bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Globularia alypum L. and Related Species: LC-MS Profiles and Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial and Anticancer Potential
Authors: Friščić Maja , Petlevski Roberta , Kosalec Ivan , Madunić Josip , Matulić Maja , Bucar Franz , Hazler Pilepić Kroata , Maleš Željan
Published: April 2022

Species from the genus Globularia L. have been used as healing agents for various ailments, with utilization of Globularia alypum L. being most frequently reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer potential of G. alypum and three related species, G. punctata Lapeyr., G. cordifolia L. and G. meridionalis (Podp.) O.Schwarz, in relation to their phytochemical compositions. Globularin and verbascoside were identified using LC-PDA-ESI-MSn as the major metabolites of G. alypum with known biological activities. G. alypum demonstrated the greatest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 17.25 μg/mL), while its anti-inflammatory activity was not significantly different from those of related species. All investigated species showed considerable antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the broth microdilution method (MIC = 1.42–3.79 mg/mL). G. punctata also showed antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli (MIC = 1.42 mg/mL), Bacillus subtilis (MIC = 1.89 mg/mL), B. cereus (MIC = 2.84 mg/mL) and Enterococcus faecalis (MBC = 5.68 mg/mL). G. punctata, G. cordifolia and G. meridionalis showed greater anticancer potential than G. alypum. Obtained results indicate investigated Globularia species could serve as sources of diverse bioactive molecules, with G. punctata having the greatest antibacterial potential.
Virtual Prospection of Marine Cyclopeptides as Therapeutics by Means of Conceptual DFT and Computational ADMET
Authors: Flores-Holguín Norma , Frau Juan , Glossman-Mitnik Daniel
Published: April 2022

Bioactive peptides are chemical compounds created through the covalent bonding of amino acids, known as amide or peptide bonds. Due to their unusual chemistry and various biological effects, marine bioactive peptides have garnered considerable research. The effectiveness of a bioactive marine peptide is attributed to its structural features, such as amino acid content and sequence, which vary depending on the degree of action. Cyclic peptides combine several favorable properties such as good binding affinity, target selectivity and low toxicity that render them an attractive modality for the development of therapeutics. The apratoxins are a class of molecules formed by a series of cyclic depsipeptides with potent cytotoxic activities. The objective of this research is to pursue a computational prospection of the molecular structures and properties of several cylopeptides of marine origin with potential therapeutic applications. The methodology will be based on the determination of the chemical reactivity descriptors of the studied molecules through the consideration of the Conceptual DFT model and validation of a particular model chemistry, MN12SX/Def2TZVP/H2O. These studies will be complemented by a determination of the pharmacokinetics and ADMET parameters by resorting to certain cheminformatics tools.
Multicomponent Synthesis of Unsaturated γ-Lactam Derivatives. Applications as Antiproliferative Agents through the Bioisosterism Approach: Carbonyl vs. Phosphoryl Group
Authors: del Corte Xabier , López-Francés Adrián , Villate-Beitia Ilia , Sainz-Ramos Myriam , Martínez de Marigorta Edorta , Palacios Francisco , Alonso Concepción , de los Santos Jesús M. , Pedraz José Luis , Vicario Javier
Published: April 2022

We report efficient synthetic methodologies for the preparation of 3-amino and 3-hydroxy 3-pyrrolin-2-ones (unsaturated γ-lactams) through a multicomponent reaction of amines, aldehydes and acetylene or pyruvate derivatives. The densely substituted γ-lactam substrates show in vitro cytotoxicity, inhibiting the growth of the carcinoma human tumor cell lines RKO (human colon epithelial carcinoma), SKOV3 (human ovarian carcinoma) and A549 (carcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cell). In view of the possibilities for the diversity of the substituents that offer a multicomponent, synthetic methodology, an extensive structure–activity profile is presented. In addition, the bioisosteric replacement of the flat ester group by a tetrahedral phosphonate or phosphine oxide moiety in γ-lactam substrates leads to increased growth inhibition activity. Cell morphology analysis and flow cytometry assays indicate that the main pathway by which our compounds induce cytotoxicity is based on the activation of the intracellular apoptotic mechanism.
Microbiological Evaluation of Novel Bis-Quaternary Ammonium Compounds: Clinical Strains, Biofilms, and Resistance Study
Authors: Frolov Nikita , Detusheva Elena , Fursova Nadezhda , Ostashevskaya Irina , Vereshchagin Anatoly
Published: April 2022

This work is devoted to the investigation of biocidal properties of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) based on pyridine structures with aromatic spacers, and their widely known analogs, against clinically significant microorganisms. This study is focused on investigating their antimicrobial activity (minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs)), antibiofilm properties (minimum biofilm inhibitory concentrations (MBICs) and minimum biofilm eradication concentrations (MBECs)), synergetic effect with different alcohols in antiseptic formulations, and bacterial resistance development. It was shown that all combined analogue preparations had a higher level of antibacterial activity against the tested bacterial strains, with a 16- to 32-fold reduction in MICs and MBCs compared to previously used antiseptic preparations. Moreover, hit-QACs demonstrated a stable effect against Gram-negative E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and A. baumannii within a month of incubation. Overall results indicated a high level of antibacterial activity of pyridine-based QACs.
Quantitation of the A2A Adenosine Receptor Density in the Striatum of Mice and Pigs with [18F]FLUDA by Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Gündel Daniel , Toussaint Magali , Lai Thu Hang , Deuther-Conrad Winnie , Cumming Paul , Schröder Susann , Teodoro Rodrigo , Moldovan Rareş-Petru , Pan-Montojo Francisco , Sattler Bernhard , Kopka Klaus , Sabri Osama , Brust Peter
Published: April 2022

The cerebral expression of the A2A adenosine receptor (A2AAR) is altered in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s (PD) and Huntington’s (HD) diseases, making these receptors an attractive diagnostic and therapeutic target. We aimed to further investigate the pharmacokinetic properties in the brain of our recently developed A2AAR–specific antagonist radiotracer [18F]FLUDA. For this purpose, we retrospectively analysed dynamic PET studies of healthy mice and rotenone–treated mice, and conducted dynamic PET studies with healthy pigs. We performed analysis of mouse brain time–activity curves to calculate the mean residence time (MRT) by non–compartmental analysis, and the binding potential (BPND) of [18F]FLUDA using the simplified reference tissue model (SRTM). For the pig studies, we performed a Logan graphical analysis to calculate the radiotracer distribution volume (VT) at baseline and under blocking conditions with tozadenant. The MRT of [18F]FLUDA in the striatum of mice was decreased by 30% after treatment with the A2AAR antagonist istradefylline. Mouse results showed the highest BPND (3.9 to 5.9) in the striatum. SRTM analysis showed a 20% lower A2AAR availability in the rotenone–treated mice compared to the control–aged group. Tozadenant treatment significantly decreased the VT (14.6 vs. 8.5 mL · g−1) and BPND values (1.3 vs. 0.3) in pig striatum. This study confirms the target specificity and a high BPND of [18F]FLUDA in the striatum. We conclude that [18F]FLUDA is a suitable tool for the non–invasive quantitation of altered A2AAR expression in neurodegenerative diseases such as PD and HD, by PET.
Possible Association between the Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors and H2 Receptor Antagonists, and Esophageal Cancer: A Nested Case–Control Study Using a Korean National Health Screening Cohort
Authors: Choi Hyo Geun , Lee Hong Kyu , Kang Ho Suk , Lim Hyun , Kim Joo-Hee , Kim Ji Hee , Kim Nan Young , Cho Seong-Jin , Nam Eun Sook , Min Kyueng-Whan , Kwon Mi Jung
Published: April 2022

Although safety concerns regarding proton pump inhibitor (PPI)/H2-receptor antagonists (H2RA) in the incident esophageal cancer have been raised, the Asian-based report is unclear. We investigated the estimated likelihood of incident esophageal cancer—its mortality depending on prior history of PPI/H2RA use—and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Koreans. Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort data (2002–2015), a case–control study was retrospectively conducted, including 811 patients with incident esophageal cancer and 3244 controls matched with sex, age, income, and residence. Propensity score overlap weighting was adjusted to balance the baseline covariates. Overlap propensity score-weighted logistic regression analyses were assessed to determine associations of the prior exposure of PPI/H2RA (current vs. past) and the medication duration (<30-, 30–90-, vs. ≥90-days) with incident esophageal cancer and its mortality among the total participants or those with/without the GERD episodes, after adjusting for multiple covariates including PPI/H2RA. The current exposure to either PPI or H2RA showed higher odds for incident esophageal cancer than the nonuser group ([13.23; 95%CI 10.25–17.06] and [4.34; 95%CI 3.67–5.14], respectively), especially in all adults over the age of 40 years without GERD. Both current and past exposures to PPI showed a decreased probability of mortality compared with those of the nonuser group ([0.62; 95%CI 0.45–0.86] and [0.41; 95%CI 0.25–0.67], respectively). However, current or past exposure to H2RA harbored the mutually different likelihoods for mortality depending on the presence of GERD and old age. This study carefully speculates on the possible link between PPI/H2RA and incident esophageal cancer in the Korean population. Mortality appears to be affected by certain risk factors depending on drug types, exposure history, old age, and the presence of GERD.
Inclusion of a Phytomedicinal Flavonoid in Biocompatible Surface-Modified Chylomicron Mimic Nanovesicles with Improved Oral Bioavailability and Virucidal Activity: Molecular Modeling and Pharmacodynamic Studies
Authors: Zakaria Mohamed Y. , Georghiou Paris E. , Banoub Joseph H. , Beshay Botros Y.
Published: April 2022

Morin hydrate (MH) is a widely-used Asian phytomedicinal flavonoid with a wide range of reported therapeutic activities. However, MH has limited oral bioavailability due to its low aqueous solubility and intestinal permeability, which in turn hinders its potential antiviral activity. The study reported herein was designed to encapsulate MH in polyethyleneglycolated (PEGylated) chylomicrons (PCMs) and to boost its antiviral activity and biological availability for oral administration using a rat experimental model. The PEGylated edge activator combined with the conventional components of chylomicrons (CMs) amplify the transport of the drug across the intestine and its circulation period, hence its therapeutic impact. The implementation of variables in the in vitro characterization of the vesicles was investigated. Using Design Expert® software, a 24 factorial design was conducted, and the resulting PCM formulations were fabricated utilizing a thin-film hydration technique. The efficacy of the formulations was assessed according to their zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency percentage (EE%), amount of drug released after 8 h (Q8h), and particle size (PS) data. Formulation F9, which was deemed to be the optimal formula, used compritol as the lipidic core together in defined amounts with phosphatidylcholine (PC) and Brij52. Computer-aided studies revealed that MH alone in a suspension had both diminished intestinal permeability and absorption, but was enhanced when loaded in PCMs. This was affirmed by the superiority of formulation F9 results in ex vivo permeation and pharmacokinetic studies. Furthermore, formulation F9 had a superior safety profile and antiviral activity over a pure MH suspension. Molecular-docking studies revealed the capability of MH to inhibit MERS-CoV 3CLpro, the enzyme shown to exhibit a crucial role in viral replication. Additionally, F9 suppressed both MERS-CoV-induced histopathological alteration in lung tissue and resulting oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers. Collectively, the results reported herein affirmed the potential of PCMs as nanocarriers for the effective oral administration of MH as an antiviral.
Redesigning of Cell-Penetrating Peptides to Improve Their Efficacy as a Drug Delivery System
Authors: Szabó Ildikó , Yousef Mo’ath , Soltész Dóra , Bató Csaba , Mező Gábor , Bánóczi Zoltán
Published: April 2022

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) are promising tools for the transport of a broad range of compounds into cells. Since the discovery of the first members of this peptide family, many other peptides have been identified; nowadays, dozens of these peptides are known. These peptides sometimes have very different chemical–physical properties, but they have similar drawbacks; e.g., non-specific internalization, fast elimination from the body, intracellular/vesicular entrapment. Although our knowledge regarding the mechanism and structure–activity relationship of internalization is growing, the prediction and design of the cell-penetrating properties are challenging. In this review, we focus on the different modifications of well-known CPPs to avoid their drawbacks, as well as how these modifications may increase their internalization and/or change the mechanism of penetration.
Liposomal Formulations to Improve Antioxidant Power of Myrtle Berry Extract for Potential Skin Application
Authors: De Luca Maria , Lucchesi Daniela , Tuberoso Carlo Ignazio Giovanni , Fernàndez-Busquets Xavier , Vassallo Antonio , Martelli Giuseppe , Fadda Anna Maria , Pucci Laura , Caddeo Carla
Published: April 2022

Many substances in plant extracts are known for their biological activities. These substances act in different ways, exerting overall protective effects against many diseases, especially skin disorders. However, plant extracts’ health benefits are often limited by low bioavailability. To overcome these limitations, drug delivery systems can be employed. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant power of an ethanolic extract from Myrtus communis L. (myrtle) berries through colorimetric tests (DPPH and FRAP). The antioxidant activity was also verified by using fibroblast cell culture through cellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels measurements. Moreover, the myrtle extract was formulated in phospholipid vesicles to improve its bioavailability and applicability. Myrtle liposomes were characterized by size, surface charge, storage stability, and entrapment efficiency; visualized by using cryo-TEM images; and assayed for cytocompatibility and anti-ROS activity. Our results suggest that myrtle liposomes were cytocompatible and improved the extract’s antioxidant power in fibroblasts, suggesting a potential skin application for these formulations and confirming that nanotechnologies could be a valid tool to enhance plant extracts’ potentialities.
Eugenia sulcata (Myrtaceae) Nanoemulsion Enhances the Inhibitory Activity of the Essential Oil on P2X7R and Inflammatory Response In Vivo
Authors: Magalhães Bettina Quintanilha , Machado Francisco P. , Sanches Paola S. , Lima Bárbara , Falcão Deborah Quintanilha , von Ranke Natalia , Bello Murilo Lamim , Rodrigues Carlos Rangel , Santos Marcelo Guerra , Rocha Leandro , Faria Robson X.
Published: April 2022

P2X7R is a purinergic receptor with broad expression throughout the body, especially in immune system cells. P2X7R activation causes inflammatory mediators to release, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), the processing and release of which are critically dependent on this ion channel activation. P2X7R’s therapeutic potential augments the discovery of new antagonistic compounds. Thus, we investigated whether the Eugenia sulcata essential oil could block P2X7R activity. The essential oil (ESO) dose-dependently inhibited ATP-promoted PI uptake and IL-1β release with an IC50 of 113.3 ± 3.7 ng/mL and 274 ± 91 ng/mL, respectively, and the essential oil nanoemulsion (ESON) improved the ESO inhibitory effect with an IC50 of 81.4 ± 7.2 ng/mL and 62 ± 2 ng/mL, respectively. ESO and ESON reversed the carrageenan-activated peritonitis in mice, and ESON exhibited an efficacy higher than ESO. The majority substance from essential oil, β-caryophyllene, impaired the ATP-evoked PI uptake and IL-1β release with an IC50 value of 26 ± 0.007 ng/mL and 97 ± 0.012 ng/mL, respectively. Additionally, β-caryophyllene reduced carrageenan-induced peritonitis, and the molecular modeling and computational simulation predicted the intermolecular interactions in the P2X7R situs. In silico, results indicated β-caryophyllene as a potent allosteric P2X7R antagonist, although this substance may present toxic effects for humans. These data confirm the nanoemulsion of essential oil from E. sulcata as a promisor biotechnology strategy for impaired P2X7R functions and the inflammatory response.
Compression Modulus and Apparent Density of Polymeric Excipients during Compression—Impact on Tabletability
Authors: Schönfeld Barbara V. , Westedt Ulrich , Wagner Karl G.
Published: April 2022

The present study focuses on the compaction behavior of polymeric excipients during compression in comparison to nonpolymeric excipients and its consequences on commonly used Heckel analysis. Compression analysis at compaction pressures (CPs) from 50 to 500 MPa was performed using a compaction simulator. This study demonstrates that the particle density, measured via helium pycnometer (ρpar), of polymeric excipients (Kollidon®VA64, Soluplus®, AQOAT®AS-MMP, Starch1500®, Avicel®PH101) was already exceeded at low CPs (<200 MPa), whereas the ρpar was either never reached for brittle fillers such as DI-CAFOS®A60 and tricalcium citrate or exceeded at CPs above 350 MPa (FlowLac®100, Pearlitol®100SD). We hypothesized that the threshold for exceeding ρpar is linked with predominantly elastic deformation. This was confirmed by the start of linear increase in elastic recovery in-die (ERin-die) with exceeding particle density, and in addition, by the applicability in calculating the elastic modulus via the equation of the linear increase in ERin-die. Last, the evaluation of “density under pressure” as an alternative to the ρpar for Heckel analysis showed comparable conclusions for compression behavior based on the calculated yield pressures. However, the applicability of Heckel analysis for polymeric excipients was questioned in principle. In conclusion, the knowledge of the threshold provides guidance for the selection of suitable excipients in the formulation development to mitigate the risk of tablet defects related to stored elastic energy, such as capping and lamination.
Tetraethylenepentamine-Coated β Cyclodextrin Nanoparticles for Dual DNA and siRNA Delivery
Authors: Liu Chi-Hsien , Shih Pei-Yin , Lin Cheng-Han , Chen Yi-Jun , Wu Wei-Chi , Wang Chun-Chao
Published: April 2022

Nucleic acid reagents, including plasmid-encoded genes and small interfering RNA (siRNA), are promising tools for validating gene function and for the development of therapeutic agents. Native β-cyclodextrins (BCDs) have limited efficiency in gene delivery due to their instable complexes with nucleic acid. We hypothesized that cationic BCD nanoparticles could be an efficient carrier for both DNA and siRNA. Tetraethylenepentamine-coated β-cyclodextrin (TEPA-BCD) nanoparticles were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for targeted cell delivery of plasmid DNA and siRNA. The cationic TEPA coating provided ideal zeta potential and effective nucleic acid binding ability. When transfecting plasmid encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) by TEPA-BCD, excellent GFP expression could be achieved in multiple cell lines. In addition, siRNA transfected by TEPA-BCD suppressed target GFP gene expression. We showed that TEPA-BCD internalization was mediated by energy-dependent endocytosis via both clathrin-dependent and caveolin-dependent endocytic pathways. TEPA-BCD nanoparticles provide an effective means of nucleic acid delivery and can act as potential carriers in future pharmaceutical application.
Two-Dimensional Solitons in Bose–Einstein Condensates with Spin–Orbit Coupling and Rydberg–Rydberg Interaction
Authors: Wang Kewei , Jin Hui , Lei Yunbin , Zhao Yuan , Huang Kaiyu , Xu Siliu
Published: April 2022

Applying an imaginary time evolution method (AITEM) to the system of Gross–Pitaevskii equations, we find two-dimensional stable solitons in binary atomic Bose–Einstein condensates with spin–orbit coupling (SOC) and the Rydberg–Rydberg interaction (RRI). The stability of 2D solitons by utilizing their norm and energy is discussed in detail. Depending on the SOC and Rydberg–Rydberg interaction, we find stable zero-vorticity and vortical solitons. Furthermore, we show that the solitons can be effectively tuned by the local and nonlocal nonlinearities of this system.
Development of Singular Points in a Beam Passed Phase Screen Simulating Atmospheric Turbulence and Precision of Such a Screen Approximation by Zernike Polynomials
Authors: Kanev Feodor , Makenova Nailya , Veretekhin Igor
Published: April 2022

This article addresses two issues. Firstly, it was shown that if the initial phase of a Gaussian beam is specified by the sum of Zernike polynomials or by a screen simulating atmospheric turbulence, in the process of propagation, singular points appear in the wavefront of such a beam. With the use of numerical simulation, the dependence of the vortices number on the distortion characteristics and on the distance traveled by the beam was determined. The second problem analyzed in the article is the problem of a phase screen approximation by a series formed by Zernike polynomials. The carried out numerical experiments made it possible to determine the dependence of approximation accuracy on the screen parameters and on the number of polynomials entering the basis of approximation.
Ultra-Sensitive Si-Based Optical Sensor for Nanoparticle-Size Traditional Water Pollutant Detection
Authors: Emara Ahmed , Yousef Amr , Elleithy Khaled
Published: April 2022

A low-cost Si-based optical nano-sensor that monitors traditional water pollutants is introduced in this paper. The introduced sensor works in the near-infrared region, 900 nm to 2500 nm spectral range. The proposed structure consists of a Si layer with an optimized thickness of 300 nm on the top of the Al layer acting as a back reflector. On the top of the Si layer, the water pollutants are modeled as nanoparticle materials of different sizes. The finite difference time domain method is utilized to optimize the thicknesses of the Si layer by analyzing the optical light absorption considering different Si layer thicknesses and different pollutant nanoparticles’ sizes. Different interpolation techniques, including polynomials with various degrees and locally weighted smoothing quadratic regression, are used to find the best fitting model representing the simulated data points with goodness of fit analysis. Three features are proposed to identify the water pollutant with its size, peak absorption wavelength, relative amplitude, and a full width at half maximum. The device’s performance in detecting six different pollutants, silver, aluminum, copper, chromium, selenium, and ammonia, is evaluated. Sensitivity, a figure of merit, and a quality factor are used to evaluate the proposed sensor. The obtained maximum sensitivity is 11,300 nm/RIU, FOM of 740, and quality factor of 670.
Ion Beam Analysis and 14C Accelerator Mass Spectroscopy to Identify Ancient and Recent Art Forgeries
Authors: Beck Lucile
Published: April 2022

Forgeries exist in many fields. Money, goods, and works of art have been imitated for centuries to deceive and make a profit. In the field of Cultural Heritage, nuclear techniques can be used to study art forgeries. Ion beam analysis (IBA), as well as 14C accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS), are now established techniques, and the purpose of this paper is to report on their capacity to provide information on ancient, as well as modern, forgeries. Two case studies are presented: the production of silver counterfeit coins in the 16th century and the detection of recent forgeries of 20th century paintings. For the counterfeit coins, two silvering processes were identified by IBA: mercury silvering (also called amalgam silvering or fire silvering) and pure silver plating. The discovery of 14 mercury silvered coins is an important finding since there are very few known examples from before the 17th century. In the detection of recent forgeries, among the five paintings examined, 14C dating showed that three of them are definitely fakes, one is most likely a fake, and one remains undetermined. These results were obtained by using the bomb peak calibration curve to date canvas and paint samples.
Phenolic Compounds Content Evaluation of Lettuce Grown under Short-Term Preharvest Daytime or Nighttime Supplemental LEDs
Authors: Brazaitytė Aušra , Vaštakaitė-Kairienė Viktorija , Sutulienė Rūta , Rasiukevičiūtė Neringa , Viršilė Akvilė , Miliauskienė Jurga , Laužikė Kristina , Valiuškaitė Alma , Dėnė Lina , Chrapačienė Simona , Kupčinskienė Asta , Samuolienė Giedrė
Published: April 2022

The study aimed to determine the changes in phenolic compounds content in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Little Gem) depending on the preharvest short-term daytime or nighttime supplemental light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to high-pressure sodium lamps (HPS) lighting in a greenhouse during autumn and spring cultivation. Plants were grown in a greenhouse under HPS supplemented with 400 nm, 455 nm, 530 nm, 455 + 530 nm or 660 nm LEDs light for 4 h five days before harvest. Two experiments (EXP) were performed: EXP1—HPS, and LEDs treatment during daytime 6 PM–10 PM, and EXP2—LEDs treatment at nighttime during 10 AM–2 PM. LEDs’ photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was 50 and HPS—90 ± 10 µmol m−2 s−1. The most pronounced positive effect on total phenolic compounds revealed supplemental 400 and 455 + 530 nm LEDs lighting, except its application during the daytime at spring cultivation, when all supplemental LEDs light had no impact on phenolics content variation. Supplemental 400 nm LEDs applied in the daytime increased chlorogenic acid during spring and chicoric acid during autumn cultivation. 400 nm LEDs used in nighttime enhanced chlorogenic acid accumulation and rutin during autumn. Chicoric and chlorogenic acid significantly increased under supplemental 455 + 530 nm LEDs applied at daytime in autumn and used at nighttime—in spring. Supplemental LEDs application in the nighttime resulted in higher phenolic compounds content during spring cultivation and the daytime during autumn cultivation.
Priming Treatments with Biostimulants to Cope the Short-Term Heat Stress Response: A Transcriptomic Profile Evaluation
Authors: Cocetta Giacomo , Landoni Michela , Pilu Roberto , Repiso Carlos , Nolasco José , Alajarin Marcos , Ugena Lydia , Levy Camila C. B. , Scatolino Giacomo , Villa Daniele , Ferrante Antonio
Published: April 2022

Plant stress induced by high temperature is a problem in wide areas of different regions in the world. The trend of global warming is going to enhance the effects of heat stress on crops in many cultivation areas. Heat stress impairs the stability of cell membranes and many biological processes involving both primary and secondary metabolism. Biostimulants are innovative agronomical tools that can be used as a strategy to counteract the detrimental effect of abiotic stresses, including heat stress. In this work, two biostimulants based on Ascophyllum nodosum extracts (named Phylgreen) and based on animal L-α amino acids (named Delfan Plus) were applied as priming treatments to Arabidopsis thaliana plants subjected to heat stress exposure. Plants at the vegetative stage were treated with biostimulants 12 h before high temperature exposure, which consisted of maintaining the plants at 37 ± 1 °C for 4 h. Transcriptional profiles, physiological, and biochemical analyses were performed to understand the mode of action of the biostimulants in protecting the plants exposed to short-term heat stress. At a physiological level, chlorophyll, chlorophyll a fluorescence, phenolic index, total anthocyanins, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured, and significant variations were observed immediately after stress. Both biostimulants were able to reduce the oxidative damage in leaves and cell membrane. Transcriptomic data revealed that upregulated genes were 626 in Phylgreen and 365 in Delfan Plus, while downregulated genes were 295 in Phylgreen and 312 in Delfan Plus. Bioinformatic analysis showed that the biostimulants protected the plants from heat stress by activating specific heat shock proteins (HPS), antioxidant systems, and ROS scavengers. The results revealed that the biostimulants effectively induced the activation of heat stress-associated genes belonging to different transcription factors and HSP families. Among the heat shock proteins, the most important was the AtHSP17 family and in particular, those influenced by treatments were AtHPS17.4 and AtHPS17.6A, B, showing the most relevant changes.
Genetic Dissection of Rice Ratooning Ability Using an Introgression Line Population and Substitution Mapping of a Pleiotropic Quantitative Trait Locus qRA5
Authors: Hu Hui , Gao Ruoyu , He Liping , Liang Famao , Li Zhixin , Xu Junying , Yang Longwei , Wang Chongrong , Liu Zhangyong , Xu Jianlong , Qiu Xianjin
Published: April 2022

Ratooning ability is a key factor that influences ratoon rice yield, in the area where light and temperature are not enough for second season rice. In the present study, an introgression line population derived from Minghui 63 as the recipient parent and 02428 as the donor parent was developed, and a high-density bin map containing 4568 bins was constructed. Nine ratooning-ability-related traits were measured, including maximum tiller number, panicle number, and grain yield per plant in the first season and ratoon season, as well as three secondary traits, maximum tiller number ratio, panicle number ratio, and grain yield ratio. A total of 22 main-effect QTLs were identified and explained for 3.26–18.63% of the phenotypic variations in the introgression line population. Three genomic regions, including 14.12–14.65 Mb on chromosome 5, 4.64–5.76 Mb on chromosome 8, and 10.64–15.52 Mb on chromosome 11, were identified to simultaneously control different ratooning-ability-related traits. Among them, qRA5 in the region of 14.12–14.65 Mb on chromosome 5 was validated for its pleiotropic effects on maximum tiller number and panicle number in the first season, as well as its maximum tiller number ratio, panicle number ratio, and grain yield ratio. Moreover, qRA5 was independent of genetic background and delimited into a 311.16 kb region by a substitution mapping approach. These results will help us better understand the genetic basis of rice ratooning ability and provide a valuable gene resource for breeding high-yield ratoon rice varieties.
Heterosis and Differential DNA Methylation in Soybean Hybrids and Their Parental Lines
Authors: Chen Liangyu , Zhu Yanyu , Ren Xiaobo , Yao Dan , Song Yang , Fan Sujie , Li Xueying , Zhang Zhuo , Yang Songnan , Zhang Jian , Zhang Jun
Published: April 2022

Heterosis is an important biological phenomenon and is widely applied to increase agricultural productivity. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of heterosis are still unclear. Here we constructed three combinations of reciprocal hybrids of soybean, and subsequently used MethylRAD-seq to detect CCGG and CCWGG (W = A or T) methylation in the whole genome of these hybrids and their parents at the middle development period of contemporary seed. We were able to prove that changes in DNA methylation patterns occurred in immature hybrid seeds and the parental variation was to some degree responsible for differential expression between the reciprocal hybrids. Non-additive differential methylation sites (DMSs) were also identified in large numbers in hybrids. Interestingly, most of these DMSs were hyper-methylated and were more concentrated in gene regions than the natural distribution of the methylated sites. Further analysis of the non-additive DMSs located in gene regions exhibited their participation in various biological processes, especially those related to transcriptional regulation and hormonal function. These results revealed DNA methylation reprogramming pattern in the hybrid soybean, which is associated with phenotypic variation and heterosis initiation.
Dependence on Nitrogen Availability and Rhizobial Symbiosis of Different Accessions of Trifolium fragiferum, a Crop Wild Relative Legume Species, as Related to Physiological Traits
Authors: Jēkabsone Astra , Andersone-Ozola Una , Karlsons Andis , Neiceniece Lāsma , Romanovs Māris , Ievinsh Gederts
Published: April 2022

Biological nitrogen fixation by legume-rhizobacterial symbiosis in temperate grasslands is an important source of soil nitrogen. The aim of the present study was to characterize the dependence of different accessions of T. fragiferum, a rare crop wild relative legume species, from their native rhizobia as well as additional nitrogen fertilization in controlled conditions. Asymbiotically cultivated, mineral-fertilized T. fragiferum plants gradually showed signs of nitrogen deficiency, appearing as a decrease in leaf chlorophyll concentration, leaf senescence, and a decrease in growth rate. The addition of nitrogen, and the inoculation with native rhizobia, or both treatments significantly prevented the onset of these symptoms, leading to both increase in plant shoot biomass as well as an increase in tissue concentration of N. The actual degree of each type of response was genotype-specific. Accessions showed a relatively similar degree of dependence on nitrogen (70–95% increase in shoot dry mass) but the increase in shoot dry mass by inoculation with native rhizobia ranged from 27 to 85%. In general, there was no correlation between growth stimulation and an increase in tissue N concentration by the treatments. The addition of N or rhizobial inoculant affected mineral nutrition at the level of both macronutrient and micronutrient concentration in different plant parts. In conclusion, native rhizobial strains associated with geographically isolated accessions of T. fragiferum at the northern range of distribution of the species represent a valuable resource for further studies aimed at the identification of salinity-tolerant N2-fixing bacteria for the needs of sustainable agriculture, as well as in a view of understanding ecosystem functioning at the level of plant-microorganism interactions.
Non-Destructive Measurement of the Pumpkin Rootstock Root Phenotype Using AZURE KINECT
Authors: Zhang Moran , Xu Shengyong , Huang Yuan , Bie Zhilong , Notaguchi Michitaka , Zhou Jingyi , Wan Xin , Wang Yuchen , Dong Wanjing
Published: April 2022

Rootstock grafting is an important method to improve the yield and quality of seedlings. Pumpkin is the rootstock of watermelon, melon, and cucumber, and the root phenotype of rootstock is an important reference for breeding. At present, the root phenotype is mainly measured by scanners, with which it is difficult to achieve non-destructive and in situ measurements. In this work, we propose a method for non-destructive measurement of the root phenotype on the surface layer of the root ball of pumpkin rootstock plug seedlings and an accurate estimation of the surface area, length, and volume of total root using an AZURE KINECT sensor. Firstly, the KINECT is used to capture four-view color and depth images of the root surface, and then multi-view images are spliced to obtain a complete image of the root surface. After preprocessing of the images, we extract the roots from the root ball. For root phenotype measurements, the surface areas of the surface roots and root ball are calculated, followed by calculating root encapsulation. Next, the non-overlapping roots in the surface root image are extracted, and the ratio of the surface area to the skeleton length is used as the average diameter of total root. Based on the high correlation between the surface area of surface root and the surface area of total root, a linear fitting model is established to estimate the surface area, length, and volume of total root. The experiment ultimately showed that the measurement error for the average diameter of total root is less than 30 μm, and consistency with the scanner is higher than 93.3%. The accuracy of the surface area of total root estimation was found to be more than 88.1%, and the accuracy of the root length of total root estimation was observed to be greater than 87.2%. The method proposed in this paper offers similar accuracy to a scanner, which meets the needs of non-destructive root phenotype research. This method is expected to replace root scanners for high-throughput phenotypic measurements and provides a new avenue for root phenotype measurements of pumpkin rootstocks. This technology will provide key basic data for evaluating the root growth of pumpkin rootstocks.
Susceptibility of Cider Apple Accessions to European Canker—Comparison between Evaluations in Field Planted Trees and Rapid Screening Tests
Authors: Delgado Álvaro , García-Fernández Belén , Gómez-Cortecero Antonio , Dapena Enrique
Published: April 2022

European canker, caused by Neonectria ditissima Bres., is an economically damaging fungal disease of apple. Breeding new cultivars with a high level of resistance to European canker is the main aim of apple breeding programs. Observations of symptoms in naturally infected trees were carried out in 400 apple accessions in Asturias (north-western Spain). Young and mature field planted trees were assessed under conditions highly conducive for N. ditissima development. The results demonstrated that juvenile trees (4-year-old) barely showed noticeable symptoms whereas a wide variability in the levels of resistance among accession was observed in mature trees (14-year-old). Around 28% of the locally maintained collection resulted to be highly resistant to this disease in the region. Field observations on mature trees were also compared to four rapid screening tests based on artificially induced lesions. Spearman correlation analysis using two resistance parameters revealed that none of the methods resulted in similar rankings of cultivar susceptibility as some accessions that were ranked as resistant for a given test turned out to be susceptible in the field. This study might suggest that whilst conventional resistance phenotyping techniques are time-consuming, the outcomes of this approach still seem the preferred option to assess the response to N. ditissima of apple accessions.
Preparation, Characterization, and Performance Evaluation of Petroleum Asphalt Modified with Bio-Asphalt Containing Furfural Residue and Waste Cooking Oil
Authors: Lai Shuo-Rong , Li Shu-Jun , Xu Yong-Li , Xu Wen-Yuan , Zhang Xian-Quan
Published: April 2022

The study aims to analyze the feasibility of proposing waste cooking oil and industrial waste furfural residue as raw materials to prepare bio-asphalt as partial substitutes for petroleum asphalt, so as to reduce the cost of pavement construction and decrease the consumption of non-renewable resources. In this study, 90# petroleum asphalt was partially substituted with the bio-asphalt in different proportions to prepare biomass-modified petroleum asphalt, the performance of which was first evaluated based on three indices: penetration, softening point, and ductility. Comparison of the crystal structures of the bio-asphalt and furfural residue were enabled by X-ray diffraction, and the blending mechanism and microscopic morphologies of the biomass-substituted asphalt mixtures were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the bio-asphalt was hydrophobic and exhibited excellent compatibility with 90# petroleum asphalt. The partial substitution of petroleum asphalt with bio-asphalt improved the low-temperature crack resistance of the asphalt by adversely affecting the high-temperature stability of the asphalt; however, when the bio-asphalt content was 8 wt.%, the performance parameters of the biomass-modified asphalt met the requirements of the 90# petroleum asphalt standard.
Optimization of Typha Fibre Extraction and Properties for Bio-Composite Applications Using Desirability Function Analysis
Authors: Hasan Mahmudul , Rahman Mashiur , Chen Ying , Cicek Nazim
Published: April 2022

The effect of extraction time, temperature, and alkali concentration on the physical and mechanical properties of cattail (Typha latifolia L.) fibres were investigated using five levels of time (4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 h), four levels of temperature (70, 80, 90, and 95 °C), and three levels of NaOH concentration (4, 7, 10%, w/v) in a 3 × 4 × 5 factorial experimental design. The extraction parameters were optimized for bio-composite application using a desirability function analysis (DFA), which determined that the optimum extraction time, temperature and NaOH concentration were 10 h, 90 °C, and 7%, respectively. A sensitivity analysis for optimal treatment conditions confirmed that the higher overall desirability does not necessarily mean a better solution. However, the analysis showed that the majority of optimum settings for time, temperature, and concentration of NaOH found in the sensitivity analysis matched with the optimum conditions determined by DFA, which confirmed the validity of the optimum treatment conditions.
Potential Use of Chitosan-TiO2 Nanocomposites for the Electroanalytical Detection of Imidacloprid
Authors: Castillo Blanca Estela , Prokhorov Evgen , Luna-Bárcenas Gabriel , Kovalenko Yuriy
Published: April 2022

The detection of toxic insecticides is a major scientific and technological challenge. In this regard, imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid that is a systemic insecticide that can accumulate in agricultural products and affect human health. This work aims to study the properties of chitosan–TiO2 nanocomposites in which nanoparticles with high surface area serve as molecular recognition sites for electroanalytical imidacloprid detection. We show that the best sensitivity to imidacloprid was obtained using a modified electrode with a chitosan–TiO2 nanocomposite with a 40 wt.% of TiO2 nanoparticles. By using a three-phase effective permittivity model which includes chitosan, TiO2, an interface layer between nanoparticles and a matrix, we showed that nanocomposites with 40 wt.% of TiO2 the interface volume fraction reaches a maximum. At higher nanoparticle concentration, the sensitivity of the sensor decreases due to the decreasing of the interface volume fraction, agglomeration of nanoparticles and a decrease in their effective surface area. The methodology presented can be helpful in the design and optimization of polymer-based nanocomposites for a variety of applications.
Pulverization of Waste Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Film by Low Temperature Heat Treatment and Properties of Pulverized Product for Blast Furnace Injection as Alternative Fuel
Authors: Wang Guang , Liu Sixian , Zhang Hongqiang , Wang Jingsong , Xue Qingguo
Published: April 2022

Recycling of waste plastics is of great significance for human society. The pulverization of waste film plastics is a key technical link in the development of collaborative utilization of waste plastics in the steel industry. In this study, waste polyvinyl chloride film plastics were first heated at different temperatures; then the de-chlorination ratio pulverization and the properties of the pulverized products closely related to blast furnace injection, such as powdery properties, combustion and explosiveness, were further analyzed. The weight loss ratio increased significantly with an increase in temperature and was not obvious between 370 °C and 400 °C. The highest de-chlorination ratio was approximately 84% at 370 °C, and the relative chlorine content in the product was 9%. The crushing performance of heat-treated polyvinyl chloride film increased with increasing temperature. Before 370 °C, there were more pores in the samples, and the surface of the sample seemed to be damaged with the temperature was further increased. The pulverized polyvinyl chloride had better fluidity and strong jet flow compared to industrial injection coals. At the same time, compared with other carbonaceous materials, it also exhibited better combustion performances. The pulverized polyvinyl chloride belonged to non explosiveness substance despite its high volatile content. The obtained results demonstrated that the pulverized polyvinyl chloride obtained under the present conditions could be used for blast furnace injection to some extent.
Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties of Modified Chitosan Nonwovens
Authors: Sikorski Dominik , Bauer Marta , Frączyk Justyna , Draczyński Zbigniew
Published: April 2022

Chitosan acquires bacteriostatic properties via protonation of its amino groups. However, much of the literature assumes that chitosan itself inhibits the growth of bacteria. This article presents a comparative study of chitosan nonwovens modified with various acids, including acetic, propionic, butyric, and valeric organic acids, as well as hydrochloric acid. The aim was to determine which acid salts influence the antibacterial and antifungal activity of chitosan-based materials. Two methods were used to modify (formation of ammonium salts) the chitosan nonwovens: First, acid vapors (gassing process) were used to find which salt of chitosan had the best antibacterial properties. Based on the results, the most effective acid was prepared in a solution in ethanol. The influence of the acid concentration in ethanol, the time of treatment of chitosan materials with acid solution, and the rinsing process of modified nonwovens on the antimicrobial activity of the modified materials was investigated. The modified materials were subjected to microbiological tests. Each of the modified materials was placed in bacterial inoculum. The cultures were tested on agar to observe their microbial activity. Toxicity to human red blood cells was also investigated. A reduction in the number of bacterial cells was observed for the S. aureus strain with chitosan salt modified with 10% acetic acid in ethanol. The antibacterial activity of the chitosan salts increased with the percentage of acid salts formed on the surface of the solid material (decreasing numbers of bacterial colonies or no growth). No reduction in growth was observed for the E. coli strain. The chitosan samples were either inactive or completely eliminated the bacterial cells. Antimicrobial activity was observed for chitosan salts with hydrochloric acid and acetic acid. Finally, 1H-NMR spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy were used to confirm the incorporation of the acid groups to the amino groups of chitosan.
Correction: Zhang et al. Biodegradable Starch/Chitosan Foam via Microwave Assisted Preparation: Morphology and Performance Properties. Polymers 2020, 12, 2612
Authors: Zhang Xian , Teng Zhuangzhuang , Huang Runzhou , Catchmark Jeffrey M.
Published: April 2022

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