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Withania (Solanaceae, Solanoideae) is a widespread genus. Comparative macro-, micro-morphological, anatomical, and molecular features of this genus in Egypt were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy to reassess the conflicted taxonomic relationships between the two studied species. The most significant morphological differences that have been found were: the shape of the lamina, apex, anther, and stigma, and the ratio of calyx tube/lobe; anatomical examination of taxonomic interest are as follows: number of vascular bundles, presence of ears and distribution of accessory vascular bundles in petiole and shape of spongy cells, and number of lower parenchyma in the midrib region of the leaf; trichomes of both species showed no significant differences; pollen, and seed characters are of taxonomic significance in differentiation and characterization between them. Protein profiling revealed that W. somnifera has only conserved proteins, while W. obtusifolia possessed both conserved and additional proteins in their SDS-PAGE banding patterns. Eleven starts codon-targeted (ScoT) primers were applied and produced 96 amplicons with an average of 70.83% polymorphism/primer. W. obtusifolia generated more polymorphic bands and maintained monomorphic ones. SDS-PAGE disclosed that both Withania species were 50% related. While Scot-Dendrogram revealed that both Withania species were poorly related. So, protein and molecular analyses showed considerable genetic variations between these two species., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Anaerobic digestion of floated paperboard sludge (PS) cake suffers from volatile fatty acids (VFAs) accumulation, nutrient unbalanced condition, and generation of digestate with a risk of secondary pollution. To overcome these drawbacks, sewage sludge (SS) was added to PS cake for biogas recovery improvement under a co-digestion process followed by the thermal treatment of solid fraction of digestate for biochar production. Batch experimental assays were conducted at different SS:PS mixing ratios of 70:30, 50:50, 30:70, and 20:80 (w/w), and their anaerobic co-digestion performances were compared to the mono-digestion systems at 35 ± 0.2 °C for 45 days. The highest methane yield (MY) of 241.68 ± 14.81 mL/g COD removed was obtained at the optimum SS:PS ratio of 50:50 (w/w). This experimental condition was accompanied by protein, carbohydrate, and VFA conversion efficiencies of 47.3 ± 3.2%, 46.8 ± 3.2%, and 56.3 ± 3.8%, respectively. The synergistic effect of SS and PS cake encouraged the dominance of Bacteroidota (23.19%), Proteobacteria (49.65%), Patescibacteria (8.12%), and Acidovorax (12.60%) responsible for hydrolyzing the complex organic compounds and converting the VFAs into biomethane. Further, the solid fraction of digestate was subjected to thermal treatment at a temperature of 500 °C for 2.0 h, under an oxygen-limited condition. The obtained biochar had a yield of 0.48 g/g dry digestate, and its oxygen-to-carbon (O/C), carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N), and carbon-to-phosphorous (C/P) ratios were 0.55, 10.23, and 16.42, respectively. A combined anaerobic co-digestion/pyrolysis system (capacity 50 m 3 /d) was designed based on the COD mass balance experimental data and biogenic CO 2 market price of 22 USD/ton. This project could earn profits from biogas (12,565 USD/yr), biochar (6641 USD/yr), carbon credit (8014 USD/yr), and COD shadow price (6932 USD/yr). The proposed project could maintain a payback period of 6.60 yr. However, further studies are required to determine the associated life cycle cost model that is useful to validate the batch experiment assumptions., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Open gingival embrasures form complex aesthetic and functional problems. This clinical trial assessed the bioclear matrix using injection molding technique against conventional celluloid matrix technique in management of black triangle., Methods: A total of 26 participants were randomly divided into two groups (13 participants each) according to the technique used. In group (A) celluloid conventional matrix method was used, while in group (B) bioclear matrix with injection molding technique was used. The different outcomes (Esthetic evaluation, marginal integrity and patient satisfaction) were evaluated following the FDI criteria by two blinded examiners. The evaluation was done at (T0) (immediate after restoration); (T6) after 6 months; and (T12) after 12 months. Statistical analysis was done as categorical and ordinal data were presented as frequency and percentage values. Categorical data were compared using fisher's exact test. Intergroup comparisons for ordinal data were analyzed utilizing the Mann-Whitney U test, while intragroup comparisons were analyzed using Friedman's test followed by the Nemenyi post hoc test. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05 within all tests., Results: Regarding radiographic marginal integrity and marginal adaptation, the bioclear matrix group revealed superior results when compared to celluloid matrix group with a significant difference between both groups at all intervals (p < 0.05); however no significant difference was detected at different intervals. While for proximal anatomical form and esthetic anatomical form, as well as phonetics and food impaction, all cases in both groups were successful with no statistical significant difference between groups. For the periodontal response, there was no significant difference between groups. However, there was a significant difference between scores measured at different intervals, with T0 being significantly different from other intervals (p < 0.001). Marginal staining revealed that there was no significant difference between groups. While, a significant difference between scores measured at different intervals., Conclusions: The restorative management of the black triangle with both protocols was able to deliver superior aesthetic and good marginal adaptation; suitable biological properties; with adequate survival time. Both techniques were almost equally successful, however they are depending on the operator skills., Trial Registration: The clinical trial was registered in the ( www., Clinicaltrials: gov/ ) database in 23/07/2020; with the unique identification number NCT04482790., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

This investigation involved a comparative analysis of the small GTPase superfamily in S. lycopersicum super strain B compared to their analogues in leguminous and other non-leguminous species. The small GTPases superfamily members were recognized by tBLASTn searches. The sequences of amino acid were aligned using Clustal Omega and the analysis of phylogeny was performed with the MEGA7 package. Protein alignments were applied for all studied species. Three-dimensional models of RABA2, ROP9, and ROP10 from Solanum lycopersicum "Super strain B" were performed. The levels of mRNA of the Rab, Arf, Rop, and Ran subfamilies were detected in aerial tissues vs. roots. Significant divergences were found in the number of members and groups comprising each subfamily of the small GTPases and Glycine max had the highest count. High expression of Rab and Arf proteins was shown in the roots of legumes whilst in non-legume plants, the highest values were recorded in aerial tissues. S. lycopersicum super strain B had the highest expression of Rab and Arf proteins in its aerial tissues, which may indicate that diazotroph strains have supreme activities in the aerial tissues of strain B and act as associated N-fixing bacteria. The phylogenies of the small GTPase superfamily of the studied plants did not reveal asymmetric evolution of the Ra, Arf, Rop, and Ran subfamilies. Multiple sequence alignments derived from each of the Rab, Arf, and Rop proteins of S. lycopersicum super strain B showed a low frequency of substitutions in their domains. GTPases superfamily members have definite functions during infection, delivery, and maintenance of N 2 -fixing diazotroph but show some alterations in their function among S. lycopersicum super strain B, and other species.

The nontrivial behavior of wave packets in the space fractional coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equation has received considerable theoretical attention. The difficulty comes from the fact that the Riesz fractional derivative is inherently a prehistorical operator. In contrast, nonlinear Schrödinger equation with both time and space nonlocal operators, which is the cornerstone in the modeling of a new type of fractional quantum couplers, is still in high demand of attention. This paper is devoted to numerically study the propagation of solitons through a new type of quantum couplers which can be called time-space fractional quantum couplers. The numerical methodology is based on the finite-difference/Galerkin Legendre spectral method with an easy to implement numerical algorithm. The time-fractional derivative is considered to describe the decay behavior and the nonlocal memory of the model. We conduct numerical simulations to observe the performance of the tunable decay and the sharpness behavior of the time-space fractional strongly coupled nonlinear Schrödinger model as well as the performance of the numerical algorithm. Numerical simulations show that the time and space fractional-order operators control the decay behavior or the memory and the sharpness of the interface and undergo a seamless transition of the fractional-order parameters.

Aim and Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of a light-induced fluorescence intraoral camera vs the visual-tactile assessment method according to the modified International caries detection and assessment system-II (ICDAS-II) criteria clinically in the detection of initial occlusal caries., Materials and Methods: Occlusal surfaces of 260 molar and premolar teeth from 52 adult participants were examined by two calibrated observers, using two diagnostic methods. Teeth were initially assessed visually according to the criteria of the ICDAS-II, and then by fluorescence camera (Soprolife®). Inter- and intraobserver agreements were measured using Cohen's kappa test. Correlation between methods was calculated using Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and effect size for comparison between the two modalities. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, diagnostic accuracy, likelihood ratios (LRs), area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of the AUC for caries detection by Soprolife® were evaluated., Results: A significant positive correlation was found between the ICDAS-II and camera measurements ( p -value <0.001, effect size = 0.572). The sensitivity of Soprolife® was 94.2%, specificity 84.2%, positive predictive value 87.1%, negative predictive value 92.8%, positive LR 6%, negative LR 0.07%, and the diagnostic accuracy 89.5%. AUC was 0.909 with 95% CI (0.863-0.955). There was a perfect intraobserver agreement (kappa = 1.00) for both testing modalities. There was moderate interobserver agreement (kappa = 0.520) with regards to ICDAS, while for Soprolife®, there was substantial interobserver agreement (kappa = 0.798)., Conclusion: Soprolife® can be used as a valid and reliable assessment tool for occlusal caries detection., Clinical Significance: Light-induced fluorescence intraoral camera is an efficient tool in the detection of initial occlusal caries.

The capabilities of cobalt ions (Co2+) and cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs) in enhancing alkaloids accumulation in Catharanthus roseus suspension cultures were evaluated in relation to the expression of CrMPK3 gene. Four concentrations (5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/L) of each cobalt form were utilized in addition to control. Both forms induced oxidative stress that was more pronounced for Co2+ treatments. A positive correlation was observed between cobalt concentration and expression of CrMPK3 gene. However, a characteristic temporal expression profile was recorded for each cobalt form. Also, positive correlations were detected between both cobalt concentration and expression of CrMPK3 gene on one hand and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and APX) and alkaloids content on the other hand. Such correlations suggest CrMPK3 gene as a common player in cobalt-induced stress signaling; regardless of cobalt form. Results revealed the higher capability of Co2+, compared with CoNPs, in enhancing alkaloids accumulation. However, results supported CoNPs as a novel tool in manipulating cobalt-induced alkaloids production in C. roseus.

Some of the essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as ARA (arachidonic acid, n-6), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid, n-3) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid, n-3) cannot be synthesized by mammals and it must be provided as food supplement. ARA and DHA are the major PUFAs that constitute the brain membrane phospholipid. n-3 PUFAs are contained in fish oil and animal sources, while the n-6 PUFAs are mostly provided by vegetable oils. Inappropriate fatty acids consumption from the n-6 and n-3 families is the major cause of chronic diseases as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The n-6: n-3 ratio (lower than 10) recommended by the WHO can be achieved by consuming certain edible sources rich in n-3 and n-6 in daily food meal. Many researches have been screened for alternative sources of n-3 and n-6 PUFAs of plant origin, microbes, algae, lower and higher plants, which biosynthesize these valuable PUFAs needed for our body health. Biosynthesis of C 18 PUFAs, in entire plant kingdom, takes place through certain pathways using elongases and desaturases to synthesize their needs of ARA (C 20 -PUFAs). This review is an attempt to highlight the importance and function of PUFAs mainly ARA, its occurrence throughout the plant kingdom (and others), its biosynthetic pathways and the enzymes involved. The methods used to enhance ARA productions through environmental factors and metabolic engineering are also presented. It also deals with advising people that healthy life is affected by their dietary intake of both n-3 and n-6 FAs. The review also addresses the scientist to carry on their work to enrich organisms with ARA.

Uric acid increased accumulation and/or reduced excretion in human bodies is closely related to pathogenesis of gout and hyperuricemia. It is highly affected by the high intake of food rich in purine. Uric acid is present in both higher plants and microorganisms with species dependent concentration. Urate-degrading enzymes are found both in plants and microorganisms but the mechanisms by which plant degrade uric acid was found to be different among them. Higher plants produce various metabolites which could inhibit xanthine oxidase and xanthine oxidoreductase, so prohibit the oxidation of hypoxanthine to xanthine then to uric acid in the purine metabolism. However, microorganisms produce group of degrading enzymes uricase, allantoinase, allantoicase and urease, which catalyze the degradation of uric acid to the ammonia. In humans, researchers found that several mutations caused a pseudogenization (silencing) of the uricase gene in ancestral apes which exist as an insoluble crystalloid in peroxisomes. This is in contrast to microorganisms in which uricases are soluble and exist either in cytoplasm or peroxisomes. Moreover, many recombinant uricases with higher activity than the wild type uricases could be induced successfully in many microorganisms. The present review deals with the occurrence of uric acid in plants and other organisms specially microorganisms in addition to the mechanisms by which plant extracts, metabolites and enzymes could reduce uric acid in blood. The genetic and genes encoding for uric acid in plants and microorganisms are also presented.

Objective: To compare microshear bond strength (uSBS) of two pairs of etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesives to superficial and deep dentin., Method and Materials: Occlusal surfaces of 40 sound extracted noncarious human molars were ground to obtain flat dentin surfaces (20 superficial and 20 deep dentin). Twenty-four teeth were used for uSBS test and 16 for scanning electron microscopic examination. Each dentin group was randomly assigned into four groups, according to the adhesive system tested. An etch-and-rinse and a self-etch adhesive from the same manufacturer were utilized: Scotchbond-MultiPurpose and Adper-Scotchbond SE and XP Bond and Xeno IV. CeramX was used for composite microcylinder construction (0.9 mm in diameter and 0.7 mm in height). Five composite microcylinders were constructed on each dentin surface (n = 15 per group). A Lloyd universal testing machine was used to test uSBS at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Fractographic analysis of the failure site was performed using a stereomicroscope and measured by image-analysis software. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan tests., Results: In superficial dentin, Xeno IV showed significantly the highest uSBS, while in deep dentin, XP Bond showed the highest uSBS. The lowest uSBS values in both dentin depths were recorded for Adper-Scotchbond SE. Etch-and-rinse systems bonded better to deep than to superficial dentin, while self-etching systems showed similar performance at both dentin depths., Conclusion: Bond strength to dentin is both adhesive- and substrate-dependent. Contemporary adhesive systems may produce variable bonding results to superficial and deep dentin due to variations in their composition rather than their bonding approach or application technique.

Objectives: To determine nanoleakage of CAD/CAM ceramic blocks bonded to dentin with self-adhesive resin cement., Methods: Eighteen sound extracted human molars were sterilized and sectioned into 3 mm-thick dentin sections. Trilux Cerec Vitablocks (Vita) were also sectioned into 3 mm sections, surface-treated using 5% hydrofluoric acid-etchant, and then coated with silane primer (Vita). Trilux and dentin sections were cemented together by means of three resin cements: Rely-X Unicem (3M/ESPE), BisCem (Bisco), and Calibra (Dentsply), according to manufacturers' recommendations. Calibra was used in conjunction with Prime/Bond-NT adhesive (Dentsply), while the other two are self-adhesive. The bonded specimens were stored for 24h in distilled water at 37°C. Specimens were vertically sectioned into 1 mm-thick slabs, yielding up to six per specimen. Two central slabs were randomly chosen from each specimen making up the cement groups (n=12). Each group was subdivided into two subgroups (n=6), a control and a thermocycled subgroup (5-55°C) for 500 cycles. Slabs were coated with nail polish up to 1 mm from the interface, immersed in a 50% silver nitrate solution for 24h, and tested for nanoleakage using Quanta Environmental SEM and EDAX. Data were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc tests., Results: Rely-X Unicem and Calibra groups demonstrated no significant difference in the percentage of silver penetration, while the BisCem group revealed a significantly higher percentage (P≤.05). Thermocycling (500 cycles) did not have a statistically significant effect on the percentage of silver penetration (P>.05)., Conclusions: One self-adhesive-resin cement demonstrated a similar sealing ability when compared with a standard resin cement. Thermo-cycling did not significantly increase dye penetration under the test conditions.