bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sheltered in Stromal Tissue Cells, Trypanosoma cruzi Orchestrates Inflammatory Neovascularization via Activation of the Mast Cell Chymase Pathway
Authors: Vellasco Lucas , Svensjö Erik , Bulant Carlos Alberto , Blanco Pablo Javier , Nogueira Fábio , Domont Gilberto , de Almeida Natália Pinto , Nascimento Clarissa Rodrigues , Silva-dos-Santos Danielle , Carvalho-Pinto Carla Eponina , Medei Emiliano Horácio , Almeida Igor C. , Scharfstein Julio
Published: January 2022

Microangiopathy may worsen the clinical outcome of Chagas disease. Given the obstacles to investigating the dynamics of inflammation and angiogenesis in heart tissues parasitized by Trypanosoma cruzi, here we used intravital microscopy (IVM) to investigate microcirculatory alterations in the hamster cheek pouch (HCP) infected by green fluorescent protein-expressing T. cruzi (GFP-T. cruzi). IVM performed 3 days post-infection (3 dpi) consistently showed increased baseline levels of plasma extravasation. Illustrating the reciprocal benefits that microvascular leakage brings to the host-parasite relationship, these findings suggest that intracellular amastigotes, acting from inside out, stimulate angiogenesis while enhancing the delivery of plasma-borne nutrients and prosurvival factors to the infection foci. Using a computer-based analysis of images (3 dpi), we found that proangiogenic indexes were positively correlated with transcriptional levels of proinflammatory cytokines (pro-IL1β and IFN-γ). Intracellular GFP-parasites were targeted by delaying for 24 h the oral administration of the trypanocidal drug benznidazole. A classification algorithm showed that benznidazole (>24 h) blunted angiogenesis (7 dpi) in the HCP. Unbiased proteomics (3 dpi) combined to pharmacological targeting of chymase with two inhibitors (chymostatin and TY-51469) linked T. cruzi-induced neovascularization (7 dpi) to the proangiogenic activity of chymase, a serine protease stored in secretory granules from mast cells.
Potential Therapeutic Effects of Citrus hystrix DC and Its Bioactive Compounds on Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Siti Hawa Nordin , Mohamed Suhaila , Kamisah Yusof
Published: January 2022

Metabolic disorders like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity are major medical problems globally. The incidence of these disorders has increased tremendously in recent years. Studies have demonstrated that plants with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have beneficial effects on these disorders. One of these plants is Citrus hystrix DC, commonly known as kaffir lime. This review aims to present updates on the progress of research regarding the use of C. hystrix in metabolic disorders. Phytochemical compounds, including β-pinene, sabinene, citronellal, and citronellol, have been detected in the plant; and its extract exhibited potential antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and anti-obesity activity, as well as prevention of development of hypertension. These beneficial properties may be attributable to the presence of bioactive compounds which have therapeutic potential in treating these metabolic disorders. The compounds have the potential to be developed as candidate drugs. This review will assist in validating the regulatory role of the extract and its bioactive compounds on metabolic disorders, thus expediting future research in the area.
In-Silico Screening of Novel Synthesized Thienopyrimidines Targeting Fms Related Receptor Tyrosine Kinase-3 and Their In-Vitro Biological Evaluation
Authors: Elmongy Elshaymaa I. , Altwaijry Najla , Attallah Nashwah G. M. , AlKahtani Manal Mubarak , Henidi Hanan Ali
Published: January 2022

The present investigation describes the design strategy and synthesis of novel thienopyrimidine compounds in addition to their anticancer activity targeting tyrosine kinase FLT3 enzyme. The synthesized compounds were subjected to a cytotoxic study where compounds 9a and 9b showed the most potent cytotoxicity against HT-29, HepG-2, and MCF-7 cell lines reflected by their IC50 values for 9a (1.21 ± 0.34, 6.62 ± 0.7 and 7.2 ± 1.9 μM), for 9b (0.85 ± 0.16, 9.11 ± 0.3 and 16.26 ± 2.3 μM) and better than that of reference standard which recorded (1.4 ± 1.16, 13.915 ± 2.2, and 8.43 ± 0.5 μM), respectively. Compounds’ selectivity to malignant cells was determined using selectivity assay, interestingly, all the tested compounds demonstrated an excellent selectivity index (SI) range from 20.2 to 99.7. Target in-silico prediction revealed the FLT3 kinase enzyme was the kinase enzyme of highest probability. Molecular docking studies were performed on the prepared compounds which showed promising binding affinity for FLT3 kinase enzyme and the main interactions between the synthesized ligands and kinase active site were similar to those between the co-crystallized ligand and the receptor. Further biological exploration was performed using in-vitro FLT3 kinase enzyme inhibition assay. The results showed that the 2-morpholinoacetamido derivative 10a exhibited highest FLT3 inhibitory activity among the tested compounds followed by compound 9a then 12. Pharmacokinetic assessment disclosed that all the investigated compounds were considered as “drug-like” molecules with promising bioavailability.
Mathematical Modeling of Targeted Drug Delivery Using Magnetic Nanoparticles during Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
Authors: Rezaeian Mohsen , Soltani M. , Naseri Karimvand Ahmad , Raahemifar Kaamran
Published: January 2022

Intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy has emerged as a promising method for the treatment of peritoneal malignancies (PMs). However, microenvironmental barriers in the tumor limit the delivery of drug particles and their deep penetration into the tumor, leading to reduced efficiency of treatment. Therefore, new drug delivery systems should be developed to overcome these microenvironmental barriers. One promising technique is magnetically controlled drug targeting (MCDT) in which an external magnetic field is utilized to concentrate drug-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to the desired area. In this work, a mathematical model is developed to investigate the efficacy of MCDT in IP chemotherapy. In this model, considering the mechanism of drug binding and internalization into cancer cells, the efficacy of drug delivery using MNPs is evaluated and compared with conventional IP chemotherapy. The results indicate that over 60 min of treatment with MNPs, drug penetration depth increased more than 13 times compared to conventional IPC. Moreover, the drug penetration area (DPA) increased more than 1.4 times compared to the conventional IP injection. The fraction of killed cells in the tumor in magnetic drug delivery was 6.5%, which shows an increase of more than 2.5 times compared to that of the conventional method (2.54%). Furthermore, the effects of magnetic strength, the distance of the magnet to the tumor, and the magnetic nanoparticles’ size were evaluated. The results show that MDT can be used as an effective technique to increase the efficiency of IP chemotherapy.
Oxidation of Drugs during Drug Product Development: Problems and Solutions
Authors: Gabrič Alen , Hodnik Žiga , Pajk Stane
Published: January 2022

Oxidation is the second most common degradation pathway for pharmaceuticals, after hydrolysis. However, in contrast to hydrolysis, oxidation is mechanistically more complex and produces a wider range of degradation products; oxidation is thus harder to control. The propensity of a drug towards oxidation is established during forced degradation studies. However, a more realistic insight into degradation in the solid state can be achieved with accelerated studies of mixtures of drugs and excipients, as the excipients are the most common sources of impurities that have the potential to initiate oxidation of a solid drug product. Based on the results of these studies, critical parameters can be identified and appropriate measures can be taken to avoid the problems that oxidation poses to the quality of a drug product. This article reviews the most common types of oxidation mechanisms, possible sources of reactive oxygen species, and how to minimize the oxidation of a solid drug product based on a well-planned accelerated study.
Amphiphilic Anionic Oligomer-Stabilized Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles with Prospects in siRNA Delivery via Convection-Enhanced Delivery
Authors: Mitrach Franziska , Schmid Maximilian , Toussaint Magali , Dukic-Stefanovic Sladjana , Deuther-Conrad Winnie , Franke Heike , Ewe Alexander , Aigner Achim , Wölk Christian , Brust Peter , Hacker Michael C. , Schulz-Siegmund Michaela
Published: January 2022

Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) has been introduced as a concept in cancer treatment to generate high local concentrations of anticancer therapeutics and overcome the limited diffusional distribution, e.g., in the brain. RNA interference provides interesting therapeutic options to fight cancer cells but requires nanoparticulate (NP) carriers with a size below 100 nm as well as a low zeta potential for CED application. In this study, we investigated calcium phosphate NPs (CaP-NPs) as siRNA carriers for CED application. Since CaP-NPs tend to aggregate, we introduced a new terpolymer (o14PEGMA(1:1:2.5) NH3) for stabilization of CaP-NPs intended for delivery of siRNA to brain cancer cells. This small terpolymer provides PEG chains for steric stabilization, and a fat alcohol to improve interfacial activity, as well as maleic anhydrides that allow for both labeling and high affinity to Ca(II) in the hydrolyzed state. In a systematic approach, we varied the Ca/P ratio as well as the terpolymer concentration and successfully stabilized NPs with the desired properties. Labeling of the terpolymer with the fluorescent dye Cy5 revealed the terpolymer’s high affinity to CaP. Importantly, we also determined a high efficiency of siRNA binding to the NPs that caused very effective survivin siRNA silencing in F98 rat brain cancer cells. Cytotoxicity investigations with a standard cell line resulted in minor and transient effects; no adverse effects were observed in organotypic brain slice cultures. However, more specific cytotoxicity investigations are required. This study provides a systematic and mechanistic analysis characterizing the effects of the first oligomer of a new class of stabilizers for siRNA-loaded CaP-NPs.
Ribozyme Assays to Quantify the Capping Efficiency of In Vitro-Transcribed mRNA
Authors: Vlatkovic Irena , Ludwig János , Boros Gábor , Szabó Gábor Tamás , Reichert Julia , Buff Maximilian , Baiersdörfer Markus , Reinholz Jonas , Mahiny Azita Josefine , Şahin Uğur , Karikó Katalin
Published: January 2022

The presence of the cap structure on the 5′-end of in vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNA determines its translation and stability, underpinning its use in therapeutics. Both enzymatic and co-transcriptional capping may lead to incomplete positioning of the cap on newly synthesized RNA molecules. IVT mRNAs are rapidly emerging as novel biologics, including recent vaccines against COVID-19 and vaccine candidates against other infectious diseases, as well as for cancer immunotherapies and protein replacement therapies. Quality control methods necessary for the preclinical and clinical stages of development of these therapeutics are under ongoing development. Here, we described a method to assess the presence of the cap structure of IVT mRNAs. We designed a set of ribozyme assays to specifically cleave IVT mRNAs at a unique position and release 5′-end capped or uncapped cleavage products up to 30 nt long. We purified these products using silica-based columns and visualized/quantified them using denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) or liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Using this technology, we determined the capping efficiencies of IVT mRNAs with different features, which include: Different cap structures, diverse 5′ untranslated regions, different nucleoside modifications, and diverse lengths. Taken together, the ribozyme cleavage assays we developed are fast and reliable for the analysis of capping efficiency for research and development purposes, as well as a general quality control for mRNA-based therapeutics.
The Natural Chemotherapeutic Capsaicin Activates AMPK through LKB1 Kinase and TRPV1 Receptors in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Sánchez Belén G. , Bort Alicia , Mora-Rodríguez José M. , Díaz-Laviada Inés
Published: January 2022

The natural bioactive compound capsaicin has been reported to have anticancer activity, although the underlying mechanism of action has not been completely clarified. Herein, we investigated the mechanism whereby capsaicin exerts antitumor effects on prostate cancer cells. We found that capsaicin activated AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) and promoted cell death in the LKB1-expressing prostate cancer cell lines LNCaP and PC3, but not in the liver kinase B1 (LKB1)-null cell line DU-145. Capsaicin treatment stimulated LKB1 phosphorylation and activated AMPK in LKB1-expressing cells. In addition, LKB1 silencing in LNCaP and PC3 cells abrogated capsaicin-induced AMPK activation, while the overexpression of LKB1 by lentiviral infection in DU-145 cells induced capsaicin-triggered AMPK phosphorylation. Moreover, the calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase kinase 2 (CaMKK2) inhibitor STO-609 did not modify the activation of AMPK induced by capsaicin, suggesting a CaMKK2-independent mechanism. Capsaicin-induced LKB1 phosphorylation was dependent on the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1), since TRPV1 knocked down by shRNA abolished LKB1 and AMPK phosphorylation in LKB1-expressing cells. Altogether, our results showed that capsaicin affected AMPK activity in an LKB1- and TRPV1-dependent fashion, linking TRPV1 with cell fate. These data also suggest that capsaicin may be a rational chemotherapeutic option for prostate tumors.
Design and Performance Analysis of NadamSPGD Algorithm for Sensor-Less Adaptive Optics in Coherent FSOC Systems
Authors: Xu Li , Wang Jianli , Yang Leqiang , Zhang Heng
Published: January 2022

Sensor-less adaptive optics (SLAO) based on stochastic parallel gradient descent (SPGD) is effective for the compensation of atmospheric turbulence in coherent free-space optical communication (CFSOC) systems. However, SPGD converges slowly and easily falls into local extremes. Therefore, we propose a novel NadamSPGD algorithm for efficient wavefront correction that combines Nesterov-accelerated adaptive moment estimation (Nadam) and SPGD. Specifically, Nesterov’s accelerated gradient momentum (NAG) and adaptive gain coefficients are integrated to conventional SPGD to accelerate its convergence speed and avoid converging to extremum points. Theoretical analysis, numerical simulations and experimental results demonstrate that NadamSPGD can increase the convergence speed by ~50% and significantly improve the robustness of parameters, and thus more efficiently suppress the negative effects of atmospheric turbulence on mixing efficiency (ME) and bit error rate (BER). Our algorithm also presents better dynamic performance under strong turbulence and high Greenwood frequency conditions, and it is more suitable for real-time SLAO systems. This study proves that the NadamSPGD algorithm is suitable for SLAO in the CFSOC system and is a viable substitute for SPGD to improve the quality of optical communications.
Hetero-Optomechanical Crystal Zipper Cavity for Multimode Optomechanics
Authors: Wu Ning , Cui Kaiyu , Feng Xue , Liu Fang , Zhang Wei , Huang Yidong
Published: January 2022

Multimode optomechanics exhibiting several intriguing phenomena, such as coherent wavelength conversion, optomechanical synchronization, and mechanical entanglements, has garnered considerable research interest for realizing a new generation of information processing devices and exploring macroscopic quantum effect. In this study, we proposed and designed a hetero-optomechanical crystal (OMC) zipper cavity comprising double OMC nanobeams as a versatile platform for multimode optomechanics. Herein, the heterostructure and breathing modes with high mechanical frequency ensured the operation of the zipper cavity at the deep-sideband-resolved regime and the mechanical coherence. Consequently, the mechanical breathing mode at 5.741 GHz and optical odd mode with an intrinsic optical Q factor of 3.93 × 105 were experimentally demonstrated with an optomechanical coupling rate g0 = 0.73 MHz between them, which is comparable to state-of-the-art properties of the reported OMC. In addition, the hetero-zipper cavity structure exhibited adequate degrees of freedom for designing multiple mechanical and optical modes. Thus, the proposed cavity will provide a playground for studying multimode optomechanics in both the classical and quantum regimes.
Matching of Nitrogen Enhancement and Photosynthetic Efficiency by Arbuscular Mycorrhiza in Maize (Zea mays L.) in Relation to Organic Fertilizer Type
Authors: Yooyongwech Suravoot , Threeprom Waraporn , Tisarum Rujira , Samphumphuang Thapanee , Chungloo Daonapa , Cha-um Suriyan
Published: January 2022

In the present study, Funneliformis mosseae (FM), Claroideoglomus etunicatum (CE), and Acaulospora foveata (AF) were inoculated to hybrid maize (Zea mays L. cv. CP888®). Upregulation of nitrogen levels were dependent on the type of mycorrhiza (AMF). Photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) and water content in FM- and AF-inoculated plants were elevated, resulting in promotion of leaf area and shoot biomass. N content in the shoot and root tissues of the FM-inoculated plants increased by 21% and 30% over the control. A positive correlation between biochemical, physiological, and morphological parameters using Pearson’s coefficient was demonstrated. A decline in lipid peroxidation was noticed in the FM-inoculated plants. In addition, we investigated the potential of N fertilizer application in combination with FM inoculation in maize plants. The FM-inoculated plants with organic O_LT, a chicken manure fertilizer, increased N content in the host shoots by 73% over the control, leading to improved Fv/Fm as a physiological adaptation strategy. The FM and the O_LT on the regulation of the N enhancement and photosynthetic efficiency of the hybrid maize should further be validated in field trials in different environments for sustainability.
Enriching Urea with Nitrogen Inhibitors Improves Growth, N Uptake and Seed Yield in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) Affecting Photochemical Efficiency and Nitrate Reductase Activity
Authors: Rehman Hafeez ur , Alharby Hesham F. , Al-Zahrani Hassan S. , Bamagoos Atif A. , Alsulami Nadiah B. , Alabdallah Nadiyah M. , Iqbal Tahir , Wakeel Abdul
Published: January 2022

Quinoa is a climate resilience potential crop for food security due to high nutritive value. However, crop variable response to nitrogen (N) use efficiency may lead to affect grain quality and yield. This study compared the performance of contrasting quinoa genotypes (UAF Q-7, EMS-line and JQH1) to fertilizer urea enriched with urease and nitrification inhibitors (NIs; 1% (w/w) thiourea + boric acid + sodium thiosulphate), ordinary urea and with no N as control. Application of NIs-enriched urea improved plant growth, N uptake and chlorophyll values in quinoa genotype UAF-Q7 and JHQ1, however, highest nitrate reductase (NR) activity was observed in EMS-line. Quinoa plants supplied with NIs-enriched urea also completed true and multiple leaf stage, bud formation, flowering, and maturity stages earlier than ordinary urea and control, nevertheless, all quinoa genotypes reached true and multiple leaf stage, flowering and maturity stages at same time. Among photosynthetic efficiency traits, application of NIs-enriched urea expressed highest photosynthetic active radiations (PAR), electron transport rate (ETR), current fluorescence (Ft) and reduced quantum yield (Y) in EMS line. Nitrogen treatments had no significant difference for panicle length, however, among genotypes, UAF-Q7 showed highest length of panicle followed by others. Among yield attributes, NIs-enriched urea expressed maximum 1000-seed weight and seed yield per plant in JQH-1 hybrid and EMS-line. Likely, an increase in quinoa grain protein contents was observed in JQH-1 hybrid for NIs-enriched urea. In conclusion, NIs-enriched urea with urease and nitrification inhibitors simultaneously can be used to improve the N uptake, seed yield and grain protein contents in quinoa, however, better crop response was attributed to enhanced plant growth and photosynthetic efficiency.
Beneficial Microorganisms in Sustainable Agriculture: Harnessing Microbes’ Potential to Help Feed the World
Authors: Montoya-Martínez Amelia C. , Parra-Cota Fannie Isela , de los Santos-Villalobos Sergio
Published: January 2022

The global population is projected to increase to near 10 billion people by the year 2050 [...]
QTL Identification for Stem Fiber, Strength and Rot Resistance in a DH Population from an Alien Introgression of Brassica napus
Authors: Shao Yujiao , Shen Yusen , He Feifei , Li Zaiyun
Published: January 2022

Stem fiber, stem strength and stem-rot resistance are important agronomic traits in Brassica napus. To understand the molecular mechanism that controls the stem-related traits, we investigated the stem lignin (ADL), cellulose (Cel), hemicellulose (Hem) content, S/G monolignol ratio (SG), stem breaking force (BF), breaking strength (F) and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum resistance (SSR). Each trait was significantly positively or negatively correlated with more than three of the other six traits. QTL mapping for ADL, Cel, Hem, SG, BF, F and SSR were performed using a doubled haploid population derived from an intertribal B. napus introgression line ‘Y689′ crossed with B. napus cv. ‘Westar’. A total of 67 additive QTL were identified and integrated into 55 consensus QTL by meta-analysis. Among the 55 consensus QTL, 23 (41.8%) QTL were co-located and were integrated into 11 unique QTL. The QTL by environment (Q × E) interactions were analyzed and 22 combined QTL were identified. In addition, candidate genes within the QTL intervals were proposed based on the known function of Arabidopsis orthologs. These results provided valuable information for improving lodging resistance, S. sclerotiorum resistance and mechanized harvesting of B. napus.
A Temporary Immersion System Improves Regeneration of In Vitro Irradiated Recalcitrant Indica Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Embryogenic Calli
Authors: Hernández-Soto Alejandro , Pérez Jason , Fait-Zúñiga Rebeca , Rojas-Vásquez Randall , Gatica-Arias Andrés , Vargas-Segura Walter , Abdelnour-Esquivel Ana
Published: January 2022

The development of gamma ray-mutated rice lines is a solution for introducing genetic variability in indica rice varieties already being used by farmers. In vitro gamma ray (60Co) mutagenesis reduces chimeras and allows for a faster selection of desirable traits but requires the optimization of the laboratory procedure. The objectives of the present work were sequencing of matK and rbcL, the in vitro establishment of recalcitrant rice embryogenic calli, the determination of their sensitivity to gamma radiation, and optimization of the generation procedure. All sequenced genes matched perfectly with previously reported matK and rbcL O. sativa genes. Embryogenic calli induction improved using MS medium containing 2 mg L−1 2,4-D, and regeneration was achieved with MS medium with 3 mg L−1 BA and 0.5 mg L−1 NAA. The optimized radiation condition was 60 Gy, (LD20 = 64 Gy) with 83% regeneration. An immersion system (RITA®, Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers, France) of either 60 or 120 s every 8 h allowed systematic and homogeneous total regeneration of the recalcitrant line. Other well-known recalcitrant cultivars, CR1821 and CR1113, also had improved regeneration in the immersion system. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the use of an immersion system to allow for the regeneration of gamma-ray mutants from recalcitrant indica rice materials.
SNORKEL Genes Relating to Flood Tolerance Were Pseudogenized in Normal Cultivated Rice
Authors: Nagai Keisuke , Kurokawa Yusuke , Mori Yoshinao , Minami Anzu , Reuscher Stefan , Wu Jianzhong , Matsumoto Takashi , Ashikari Motoyuki
Published: January 2022

SNORKEL1 (SK1) and SNORKEL2 (SK2) are ethylene responsive factors that regulate the internode elongation of deepwater rice in response to submergence. We previously reported that normal cultivated rice lacks SK genes because the Chromosome 12 region containing SK genes was deleted from its genome. However, no study has analyzed how the genome defect occurred in that region by comparing normal cultivated rice and deepwater rice. In this study, comparison of the sequence of the end of Chromosome 12, which contains SK genes, between normal and deepwater rice showed that complicated genome changes such as insertions, deletions, inversions, substitutions, and translocation occurred frequently in this region. In addition to SK1 and SK2 of deepwater rice, gene prediction analysis identified four genes containing AP2/ERF domains in normal cultivated rice and six in deepwater rice; we called these genes SK-LIKE (SKL) genes. SKs and SKLs were present in close proximity to each other, and the SKLs in normal cultivated rice were in tandem. These predicted genes belong to the same AP2/ERF subfamily and were separated into four types: SK1, SK2, SKL3, and SKL4. Sequence comparison indicated that normal cultivated rice possesses a gene with high homology to SK2, which we named SKL1. However, none of the predicted SKLs except for SKL3s were expressed during submergence. Although SKL3s were expressed in both normal and deepwater rice, normal rice does not undergo internode elongation, suggesting that its expression does not contribute to internode elongation. Plants overexpressing SKL1, which showed the most homology to SK2, underwent internode elongation similar to plants overexpressing SK1 and SK2 under normal growth conditions. A yeast one-hybrid assay showed that the C-end of SKL1 has transcription activity, as do the C-ends of SK1 and SK2. Our results suggested that SKLs were derived via gene duplication, but were not expressed and pseudogenized in normal cultivated rice during sequence evolution.
New Hybrid Spikelet Sterility Gene Found in Interspecific Cross between Oryza sativa and O. meridionalis
Authors: Ichitani Katsuyuki , Toyomoto Daiki , Uemura Masato , Monda Kentaro , Ichikawa Makoto , Henry Robert , Sato Tadashi , Taura Satoru , Ishikawa Ryuji
Published: January 2022

Various kinds of reproductive barriers have been reported in intraspecific and interspecific crosses between the AA genome Oryza species, to which Asian rice (O. sativa) and African rice (O. glaberrima) belong. A hybrid seed sterility phenomenon was found in the progeny of the cross between O. sativa and O. meridionalis, which is found in Northern Australia and Indonesia and has diverged from the other AA genome species. This phenomenon could be explained by an egg-killer model. Linkage analysis using DNA markers showed that the causal gene was located on the distal end of chromosome 1. Because no known egg-killer gene was located in that chromosomal region, this gene was named HYBRID SPIKELET STERILITY 57 (abbreviated form, S57). In heterozygotes, the eggs carrying the sativa allele are killed, causing semi-sterility. This killer system works incompletely: some eggs carrying the sativa allele survive and can be fertilized. The distribution of alleles in wild populations of O. meridionalis was discussed from the perspective of genetic differentiation of populations.
Deficiencies in the Risk Assessment of Genetically Engineered Bt Cowpea Approved for Cultivation in Nigeria: A Critical Review
Authors: Then Christoph , Miyazaki Juliana , Bauer-Panskus Andreas
Published: January 2022

We analyze the application filed for the marketing and cultivation of genetically engineered Bt cowpea (event AAT 709A) approved in Nigeria in 2019. Cowpea (Vigna ungiguiculata) is extensively grown throughout sub-Saharan Africa and consumed by around two hundred million people. The transgenic plants produce an insecticidal, recombinant Bt toxin meant to protect the plants against the larvae of Maruca vitrata, which feed on the plants and are also known as pod borer. Our analysis of the application reveals issues of concern regarding the safety of the Bt toxins produced in the plants. These concerns include stability of gene expression, impact on soil organisms, effects on non-target species and food safety. In addition, we show deficiencies in the risk assessment of potential gene flow and uncontrolled spread of the transgenes and cultivated varieties as well as the maintenance of seed collections. As far as information is publicly available, we analyze the application by referring to established standards of GMO risk assessment. We take the provisions of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) into account, of which both Nigeria and the EU are parties. We also refer to the EU standards for GMO risk assessment, which are complementary to the provisions of the CPB.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Plasma in 2021
Authors:   Plasma Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Oil Production by Pyrolysis of Real Plastic Waste
Authors: Fulgencio-Medrano Laura , García-Fernández Sara , Asueta Asier , Lopez-Urionabarrenechea Alexander , Perez-Martinez Borja , Arandes José
Published: January 2022

The aim of this paper is for the production of oils processed in refineries to come from the pyrolysis of real waste from the high plastic content rejected by the recycling industry of the Basque Country (Spain). Concretely, the rejected waste streams were collected from (1) a light packaging waste sorting plant, (2) the paper recycling industry, and (3) a waste treatment plant of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). The influence of pre-treatments (mechanical separation operations) and temperature on the yield and quality of the liquid fraction were evaluated. In order to study the pre-treatment effect, the samples were pyrolyzed at 460 °C for 1 h. As pre-treatments concentrate on the suitable fraction for pyrolysis and reduce the undesirable materials (metals, PVC, PET, inorganics, cellulosic materials), they improve the yield to liquid products and considerably reduce the halogen content. The sample with the highest polyolefin content achieved the highest liquid yield (70.6 wt.% at 460 °C) and the lowest chlorine content (160 ppm) among the investigated samples and, therefore, was the most suitable liquid to use as refinery feedstock. The effect of temperature on the pyrolysis of this sample was studied in the range of 430–490 °C. As the temperature increased the liquid yield increased and solid yield decreased, indicating that the conversion was maximized. At 490 °C, the pyrolysis oil with the highest calorific value (44.3 MJ kg−1) and paraffinic content (65% area), the lowest chlorine content (128 ppm) and more than 50 wt.% of diesel was obtained.
RAFT Copolymerization of Vinyl Acetate and Acrylic Acid in the Selective Solvent
Authors: Kozhunova Elena , Plutalova Anna , Chernikova Elena
Published: January 2022

Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization was successfully applied to the synthesis of the gradient copolymer of acrylic acid and vinyl acetate in the selective solvent. The gradient degree of the copolymer was varied by the monomer feed. The monomer conversion was found to affect the ability of the copolymer to self-assemble in aqueous solutions in narrowly dispersed micelles with an average hydrodynamic radius of about 250 nm. Furthermore, the synthesized copolymers also tended to self-assemble throughout copolymerization in the selective solvent.
Synthesis and Application of Tackifying Dispersant Poly (Vinyl Alcohol-Acrylic Acid-Triallyl Cyanate)
Authors: Chen Xiaoyan , Huang Weizhi , He Bobing , Zhang Yafeng
Published: January 2022

At present, the thickener market is relatively advanced. Only by imparting thickeners with new properties can they meet the needs of the current market. In this work, a new modified tackifying dispersant poly (vinyl alcohol-acrylic acid-triallyl cyanate) (PVA-AA-t) was prepared via alcoholysis of a random copolymer composed of vinyl acetate (VAc), acrylic acid (AA), and triallyl cyanate (TAC) by a one-step high-temperature solution polymerization in methanol, which was a relatively simple method. The structure of the polymer was characterized by FTIR and TG. FTIR proved the successful synthesis of PVA-AA-t, while TG showed the thermal stability of PVA-AA-t at around 100 °C. The excellent thickening properties of the PVA-AA-t were observed using a nano particle size analyzer and a rotary viscometer. The nano particle size analyzer showed that the PVA-AA-t particles swelled in water to nearly nine times their initial size. The rotary viscometer showed that the viscosity of PVA-AA-t in water increased significantly, while PVA-AA-t was sensitive to electrolytes and pH, which changed the polymer molecular chain from stretched to curled, resulting in a decrease in viscosity. In addition, the dispersion properties of PVA-AA-t and a common thickener as graphene (Gr) dispersants were compared. The results indicate that PVA-AA-t has very good compatibility with Gr, and can effectively disperse Gr, because of the introduction of weak polar molecules (VAc) to the polymer molecules, changing their polarity, meaning that it is possible to use PVA-AA-t in the dispersion of Gr and other industrial applications (such as conductive textile materials, Gr batteries, etc.) derived from it.
Effect of Nitrogen on the Properties of Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) Plants and Fibres
Authors: Brunšek Ružica , Butorac Jasminka , Augustinović Zvjezdana , Pospišil Milan
Published: January 2022

This paper presents a three-year study of the influence of different amounts of nitrogen on the properties of flax plants and fibres. At the same time, the acclimatization ability of five different cultivars of fibre flax was estimated through the valorisation of their morphological (technical stem length, stem thickness) and physical-mechanical properties of the fibres (length, fineness, tenacity). Cultivar trials with fibre flax were set up across three years (2008–2010) at the following locations: the experimental fields of the Faculty of Agriculture in Zagreb on anthropogenized Eutric Cambisol and the College of Agriculture at Križevci on pseudogley on level terrain. The selected cultivars were fertilized without and with different nitrogen rates (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg/ha) in different time. The trials were carried out according to the RCBD in four replications. According to the results of the three-year study of flax and fibres, significant differences were established among the cultivars and among the added nitrogen rates under study. Based on the results of the morphological and textile-technological properties of flax, the cultivars Viola and Agatha achieved higher values at the location of Križevci, where it was not necessary to add more than 30 kg N/ha.
Characteristic Properties of a Bamboo-Based Board Combined with Bamboo Veneers and Vacuum Heat-Treated Round Bamboo Sticks
Authors: Yang Yu-Hsuan , Chung Min-Jay , Wu Tung-Lin , Yeh Chin-Hao , Yang Teng-Chun
Published: January 2022

In this study, a bamboo stick board with rotary-cut bamboo veneers was successfully fabricated. Additionally, vacuum heat (VH) treatment, which is a popular thermal modification method, was used to modify bamboo sticks. Therefore, the effects of different VH treatment temperatures on the dimensional stability and flexural properties of bamboo stick boards with and without bamboo veneers were investigated. For all boards, as the temperature increased to 220 °C, the thickness change rate and equilibrium moisture content decreased, and the flexural properties increased. The results exhibited that VH treatment improved the dimensional stability and flexural properties of the boards. Furthermore, the board with veneers had lower flexural properties and higher thickness swelling after water absorption than the board without veneers (BSB). The results indicated that bamboo veneer caused low flexural properties and high thickness swelling of the board compared to the BSB. However, the bamboo veneer played an aesthetic role in the appearance of the bamboo stick board.
Study on Effects of Nonlinear Behavior Characteristics of Prepreg Dielectric on Warpage of Substrate under Laminating Process
Authors: Cho Seunghyun , Ko Youngbae
Published: January 2022

To analyze the effects of nonlinear behavior characteristics of prepreg (PPG) among the insulating materials of substrate and the residual stress of laminating process on the warpage of substrate, this study investigated the continuous laminating process using the numerical analysis by finite element method. The analysis results showed that the warpage of the substrate in the laminating process of PPG was very low, but it increased rapidly in the solder resist (SR) laminating process. As the laminating process of PPG continued, the stress inside the substrate increased continuously and it was predicted to decrease in the SR laminating process. These results confirmed that the warpage of the substrate is influenced the most by the SR laminating process, and that the warpage and stress of substrate accumulated in the laminating process of PPG have significant effects on the final warpage.
Modeling in Brewing—A Review
Authors: Shopska Vesela , Denkova-Kostova Rositsa , Kostov Georgi
Published: January 2022

Beer production has over a thousand-year tradition, but its development in the present continues with the introduction of new technological and technical solutions. The methods for modeling and optimization in beer production through an applied analytical approach have been discussed in the present paper. For this purpose, the parameters that are essential for the main processes in beer production have been considered—development of malt blends, guaranteeing the main brewing characteristics; obtaining wort through the processes of mashing, lautering and boiling of wort; fermentation and maturation of beer. Data on the mathematical dependences used to describe the different stages of beer production (one-factor experiments, modeling of mixtures, experiment planning, description of the kinetics of microbial growth, etc.) and their limits have been presented, and specific research results of various authors teams working in this field have been cited. The independent variables as well as the objective functions for each stage have been defined. Some new trends in the field of beer production have been considered and possible approaches for their modeling and optimization have been highlighted. The paper suggests a generalized approach to describe the main methods of modeling and optimization, which does not depend on the beer type produced. The proposed approaches can be used to model and optimize the production of different beer types, and the conditions for their application should be consistent with the technological regimes used in each case. The approaches for modeling and optimization of the individual processes have been supported by mathematical dependencies most typical for these stages. Depending on the specific regimes and objectives of the study, these dependencies can be adapted and/or combined into more general mathematical models. Some new trends in the field of beer production have been considered and possible approaches for their modeling and optimization have been highlighted.
The Content of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Slavonska slanina—Traditionally Smoked and Dry-Cured Bacon
Authors: Kartalović Brankica , Puljić Leona , Kovačević Dragan , Markovčić Mateo , Vranešević Jelena , Habschied Kristina , Mastanjević Krešimir
Published: January 2022

The goal of this study was to determine the concentrations of 16 PAHs (PAH16) naphthalene—Nap, acenaphthylene—Anl, acenaphthene—Ane, fluorene—Flu, phenanthrene—Phen, anthracene—Ant, fluoranthene—Flt, pyrene—Pyr, benz[a]anthracene—BaA, chrysene—Chry, benzo[b]fluoranthene—BbF, benzo[k]fluoranthene—BkF, benzo[a]pyrene—BaP, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene—InP, dibenz[a,h]anthracene—DahA and benzo[g,h,i]perylene—BghiP) in Slavonska slanina traditionally smoked bacon over open fire and industrially smoked on a smoke generator with a heated plate. In the samples of Slavoska slanina smoked in a traditional manner, the presence of 11 out of 16 analyzed PAHs was determined (Nap, Anl, Ane, Fln, Ant, Phen, Flt, BaA, Pyr, BbF, BkF). In the samples smoked in industrial conditions, only 2 out of 16 (Nap, Anl) were quantified. In the samples smoked with open fire (the traditional method), PAH4 (BaA, BaP BbF, Chry) concentations were as follows: 14.84 μg kg−1 in the middle, 10.60 μg kg−1 on the surface and 17.37 μg kg−1 in the skin, while the PAH4 content in the samples smoked in industrial conditions were below the level of quantification (<LOQ). The content of carcinogenic BaP was below the limit of quantification in all investigated samples. These findings support the fact that traditional smoking may result in a product safe for consumption, as far as the prescribed legislative recommendations are concerned, but constant monitoring is still needed.
Manno-Oligosaccharide Production from Biomass Hydrolysis by Using Endo-1,4-β-Mannanase (ManNj6-379) from Nonomuraea jabiensis ID06-379
Authors: Ratnakomala Shanti , Kahar Prihardi , Kashiwagi Norimasa , Lee JaeMin , Kudou Motonori , Matsumoto Hana , Apriliana Pamella , Yopi Yopi , Prasetya Bambang , Ogino Chiaki , Kondo Akihiko
Published: January 2022

A novel endo-β-1,4-mannanase gene was cloned from a novel actinomycetes, Nonomuraea jabiensis ID06-379, isolated from soil, overexpressed as an extracellular protein (47.8 kDa) in Streptomyces lividans 1326. This new endo-1,4-β-mannanase gene (manNj6-379) is encoded by 445-amino acids. The ManNj6-379 consists of a 28-residue signal peptide and a carbohydrate-binding module of family 2 belonging to the glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 5, with 59–77% identity to GH5 mannan endo-1,4-β-mannanase. The recombinant ManNj6-379 displayed an optimal pH of 6.5 with pH stability ranging between 5.5 and 7.0 and was stable for 120 min at 50 °C and lower temperatures. The optimal temperature for activity was 70 °C. An enzymatic hydrolysis assay revealed that ManNj6-379 could hydrolyze commercial β-mannan and biomass containing mannan.
Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Using Aemion™ Anion Exchange Membranes
Authors: Lallo Elias , Khataee Amirreza , Lindström Rakel Wreland
Published: January 2022

The vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) is a promising and commercially available technology that poses advantageous features for stationary energy storage. A key component of the VRFB in terms of cost and system efficiency is the membrane. In recent years, anion exchange membranes (AEMs) have gained interest in VRFB research as they in general exhibit lower vanadium crossover due to a more substantial Donnan exclusion effect. In this study, a low-resistance flow cell was developed and the electrochemical performance of Aemion™ anion exchange membranes AF1-HNN5-50-X, AF1-HNN8-50-X and AF1-ENN8-50-X were compared against commonly used cation exchange membranes, Nafion® 211 and 212. The VRFB using AF1-ENN8-50-X exhibited superior performance versus Nafion® 212 regarding cycling efficiency and rate performance. However, relatively high and comparable capacity losses were observed using both membranes. NMR analysis showed no sign of chemical degradation for AF1-ENN8-50-X by immersion in VO2+ solution for 800 h. Although Aemion™ AEMs showed good chemical and electrochemical performance, considerable electrolyte crossover was observed due to high water uptake.
Cobalt-Activated Transfer-Free Synthesis of the Graphene on Si(100) by Anode Layer Ion Source
Authors: Bener Greta , Kopustinskas Vitoldas , Guobienė Asta , Vasiliauskas Andrius , Andrulevičius Mindaugas , Meškinis Šarūnas
Published: January 2022

In this research, the graphene was grown directly on the Si(100) surface at 600 °C temperature using an anode layer ion source. The sacrificial catalytic cobalt interlayer assisted hydrocarbon ion beam synthesis was applied. Overall, two synthesis process modifications with a single-step graphene growth at elevated temperature and two-step synthesis, including graphite-like carbon growth on a catalytic Co film and subsequent annealing at elevated temperature, were applied. The growth of the graphene was confirmed by Raman scattering spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to study samples’ surface morphology. The temperature, hydrocarbon ion beam energy, and catalytic Co film thickness effects on the structure and thickness of the graphene were investigated. The graphene growth on Si(100) by two-step synthesis was beneficial due to the continuous and homogeneous graphene film formation. The observed results were explained by peculiarities of the thermally, ion beam, and catalytic metal activated hydrocarbon species dissociation. The changes of the cobalt grain size, Co film roughness, and dewetting were taken into account.
LRP-Based Design of Sustainable Recycling Network for Electric Vehicle Batteries
Authors: Hu Xiaping , Yan Wei , Zhang Xumei , Feng Zhaohui , Wang Yan , Ying Baosheng , Zhang Hua
Published: January 2022

Driven by energy shortages and climate concerns, the electric vehicles are popular around the world with their energy-saving and environmentally friendly advantages. As electric vehicle batteries (EVBs) mainly use lithium batteries, and the batteries’ performance decreases with the increase of charging times, a large number of batteries are entering the end-of-life (EoL) stage. Recycling and reuse of EVBs are effective ways to reduce environmental pollution and promote resources utilization and is now a top priority. Building a recycling network is the foundation of battery recycling. However, there are few studies on battery recycling networks and the construction of recycling networks is expensive, which impedes the sustainable development of electric vehicles. Based on this, recycling network design is critical for EVB recycling. This paper first analyzes three strategies to deal with used batteries: remanufacturing, reuse, and recycling materials. Secondly, an EVB recycling network model is developed with the objective of minimizing the total cost and carbon emissions. The model solves the problem of siting the centers in the network and the vehicle routing in the recycling process. Finally, the model was applied to GEM (a Chinese company dedicated to circular economy) and validated using a greedy algorithm. In addition, the results show that logistics costs and operating costs account for the majority of the recycling network total expense, at 48.45% and 31%, respectively. Therefore, if companies want to further reduce the cost of EVB recycling, they should reduce logistics costs and operating costs. In summary, this paper provides a decision-making approach for EVB recycling enterprises to carry out recycling and reuse, and offers advice on how to promote the sustainable economic and environmental development of the electric vehicle battery industry.