Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (Switzerland)
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Sustainable Valorization of Framiré Sawdust: Extraction of Secondary Metabolites and Conversion of Residues into Fuel Briquettes
No full textFaced with the depletion of fossil resources and the need to promote a circular economy, lignocellulosic biomass represents a solution for energy transition and bioeconomy. However, wood sawdust, which contains bioactive compounds (secondary metabolites), is often burned in the open by many sawmills. This study aims to valorize Framiré wood sawdust by extracting its secondary metabolites through maceration and infusion, then converting the depleted residue into combustible briquettes. The yellowness index of the extracts ranged from 73.490 ± 0.021 (maceration) to 81.720 ± 0.014 (infusion). The total phenolic content varied from 0.097 ± 0.001 to 0.63 ± 0.049 gGAE/100 g dry matter for maceration and infusion, respectively. The extraction of bioactive compounds did not significantly affect the energy or mechanical properties of the fuels. Their higher heating value ranged from 26,153 ± 92 to 26,201 ± 90 kJ/kg for fuels with and without secondary metabolites, respectively. The Shock Resistance Index ranged from 139.33 ± 7.51% (without metabolites) to 153.00 ± 5.20% (with metabolites). A significant difference was observed in the specific consumption of the fuels, decreasing from 1.400 ± 0.100 to 0.861 ± 0.001 kg/L for fuels without and with secondary metabolites, respectively. These results open promising prospects, particularly for the use of Framiré extracts to develop flame-retardant products for wood and its derivatives
Effect of Si(C,N) Coatings on Prosthetic Alloys on the Initial Adhesion of E. coli Bacteria and C. albicans Fungi and Antimicrobial Activity
No full textThe presence and development of pathogens in the human body remains a serious problem. The existence of microorganisms is primarily related to their ability to adhere to various surfaces. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of Si(C,N) coatings on a nickel-chromium alloy surface to reduce bacterial and fungal adhesion and to provide antimicrobial activity. This publication also focused on determining which coating variant is most effective in reducing microbial adhesion. Si(C,N) coatings were sputtered onto the surface of the prosthetic alloy using the magnetron sputtering method. Observation was performed using a fluorescence microscope and a flow cytometer. The number of adhered bacterial cells decreased compared to the samples without coating (sample series A) by approximately 84% in sample series B and by 29% in sample series F. In the case of adhesion of fungal cells, their number decreased compared to the samples without coating (sample series A) by approximately 76% in sample series B and by 47% in sample series F. The applied one-way analysis of variance test indicated a statistically significant effect of the tested factor at a level below 0.001. Based on the conducted research, it was noticed that the use of Si(C,N) layers on the surface of the prosthetic alloy limits the adhesion of bacteria and fungi
Ecotoxicological Impacts of Microplastics and Cadmium Pollution on Wheat Seedlings
No full textAs plastic and heavy metal pollution continue to escalate, the co-occurrence of microplastics and heavy metals in the environment poses significant threats to ecosystems and human health. This study was designed to explore the combined effects of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) and cadmium (Cd) pollution on wheat seedlings, focusing on antioxidant enzyme activity and Cd bioaccumulation. At low concentrations of PE (1mg·L−1), peroxidase (POD) activity in wheat shoots slightly increased without significance, while at higher concentrations (50mg·L−1 and 100mg·L−1) of PE, POD activity was significantly inhibited compared to 0mg·L−1 PE treatment. At Cd exposure activity, with POD activity in the shoots increasing by 73.7% at 50μmol·L−1Cd2+ compared to 0μmol·L−1 Cd treatment. When wheat seedlings were exposed to a combination of 50 mg·L−1 PE and Cd at different concentrations Cd, significant differences in POD activity were observed in the shoots compared to the control group, showing an upward trend with increasing Cd concentration. However, the addition of PE suspension generally reduced POD activity in wheat shoots compared to Cd treatment alone. Specifically, the presence of 50mg·L−1 PE did not significantly alter POD activity in the wheat shoots (p>0.05). Furthermore, exposure to different concentrations of Cd resulted in a general increase in POD activity of roots, with significant differences observed at 5μmol·L−1 and 25μmol·L−1 Cd (p<0.05). Regarding Cd bioaccumulation, at Cd low concentrations (1μmol·L−1 and 5μmol·L−1), PE significantly promoted Cd accumulation in the shoots. However, at high Cd concentrations (50μmol·L−1), PE microplastics reduced Cd accumulation in the shoots but promoted its accumulation in the roots.These results suggest that PE microplastics influence the bioavailability of Cd, mitigating the toxic effects of high Cd concentrations. This paper scientifically elucidates the ecotoxicological effects of co-contamination for microplastics and heavy metals, also their potential impacts on agricultural production are discussed
Transcriptome Dynamics of BmN Cells During the Early Phase of Bombyx mori Nucleopolyhedrovirus Infection
No full textThe silkworm, Bombyx mori, is an economically important insect severely impacted by Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV), a double-stranded DNA virus that causes substantial losses to the sericulture industry. To elucidate the mechanisms of BmNPV infection and replication, we performed transcriptome sequencing of BmN cells infected with a recombinant BmNPV at 12 and 24 h post infection (hpi). A total of 1136 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the 12 hpi group, including 789 up-regulated and 347 down-regulated genes, while 5191 DEGs were detected at 24 hpi, including 2102 up-regulated and 3089 down-regulated genes. Functional annotation via GO and KEGG analyses highlighted the ECM–receptor interaction pathway as particularly significant. Furthermore, RT-qPCR results demonstrated that Map3k12 inhibits BmNPV replication. These findings lay the groundwork for further investigation into the molecular mechanisms of BmNPV infection and can be utilized for breeding dominant genes conferring resistance to nucleopolyhedrovirus in the silkworm
Development of Human Serum Albumin-Based Hydrogels for Potential Use as Wound Dressings
No full textProtein-based materials such as human serum albumin (HSA) have demonstrated significant potential for the development of novel wound management materials. For the first time, the formation of HSA-based hydrogels was proposed using a combination of thermal- and ethanol-induced approaches. The combination of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and limited (up to 20% v/v) ethanol content offers a promising strategy for fabricating human serum albumin-based hydrogels with tunable properties. The hydrogel formation was studied using in situ dynamic light scattering (DLS) for qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of the patterns of protein hydrogel formation through thermally induced gelation. The rheological properties of human serum albumin-based hydrogels were investigated. Hydrogels synthesized via thermally induced gelation using a denaturing agent exhibit a dynamic viscosity ranging from 100 to 10,000 mPa·s. The biocompatibility, biodegradability, and structural stability of human serum albumin-based hydrogels were comprehensively evaluated in physiologically relevant media. These human serum albumin-based hydrogels represent a promising platform for developing topical therapeutic agents for wound management and tissue engineering applications. This study investigated the kinetics of tetracycline release from human serum albumin-based hydrogels in PBS and fetal bovine serum (FBS). All tested formulations of HSA-based hydrogels loaded with tetracycline (1 mg/mL) demonstrated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, and Corynebacterium striatum strains
COMPASS Guidelines for Conducting Welfare-Focused Research into Behaviour Modification of Animals
No full textResearchers are increasingly engaged in studies to determine and correct negative welfare consequences of animal husbandry and behaviour modification procedures, not least in response to industries’ growing need to maintain their social licence through demonstrable welfare standards that address public expectations. To ensure that welfare recommendations are scientifically credible, the studies must be rigorously designed and conducted, and the data produced must be interpreted with full regard to conceptual, methodological, and experimental design limitations. This commentary provides guidance on these matters. In addition to, and complementary with, the ARRIVE guidelines that deal with animal studies in general, there is a need for additional specific advice on the design of studies directed at procedures that alter behaviour, whether through training, handling, or restraint. The COMPASS Guidelines offer clear direction for conducting welfare-focused behaviour modification research. They stand for the following: Controls and Calibration, emphasising rigorous design, baseline measures, equipment calibration, and replicability; Objectivity and Open data, ensuring transparency, validated tools, and data accessibility; Motivation and Methods, with a focus on learning theory, behavioural science, and evidence-based application of positive reinforcers and aversive stimuli; Precautions and Protocols, embedding the precautionary principle, minimising welfare harms, listing stop criteria, and using real-time monitoring; Animal-centred Assessment, with multimodal welfare evaluation, using physiological, behavioural, functional, and objective indicators; Study ethics and Standards, noting the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement), welfare endpoints, long-term effects, industry independence, and risk–benefit analysis; and Species-relevance and Scientific rigour, facilitating cross-species applicability with real-world relevance and robust methodology. To describe these guidelines, the current article is organised into seven major sections that outline detailed, point-by-point considerations for ethical and scientifically rigorous design. It concludes with a call for continuous improvement and collaboration. A major purpose is to assist animal ethics committees when considering the design of experiments. It is also anticipated that these Guidelines will assist reviewers and editorial teams in triaging manuscripts that report studies in this context
A New Modified CDP Constitutive Model for Jute Fiber-Reinforced Recycled Aggregate Concrete and Its Sustainable Application in Precast Cable Trench Joints
No full textTo address the dual challenges of improving precast cable trench joint performance and promoting solid waste recycling for carbon neutrality, this study developed a jute fiber-reinforced recycled aggregate concrete (JFRAC) and established a complete technical chain via experiments and numerical simulations. Compressive strength tests were conducted on JFRAC with varying jute fiber volume content and recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) replacement ratio to obtain their influence on the stress–strain relationship. A modified Concrete Damaged Plasticity (CDP) model was proposed by introducing correction coefficients for compressive strength and elastic modulus, achieving over 95% agreement with experimental data. Finite element simulations of cable trench joints showed that JFRAC outperforms C30 concrete, with the same compressive strength, in ultimate bearing capacity (↑4.17%), peak displacement (↑18.78%), and ductility (↑14.66%). JFRAC provides substantial environmental and economic advantages by reducing carbon emissions by 2.29% and saving costs of CNY 62.43 per meter of precast cable trench. Parametric studies indicated bolt grade and number are the primary performance influencers. Bolt grade’s impact diminishes as it increases from 8.8 to 10.9, while bolt number linearly enhances load-bearing capacity. This study provides a feasible path for JFRAC to replace conventional concrete in cable trenches, realizing both economic and environmental benefits
Seed Oil of Lycium barbarum L. from Qaidam Basin Prevents and Treats UV-Induced Photodamage in BABL/c Mice Skin by Modulating Skin Microbiome and Amino Acid Metabolism
No full textUltraviolet (UV) radiation is a primary environmental factor responsible for skin photodamage, and exposure to UV rays is strongly linked to a variety of skin diseases. This study examined the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of Seed Oil of Lycium barbarum L. from the Qaidam basin (QLBSO) in a UV-induced skin photodamage model in BALB/c mice, exploring potential mechanisms by analyzing the skin microbiota and metabolites using 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolomics. The results showed that QLBSO effectively alleviated UV-induced histopathological changes in mouse skin. It also significantly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in UV-damaged skin tissue, while reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), as well as matrix metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-3. Omics analysis revealed that QLBSO successfully restored the balance of the skin microbiota and corrected disruptions in amino acid metabolism caused by UV exposure. Notably, Firmicutes_A and Kineothrix, along with cysteine, cystine, glycine, arginine, proline, and choline, were identified as key microbial species and metabolites responsive to QLBSO’s prophylactic and therapeutic effects. In conclusion, QLBSO likely protects against UV-induced skin photodamage by modulating the skin microbiota and amino acid metabolism, providing a scientific foundation for its potential use in skin health protection
DOTAP-Based Hybrid Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for CRISPR–Cas9 RNP Delivery Targeting TGFB1 in Diabetic Nephropathy
No full textBackground: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is largely driven by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-mediated fibrosis. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (Cas9) ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes offer precise gene disruption, yet effective non-viral delivery remains a challenge. This study developed cationic lipid-based hybrid nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) for intracellular delivery of TGFB1-targeting RNP as an early-stage platform for DN gene modulation. Methods: A single-guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting human TGFB1 was assembled with Cas9 protein (1:1 and 1:2 molar ratios). Hybrid NLCs comprising squalene, glyceryl trimyristate, and the cationic lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP) were formulated via optimized emulsification–sonication to achieve sub-100 nm particles. Physicochemical properties, including polydispersity index (PDI), were assessed via dynamic light scattering (DLS), while silencing efficacy in HEK293T cells was quantified using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Optimized NLCs achieved hydrodynamic diameters of 65–99 nm (PDI < 0.5) with successful RNP complexation. The 1:2 Cas9:sgRNA formulation produced the strongest gene-editing response, reducing TGFB1 mRNA by 67% (p < 0.01) compared with 39% for the 1:1 ratio. This translated to a significant reduction in TGF-β1 protein (p < 0.05) within 24 h. Conclusions: DOTAP-based hybrid NLCs enable efficient delivery of CRISPR–Cas9 RNP and achieve significant suppression of TGFB1 expression at both transcriptional and protein levels. These findings establish a promising non-viral platform for upstream modulation of profibrotic signaling in DN and support further evaluation in kidney-derived cells and in vivo renal models
Spatial Analysis of the Progress of Energy Transition in Europe
No full textThe aim of the presented research was to conduct a spatial analysis of the progress of energy transition in countries of the European Union. The energy transition is understood as replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving the energy efficiency of the EU economy. The analysis used statistical data obtained from Eurostat. These data were subjected to spatial analysis, enabling the identification of hot spots and clusters representing spatial variations in the degree of transformation progress. This allowed for the identification of countries with similar dynamics of change, as well as the differences between clusters. The weights of the explanatory variables and the energy transition progress index (ETPI) were also determined. The results obtained allowed the proposal of strategies and energy policies for individual clusters. The ETPI clearly shows that more than half of the EU countries have values of this index below their average. The maximum value of the index is 67% (for Denmark), and only two countries achieved an index of 50%. Therefore, even the leaders of the transition did not achieve their goals completely. There are still areas that need improvement, such as the decarbonization of transportation, industry, and construction. Countries that are lagging behind in their transition should implement measures to accelerate the achievement of decarbonization goals, both in the short term and strategically