River transport of Hg as a potential contamination pathway for sediments, soils and vegetation: management practices.

River systems, besides shaping their landscapes through the formation of Fluvisols, can also act as pathways for transporting significant pollutants, affecting both the river and its surrounding areas. One such pollutant is mercury (Hg). To assess the impact on sediments and adjacent riverbanks, including Fluvisols and their vegetation, the alluvial plains near Poland's most important river have been studied to understand this process and propose effective management measures.

Klotho protein alleviates heart ischemia/reperfusion injury and oxidative stress through regulation of the NOS/MMP pathway.

Heart ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) significantly contributes to cardiac damage through oxidative and nitrosative stress, where the dysregulation of nitric oxide synthases (NOS) and the subsequent activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are observed. Klotho is a multifunctional protein crucial in ageing, metabolism, and ion homeostasis. It has been confirmed that Klotho serves as a critical protective factor across multiple biological systems, with its roles in neuroprotection, cardiovascular health, and renal function being particularly noteworthy.

Evaluating high-protein wheat as a protein source for broiler chicken.

Today, broiler feed formulators focus not only on minimizing costs but also on reducing environmental impact and maintaining broiler health. Lowering crude protein (CP) levels is a key strategy for addressing these concerns. The least cost formulation of diets based on the ideal protein concept - where amino acids are provided in appropriate proportions - is the most effective way to supply an economically viable and balanced amino acids feed for broilers.

Enhancing the accumulation of scopolamine and atropine in Hyoscyamus niger L. callus by LED light and glycine-a cheap method.

Background: The production of tropane alkaloids such as atropine and scopolamine by chemical methods is costly. This study aimed to find a more efficient method for producing tropane alkaloids by investigating different LED light qualities and glycine treatment using leaf callus cultures of Hyoscyamus niger L. in vitro.

Concurrent Leydig and Sertoli Cell Tumors Associated with Testicular Mycosis in a Dog: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Mycosis is caused by, among other factors, filamentous fungi, ubiquitous molds belonging to spp. which are often opportunistic pathogens. Over 100 species of have been described.

Applying Compost Biochar for Gas Adsorption-Effects of Pyrolysis Conditions.

Not all produced compost meets established quality standards, often resulting in environmental challenges. This study investigated the potential of using mature compost as a feedstock for biochar production, with a focus on evaluating the gas adsorption properties of the resulting biochars. Mature compost was utilized as a substrate, and the pyrolysis process involved heating samples within a temperature range of 400-650 °C, at 50 °C intervals, with heating rates of 10 °C·min, 15 °C·min, or 20 °C·min for a duration of 60 min.

Sour Fruit Beers-Ethanol and Lactic Acid Fermentation in Beer Production.

Fruit and sour beers are popular due to their unique sensory characteristics. Owing to changes in physicochemical parameters, mixed culture fermentation is a promising research area. The aim of the study was to evaluate how ethanol and lactic acid fermentation, combined with the addition of berry fruits during the beer production process, influence the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of sour fruit beers.

The Occurrence of Mandible Brown Tumor Mimicking Central Giant Cell Granuloma in a Case Suspicious of Primary Hyperparathyroidism-Troublesome Diagnostic Dilemmas.

The jaw bones can manifest various cysts and tumors of different origins and etiologies. Any bone lesions lacking any potential odontogenic origin might require more accurate diagnostics, adequate investigation, and careful patient anamnesis. In cases of sharply demarcated radiolucency or mixed radiolucent-radiopaque radiological appearance lesions, they can sometimes extend between the displaced tooth roots or cause their resorption.

Feature Selection Strategies for Deep Learning-Based Classification in Ultra-High-Dimensional Genomic Data.

The advancement of high-throughput sequencing has revolutionised genomic research by generating large amounts of data. However, Whole-Genome Sequencing is associated with a statistical challenge known as the p >> n problem. We classified 1825 individuals into five breeds based on 11,915,233 SNPs.

Biocompatibility Evaluation of Surface-Modified Orthodontic Wires Using Graphene Layer.

The biocompatibility of orthodontic archwires is crucial for ensuring patient safety and the long-term success of orthodontic treatment. This study evaluated the biocompatibility of stainless steel (SS) and nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) orthodontic archwires, as well as stainless steel metal brackets, before and after the application of a graphene coating. The assessment was based on the materials' effects on a fibroblast cell line and on the development of a foetal chicken egg embryo.

Natural Microbiota of Dogs and Cats as a Source and Vector of Resistance Genes-Clinical Significance.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a growing global threat, driven by widespread antibiotic misuse across human and veterinary medicine. Companion animals, particularly dogs and cats, harbor complex natural microbiota-including skin, mucosal, and gastrointestinal communities-that are essential to their health yet also serve as reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). These ARGs can spread through horizontal gene transfer (HGT), especially during bacterial imbalances such as endogenous infections or surgical interventions, increasing the risk of difficult-to-treat infections.

Equine Asthma in a Comparative Perspective: Cardiovascular and Neurological Manifestations of Asthma Across Different Species.

Asthma is a multifactorial respiratory disease that naturally occurs in horses, humans, and cats, presenting common clinical signs and species-specific mechanisms. This review addresses the impact of asthma on the cardiovascular and neurological systems, with a primary focus on horses. It highlights the need for new biomarkers beyond the respiratory system due to diagnostic difficulties in animals.

Sugars and organic acids as drivers of drying-induced interactions in Lonicera caerulea L. powders.

Loniceracaerulea L. is rich in polyphenols but also contains high levels of sugars and organic acids, which complicates its processing into stable powders. This study introduces novel approach combining juice matrix purification using adsorption resins with the selection of functional carriers to track alterations in sugars and organic acids, both originally present in the juice-based products and introduced via carriers, during freeze- and spray drying.

Selective Anticancer Activity and Safety Profile of Chlorochalcones: Impact on Breast Cancer, Blood, and Endothelial Cells.

In the pursuit of novel anticancer therapies, assessing their selectivity and safety profile towards healthy cells is crucial. This study investigated chlorochalcones, derivatives of 2'-hydroxychalcone containing a chlorine atom, for their impact on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231), healthy blood cells (erythrocytes, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), platelets), and microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). Our findings demonstrated that chlorochalcones did not detrimentally affect erythrocytes, showing no hemolysis or preserving osmotic resistance and transmembrane potential.

Assessing the ecotoxicological effects of pesticides on non-target plant species.

Over the past two decades, pesticide use has increased globally, with over 91% of crops in the EU being treated. While pesticides improve crop yields, they also pose environmental risks. They can affect non-target plants by inhibiting germination, suppressing growth, and impairing photosynthesis.

Exploring the characters of sperm lipid peroxidation, enzymatic antioxidant activity, and spermatozoa zona binding capacity with aging in dogs.

This study aimed to assess differences in fresh semen quality between mature and senile dogs, focusing on oxidative stress markers, including spermatozoa lipid peroxidation and enzymatic antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the ability of frozen-thawed spermatozoa from these age groups to bind to the zona pellucida was investigated. Forty clinically healthy dogs were categorized into two groups: mature (3 ± 0.

Water-in-oil nanoemulsions as a delivery system for polyphenolic compounds from edible flower and fruit matrix: Modulating bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and health benefits by in vitro.

Water-in-oil nanoemulsions are a potential form of polyphenol encapsulation, but their use remains limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the possibility of encapsulating different doses of polyphenolic extracts isolated from chokeberry, rosehip, black mallow, and marigold using nanoemulsions prepared with Ultra-Turrax homogenization followed by ultrasonication. The use of a wide range of materials enabled the introduction of a diverse profile of polyphenols (i.

Host species of larvae contribute to intraspecific variation of deutonymphs - a case study of Allothrombium fuliginosum (Trombidiformes: Trombidiidae) parasitizing aphids.

Terrestrial parasitengone mites (Prostigmata: Parasitengona) are known for their complex life cycles, with active forms confined to larvae, deutonymphs, and adults, and quiescent proto- and tritonymphal stages. Knowledge of the host range of parasitic larvae of most species is still limited, but it is likely that host choice and suitability may influence intraspecific variation of subsequent developmental instars. In this study we assessed the variation of morphometric traits in unfed deutonymphs of Allothrombium fuliginosum which developed from larvae that had parasitized four different aphid hosts: Acyrthosiphon pisum, Aphis sambuci, Macrosiphum rosae and Hyadaphis sp.

Short but promising - how nature modulates the antimicrobial activity of proline-rich fragment of salivary MUC-7.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), including mucin-derived sequences, play a vital role in host defense at mucosal surfaces by modulating microbial interactions and supporting innate immunity. However, their susceptibility to proteolytic cleavage limits their protective efficacy. This study investigates the peptide FPNPHQPPKHPDK (L1), derived from human salivary mucin MUC7, and its proteolytic fragments L2 (FPNPHQPPK) and L3 (HPDK), generated by trypsin cleavage.

Impact of α-tocopherol derivatives on the structural and functional properties of model lipid nanocarriers: A biophysical modeling study.

While α-tocopherol is widely studied for its antioxidant role in membranes, its potential as a functional component of liposomal carriers remains underexplored, despite their range of interesting biological activities and growing use in nanocarrier systems. This study systematically evaluates how three tocopherol derivatives - α-tocopherol phosphate (TP), α-tocopherol succinate (TS), and α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS)-affect nanoliposomes, focusing on colloidal stability, encapsulation efficiency, and fundamental membrane properties such as fluidity, hydration, and thermotropic behavior. Results showed that all α-tocopherol derivatives significantly altered membrane properties, inducing structural changes in both the lipid chain and polar regions of the liposome bilayer.

The potential of decision tree application in threshold analysis of hazardous volatile organic compound release from biochar: Implications for environmental risk assessment.

The release of hazardous volatile organic compounds (HVOCs) from biochar poses a potential threat to both human health and the environment. This study investigates how low pyrolysis temperature (HTT) and the chemical characteristics of lignocellulosic biomass, expressed as the carbon-relative molar mass (CRMM) index (g·mol), influence the release of hazardous volatile compounds from biochar. A total of 204 biochar samples were produced from pure biomass components: lignin (L), cellulose (C), hemicellulose (H) and their mixtures, and analyzed using stepwise multiple regression, agglomerative hierarchical clustering, principal component analysis (PCA), and regression decision trees.

Physicochemical and Instrumental Flavor Analysis of Plant-Based Drinks with Plant Powder Additions.

This study explored the use of fruit- and herb-based powders as fortifying agents in soy- and oat-based beverages. Developed using a New Product Development approach, the powders were derived from underutilized plants rich in bioactives but with limited sensory appeal. Formulations included powders from both widely available fruits, such as apple and pear, chosen for their accessibility and economic relevance, and less commonly consumed fruits, such as Japanese quince, rosehip, and rhubarb, which are often discarded due to sour or astringent flavors.

Sugar Esters of Fatty Acids: Chemo-Enzymatic Synthesis and Biological Activity.

Human applications of surfactants have been diverse, from their initial use as detergents to their subsequent utilization in a multitude of other fields, including medicine, lubricants, cosmetics, and even assisted oil recovery. Nevertheless, the most significant challenge lies in the synthesis of surfactants. A particular challenge is the purification of compounds following chemical synthesis, as well as the toxic effect of the solvents used.

Molecular Mechanisms of the Endocannabinoid System with a Focus on Reproductive Physiology and the Cannabinoid Impact on Fertility.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex neuromodulatory network involved in maintaining physiological balance through interactions with various neurotransmitter and hormonal pathways. Its key components-cannabinoid receptors (CBRs)-are activated by endogenous ligands and exogenous cannabinoids such as those found in the plant. Although cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) have garnered interest for their potential therapeutic effects, evidence regarding their safety, particularly for reproductive health, remains limited.

The Impact of Substituting Chalk with Fly Ash in Formulating a Two-Component Polyurethane Adhesive on Its Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of replacing chalk with fly ash in a two-component polyurethane (2C PU) adhesive on its physicochemical, mechanical, and environmental properties, as a practical application of circular economy principles. Six adhesive formulations were prepared, each containing a chalk-to-fly ash ratio as a filler. The study evaluated rheological, mechanical, thermal, and environmental parameters.