Higher Damage Levels Research Articles

Thermococcus kodakarensis TK0353 is a novel AP lyase with a new fold

Hyperthermophilic organisms thrive in extreme environments prone to high levels of DNA damage. Growth at high temperature stimulates DNA base hydrolysis resulting in apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites that destabilize the genome. Organisms across all domains have evolved enzymes to recognize and repair AP sites to maintain genome stability. The hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis encodes several enzymes to repair AP site damage including the essential AP endonuclease TK Endonuclease IV. Recently, using functional genomic screening, we discovered a new family of AP lyases typified by TK0353. Here, using biochemistry, structural analysis and genetic deletion, we have characterized the TK0353 structure and function. TK0353 lacks glycosylase activity on a variety of damaged bases and is therefore either a monofunctional AP lyase or may be a glycosylase-lyase on a yet unidentified substrate. The crystal structure of TK0353 revealed a novel fold, which does not resemble other known DNA repair enzymes. The TK0353 gene is not essential for Thermococcus kodakarensis viability presumably due to redundant base excision repair enzymes involved in AP site processing. In summary, TK0353 is a novel AP lyase unique to hyperthermophiles that provides redundant repair activity necessary for genome maintenance.

Isolasi Jamur yang Berasosiasi dengan Kumbang Ambrosia pada Pohon Angsana (Pterocarpus indicus)

Insect pests are organisms that can damage plants and have a high level of damage. However, it is not only insects that need to be watched out for but also the microorganisms they carry inside and outside their bodies. These insects are referred to as vectors. Ambrosia beetle is a plant vector that carries both saprophytic and pathogenic fungi. There is little information about ambrosia beetles and the mushrooms they carry, so they need to be studied further. This study aimed to determine the fungi associated with the ambrosia beetle on Angsana trees (Pterocarpus indicus). The research used purposive sampling by examining the symptoms and signs of an ambrosia beetle attack. The identification process is based on morphological forms and entomology manuals. The results obtained based on morphological identification showed that the ambrosia beetle came from the genus Cryphalus sp. In contrast, the associated fungus comes from the genus Geosmithia sp. It is known that the fungus Geosmithia sp. can act as a pathogen so that it can damage Angsana trees.

Differential geometry-based thermodynamics derivation of isotropic and anisotropic eikonal non-local gradient (ENLG) damage models using a micromorphic media framework

The Eikonal non-local damage (ENL) approach models damage as a space-deforming phenomenon that affects the interaction distance between material points. As damage increases, interactions between points decrease, ultimately resulting in no interaction. In the integral version of such an approach, non-local interaction distances between material points are computed by solving a stationary Hamilton–Jacobi equation with a damage-dependent Riemannian metric. In the implicit gradient version of ENL models, the Riemannian metric figures in the Helmholtz equation to be solved for computing the non-local field controlling damage evolution. However, one of the main criticisms of such formulation is the lack of thermodynamics basis in its derivation. This paper presents a thermodynamics derivation of the Eikonal implicit gradient formulation based on differential geometry concepts to overcome this issue. A free-energy potential is defined considering the non-local strain as a morphological descriptor belonging to the abstract differentiable manifold (where the Riemannian metric is defined). Following a micromorphic media framework, the balance equations of the model are obtained. It is shown that the stress tensor and thermodynamic force associated with damage are the sum of standard and additional non-local contributions. It is also shown that the resulting energy dissipation is always positive, thus verifying the Clausius–Duhem inequality. After presenting all development considering second-order anisotropic continuum damage, the isotropic formulation is obtained as a particular case. Finally, a two-dimensional numerical implementation of an isotropic implicit Eikonal non-local gradient damage model is illustrated. Test cases are simulated to show the relocalization features of the considered formulation and its natural capability of naturally representing damage-to-fracture transition for high damage levels.

Predicting forest damage using relative abundance of multiple deer species and national forest inventory data

Deer, both native and non-native, can damage forest ecosystems when occurring at high densities, impacting biodiversity and ecological functioning at multiple levels. The ecological drivers of forest damage and the roles of single and multiple co-occurring deer species are not well understood due to a scarcity of simultaneous high resolution multi-species deer distribution and forest damage data. Here, we aimed to disentangle the relationship between forest damage, forest characteristics and the roles deer play in damaging forest ecosystems. To achieve this, we integrated novel high resolution deer distribution data for multiple deer species (native and non-native) with forest inventory data collected in 1,681 sampling stations across Ireland to (i) understand environmental drivers of damage, and (ii) demonstrate the utility of this approach in providing predicted damage scenarios based on the relative abundance of different co-occurring deer species. We found that forest characteristics played a key role in the severity and type of damage risk that deer posed. All damage types were more prevalent in forests with greater tree densities where deer are more likely to find refuge from human disturbance. Bark stripping damage was more prevalent in mature forests with high tree diversity and ground level flora (e.g., bryophytes, herbs, and shrubs). Similarly, browsing damage was more prevalent in forests with greater tree richness but with understorey vegetation dominated by grass and ferns. Fraying damage was more common in mixed woodlands with understories dominated by bryophytes and grass. Crucially, we found that type and severity of forest damage were shaped by the interaction of multiple deer species occurring simultaneously, particularly at high densities, suggesting subtle inter-species competition and exclusion/partition dynamics that require further investigation to understand the ecological mechanism. Finally, we developed predicted damage scenarios to precisely predict where damage is likely to occur based on relative densities of two co-occurring deer species. We predicted high levels of damage in sika and/or red deer hotspots, matching areas of highly concentrated deer distributions. Our study highlights the ecological drivers of deer-caused forest damage, the role that co-occurring native and non-native deer species may play on forest damage within a large spatial scale and describes an approach that can be replicated in other countries with similar datasets. By combining reliable species distribution models with the national forest inventory data, we can now provide a useful tool for practitioners to help alleviate and mitigate forest damage and human wildlife conflicts.

Torpid 13-lined ground squirrel liver mitochondria resist anoxia-reoxygenation despite high levels of protein damage.

Hibernation confers resistance to ischemia-reperfusion injury in tissue, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Suppression of mitochondrial respiration during torpor may contribute to this tolerance. To explore this concept, we subjected isolated liver mitochondria from torpid, interbout euthermic (IBE) and summer 13-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) to 5 min of anoxia, followed by reoxygenation (A/R). We also included rat liver mitochondria as a non-hibernating comparison group. Maximum respiration rates of mitochondria from torpid ground squirrels were not affected by A/R, but in IBE and summer, these rates decreased by 50% following A/R and in rats they decreased by 80%. Comparing net ROS production rates among groups, revealed seasonal differences; mitochondria from IBE and torpor produced 75% less ROS than summer ground squirrels and rats. Measurements of oxidative damage to these mitochondria, both freshly isolated, as well as pre- and post-A/R, demonstrated elevated damage to protein, but not lipids, in all groups. Hibernation likely generates oxidative stress, as freshly isolated mitochondria had greater protein damage in torpor and IBE than in summer and rats. When comparing markers of damage pre- and post-A/R, we found that when RET was active, rat macromolecules were more damaged than when RET is inhibited, but in TLGS markers of damage were similar. This result suggests that suppression of RET during hibernation, both in torpor and IBE, lessens oxidative stress produced during arousal. Taken together our study suggests that ischemia-reperfusion tolerance at the mitochondrial level is associated with metabolically suppressed oxidative phosphorylation during hibernation.

40,000 years of technological continuity and change at Matja Kuru 2, Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste is known for long-term continuity in lithic manufacturing techniques that span at least the last 44,000 years. Here we confirm this pattern of long-term continuity in stone tool manufacture at the site of Matja Kuru 2, located on Timor-Leste close to the freshwater Lake Ira Lalaro. The lithic assemblage is characterised by high reduction intensity and frequent use of bipolar, ‘core-on-flake’, discoidal and multiplatform core reduction to produce small flakes while high levels of retouch, heat damage and breakage. While continuity is an important feature of the assemblage, we also document important changes in technology, raw material selection and recycling/extension strategies over time. We posit that the long periods of absence at MK2 may coincide with drier phases when Ira Lalaro likely dried and that more extensive use of the cave occurs during wet phases with attendant lake high conditions. The lithic assemblage indicates increased mobility and individual provisioning in the transitions between these phases of site use and abandonment. The Matja Kuru 2 lithic assemblage also reveals the earliest known evidence yet found for obsidian and possible inter-island transport in Wallacea.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL INJUSTICE: IMPACT AND SUSTAINABILITY OF SMALL SCALE TIN MINING UNDER INDONESIA’S NEW MINERAL AND COAL REGULATION

The transformation of mining law policy in Law No. 3 of 2020 concerning Minerals and Coal has broad implications for mining law, including illegal tin mining. The high dependence of the tin extractive economy in Bangka Belitung has changed the landscape of this archipelago province as an area with a high level of natural damage and social disasters. The ability of governments through regulatory instruments to tackle illegal mining is an important ideal goal. This research was conducted using socio-legal methods, to produce a comprehensive analysis related to the environmental and social impacts of illegal tin mining after the renewal of the mineral and coal law. This study found that the transition of mining authority from the central government to the regional government directly has an impact on the proliferation of illegal mining activities. Substantive changes in the mineral and coal law have not provided a strategic solution because the tug-of-war over authority ends with the continued delegation of authority to grant community mining permits to local governments. Meanwhile, the unpreparedness of local governments has resulted in the continued marginalization of mining communities and has an impact on widespread environmental damage. The lack of fair decision-making processes for people mining licences is indicative of an immature tin mining management in Bangka Belitung. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the implications of the latest mineral and coal policies on illegal tin mining activities, as a reference and consideration in strategic policy making to create an ideal and sustainable tin mining ecosystem.

Evaluation of the impact of nanomodification on Self-Healing behavior of asphalt binders

Nanomaterials, due to their higher surface area, smaller particle size, and unique chemical characteristics, might be a potential additive to self-heal microcracks in asphalt pavement and extend pavement life. The goal of this study is to examine the self-healing potential of asphalt binder modified with nanosilica, nanoalumina, and nanoclay at three different dosages. First, factors affecting self-healing behavior (i.e., blending techniques, rest period, and damage level) were investigated following Performance grade, Surface Free Energy, Storage stability, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy tests. 1% nanosilica exhibited the highest self-healing potential, while 3% nanoalumina also performed well at higher damage levels.

2023 Elections in Turkey within Global Context: Right Wing Populism in the Era of Global Shift

ABSTRACT Many observers predicted that the catastrophic earthquake of February 2023 and huge and unprecedent problems of high inflation and cost of living crisis would end Erdogan era and his credibility in Turkey. However, despite all ongoing deep problems, Erdogan and his AKP government, after more than 20 years in power, still managed to win the 2023 elections in the second round. It seems none of the serious economic and political problems were enough to get the majority of votes away from the governing party, AKP. Even in the cities where the earthquake costed high level of damage, AKP and Erdogan got significantly high votes, despite rampant corruption and economic mismanagement. The AKP government has not been punished either economically or politically. On the contrary, one of the most striking consequences of this election is that Turkey now has the most right-wing parliament in its recent modern history if we include the right-wing opposition parties in the composition.

RB loss sensitizes cells to replication-associated DNA damage after PARP inhibition by trapping.

The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (RB) interacts physically and functionally with a number of epigenetic modifying enzymes to control transcriptional regulation, respond to replication stress, promote DNA damage response and repair, and regulate genome stability. To better understand how disruption of RB function impacts epigenetic regulation of genome stability and determine whether such changes represent exploitable weaknesses of RB-deficient cancer cells, we performed an imaging-based screen to identify epigenetic inhibitors that promote DNA damage and compromise the viability of RB-deficient cells. We found that loss of RB alone leads to high levels of replication-dependent poly-ADP ribosylation (PARylation) and that preventing PARylation by trapping PARP enzymes on chromatin enables RB-deficient cells to progress to mitosis with unresolved replication stress. These defects contribute to high levels of DNA damage and compromised cell viability. We demonstrate this sensitivity is conserved across a panel of drugs that target both PARP1 and PARP2 and can be suppressed by reexpression of the RB protein. Together, these data indicate that drugs that target PARP1 and PARP2 may be clinically relevant for RB-deficient cancers.

A rapid numerical-based vulnerability assessment method for masonry buildings subject to flood

Buildings exposed to high-intensity flood actions can experience severe damage and collapse. Rapid procedures can significantly aid in identifying the most vulnerable buildings within large flood-risk areas, enabling the implementation of retrofitting and mitigation measures. Motivated by this need, in this work we propose a simplified vulnerability assessment method that employs a mechanics-based approach. This strategy exclusively addresses the structural damage and is based on assigning a Vulnerability Index to each building. Then, considering some hazard intensity indicators, the method gives the most probable damage level. The main novelty of the proposed method lies in its calibration, which is performed on the results of a high number of numerical analyses. Results show a good agreement between the proposed simplified method and the numerical simulations, particularly in estimating high or low damage levels. Finally, the method is applied to a case study regarding the municipality of Crotone, in southern Italy.

Development of [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-C595 as radioimmunotherapy of pancreatic cancer: in vitro evaluation, dosimetric assessment and detector calibration

BackgroundPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy which may benefit from radioimmunotherapy. Previously, [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-C595 has been developed as a beta-emitting radioimmunoconjugate to target cancer-specific mucin 1 epitopes (MUC1-CE) overexpressed on PDAC. However, the therapeutic effect may be enhanced by using an alpha-emitting radionuclide such as Actinium-225 (Ac-225). The short range and high linear energy transfer of alpha particles provides dense cellular damage and can overcome typical barriers related to PDAC treatment such as hypoxia. Despite the added cytotoxicity of alpha-emitters, their clinical implementation can be complicated by their complex decay chains, recoil energy and short-range impeding radiation detection. In this study, we developed and evaluated [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-C595 as an alpha-emitting radioimmunotherapy against PDAC using a series of in vitro experiments and conducted a preliminary dosimetric assessment and cross-calibration of detectors for the clinical implementation of Ac-225.ResultsCell binding and internalisation of [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-C595 was rapid and greatest in cells with strong MUC1-CE expression. Over 99% of PDAC cells had positive yH2AX expression within 1 h of [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-C595 exposure, suggesting a high level of DNA damage. Clonogenic assays further illustrated the cytotoxicity of [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-C595 in a concentration-dependent manner. At low concentrations of [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-C595, cells with strong MUC1-CE expression had lower cell survival than cells with weak MUC1-CE expression, yet survival was similar between cell lines at high concentrations irrespective of MUC1-CE expression. A dosimetric assessment was performed to estimate the dose-rate of 1 kBq of [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-C595 with consideration to alpha particles. Total absorption of 1 kBq of Ac-225 was estimated to provide a dose rate of 17.5 mGy/h, confirmed via both detector measurements and calculations.Conclusion[225Ac]Ac-DOTA-C595 was shown to target and induce a therapeutic effect in MUC1-CE expressing PDAC cells.

Invasive Whitefly (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Complex and Diversity in Coconut Landscapes in Tamil Nadu

Abstract Coconut, Cocos nucifera L., in Tamil Nadu, India, was invaded by four whitefly (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) species between 2016 and 2019, increasing the total to six, along with Aleurodicus dispersus Russell and Aleurocanthus arecae David and Manjunatha. We examined the complexity and diversity of whiteflies in coconut across different agroclimatic zones of Tamil Nadu and found high and low damage levels by whiteflies at Veppankulam (70.4%) and Rameswaram (11.0%), respectively. The rugose spiraling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin, was the most dominant species but was effectively managed by the parasitoids Encarsia guadeloupae Viggiani and E. dispersa Polaszek, with the highest rate parasitism of 83.8% at Aliyar Nagar and the lowest (2.9%) in the Kanchipuram district. Aleurodicus rugioperculatus and Bondar’s nesting whitefly, Paraleyrodes bondari Peracchi, have spread throughout Tamil Nadu. The population of A. rugioperculaus was high at Veppankulam and that of P. bondari was higher at Dharmapuri (28.6 and 31.1 adults/leaflet, respectively). All five invasive whitefly species in coconut were found only in 7 of 34 locations—Coimbatore, Sirumugai, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Vellore, and Erode. Paraleyrodes minei Iaccarino and Aleurotrachelus atratus Hempel were distributed in the northwestern zone adjoining the western ghats of Tamil Nadu. Coconut plantations at Sirumugai (western ghats) supported the most diverse collection of whiteflies, with 0.61 and 1.09 Simpson and Shannon diversity indices. Among the 29 districts, adjoining Dindigul and Theni districts showed the highest Bray–Curtis Similarity Matrix. Butterfly palm, Dypsis lutescens H. Wendel, custard apple, Annona squamosa L., and guava, Psidium guajava L., are whitefly hosts in coconut landscapes.

Faktor Pengelolaan Operasi dan Pemeliharaan Irigasi Di Kabupaten Tanah Datar

In recent years, the Tanah Datar district government has focused more on the physical implementation of irrigation area development and has not prioritized the budget for operating and maintenance costs so that there are still many Irrigation Areas (DI) whose irrigation infrastructure is not functioning properly with a high level of network damage that requires high costs. In addition, low awareness of the provision of operational and maintenance (OP) funds, limited human resources for OP staff, and the participation of groups of farmers using water (P3A) or a combination of groups of farmers using water (GP3A) is also not optimal. In order to function optimally and can be used for a long time, the irrigation that has been built needs to be maintained and managed systemically and to develop an optimal operating and maintenance management framework. The purpose of this study was to identify the dominant factors and factors that influence the operation and maintenance of irrigation networks in Tanah Datar District, as well as to optimize the operation and maintenance of the network. This study used a quantitative method by distributing questionnaires to respondents. The results of the research conducted revealed that there were 2 factors that influenced the operation and maintenance of irrigation networks in Tanah Datar Regency, namely the condition of physical infrastructure and supporting facilities and P3A Personnel Organization and Institutions..

Regular Sport Activity Is Able to Reduce the Level of Genomic Damage.

Regular physical activity is considered one of the most valid tools capable of reducing the risk of onset of many diseases in humans. However, it is known that intense physical activity can induce high levels of genomic damage, while moderate exercise can elicit a favorable adaptive response by the organism. We evaluated, by the buccal micronuclei assay, the frequencies of micronuclei, nuclear buds and binucleated cells in a sample of amateur athletes practicing different disciplines, comparing the obtained data with those of subjects who practiced sports just occasionally and subjects that did not practice sport at all. The aim was to evaluate whether physical activity affects background levels of genomic damage and whether the different sports disciplines, as well as some gene polymorphisms, differentially affect these levels. A total of 206 subjects, 125 athletes and 81 controls, were recruited. Athletes showed significantly lower values of micronuclei, nuclear buds and binucleated cells with respect to controls. Sprinters and Martial Artists displayed significantly higher frequencies of micronuclei than other categories of athletes. Finally, neither sex nor gene polymorphisms seemed to influence the levels of genomic damage, confirming that the observed genomic damage is probably due to the nature of the sport activity.

Failure analysis of a cracked tram axle

The subject of the paper is the results of the material analysis of the cracked axle of the tram. Fractographic analysis of the fracture surface was performed, the microstructure of the damaged part was observed, hardness profiles were measured and local chemical composition was determined by the EDX method. The failure occurred through a fatigue mechanism. The crack was initiated from surface defects of the welded material on the surface of the axle. The cause of the accident was the interplay of several negative factors: poor welding repair technology, unsuitable consumables, high levels of residual stresses and mechanical damage during assembly.

THE ATTACK OF THE WEEVIL Sitophilus granarius L. ON VARIETIES NEW WHEAT STORED

Stored cereal products suffer year after year from the attack of various insects, mainly due to the short period in which the grains are used. Instead, by delaying grain utilization, and especially in winter wheat, storage pests follow their biological cycle. This is also the case with the Sitophilus weevil whose attack causes a high level of damage every year. In this experiment, two series of batches of three varieties of winter wheat were analyzed. From the data obtained, it was found the existence of significant differences depending on the analyzed factor, namely, distinctly significant in the case of the group of varieties formed by Trivale, Ursita and Linia A4-10, significant in the variety FLD Caro, FDL Concurent, Șimnic 1619. At the same time, a significant connection was found between the first group of varieties with the four lots analyzed and insignificant in the case of the second group of winter wheat varieties

Actionable loss of SLF2 drives B‐cell lymphomagenesis and impairs the DNA damage response

The DNA damage response (DDR) acts as a barrier to malignant transformation and is often impaired during tumorigenesis. Exploiting the impaired DDR can be a promising therapeutic strategy; however, the mechanisms of inactivation and corresponding biomarkers are incompletely understood. Starting from an unbiased screening approach, we identified the SMC5‐SMC6 Complex Localization Factor 2 (SLF2) as a regulator of the DDR and biomarker for a B‐cell lymphoma (BCL) patient subgroup with an adverse prognosis. SLF2‐deficiency leads to loss of DDR factors including Claspin (CLSPN) and consequently impairs CHK1 activation. In line with this mechanism, genetic deletion of Slf2 drives lymphomagenesis in vivo. Tumor cells lacking SLF2 are characterized by a high level of DNA damage, which leads to alterations of the post‐translational SUMOylation pathway as a safeguard. The resulting co‐dependency confers synthetic lethality to a clinically applicable SUMOylation inhibitor (SUMOi), and inhibitors of the DDR pathway act highly synergistic with SUMOi. Together, our results identify SLF2 as a DDR regulator and reveal co‐targeting of the DDR and SUMOylation as a promising strategy for treating aggressive lymphoma.

Host–parasite coevolution and the stability of genetic kin recognition

Crozier's paradox suggests that genetic kin recognition will not be evolutionarily stable. The problem is that more common tags (markers) are more likely to be recognized and helped. This causes common tags to increase in frequency, eliminating the genetic variability that is required for genetic kin recognition. Two potential solutions to this problem have been suggested: host-parasite coevolution and multiple social encounters. We show that the host-parasite coevolution hypothesis does not work as commonly assumed. Host-parasite coevolution only stabilizes kin recognition at a parasite resistance locus if parasites adapt rapidly to hosts and cause intermediate or high levels of damage (virulence). Additionally, when kin recognition is stabilized at a parasite resistance locus, this can have an additional cost of making hosts more susceptible to parasites. However, we show that if the genetic architecture is allowed to evolve, meaning natural selection can choose the recognition locus, genetic kin recognition is more likely to be stable. The reason for this is that host-parasite coevolution can maintain tag diversity at another (neutral) locus by genetic hitchhiking, allowing that other locus to be used for genetic kin recognition. These results suggest a way that host-parasite coevolution can resolve Crozier's paradox, without making hosts more susceptible to parasites. However, the opportunity for multiple social encounters may provide a more robust resolution of Crozier's paradox.

Evaluating the genotoxicity of salinity stress and secondary products gene manipulation in lime, Citrus aurantifolia, plants.

Salinity is a significant abiotic stress that has a profound effect on growth, the content of secondary products, and the genotoxicity of cells. Lime, Citrus aurantifolia, is a popular plant belonging to the family Rutaceae. The interest in cultivating this plant is due to the importance of its volatile oil, which is included in many pharmaceutical industries, but C. aurantifolia plants are affected by the NaCl salinity levels. In the present study, a comet assay test has been applied to evaluate the genotoxic impact of salinity at 0, 50, 100, and 200 mM of NaCl on C. aurantifolia tissue-cultured plants. Furthermore, terpene gene expression was investigated using a semi-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results from the two analyses revealed that 200 mM of NaCl stress resulted in high levels of severe damage to the C. aurantifolia plants' DNA tail 21.8%, tail length 6.56 µm, and tail moment 3.19 Unit. The relative highest expression of RtHK and TAT genes was 2.08, and 1.693, respectively, when plants were exposed to 200 mM of NaCl, whereas pv4CL2RT expressed 1.50 in plants subjected to 100 mM of NaCl. The accumulation of transcripts for the RTMYB was 0.951 when plants were treated with NaCl at 50 mM, and RtGPPS gene was significantly decreased to 0.446 during saline exposure at 100 mM. We conclude that the comet assay test offers an appropriate tool to detect DNA damage as well as RtHK, TAT, and pv4CL2RT genes having post-transcriptional regulation in C. aurantifolia plant cells under salinity stress. Future studies are needed to assess the application of gene expression and comet assay technologies using another set of genes that show vulnerability to different stresses on lime and other plants.