Deciphering the Epigenetic Alphabet Involved in Transgenerational Stress Memory in Crops

Although epigenetic modifications have been intensely investigated over the last decade due to their role in crop adaptation to rapid climate change, it is unclear which epigenetic changes are heritable and therefore transmitted to their progeny. The identification of epigenetic marks that are transmitted to the next generations is of primary importance for their use in breeding and for the development of new cultivars with a broad-spectrum of tolerance/resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. In this review, we discuss general aspects of plant responses to environmental stresses and provide an overview of recent findings on the role of transgenerational epigenetic modifications in crops. In addition, we take the opportunity to describe the aims of EPI-CATCH, an international COST action consortium composed by researchers from 28 countries. The aim of this COST action launched in 2020 is: (1) to define standardized pipelines and methods used in the study of epigenetic mechanisms in plants, (2) update, share, and exchange findings in epigenetic responses to environmental stresses in plants, (3) develop new concepts and frontiers in plant epigenetics and epigenomics, (4) enhance dissemination, communication, and transfer of knowledge in plant epigenetics and epigenomics.     

Changes of free amino acid content of Teleme cheese made with different types of milk and culture

The evolution of concentration of free amino acids in Teleme cheese made from sheep, goat or cow milk, using a thermophilic, mesophilic or a mixture of a thermophilic, a mesophilic culture throughout ripening was studied. The total free amino acid (TFAA) content increased at all stages of ripening, regardless of the milk and culture used. In general, the TFAA content was higher in cheeses made from cow’s milk than that of the cheeses made from ewe’s milk; cheese from goat’s milk ranged over intermediate levels. Also, higher concentrations of TFAA were found in cheeses made with the thermophilic than with the mesophilic culture. Cheeses made with the mixture of thermophilic–mesophilic culture ranged over intermediate levels. The results of this study have shown that Leu, Glu, Phe, Val and Lys were the major FAA of Teleme cheese at all stages of ripening, regardless of the type of milk and culture used.     

Different Types of Chronic Inflammation Engender Distinctive Immunosenescent Profiles in Affected Patients

Immunosenescence encompasses a spectrum of lymphocyte phenotypic alterations. The aim of the study was to evaluate immunosenescent effect of two different forms of chronic inflammation, Systemic Lupus Erythematosous (SLE), a systemic autoimmune disease, and End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD), a chronic inflammatory disorder. Certain lymphocyte surface molecules, including CD31, CD45RA, CCR7, CD28, CD57, for T, and IgD, CD27 for B lymphocytes, were analyzed by flow cytometry in 30 SLE and 53 ESKD patients on hemodialysis (HD), and results were compared to 31 healthy controls (HC) of similar age, gender, and nationality. Significant Lymphopenia was evident in both SLE and ESKD-HD patients, compared to HC, affecting B cells 75.4 (14.4–520.8), 97 (32–341), and 214 (84–576) cells/μL, respectively, p < 0.0001, and CD4 cells 651.2 (71.1–1478.2), 713 (234–1509), and 986 (344–1591) cells/μL, respectively, p < 0.0001. The allocation of B cell subpopulations was remarkably different between SLE and ESKD-HD patients. SLE showed a clear shift to senescence (CD19IgD-CD27−) cells, compared to ESKD-HD and HC, 11.75 (10)% vs. 8 (6) vs. 8.1 (10), respectively. Regarding T lymphocytes, Central Memory CD8 cells predominated in both SLE and ESKD-HD patients compared to HC, 53 (50)%, 52 (63), and 24 (64)%, respectively, while ESKD-HD but not SLE patients also had increased expression of CD4CD28− and CD8CD28− cells. In conclusion, both diseases are followed by significant lymphopenia; however, the senescent phenomenon affects the B lymphocyte compartment in SLE patients and T lymphocytes in ESKD-HD patients.     

Single step fabrication of polymer/silicate porous composite membranes via water-glass induced phase inversion

Water-glass, a low-cost silica precursor solution, is used to produce mostly skinned, polymer–silicate composite membranes with a porous bulk. We explore primarily Nylon 6-10/formic acid dopes where the polymer solvent is an acid, and polysulfone/DMF dope as an example of a polymer dope based on a non-acidic water-miscible solvent. Elemental distribution of silicon in cross sections suggests compositional uniformity of the formed membranes with in some cases 20 wt. % of silicate load. Membranes formed can be used either as separation media or as precursors for compact polymers reinforced with silicate particles.     

Ancient Roman nano-technology: Insight into the manufacture of mosaic tesserae opacified by calcium antimonate

Opaque mosaic glass tesserae containing calcium antimonates from Ancient Messene, Greece (1st–4th century CE) were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Both trigonal CaSb₂O₆ and cubic Ca₂Sb₂O₇, with crystallite diameters below 1?μm, were identified as opacifying agents. To better understand ancient technologies, we prepared model glasses that were opacified by crystallisation via a secondary heat treatment, by direct crystallisation during the melting process, or by the addition of pre-reacted calcium antimonate to a base glass. We found that direct crystallisation replicated the antique glass artefacts most accurately.We demonstrated that 0.2?wt% of nucleating agents like TiO₂ and SnO₂ already exert significant influence on the crystallisation behaviour of calcium antimonates. Secondary scattering centres such as silica and carbonates contribute to the optical appearance. Concurrently, we reproduced opaque white glass ceramics in a reconstructed, wood-fired, Roman-type glass furnace built by Wiesenberg (2014).     

Graphene oxide and its application as an adsorbent for wastewater treatment

Graphene oxide, particularly as magnetic particles, has recently been used as an adsorbent for wastewater treatment in applications such as heavy metals separation (mercury, cadmium, copper, chromium, arsenic) and also organics (antibiotics, dyes, i.e. Reactive black 5, etc.). Selected examples will be given in the present review—mostly from the literature. The following themes are examined among others: the synthesis route (impregnation, co‐precipitation), kinetics of adsorption, thermodynamics, isotherm studies and applications in comparison with other adsorbents. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

The effect of preparation method on the catalytic activity of amorphous aluminas in ethanol dehydration

The known heterogeneous catalytic dehydration of ethanol on amorphous aluminium oxide samples was adopted as a measure of catalytic activity and selectivity. The aluminium oxide samples were prepared by hydrolysis of aluminium chloride using propylamine, as proton acceptor, in pure and mixed aqueous ethanolic and acetonic media, freeze dried and activated. The catalytic activity and selectivity of the samples was measured in the temperature range 623–698 K for various flow rates of ethanol. The apparent activation energies were calculated (53–78 kJ mol^?1) and depended on the solvent used in the preparation of the aluminas. The effect of solvent medium on the activity and selectivity was discussed. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Sulfide removal in wastewater from petrochemical industries by autotrophic denitrification

An alternative flowchart for the biological removal of hydrogen sulfide from oil-refining wastewater is presented; autotrophic denitrification in a multi-stage treatment plant was utilized. A pilot-scale plant was fed with a mixture of the following constituents: (a) original wastewater from an oil refining industry (b), the effluent of the existing nitrification-stage treatment plant and (c) sulfide in the form of Na2S. Anoxic sulfide to sulfate oxidation, with nitrate as a terminal electron acceptor, proved very successful, as incoming concentrations of 110 mg S2-/L were totally converted to SO(4)2-. At complete denitrification, the concentration of S2- in the reactor effluent was less than 0.1mg/L. Fluctuating S2- concentration in the feed could be tolerated without any problems, as the accumulated sulfide in the effluent of the denitrification stage is oxidized aerobically in a subsequent activated-sludge treatment stage. This alternative new treatment scheme was further introduced at the refinery's wastewater processing plant. Thus, complete H2S removal is now accomplished by the combination of the proposed biological method and the existing stripping with CO2. As a result, stripping, and thus its cost, is reduced by 70%.     

Selenium content in selected foods from the Greek market and estimation of the daily intake

The total selenium content of foods purchased from the North West part of Greece was determined using hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectroscopy. The results of this study were within the range from other countries. The overall mean average of selenium concentration of the foods examined, in decreasing order, was found in sesame seeds (783.1 ng g(-1)), fish (246 ng g(-1)), legumes (162.5 ng g(-1)), eggs (123 ng g(-1)), bread (91.9 ng g(-1)), meat (71.7 ng g(-1)), cheese (69.8 ng g(-1)), yoghurt (23.6 ng g(-1)), nuts (19.6 ng g(-1)), milk (15.4 ng g(-1)), vegetables (6.5 ng g(-1)) and fruits (3.4 ng g(-1)). Considering the average daily individual consumption of these foods by Greeks, the average daily dietary intake of selenium supplied by this source is 39.3 microg per capita.