bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Omics Approaches and Resources for Systems-Level Gene Function Prediction in the Plant Kingdom
Authors: Abdullah-Zawawi Muhammad-Redha , Govender Nisha , Harun Sarahani , Muhammad Nor Azlan Nor , Zainal Zamri , Mohamed-Hussein Zeti-Azura
Published: October 2022

In higher plants, the complexity of a system and the components within and among species are rapidly dissected by omics technologies. Multi-omics datasets are integrated to infer and enable a comprehensive understanding of the life processes of organisms of interest. Further, growing open-source datasets coupled with the emergence of high-performance computing and development of computational tools for biological sciences have assisted in silico functional prediction of unknown genes, proteins and metabolites, otherwise known as uncharacterized. The systems biology approach includes data collection and filtration, system modelling, experimentation and the establishment of new hypotheses for experimental validation. Informatics technologies add meaningful sense to the output generated by complex bioinformatics algorithms, which are now freely available in a user-friendly graphical user interface. These resources accentuate gene function prediction at a relatively minimal cost and effort. Herein, we present a comprehensive view of relevant approaches available for system-level gene function prediction in the plant kingdom. Together, the most recent applications and sought-after principles for gene mining are discussed to benefit the plant research community. A realistic tabulation of plant genomic resources is included for a less laborious and accurate candidate gene discovery in basic plant research and improvement strategies.
Proanthocyanidins from Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. Leaves: Perspectives in Wound Healing and Designing for Topical Delivery
Authors: Vilkickyte Gabriele , Zilius Modestas , Petrikaite Vilma , Raudone Lina
Published: October 2022

The compositions and health-beneficial properties of lingonberry leaves (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) are well established; however, their proanthocyanidins are still heavily underutilized. Optimizing their delivery systems is key to enabling their wider applications. The present study investigates the phytochemical and ‘wound-healing’ properties of proanthocyanidin-rich fraction(s) (PRF) from lingonberry leaves as well as the development of optimal dermal film as a proanthocyanidin delivery system. The obtained PRF was subjected to HPLC-PDA and DMAC analyses to confirm the qualitative and quantitative profiles of different polymerization-degree proanthocyanidins. A ‘wound healing’ in vitro assay was performed to assess the ability of PRF to modulate the wound environment for better healing. Low concentrations of lingonberry proanthocyanidins were found to accelerate ‘wound‘ closures, while high levels inhibited human fibroblast migration. Fifteen dermal films containing PRF were prepared and evaluated based on their polymer (MC, HEC, PEG 400) compositions, and physical, mechanical, and biopharmaceutical properties using an experimental design. The composition containing 0.30 g of MC, 0.05 g of HEC, and 3.0 g of PEG 400 was selected as a promising formulation for PRF delivery and a potentially effective functional wound dressing material, supporting the need for further investigations.
Pathogen Adaptation to American (Rpv3-1) and Eurasian (Rpv29) Grapevine Loci Conferring Resistance to Downy Mildew
Authors: Marone Fassolo Elena , Lecchi Beatrice , Marcianò Demetrio , Maddalena Giuliana , Toffolatti Silvia Laura
Published: October 2022

Durable resistance is a key objective in genetic improvement for disease resistance in grapevines, which must survive for years in the field in the presence of adaptable pathogen populations. In this study, the adaptation of 72 Northern Italian isolates of Plasmopara viticola, the downy mildew agent, has been investigated into Bianca, possessing Rpv3-1, the most frequently exploited resistance locus for genetic improvement, and Mgaloblishvili, a Vitis vinifera variety possessing the newly discovered Rpv29 locus. Infection parameters (latency period, infection frequency, and disease severity) and oospore production and viability were evaluated and compared to those of Pinot noir, the susceptible reference. The expected levels of disease control were achieved by both resistant cultivars (>90% on Bianca; >25% on Mgaloblishvili), despite the high frequency of isolates able to grow on one (28%) or both (46%) accessions. The disease incidence and severity were limited by both resistant cultivars and the strains able to grow on resistant accessions showed signatures of fitness penalties (reduced virulence, infection frequency, and oospore density). Together, these results indicate an adequate pathogen control but suitable practices must be adopted in the field to prevent the diffusion of the partially adapted P. viticola strains to protect resistance genes from erosion.
Bioactivity and Therapeutic Potential of Kaempferol and Quercetin: New Insights for Plant and Human Health
Authors: Jan Rahmatullah , Khan Murtaza , Asaf Sajjad , Lubna  , Asif Saleem , Kim Kyung-Min
Published: October 2022

Plant secondary metabolites, especially flavonoids, are major metabolites widely found in plants that play several key roles in plant defence and signalling in response to stress conditions. The most studied among these flavonoids are kaempferol and quercetin due to their anti-oxidative potential and their key roles in the defence system, making them more critical for plant adaptation in stress environments. Kaempferol and quercetin in plants have great therapeutic potential for human health. Despite being well-studied, some of their functional aspects regarding plants and human health need further evaluation. This review summarizes the emerging potential of kaempferol and quercetin in terms of antimicrobial activity, bioavailability and bioactivity in the human body as well as in the regulation of plant defence in response to stresses and as a signalling molecule in terms of hormonal modulation under stress conditions. We also evaluated the safe use of both metabolites in the pharmaceutical industry.
Effect of Plant Preservative MixtureTM on Endophytic Bacteria Eradication from In Vitro-Grown Apple Shoots
Authors: Romadanova Natalya V. , Tolegen Arman B. , Kushnarenko Svetlana V. , Zholdybayeva Elena V. , Bettoni Jean Carlos
Published: October 2022

Endophytic contaminants are a common problem for the in vitro propagation of woody plants and have significant economic repercussions for the conservation of plant genetic resources and commercial micropropagation. In this study, first, the microbial contamination that appeared around the base of in vitro-grown apple shoots was identified as Bacillus megaterium. Then, plant preservative mixture (PPMTM) was used as a bactericidal agent in plant tissue culture. Its efficacy for eradicating endophytic B. megaterium in in vitro cultures of apple was tested. In vitro-contaminated shoots were grown in tissue culture medium supplemented with 0.2% v/v PPMTM for 12 weeks and then transferred to medium without any PPMTM and cultured for 24 weeks. This study showed that PPMTM is an effective agent for controlling the growth of B. megaterium. Our results highlight the species-specific response of apple shoots to PPMTM. PPMTM was effective in controlling endogenous microbial contaminations from apple varieties ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Landsberger Renette’, ‘Suislepper’, and ‘Aport krovavo-krasnyi’; meanwhile, in ‘KG 7’ and ‘Gold Rush’, all the plants grown in the absence of PPMTM were still bacterially contaminated, even though they were pre-treated for 12 weeks in PPMTM-supplemented medium. These results therefore suggest the essentiality of further testing of extended incubation of PPMTM in these cultivars that had outbreaks of bacterial contamination.
Antrodia cinnamomea Suppress Dengue Virus Infection through Enhancing the Secretion of Interferon-Alpha
Authors: Chen Yi-Ju , Tsao Yu-Cian , Ho Tzu-Chuan , Puc Irwin , Chen Chia-Chang , Perng Guey-Chuen , Lien Hsiu-Man
Published: October 2022

Dengue caused by dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-borne disease. Dengue exhibits a wide range of symptoms, ranging from asymptomatic to flu-like illness, and a few symptomatic cases may develop into severe dengue, leading to death. However, there are no effective and safe therapeutics for DENV infections. We have previously reported that cytokine expression, especially inflammatory cytokines, was altered in patients with different severities of dengue. Antrodia cinnamomea (A. cinnamomea) is a precious and endemic medical mushroom in Taiwan. It contains unique chemical components and exhibits biological activities, including suppressing effects on inflammation and viral infection-related diseases. According to previous studies, megakaryocytes can support DENV infection, and the number of megakaryocytes is positively correlated with the viral load in the serum of acute dengue patients. In the study, we investigated the anti-DENV effects of two ethanolic extracts (ACEs 1–2) and three isolated compounds (ACEs 3–5) from A. cinnamomea on DENV infection in Meg-01 cells. Our results not only demonstrated that ACE-3 and ACE-4 significantly suppressed DENV infection, but also reduced interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 levels. Moreover, the level of the antiviral cytokine interferon (IFN)-α was also increased by ACE-3 and ACE-4 in Meg-01 cells after DENV infection. Here, we provide new insights into the potential use of A. cinnamomea extracts as therapeutic agents against DENV infection. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying these processes require further investigation.
Anti-Quorum-Sensing Potential of Ethanolic Extracts of Aromatic Plants from the Flora of Cyprus
Authors: Panayi Tolis , Sarigiannis Yiannis , Mourelatou Elena , Hapeshis Evroula , Papaneophytou Christos
Published: October 2022

Quorum sensing (QS) is a form of intra- and inter-species communication system employed by bacteria to regulate their collective behavior in a cell population-dependent manner. QS has been implicated in the virulence of several pathogenic bacteria. This work aimed to investigate the anti-QS potential of ethanolic extracts of eight aromatic plants of Cyprus, namely, Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis, Lavendula spp., Calendula officinalis, Melissa officinalis, Sideritis cypria, and Aloysia citriodora. We initially assessed the effects of the extracts on autoinducer 2 (AI-2) signaling activity, using Vibrio harveyi BB170 as a reported strain. We subsequently assessed the effect of the ethanolic extracts on QS-related processes, including biofilm formation and the swarming and swimming motilities of Escherichia coli MG1655. Of the tested ethanolic extracts, those of Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Salvia officinalis were the most potent AI-2 signaling inhibitors, while the extracts from the other plants exhibited low to moderate inhibitory activity. These three ethanolic extracts also inhibited the biofilm formation (>60%) of E. coli MG1655, as well as its swimming and swarming motilities, in a concentration-dependent manner. These extracts may be considered true anti-QS inhibitors because they disrupt QS-related activities of E. coli MG1655 without affecting bacterial growth. The results suggest that plants from the unexplored flora of Cyprus could serve as a source for identifying novel anti-QS inhibitors to treat infectious diseases caused by pathogens that are resistant to antibiotics.
The Effects of Phyllosphere Bacteria on Plant Physiology and Growth of Soybean Infected with Pseudomonas syringae
Authors: Agbavor Charles , Mirza Babur S. , Wait Alexander
Published: October 2022

Phyllosphere bacteria are an important determinant of plant growth and resistance to pathogens. However, the efficacy of phyllosphere bacteria in regulating infection of Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea (Psg) and its influence on soybean growth and physiology is unknown. In a greenhouse study, we assessed the influence of a phyllosphere bacterial consortium (BC) of 13 species isolated from field-grown soybean leaves on uninfected and deliberately Psg infected soybean plants. We measured Psg density on infected leaves with and without the application of the BC. The BC application resulted in a significant reduction in Psg cells. We also measured plant biomass, nodule mass and number, gas exchange, and leaf chlorophyll and nitrogen in four treatment groups: control plants, plants with a BC and no infection (BC), plants with BC and infected with Psg (BC + Psg), and plants infected with Psg alone. For all variables, plants infected with Psg alone showed significant reduction in measured variables compared to both BC treatments. Therefore, the bacterial consortium was effective in controlling the negative effects of Psg on growth and physiology. The BC treatment sometimes resulted in increases in measured variables such as plant biomass, nodule numbers, and leaf chlorophyll as compared to control and BC + Psg treatments. Overall, the positive influence of BC treatment on plant growth and physiology highlights its potential applications to increase crop yield and control bacterial pathogens.
Mapping of Two Major QTLs Controlling Flowering Time in Brassica napus Using a High-Density Genetic Map
Authors: Chen Lei , Lei Weixia , He Wangfei , Wang Yifan , Tian Jie , Gong Jihui , Hao Bing , Cheng Xinxin , Shu Yingjie , Fan Zhixiong
Published: October 2022

Research on the flowering habit of rapeseed is important for the selection of varieties adapted to specific ecological environments. Here, quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the days-to-flowering trait were identified using a doubled haploid population of 178 lines derived from a cross between the winter type SGDH284 and the semi-winter type 158A. A linkage map encompassing 3268.01 cM was constructed using 2777 bin markers obtained from next-generation sequencing. The preliminary mapping results revealed 56 QTLs for the days to flowering in the six replicates in the three environments. Twelve consensus QTLs were identified by a QTL meta-analysis, two of which (cqDTF-C02 and cqDTF-C06) were designated as major QTLs. Based on the micro-collinearity of the target regions between B. napus and Arabidopsis, four genes possibly related to flowering time were identified in the cqDTF-C02 interval, and only one gene possibly related to flowering time was identified in the cqDTF-C06 interval. A tightly linked insertion–deletion marker for the cqFT-C02 locus was developed. These findings will aid the breeding of early maturing B. napus varieties.
Anacardium occidentale Bark as an Antidiabetic Agent
Authors: Encarnação Sofia , De Mello-Sampayo Cristina , Carrapiço Belmira , São Braz Berta , Jordão Ana , Peleteiro Conceição , Catarino Luís , Silva Isabel , Gouveia Luís , Lima Beatriz , Silva Olga
Published: October 2022

Anacardium occidentale L. is used throughout the world to treat type 2 diabetes. In Portugal, a traditional herbal preparation made with stem bark of this species (AoBTHP) has been used for more than 30 years to treat this pathology. The AoBTHP was standardized on total phenolic content, and its hypoglycemic activity was assessed using db/db mice (n = 26) for 92 days. Three doses (40.2, 71.5, and 127.0 mg/kg/day, per os) were tested, and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg/day) was used as positive control. During the study, glycemia was measured under non-fasting or fasting states. In sequence, thin-layer chromatography bioautographic assays were used for the detection of possible alpha- and beta-glucosidase inhibitors. A significant hypoglycemic effect in fasting glycemia in days 31 and 57 was observed with the three tested doses. The 71.5 mg/kg and 127.0 mg/kg AoBTHPs significantly reduced non-fasting glycemia on day 24. The highest dose showed the most significant hypoglycemic effect. Gallic acid was identified as the major alpha- and beta-glucosidase inhibitor. The 127 mg/kg/day AoBTHP dose showed a greater glucose-lowering effect than glibenclamide. For the first time, a standardized AoBTHP was tested using an in vivo diabetes model, and its usage was preclinically validated for type 2 diabetes treatment. The hypoglycemic activity of an AoBTHP can be related to the presence of alpha- and beta-glucosidase inhibitors, such as gallic acid, but other mechanisms can also be involved.
The S-Gene YUC6 Pleiotropically Determines Male Mating Type and Pollen Size in Heterostylous Turnera (Passifloraceae): A Novel Neofunctionalization of the YUCCA Gene Family
Authors: Henning Paige M. , Shore Joel S. , McCubbin Andrew G.
Published: October 2022

In heterostylous, self-incompatible Turnera species, a member of the YUCCA gene family, YUC6, resides at the S-locus and has been hypothesized to determine the male mating type. YUCCA gene family members synthesize the auxin, indole-3-acetic acid, via a two-step process involving the TAA gene family. Consequently, it has been speculated that differences in auxin concentration in developing anthers are the biochemical basis underlying the male mating type. Here, we provide empirical evidence that supports this hypothesis. Using a transgenic knockdown approach, we show that YUC6 acts pleiotropically to control both the male physiological mating type and pollen size, but not the filament length dimorphism associated with heterostyly in Turnera. Using qPCR to assess YUC6 expression in different transgenic lines, we demonstrate that the level of YUC6 knockdown correlates with the degree of change observed in the male mating type. Further assessment of YUC6 expression through anther development, in the knockdown lines, suggests that the male mating type is irreversibly determined during a specific developmental window prior to microsporogenesis, which is consistent with the genetically sporophytic nature of this self-incompatibility system. These results represent the first gene controlling male mating type to be characterized in any species with heterostyly.
Varying Responses of Vegetation Greenness to the Diurnal Warming across the Global
Authors: Zhao Jie , Xiang Kunlun , Wu Zhitao , Du Ziqiang
Published: October 2022

The distribution of global warming has been varying both diurnally and seasonally. Little is known about the spatiotemporal variations in the relationships between vegetation greenness and day- and night-time warming during the last decades. We investigated the global inter- and intra-annual responses of vegetation greenness to the diurnal asymmetric warming during the period of 1982–2015, using the normalized different vegetation index (NDVI, a robust proxy for vegetation greenness) obtained from the NOAA/AVHRR NDVI GIMMS3g dataset and the monthly average daily maximum (Tmax) and minimum temperature (Tmin) obtained from the gridded Climate Research Unit, University of East Anglia. Several findings were obtained: (1) The strength of the relationship between vegetation greenness and the diurnal temperature varied on inter-annual and seasonal timescales, indicating generally weakening warming effects on the vegetation activity across the global. (2) The decline in vegetation response to Tmax occurred mainly in the mid-latitudes of the world and in the high latitudes of the northern hemisphere, whereas the decline in the vegetation response to Tmin primarily concentrated in low latitudes. The percentage of areas with a significantly negative trend in the partial correlation coefficient between vegetation greenness and diurnal temperature was greater than that of the areas showing the significant positive trend. (3) The trends in the correlation between vegetation greenness and diurnal warming showed a complex spatial pattern: the majority of the study areas had undergone a significant declining strength in the vegetation greenness response to Tmax in all seasons and to Tmin in seasons except autumn. These findings are expected to have important implications for studying the diurnal asymmetry warming and its effect on the terrestrial ecosystem.
Plant Diversity of Mts. Oligirtos and Farmakas (NE Peloponnisos, Greece) with Emphasis on Their Endemic Flora
Authors: Zikos Andreas , Constantinidis Theophanis
Published: October 2022

Greece is known to be a biodiversity hotspot. Though the plant diversity of Peloponnisos, the southernmost part of the Greek mainland, has been well-studied during the past 200 years, there are still gaps in our knowledge. To this end, the flora of the neighboring mountains Oligirtos and Farmakas was investigated, with a total of 740 and 762 taxa (species and subspecies) recorded, respectively, of which 635 and 756 for the first time. Ten species or subspecies were previously not known from Peloponnisos. Endemics correspond to 10.2% and 8.9% of the total flora and are predominately hemicryptophytes and entomogamous. Almost half of them produce capsules. The number of endemics per 2 × 2 km grid cell reveals that their highest number is found in areas of high elevation, and corresponds to habitats above the tree line, or to the limestone cliffs vegetation. No less than 62 endemic plant taxa of Mt. Oligirtos and 58 of Mt. Farmakas are threatened. A comparison of Mts. Oligirtos and Farmakas with five neighboring mountains shows that elevation correlates positively with the number of regional or bi-regional endemics but not with local or narrow endemics. The importance of mountainous regions for plant conservation is stressed.
Plant Development and Crop Yield: The Role of Gibberellins
Authors: Castro-Camba Ricardo , Sánchez Conchi , Vidal Nieves , Vielba Jesús Mª
Published: October 2022

Gibberellins have been classically related to a few key developmental processes, thus being essential for the accurate unfolding of plant genetic programs. After more than a century of research, over one hundred different gibberellins have been described. There is a continuously increasing interest in gibberellins research because of their relevant role in the so-called "Green Revolution", as well as their current and possible applications in crop improvement. The functions attributed to gibberellins have been traditionally restricted to the regulation of plant stature, seed germination, and flowering. Nonetheless, research in the last years has shown that these functions extend to many other relevant processes. In this review, the current knowledge on gibberellins homeostasis and mode of action is briefly outlined, while specific attention is focused on the many different responses in which gibberellins take part. Thus, those genes and proteins identified as being involved in the regulation of gibberellin responses in model and non-model species are highlighted. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the state-of-the-art perception of gibberellins molecular biology and its effects on plant development. This picture might be helpful to enhance our current understanding of gibberellins biology and provide the know-how for the development of more accurate research and breeding programs.
Mineral Nutrition of Naturally Growing Scots Pine and Norway Spruce under Limited Water Supply
Authors: Ivanov Yury V. , Zlobin Ilya E. , Kartashov Alexander V. , Ivanova Alexandra I. , Ivanov Valery P. , Marchenko Sergey I. , Nartov Dmitry I. , Kuznetsov Vladimir V.
Published: October 2022

The deterioration of plant mineral nutrition during drought is a significant factor in the negative influence of drought on plant performance. We aimed to study the effects of seasonal and multiyear water shortages on nutrient supply and demand in Scots pine and Norway spruce. We studied pine and spruce trees naturally grown in the Bryansk region (Russia). The dynamics of several nutrients (K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Ca) in wood, needles, and bark of current-year twigs and the dynamics of the available pools of these elements at different soil depths were analysed. To assess the physiological consequences of changes in element concentrations, lipid peroxidation products and photosynthetic pigments were measured in the needles. Water shortage increased the wood concentrations of all elements except for Mn. In pine, this increase was mainly due to seasonal water deficit, whereas in spruce, multiyear differences in water supply were more important. This increased availability of nutrients was not observed in soil-based analyses. In needles, quite similar patterns of changes were found between species, with Mg increasing almost twofold and Fe and Mn decreasing under water shortage, whereas the remainder of the elements did not change much under differing water supplies. Neither the concentrations of photosynthetic pigments nor the contents of lipid peroxidation products correlated with element dynamics in needles. In summary, water shortage increased the availability of all elements except Mn for the plant; however, needle element contents were regulated independently of element availability for plants.
Research of Water Molecules Cluster Structuring during Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. Hydration
Authors: Ignatov Ignat , Huether Fabio , Neshev Nikolai , Kiselova-Kaneva Yoana , Popova Teodora P. , Bankova Ralitsa , Valcheva Nedyalka , Ignatov Alexander I. , Angelcheva Mariana , Angushev Ivan , Baiti Sadek
Published: October 2022

Gesneriaceae plant family is comprised of resurrection species, namely Boea hygrometrica and Paraboea rufescens, that are native to the Southeast Asia and Haberlea rhodopensis, Ramonda myconi, and Ramonda serbica, which are mainly found in the Balkan Peninsula. Haberlea rhodopensis is known to be able to survive extreme and prolonged dehydration. Study was carried out after the dried plant Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. had been hydrated and had reached its fresh state. Two juice samples were collected from the plant blossom: The first sample was prepared with 1% filtered water through a patented EVOdrop device. Then the sample was saturated with hydrogen with EVOdrop booster to a concentration of 1.2 ppm, pH = 7.3, ORP = −390 mV. This first sample was prepared with filtered tap water from Sofia, Bulgaria. The second sample, which was a control one, was developed with tap water from Sofia, Bulgaria, consisting of 1% solutions of Haberlea rhodopensis. A study revealed that during the drying process in H. rhodopensis the number of free water molecules decreases, and water dimers are formed. The aim of our study was to determine the number of water molecules in clusters in 1% solutions of hydrated H. rhodopensis plants. Results were analyzed according to the two types of water used in the experiment. Th EVOdrop device is equipped with an ultranano membrane and rotating jet nozzle to create a vortex water and saturation thanks to a second device EVObooster to obtain hydrogen-rich water. In the current study Hydrogen-rich water is referred to as Hydrogen EVOdrop Water (HEW). Research was conducted using the following methods—spectral methods non-equilibrium energy spectrum (NES) and differential non-equilibrium energy spectrum (DNES), mathematical models, and study of the distribution of water molecules in water clusters. In a licensed Eurotest Laboratory, the research of tap water before and after flowing through the EVOdrop device was proven. Studies have been carried out on the structuring of water molecule clusters after change of hydrogen bond energies. The restructuring comes with rearrangement of water molecules by the energy levels of hydrogen bonds. Local extrema can be observed in the spectrum with largest amount of water molecules. The structural changes were tested using the NES and DNES spectral methods. The conducted research proved that the application of EVOdrop device and EVObooster changes the parameters of water to benefit hydration and health.
Antifeeding and Oviposition Deterrent Effect of Ludwigia spp. (Onagraceae) against Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)
Authors: Ferreira Eliana Aparecida , Faca Eduardo Carvalho , de Souza Silvana Aparecida , Fioratti Claudemir Antonio Garcia , Mauad Juliana Rosa Carrijo , Cardoso Claudia Andrea Lima , Mauad Munir , Mussury Rosilda Mara
Published: October 2022

Plants produce a wide variety of bioactive compounds with insecticidal properties, such as secondary metabolites capable of interfering with the nutrition and reproduction of pest species such as Plutella xylostella. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Ludwigia spp. (Onagraceae) on the feeding and oviposition of P. xylostella. Choice bioassays were performed using aqueous and ethanolic extracts. The aqueous extract of L. tomentosa resulted in an approximately 81% reduction in larval feeding compared to that in the control, with an antifeedant index (AI) of 52%. The aqueous and ethanolic extract of L. nervosa acted by stimulating larval feeding. The oviposition was significantly reduced in the kale leaves treated with aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Ludwigia spp. The aqueous extracts promoted an average 90% reduction in oviposition when compared to that in the control, and an oviposition deterrent index (ODI) above 61% was classified as an oviposition deterrent. In addition, ethanolic extracts affected 81% of oviposition, with an ODI above 41%. Bioassays should be performed to clarify the use of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of L. nervosa as they acted as phagostimulants in the feeding tests and as deterrents in the oviposition tests. The phenolic compounds—flavonoids, condensed tannins, and alkaloids—were more abundant in L. nervosa, L. tomentosa, L. sericea, and L. longifolia. The extracts of L. longifolia and L. tomentosa showed the best results, interfering with the host choice for feeding and oviposition in P. xylostella and representing an alternative for the control of diamondback moths.
A Fully Implicit Log-Conformation Tensor Coupled Algorithm for the Solution of Incompressible Non-Isothermal Viscoelastic Flows
Authors: Fernandes Célio
Published: October 2022

In this work, a block-coupled algorithm is presented, which can compute laminar, incompressible, non-isothermal, viscoelastic flow problems based on the log-conformation tensor approach. The inter-equation coupling of the incompressible Cauchy linear momentum and mass conservation equations is obtained in a procedure based on the Rhie–Chow interpolation. The divergence of the log-conformation tensor term in the linear momentum equations is implicitly discretized in this work. In addition, the velocity field is considered implicitly in the log-conformation tensor constitutive equations by expanding the advection, rotation and the rate of deformation terms with a Taylor series expansion truncated at the second-order error term. Finally, the advection and diffusion terms in the energy equation are also implicitly discretized. The mass, linear momentum, log-conformation tensor constitutive model and energy-discretized linear equations are joined into a block-matrix following a monolithic framework. Validation of the newly developed algorithm is performed for the non-isothermal viscoelastic matrix-based Oldroyd-B fluid flow in the axisymmetric 4:1 planar sudden contraction benchmark problem.
Road Performance Investigation on Fiber-Reinforced Recycled Cement Base Material
Authors: Ji Yongcheng , Ji Wenhao , Zhang Ziyi , Wang Rui
Published: October 2022

The characteristics of the materials used in early buildings in China have led to a large proportion of discarded red bricks among the construction waste generated by demolishing abandoned buildings. The application of red brick aggregate with a particle size ≤5 mm and red brick powder with particle size 0.125~0.75 mm (referred to as recycled brick powder) was studied in this study after the crushing of waste red brick in road structures. The research results will provide a theoretical basis for the whole-grain recycling of waste red brick aggregate. The aggregate of red brick with a particle size smaller than 2 mm was mixed with different amounts of cement soil and fiber to prepare a cement-stable binder for the sub-base material. The recycled brick powder of 0.125~0.75 mm was used to replace the quartz sand with different substitution rates. As pavement materials, different amounts of fiber were used to prepare fiber-reinforced recycled-brick-powder cementitious composites. The optimal mixing ratio of the two materials was evaluated from the mechanical properties. The results showed that the optimal mixing ratio of the cement-stable binder was as follows: waste-red-brick-aggregate content was 50%, cement content was 4%, and fiber content was 0.2%. The optimum ratio of fiber-reinforced recycled-brick-powder cementitious composites was determined to be as follows: the replacement rate of recycled brick powder is 25%, and the content of PVA fiber is 1%. The regression analysis was used to fit the equations between the fiber content and the 7d unconfined compressive strength and the tensile strength of the cement-stabilized binder for different red-brick-aggregate admixtures at 4% cement content. A scanning electron microscope was used to observe the failure modes of the fiber. The influence of failure modes, such as pulling out, fracture, and plastic deformation, on the mechanical properties was expounded.
Influence of CAD/CAM Milling and 3D-Printing Fabrication Methods on the Mechanical Properties of 3-Unit Interim Fixed Dental Prosthesis after Thermo-Mechanical Aging Process
Authors: Ellakany Passent , Fouda Shaimaa M. , Mahrous Amr A. , AlGhamdi Maram A. , Aly Nourhan M.
Published: October 2022

This study assessed the influence of CAD/CAM milling and 3D-printing fabrication methods on mechanical properties of 3-unit interim fixed dental prosthesis (IFDPs) after thermo-mechanical aging. Forty 3-unit IFDPs were fabricated on a mandibular right second premolar and second molar of a typodont cast. Samples were fabricated from the following materials; auto-polymerized polymethyl methacrylate (conventional resin), CAD/CAM PMMA (milled resin) and two different CAD/CAM 3D-printed composite resins; digital light processing Asiga (DLP AS) and stereolithography NextDent (SLA ND). Mechanical properties were compared between the studied materials using Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by multiple pairwise comparisons using Bonferroni adjusted significance. There was a significant difference in flexural strength and microhardness between the studied materials (p < 0.001), with the highest mean ± SD reported in the milled IFDPs (174.42 ± 3.39, 27.13 ± 0.52), and the lowest in the conventional IFDPs (98.02 ± 6.1, 15.77 ± 0.32). Flexural strengths differed significantly between the conventional IFDPs and all materials except DLP AS. The highest elastic modulus was recorded in the milled group, and the lowest in the SLA ND group (p = 0.02). In conclusion, superior flexural strength, elastic modulus, and hardness were reported for milled IFDPs. SLA ND printed IFDPs showed comparable mechanical properties to milled ones except for the elastic modulus.
Segregated Structure Copolymer of Vinylidene Fluoride and Tetrafluoroethylene Composites Filled with rGO, SWCNTs and Their Mixtures
Authors: Shiyanova Kseniya , Gudkov Maksim , Torkunov Mikhail , Ryvkina Natalia , Chmutin Igor , Goncharuk Galina , Gulin Alexander , Bazhenov Sergey , Melnikov Valery
Published: October 2022

This work is devoted to the formation and study of polymer composites with a segregated structure filled with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and their mixtures. For the first time, polymer composites with a segregated structure filled with rGO/SWCNTs mixtures were obtained. A copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and tetrafluoroethylene (P(VDF-TFE)) was used as a polymer matrix. At a fixed value of the total mass fraction of carbon nanofillers (0.5, 1, and 1.5 wt%), the rGO/SWCNTs ratio was varied. The composites were examined using scanning electron microscopy, wide-range dielectric spectroscopy, and tested for the compression. The effect of the rGO/SWCNTs ratio on the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of the composites was evaluated. It was shown that, with a decrease in the rGO/SWCNTs ratio, the electrical conductivity increased and reached the maximum at the 1 wt% filling, regardless of the samples’ composition. The maximum value of electrical conductivity from the entire data set was 12.2 S/m. The maximum of elastic modulus was 378.7 ± 3.5 MPa for the sample with 1 wt% SWCNTs, which is 14% higher than the P(VDF-TFE) elastic modulus. The composite filled with a mixture of 0.5 wt% rGO and 0.5 wt% SWCNTs reflected 70% of the electromagnetic wave energy from the front boundary, which is 14% and 50% more than for composites with 1 wt% SWCNTs and with 1 wt% rGO, respectively. The lowest transmission coefficient of ultra-high frequencies waves was obtained for a composite sample with a mixture of 0.5 wt% rGO and 0.5 wt% SWCNTs and amounted to less than 1% for a 2 mm thickness sample.
Characterization and Bioactivity of Polysaccharides Separated through a (Sequential) Biorefinery Process from Fucus spiralis Brown Macroalgae
Authors: Filote Cătălina , Lanez Elhafnaoui , Popa Valentin I. , Lanez Touhami , Volf Irina
Published: October 2022

Marine macroalgae biomass is a valuable renewable resource that can be used for the development of bioeconomy through the valorisation of valuable compounds. The aim of the current study is separate macroalgal polysaccharides with bioactive properties from brown macroalgae Fucus spiralis based on a designed biocascading biorefinery approach. Thus, we applied an integrated processing method for the separation of fucoidan and alginate, in addition to characterization through IR spectroscopy and 1H NMR. The bioactivity potential (antioxidant activity using superoxide anion and DPPH radical scavenging analysis) of the two polysaccharides was evaluated, together with DNA binding studies performed though voltametric techniques and electronic spectroscopy titration. In terms of results, functional groups S=O (1226 cm−1), N=S=O (1136 cm−1) and C-O-SO3 (1024 cm−1), which are characteristic of fucoidan, were identified in the first polysaccharidic extract, whereas guluronic units (G) (1017 cm−1) and mannuronic units (M) (872 and 812 cm−1) confirmed the separation of alginate. The DNA binding studies of the isolated polysaccharides revealed an electrostatic and an intercalation interaction of DNA with fucoidan and alginate, respectively. Both antioxidant activity assays revealed improved antioxidant activity for both fucoidan and alginate compared to the standard α-tocopherol.
Modeling and Simulation of Mechanical Performance in Textile Structural Concrete Composites Reinforced with Basalt Fibers
Authors: Mishra Rajesh Kumar , Behera Bijoya Kumar , Chandan Vijay , Nazari Shabnam , Muller Miroslav
Published: October 2022

This investigation deals with the prediction of mechanical behavior in basalt-fiber-reinforced concrete using the finite element method (FEM). The use of fibers as reinforcement in concrete is a relatively new concept which results in several advantages over steel-reinforced concrete with respect to mechanical performance. Glass and polypropylene (PP) fibers have been extensively used for reinforcing concrete for decades, but basalt fibers have gained popularity in recent years due to their superior mechanical properties and compatibility with concrete. In this study, the mechanical properties of basalt-fiber-reinforced concrete are predicted using FEM analysis, and the model results are validated by conducting experiments. The effect of fiber-volume fraction on the selected mechanical performance of concrete is evaluated in detail. Significant improvement is observed when the loading is increased. There are superior mechanical properties, e.g., load bearing and strain energy in basalt-fiber-reinforced concrete as compared to conventional concrete slabs reinforced with gravel or stones. The results of the simulations are correlated with experimental samples and show a very high similarity. Basalt-fiber-reinforced concrete (BFRC) offers a lightweight construction material as compared to steel-fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC). Further, the problem of corrosion is overcome by using this novel fiber material in concrete composites.
On-Chip Control over Polyelectrolyte–Surfactant Complexation in Nonequilibrium Microfluidic Confinement
Authors: Bezrukov Artem , Galyametdinov Yury
Published: October 2022

The goal of this work is to classify and quantify the factors that govern polyelectrolyte–surfactant complexation in microfluidic confinement and optimize the designs and operating modes of microfluidic reactors to offer additional advantages over the macroscopic synthesis of such complexes. We analyze and solve a system of governing convection–diffusion–reaction equations to conveniently represent these factors or their combinations as dimensionless similarity criteria. We discuss how these factors contribute to the on-chip control of the reaction initiation, the complex product distribution in a microfluidic device, and the phase behavior of the confined reacting flows and experimentally verify the results in microchips. This approach allows for designing microfluidic devices and setting their operating modes to avoid undesirable clogging by reaction products, control the initiation of the complexation reaction, and produce polyelectrolyte–surfactant aggregates with a broader size range and reduced dispersity.
Mechanism of Multi-Stage Degradation in Hot Bitumen of Micronized Powder Elastomeric Modifiers from Worn-Out Tire’s Rubber
Authors: Nikol’skii Vadim , Dudareva Tatiana , Krasotkina Irina , Gordeeva Irina , Gorbatova Viktoriya , Vetcher Alexandre A. , Botin Alexander
Published: October 2022

For the first time, by atomic force microscopy (AFM) methods, micro- and nanofragments of micronized powder elastomeric modifier (PEM) formed at the short-term (3 min at 160 °C) interaction of PEM with hot bitumen have been demonstrated. It is the technology of high-temperature shear-induced grinding of a worn-out tire’s crumb rubber or its co-grinding with styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) block copolymer which provides the creation of the PEM structure inclined to rapid degradation in hot bitumen. The formation just after the preparation process of a new structure of a modified binder, more resistant to external effects, is supported by the data of rheological tests. Performance tests for a modified binder using Superpave standard adopted by the road industry for bituminous binders showed an extended temperature range, resistance to rutting, and low-temperature and fatigue cracking. The better resistance to low-temperature and fatigue cracking is certainly related to energy absorption and crack growth stopping in the presence of micron and submicron resilient PEM fragments in accordance with the mechanism of increasing impact toughness in plastics.
Comparison of the Properties of a Random Copolymer and a Molten Blend PA6/PA6.9
Authors: Bertolla Maddalena , Cecchetto Michele , Comotto Mattia , Dal Moro Anacleto
Published: October 2022

This study compares the thermal and mechanical properties of two different materials, obtained via two diverse synthetic pathways. The first one is a mixed blend of PA6/PA6.9, while the second is a random copolymer (PA6.9-ran–PA6, obtained via copolymerization of its monomers, i.e., caprolactam, hexamethylenediamine and azelaic acid). Several tests are carried out according to the aforementioned pathways, varying the relative ratio between the two polymeric building blocks. The role of the synthetized plastic is to be coupled to polyamide material, such as PA6, to confer its better properties. The synthetized random copolymer, besides displaying ease of processability with respect to conventional methods, exhibits interesting features. It has a low melting point (135 °C, PA6.9-ran-PA6 50:50) and therefore it might be used as a hot-melt adhesive in composite material. Owing to its low crystallinity content, the material displays a rubber-like behavior and may be employed to confer elastomeric properties to PA6 matrix, in place of non-amidic material (for example elastomeric polyurethanes). This leads to a further advantage in terms of chemical recyclability of the end-of-life material, since the additive increases the percentage of PA6 in waste material and, consequently, the yield of caprolactam recovery.
3D-Printed PLA Medical Devices: Physicochemical Changes and Biological Response after Sterilisation Treatments
Authors: Pérez-Davila Sara , González-Rodríguez Laura , Lama Raquel , López-Álvarez Miriam , Oliveira Ana Leite , Serra Julia , Novoa Beatriz , Figueras Antonio , González Pío
Published: October 2022

Polylactic acid (PLA) has become one of the most commonly used polymers in medical devices given its biocompatible, biodegradable and bioabsorbable properties. In addition, due to PLA’s thermoplastic behaviour, these medical devices are now obtained using 3D printing technologies. Once obtained, the 3D-printed PLA devices undergo different sterilisation procedures, which are essential to prevent infections. This work was an in-depth study of the physicochemical changes caused by novel and conventional sterilisation techniques on 3D-printed PLA and their impact on the biological response in terms of toxicity. The 3D-printed PLA physicochemical (XPS, FTIR, DSC, XRD) and mechanical properties as well as the hydrophilic degree were evaluated after sterilisation using saturated steam (SS), low temperature steam with formaldehyde (LTSF), gamma irradiation (GR), hydrogen peroxide gas plasma (HPGP) and CO2 under critical conditions (SCCO). The biological response was tested in vitro (fibroblasts NCTC-929) and in vivo (embryos and larvae wild-type zebrafish Danio rerio). The results indicated that after GR sterilisation, PLA preserved the O:C ratio and the semi-crystalline structure. Significant changes in the polymer surface were found after HPGP, LTSF and SS sterilisations, with a decrease in the O:C ratio. Moreover, the FTIR, DSC and XRD analysis revealed PLA crystallisation after SS sterilisation, with a 52.9% increase in the crystallinity index. This structural change was also reflected in the mechanical properties and wettability. An increase in crystallinity was also observed after SCCO and LTSF sterilisations, although to a lesser extent. Despite these changes, the biological evaluation revealed that none of the techniques were shown to promote the release of toxic compounds or PLA modifications with toxicity effects. GR sterilisation was concluded as the least reactive technique with good perspectives in the biological response, not only at the level of toxicity but at all levels, since the 3D-printed PLA remained almost unaltered.