bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation on the Removal Performances of Heavy Metal Copper (II) Ions from Aqueous Solutions Using Hydrate-Based Method
Authors: Lan Xiaobing , Chen Jun , Xie Yang , Hu Fenglong , Chen Changzhong , Li Dongdong , Jiang Jianhong , Deng Bin
Published: January 2023

Since heavy metal ion-contaminated water pollutionis becoming a serious threat to human and aquatic lives, new methods for highly efficient removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater are important to tackle environmental problems and sustainable development. In this work, we investigate the removal performances of heavy metal copper (II) ions from aqueous solutions using a gas hydrate-based method. Efficient removal of heavy metal copper (II) ions from wastewater via a methane hydrate process was demonstrated. The influence of the temperature, hydration time, copper (II) ions concentration, and stirring rate on the removal of heavy metal copper (II) ions were evaluated. The results suggested that a maximum of 75.8% copper (II) ions were removed from aqueous solution and obtained melted water with 70.6% yield with a temperature of −2 °C, stirring speed 800 r/min, and hydration time of 4 h with aninitial copper concentration of 100 mg/L. The initial concentration of copper (II) ions in the aqueous solution could be increased to between 100 and 500 mg/L. Meanwhile, our study also indicated that 65.6% copper (II) ions were removed from aqueous solution and the yield of melted water with 56.7%, even with the initial copper concentration of 500 mg/L. This research work demonstrates great potential for general applicability to heavy metal ion-contaminated wastewater treatment and provides a reference for the application of the gas hydrate method in separation.
Comprehensive Study of the Ammonium Sulfamate–Urea Binary System
Authors: Kazachenko Aleksandr S. , Issaoui Noureddine , Fetisova Olga Yu. , Berezhnaya Yaroslava D. , Al-Dossary Omar M. , Akman Feride , Kumar Naveen , Bousiakou Leda G. , Kazachenko Anna S. , Ionin Vladislav A. , Elsuf’ev Evgeniy V. , Miroshnikova Angelina V.
Published: January 2023

The physicochemical properties of binary systems are of great importance for the application of the latter. We report on the investigation of an ammonium sulfamate–urea binary system with different component ratios using a combination of experimental (FTIR, XRD, TGA/DSC, and melting point) and theoretical (DFT, QTAIM, ELF, RDG, ADMP, etc.) techniques. It is shown that, at a temperature of 100 °C, the system under study remains thermally and chemically stable for up to 30 min. It was established using X-ray diffraction analysis that the heating time barely affects the X-ray characteristics of the system. Data on the aggregate states in specified temperature ranges were obtained with thermal analysis and determination of the melting point. The structures of the ammonium sulfamate–urea system with different component ratios were optimized within the density functional theory. The atom-centered density matrix propagation calculation of the ammonium sulfamate–urea system with different component ratios was performed at temperatures of 100, 300, and 500 K. Regardless of the component ratio, a regular increase in the potential energy variation (curve amplitude) with an increase in temperature from 100 to 500 K was found.
Monitoring the Effect of Calcium Nitrate on the Induction Period of Cement Hydration via Low-Field NMR Relaxometry
Authors: Rusu Mihai M. , Faux David , Ardelean Ioan
Published: January 2023

The hydration process of Portland cement is still not completely understood. For instance, it is not clear what produces the induction period, which follows the initial period of fast reaction, and is characterized by a reduced reactivity. To contribute to such understanding, we compare here the hydration process of two cement samples, the simple cement paste and the cement paste containing calcium nitrate as an accelerator. The hydration of these samples is monitored during the induction period using two different low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry techniques. The transverse relaxation measurements of the 1H nuclei at 20 MHz resonance frequency show that the capillary pore water is not consumed during the induction period and that this stage is shortened in the presence of calcium nitrate. The longitudinal relaxation measurements, performed at variable Larmor frequency of the 1H nuclei, reveal a continuous increase in the surface-to-volume ratio of the capillary pores, even during the induction period, and this increase is faster in the presence of calcium nitrate. The desorption time of water molecules from the surface was also evaluated, and it increases in the presence of calcium nitrate.
Constituents of Pulicaria inuloides and Cytotoxic Activities of Two Methoxylated Flavonols
Authors: Malarz Janusz , Michalska Klaudia , Galanty Agnieszka , Kiss Anna Karolina , Stojakowska Anna
Published: January 2023

Plants of the genus Pulicaria are known for providing traditional medicines, spices, herbal teas, and insect deterrents. Pulicaria inuloides (Poir.). DC. is one of the less chemically studied species within the genus. Hydroalcoholic extracts from roots and aerial parts of P. inuloides were analyzed using the UHPLC-PAD-MSn technique and revealed the presence of six caffeoylquinic and eleven caffeoylhexaric conjugates together with hydroxykaempferol dimethyl ether and quercetagetin trimethyl ether. Moreover, constituents of chloroform extract from the whole P. inuloides plants were isolated and identified by spectroscopic methods. One new and four known caryophyllene derivatives, three thymol derivatives, and four polymethoxylated flavonols were found in the analyzed extract. The structure of the new compound was established by spectroscopic methods (HRESIMS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, COSY, HSQC, HMBC, NOESY). The cytotoxicity of 6-Hydroxykaempferol 3,7-dimethyl ether and quercetagetin 3,7,3’-trimethyl ether (chrysosplenol C), which are major flavonols isolated from the plant, were tested on prostate epithelial cells (PNT2), prostate cancer cells (DU145 and PC3), human keratinocytes (HaCaT), and melanoma cells (HTB140 and A375). Both flavonols demonstrated moderate cytotoxic activity against PC3 cells (IC50 = 59.5 µM and 46.6 µM, respectively). The remaining cell lines were less affected (IC50 > 150 µM).
Molecular Dynamics Study of the Curvature-Driven Interactions between Carbon-Based Nanoparticles and Amino Acids
Authors: Huang Wanying , Wang Zhenyu , Luo Junyan
Published: January 2023

We researched the interaction between six representative carbon-based nanoparticles (CBNs) and 20 standard amino acids through all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. The six carbon-based nanoparticles are fullerene(C60), CNT55L3, CNT1010L3, CNT1515L3, CNT2020L3, and two-dimensional graphene (graphene33). Their curvatures decrease sequentially, and all of the CNTs are single-walled carbon nanotubes. We observed that as the curvature of CBNs decreases, the adsorption effect of the 20 amino acids with them has an increasing trend. In addition, we also used multi-dimensional clustering to analyze the adsorption effects of 20 amino acids on six carbon-based nanoparticles. We observed that the π–π interaction still plays an extremely important role in the adsorption of amino acids on carbon-based nanoparticles. Individual long-chain amino acids and “Benzene-like” Pro also have a strong adsorption effect on carbon-based nanoparticles.
High Throughput FISH Screening Identifies Small Molecules That Modulate Oncogenic lncRNA MALAT1 via GSK3B and hnRNPs
Authors: Zablowsky Nina , Farack Lydia , Rofall Sven , Kramer Jan , Meyer Hanna , Nguyen Duy , Ulrich Alexander K. C. , Bader Benjamin , Steigemann Patrick
Published: January 2023

Traditionally, small molecule-based drug discovery has mainly focused on proteins as the drug target. Opening RNA as an additional target space for small molecules offers the possibility to therapeutically modulate disease-driving non-coding RNA targets as well as mRNA of otherwise undruggable protein targets. MALAT1 is a highly conserved long-noncoding RNA whose overexpression correlates with poor overall patient survival in some cancers. We report here a fluorescence in-situ hybridization-based high-content imaging screen to identify small molecules that modulate the oncogenic lncRNA MALAT1 in a cellular setting. From a library of FDA approved drugs and known bioactive molecules, we identified two compounds, including Niclosamide, an FDA-approved drug, that lead to a rapid decrease of MALAT1 nuclear levels with good potency. Mode-of-action studies suggest a novel cellular regulatory pathway that impacts MALAT1 lncRNA nuclear levels by GSK3B activation and the involvement of the RNA modulating family of heterogenous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs). This study is the basis for the identification of novel targets that lead to a reduction of the oncogenic lncRNA MALAT1 in a cancer setting.
Diet in Early Life Is Related to Child Mental Health and Personality at 8 Years: Findings from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa)
Authors: Vejrup Kristine , Hillesund Elisabet R. , Agnihotri Neha , Helle Christine , Øverby Nina C.
Published: January 2023

There is rising concern about population mental health. Personality and mental health traits manifest early. Sufficient nutrition is fundamental to early development. However, little is known about early life dietary impact on later mental health. The aim of this study was to investigate associations of exposure to a healthy and sustainable antenatal and early childhood diet with personality traits and symptoms of depression and anxiety measured at 8 years of age. This study is based on the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and uses data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN) including 40,566 participants. Mental health measures and personality traits were assessed at 8 years. Dietary data from pregnancy, child age 6 and 18 months and 3 and 7 years were used. With few exceptions, inverse associations were observed between healthier diet at all time points and depression and anxiety symptom scores at age 8. We found positive associations between diet scores at almost all time points and extraversion, benevolence, conscientiousness and imagination. Inverse associations were observed between diet scores and neuroticism. Combined, these findings underpin a probable impact of both maternal pregnancy diet and early childhood diet on several aspects of child mental health.
Effects of Resveratrol on Muscle Inflammation, Energy Utilisation, and Exercise Performance in an Eccentric Contraction Exercise Mouse Model
Authors: Su Liang-Yu , Huang Wen-Ching , Kan Nai-Wen , Tung Te-Hsuan , Huynh Linh Ba Phuong , Huang Shih-Yi
Published: January 2023

Eccentric contraction can easily cause muscle damage and an inflammatory response, which reduces the efficiency of muscle contraction. Resveratrol causes anti-inflammatory effects in muscles, accelerates muscle repair, and promotes exercise performance after contusion recovery. However, whether resveratrol provides the same benefits for sports injuries caused by eccentric contraction is unknown. Thus, we explored the effects of resveratrol on inflammation and energy metabolism. In this study, mice were divided into four groups: a control group, an exercise group (EX), an exercise with low-dose resveratrol group (EX + RES25), and an exercise with high-dose resveratrol group (EX + RES150). The results of an exhaustion test showed that the time before exhaustion of the EX + RES150 group was greater than that of the EX group. Tumour necrosis factor-α (Tnfα) mRNA expression was lower in the EX + RES150 group than in the EX group. The energy utilisation of the EX + RES150 group was greater than that of the EX + RES25 group in different muscles. High-dose resveratrol intervention decreased Tnfα mRNA expression and enhanced the mRNA expressions of sirtuin 1, glucose transporter 4, AMP-activated protein kinase α1, and AMP-activated protein kinase α2 in muscles. These results revealed that high-dose resveratrol supplementation can reduce inflammation and oxidation and improve energy utilisation during short-duration high-intensity exercise.
Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum-Mediated Bile Acid Metabolism to Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis via the Gut–Joint Axis
Authors: Zhao Qing , Ren Huan , Yang Nian , Xia Xuyang , Chen Qifeng , Zhou Dingding , Liu Zhaoqian , Chen Xiaoping , Chen Yao , Huang Weihua , Zhou Honghao , Xu Heng , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2023

Early intervention in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is critical for optimal treatment, but initiation of pharmacotherapy to prevent damage remains unsatisfactory currently. Manipulation of the gut microbiome and microbial metabolites can be effective in protecting against RA. Thus, probiotics can be utilized to explore new strategies for preventing joint damage. The aim of this study was to explore the metabolites and mechanisms by which Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum affects RA. Based on 16S rRNA sequencing and UPLC-MS/MS assays, we focused on bile acid (BA) metabolism. In a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model, B. pseudocatenulatum prevented joint damage by protecting the intestinal barrier and reshaped gut microbial composition, thereby elevating bile salt hydrolase (BSH) enzyme activity and increasing the levels of unconjugated secondary BAs to suppress aberrant T-helper 1/17-type immune responses; however, these benefits were eliminated by the Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) antagonist SBI-115. The results suggested that a single bacterium, B. pseudocatenulatum, can prevent RA, indicating that prophylactic administration of probiotics may be an effective therapy.
Neuroprotective Effects of Blueberries through Inhibition on Cholinesterase, Tyrosinase, Cyclooxygenase-2, and Amyloidogenesis
Authors: Samani Pari , Costa Sophia , Cai Shuowei
Published: January 2023

Blueberries are rich in polyphenolic compounds and have shown improvement in cognitive function in several clinical trials. The molecular basis of the neuronal protection of blueberries, however, is not fully understood. The objective of this research is to understand the biochemistry basis of neuronal protection effects of blueberries through their impacts on several enzymes and pathways involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. We examined the inhibition effects of blueberries on the enzymatic activity of cholinesterase (acetylcholinesterase, AChE; and butyrylcholinesterase, BuChE), tyrosinase, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The effects of blueberries on the biosynthesis of acetylcholinesterase in a cellular model were also studied. Further, the effect of blueberries on amyloid fibril formation was evaluated. Our results showed that blueberries directly inhibit the enzymatic activity of AChE, BuChE, tyrosinase, and COX-2, with the IC50 at 48 mg/mL, 9 mg/mL, 403 mg/mL, and 12 mg/mL of fresh berry equivalent, respectively. Further, blueberries delay the amyloid fibril formation by 24 h at 39 mg fresh berry/mL. It also reduces the synthesis of acetylcholinesterase synthesis at 19 mg fresh berry/mL in a cellular model. Those results suggested that the neuroprotection effects of blueberries may involve different pathways, including enhancing cholinergic signaling through their effect on cholinesterase, reducing neuroinflammation through inhibition of COX-2, and reducing amyloid formation. Collectively, blueberries may play a vital role in neuronal protection beyond their antioxidant activity and our results provide more molecular mechanisms for their neuroprotective effects, and support blueberries being nutraceutical to improve cognitive function.
Point-of-Care Diagnostic for Trichomonas vaginalis, the Most Prevalent, Non-Viral Sexually Transmitted Infection
Authors: Alderete John F. , Chan Hermes
Published: January 2023

A point-of-care (POC) diagnostic is needed for both women and men to establish universal screening and surveillance for the number one, non-viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. We developed a POC diagnostic for this STI using the MedMira Rapid Vertical Flow (RVF®) Technology test cartridge with a membrane that includes a Vertical procedural/reagent control line (referred to as CVL) and spotted with 1 µg of a 72.4-kDa truncated version of α-actinin called ACT::SOE3. This protein is a specific diagnostic target for antibody in sera of individuals with trichomoniasis. Serum antibody to ACT::SOE3 is a positive reaction with the test spot. Specificity of ACT::SOE3 was revealed with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) generated to ACT::SOE3. Addition of negative control serum with MAb 67B reactive to ACT::SOE3 shows detection of both ACT::SOE3 and the CVL. Only positive sera of individuals had antibody reactive with ACT::SOE3 and detected the presence of the spot and the CVL. Negative control sera were unreactive with ACT::SOE3 and only showed the presence of the CVL. Importantly, to show proof-of-principle for POC application, ACT::SOE3 was detected with the positive patient sera spiked with whole blood. Finally, packaged cartridges stored with desiccant packs at 37 °C for one year gave identical results with the positive and negative human sera. Our results show the validity of this new POC serodiagnostic for this STI.
Effects of Microplastic Contamination on the Aquatic Plant Lemna minuta (Least Duckweed)
Authors: Ceschin Simona , Mariani Flaminia , Di Lernia Dario , Venditti Iole , Pelella Emanuele , Iannelli Maria Adelaide
Published: January 2023

Microplastics are widely spread in aquatic environments. Although they are considered among the most alarming contaminants, toxic effects on organisms are unclear, particularly on freshwater plants. In this study, the duckweed Lemna minuta was grown on different concentrations (50, 100 mg/L) of poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) microplastics (MP) and exposure times (T0, T7, T14, T28 days). The phytotoxic effects of MP were investigated by analyzing several plant morphological and biochemical parameters (frond and root size, plant growth, chlorophyll, and malondialdehyde content). Observations by scanning electron microscope revealed MP adsorption on plant surfaces. Exposition to MP adversely affected plant growth and chlorophyll content with respect to both MP concentrations and exposure times. Conversely, malondialdehyde measurements did not indicate an alteration of oxidative lipid damage in plant tissue. The presence of MP induced root elongation when compared to the control plants. The effects of MP on L. minuta plants were more evident at T28. These results contribute to a better understanding of MP’s impact on aquatic plants and highlight that MP contamination manifests with chronic-type effects, which are thus detectable at longer exposure times of 7 days than those traditionally used in phytotoxicology tests on duckweeds.
Ammonium Uptake, Mediated by Ammonium Transporters, Mitigates Manganese Toxicity in Duckweed, Spirodela polyrhiza
Authors: Kishchenko Olena , Stepanenko Anton , Straub Tatsiana , Zhou Yuzhen , Neuhäuser Benjamin , Borisjuk Nikolai
Published: January 2023

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient that affects all aspects of the growth, development and metabolic responses of plants. Here we investigated the influence of the two major sources of inorganic nitrogen, nitrate and ammonium, on the toxicity caused by excess of Mn in great duckweed, Spirodela polyrhiza. The revealed alleviating effect of ammonium on Mn-mediated toxicity, was complemented by detailed molecular, biochemical and evolutionary characterization of the species ammonium transporters (AMTs). Four genes encoding AMTs in S. polyrhiza, were classified as SpAMT1;1, SpAMT1;2, SpAMT1;3 and SpAMT2. Functional testing of the expressed proteins in yeast and Xenopus oocytes clearly demonstrated activity of SpAMT1;1 and SpAMT1;3 in transporting ammonium. Transcripts of all SpAMT genes were detected in duckweed fronds grown in cultivation medium, containing a physiological or 50-fold elevated concentration of Mn at the background of nitrogen or a mixture of nitrate and ammonium. Each gene demonstrated an individual expression pattern, revealed by RT-qPCR. Revealing the mitigating effect of ammonium uptake on manganese toxicity in aquatic duckweed S. polyrhiza, the study presents a comprehensive analysis of the transporters involved in the uptake of ammonium, shedding a new light on the interactions between the mechanisms of heavy metal toxicity and the regulation of the plant nitrogen metabolism.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Tolerant and Sensitive Genotypes of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Response to Terminal Drought Stress
Authors: Subramani Mayavan , Urrea Carlos A. , Habib Rasheed , Bhide Ketaki , Thimmapuram Jyothi , Kalavacharla Venu
Published: January 2023

We conducted a genome-wide transcriptomic analysis of three drought tolerant and sensitive genotypes of common bean to examine their transcriptional responses to terminal drought stress. We then conducted pairwise comparisons between the root and leaf transcriptomes from the resulting tissue based on combined transcriptomic data from the tolerant and sensitive genotypes. Our transcriptomic data revealed that 491 (6.4%) DEGs (differentially expressed genes) were upregulated in tolerant genotypes, whereas they were downregulated in sensitive genotypes; likewise, 396 (5.1%) DEGs upregulated in sensitive genotypes were downregulated in tolerant genotypes. Several transcription factors, heat shock proteins, and chaperones were identified in the study. Several DEGs in drought DB (data Base) overlapped between genotypes. The GO (gene ontology) terms for biological processes showed upregulation of DEGs in tolerant genotypes for sulfate and drug transmembrane transport when compared to sensitive genotypes. A GO term for cellular components enriched with upregulated DEGs for the apoplast in tolerant genotypes. These results substantiated the temporal pattern of root growth (elongation and initiation of root growth), and ABA-mediated drought response in tolerant genotypes. KEGG (kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes) analysis revealed an upregulation of MAPK (mitogen activated protein kinase) signaling pathways and plant hormone signaling pathways in tolerant genotypes. As a result of this study, it will be possible to uncover the molecular mechanisms of drought tolerance in response to terminal drought stress in the field. Further, genome-wide transcriptomic analysis of both tolerant and sensitive genotypes will assist us in identifying potential genes that may contribute to improving drought tolerance in the common bean.
Effect of Zinc Excess in Substrate on Physiological Responses of Sinapis alba L.
Authors: Repkina Natalia , Nilova Irina , Kaznina Natalia
Published: January 2023

Zinc (Zn) is a fundamental micronutrient for plants’ metabolism, but in high concentrations, it is toxic. In this study, we investigated the physiological response of white mustard (Sinapis alba L. cv. Belgia) plants to the Zn excess concentrations (50, 100, and 150 mg kg−1) in the substrate. The results showed that sand Zn concentration of 50 mg kg−1 did not affect the physiological parameters of plants, despite to the high Zn accumulation in shoots. The growth, biomass accumulation, photosynthesis rate, and pigment amount were inhibited at Zn concentrations of 100 and 150 mg kg−1 in substrate. A slight increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) was also observed at zinc concentrations (100 and 150 mg kg−1) without changes in membrane permeability, which is partly connectedtoan increase in the proline content. The results suggested that white mustard tolerates Zn excess impact. S. alba is able to grow on Zn-contaminated substrates along with significant Zn accumulation in shoots, which supports its high potential for phytoremediation of Zn-polluted agricultural soils. It is also possible to propose the following recycling of white mustard plants for Zn fortification feedstuff.
Chemical Profiling of Sea Fennel (Crithmum maritimum L., Apiaceae) Essential Oils and Their Isolation Residual Waste-Waters
Authors: Politeo Olivera , Popović Marijana , Veršić Bratinčević Maja , Kovačević Kristina , Urlić Branimir , Generalić Mekinić Ivana
Published: January 2023

Sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) is a wild-growing halophyte used in cuisine, traditional medicine or cosmetic products for its beneficial nutritive value and pleasant sensory characteristics. This study aimed to investigate sea fennel essential oils (EOs) from different parts of the plant (flowers, leaves and stems) and the corresponding hydrodistillation by-products (residual water) to validate their potential use and application in different industries. EOs were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), while the phenolic profile of the residual water was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectrophotometric methods. The EO analysis confirmed the presence of 14 compounds, dominated by sabinene (from 42.55 to 51.47%) and limonene (from 36.28 to 43.58%), while among the 12 detected phenolics, chlorogenic acid and its isomers (cryptochlorogenic and neochlorogenic acid) were found in the highest concentrations. Total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents were concentrated in the order flowers > leaves > stems. Although the sea fennel samples showed differences in chemical profiles, overall they were rich in bioactive compounds with relatively high amounts of key compounds with already proved good biological properties, especially in waste-water, indicating great potential for re-use in accordance with green processing technology trends.
Effects of Zinc Oxide and Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles on Physiological, Yield, and Water Use Efficiency Traits of Potato Grown under Water Deficit
Authors: Al-Selwey Wadei A. , Alsadon Abdullah A. , Ibrahim Abdullah A. , Labis Joselito P. , Seleiman Mahmoud F.
Published: January 2023

Water deficit is a major challenge for sustainable global food security, especially, in arid and semi-arid regions. Nanotechnology is regarded as an effective tool for managing a wide range of environmental stresses by providing novel and practical solutions. A field experiment was conducted to assess the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles ‘ZnO NPs’ (0, 50, 100 ppm) and silicon dioxide nanoparticles ‘SiO2 NPs’ (0, 25, 50 ppm) as an exogenous application on the physiological indices, total yield and water use efficiency (WUE) of potato under water deficit conditions (50%, 75%, and 100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) water requirements). Water deficit significantly decreased most physiological indices and yield traits of potato, but increased proline content and WUE. In contrast, exogenous application of ZnO NPs and SiO2 NPs to plants grown under different water deficit treatments resulted in an increase in leaf gas exchange, leaves relative water contents (LRWC), photosynthetic pigments, and leaf green index. Under different water deficit treatments, the highest total yield and harvest index traits were obtained from plants treated with ZnO-NPs-100 ppm followed by 50 ppm of ZnO and SiO2 NPs, respectively. The highest WUE was recorded when the potato plants were irrigated with 50% ETc and exogenous treated with 100 ppm of ZnO NPs compared with fully irrigated plants. In conclusion, the exogenous application of ZnO NPs (100 ppm) can significantly mitigate the water deficit stress and improve the physiological, yield, and WUE of potato grown in arid regions under water deficit conditions.
Assessing Yield and Quality of Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Improved by Biodegradable Mulching Film
Authors: Cozzolino Eugenio , Di Mola Ida , Ottaiano Lucia , Bilotto Maurizio , Petriccione Milena , Ferrara Elvira , Mori Mauro , Morra Luigi
Published: January 2023

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic mulching films have an important function, but at the end of their lifetime pose an economic and environmental problem in terms of their removal and disposal. Biodegradable mulching films represent an alternative to LDPE with the potential to avoid these environmental issues. In this preliminary study, we employed a biodegradable film based on Mater-Bi® (MB) in comparison with low-density polyethylene to assess their effect on the yield and particular quality traits (organoleptic and nutraceutical composition of the fruits) of muskmelon (cv Pregiato) grown on soils with different textures (clay–loam—CL and sandy loam—SL) in two private farms in South Italy. Soil temperature under the mulch was also measured. During the monitored periods, mean soil temperature under LDPE was higher (about 1.3 °C) than that under the biodegradable film and was higher in SL soil than in CL soil, at 25.5° and 24.2 °C, respectively. However, the biodegradable film was able to limit the daily temperature fluctuation, which was 1.7 °C in both soils compared with 2.3 °C recorded for LDPE. Fruit yields were higher with MB film than LDPE (+9.5%), irrespective of soil texture. MaterBi® also elicited increases in total soluble solids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity compared with LDPE films: 13.3%, 22.4%, 27.2%, and 24.6%, respectively. Color parameters of flesh, namely brightness, chroma, and hue angle were better in fruits grown on LDPE. Our findings suggest that Mater-Bi® based biodegradable mulching film is a potentially valid alternative to traditional LDPE, particularly for obtaining the agronomical benefits outlined above and for promoting environmental sustainability due to its favourable biodegradable properties.
Mapping QTL for Phenological and Grain-Related Traits in a Mapping Population Derived from High-Zinc-Biofortified Wheat
Authors: Rathan Nagenahalli Dharmegowda , Krishnappa Gopalareddy , Singh Anju-Mahendru , Govindan Velu
Published: January 2023

Genomic regions governing days to heading (DH), days to maturity (DM), plant height (PH), thousand-kernel weight (TKW), and test weight (TW) were investigated in a set of 190 RILs derived from a cross between a widely cultivated wheat-variety, Kachu (DPW-621-50), and a high-zinc variety, Zinc-Shakti. The RIL population was genotyped using 909 DArTseq markers and phenotyped in three environments. The constructed genetic map had a total genetic length of 4665 cM, with an average marker density of 5.13 cM. A total of thirty-seven novel quantitative trait loci (QTL), including twelve for PH, six for DH, five for DM, eight for TKW and six for TW were identified. A set of 20 stable QTLs associated with the expression of DH, DM, PH, TKW, and TW were identified in two or more environments. Three novel pleiotropic genomic-regions harboring co-localized QTLs governing two or more traits were also identified. In silico analysis revealed that the DArTseq markers were located on important putative candidate genes such as MLO-like protein, Phytochrome, Zinc finger and RING-type, Cytochrome P450 and pentatricopeptide repeat, involved in the regulation of pollen maturity, the photoperiodic modulation of flowering-time, abiotic-stress tolerance, grain-filling duration, thousand-kernel weight, seed morphology, and plant growth and development. The identified novel QTLs, particularly stable and co-localized QTLs, will be validated to estimate their effects in different genetic backgrounds for subsequent use in marker-assisted selection (MAS).
Arecaceae Seeds Constitute a Healthy Source of Fatty Acids and Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Rincón-Cervera Miguel Ángel , Lahlou Abdallah , Chileh-Chelh Tarik , Lyashenko Svetlana , López-Ruiz Rosalía , Guil-Guerrero José Luis
Published: January 2023

Seeds of most Arecaceae species are an underutilized raw material that can constitute a source of nutritionally relevant compounds. In this work, seeds of 24 Arecaceae taxa were analyzed for fatty acids (FAs) by GC-FID, for phenolics by HPLC-DAD and LC-MS, and for their antitumor activity against the HT-29 colorectal cancer cell line by the MTT assay. Lauric, oleic, and linoleic acids were the prominent FAs. Cocoseae species contained total FAs at 28.0–68.3 g/100 g seeds, and in other species total FAs were from 1.2 (Livistona saribus) to 9.9 g/100 g (Washingtonia robusta). Sabal domingensis, Chamaerops humilis, and Phoenix dactylifera var. Medjool had unsaturated/saturated FA ratios of 1.65, 1.33–1.78, and 1.31, respectively, and contained 7.4, 5.5–6.3, and 6.4 g FAs/100 g seeds, respectively. Thus, they could be used as raw materials for healthy oilseed production. Phenolics ranged between 39 (Livistona fulva) and 246 mg/100 g (Sabal palmetto), and of these, caffeic acid, catechin, dactylifric acid, and rutin had the highest values. (-)-Epicatechin was identified in most seed extracts by LC-MS. Hydroalcoholic extracts from five species showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on HT-20 cells growth at 72 h (GI50 at 1533–1968 µg/mL). Overall, Arecaceae seeds could be considered as a cheap source of health-promoting compounds.
Transcriptomic Insights into Functions of LkABCG36 and LkABCG40 in Nicotiana tabacum
Authors: Sun Nan , Li Can , Jiang Xiangning , Gai Ying
Published: January 2023

ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABC transporters) play crucial physiological roles in plants, such as being involved in the growth and development of organs, nutrient acquisition, response to biotic and abiotic stress, disease resistance, and the interaction of the plant with its environment. The ABCG subfamily of proteins are involved in the process of plant vegetative organ development. In contrast, the functions of the ABCG36 and ABCG40 transporters have received considerably less attention. Here, we investigated changes in the transcriptomic data of the stem tissue of transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) with LkABCG36 and LkABCG40 (Larix kaempferi) overexpression, and compared them with those of the wild type (WT). Compared with the WT, we identified 1120 and 318 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the LkABCG36 and LkABCG40 groups, respectively. We then annotated the function of the DEGs against the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases. The results showed enrichment in cell wall biogenesis and hormone signal transduction functional classes in transgenic LkABCG36 tobacco. In transgenic LkABCG40 tobacco, the enrichment was involved in metabolic and biosynthetic processes, mainly those related to environmental adaptation. In addition, among these DEGs, many auxin-related genes were significantly upregulated in the LkABCG36 group, and we found key genes involved in environmental adaptation in the LkABCG40 group, including an encoding resistance protein and a WRKY transcription factor. These results suggest that LkABCG36 and LkABCG40 play important roles in plant development and environmental adaptation. LkABCG36 may promote plant organ growth and development by increasing auxin transport, whereas LkABCG40 may inhibit the expression of WRKY to improve the resistance of transgenic tobacco. Our results are beneficial to researchers pursuing further study of the functions of ABCG36 and ABCG40.
Sex Determination in Dioscorea dumetorum: Evidence of Heteromorphic Sex Chromosomes and Sex-Linked NORs
Authors: Ngo Ngwe Florence , Siljak-Yakovlev Sonja
Published: January 2023

Yams (Dioscorea spp.) are a pantropical genus located worldwide that constitute an important source of nutrients and pharmaceutical substances. Some Dioscorea crop species are widely grown in West Africa. One species that is mainly cultivated in Cameroon is Dioscorea dumetorum. This is a dioecious root crop whose sex-determining system was unknown until now. To address the possible presence of sex chromosomes in D. dumetorum, we performed a karyotype characterization of male and female individuals using classical and molecular cytogenetic approaches. It was determined that 2n = 40 was the most common number of chromosomes in all of the investigated samples. One chromosome pair was longer than the others in the chromosome set and was a heteromorph in male and homomorph in female individuals. This pair corresponded to sex chromosomes, and we also confirmed this with molecular cytogenetic experiments. The results of chromomycin banding revealed the presence of strong positive signals on this chromosome pair. The signals, corresponding to GC-rich DNA regions, were similar in size on the chromosomes of the female individuals, whereas they were different in size in the male individuals. This size difference in the GC-rich heterochromatin regions was also apparent in the interphase nuclei as one small and one large fluorescent spot. The results of the in situ hybridization experiment showed that these chromomycin positive signals on the sex chromosomes also corresponded to the 35S rDNA cluster. The mean 2C DNA value (genome size) obtained for D. dumentorum was 0.71 pg (±0.012), which represents a small genome size. We found no difference in the genome size between the male and female individuals. The results of this study contribute to increasing our knowledge of sex determination in D. dumetorum (standard sex-determining XX/XY system) and may have some agronomic applications.
Wastewater Characterization of Chiniot Drain and Evaluation of Groundwater Contamination Using Water Quality Index (WQI) and GIS Techniques
Authors: Maqsood Anam , Rashid Haroon , Khan Shahbaz Nasir , Nasir Abdul , Aman Nafeesa , Ullah Ahsan Saif , Ahmad  , Aslam Rana Ammar , Khan Hafiz Muhammad Safdar , Akbar Muhammad Umar
Published: January 2023

Groundwater pollution is considered a major concern in today’s world. Most industries in Pakistan produce untreated wastewater, extracting from and contaminating a nearby water source and the soil. This study was conducted in the Nithar Ke area of Chiniot District to assess the impact of the flow of wastewater over the area on groundwater quality. It aimed to: (1) investigate the conditions of industrial wastewater; (2) study the spatial variability of different parameters in groundwater using a GIS map; and (3) check the appropriateness of groundwater for drinking purposes using the water quality index (WQI). Physical and chemical characteristics, including pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, TSS, CO3, HCO3, chlorides, alkalinity, total hardness, Ca, Mg, arsenic, copper, chromium, nickel, iron, manganese, and sulfate, were tested using groundwater samples, and variance in groundwater was analyzed using a GIS (geographic information system). The water quality index (WQI) was developed for the Nithar Ke area to determine the appropriateness of the groundwater for drinking purposes. WQI values were determined within the range of 41 to 89.5, which showed a poor to good water quality. It was discovered that parameters such as BOD, COD, iron, and TDS had average concentrations of 192 mg/L, 264 mg/L, 2.62 mg/L, and 6039 mg/L, respectively, in the polluted water, which exceeded the permissible limit. Iron and manganese were the most common contaminants found in that area. The biplot and correlation circle showed that iron and turbidity had a positive relationship. Further study on soil stratification and soil characteristics is recommended in this area for a detailed analysis of the causes of metal contamination.
On the Influence of Flame-Retardant Additives on UV-Curable Thermosetting Glass Fiber-Reinforced Composites
Authors: Pérez-de-Eulate Natalia Gutiérrez , Ares Elejoste Patricia , Goenaga Garazi , Urrutxua Maitane , Vallejo Francisco Javier , Ballestero Jesús , Allue Alexandra , Gómez-Alonso José Luis
Published: January 2023

One of the main advantages of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites is the ability to reduce their weight while they exhibit exceptional properties such as high strength, stiffness, and resistance to corrosion, and reduction in their lifetime maintenance when they are compared to the metallic components. These features led fiber-reinforced polymer composites to have applications in the mechanical, construction, aerospace, automotive, medical, marine, and other manufacturing industries. However, the use of this type of material is not possible in all of these applications since, in certain sectors, the fire resistance property that the material must present is one of the key factors. For this reason, a thermosetting resin composed of ultraviolet (UV)-curable acrylic monomers has been used as a matrix, where transparent aluminum trihydrate (ATH) flame-retardant fillers were incorporated for manufacturing flame-retarded UV-curable composites. The composite parts were produced by using glass fiber-reinforced UV-curable prepregs. An exhaustive study of different types of ATH-based flame-retardant additives and the possible cooperation between them to improve the fire properties of the UV-curable composite was carried out. Additionally, the most suitable additive percentage to meet the railway sector requirements was also evaluated, as well as the evolution in the viscosity of the matrix and its processing capacity during the manufacture of the prepregs at 60 °C. The compatibility between the fillers and the matrix was assessed using a dielectric analysis (DEA). The fire properties of both the matrix and the final composite were established.
Dosimetric Characterization of DSF/NaOH/IA-PAE/R. spp. Phantom Material for Radiation Therapy
Authors: Samson Damilola Oluwafemi , Shukri Ahmad , Hashikin Nurul Ab. Aziz , Zuber Siti Hajar , Aziz Mohd Zahri Abdul , Hashim Rokiah , Yusof Mohd Fahmi Mohd , Rabaiee Nor Ain , Gemanam Sylvester Jande
Published: January 2023

Background: Different compositions of DSF/NaOH/IA-PAE/R. spp. composite particleboard phantoms were constructed. Methods: Photon attenuation characteristics were ascertained using gamma rays from 137Cs and 60Co. Absorbed doses at the location of an ionization chamber and Gafchromic EBT3 radiochromic films were calculated for high-energy photons (6 and 10 MV) and electrons (6, 9, 12, and 15 MeV). Results: The calculated TPR20,10 values indicate that the percentage discrepancy for 6 and 10 MV was in the range of 0.29–0.72% and 0.26–0.65%. It was also found that the relative difference in the dmax to water and solid water phantoms was between 1.08–1.28% and 5.42–6.70%. The discrepancies in the determination of PDD curves with 6, 9, 12, and 15 MeV, and those of water and solid water phantoms, ranged from 2.40–4.84%. Comparable results were found using the EBT3 films with variations of 2.0–7.0% for 6 and 10 MV photons. Likewise, the discrepancies for 6, 9, 12, and 15 MeV electrons were within an acceptable range of 2.0–4.5%. Conclusions: On the basis of these findings, the DSF/NaOH/IA-PAE/R. spp. particleboard phantoms with 15 wt% IA-PAE addition level can be effectively used as alternative tissue-equivalent phantom material for radiation therapy applications.
Piezo-Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of the Electrospun Fibrous Magnetic PVDF/BiFeO3 Membrane
Authors: Orudzhev Farid , Sobola Dinara , Ramazanov Shikhgasan , Částková Klára , Papež Nikola , Selimov Daud A. , Abdurakhmanov Magomed , Shuaibov Abdulatip , Rabadanova Alina , Gulakhmedov Rashid , Holcman Vladimír
Published: January 2023

Creating stimulus-sensitive smart catalysts capable of decomposing organic dyes with high efficiency is a critical task in ecology. Combining the advantages of photoactive piezoelectric nanomaterials and ferroelectric polymers can effectively solve this problem by collecting mechanical vibrations and light energy. Using the electrospinning method, we synthesized hybrid polymer-inorganic nanocomposite fiber membranes based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and bismuth ferrite (BFO). The samples were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), total transmittance and diffuse reflectance, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM), and piezopotential measurements. It has been demonstrated that the addition of BFO leads to an increase in the proportion of the polar phase from 86.5% to 96.1% due to the surface ion–dipole interaction. It is shown that the composite exhibits anisotropy of magnetic properties depending on the orientation of the magnetic field. The results of piezo-photocatalytic experiments showed that under the combined action of ultrasonic treatment and irradiation with both visible and UV light, the reaction rate increased in comparison with photolysis, sonolysis, and piezocatalysis. Moreover, for PVDF/BFO, which does not exhibit photocatalytic activity, under the combined action of light and ultrasound, the reaction rate increases by about 3× under UV irradiation and by about 6× under visible light irradiation. This behavior is explained by the piezoelectric potential and the narrowing of the band gap of the composite due to mechanical stress caused by the ultrasound.
Changes in the Electrophysical Parameters of Nanomodified Elastomers Caused by Electric Current’s Passage
Authors: Shchegolkov Alexandr , Shchegolkov Aleksei , Zemtsova Natalia , Stanishevskiy Yaroslav , Vetcher Alexandre
Published: January 2023

The development of reliable and effective functional materials that can be used in various technological fields and environmental conditions is one of the goals of modern nanotechnology. Heating elements’ manufacturing requires understanding the laws of heat transfer under conditions of different supply voltages, as this expands the possibilities of such materials’ application. Elastomers based on silicon-organic compounds and polyurethane modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were studied at various concentrations of Ni/MgO or Co-Mo/MgO and voltages (220, 250, and 300 V). It was found that an increase in voltage from 220 to 300 V leads to an initial increase in specific power on one-third followed by a subsequent decrease in a specific power when switched on again to 220 V (for −40 °C) of up to ~44%. In turn, for a polyurethane matrix, an increase in voltage to 300 V leads to an initial peak power value of ~15% and a decrease in power when switched on again by 220 V (for −40 °C) to ~36% (Ni/MgO -MWCNT). The conducted studies have shown that the use of a polyurethane matrix reduces power degradation (associated with voltage surges above 220 V) by 2.59% for Ni/MgO–based MWCNT and by 10.42% for Co-Mo/MgO. This is due to the better heat resistance of polyurethane and the structural features of the polymer and the MWCNT. The current studies allow us to take the next step in the development of functional materials for electric heating and demonstrate the safety of using heaters at a higher voltage of up to 300 V, which does not lead to their ignition, but only causes changes in electrophysical parameters.
Flexible Stretchable, Dry-Resistant MXene Nanocomposite Conductive Hydrogel for Human Motion Monitoring
Authors: Liu Yafei , Feng Huixia , Gui Yujie , Chen Ting , Xu Haidong , Huang Xiaoxue , Ma Xuemei
Published: January 2023

Conductive hydrogels with high electrical conductivity, ductility, and anti-dryness have promising applications in flexible wearable electronics. However, its potential applications in such a developing field are severely hampered by its extremely poor adaptability to cold or hot environmental conditions. In this research, an “organic solvent/water” composite conductive hydrogel is developed by introducing a binary organic solvent of EG/H2O into the system using a simple one-pot free radical polymerization method to create Ti3C2TX MXene nanosheet-reinforced polyvinyl alcohol/polyacrylamide covalently networked nanocomposite hydrogels (PAEM) with excellent flexibility and mechanical properties. The optimized PAEM contains 0.3 wt% MXene has excellent mechanical performance (tensile elongation of ~1033%) and an improved modulus of elasticity (0.14 MPa), a stable temperature tolerance from −50 to 40 °C, and a high gauge factor of 10.95 with a long storage period and response time of 110 ms. Additionally, it is worth noting that the elongation at break at −40 °C was maintained at around 50% of room temperature. This research will contribute to the development of flexible sensors for human-computer interaction, electronic skin, and human health monitoring.