) principles [1]. On this basis, I read the diabetes UK website under the heading of "Herbal and Natural Therapies" [2] with great interest. The site lists herbs and spices that have been clinically shown to improve blood glucose control in type-2 diabetes patients and diabetes high risk group. Top in the list is the miraculous Aloe vera which has been further illustrated, as with other herbal medicines (Bilberry extract, Bitter melon, Cinnamon, Fenugreek, Ginger and Okra), in its own webpage [3]. To quote one statement from the website: "Preliminary research suggests that intake of Aloe vera juice can help improve blood glucose levels and may therefore be useful in treating people with diabetes". The beneficial effect of Aloe vera as a lipid lowering and wound healing agent along with other health benefits are also outlined. The site even gives guidance on where to buy Aloe vera and the health and beauty/food retailers among which 'Shop' and 'Holland & Barrett' were specifically mentioned. Even though advice is given to patients in the main website to consult their doctor before using herbal medicines, the presentation of these potential antidiabetic medicines to the general public is nothing less than an endorsement by the highest authority in the UK for disseminating information on diabetes. One should therefore ask a simple question: Is there a consensus among the scientific community on using Aloe vera by its own to treat diabetes? The answer is very simple and short - NO! Any diabetic patient who wishes to try out Aloe vera must be told that there is as such no overwhelming clinical evidence to justify its use as a replacement to metformin or other prescription antidiabetic drugs.

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Beauveria bassiana is a fungal pathogen that can effectively control locust populations. [SEP] Text: bassiana, has been used for many years as a biological control agent by traditional methods to reduce insect damage, but in the direct use, its propagules are exposed to the harmful UV radiation, fluctuating humidity, and temperature, reducing its effectiveness (Kim et al. 2013; Omukoko and Turoop 2017). Therefore, endophytic establishment in the plant provides an acceptable approach for avoiding this problem in field application and opens up new horizons for biological pest control. The aims of the present study were (1) to evaluate the ability of a local isolate of the fungus, B. bassiana, to colonize cucumber plants, using different inoculation methods under laboratory conditions; (2) to detect the persistence of the fungus inside the plant; and (3) to demonstrate the potential of its systemic growth from the point of inoculation to other plant parts. Five inoculation methods were used, and the colonization was evaluated every 30 days for 3 months. Main textMaterials and methodsFungal isolateThe isolated fungus (B195), B. bassiana, was used. It was isolated in 2018 from olive orchard soil at Al-Shabatliyah, Latakia, Syria (35°41'10. 6"N 35°49'36. 6"E), using the Galleria bait method, which was described by Zimmermann (1986) and Meyling (2007). The isolate was identified morphologically as B. bassiana based on each of Humber and Steinkraus (1998), Rehner et al. (2011), and Lacey (2012). It was cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA; LTD. ) to which the antibiotic amoxicillin was added, and stored at 4 °C until use. The spore suspension was prepared based on Lacey (2012) as the following: 14-day-old colonies grown on PDA were flooded by 10 ml sterile distilled water containing 0. 05% Tween 80. The colonies’ surface was scraped off by a sterile syringe to ensure maximum conidial harvesting, then filtered through sterile muslin to remove any mycelial fragments, and shaken on a mechanical shaker for 15 min. Suspension concentration was calculated using a Malassez counting chamber, then adjusted to 4. 9 × 107 spores/ml. Viability of the conidia was assessed by germination assessment.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Tree rings cannot be used to study past volcanic activity or environmental disturbances. [SEP] Text: (2019) analysis been done before the measurements were conducted, perhaps measurements of xylem water δ18O would have been prioritized. This idea of close collaboration between modelers and experimentalists, from research planning to publication, is common in other disciplines and has begun to take hold in ecology (Medlyn et al. 2015, 2016). Perhaps the tree-ring isotope community has room to grow in this direction. 4 Models that Simulate Tree-IsotopesSeveral process-based models have been used to predict stable isotopic composition at varying levels of complexity. At a small spatial scale, simple leaf- or stand-level models can simulate forest physiology and growth with simple stand structures; at the other end, more complex models can simulate forests with different species, tree sizes, and canopy structures at watershed, regional, and global scales. Here we describe several representative models that have advanced our abilities in modeling tree-ring δ13C and δ18O. All these models have been used to simulate tree-ring stable isotopes for more than one year and have been tested with observed isotopic data. Most models here could simulate time series of tree-ring stable isotopes, but we also include models that simulate δ13C in new photosynthate and/or δ18O in foliage water as they have the potential to also predict tree-ring isotope time series after simple upgrades or modifications. 4. 1 Models for Predicting δ13C of Foliage and Tree-and Waring 1997 Panek and Waring (1997) simulated foliage and tree-ring δ13C in a semi-mechanistic way. A process-based model (-BGC, Running and Coughlan 1988) was used to capture climate constraints on gs. δ13C was modeled empirically based on multiple linear regressions between δ13C and climatic constraints on stomata. The study tested how much variance in tree-ring δ13C can be explained by climate controls on gs, neglecting all other sources of variation discussed above. The model explained 34% (r = 0. 58) of the annual variation in tree-ring δ13C across 22 years for Douglas-fir in Oregon, USA. Walcroft 1997 Walcroft et al.

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat skin ailments. [SEP] Text: A number of clinical trials from the 1980's have also been conducted and in almost all cases, some kind of beneficial effects that have been observed in animal studies, but most importantly a reduction in blood glucose level, have been documented [5,19-30] Unfortunately, most of the clinical studies on Aloe vera so far have been brutally criticized for their limitations due to heterogeneity of the drug preparations, doses, patient's status (e. g. , uncontrolled dietary and physical state, etc. ), study methodology (blinding, duration of study, etc. ) and the results itself which have been often contradictory (e. g. cholesterol lowering effect). Hence, what has not been shown for Aloe vera is very crucial - Is the observed benefit merit its use as an alternative drug therapy to the known clinically useful drugs? This unfortunately has not been answered and the use of Aloe vera by its own as antidiabetic therapy cannot be advocated from the clinical evidences available so far. For example, a small reduction of blood glucose in short term studies, no matter how statistically significant, does not warrant a plant extract to be used as antidiabetic therapy. On the other hand, such effect could have additive effect when used together with prescription drugs and endanger a diabetic patient due to acute hypoglycemia. A large scale, well-controlled, long-term and multicentre clinical trials on universally accepted standardised Aloe vera preparation is thus needed to answer this question. Recent meta-analysis studies [31-33] also came with the conclusion that only a well-designed comprehensive clinical study would be able to unequivocally confirm the antidiabetic clinical potential of Aloe vera. In the meantime, organizations like Diabetes UK with responsibility in disseminating accurate information to the general public should be a little more cautious when listing available antidiabetic drug therapies and their sources. While visiting some local sources of Aloe vera products recommended by Diabetes UK, I could not see anything of relevance to diabetes at 'Shop' (only skin care products of Aloe vera were on display) while the 'Holland & Barrett' appeared to have a good range of products (Figure 1). None of them are of course sold as medicine or specific therapy for diabetes but are formulated/stabilised products in capsule, tablet or juice forms with most of them seem to be targeting the gastrointestinal system.

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Beauveria bassiana is a fungal pathogen that can effectively control locust populations. [SEP] Text: When fungal growth was observed, it was removed to a new Petri plate containing PDA medium, incubated, and studied morphologically using a light microscope. The colonization of different parts by B. bassiana was calculated as the following: % colonization = [number of plant pieces showing fungal growth/the total number of plant pieces] × 100 (Petrini and Fisher 1986), and the ability of the studied fungus to grow systemically to non-inoculated parts of the plant was detected. All plants were monitored throughout the experimental period. Physiological damages or disease symptoms of inoculated plants relative to the control plants were recorded. Endophytic effects on fungal pathogenicityFor this purpose, the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), larvae in the last instar were used. It was reared in the laboratory as described by Bhatnagar and Bareth (2004). Before endophytic establishment experiments, G. mellonella larvae were placed in contact with full-grown colonies of B. bassiana for a few minutes and then moved to sterile Petri plates (12 cm diameter) containing moist filter paper, kept in darkness at 25 ± 2 °C for a week. Mortality (%) was recorded daily. Five replicates and 5 larvae/replicate were prepared. The control treatment was carried out without the fungus. The same steps were repeated after endophytic establishment experiments, using fungal colonies that were isolated from plant tissues to compare the fungal pathogenicity before and after fungal establishment in the plant. Statistical analysisData were statistically analyzed by CoStat program, using a completely randomized design. For each sampling date, the variation test one-way ANOVA was used, the means were compared, using the LSD test at p ≤ 0. 05. To determine the best method of inoculation, one-way randomized blocks with repeated measures were used. Results and discussionPresence and persistence of the endophyte in cucumber plantAll fungal inoculation methods resulted in an endophytic establishment of the fungus, B. bassiana, in cucumber plants under the laboratory conditions (Table 1), and the fungus survived inside the plant up to 90 days of the inoculation (Fig. 1), whereas no presence of the fungus was observed in the control plants, indicating the absence of natural endophytes and contamination.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Tree rings cannot be used to study past volcanic activity or environmental disturbances. [SEP] Text: (1997) combined process-based modeling with tree-ring δ13C to expand our knowledge in the connections between long-term climate and tree-ring stable isotopes. This study also indicated the possibility of using tree-ring δ13C to validate models. Driven by daily meteorology data, a leaf-level model simulated stomatal conductance, leaf photosynthesis, and stand water balance for Pinus radiata over two growing seasons at two sites in New Zealand. The authors used the gas-exchange data to simulate seasonal variations in leaf-level ci. They compared this to seasonal canopy-level ci estimated from δ13C of intra-annual tree-ring slices using the simplified equation from Farquhar et al. (1982) (Chap. 9). The two sets of ci had similar seasonal variations except that simulated ci varied over a larger amplitude. This indicated the importance of post-photosynthetic processes, including mixing of stored carbohydrates s, in damping the signals of gas exchange in tree-rings. SICA Trees may adjust their stomatal regulation of ci in response to rising atmospheric CO2 (Voelker et al. 2016), which would change water-use efficiency and tree-ring δ13C. In one of the early attempts to describe these phenomena, Berninger et al. (2000) modeled annual variations of tree-ring carbon isotope values for a long period (1877–1995) using a modified version of the SImple CAnopy model (SICA) model (Berninger 1997). Two kinds of stomatal responses to elevated CO2 were used: a sensitive scheme that reduced gs with increasing CO2 and an insensitive scheme that did not. It turned out that the insensitive scheme better predicted tree-ring carbon isotope values with a correlation coefficient (r) between simulations and observations as high as 0. 74. In contrast, r reached only 0. 58 with the sensitive scheme. This indicated that gs had not decreased with increasing CO2 and Δ13C increased since the 1950s. The SICA model did not consider ontogenetic effects or post-photosynthetic fractionations; therefore, there was a 4. 6‰ offset between simulated photosynthetic Δ13C and observed Δ13C in tree-ring cellulose. model (Fritts et al. 1999; Hemming et al.

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat skin ailments. [SEP] Text: They contain aloe leaf inner gel or whole leaf extract or both while some contain a blend of several other plant extracts. The biggest source of controversy in using such products for chronic disease like diabetes will arise from the diversity of preparations and composition of active ingredients in these products - hence giving rise to variability in their health benefit outcomes. Even if the observed, sometimes marginal, antidiabetic effect of Aloe vera warrants its clinical use, one would wonder again which one of these products the general public should choose to treat diabetes. Overall, there are few unresolved issues that weigh against recommending the use of Aloe vera for treating diabetes by its own. Products which are blended or optimised for other health benefits should not be even considered suitable for diabetes therapy until an overwhelming body of scientific evidences are provided in their favour. In the absence of unequivocal clinical evidence available for such formulations, the justification of using these preparations for diabetes far beyond food supplements is based only on judgement on balance of probabilities. Figure 1: Aloe vera products available to the general public at the Holland & Barrett outlet. 1 Conflict of author declares no conflict of interest. financial assistance either from internal of external sources were obtained for this contribution. 0182. (1996) Antidiabetic activity of Aloe vera L. juice. I. Clinical trial in new cases of diabetes mellitus. Phytomedicine 3: 241-243. (2004) Hypoglycemic effect of Aloe vera gel on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in experimental rats. J 7: 61-66. ütlüpinar N (2001) Effect of Aloe vera leaves on blood glucose level in type I and type II diabetic rat models. 15: 157-161. (2008) Effects of Aloe vera (elsabar) ethanolic extract on blood glucose level in Wistar albino rats. J Res 4: 1841-1845. (2009) Study on the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of processed Aloe vera gel in a mouse model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Phytomedicine 16: 856-863. (2014) Blood glucose lowering activity of aloe based composition, UP780, in alloxan induced insulin dependent mouse diabetes model. Syndr 6: 61. -Inceli M, Can A, et al.

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Beauveria bassiana is a fungal pathogen that can effectively control locust populations. [SEP] Text: 65, 37. 98 ± 32. 02, and 63. 58 ± 14. 21% (± SD), respectively, for each of T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, after 30 days of inoculation (F = 17. 46, p < 0. 0001, LSD 5% = 12. 549). However, it decreased to 50. 75 ± 25. 7, 30. 63 ± 9. 05, 54. 99 ± 19. 64, 54. 36 ± 26. 63, and 21. 36 ± 13. 17% (± SD), respectively, at the end of the experiment (F = 5. 92, p = 0. 0006, LSD 5% = 18. 0688) (Fig. 1). Also, root colonization reached its maximum value after 30 days of inoculation, and it was 68. 26 ± 28. 19 and 56. 54 ± 22. 16% (± SD), for soil drench and seed immersion, respectively (F = 13. 10, p < 0. 0001, LSD 5% = 17. 895), while it was in the lowest level at 90 days of treatment (F = 9. 89, p < 0. 0001, LSD 5% = 13. 304), and in foliar spray in general, whereas it was 9. 45 ± 19. 96, 3. 33 ± 10. 53, and 0% (± SD) in this method, after 30, 60, and 90 days of treatment, respectively. No physical symptoms of damage were observed in colonized plants. Endophytic effects on fungal pathogenicityResults showed no negative effects of the establishment of the fungus, B. bassiana, in cucumber plants under laboratory conditions on its pathogenicity. On the 4th day of the experiment, mortality reached 100% against the last instar of G. mellonella larvae before and after introducing the fungus to the plant, while it was 0% in the control. As a result of this study, the presence of the fungus, B. bassiana, inside cucumber plants was confirmed by re-isolating it from stems, leaves, petioles, and roots under laboratory conditions, and the persistence of the fungus in the inner tissues was proved by its presence in all sampling dates.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Tree rings cannot be used to study past volcanic activity or environmental disturbances. [SEP] Text: 2001) was among the first to incorporate post-photosynthetic discriminations in simulations of tree-ring δ13C. It included the impact of daily cambium activity and carbon storage on the simulations of tree-ring δ13C. The dynamics of two carbohydrate pools were simulated: sucrose as new photosynthate and starch as storage. Sucrose is first spent each day on respiration and growth. If there were remaining sucrose, a fixed percentage of remaining new photosynthate was allocated to starch storage in each day. The results indicated that the stored carbon had a greater impact on tree-ring δ13C than new photosynthate in 16 years of Pinus arizonica in Arizona USA (Hemming et al. 2001). (Eglin et al. 2010) is one of the most comprehensive models to simulate tree-ring δ13C. It captures how short-term δ13C signals at the leaf-level are integrated into tree rings. It incorporates two procedures that are currently rare in simulating plant stable isotopes and results in better estimates of post-photosynthetic fractionation with explicit carbon dynamics. First, the model simulates post-photosynthetic translocation and allocation of carbohydrates based on the physiological processes in the phloem. These processes included the phloem loading in canopy and unloading in stem and roots, and mass flow in sieve tubes which include volume and conductance of phloem elements. This model also simulates the dynamics of storage, respiration, and structural biomass formation, which make its post-photosynthetic carbon dynamics more explicit than many other similar models. Second, tree rings are not formed instantaneously in the model. Tree-ring formation is separated into three main stages in nature: cambial cell division, cell expansion, and cell-wall thickening (Eglin et al. 2010; Samuels et al. 2006). The model simulates tree-ring growth by dividing tree rings into growth layers formed continuously in the cambial division stage. After formation, carbohydrate allocation to the growth layer decreases exponentially over time. The later phases of growth represented lignification and cell wall thickening. 4. 2 Models for Predicting δ18O of Roden–Lin–Ehleringer 2000 The Roden–Lin–Ehleringer model (Roden et al.

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat skin ailments. [SEP] Text: (2004) Effect of Aloe vera (L. ) Burm fil. leaf gel. and pulp extracts on kidney in type II diabetic rat model. 42: 48-52. (2004) Effect of Aloe vera leaf gel and pulp extracts on the liver in type-II diabetic rat models. Bull 27: 694-698. (2003) Efficacy of dietary Aloe vera supplementation on hepatic cholesterol and oxidative status in aged rats. J Vitamonol 49: 292-296. (2005) Antioxidant effect of Aloe vera gel extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. 57: 90-96. (2006) Beneficial effects of Aloe vera gel extract on lipid profile status in rats with streptozotocin diabetes. 33: 232-237. Rajasekaran S, (2007) Therapeutic evaluation of Aloe vera leaf gel extract on glycoprotein components in rats with streptozotocin diabetes. J 2: 380-385. (2011) reduces adipogenesis via the activation of AMPK and suppresses obesity-related inflammation in obese mice. 11: 107-113. (2012) QDM complex reduces obesity-induced insulin resistance and adipogenesis in obese mice fed a high-fat diet. 12: 96-103. Agarwal OP (1985) Prevention of atheromatous heart disease. Angiology 36: 485-492. Ghannam N, Kingston M, Al- (1986) The antidiabetic activity of aloes: preliminary clinical and experimental observations. 24: 288-294. (1996) Antidiabetic activity of Aloe vera L. juice. II. Clinical trial in diabetes mellitus patients in combination with glibenclamide. Phytomedicine 3: 245-248. (1997) The hypoglycemic effects of aloe vera in Thai diabetic patients. J 50: S3. (2009) Effect of Aloe vera supplements in patients with Pre-Diabetes. 23. (2009) Possible hypoglycemic effect of Aloe vera L. high molecular weight fractions on type 2 diabetic patients. J 16: 209-215. (2012) Aloe vera leaf gel in treatment of advanced type 2 diabetes mellitus needing insulin therapy: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. J 11: 19-27.

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Beauveria bassiana is a fungal pathogen that can effectively control locust populations. [SEP] Text: Comparing the different inoculation methods showed that when the fungus was introduced in the first stage of plant growth, it was able to colonize the tissues more efficiently than when it was applied in the seedling stage. This may be helpful for the control of pests that attack cucumber plants early in the season, especially whiteflies. The absence of any negative effects on the fungal pathogenicity after introducing the fungus in the plant encourages us to study its role as an endophyte against insect pests. Despite the reduction in colonization rates with time, B. bassiana remained present until the last sampling date, either at high rates in soil drench and seed treatment or at low rates in seedling drench and foliar spray. The fungal persistence in plant tissues is considered an important indicator that is taken into consideration in pest control for season-long suppression. Rondot and Reineke (2014) revealed the presence of B. bassiana in grapevine plants up to 28 days after inoculation, while Akello et al. (2007) confirmed that it could be re-isolated from banana up to 120 days after inoculation. In addition, Posada et al. (2007) isolated B. bassiana from coffee tissues, 120 days post-inoculation by low rates. Brownbridge et al. (2012) re-isolated B. bassiana from pine seedlings, 120 days post root dip and seed coating treatments, and after 270 days from treatments, but that was from only one of 30 seedlings. Such studies help us decide whether we need to introduce the fungus more than once. Colonization rates of the fungus, B. bassiana, resulted in this study were higher than those obtained by Shaalan and Ibrahim (2018) in cucumber plants, where recovery of the fungus, B. bassiana, reached 58. 3% for each of the stems and leaves, and 50% for the roots, when it was applied as seed immersion. On the other hand, the present study demonstrated that the isolate B195, B. bassiana, could grow systemically from the point of inoculation to other parts of the cucumber plant, considering that after the seeds were treated with the fungus, it was isolated from leaves, stems, roots, and petioles. In addition, when foliar spray was applied, the fungus was isolated from the roots. In this regard, Card et al.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Tree rings cannot be used to study past volcanic activity or environmental disturbances. [SEP] Text: 2000) simulates δ18O and hydrogen isotope ratios (δ2H) in tree-ring cellulose. Two major components of the model predict the evaporative enrichment and vapor exchange in leaf water using the Craig-Gordon model, and isotopic exchange during cellulose synthesis. Stable isotope ratios simulated by the Roden–Lin–Ehleringer model were compared to observed values from either hydroponically grown trees in the lab (Roden and Ehleringer 1999a) or trees grown along stream banks at field sites (Roden and Ehleringer 1999b). The lab trees were grown in altered water vapor δ18O and hydroponic solution δ18O. Simulated δ18O had a good 1:1 relationship with observed δ18O from tree-ring cellulose across experiments. This model is so simple that it might be included as an algorithm inside many existing models of more complexity. Péclet introduction of the Péclet effect into modeling leaf and tree-ring δ18O directly included transpiration effects into leaf water enrichment models (Farquhar and Lloyd 1993). However, the Péclet effect also introduced an effective path length variable (L), which describes the distance water moves inside the leaf lamina and is not directly measurable. Using the same data used to develop the Roden-Lin-Ehleringer model above, Barbour et al. (2004) simulated δ18O in leaf water and tree-rings respectively with and without a Péclet effect; simulations with the Péclet effect had better predictive power than without it. Modeled differences in leaf water across 17 Eucalyptus species was largely explained by varied L across species; however, L was highly unconstrained (Kahmen et al. 2008). Process modeling that predicts transpiration can facilitate estimating L values (e. g. Loucos et al. 2015; Song et al. 2013; Ulrich et al. 2019). However, Kahmen et al. (2011) found that most variance in leaf and tree-ring δ18O was related to vapor pressure deficit, regardless of the model complexity used to predict it. The debate about including the Péclet effect in tree-ring δ18O models continues, and largely depends on modeling objectives.

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat skin ailments. [SEP] Text: (2012) Anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic effects of Aloe vera leaf gel in hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. 78: 311-316. (2013) Effects of Aloe vera supplementation in subjects with prediabetes/metabolic syndrome. 11: 35-40. (2013) Metabolic effects of aloe vera gel complex in obese prediabetes and early non-treated diabetic patients: Randomized controlled trial. Nutrition 29: 1110-1114. (2014) Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect of Aloe vera L. in non-insulin dependent diabetics. J Technol 51: 90-96. (2016) Adjunctive local delivery of Aloe vera gel in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis: A randomized, controlled clinical trial. J Periodontol 87: 268-274. (2016) Reduction of Glucose and Hemoglobin A1c using oral Aloe vera: A meta-analysis. J Med 22: 450-457. (2016) Meta-analysis of Aloe vera for the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced phlebitis. Med 9: 9642-9650. (2016) Efficacy of Aloe vera supplementation on prediabetes and early non-treated diabetic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrients 8: 388.

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Beauveria bassiana is a fungal pathogen that can effectively control locust populations. [SEP] Text: (2016) explained the growth and development of endophytic microorganisms in numerous plant hosts as either localized or systemic and noted that many species of endophytes were only located within the point of inoculation, whereas other studies have demonstrated the systemic growth of B. bassiana in cabbage plants (Pus 2017), wheat (Jaber 2018), and corn (Kuzhuppillymyal et al. 2020). et al. (2015) suggested that systemic colonization is not necessary for pest control by endophytes due to the secondary metabolites produced by the fungus that enable the antagonism mode (Begum and Tamilselvi 2016), others thought that the systemic growth allows the fungus to use more than one mode of action (Ownley et al. 2010; Vidal and Jaber 2015). The present study indicated the ability of B. bassiana to colonize the upper parts of cucumber plants and that encourages studying its possible effects against foliar pests. ConclusionThe isolate B195, of the fungus, B. bassiana, successfully colonized different parts of cucumber plants under laboratory conditions. Colonization (%) varied significantly according to the inoculation method used, whereas soil drench and seed immersion gave the highest recovery of the fungus. Results showed that the fungus could grow systemically inside different plant parts and could persist in the cucumber plants for 90 days. No negative effects were observed on the plants or the pathogenicity of the fungus. This study is considered a preliminary research to the utilization of B. bassiana, as an endophyte in cucumber plants to reduce the density of insect pest populations. Availability of data and materials All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in the text. AbbreviationsEPFs: Entomopathogenic fungi EEPFs: Endophytic entomopathogenic fungi PDA: Potato dextrose agar T1: Seed dusting T2: Seed immersion T3: Soil drench T4: Seedling drench T5: Foliar spray CMC: Carboxy methyl cellulose LSD: Least significant difference ANOVA: Analysis of variance SD: Standard deviation 42. Accessed 15 Oct 2018Gómez-Vidal S, Lopez-Llorca L, Jansson H-B, (2006) Endophytic colonization of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L. ) leaves by entomopathogenic fungi.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Tree rings cannot be used to study past volcanic activity or environmental disturbances. [SEP] Text: The difference between δ13C in new photosynthate and the tree-ring was assumed as a constant offset to bypass the simulations of post-photosynthetic fractionation and keep the model simple (Wei et al. 2014a). The model has also been modified to estimate tree-ring δ18O (Ulrich et al. 2019). Here the modification included δ18O enrichment at the site of evaporation, the Péclet effect, and exchange and fractionation during cellulose formation. The fidelity of modeled GPP and canopy conductance can then be tested by comparing simulated tree-ring δ13C and δ18O with observations; this approach greatly constrained the parameter space and avoided artifacts in simulations of gas exchange, which improved the reliability of this model (Ulrich et al. 2019; Wei et al. 2014a). The modified 3-PG model has also been used to estimate variations of tree-ring δ13C across an elevational gradient in a watershed (Wei et al. 2018) and to estimate responses to forest management practices on tree-ring δ13C (Wei et al. 2014b) (also see Chap. 23). (Danis et al. 2012) was designed specifically for modeling tree-ring width and stable isotopes. This upgraded version of the model (Misson 2004) captures ecophysiological processes to simulate carbon allocation to the stem as well as δ13C and δ18O of tree-ring cellulose. Storage of carbon was explicitly modeled with carbon reservoirs in leaf, bole, and root (Boucher et al. 2013; Misson 2004); this enabled carbon storage impacts to be included on stem growth, δ13C, and δ18O simulations. was able to simulate tree-ring cellulose δ13C and δ18O with r above 0. 5 between simulations and observations for both δ13C and δ18O in an oak species in France (Danis et al. 2012), and 0. 52 and 0. 62 for δ18O in Picea mariana in northeastern Canada and Nothofagus pumilio in western Argentina (Lavergne et al. 2017).

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat skin ailments. [SEP] Text: M. – 06. 00 A. M. ) and fed with standard feed (CP 551 from PT Charoen Pokphand-Indonesia) and water was given ad libitum. They were kept in cages that were maintained at room temperature and humidity at normal ranges. Allocation and treatment groupsAll animals were randomly divided into three big groups by simple random sampling. (standard) consisted of normal rats, group II (negative control) was inflicted with a burn wound and treated with gel base, and group III (treatment group) was inflicted with a burn wound and treated with Aloe vera gel. Each group was subdivided into three smaller groups (n = 6 per group) according to the time when the lesions were evaluated. They were treated twice a day according to the groups. The sample size was calculated according to Federer’s formula: (Federer, 1963)t−1n−1≥ 15t = the number of groupsn = the number of samplesn = 2. 875 ≈ 3 rat/groupConsidering the NC3Rs principal in experimental animal, statistical analysis necessity, and the possibility of drop out, the number of rats per group were determined to be six. All 54 rats were given a number (1–54) using a marker pen, then randomized by putting the numbers in an envelope and dividing them into 9 groups, according to the numbers taken from the envelope (Russell and Burch, 1992). Wound inflictionTo ensure that the rats remain in a comfortable condition, they were given anesthesia before performing the burn. The animals have anesthetized with Ketamine/Xylazine 0. 2 mL by intraperitoneal injection (in accordance with the provisions of Research). The hair at the dorsal region was shaved and cleansed with alcohol swab. Second-degree burn wound was inflicted using iron plate measuring 2×2 cm2 which was warmed in boiling water for 5 minutes and placed for 30 seconds on the shaved area (Kristyaningsih, 2016). Aloe vera extractAbout 2000 g of Aloe vera leaves were collected. The bottom part and the serrated edges of Aloe vera leaves were cut and peeled to obtain the inner clear gel. About 1000 g of inner gel was weighed and washed thoroughly and cut it into small pieces.

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Beauveria bassiana is a fungal pathogen that can effectively control locust populations. [SEP] Text: AbstractLysine acetylation (Kac) events in filamentous fungi are poorly explored. Here we show a lysine acetylome generated by LC-MS/MS analysis of immunoaffinity-based Kac peptides from normal hyphal cells of Beauveria bassiana, a fungal entomopathogen. The acetylome comprised 283 Kac proteins and 464 Kac sites. These proteins were enriched to eight molecular functions, 20 cellular components, 27 biological processes, 20 KEGG pathways and 12 subcellular localizations. sites were characterized as six Kac motifs, including a novel motif (KacW) for 26 Kac sites of 17 unknown proteins. sites were predicted to be multifunctional, largely expanding the fungal Kac events. Biological importance of identified Kac sites was confirmed through functional analysis of Kac sites on Pmt1 and Pmt4, two O-mannosyltransferases. Singular site mutations (K88R and K482R) of Pmt1 resulted in impaired conidiation, attenuated virulence and decreased tolerance to oxidation and cell wall perturbation. These defects were close to or more severe than those caused by the deletion of pmt1. The Pmt4 K360R mutation facilitated colony growth under normal and stressful conditions and enhanced the fungal virulence. Our findings provide the first insight into the Kac events of B. bassiana and their links to the fungal potential against insect pests. Similar content being viewed by others Tag labelling quantitative acetylome analysis of differentially modified proteins during mycoparasitism of Clonostachys chloroleuca 67–1 2. Such PTM processes are known to regulate gene expression via histone modification and is involved in the mediation of cellular metabolism3,4,5,6,7, protein folding8, sister chromatid cohesion9, and energy utilization10. Advances in proteomic technology, such as liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), have facilitated characterization of PTM sites11,12,13,14,15. The recognized PTM sites help to understand their functional relevance and provide an overview of regulatory scope through a given PTM process. The generated PTM datasets are important resources for the in silico analyses to reveal biological properties and evolutionary trajectories of PTM sites.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Tree rings cannot be used to study past volcanic activity or environmental disturbances. [SEP] Text: A notable use of applied an inverse modeling approach to change the meteorological data and see if the changes would provide a better fit of simulated tree-ring width, δ13C, and δ18O to their respective observations (Boucher et al. 2013). This approach was designed to find the best combination of the climatic inputs as a robust paleoclimatic reconstruction. This model also enabled the separation of climatic impact and CO2 influences on plant growth, which is useful for paleoclimatic reconstructions (Boucher et al. 2013; Guiot et al. 2014). 5 Future DirectionsBetter modeling of tree-ring stable isotopes relies on the improvement and incorporation of physiological mechanisms that influence plant isotopic values. A particular challenge that modeling could address relates to including ontogenetic changes in CO2 responses. Ontogenetic change is often attributed to age in the tree-ring community, perhaps because age is easiest to measure from tree-ring chronologies. However, no evidence of an age effect exists per se in trees (e. g. Mencuccini et al. 2005), except as caused by increasing tree height. Tall trees generally face a challenge in lifting water to the canopy, which causes an increase in δ13C with height (Brienen et al. 2017; Marshall and Monserud 1996; McDowell et al. 2011; Voelker et al. 2016). These issues are particularly important when tree-ring δ13C is used to infer responses to CO2 because the CO2 effect and the height effect are often confounded. Future work will need to remove the height signal from tree-ring data to draw solid inferences regarding the CO2 effect (Brienen et al. 2017; Marshall and Monserud 1996). Similarly, the proportion of oxygen atoms exchanged with xylem water upon cellulose formation may be variable (Cheesman and Cernusak 2016) and may need to be accounted for in the traditional model of δ18O in tree rings (Roden and Ehleringer 1999b). As mesophyll conductance becomes easier to determine, there may be value in modeling how it differs among species and growing conditions; this critical parameter influences the relationship between intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE) and δ13C.

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat skin ailments. [SEP] Text: Then, the small pieces of gel and 2000 mL 70% ethanol were blended and poured into a closed container (stirred occasionally for 6 hours, then set aside for 18 hours). This mixture was then filtered to obtain the filtrate (I). The extraction process was repeated on the residue using 1000 mL of 70% ethanol to obtain another filtrate (II). The filtrate (I) and (II) were mixed and evaporated using a vacuum rotary evaporator (GmbH & Co. KG, Germany) at 400C to obtain a thick extract. Gel preparation• Gel baseAbout 400 cc of distilled water was taken into the mortar, then 12 g of 3% Sodium-Carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC) powder was evenly added. It was closed and set it aside for 15 minutes. After which it was ground and 4 g of 1% glycerin was added until a homogeneous gel base was formed. • Aloe vera gelPut 40 g of Aloe vera extract into the mortar then add 360 g of gel base gradually while grinding it until homogeneous. So, the concentration of the aloe vera contained 10% of the total weight of the gel. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stainingSix animals of each groups were sacrificed on the 3rd, 14th, and 21st days after injury by injecting 100 mg/kg ketamine intraperitoneally. Then, the injured tissues were carefully dissected and fixed with 10% formalin. All samples were taken to Laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine, Utara for H&E staining. The number of macrophages and fibroblasts, and epidermal thickness was evaluated using Olympus CX21 light microscope with 400× magnification and three fields of view. Statistical analysisData were analyzed using SPSS version 20 (RRID:SCR_019096) with one-way ANOVA test. If there were significant differences (p<0. 05), then LSD test was conducted to determine the differences among groups. Data were presented as mean ± SD. ResultsThe results obtained from the study are shown in Figures 1−3. The comparison of the changes in the thickness of the epidermis that occurs is shown in Figure 4.

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Beauveria bassiana is a fungal pathogen that can effectively control locust populations. [SEP] Text: To date, LC-MS/MS-based acetylomic analyses have unveiled vital roles of Kac events in prokayotes, such as Thermus thermophilus16, Escherichia coli17,18, Salmonella enterica19, Bacillus subtilis20, Mycobacterium tuberculosis21, Vibrio parahemolyticus22, and Streptomyces roseosporus23. Eukaryotic acetylomic studies have also revealed different numbers of Kac events in Saccharomyces cerevisiae24, Candida albicans25, Phytophthora sojae26, Arabidopsis thaliana27,28, Triticum aestivum29, Vitis vinifera30, Toxoplasma gondii31, Bombyx mori32, Drosophila melanogaster33, Mus musculus34, Rattus norvegicus35 and human cells13,35,36,37. All of these studies have demonstrated that Kac is a ubiquitous PTM process linked to various cellular events in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. However, Kac events have not been well explored in filamentous fungi, which comprise many pathogens of plants, arthropods, animals and human. Among those, filamentous fungal insect pathogens, such as Beauveria and Metarizhium species, are important fungal agents for biological control of arthropod pests threatening agriculture, forestry and human health38,39. Aerial conidia and submerged blastospores of these insect pathogens are often used as active ingredients of fungal insecticides. Their biological control potential depends not only on their ability to infect target pests and adapt to diverse pest habitats but also on their proper development, which controls quantity and quality of conidia in mass production in vitro and propagation of blastospores (hyphal bodies) in vivo after entry into host haemocoel. All of fungal responses to host and environment are likely relevant to various cellular events under PTM control.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Tree rings cannot be used to study past volcanic activity or environmental disturbances. [SEP] Text: 2016), LPX-Bern (Keel et al. 2016; Keller et al. 2017; Saurer et al. 2014), and CLM (Duarte et al. 2017; Keller et al. 2017; Raczka et al. 2016). Although these DGVMs simulate δ13C in new photosynthate or leaves, and/or δ18O in leaf water, most of them (except LPX-Bern) do not simulate tree-ring stable isotopes at this point and therefore tree-ring stable isotopes have not been used for testing DGVMs. However, because of the modular structure of DGVMs, they can be conveniently upgraded to simulate tree-rings stable isotopes by adding new modules or modifying current ones. Inverse modeling for paleoclimate is a new frontier of using tree-ring stable isotopes (Boucher et al. 2013; Guiot et al. 2014). This approach rejuvenated the use of tree-ring information for paleoclimate reconstruction. The reconstruction traditionally relies on empirical relationships between tree-ring chronologies (width and stable isotopes), which means only the most limiting climatic factors would have left clear signals in the tree-ring chronologies. Additionally, these traditional reconstructions have obtained the clearest climate signals from trees growing in an extreme environment. Inverse modeling revolutionized the reconstruction by applying process-based approaches. Many climatic factors can be tested at the same time by mathematically estimating their collective impact on forests and statistically testing and improving the climatic variables that are provided as a priori. Modeling is an important tool to study ecosystem processes because it can integrate physiological and growth processes. Tree-ring isotopic records likewise integrate these processes so the two approaches are certain to continue to develop in tandem, each tested against the other. Moreover, as demonstrated above, stable isotopes are convenient testing for models, and including a stable isotope component in models is relatively simple. Models can add value to completed isotopic datasets by post hoc analyses of the likely controls over isotopic composition. We urge that more process-based forest models include a stable isotope component to help parametrize and validate the models and improve model credibility. 4. 5) at a coniferous forest site in northwestern using flux and carbon-isotope measurements. Biogeosciences 14(18):4315–4340 2. 51(2):170–1934.

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat skin ailments. [SEP] Text: The explanation of the histopathological images obtained for macrophages, fibroblasts, and epidermal thickness is shown in Figure 5. From the one-way ANOVA results, there were significant differences in the mean number of macrophages and fibroblasts, and epidermal thickness in all groups (p<0. 05). Then, the least (LSD) test was conducted to determine the differences among groups. Figure 1. Mean number of macrophages. I (standard), II (negative control), III (treatment). *p<0. 05 statistically analysis by ANOVA showed significant difference. Figure 2. Mean number of fibroblastsI (standard), II (negative control), III (treatment)*p<0. 05 statistically analysis by ANOVA showed significant difference. Figure 3. Mean number of epidermal thickness. I (standard), II (negative control), III (treatment). *p<0. 05 statistically analysis by ANOVA showed significant difference. Figure 4. There was a change in epidermal thickness on days 3, 14 and 21. The thickest epidermal layer was found in group III (treatment, aloe vera) compared to group II (negative control). This could be due to the fact that aloe vera gel was better in the wound repair process than the other groups. The thickness of the epidermis in groups II and III was also thicker than in the control group. This can happen because there is still a wound repair process in groups II and III. Figure 5. The histopathological description of macrophages () fibroblast () and epidermal thickness (). On the 3rd day after injury, the highest mean number of macrophages were seen in the treatment group (III), followed by the negative control group (II), and followed by the standard group (I). From the post hoc test results, it appeared that there were significant differences in the mean number of macrophages (p<0. 05) in groups I-3 vs II-3 (0. 50 ± 0. 45 vs 7. 77 ± 0. 62; p=0. 0001), group I-3 vs III-3 (0. 50 ± 0. 45 vs 9. 00 ± 0. 47; p=0. 0001), and group II-3 vs III-3 (7. 77 ± 0. 62 vs 9. 00 ± 0.

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Beauveria bassiana is a fungal pathogen that can effectively control locust populations. [SEP] Text: Our recent analyses of quantitative proteome and phosphoproteome have revealed a hub role for the dual-specificity phosphatase Cdc14 in the signaling network that regulates cytokinesis, asexual development, multiple stress tolerance and virulence in Beauveria bassiana40, a classic insect pathogen that occurs in asexual cycle in vitro or in vivo and attacks the broadest spectrum of hosts among all fungal pathogens known to date41. In this study, we characterized Kac events in B. bassiana under normal conditions by constructing and analyzing the fungal lysine acetylome and found 462 Kac sites on 283 acetylated proteins falling into functionally diverse groups. Among the identified Kac sites, three on Pmt1 and Pmt4, two O-mannosyltransferases acting as regulators of vegetative growth, conidiation capacity, multiple stress tolerance and virulence in B. bassiana42, were functionally analyzed through site-direction mutation. The results provide the first insight into the links of Kac events to biological and cellular aspects of the fungal insect pathogen and its control potential against arthropod pests. ResultsGeneration and analysis of B. bassiana lysine acetylomeThe lysine acetylome of B. bassiana was generated through purification and digestion of protein sample, affinity enrichment and purification of lysine acetylated peptides, nano-HPLC/MS/MS analysis and separation of lysine acetylated peptides, and annotation of lysine acetylated proteins (Fig. 1A). The mass errors of most acetylated peptides ranged from −3 to 3 ppm (Fig. 1B), satisfying an expected error control for the MS dataset. Most of the acetylated peptides fell in a length range of 8–20 amino acids (Fig. 1C), well in agreement with the property of tryptic peptides and the standard for preparation of protein sample. The fungal acetylome comprised 464 identified Kac sites on 283 Kac proteins (detailed in Table S1). The proportions of the Kac proteins harboring one, two, three, four and five or more Kac sites were 66%, 16. 96%, 9. 19%, 4. 95% and 2. 83% respectively, giving an average of 1. 64 Kac sites per protein (Fig. 1D). There were 43.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Tree rings cannot be used to study past volcanic activity or environmental disturbances. [SEP] Text: 5Lewis structures of three isotopomers of dideuteroethene: cis-1,2-2H2 ethene and trans-1,2-2H2 ethene are diasteromeric isotopomers. prefers the (Z)-/(E)-notation to describe the absolute stereochemistry for alkenes. In contrast 1,1-dideuteroethene (“gem-dideuteroethene”) is a constitutional isotopomer. All of them have different physical properties (Bigeleisen et al. 1977)Full size imageIn contrast 1,1-dideuteroethene with the two 2H atoms as substituents at the same carbon atom (“gem-dideuteroethene”) is a constitutional isotopomer. Isotope ratio analysis of tree ring cellulose has been used since the 1970s to reconstruct past climate conditions. The site-specific isotopic signature (isotopomer analysis) of glucose hydrolyzed from the extracted cellulose fraction shows high intramolecular differences for 2H (seven carbon-bound hydrogen isotopomersFootnote 6 of glucose; Augusti et al. 2006, Betson et al. 2006) and 13C (six carbon isotopomers of glucose; Wieloch et al. 2018, 2021). This site-specific isotopic signature has its origin in position-specific isotope effects on enzyme reactions during glucose and/ or cellulose biosynthesis and might help to elucidate the mechanism of biochemical reactions causing plant-specific adaption to environmental and climatic changes. A corresponding site-specific oxygen isotopic signature (18O isotopomers) of glucose (from soluble sugars and cellulose monomers) has been proven (c. f. Schmidt et al. 2001; Sternberg 2009; Ma et al. 2018) with six possible oxygen isotopomers of glucose. Recently the possible application of the analysis of lignin isotopomers (i. e. carbon and hydrogen isomers in the methoxy groups of lignin) isolated from tree ring wood in reconstructing paleoclimate has been described by Gori et al. (2013) and Mischel et al. (2015). Wang et al. (2021) analyzed the position-specific oxygen isotopic signature of lignin monomeric units. 2.

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat skin ailments. [SEP] Text: 47; p=0. 001) (see Figure 1). On the 14th day after injury, the highest mean number of macrophages were seen in the negative control group (II), followed by the treatment group (III), and followed by the standard group (I). From the post hoc test results, it appeared that there were significant differences in the mean number of macrophages (p<0. 05) in groups I-14 vs II-14 (0. 61 ± 0. 39 vs 6. 22 ± 0. 98; p=0. 0001), group I-14 vs. III-14 (0. 61 ± 0. 39 vs. 5. 33 ± 0. 42; p=0. 0001), and group II-14 vs. III-14 (6. 22 ± 0. 98 vs 5. 33 ± 0. 42; p=0. 013) (see Figure 1). On day 21st day after injury, the highest mean number of macrophages were seen in the negative control group (II), followed by the treatment group (III), and followed by the standard group (I). From the post hoc test results, it appeared that there were significant differences in the mean number of macrophages (p<0. 05) in groups I-21 vs II-21 (0. 55 ± 0. 40 vs 4. 72 ± 0. 87; p=0. 0001), group I-21 vs III-21 (0. 55 ± 0. 40 vs 3. 16 ± 0. 34; p=0. 0001), and group II-14 vs III-14 (6. 22 ± 0. 98 vs 3. 16 ± 0. 34; p=0. 0001) (see Figure 1). On the 3rd day after injury, the highest mean number of fibroblasts were seen in the treatment group (III), followed by the negative control group (II), and followed by the standard group (I). From the post hoc test results, it appeared that there were significant differences in the mean number of fibroblasts (p<0. 05) in groups I-3 vs II-3 (3. 77 ± 0. 34 vs. 4. 61 ± 0. 49; p=0. 047), group I-3 vs III-3 (3. 77 ± 0. 34 vs 6. 44 ± 0. 74; p=0.

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Nosema ceranae is a microsporidian parasite affecting honeybee health and productivity. [SEP] Text: 1 (original submission) · Nov 13, 2017 · The manuscript represents a survey for nosematosis in Apis mellifera from Bulgaria where the authors detected only the presence of Nosema ceraneae while failed to find N. apis. Even if the data presented here are not novel, I think that they are valuable. Nevertheless, the 61. 8ºC and not 50ºC. Validity of the findings The findings are not novel but are valid. The conclusion should be revised. L37- Please, remove “that confirms the worldwide dissemination and prevalence of Nosema ceranae”. The main conclusion is that N. ceranae is the main Nosema spp. in Bulgaria. As there are regions of the world where there is no information on the prevalence and distribution of this pathogen, it is not possible to say that these results confirm the worldwide dissemination. Also, I do not understand what the authors mean with that “confirms the prevalence of Nosema ceranae”. L186-191- This information is not the conclusion. Please, remove it. Additional comments L25- Please, correct “the objective of the present study was to” L28- I think that the authors should re-organize the information, mentioning first that only N. ceranae was detected and not N. apis and then the percentage of infection from each region. L29-30- “rate of infection”, not of invasion L37- Please, remove “that confirms the worldwide dissemination and prevalence of Nosema ceranae”. The main conclusion is that N. ceranae is the main Nosema spp. in Bulgaria. As there are regions of the world where there is no information on the prevalence and distribution of this pathogen, it is not possible to say that these results confirm the worldwide dissemination. Also, I do not understand what the authors mean with that “confirms the prevalence of Nosema ceranae”. L42-48- Please, remove this paragraph. This is a general background of the beekeeping activity in Bulgaria and it is not directly related to the purpose of the manuscript. I recommend starting the introduction section highlighting the importance of bees in pollination and for the ecosystem maintenance and then introduce the sanitary problems that the bees have to face.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Tree rings cannot be used to study past volcanic activity or environmental disturbances. [SEP] Text: 3 Clumped IsotopesMolecules containing more than one heavy isotope (multiply-substituted isotopocules) are labeled as showing the “clumped isotopes” effect. For molecules with “clumped isotopes” the chemical bonds between the heavy isotopes are the focus. Due to their often low isotopic abundances, these molecules usually are difficult to observe in tree rings. Interestingly, the analysis of clumped isotopes in methoxy groups extracted from organic material was recently shown by Lloyd et al. (2018, 2021). This opens a door for possible applications of “clumped isotopes” in methoxy groups of lignin extracted from tree rings. The stochastic proportional abundance (Table 8. 2) of the ‘clumped isotopocules’ of nitrous oxide can be calculated using the known numbers for the natural abundance of the nitrogen and oxygen isotopes shown in Table 8. 1. In nature, the isotopocule molecules of nitrous oxide do not exhibit a stochastic distribution because of equilibrium and kinetic isotope effects influencing thermodynamic stability and/ or kinetic reaction rates of the involved synthesis or degradation reactions of each isotopocule showing “clumped isotopes”. Table 8. 2 Masses and abundances of the twelve isotopocules of nitrous oxide assuming random distribution (without mass selective processes). Proportional abundances of the isotopocule N2O molecules have been calculated using the natural abundances of the nitrogen (14N 99. 636 and 15N 0. 0364%) and oxygen isotopes (16O 0. 99757, 17O 0. 00038 and 18O 0. 00205%) given by IUPAC (2018)Full size table3 Notation and Measurement Units3. 1 Atom FractionAbundances of isotopes should be reported in terms of atom fraction (x). The new term atom fraction is compatible with the of Units (SI) and should replace the old term atom percent (atom %).

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat skin ailments. [SEP] Text: 0001), and group II-3 vs III-3 (4. 61 ± 0. 49 vs 6. 44 ± 0. 74; p=0. 0001) (see Figure 2). On the 14th day after injury, the highest mean number of fibroblasts were seen in the treatment group (III), followed by the negative control group (II), and followed by the standard group (I). From the post hoc test results, it appeared that there were significant differences in the mean number of fibroblasts (p<0. 05) in groups I-14 vs II-14 (3. 94 ± 0. 38 vs 8. 11 ± 0. 68; p=0. 0001), group I-14 vs III-14 (3. 94 ± 0. 38 vs 21. 55 ± 1. 02; p=0. 0001), and group II-14 vs III-14 (8. 11 ± 0. 68 vs 21. 55 ± 1. 02; p=0. 0001) (see Figure 2). On the 21st day after injury, the highest mean number of fibroblasts were seen in the negative control group (II), followed by the treatment group (III), and followed by the standard group (I). From the post hoc test results, it appeared that there were significant differences in the mean number of fibroblasts (p<0. 05) in groups I-21 vs II-21 (3. 72 ± 0. 38 vs 9. 05 ± 0. 80; p=0. 0001), group I-21 vs III-21 (3. 72 ± 0. 38 vs 6. 66 ± 1. 05; p=0. 0001), and group II-21 vs III-21 (9. 05 ± 0. 80 vs 6. 66 ± 1. 05; p=0. 0001) (see Figure 2). On the 3rd day after injury, the mean epidermal thickness was highest in the standard group (I), followed by the treatment group (III), and followed by the negative control group (II). From the post hoc test results, it appeared that there were significant differences in the mean epidermal thickness (p<0. 05) in groups I-3 vs II-3 (5. 88 ± 0. 76 vs 2. 43 ± 0. 45; p=0. 0001), group II-3 vs III-3 (2.

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Nosema ceranae is a microsporidian parasite affecting honeybee health and productivity. [SEP] Text: Authors can also mention that there have been reports of colony losses in different countries and that Nosema is one of the main threats that affect honeybees. L49- rewrite these sentences in order to not repeat the words L53- Please, provide 82. Please, remove this sentence. Nosemosis is usually used to the describe the disease and in this study, the authors analyzed the presence of N. apis and N. ceranae but this was not related with symptomatology. I would recommend restricting this word to sentences in this context. Also, I agree that the information regarding the presence and distribution of these pathogens is important and contribute to gain insights and compare it with other countries. However, this sentence is too ambitious. L85-87- Which was the criteria of the number of samples taken from each region? Was it according to the number of colonies from each region? Please, provide details of the experimental design. L91-92- Why were the samples taken from the entrance or from the frames away from the brood nest? Was any bias in the method of sample collection according with the region? L95- Which cell lysis buffer? Please, provide information and 61. 8ºC and not 50ºC. L128-remove specific L135. Please, remove this sentence. It is already mentioned in L88 L137- Provide the percentage in order to compare with the infection level of the other two regions. L141- Please, substitute “invasion” for “infection”. Also, “in comparison” L153-Does the authors has historical information about the presence of N. apis and N. ceranae in the country? L161- It has been also reported that there are bees tolerant and resistant to Nosema (Fontbonne et al. , 2013) which is in agreement with your hypothesis. Authors may include this study in the discussion. L162- I would recommend reorganizing the information in this paragraph. From the previous one, the authors point out that there might be bees more susceptible to Nosema than others and then argued that this may be the case in Bulgaria. But the first sentence only says that there are differences in the prevalence of Nosema in the flat and mountains areas.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Tree rings cannot be used to study past volcanic activity or environmental disturbances. [SEP] Text: Dendrochronology: Fundamentals and book PDF Download book 7, Keyan Fang8 & Patrick Fonti9 Part of the book series: ((TREE,)) 14k Accesses 9 2. 1). These changes are associated with observable, often both macroscopically and microscopically, delineations in annual rings (e. g. , Schweingruber 2001). In conifers (gymnosperms), the tracheid cells produced towards the beginning of the growing season tend to grow to larger sizes, yet have thin cell walls. As the growing season progresses and comes to a close, conifer tracheid cells tend to be smaller, particularly in the radial direction, and have thicker cell walls. In hardwoods (angiosperms), the number of wood cells and the associated structures tends to be more complex and variable, yet annual ring boundaries are also able to be differentiated based upon the characteristics of vessels (often larger and preferentially distributed towards the first part of a ring), and more dense fibers at the end of the growing season. Apart from annual temperature cycles, the monsoon that influences over half of the world’s population can also influence the formation of rings due to the prominent hydroclimate seasonality (e. g. , Brienen et al. 2016). Especially in tropical regions, elemental composition and/or both stable (especially oxygen) and non-stable (especially carbon, i. e. ,14C) isotopes have been used to quantify and confirm annual growth increments (Poussart et al. 2004, 2006; Anchukaitis et al. 2008; Xu et al. 2014). It is these annual growth increments, and our ability to distinguish them and ultimately identify and assign them to an exact year, that is the basis for dendrochronology. Fig. 2. 1Examples of wood anatomical and tree-ring structures for a gymnosperm (Abies alba), b a ring porous angiosperm (Quercus pubescens) c a diffuse to semi-ring porous angiosperm (Juglans regia), and d a diffuse to semi-ring porous angiosperm (Malus domestica). In all cases the outermost rings are towards the top of the images. The xylem of gymnosperms is composed primarily of tracheid cells, with a simpler and more uniform structure amongst species.

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat skin ailments. [SEP] Text: 43 ± 0. 45 vs 5. 15 ± 0. 36; p=0. 0001), while group I-3 vs. III-3 (5. 88 ± 0. 76 vs 5. 15 ± 0. 36; p=0. 182) did not show a significant result (see Figure 3). On the 14th day after injury, the mean epidermal thickness was highest in the treatment group (III), followed by the negative control group (II), and followed by the standard group (I). From the post hoc test results, it appeared that there were significant differences in the mean epidermal thickness (p<0. 05) in groups I-14 vs II-14 (6. 01 ± 0. 54 vs 11. 46 ± 0. 92; p=0. 0001), group I-14 vs III-14 (6. 01 ± 0. 54 vs 16. 75 ± 1. 31; p=0. 0001), and group II-14 vs III-14 (11. 46 ± 0. 92 vs 16. 75 ± 1. 31; p=0. 0001) (see Figure 3). On the 21st day after injury, the mean epidermal thickness was highest in the treatment group (III), followed by the negative control group (II), and followed by the standard group (I). From the post hoc test results, it appeared that there were significant differences in the mean epidermal thickness (p<0. 05) in groups I-21 vs II-21 (5. 92 ± 0. 68 vs 23. 10 ± 1. 37; p=0. 0001), group I-21 vs III-21 (5. 92 ± 0. 68 vs 30. 47 ± 1. 25; p=0. 0001), and group II-21 vs III-21 (23. 10 ± 1. 37 vs 30. 47 ± 1. 25; p=0. 0001) (see Figure 3). DiscussionMacrophages are cells that multiply when there is a wound to phagocytose debris and bacteria and they are the predominant cells on the 3rd day post wound infliction (Gurtner & Wong, 2013). This study showed that both negative control and treatment groups had more number of macrophages than standard group on the 3rd day after injury.

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Nosema ceranae is a microsporidian parasite affecting honeybee health and productivity. [SEP] Text: So, for a better understanding, it is important to say directly that these results might explain the differences in the prevalence observed in the different areas since different subspecies of bees are reared in each area. L175-L177- Does the author has analyzed the genetic origin of the bees? If the authors still have the samples which were used for analyzing Nosema, it would be interesting to analyze their genetic origin and prove (or not) the hypothesis that they are proposing. I think that this analysis would contribute to making the 0. 1)". PeerJ · Oct 29, 2017 Basic reporting This manuscript reports on the presence of N. ceranae, an emerging exotic pathogen of the honey bee, in populations of honey bees in Bulgaria. The introduction and background top the study are well laid out, with some interesting 1. Were positive controls employed in PCRS to avoid the issue of false negatives? Duplicate PCRs might help in clarifying this issue if positive controls were not available. 2. Statistical testing needs to be clarified. 3. (line 99, and more a comment for future reference) Do not use EDTA in re-suspension buffer when dissolving DNA as it inhibits PCR (it chelates Mg ions of the PCR buffer). alone. 4. (line 91) Were all 5 bees per colony analysed individually or as a single DNA extract? Validity of the findings In large part, the findings seem clear-cut and robust and sound. 1. (line 91) Why only 5 bees collected per colony when it is standard (Fries et al. 2013) to analyse 30 honey bees per colony? 2. Lines 132-142: Provide results of statistical tests to support statements 3. Lines 178-182 The authors hypothesise that warmer climates may favour N. ceranae over N. apis and vice versa. One paper explicitly exploring this issue is: Natsopoulou et al. (2015) Interspecific competition in honeybee intracellular gut parasites is asymmetric and favours the spread of an emerging infectious disease. Proceedings of the of London B: 282:20141896.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Tree rings cannot be used to study past volcanic activity or environmental disturbances. [SEP] Text: Angiosperm xylem is composed of a several different types of cells whose characteristics and distributions within annual rings are highly variable amongst species resulting in a diverse range of visual appearances. A very well-prepared surface is necessary to differentiate annual tree-rings. Images from www. woodanatomy. ch (Schoch et al. 2004)Full size image1. 1 Inter-in Tree-Rings and Tree-Ring ParametersThe annual rhythm of growing and dormant seasons is the driving factor for annual ring formation. Yet it is the variations in external environmental forcing, predominantly inter-annual variations in weather and climate, that result in different ring traits and properties from one year to the next. Characteristic sequences of wider and narrower rings reflect changes in environmental conditions, and notably also results in a common signal or a unique fingerprint of this environmental variation amongst trees growing in proximal regions and ecological settings (Fritts 1976; Cook and Kairiukstis 1990; Speer 2010). Favorable climatic conditions for tree growth typically results in wider rings. Examples of favorable climatic conditions includes ample moisture for trees growing in more arid ecological settings, or sufficiently high temperatures conductive to photosynthetic activity and cellular growth for high elevation and high latitude trees. Whereas increased ecophysiological stress is typically associated with less radial growth. Although weather/climate variations play a crucial role for assigning the precise year to every ring (see Sect. 2. 2), it should be noted that environmental conditions can and do include anything and everything that influences the molecular/isotopic composition, structure, ecophysiological functioning, and growth of trees. Tree-ring width is generally the most easily observable and measurable tree-ring parameter, yet many other tree-ring properties and parameters including wood density, (quantitative) wood anatomical assessments, and of course, stable isotopes, are influenced, often in unique ways, by environmental conditions. The plethora of tree-ring parameters thus expands the range of inter-disciplinary investigations possible with dendrochronology (Fig. 2. 2). The rest of this section reviews various (non-stable isotope) tree-ring parameters, and provides an extensive listing of example research applications that have relied upon each of these parameters. Fig. 2. 2Illustration of tree-ring and wood anatomical parameters from a sample of (Pseudotsuga menziesii) collected near Tucson, Arizona.

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat skin ailments. [SEP] Text: On the same day, the treatment group had more macrophages than negative control group because there is acemannan in aloe gel that could increase the number of macrophages (Sierra-García et al. , 2014). The results of this study showed that there was reduction in number of macrophages in the treatment group than the negative control group on the 14th and 21st days after injury. Souza et al. (2017) reported a decrease in the number of macrophages in burn rats treated with 1% silver sulfadiazine. In this study, both the 3rd and 14th days after injury demonstrated a higher number of fibroblasts in the treatment group than the negative control group. This might have happened because of interaction between glucomannan in aloe gel and gibberellin, a growth hormone, with growth factor receptors on fibroblast. This interaction stimulated fibroblast activity and proliferation that could increase collagen synthesis (Chithra et al. , 1998; Surjushe et al. , 2008). Besides that, there was also acemannan in aloe gel which could increase the proliferation of fibroblasts (Xing et al. , 2014). Fibroblasts are cells that will increase their migration during the proliferation phase of wound healing. Therefore, this study showed highest number of fibroblasts on the 14th day after injury in the treatment group which was earlier than the negative control group that had the highest number on the 21st day after injury. At some point during the proliferation phase, there may be apoptosis of fibroblast when collagen matrix has filled the wound cavity (Gurtner & Wong, 2013). Therefore, there was a reduction in the number of fibroblasts on the 21st day after injury in the treatment group. Re-epithelialization occurs right after injury that consists of migration, proliferation, and differentiation of keratinocytes (Gurtner & Wong, 2013; Isrofah and Afandi, 2015). Acemannan could stimulate fibroblast to release keratinocyte growth factor-1 (KGF-1) that could hasten the re-epithelialization process by keratinocytes which could increase the epidermal thickness (Jettanacheawchankit et al. , 2009).

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Nosema ceranae is a microsporidian parasite affecting honeybee health and productivity. [SEP] Text: results are given above and European ones, belowFull size image DiscussionOutbreaks of parasites are typically produced by specific virulent strains. Many parasitic microorganisms reproduce rapidly in an asexual manner and even for those species where a sexual cycle is possible, reproduction is usually clonal [35]. Consequently, it should be possible to identify defined genotypes in a given infection, and assessing their similarity to other genotypes allows epidemiological relationships to be established. In terms of Microsporidia, this is indeed the picture for Encephalitozoon species and Enterocytozoon bieneusi, with diversity among strains contrasting with the uniform genotypes obtained from specific isolates [36–38]. Yet curiously, these asexual species have been shown to carry out an extant sexual cycle, although it must occur during co-infection of the host by two genetically distinct strains to produce genetic diversity [9]. In these infrequent cases, favorable mutations can arise in separate linages and become combined in the same individual, providing an adaptive advantage to varying environments [35]. species, genetic evidence clearly supports the existence of cryptic sex in N. granulosis [8]. We previously demonstrated that rDNA varies within a given isolate in N. ceranae and that recombination may occur, hypothetically between the different repeats of rDNA clusters in sister chromatid exchanges or in a cryptic sexual cycle [18]. This invalidates the use of phylogenetic approaches based on rDNA sequences. In order to eliminate the possibility of exchange between tandem repeat sequences as a source of genetic variability, we selected five putative coding sequences from the genome of N. ceranae to study here. Diversity and heterozygosisThe results obtained fit into the general picture of strong molecular diversity in N. ceranae and a high percentage of shared polymorphisms between different isolates [26]. It is important to emphasize that all five markers analyzed were polymorphic due to single nucleotide changes, ranging from 4 variable sites (in the 875 bp of X802) to as many as 18 (in the 1280 bp of X639). The rates of synonymous versus non-synonymous mutations were fairly close to 1 for X696 and X754, suggesting essentially neutral effects, whereas this rate was clearly biased to synonymous mutations in X639 (Ka/Ks = 0.

Output: corroborate