bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Proteome and Transcriptome Dynamics Analysis Reveals Iron Deficiency Response Networks and Signature in Neuronal Cells
Authors: Erber Luke , Liu Shirelle , Gong Yao , Tran Phu , Chen Yue
Published: January 2022

Iron and oxygen deficiencies are common features in pathophysiological conditions, such as ischemia, neurological diseases, and cancer. Cellular adaptive responses to such deficiencies include repression of mitochondrial respiration, promotion of angiogenesis, and cell cycle control. We applied a systematic proteomics analysis to determine the global proteomic changes caused by acute hypoxia and chronic and acute iron deficiency (ID) in hippocampal neuronal cells. Our analysis identified over 8600 proteins, revealing similar and differential effects of each treatment on activation and inhibition of pathways regulating neuronal development. In addition, comparative analysis of ID-induced proteomics changes in cultured cells and transcriptomic changes in the rat hippocampus identified common altered pathways, indicating specific neuronal effects. Transcription factor enrichment and correlation analysis identified key transcription factors that were activated in both cultured cells and tissue by iron deficiency, including those implicated in iron regulation, such as HIF1, NFY, and NRF1. We further identified MEF2 as a novel transcription factor whose activity was induced by ID in both HT22 proteome and rat hippocampal transcriptome, thus linking iron deficiency to MEF2-dependent cellular signaling pathways in neuronal development. Taken together, our study results identified diverse signaling networks that were differentially regulated by hypoxia and ID in neuronal cells.
The Development of a Green Innovative Bioactive Film for Industrial Application as a New Emerging Technology to Protect the Quality of Fruits
Authors: Ahmed Waseem , Azmat Rafia , Khojah Ebtihal , Ahmed Rasheed , Qayyum Abdul , Shah Adnan Noor , Abbas Asad , Moin Sumeira , Samra Bassem N.
Published: January 2022

Today, the most significant challenge encountered by food manufacturers is degradation in the food quality during storage, which is countered by expensive packing, which causes enormous monetary and environmental costs. Edible packaging is a potential alternative for protecting food quality and improving shelf life by delaying microbial growth and providing moisture and gas barrier properties. For the first time, the current article reports the preparation of the new films from Ditriterpenoids and Secomeliacins isolated from Melia azedarach (Dharek) Azadirachta indica plants to protect the quality of fruits. After evaluating these films, their mechanical, specific respirational, coating crystal elongation, elastic, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), film thickness, and nanoindentation test properties are applied to apple fruit for several storage periods: 0, 3, 6, 9 days. The fruits were evaluated for postharvest quality by screening several essential phytochemical, physiological responses under film coating and storage conditions. It was observed that prepared films were highly active during storage periods. Coated fruits showed improved quality due to the protection of the film, which lowered the transmission rate and enhanced the diffusion rate, followed by an increase in the shelf life. The coating crystals were higher in Film-5 and lower activity in untreated films. It was observed that the application of films through dipping was a simple technique at a laboratory scale, whereas extrusion and spraying were preferred on a commercial scale. The phytochemicals screening of treated fruits during the storage period showed that a maximum of eight important bioactive compounds were present in fruits after the treatment of films. It was resolved that new active films (1–5) were helpful in the effective maintenance of fruit quality and all essential compounds during storage periods. It was concluded that these films could be helpful for fruits growers and the processing industry to maintain fruit quality during the storage period as a new emerging technology.
On the Nature of the Bonding in Coinage Metal Halides
Authors: Đorđević Slađana , Radenković Slavko , Shaik Sason , Braïda Benoît
Published: January 2022

This article analyzes the nature of the chemical bond in coinage metal halides using high-level ab initio Valence Bond (VB) theory. It is shown that these bonds display a large Charge-Shift Bonding character, which is traced back to the large Pauli pressure arising from the interaction between the bond pair with the filled semicore d shell of the metal. The gold-halide bonds turn out to be pure Charge-Shift Bonds (CSBs), while the copper halides are polar-covalent bonds and silver halides borderline cases. Among the different halogens, the largest CSB character is found for fluorine, which experiences the largest Pauli pressure from its σ lone pair. Additionally, all these bonds display a secondary but non-negligible π bonding character, which is also quantified in the VB calculations.
Chemical Changes in the Broccoli Volatilome Depending on the Tissue Treatment
Authors: Wieczorek Martyna N. , Pieczywek Piotr Mariusz , Cybulska Justyna , Zdunek Artur , Jeleń Henryk H.
Published: January 2022

The storage of plant samples as well as sample preparation for extraction have a significant impact on the profile of metabolites, however, these factors are often overlooked during experiments on vegetables or fruit. It was hypothesized that parameters such as sample storage (freezing) and sample pre-treatment methods, including the comminution technique or applied enzyme inhibition methods, could significantly influence the extracted volatile metabolome. Significant changes were observed in the volatile profile of broccoli florets frozen in liquid nitrogen at −20 °C. Those differences were mostly related to the concentration of nitriles and aldehydes. Confocal microscopy indicated some tissue deterioration in the case of slow freezing (−20 °C), whereas the structure of tissue, frozen in liquid nitrogen, was practically intact. Myrosinase activity assay proved that the enzyme remains active after freezing. No pH deviation was noted after sample storage - this parameter did not influence the activity of enzymes. Tissue fragmentation and enzyme-inhibition techniques applied prior to the extraction influenced both the qualitative and quantitative composition of the volatile metabolome of broccoli.
Melatonin Attenuates RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis via Inhibition of Atp6v0d2 and DC-STAMP through MAPK and NFATc1 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Kim Seong-Sik , Jeong Soon-Pill , Park Bong-Soo , Kim In-Ryoung
Published: January 2022

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland that is involved in the biorhythm of reproductive activities. The present study investigated the inhibitory effects of melatonin on osteoclastogenesis in RAW 264.7 cells according to changes in V-ATPase and the corresponding inhibition of the MAPK and NFATc1 signaling processes. Methods: the cytotoxic effect of melatonin was investigated by MTT assay. Osteoclast differentiation and gene expression of osteoclast-related factors were confirmed via TRAP staining, pit formation assay, immunofluorescence imaging, western blot, and real-time PCR. Results: melatonin was found to inactivate the p38 and JNK of MAP kinase in RAW264.7 cells treated with RANKL and treated with a combination RANKL and melatonin for 1, 3, and 5 days. The melatonin treatment group showed a reduction in osteoclastogenesis transcription factors and ATP6v0d2 gene expression. Conclusions: melatonin inhibits osteoclast differentiation and cell fusion by inhibiting the expression of Atp6v0d2 through the inactivation of MAPK and NFATc1 signaling in RANKL-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. The findings of the present study suggest that melatonin could be a suitable therapy for bone loss and imply a potential role of melatonin in bone health.
Remote Dyslexia Screening for Bilingual Children
Authors: Eikerling Maren , Secco Matteo , Marchesi Gloria , Guasti Maria Teresa , Vona Francesco , Garzotto Franca , Lorusso Maria Luisa
Published: January 2022

Ideally, language and reading skills in bilingual children are assessed in both languages spoken in order to avoid misdiagnoses of communication or learning disorders. Due to limited capacity of clinical and educational staff, computerized screenings that allow for automatic evaluation of the children’s performance on reading tasks (accuracy and speed) might pose a useful alternative in clinical and school settings. In this study, a novel web-based screening platform for language and reading assessment is presented. This tool has been preliminarily validated with monolingual Italian, Mandarin–Italian and English–Italian speaking primary school children living and schooled in Italy. Their performances in the screening tasks in Italian and—if bilingual—in their native language were compared to the results of standardized/conventional reading assessment tests as well as parental and teacher questionnaires. Correlations revealed the tasks that best contributed to the identification of risk for the presence of reading disorders and showed the general feasibility and usefulness of the computerized screening. In a further step, both screening administrators (Examiners) and child participants (Examinees) were invited to participate in usability studies, which revealed general satisfaction and provided suggestions for further improvement of the screening platform. Based on these findings, the potential of the novel web-based screening platform is discussed.
Structural Characterization and Physical Properties of Double Perovskite La2FeReO6+δ Powders
Authors: Tang Qingkai , Zhu Xinhua
Published: January 2022

The structural, optical, dielectric, and magnetic properties of double perovskite La2FeReO6+δ (LFRO) powders synthesized by solid-state reaction method under CO reduced atmosphere are reported on in this paper. Reitveld refinements on the XRD data revealed that the LFRO powders crystallized in an orthogonal structure (Pbnm space group) with column-like morphology. The molar ratios of La, Fe, and Re elements were close to 2:1:1. XPS spectra verified the mixed chemical states of Fe and Re ions, and two oxygen species in the LFRO powders. The LFRO ceramics exhibited a relaxor-like dielectric behavior, and the associated activation energy was 0.05 eV. Possible origins of the dielectric relaxation behavior are discussed based on the hopping of electrons among the hetero-valence ions at B-site, oxygen ion hopping through the vacant oxygen sites, and the jumping of electrons trapped in the shallower level created by oxygen vacancy. The LFRO powders display room temperature ferromagnetism with Curie temperature of 746 K. A Griffiths-like phase was observed in the LFRO powders with a Griffiths temperature of 758 K. The direct optical band gap of the LFRO powders was 2.30 eV, deduced from their absorption spectra, as confirmed by their green photoluminescence spectra with a strong peak around 556 nm.
Facile Synthesis of Silane-Modified Mixed Metal Oxide as Catalyst in Transesterification Processes
Authors: Pranyoto Nugroho , Dewi Susanti Yuni , Joseph Ondang Immanuel , Angkawijaya Artik Elisa , Edi Soetaredjo Felycia , Santoso Shella Permatasari , Yuliana Maria , Ismadji Suryadi , Budi Hartono Sandy
Published: January 2022

The fast depletion of fossil fuels has attracted researchers worldwide to explore alternative biofuels, such as biodiesel. In general, the production of biodiesel is carried out via transesterification processes of vegetable oil with the presence of a suitable catalyst. A mixed metal oxide has shown to be a very attractive heterogeneous catalyst with a high performance. Most of the mixed metal oxide is made by using the general wetness impregnation method. A simple route to synthesize silane-modified mixed metal oxide (CaO-CuO/C6) catalysts has been successfully developed. A fluorocarbon surfactant and triblock copolymers (EO)106(PO)70(EO)106 were used to prevent the crystal agglomeration of carbonate salts (CaCO3-CuCO3) as the precursor to form CaO-CuO with a definite size and morphology. The materials show high potency as a catalyst in the transesterification process to produce biodiesel. The calcined co-precipitation product has a high crystallinity form, as confirmed by the XRD analysis. The synthesized catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). The mechanism of surface modification and the effects of the catalytic activity were also discussed. The biodiesel purity of the final product was analyzed by gas chromatography. The optimum biodiesel yield was 90.17% using the modified mixed metal oxide CaO-CuO/C6.
Changing Food Consumption and Nutrition Intake in Kazakhstan
Authors: Jia Mengmeng , Zhen Lin , Xiao Yu
Published: January 2022

Food resource is an important bond that connects human beings and nature. In this study, we investigated the changes in food consumption and nutrition intake in Kazakhstan from a spatial and temporal perspective, from 2001 to 2018. The data were obtained from the Bureau of Statistics, international organizations and our social interview work. After the start of the 21st century, it was found that per capita food consumption significantly increased; however, the consumption of crop, vegetables and milk decreased. Per capita meat consumption was similar in both urban and rural areas. However, some food consumption showed differences between urban and rural areas. Changes of food consumption quantity and structure also had some effects on nutrient intake and the proportion of nutrients. Per capita energy intake in the national, urban and rural areas all increased remarkably. The energy intake changes in eastern states increased much more than that in western states. Protein intake in rural and urban areas was similar; however, the gap between carbohydrates and fat intake in urban and rural areas increased. The intake of protein, carbohydrates and fat in different states showed the same trend. Food consumption and nutrition intake are affected by economic, social and ecological factors.
Ecology of Ixodes pacificus Ticks and Associated Pathogens in the Western United States
Authors: McVicar Molly , Rivera Isabella , Reyes Jeremiah B. , Gulia-Nuss Monika
Published: January 2022

Lyme disease is the most important vector-borne disease in the United States and is increasing in incidence and geographic range. In the Pacific west, the western black-legged tick, Ixodes pacificus Cooley and Kohls, 1943 is an important vector of the causative agent of Lyme disease, the spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi. Ixodes pacificus life cycle is expected to be more than a year long, and all three stages (larva, nymph, and adult) overlap in spring. The optimal habitat consists of forest cover, cooler temperatures, and annual precipitation in the range of 200–500 mm. Therefore, the coastal areas of California, Oregon, and Washington are well suited for these ticks. Immature stages commonly parasitize Western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis) and gray squirrels (Sciurus griseus), while adults often feed on deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) and black-tailed deer (Odocoileus h. columbianus). Ixodes pacificus carry several pathogens of human significance, such as Borrelia burgdorferi, Bartonella, and Rickettsiales. These pathogens are maintained in the environment by many hosts, including small mammals, birds, livestock, and domestic animals. Although a great deal of work has been carried out on Ixodes ticks and the pathogens they transmit, understanding I. pacificus ecology outside California still lags. Additionally, the dynamic vector–host–pathogen system means that new factors will continue to arise and shift the epidemiological patterns within specific areas. Here, we review the ecology of I. pacificus and the pathogens this tick is known to carry to identify gaps in our knowledge.
Fatty Acid Profiles of Leishmania major Derived from Human and Rodent Hosts in Endemic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Areas of Tunisia and Algeria
Authors: Bouabid Cyrine , Yamaryo-Botté Yoshiki , Rabhi Sameh , Bichiou Haifa , Hkimi Chaima , Bouglita Wafa , Chaouach Melek , Eddaikra Naouel , Ghedira Kais , Guizani-Tabbane Lamia , Botté Cyrille Y. , Rabhi Imen
Published: January 2022

Leishmaniasis is a protozoal vector-borne disease that affects both humans and animals. In the Mediterranean Basin, the primary reservoir hosts of Leishmania spp. are mainly rodents and canids. Lipidomic approaches have allowed scientists to establish Leishmania spp. lipid profiles for the identification of cell stage specific biomarkers, drug mechanisms of action, and host immune response. Using an in silico approach of global network interaction between genes involved in fatty acid (FA) synthesis followed by the GC-MS approach, we were able to characterize the fatty acid profiles of L. major derived from human and rodent hosts. Our results revealed that the lipid profile of L. major showed similarities and differences with those already reported for other Leishmania species. Phospholipids are the predominant lipid class. FA composition of rodent parasites was characterized by a lower abundance of the precursor C18:2(n-6). One of the rodent clones, which also expressed the lowest lipid abundance in PL and TAG, was the least sensitive clone to the miltefosine drug and has the lowest infection efficiency. Our findings suggest that the lipid composition variation may explain the response of the parasite toward treatment and their ability to infect their host.
P2X7 Receptor Antagonist Reduces Fibrosis and Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Alpha-Sarcoglycan Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Raffaghello Lizzia , Principi Elisa , Baratto Serena , Panicucci Chiara , Pintus Sara , Antonini Francesca , Del Zotto Genny , Benzi Andrea , Bruzzone Santina , Scudieri Paolo , Minetti Carlo , Gazzerro Elisabetta , Bruno Claudio
Published: January 2022

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy R3, a rare genetic disorder affecting the limb proximal muscles, is caused by mutations in the α-sarcoglycan gene (Sgca) and aggravated by an immune-mediated damage, finely modulated by the extracellular (e)ATP/purinoceptors axis. Currently, no specific drugs are available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of a selective P2X7 purinoreceptor antagonist, A438079. Sgca knockout mice were treated with A438079 every two days at 3 mg/Kg for 24 weeks. The P2X7 antagonist improved clinical parameters by ameliorating mice motor function and decreasing serum creatine kinase levels. Histological analysis of muscle morphology indicated a significant reduction of the percentage of central nuclei, of fiber size variability and of the extent of local fibrosis and inflammation. A cytometric characterization of the muscle inflammatory infiltrates showed that A438079 significantly decreased innate immune cells and upregulated the immunosuppressive regulatory T cell subpopulation. In α-sarcoglycan null mice, the selective P2X7 antagonist A438079 has been shown to be effective to counteract the progression of the dystrophic phenotype and to reduce the inflammatory response. P2X7 antagonism via selective inhibitors could be included in the immunosuppressant strategies aimed to dampen the basal immune-mediated damage and to favor a better engraftment of gene-cell therapies.
Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Anticancer Activity of New 5-Trifluoromethyl-2-thioxo-thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Becan Lilianna , Pyra Anna , Rembiałkowska Nina , Bryndal Iwona
Published: January 2022

Thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine derivatives are considered potential therapeutic agents, particularly in the development of anticancer drugs. In this study, new 7-oxo-(2a-e), 7-chloro-(3a-e) and also three 7-amino-(4a-c) 5-trifluoromethyl-2-thioxo-thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated for their potential anticancer activity. These derivatives were characterized by spectroscopic methods and elemental analysis, and the single-crystal X-ray diffraction was further performed to confirm a 3D structure for compounds 2e and 4b. The antiproliferative activity evaluation of twelve new compounds was carried out on a variety of cell lines including four human cancer (A375, C32, DU145, MCF-7/WT) and two normal cell lines (CHO-K1 and HaCaT). Four of them (2b, 3b, 4b and 4c) were selected by the National Cancer Institute and evaluated for their in vitro anticancer activity using the NCI-60 screening program. 7-Chloro-3-phenyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)[1,3]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine-2(3H)-thione (3b) proved to be the most active among the newly synthesized compounds.
Formulation, Characterization, and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Lactoferrin Functionalized Lipid Nanoparticles for Riluzole Delivery to the Brain
Authors: Teixeira Maria Inês , Lopes Carla Martins , Gonçalves Hugo , Catita José , Silva Ana Margarida , Rodrigues Francisca , Amaral Maria Helena , Costa Paulo C.
Published: January 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with a very poor prognosis. Its treatment is hindered by a lack of new therapeutic alternatives and the existence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which restricts the access of drugs commonly used in ALS, such as riluzole, to the brain. To overcome these limitations and increase brain targeting, riluzole-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) were prepared and functionalized with lactoferrin (Lf), facilitating transport across the BBB by interacting with Lf receptors expressed in the brain endothelium. NLC were characterized with respect to their physicochemical properties (size, zeta potential, polydispersity index) as well as their stability, encapsulation efficiency, morphology, in vitro release profile, and biocompatibility. Moreover, crystallinity and melting behavior were assessed by DSC and PXRD. Nanoparticles exhibited initial mean diameters between 180 and 220 nm and a polydispersity index below 0.3, indicating a narrow size distribution. NLC remained stable over at least 3 months. Riluzole encapsulation efficiency was very high, around 94–98%. FTIR and protein quantification studies confirmed the conjugation of Lf on the surface of the nanocarriers, with TEM images showing that the functionalized NLC presented a smooth surface and uniform spherical shape. An MTT assay revealed that the nanocarriers developed in this study did not cause a substantial reduction in the viability of NSC-34 and hCMEC/D3 cells at a riluzole concentration up to 10 μM, being therefore biocompatible. The results suggest that Lf-functionalized NLC are a suitable and promising delivery system to target riluzole to the brain.
Efficacy and Safety of Novel Aspirin Formulations: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Mollace Rocco , Gliozzi Micaela , Macrì Roberta , Tavernese Annamaria , Musolino Vincenzo , Carresi Cristina , Maiuolo Jessica , Muscoli Carolina , Tomino Carlo , Rosano Giuseppe Maria , Fini Massimo , Volterrani Maurizio , Silvestrini Bruno , Mollace Vincenzo
Published: January 2022

Low-dose aspirin represents the best option in the secondary prevention of coronary artery disease, but its extensive use in primary prevention is limited by the occurrence of gastric mucosal lesions and increased risk of bleeding. We investigated the safety profile of a novel sublingual aspirin formulation in 200 healthy volunteers, randomly assigned to ten (n = 20 each) different 7-day once-daily treatment regimens. Gastric mucosal injury based on the modified Lanza score (MLS), the histopathology of gastric mucosa and the serum determination of thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and urinary 11-dehydro-TXB2 levels were evaluated at basal as well as after 7 days of each placebo or aspirin treatment regimen. In Groups A and B (placebo—oral and sublingual, respectively), no changes in MLS and in gastric mucosal micro-vessel diameter were found at day 7. In contrast, in Groups C and D (oral standard aspirin—100 and 50 mg daily, respectively), the median MLS was significantly increased. Very few changes were found in Groups E and F (standard sublingual aspirin—100 and 50 mg, respectively). Groups G and H (oral administration of micronized collagen-cogrinded aspirin) showed gastric protection compared to Groups C and D. Moreover, Groups I and L (sublingual collagen-cogrinded aspirin—100 and 50 mg, respectively) showed a significant reduction (Group I) or total abolition (Group L) of gastric mucosal lesions and no difference compared to the standard one in serum TXB2 and urinary 11-dehydro-TXB2 levels. In conclusion, our data show that the new formulation leads to a better safety profile compared to standard aspirin, representing a better therapeutic option for extended use in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Impact of Storage Controlled Atmosphere on the Apple Phenolic Acids, Flavonoids, and Anthocyanins and Antioxidant Activity In Vitro
Authors: Butkeviciute Aurita , Viskelis Jonas , Liaudanskas Mindaugas , Viskelis Pranas , Janulis Valdimaras
Published: January 2022

Apples are seasonal fruits, and it is important to prepare them adequately for storage and ensure proper storage conditions. In this study, we used ten different apple cultivars: ‘Alva’, ‘Auksis’, ‘Connell Red’, ‘Cortland’, ‘Ligol’, ‘Lodel’, ‘Noris’, ‘Rubin’, ‘Sampion’, and ‘Spartan’. We studied the qualitative and quantitative composition of phenolic compounds in the apple and apple extracts antioxidants activity before placing them in the controlled atmosphere chambers and again at the end of the experiment, eight months later. Different concentrations of O2, CO2, and N2, constant temperature, relative humidity, and removal of endogenous ethylene were continually maintained. HPLC analysis showed that the highest amount of 2265.7 ± 152.5 µg/g of chlorogenic acid was found in apple samples of the ‘Auksis’ cultivar stored under variant IV conditions. Different concentrations of gas in the controlled atmosphere chambers caused changes in antioxidant activity in whole apple and apple peel extracts. In our study, we found that the antioxidant activity of apple extracts varied between samples of different apple cultivars and depended on the composition of the controlled atmosphere. Determining the optimal storage conditions is beneficial to providing the consumers with apples that have a known and minimally altered chemical composition of phenolic compounds and the strongest antioxidant activity, which determine the use of apples in the healthy food chain.
Novel Approaches for Species Concepts and Delimitation in Polyploids and Hybrids
Authors: Hörandl Elvira
Published: January 2022

Hybridization and polyploidization are important processes for plant evolution. However, classification of hybrid or polyploid species has been notoriously difficult because of the complexity of processes and different evolutionary scenarios that do not fit with classical species concepts. Polyploid complexes are formed via combinations of allopolyploidy, autopolyploidy and homoploid hybridization with persisting sexual reproduction, resulting in many discrete lineages that have been classified as species. Polyploid complexes with facultative apomixis result in complicated net-work like clusters, or rarely in agamospecies. Various case studies illustrate the problems that apply to traditional species concepts to hybrids and polyploids. Conceptual progress can be made if lineage formation is accepted as an inevitable consequence of meiotic sex, which is established already in the first eukaryotes as a DNA restoration tool. The turnaround of the viewpoint that sex forms species as lineages helps to overcome traditional thinking of species as “units”. Lineage formation and self-sustainability is the prerequisite for speciation and can also be applied to hybrids and polyploids. Species delimitation is aided by the improved recognition of lineages via various novel -omics methods, by understanding meiosis functions, and by recognizing functional phenotypes by considering morphological-physiological-ecological adaptations.
Try or Die: Dynamics of Plant Respiration and How to Survive Low Oxygen Conditions
Authors: Jethva Jay , Schmidt Romy R. , Sauter Margret , Selinski Jennifer
Published: January 2022

Fluctuations in oxygen (O2) availability occur as a result of flooding, which is periodically encountered by terrestrial plants. Plant respiration and mitochondrial energy generation rely on O2 availability. Therefore, decreased O2 concentrations severely affect mitochondrial function. Low O2 concentrations (hypoxia) induce cellular stress due to decreased ATP production, depletion of energy reserves and accumulation of metabolic intermediates. In addition, the transition from low to high O2 in combination with light changes—as experienced during re-oxygenation—leads to the excess formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this review, we will update our current knowledge about the mechanisms enabling plants to adapt to low-O2 environments, and how to survive re-oxygenation. New insights into the role of mitochondrial retrograde signaling, chromatin modification, as well as moonlighting proteins and mitochondrial alternative electron transport pathways (and their contribution to low O2 tolerance and survival of re-oxygenation), are presented.
Natural Variation of Seed Tocopherol Composition in Diverse World Soybean Accessions from Maturity Group 0 to VI Grown in China
Authors: Ghosh Suprio , Zhang Shengrui , Azam Muhammad , Gebregziabher Berhane S. , Abdelghany Ahmed M. , Shaibu Abdulwahab S. , Qi Jie , Feng Yue , Agyenim-Boateng Kwadwo Gyapong , Liu Yitian , Feng Huoyi , Li Yecheng , Li Jing , Li Bin , Sun Junming
Published: January 2022

Tocopherols are natural antioxidants that increase the stability of fat-containing foods and are well known for their health benefits. To investigate the variation in seed tocopherol composition of soybeans from different origins, 493 soybean accessions from different countries (China, USA, Japan, and Russia) belonging to 7 maturity groups (MG 0–VI) were grown in 2 locations (Beijing and Hainan Provinces of China) for 2 years (2017 and 2018). The results showed that significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed among the accessions and origins for individual and total tocopherol contents. The total tocopherol content ranged from 118.92 μg g−1 to 344.02 μg g−1. Accessions from the USA had the highest average concentration of γ- and total tocopherols (152.92 and 238.21 μg g−1, respectively), whereas a higher level of α-tocopherol (12.82 μg g−1) was observed in the Russian accessions. The maturity group of the accession significantly (p < 0.001) influenced all tocopherol components, and higher levels of α-, γ-, and total tocopherols were observed in early maturing accessions, while late-maturing accessions exhibited higher levels of δ-tocopherol. The inclination of tocopherol concentrations with various MGs provided further evidence of the significance of MG in soybean breeding for seed tocopherol components. Furthermore, the correlation between the seed tocopherol components and geographical factors revealed that α-, γ-, and total tocopherols had significant positive correlations with latitude, while δ-tocopherol showed an opposite trend. The elite accessions with high and stable tocopherol concentrations determined could be used to develop functional foods, industrial materials, and breeding lines to improve tocopherol composition in soybean seeds.
Effects of Application of Pig Manure on the Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Rice
Authors: Lan Wenchong , Yao Chunxia , Luo Fan , Jin Zhi , Lu Siwen , Li Jun , Wang Xindong , Hu Xuefeng
Published: January 2022

Pig manure (PM) is often highly enriched in heavy metals, such as Cu and Zn, due to the wide use of feed additives. To study the potential risks of heavy metal accumulation in the soil and rice grains by the application of PM and other organic manure, a four-year field experiment was conducted in the suburb of Shanghai, southeast China. The contents of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd in the soils and rice plants by the treatments of PM and fungal culturing residues (FCR) show a trend of annual increase. Those in the soils and rice by the PM treatment are raised even more significantly. Cu and Zn contents in the soil and rice roots by the PM are significantly higher than those by the non-fertilizer control (CK) during the four years, and Pb and Cd also significantly higher than CK in the latter two years. Heavy metals taken up by the rice plants are mostly retained in the roots. Cu and Zn contents in the rice plants are in the decreasing order of roots > grains > stems > leaves, and Pb and Cd in the order of roots > stems > leaves > grains. Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd contents in the soils by the PM treatment increase by 73%, 32%, 106%, and 127% on annual average, and those in the brown rice by 104%, 98%, 275%, and 199%, respectively. The contents of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd in the brown rice of the treatments are significantly correlated with those in the soils and rice roots (p < 0.05), suggesting the heavy metals accumulated in the rice grains come from the application of PM and FCR. Though the contents of heavy metals in the brown rice during the four experimental years are still within the safe levels, the risks of their accumulative increments, especially by long-term application of PM, can never be neglected.
Transcriptome and Metabolite Insights into Domestication Process of Cultivated Barley in China
Authors: Zhou Yu , Lu Guang , Sun Genlou , Sun Daokun , Ren Xifeng
Published: January 2022

The domestication process of cultivated barley in China remains under debate because of the controversial origins of barley. Here, we analyzed transcriptomic and non-targeted metabolic data from 29 accessions together with public resequencing data from 124 accessions to explore the domestication process of cultivated barley in China (Cb-C). These analyses revealed that both Cb-C and Tibetan wild barley (Wb-T) were the descendants of wild barley from the Near East Fertile Crescent (Wb-NE), yielding little support for a local origin of Wb-T. Wb-T was more likely an intermediate in the domestication process from Wb-NE to Cb-C. Wb-T contributed more genetically to Cb-C than Wb-NE, and was domesticated into Cb-C about 3300 years ago. These results together seem to support that Wb-T may be a feralized or hybrid form of cultivated barley from the Near East Fertile Crescent or central Asia. Additionally, the metabolite analysis revealed divergent metabolites of alkaloids and phenylpropanoids and these metabolites were specifically targeted for selection in the evolutionary stages from Wb-NE to Wb-T and from Wb-T to Cb-C. The key missense SNPs in the genes HORVU6Hr1G027650 and HORVU4Hr1G072150 might be responsible for the divergence of metabolites of alkaloids and phenylpropanoids during domestication. Our findings allow for a better understanding of the domestication process of cultivated barley in China.
Impact of Exogenously Sprayed Antioxidants on Physio-Biochemical, Agronomic, and Quality Parameters of Potato in Salt-Affected Soil
Authors: Selem Eman , Hassan Asem A. S. A. , Awad Mohamed F. , Mansour Elsayed , Desoky El-Sayed M.
Published: January 2022

Salinity is one of the harsh environmental stresses that destructively impact potato growth and production, particularly in arid regions. Exogenously applied safe–efficient materials is a vital approach for ameliorating plant growth, productivity, and quality under salinity stress. This study aimed at investigating the impact of foliar spray using folic acid (FA), ascorbic acid (AA), and salicylic acid (SA) at different concentrations (100, 150, or 200 mg/L) on plant growth, physiochemical ingredients, antioxidant defense system, tuber yield, and quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum L cv. Spunta) grown in salt-affected soil (EC = 7.14 dS/m) during two growing seasons. The exogenously applied antioxidant materials (FA, AA, and SA) significantly enhanced growth attributes (plant height, shoot fresh and dry weight, and leaves area), photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a and b and carotenoids), gas exchange (net photosynthetic rate, Pn; transpiration rate, Tr; and stomatal conductance, gs), nutrient content (N, P, and K), K+/ Na+ ratio, nonenzymatic antioxidant compounds (proline and soluble sugar content), enzymatic antioxidants (catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX)) tuber yield traits, and tuber quality (dry matter, protein, starch percentage, total carbohydrates, and sugars percentage) compared with untreated plants in both seasons. Otherwise, exogenous application significantly decreased Na+ and Cl− compared to the untreated control under salt stress conditions. Among the assessed treatments, the applied foliar of AA at a rate of 200 mg/L was more effective in promoting salt tolerance, which can be employed in reducing the losses caused by salinity stress in potato grown in salt-affected soils.
Determination of Vibroacoustic Parameters of Polyurethane Mats for Residential Building Purposes
Authors: Nering Krzysztof , Kowalska-Koczwara Alicja
Published: January 2022

This paper is aimed at investigating the use of polyurethane mats, usually used as ballast mats, for residential building purposes. Ballast mats have features that may improve the vibroacoustic comfort in residential rooms. Their strength is certainly an advantage, along with vibration and acoustic insulation. However, the problem that an engineer has to deal with, for example in modeling these types of mats, is a limited knowledge of the material’s vibroacoustic parameters. Knowledge of these may be useful for residential buildings. This paper presents measurements of the vibroacoustic parameters of polyurethane mats, together with a suitable methodology and some results and analysis. The two main material parameters responsible for vibroacoustic protection were measured: the dynamic stiffness, which is related to the acoustic properties of the material, and the critical damping coefficient, which is obviously responsible for damping. The measurement methodology is clearly described. A total of five polyurethane materials with different densities were tested. It was possible to identify a relationship between the material density and the vibroacoustic parameters, which could offer an indication of which material to use, depending on the stimulus affecting a human in a given location.
Thermal Percolation Behavior in Thermal Conductivity of Polymer Nanocomposite with Lateral Size of Graphene Nanoplatelet
Authors: Jang Ji-un , Nam Hae Eun , So Soon Oh , Lee Hyeseong , Kim Geon Su , Kim Seong Yun , Kim Seong Hun
Published: January 2022

In this study, the thermal percolation behavior for the thermal conductivity of nanocomposites according to the lateral size of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) was studied. When the amount of GNPs reached the critical concentration, a rapid increase in thermal conductivity and thermal percolation behavior of the nanocomposites were induced by the GNP network. Interestingly, as the size of GNPs increased, higher thermal conductivity and a lower percolation threshold were observed. The in-plane thermal conductivity of the nanocomposite containing 30 wt.% M25 GNP (the largest size) was 8.094 W/m·K, and it was improved by 1518.8% compared to the polymer matrix. These experimentally obtained thermal conductivity results for below and above the critical content were theoretically explained by applying Nan’s model and the percolation model, respectively, in relation to the GNP size. The thermal percolation behavior according to the GNP size identified in this study can provide insight into the design of nanocomposite materials with excellent heat dissipation properties.
Glass FRP-Reinforced Geopolymer Based Columns Comprising Hybrid Fibres: Testing and FEA Modelling
Authors: Rashedi Ahmad , Marzouki Riadh , Raza Ali , Ali Khawar , Olaiya Niyi Gideon , Kalimuthu Mayandi
Published: January 2022

This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of glass-FRP-reinforced geopolymer concrete columns integrating hybrid fibres (GFGC columns) and steel bar-reinforced geopolymer concrete columns incorporating hybrid fibres (SFGC columns) under eccentric and concentric loadings. Steel fibre (SF) and polypropylene fibres (PF) are two types of fibres that are mixed into hybrid fibre-reinforced geopolymer concrete (HFRGC). Eighteen circular concrete columns with a cross-section of 300 mm × 1200 mm were cast and examined under axial loading up to failure. Nine columns were cast with glass-FRP rebars, whereas the other nine were cast with steel rebars. Using ABAQUS, a nonlinear finite element model was established for the GFGC and SFGC columns. The HFRGC material was modelled using a simplified concrete damage plasticity model, whereas the glass-FRP material was simulated as a linear elastic material. It was observed that GFGC columns had up to 20% lower axial strength (AST) and up to 24% higher ductility indices than SFGC columns. The failure modes of both GFGC and SFGC columns were analogous. Both GFGC and SFGC columns revealed the same effect of eccentricity in the form of a decline in AST. A novel statistical model was suggested for predicting the AST of GFGC columns. The outcomes of the experiments, finite element simulations, and theoretical results show that the models can accurately determine the AST of GFGC columns.
The Unique Carboxymethyl Fenugreek Gum Gel Loaded Itraconazole Self-Emulsifying Nanovesicles for Topical Onychomycosis Treatment
Authors: Alqahtani Ali , Raut Bhavana , Khan Shagufta , Mohamed Jamal Moideen Muthu , Fatease Adel Al , Alqahtani Taha , Alamri Ali , Ahmad Fazil , Krishnaraju Venkatesan
Published: January 2022

The novel itraconazole (ITZ) nail penetration enhancing self-emulsifying nanovesicles (ITZ-nPEVs) loaded in carboxymethyl fenugreek gum (CMFG) gel circumvent the systemic onychomycosis treatment. The ITZ-nPEVs were prepared by the thin film hydration technique, and the particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), drug content (DC), entrapment efficiency (% EE), deformity index (DI), viscosity, morphology, and physical stability of the ITZ-nPEVs were measured. In terms of nail hydration, transungual drug absorption, and antifungal efficacy against Candida albicans, the chosen ITZ-nPEVs, nPEV-loaded CMFG (CMFG-ITZ-nPEVs) gel, and the commercialized Itrostred gel were compared. The ITZ-nPEVs showed spherical structure with high DC, % EE, low PS and PDI and positive ZP of ITZ ranging from 95.36 to 93.89 mg/5 mL and 95.36–96.94%, 196.55–252.5 nm, 0.092–0.49, and +11.1 to +22.5 mV, respectively. Compared to the Itrostred gel, the novel ITZ-nPEVs exhibited hydration enhancement factor for 24 h (HE24) of 1.53 and 1.39 drug uptake enhancement factor into nail clippings. Moreover, zone of inhibitions for ITZ-nPEVs (27.0 ± 0.25 mm) and CMFG-ITZ-nPEVs (33.2 ± 0.09 mm) against Candida albicans were significantly greater than that of Itrostred gel (22.9 ± 0.44 mm). For clinical investigation on onychomycotic patients, a nail penetration enhancer containing ITZ-nPEV-loaded CMFG gel presents a highly promising approach.
Deionized Water Electrochemical Machining Hybridized with Alumina Powder Polishing for Microcavity of M-333 Mold Steel
Authors: Hsue Albert Wen-Jeng , Huang Zih-Yuan
Published: January 2022

An electrochemical machining (ECM) process for microcavity fabrication with deionized water (DI-water) and an ECM polishing hybrid with alumina powder of 1.0 μm grains on a single micro-EDM machine are proposed. The process adopts tungsten carbide as tool electrode and M-333 tool steel as the mold material. It reveals that employing the 30 μm/min feed rate with 50 mA and 0.2 ms of pulse-width is suitable for DI-water electrochemical machining. The DI-water ECM process can achieve an excellent surface roughness at Ra 0.169 µm on a semispherical round cavity. Combining the ECM with hybrid polishing with the alumina powder can achieve a better profile for a much deeper cavity than pure electrolytic discharge machining. The hybrid ECM polishing can efficiently finish a micro square insert of 0.6 mm length at 64 μm depth. Such ECM milling can achieve an S-shaped microchannel of radius 1.0 mm and a slot of 1.0 × 0.5 mm2 with 110 μm depth, demonstrating its feasibility and the surface integrity with accurate profile and roughness of Ra 0.227 μm. This study provides a cost-effective scheme for micro mold fabrication with a conventional micro-EDM machine tool and an intuitive and convenient optional process. However, some micro-electrical discharges occurred due to the breakdown of insulation, which creates micro craters on the surface of the parts.
Sensitivity Test of Jet Velocity and Void Fraction on the Prediction of Rise Height and Performance of a Confined Plunging Liquid Jet Reactor
Authors: Al-Anzi Bader S. , Fernandes Jenifer
Published: January 2022

Jet velocity is an important parameter affecting the air entrainment rate of plunging liquid jet processes. While the vast majority of researchers have investigated the effect of jet velocity, only a few of them considered the effect of jet length in calculating the jet velocity at impingement point. This study investigates the difference (ΔV) between the jet velocity at the inception of the nozzle (Vj) and the impingement point (VL) for a range of operating conditions. Furthermore, bubble voidage inside the downcomer, another critical parameter in plunging jets, is estimated using three different voidage equations incorporated inside a momentum balance model to predict the two-phase elevation level (HR) inside the downcomer. Results showed that ΔV is significant (VL > Vj), especially at low jet flow rates and high jet lengths. Generally, the momentum balance model predicted the HR well, and its prediction improves with downcomer diameter. Given that, the model still needs to be refined for more accuracy for a wide range of operating conditions.