bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Cassava (Manihot esculentaCrantz.) Fermentation Processes for Food-Secured Twenty-First Century Africa
Authors: Fawole Abosede , Kolapo Adelodun 
Published: July 2022

In mid-2021, Africa’s population was more than one billion three hundred and seventy million persons and this figure is expected to reach 2.5 billion people by 2050. On the basis of regional population, Eastern, Middle and Western Africa countries are bound to continue to experience rapid rates of population growth in the coming decades. Between 1960 and 2010, the urban population of Africa increased by a factor of 8. Based on 2018 United Nation’s projection, nearly 60% of African people will be living in urban areas by 2050. Of deep concerns are most Eastern, Middle, and Western African countries which will have their urban populations multiplied by a factor of 3 to 7. Similarly, the number of youth entering the labor force, as well as elderly, will continue to grow rapidly. The dramatic increase for food secured Africa occasioned by the sprawling African population, and the corresponding jobs required will be the biggest challenge most African countries will need to confront between now and 2050.The biggest challenges in this respect will be in Eastern, Middle and Western Africa where the number of youth will triple in the next 30 years. Currently, different cassava fermented products are staples in various countries of Africa. Specifically, in the past six decades, cassava has become a food security crop in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) due to many favorable reasons. Many of these African cassava fermented products are still traditionally produced by spontaneous fermentation making the quality and safety of products uncontrollable, in addition to their incapability of mass production. Modern techniques have taken fermentation beyond preservation such that production is optimized via starter culture fermentation. These are done with a view of generating desirable organoleptic properties with quality and safety in mind. Beside this, a shift from traditional to industrial processing of cassava fermented products will generate jobs and provide enough food that will be needed to feed the projected highly urbanized future Africa. This paper advocates for the urgent need for optimization of cassava fermentation processes in Africa. However, such optimization should be characterized with multiple cultures fermentation which will generate desirable organoleptic properties, nutrition, quality and safety. Additionally, the wealth of information from genomics and proteomic era should be harnessed for improved culture performance and activities so as to improve the safety, quality and nutrient composition of cassava fermented food products indigenous to Africa. The possible impacts of such shift on food security in the twenty-first century Africa, realization of inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and achievement of economic convergence are going to be huge. It is therefore imperative for various African governments and policymakers to integrate this suggested shift into their future developmental plans so as to avoid the impeding ‘demographic time-bomb’.
Characterization of the WRKY gene family reveals its contribution to the adaptability of almond (Prunus dulcis)
Authors: Yu Zhenfan , Zhang Dongdong , Zeng Bin , Liu Xingyue , Yang Jiahui , Gao Wenwen , Ma Xintong 
Published: July 2022

Background
WRKY (WRKY DNA-binding domain) transcription factors an important gene family that widely regulates plant resistance to biological and abiotic stresses, such as drought, salt and ion stresses. However, research on the WRKY family in almond has not yet been reported. Almond is an economically important fruit tree in Xinjiang that have strong resistance to various stresses.

Results
A total of 62 PdWRKY genes were identified (including six pairs of homologous genes), and the phylogenetic tree was divided into three groups according to the WRKY domain and zinc finger motifs. The members of each group had a significant number of conserved motifs and exons/introns distributed unevenly across eight chromosomes, as well as 24 pairs of fragment duplicates and nine pairs of tandem duplicates. Moreover, the synteny and Ka/Ks analyses of the WRKY genes among almond and distinct species provided more detailed evidence for PdWRKY genes evolution. The examination of different tissue expression patterns showed that PdWRKY genes have tissue-specific expression characteristics. The qRT–PCR results showed that PdWRKY genes participate in the resistance of almond to the effects of low-temperature, drought and salt stress and that the expression levels of these genes change over time, exhibiting spatiotemporal expression characteristics. It is worth noting that many genes play a significant role in low-temperature stress resistance. In addition, based on the conserved WRKY motif, 321 candidate target genes were identified as having functions in multiple pathways.

Conclusions
We conducted systematic bioinformatics analysis and abiotic stress research on the WRKY gene family in almond, laying the foundation for future PdWRKY genes research and improvements to almond production and breeding.
Curcumin effect on Acanthamoeba triangularis encystation under nutrient starvation
Authors: Boonhok Rachasak , Sangkanu Suthinee , Phumjan Suganya , Jongboonjua Ramita , Sangnopparat Nawarat , Kwankaew Pattamaporn , Tedasen Aman , Lim Chooi Ling , Pereira Maria de Lourdes , Rahmatullah Mohammed , Wilairatana Polrat , Wiart Christophe , Dolma Karma G. , Paul Alok K. , Gupta Madhu , Nissapatorn Veeranoot 
Published: July 2022

Background
Curcumin is an active compound derived from turmeric, Curcuma longa, and is known for its benefits to human health. The amoebicidal activity of curcumin against Acanthamoeba triangularis was recently discovered. However, a physiological change of intracellular pathways related to A. triangularis encystation mechanism, including autophagy in the surviving amoeba after curcumin treatment, has never been reported. This study aims to investigate the effect of curcumin on the survival of A. triangularis under nutrient starvation and nutrient-rich condition, as well as to evaluate the A. triangularis encystation and a physiological change of Acanthamoeba autophagy at the mRNA level.

Methods
In this study, A. triangularis amoebas were treated with a sublethal dose of curcumin under nutrient starvation and nutrient-rich condition and the surviving amoebas was investigated. Cysts formation and vacuolization were examined by microscopy and transcriptional expression of autophagy-related genes and other encystation-related genes were evaluated by real-time PCR.

Results
A. triangularis cysts were formed under nutrient starvation. However, in the presence of the autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), the percentage of cysts was significantly reduced. Interestingly, in the presence of curcumin, most of the parasites remained in the trophozoite stage in both the starvation and nutrient-rich condition. In vacuolization analysis, the percentage of amoebas with enlarged vacuole was increased upon starvation. However, the percentage was significantly declined in the presence of curcumin and 3-MA. Molecular analysis of A. triangularis autophagy-related (ATG) genes showed that the mRNA expression of the ATG genes, ATG3, ATG8b, ATG12, ATG16, under the starvation with curcumin was at a basal level along the treatment. The results were similar to those of the curcumin-treated amoebas under a nutrient-rich condition, except AcATG16 which increased later. On the other hand, mRNA expression of encystation-related genes, cellulose synthase and serine proteinase, remained unchanged during the first 18 h, but significantly increased at 24 h post treatment.

Conclusion
Curcumin inhibits cyst formation in surviving trophozoites, which may result from its effect on mRNA expression of key Acanthamoeba ATG-related genes. However, further investigation into the mechanism of curcumin in A. triangularis trophozoites arrest and its association with autophagy or other encystation-related pathways is needed to support the future use of curcumin.
Effect of icaritin on autophagy-related protein expression in TDP-43-transfected SH-SY5Y cells
Authors: Zhou Yanjun , Huang Nanqu , Li Yuanyuan , Ba Zhisheng , Luo Yong 
Published: July 2022

Objective
To study the protective effect and mechanism of icaritin (ICT) in a SH-SY5Y cells with virus-loaded TAR DNA-binding domain protein 43(TDP-43) by examining the effect of ICT on the expression of autophagy-related proteins in TDP-43-infected SH-SY5Y cells.

Methods
A TDP-43-induced neuronal cell injury model was established by transfecting well-growing SH-SY5Y cells with virus loaded with the TDP-43 gene. The changes in cell viability were detected by the CCK-8 method. After successful transfection, the establishment of the model was verified by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot methods. After the cells were subjected to drug intervention with ICT, the changes in the expression levels of TDP-43, cleaved Caspase-3, LC3 II/I, Beclin-1 and p62 were detected by Western blotting.

Results
After ICT intervention, it was found that compared with that of the TDP-43 group, the cell viability of the TDP-43+ICT group increased, the expression level of TDP-43 decreased, and the expression levels of the apoptotic protein cleaved Caspase-3, autophagy protein Beclin-1, and LC3-II/I decreased, while the expression level of the autophagy protein p62 increased.

Conclusion
ICT has a protective effect on the SH-SY5Y cell injury model transfected with TDP-43. This protective effect may be related to reducing the protein expression of TDP-43 and inhibiting autophagy.
Impact of Nitrogen and Zinc Levels on Growth and Yield of Desi Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L)
Authors: Nagaraju Maila , Debbarma Victor 
Published: July 2022

Background: Chickpea is the largest produced food legume in south Asia and the third largest globally, after common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and field pea (Pisum sativum L.) Chick pea is widely appreciated as health food. It is a protein-rich supplement to cereal-based diets, especially to the poor in developing countries.
Objectives: Effects of nitrogen and zinc levels on growth and yield of Chick pea.
Methods: A study was conducted to determine the effect of nitrogen and zinc levels on growth and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) var Pusa-362 under a Randomized Block Design with 9 treatments each replicated thrice. The results reported that the application of 30 kg/ha Nitrogen+15 kg/ha Zinc (treatment -9) recorded significantly higher plant height (58.40 cm), maximum number of nodules/plant (21.70), higher plant dry weight (24.0 g/plant), Maximum number of pods/plant (71.10), higher seeds/pod (1.80), higher seed yield (3.21 t/ha) and higher stover yield (4.31 t/ha) were recorded in (treatment -9) that is with 30 kg/ha Nitrogen+15 kg/ha Zinc.
Conclusion: Based on the above findings of the investigation it may be concluded that treatment with 30 kg/ha Nitrogen and 15 kg/ha Zinc in all growth and yield parameters and in obtaining higher grain yield of chickpea These results are based on a single season, therefore additional testing may be necessary for further validation.
Diagnostic Study of Serum Dickkopf 1 Level and Alpha Fetoprotein L3 as Tumor Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: El Sharkawy Amira Mohamed , Fouda Mohammed Hosny , Ziada Dina Hazem , Attia Gihan Farouk 
Published: July 2022

Background: Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) is now the most frequently applied tumour biomarker for the early diagnosis and clinical follow-up of HCC patients. Dickkopf 1 (DKK 1) is a protein that has a role in embryonic head morphogenesis. Several investigations revealed that DKK 1 regulates a variety of pathological and physiological processes. The aim of this work was to evaluate the diagnostic role of serum DKK 1 level and AFP- L3 as tumor markers in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Methods: This observational research enrolled 60 participants aged above 18 years, group 1 include 10 healthy control participants, group 2 involved 25 cirrhotic cases and group 3 involved 25 cases diagnosed with HCC. All cases underwent taking of full history, clinical assessment, radiology, laboratory examination and specific investigations such as the tested two markers AFP-L3 and DKK1.
Results: AFP-L3 had 84% sensitivity and 67.7% specificity, while DKK1 had sensitivity and specificity of 76% and 80% respectively to differentiate between cirrhotic and HCC cases, using a cut-off value of 8.62 ng/ml. two markers combination had specificity and sensitivity of 92%, 72% respectively and increase the accuracy for detection of HCC up to 82%.
Conclusions: Both AFP-L3 and DKK1 could act as surrogate biomarkers for HCC and combination of two markers should be kept in mind to reach the optimum accuracy.
A Novel Synthesis of 1,2,3triazole Substituted Pyrimidine, Pyrazole by Using 1,2,3triazolchalcone
Authors: Shadakshari A. J. , Kumara T. H. Suresha , V. H. B. , Yamuna A. J. 
Published: July 2022

A series of 1- benzyl-5-methyl 1,2,3 triazole pyrimidine , 1- benzyl-5-methyl 1,2,3 triazole pyrazole were synthesised by using intermediate as phenyl Substituted prop-2-en-1-one .We obtained pyrazole when we treated propenones by using hydrazine hydrate and we obtained pyrimidine by using urea and thiourea. Conformations of the compounds were done by 1HNMR and C13 NMR analysis and these compounds were screened for antimicrobial activities.

Graphical Abstract
Excimer Formation in the Non‐Van‐Der‐Waals 2D Semiconductor Bi2O2Se
Authors: Yu Junhong , Han Yadong , Zhang Hang , Ding Xiang , Qiao Liang , Hu Jianbo 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe layered semiconductor Bi2O2Se is a promising new‐type 2D material that holds layered structure via electrostatic forces instead of van der Waals (vdW) attractions. Aside from the huge success in device performance, the non‐vdW nature in Bi2O2Se with a built‐in interlayer electric field has also provided an appealing platform for investigating unique photoexcited carrier dynamics. Here, experimental evidence for the observation of excimers in multilayer Bi2O2Se nanosheets via transient absorption spectroscopy is presented. It is found that the excimer formation is the primary decay pathway of photoexcited excitons and three‐stage excimer dynamics with corresponding time scales are established. Excitation‐fluence‐dependent excimer dynamics further suggest that the excimer is diffusive and its formation can be simply described as excitons relaxed to an excimer geometry. This work indicates the outstanding promise of unique excitonic processes in Bi2O2Se, which may motivate novel device designs.
Shear‐Induced Macropore‐Infused Nanocomposite Emulsion Thermosets
Authors: Hasan Molla , Patel Yogin , Gamboa Arielle R. , Grzenda Michael J. , Saro‐Cortes Valeria , Mhatre Vivek , Singer Jonathan P. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractTo create macropore‐infused nanocomposite emulsion thermosets (MINET), a mixing pathway is demonstrated in which a viscous fluid is kinetically trapped by high shear mixing of immiscible liquids, surfactant, and nanoparticles. The MINETs are prepared from common ingredients that are widely employed in industry, including epoxy resin, vegetable oil, epoxidized soybean oil, and different types of nanoparticles such as silica, activated carbon, alumina, and zinc oxide. MINETs prepared by the presented route are processed at ambient conditions and exhibit low shrinkage (<2%). Furthermore, they are suitable to form macro‐ to microscale structures with high precision and various controlled porosity. The interconnected porous architecture of MINET is even preserved in molded micrometer‐scale features and thus ensures mass transport through multiscale structures. In combination with standard microembossing or photolithography, the high throughput microfabrication of microstructured architectures with tunable pore sizes in a wide range (≈100 nm to ≈10 µm) is possible. As one application example, the parallel production of multiplexed electrospray emitters is demonstrated.
Engineered Organosilica Hybrid Micelles for Photothermal‐enhanced Starvation Cancer Therapy
Authors: Li Xianglong , Wu Huan , Jiang Cong , Zou Jinglin , Wang Qinghua , Guan Mengjia , Hao Ji‐Na , Cao Yuanyuan , Li Yongsheng 
Published: July 2022

AbstractGlucose oxidase (GOD)‐based starvation therapy (ST), which inhibits the growth and proliferation of cancer cells by consuming glucose, has attracted intensive attention as an emerging non‐invasive method for fighting cancers. However, the enzyme activity of GOD is greatly limited in vivo because of its optimal catalytic activity in the temperature range of 43–60 °C. Herein, a photothermal‐enhanced starvation strategy is developed based on our engineered organosilica hybrid micelles (TiO2‐x@POMs‐GOD), in which the fluoride‐doped TiO2‐x with photothermal properties is encapsulated in the cores of organosilica cross‐linked micelles and GOD is immobilized on the carboxyl groups of PAA segments. With its internalization by cancer cells, the conjugated GOD can effectively deplete glucose to achieve the ST effect, which can be remarkably enhanced by the loaded fluoride‐doped TiO2‐x with NIR laser irradiation, thus cooperatively contributing to the efficient treatment of TiO2‐x@POMs‐GOD on various cancer cells. This suggests great potential for TiO2‐x@POMs‐GOD in photothermal‐enhanced ST in vivo.
Biostimulation of anaerobic digested wastewater using magnetic nanoparticles and an external magnetic field for biogas enhancement
Authors: Amo‐Duodu Gloria , Buthelezi K. S. , Rathilal S. , Mahlangu T. P. , Chollom M. N. , Tetteh E. K. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractEnergy‐driven wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) have become an interesting research focus for environmental and process engineers. To meet the rigorous discharge limit standards imposed by the environmental protection agency (EPA) and South African national standards (SANS), the conventional treatment method has been improved and advanced technologies have been adapted. As such, studies on magnetized anaerobic digestion systems for wastewater treatment with the concept of energy generation have been explored. The present study evaluated the effect of an external magnetic field (MF) on biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests using magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) for wastewater treatment. Two BMP systems were compared, where both systems were dosed with Fe3O4 (MNP) and operated at 35 °C for 10 days. One of the systems (control) was not exposed to the magnetic field while the other system had 3 h of 20 mT magnetic field exposure on daily basis. The system exposed to the magnetic field showed better performance in terms of biogas enhancement and the treatability of the wastewater. About 85% chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the wastewater (350 mg.L–1 COD remaining) was degraded by the MF, which resulted in 72% color removal, 210 mL.day–1 biogas produced and 97% methane. On other hand, 75% COD was degraded by the control system, which resulted in 175 mL.day–1 biogas and 94% methane. Exposing the BMP system coupled with MNPs to an external magnetic field was found to be feasible and promising in terms of biogas production and color removal. © 2022 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Enhancing adoptive T‐cell therapy with fucoidan‐based IL‐2 delivery microcapsules
Authors: Jeon Eun Young , Choi Da‐som , Choi Seunghyun , Won Ju‐young , Jo Yunju , Kim Hye‐bin , Jung Youngmee , Shin Sang Chul , Min Hophil , Choi Hae Woong , Lee Myeong Sup , Park Yoon , Chung Justin J. , Jin Hyung‐seung 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAdoptive cell therapy (ACT) with antigen‐specific T cells is a promising treatment approach for solid cancers. Interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) has been utilized in boosting the efficacy of ACT. However, the clinical applications of IL‐2 in combination with ACT is greatly limited by short exposure and high toxicities. Herein, a complex coacervate was designed to intratumorally deliver IL‐2 in a sustained manner and protect against proteolysis. The complex coacervate consisted of fucoidan, a specific IL‐2 binding glycosaminoglycan, and poly‐l‐lysine, a cationic counterpart (FPC2). IL‐2‐laden FPC2 exhibited a preferential bioactivity in ex vivo expansion of CD8+T cells over Treg cells. Additionally, FPC2 was embedded in pH modulating injectable gel (FPC2‐IG) to endure the acidic tumor microenvironment. A single intratumoral administration of FPC2‐IG‐IL‐2 increased expansion of tumor‐infiltrating cytotoxic lymphocytes and reduced frequencies of myeloid populations. Notably, the activation and persistency of tumor‐reactive T cells were observed only in the tumor site, not in the spleen, confirming a localized effect of FPC2‐IG‐IL‐2. The immune‐favorable tumor microenvironment induced by FPC2‐IG‐IL‐2 enabled adoptively transferred TCR‐engineered T cells to effectively eradicate tumors. FPC2‐IG delivery system is a promising strategy for T‐cell‐based immunotherapies.
Impact of host demography and evolutionary history on endosymbiont molecular evolution: A test in carpenter ants (genusCamponotus) and theirBlochmanniaendosymbionts
Authors: Manthey Joseph D. , Girón Jennifer C. , Hruska Jack P. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractObligate endosymbioses are tight associations between symbionts and the hosts they live inside. Hosts and their associated obligate endosymbionts generally exhibit codiversification, which has been documented in taxonomically diverse insect lineages. Host demography (e.g., effective population sizes) may impact the demography of endosymbionts, which may lead to an association between host demography and the patterns and processes of endosymbiont molecular evolution. Here, we used whole‐genome sequencing data for carpenter ants (GenusCamponotus;subgeneraCamponotusandTanaemyrmex) and theirBlochmanniaendosymbionts as our study system to address whetherCamponotusdemography shapesBlochmanniamolecular evolution. Using whole‐genome phylogenomics, we confirmed previous work identifying codiversification between carpenter ants and theirBlochmanniaendosymbionts. We found thatBlochmanniagenes have evolved at a pace ~30× faster than that of their hosts' molecular evolution and that these rates are positively associated with host rates of molecular evolution. Using multiple tests for selection inBlochmanniagenes, we found signatures of positive selection and shifts in selection strength across the phylogeny. Host demography was associated withBlochmanniashifts toward increased selection strengths, but not associated withBlochmanniaselection relaxation, positive selection, genetic drift rates, or genome size evolution. Mixed support for relationships between host effective population sizes andBlochmanniamolecular evolution suggests weak or uncoupled relationships between host demography andBlochmanniapopulation genomic processes. Finally, we found thatBlochmanniagenome size evolution was associated with genome‐wide estimates of genetic drift and number of genes with relaxed selection pressures.