A Novel Aqueous Asymmetric Supercapacitor based on Pyrene-4,5,9,10-Tetraone Functionalized Graphene as the Cathode and Annealed Ti3C2Tx MXene as the Anode

Asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs), employing two dissimilar electrode materials with a large redox peak position difference as cathode and anode, have been designed to further broaden the voltage window and improve the energy density of supercapacitors. Organic molecule based electrodes can be constructed by combining redox-active organic molecules with conductive carbon-based materials such as graphene. Herein, pyrene-4,5,9,10-tetraone (PYT), a redox-active molecule with four carbonyl groups, exhibits a four-electron transfer process and can potentially deliver a high capacity. PYT is noncovalently combined with two different kinds of graphene (Graphenea [GN] and LayerOne [LO]) at different mass ratios. The PYT-functionalized GN electrode (PYT/GN 4–5) possesses a high capacity of 711 F g−1\ua0at 1 A g−1\ua0in 1\ua0M H2SO4. To match with the PYT/GN 4–5 cathode, an annealed-Ti3C2Tx\ua0(A-Ti3C2Tx) MXene anode with a pseudocapacitive character is prepared by pyrolysis of pure Ti3C2Tx. The assembled PYT/GN 4–5//A-Ti3C2Tx\ua0ASC delivers an outstanding energy density of 18.4\ua0Wh kg−1\ua0at a power density of 700\ua0W kg−1. The PYT-functionalized graphene holds great potential for high-performance energy storage devices

Effects of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria on Seed Germination Characteristics of Tomato and Lettuce

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) represent a wide genera of rhizospheric bacteria which, when introduced in association with the host plant in proper amount, can enhance plant growth and productivity. A series of experiments were conducted to determine the germination responses of tomato and lettuce to PGPR inoculation. Seeds were inoculated with different strains of Azospirillum brasilense Sp7, Sp7-S and Sp245, Herbaspirillum seropedicea and Burkholderia phytofirmans PsJNT. The results reveal that Sp7-S inoculation yielded better germination rate and total germination of tomato. PGPR inoculation, except Sp7, produced longer (28%) and heavier (37%) roots with superior vigor. In lettuce, PGPR strains, except B. phytofirmans PsJNT, and Sp7 and B. phytofirmans PsJNT, enhanced germination vigor and length of roots (26%), respectively. The results provide further evidence concerning their importance as PGPR and indicate the potential of exploiting some of these PGPR to improve seedling emergence and establishment of vegetables

Aqueous Organic Batteries Using the Proton as a Charge Carrier

Benefiting from the merits of low cost, nonflammability, and high operational safety, aqueous rechargeable batteries have emerged as promising candidates for large-scale energy-storage applications. Among various metal-ion/non-metallic charge carriers, the proton (H+) as a charge carrier possesses numerous unique properties such as fast proton diffusion dynamics, a low molar mass, and a small hydrated ion radius, which endow aqueous proton batteries (APBs) with a salient rate capability, a long-term life span, and an excellent low-temperature electrochemical performance. In addition, redox-active organic molecules, with the advantages of structural diversity, rich proton-storage sites, and abundant resources, are considered attractive electrode materials for APBs. However, the charge-storage and transport mechanisms of organic electrodes in APBs are still in their infancy. Therefore, finding suitable electrode materials and uncovering the H+-storage mechanisms are significant for the application of organic materials in APBs. Herein, the latest research progress on organic materials, such as small molecules and polymers for APBs, is reviewed. Furthermore, a comprehensive summary and evaluation of APBs employing organic electrodes as anode and/or cathode is provided, especially regarding their low-temperature and high-power performances, along with systematic discussions for guiding the rational design and the construction of APBs based on organic electrodes

Epidemiological Trends in Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Attributable to Modifiable Risk Factors and Its Association with Sociodemographic Transitions across BRICS-Plus Countries

BRICS-Plus countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and 30 other countries) is a group of 35 countries with emerging economies making up more than half of the world's population. We explored epidemiological trends of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality attributable to modifiable risk factors and its association with period and birth cohort effects and sociodemographic index (SDI) across BRICS-Plus countries by using joinpoint regression and age-period-cohort modeling from 1990 to 2019. Between 1990 and 2019, the all-ages CVD deaths increased by 85.2% (6.1 million to 11.3 million) across BRICS-Plus countries. The CVD age-standardized mortality rate attributable to dietary risks and smoking significantly decreased across BRICS-Plus countries, with some exceptions. However, four-fifths of BRICS-Plus countries observed a remarkable increasing trend of high body mass-index (BMI)-related CVD deaths, in particular, among younger adults (25-49 years). Early birth cohorts and individuals aged greater than 50 years showed a higher risk of CVD mortality. Both the China-ASEAN FTA and Mercosur regions stand out for their successful sociodemographic transition, with a significant reduction in CVD mortality over the study period. Singapore and Brazil achieved great progress in CVD mortality reduction and the other BRICS-Plus countries should follow their lead in adopting public health policies and initiatives into practice

An Induced Hypersensitive-Like Response Limits Expression of Foreign Peptides via a Recombinant TMV-Based Vector in a Susceptible Tobacco

BACKGROUND: By using tobacco mosaic virus (TMV)-based vectors, foreign epitopes of the VP1 protein from food-and-month disease virus (FMDV) could be fused near to the C-terminus of the TMV coat protein (CP) and expressed at high levels in susceptible tobacco plants. Previously, we have shown that the recombinant TMV vaccines displaying FMDV VP1 epitopes could generate protection in guinea pigs and swine against the FMDV challenge. Recently, some recombinant TMV, such as TMVFN20 that contains an epitope FN20 from the FMDV VP1, were found to induce local necrotic lesions (LNL) on the inoculated leaves of a susceptible tobacco, Nicotiana tabacum Samsun nn. This hypersensitive-like response (HLR) blocked amplification of recombinant TMVFN20 in tobacco and limited the utility of recombinant TMV vaccines against FMDV. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here we investigate the molecular mechanism of the HLR in the susceptible Samsun nn. Histochemical staining analyses show that these LNL are similar to those induced in a resistant tobacco Samsun NN inoculated with wild type (wt) TMV. The recombinant CP subunits are specifically related to the HLR. Interestingly, this HLR in Samsun nn (lacking the N/N'-gene) was able to be induced by the recombinant TMV at both 25°C and 33°C, whereas the hypersensitive response (HR) in the resistant tobacco plants induced by wt TMV through the N/N'-gene pathways only at a permissive temperature (below 30°C). Furthermore, we reported for the first time that some of defense response (DR)-related genes in tobacco were transcriptionally upregulated during HLR. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike HR, HLR is induced in the susceptible tobacco through N/N'-gene independent pathways. Induction of the HLR is associated with the expression of the recombinant CP subunits and upregulation of the DR-related genes

Chapitre 14: Phytopathogènes et stratégies de contrôle en aquaponie

peer reviewedAmong the diversity of plant diseases occurring in aquaponics, soil-borne pathogens, such as Fusarium spp., Phytophthora spp. and Pythium spp., are the most problematic due to their preference for humid/aquatic environment conditions. Phytophthora spp. and Pythium spp. which belong to the Oomycetes pseudo-fungi require special attention because of their mobile form of dispersion, the so-called zoospores that can move freely and actively in liquid water. In coupled aquaponics, curative methods are still limited because of the possible toxicity of pesticides and chemical agents for fish and beneficial bacteria (e.g. nitrifying bacteria of the biofilter). Furthermore, the development of biocontrol agents for aquaponic use is still at its beginning. Consequently, ways to control the initial infection and the progression of a disease are mainly based on preventive actions and water physical treatments. However, suppressive action (suppression) could happen in aquaponic environment considering recent papers and the suppressive activity already highlighted in hydroponics. In addition, aquaponic water contains organic matter that could promote establishment and growth of heterotrophic bacteria in the system or even improve plant growth and viability directly. With regards to organic hydroponics (i.e. use of organic fertilisation and organic plant media), these bacteria could act as antagonist agents or as plant defence elicitors to protect plants from diseases. In the future, research on the disease suppressive ability of the aquaponic biotope must be increased, as well as isolation, characterisation and formulation of microbial plant pathogen antagonists. Finally, a good knowledge in the rapid identification of pathogens, combined with control methods and diseases monitoring, as recommended in integrated plant pest management, is the key to an efficient control of plant diseases in aquaponics.Cos

Plant growth promotion by rhizobacteria in aquaponics

Wastewater or fish effluent (FE) from freshwater aquaculture can be a good and cheap liquid fertiliser for plants. However, while it represents a good source of nutrients to support plant growth in a system called aquaponics, it appears that its use needs to be optimised to take full advantage of the potential benefits. Apart from mineral amendments, the use of beneficial microorganisms that can have a direct impact on plant growth and nutrient utilisation could be a promising option. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a group of rhizospheric bacteria, when introduced in association with the host plant at optimum density, can enhance plant growth and health. One well-known and versatile PGPR is Azospirillum brasilense that has numerous beneficial effects on plants. The production of phytohormones by the bacterium has been proposed as one of the major mechanisms responsible for the plant growth promoting effects observed in plants inoculated with Azospirillum. Hence, this PGPR could be a valuable input in vegetable production under an aquaponics system. In addition, despite the widespread studies conducted with this PGPR in various crops, there is no published report on vegetables fertilised with fish effluent or under an aquaponics system. This study focuses on evaluating the role of PGPR, particularly A. brasilense, on the growth and development of selected vegetable crops fertilised with fish effluent and using an aquaponics system. Strains of A. brasilense Sp7, Sp7-S and Sp245, Herbaspirillum seropedicea and Burkholderia phytofirmans PsJNT were used to inoculate seeds and/or seedlings by soaking and/or drenching. Inoculated and uninoculated seeds and seedlings were germinated and raised in controlled growing cabinets and a greenhouse, respectively. PGPR-inoculated vegetable seeds generally germinated faster and had better early seedling growth than uninoculated controls. Cucumber seeds inoculated with strains Sp7, Sp245 and H. seropedicea exhibited increase in germination percentage and shoot length by 9 and 20%, respectively, while all PGPR improved the germination vigour index, and enhanced length and weight of seedling roots by 25 and 23%, respectively. In tomato, Sp7-S enhanced the germination value, while most PGPR, except Sp7, significantly improved the germination vigour, root length (28%) and weight (37%) with superior vigor. In lettuce, Sp7-S, Sp245 and H. seropedicea inoculation resulted in longer roots (26%). Germination vigour was also improved by inoculation, except for B. phytofirmans. This improved germination and early seedling growth characteristics may influence future crop establishment and production. Of the two laboratory-based inoculation methods used, soaking appeared to be a better technique for enhanced early seedling growth by strains of A. brasilense. This effect could be related to their unique metabolic characteristics of the strains. The growth promoting effects of A. brasilense strains on the early seedling growth of vegetables varied between the bacterial strains and crop species, In particular, strains Sp7-S and Sp245 strongly enhanced root (85%) and shoot (75%) growth, germination value and vigour in tomato when inoculated by soaking. Sp245 increased endogenous plant IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) content of cucumber and lettuce by up to 100%, irrespective of inoculation method. This work demonstrates that the strains can be used for inoculation within the studied range of cell concentrations with or without plant growth promoting (PGP) effects. However, strain Sp7 appeared to be more influential at lower inoculum concentrations (about log10 6), while Sp7-S and Sp245 at log10 7 cfu mL-1 or higher. For instance, cucumber seeds inoculated with Sp7 log10 8 and 6, Sp7-S and Sp245 log10 8 and 7 cfu mL-1 increased seedling growth, vigour index and endogenous plant IAA by up to 55%. In lettuce, the inoculation with log10 6 of Sp7, log10 7 and 6 of Sp7-S, and log10 8 and 7 of Sp245 yielded superior seedling growth with improved seedling vigour, while log10 7 and 8 of Sp7 and Sp7-S, respectively, increased plant IAA concentration by more than 20%. In tomato, Sp7 at log10 6, Sp7-S and Sp245 at log10 7 enhanced the root biomass, while inoculation with all concentrations of Sp7 and Sp7-S, and log10 8 of Sp245 significantly increased plant IAA content by up to 300%. The inoculation with the bacterial cell suspension exerted more beneficial effects on the early seedling growth, vigor and endogenous plant IAA. In cucumber, seeds inoculated with bacterial cell and those treated with IAA solutions produced longer roots and shoots by 163 and 60%, respectively. Seedlings also exhibited superior vigor. These treatments, together with culture supernatant, and combined cell and supernatant, also increased endogenous plant IAA content, in which the combined cell and supernatant produced up to four-fold greater plant IAA concentrations. In lettuce, seeds inoculated with cell suspension produced longer roots (86%) with superior seedling vigour and elevated plant IAA. In tomato, inoculation with cell suspension and treatment with IAA solutions enhanced length of roots length by up to 52 and 188%, respectively, while all treatments significantly increased the plant IAA content by 70%. These results also demonstrate that bacterial cell suspension and combined cell and supernatant showed consistent effects on the expression of plant IAA. This work suggests that the endogenous IAA levels in the seeds during germination have been altered by the activity of live bacteria and phytohormones present in the supernatant. The altered root morphology of the seedlings due to A. brasilense inoculation might have enhanced the capacity of roots to absorb water and essential minerals leading to enhanced plant growth and metabolic activity. For instance, inoculated cucumber seedlings produced longer roots (23%), greater root biomass (19%), higher total phosphorus (15%), endogenous plant IAA (101%) and peroxidase activity (134%). In lettuce, inoculation increased root length (22%), peroxidase activity (53%) and plant IAA (38%). In addition, strain Sp7 enhanced the chlorophyll and protein contents by 25 and 42%, respectively. In tomato, inoculation resulted in longer roots (67%), larger leaves (22%), higher dry matter accumulation (33%), protein (15%) and endogenous plant IAA (94%) contents. Taller seedlings (12%) with larger stems (15%) and more developed leaves (9%) with greater fresh biomass (18%) were observed with Sp7 inoculation, while two-fold increase in peroxidase activity due to strain Sp245 was detected. On the other hand, inoculated basil seedlings grown in soil produced longer roots (90%), taller seedlings (19%) with more (25%) and larger (61%) leaves, which resulted in greater seedling biomass (61%) and phosphorus content (3%), and higher peroxidase activity (122%) particularly for those inoculated with Sp245 and Sp7, respectively. These plant growth promoting effects were also observed in basil grown in an aquaponics system. These include larger stems and leaves (25%), fresh weight yield (17%), peroxidase activity (73%), phosphorus (5%) and protein (23%) contents due to inoculation. The amount of endogenous plant IAA (27%) and chlorophyll (13%) contents were also increased by Sp7 and Sp7-S inoculation, respectively. This further suggests that A. brasilense could be a valuable agent to help maximize the usefulness of fish effluent or wastewater from freshwater aquaculture for vegetable seedling production. The 16S rDNA terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis revealed that inoculation with A. brasilense has no adverse effect to the existing rhizobacterial communities (measured by the changes in the distribution of detectable operational taxonomic unit (OTU) (represented by TRF)) in the root rhizosphere of vegetables (i.e. lettuce, cucumber and basil) grown under different systems (i.e. sterile artificial substrate, soil and aquaponics). This highlights that this PGPR did not cause disturbance to the resident microbial communities or imbalance of the normal functioning of the system. In aquaponics, the presence of a substantial density of A. brasilense strains in the root rhizosphere of basil and the enhanced plant growth and physiological parameters of inoculated basil may imply that Azospirillum have successfully established a beneficial association with the existing bacterial populations. Moreover, this study demonstrates the potential of Azospirillum to be a practical agent for enhancing plant growth and development of vegetables fertilised with fish effluent and under aquaponics system. Directing future research endeavors to better understand the basic mechanisms occurring in the Azospirillum-plant interaction rather than exploring large scale application of this PGPR would support further development of the bioinoculant technology