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Short shelf-life and poor microbial quality of minimally processed foods of plant origin pose a serious problem for the food industry. Novel techniques of minimal treatment combined with disinfection are being researched, and, for fresh juice, the addition of antimicrobial agents appears to be a promising route. In this research, fresh, nonfiltered, unpasteurized carrot juice was mixed with four potential antimicrobials (bourbon vanilla extract, peppermint extract, cannabidiol oil, and grapefruit extract). All four variants and the reference pure carrot juice were analyzed for metapopulational changes, microbial changes, and physicochemical changes. The potential antimicrobials used in the research have improved the overall microbial quality of carrot juice across 4 days of storage. However, it is important to notice that each of the four agents had a different spectrum of effectiveness towards the groups identified in the microflora of carrot juice. Additionally, the antimicrobials have increased the diversity of the carrot juice microbiome but did not prevent the occurrence of pathogenic bacteria. In conclusion, the use of antimicrobial agents such as essential oils or their derivatives may be a promising way of improving the microbial quality and prolonging the shelf-life of minimally processed foods, such as fresh juices, but the technique requires further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ventilation systems are mainly responsible for maintaining the quality of indoor air. Together with thermal comfort maintenance systems, they create appropriate conditions for living, working, learning, sleeping, etc., depending on the type of building. This explains the high popularity of research in this area. This paper presents a review of articles published in the years 2020–2023, which are indexed in the Scopus database and found with keywords "ventilation" and "thermal comfort" in conjunction with the type of building or predominant activity. Finally, 88 selected works for five types of buildings were discussed, namely offices, schools, hospitals, bedrooms, and atriums. Data on publications are summarized in the tables, taking into account the publishing year, country of origin of the authors, and keywords. In this way, the latest directions in research were presented, and research groups dealing with this subject were highlighted. For each type of building, synthetic conclusions were presented, summarizing the results of the analyzed research. This review paper would be helpful for scientists and practitioners in the field of ventilation in order to organize knowledge and in a short time be up to date with the latest research showing how ventilation affects the quality of use of buildings by their users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are a diverse group of disorders characterized by the progressive degeneration and death of neurons, leading to a range of neurological symptoms. Despite the heterogeneity of these conditions, a common denominator is the implication of mitochondrial dysfunction in their pathogenesis. Mitochondria play a crucial role in creating biomolecules, providing energy through adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generated by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). When they're not functioning correctly, becoming fragmented and losing their membrane potential, they contribute to these diseases. In this review, we explore how mitochondria fuse and undergo fission, especially in the context of NDs. We discuss the genetic and protein mutations linked to these diseases and how they impact mitochondrial dynamics. We also look at the key regulatory proteins in fusion (MFN1, MFN2, and OPA1) and fission (DRP1 and FIS1), including their post-translational modifications. Furthermore, we highlight potential drugs that can influence mitochondrial dynamics. By unpacking these complex processes, we aim to direct research towards treatments that can improve life quality for people with these challenging conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swimming is a good form of physical activity that keeps swimmers fit and healthy. In countries with cold climates, swimming is allowed only indoors. Since adequate water and air parameters must be ensured in these buildings, they are very energy-consuming. In new buildings, modern solutions can be used, thanks to which technologically advanced energy-saving systems can be used. Unfortunately, in existing buildings, it is not always possible to make technical changes, or they are associated with high financial expenses. In this article, a method of in situ measurement of selected air parameters is proposed, on the basis of which it is possible to suggest scenarios for changes in the control of air technology and parameters in order to achieve energy savings. The easy measurement method was applied in a typical swimming pool building, and energy-saving measurements were taken on the first day to obtain a baseline. Seven scenarios were analyzed that would lead to a reduction in energy consumption without the introduction of new elements into the facility. The main task was to find a solution that ensured adequate thermal comfort in the building. Significant energy savings were achieved in each scenario: 6–47% compared to measured energy consumption. To improve the energy efficiency of swimming pools, especially in the current energy crisis related to the economic and political situation, all methods for reducing the energy demand are desirable. The proposed assessment method will allow for energy-consuming elements and allow for changes in the use of equipment in the swimming pool building. However, the main objective is to maintain the thermal comfort of swimming pool users, as no savings can be achieved at the expense of worsening the feeling of building users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-based traditional fermented products are attracting a lot of interest in global markets. An example of them is beetroot leaven, which is valued for its high bioactive compound content. The variety of production recipes and the spontaneous nature of red beet fermentation favor its high diversity. This study aimed to analyze the impact of external factors—temperature, brine salinity, and garlic dose—on the beetroot fermentation and bacterial metapopulation responsible for this process. The research results confirmed the significant influence of the selected and analyzed factors in shaping the leaven physicochemical profile including organic acid profile and betalain content. Analysis of bacterial populations proved the crucial importance of the first 48 h of the fermentation process in establishing a stable metapopulation structure and confirmed that this is a targeted process driven by the effect of the analyzed factors. Lactobacillaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Leuconostocaceae were observed to be the core microbiome families of the fermented red beet. Regardless of the impact of the tested factors, the leaven maintained the status of a promising source of probiotic bacteria. The results of this research may be helpful in the development of the regional food sector and in improving the quality and safety of traditionally fermented products such as beetroot leaven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early cancer screening enables timely detection of carcinogenesis, and aids in prompt clinical intervention. Herein, we report on the development of a simple, sensitive, and rapid fluorometric assay based on the aptamer probe (aptamer beacon probe, ABP) for monitoring the energy-demand biomarker adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an essential energy source that is released into the tumor microenvironment. Its level plays a significant role in risk assessment of malignancies. The operation of the ABP for ATP was examined using solutions of ATP and other nucleotides (UTP, GTP, CTP), followed by monitoring of ATP production in SW480 cancer cells. Then, the effect of a glycolysis inhibitor, 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG), on SW480 cells was investigated. The stability of predominant ABP conformations in the temperature range of 23–91 °C and the effects of temperature on ABP interactions with ATP, UTP, GTP, and CTP were evaluated based on quenching efficiencies (QE) and Stern-Volmer constants (KSV). The optimized temperature for best selectivity of ABP toward ATP was 40 °C (KSV = 1093 M−1, QE = 42%). We have found that the inhibition of glycolysis in SW480 cancer cells by 2-deoxyglucose resulted in lowering of ATP production by 31.7%. Therefore, monitoring and modulation of ATP concentration may aid in future cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for healthy indoor conditions, the energy crisis, and environmental concerns make building ventilation systems very important today. The elements of ventilation systems to reduce energy intensity are constantly the subject of much scientific research. The most recent articles published in the last three years are analyzed in this paper. Publications focused on the topic of reducing energy consumption in ventilation systems were selected and divided into five key research areas: (1) the aspect of the airtightness of buildings and its importance for the energy consumption, (2) the methods and effects of implementing the concept of demand-controlled ventilation in buildings with different functions, (3) the possibilities of the technical application of decentralized ventilation systems, (4) the use of earth-to-air heat exchangers, (5) the efficiency of exchangers in exhaust air heat-recovery systems. The multitude of innovative technologies and rapid technological advances are reflected in articles that appear constantly and prompt a constant updating of knowledge. This review constitutes a relevant contribution to recognizing current advancements in ventilation systems and may be helpful to many scientists in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel high-performance biosensing devices, based on a microporous cellulose matrix, have been of great interest due to their high sensitivity, low cost, and simple operation. Herein, we report on the design and testing of portable paper-based immunostrips (IMS) for in-field blood typing in emergencies requiring blood transfusion. Cellulose fibrils of a paper membrane were functionalized with antibodies via supramolecular interactions. The formation of hydrogen bonds between IgM pentamer and cellulose fibers was corroborated using quantum mechanical calculations with a model cellulose chain and a representative amino acid sequence. In the proposed immunostrips, paper with a pore size of 3 µm dia. was used to enable functionalization of its channels with antibody molecules while blocking the red blood cells (RBC) from channel entering. Under the optimized test conditions, all blood types of AB0 and Rh system could be determined by naked eye examination, requiring only a small blood sample (3.5 µL). The durability of IgM immunostrips against storing has been tested. A new method of statistical evaluation of digitized blood agglutination images, compatible with a clinical five-level system, has been proposed. Critical parameters of the agglutination process have been established to enable future development of automatic blood typing with machine vision and digital data processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the microbiome of carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) subjected to minimal pre-treatment (rinsing in organic acid solution) and packaging in a high-oxygen modified atmosphere, and then stored for 17 days under refrigeration conditions (4 °C). The highest levels of bacteria in the carrot microbiome were characterized, at almost 78%, by bacteria belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonadaceae families. Rinsing in a solution of ascorbic and citric acids resulted in the improvement of microbiological quality in the first day of storage. However, the use of a high-oxygen modified atmosphere extended the shelf life of the minimally processed product. Compared to carrots stored in air, those stored in high oxygen concentration were characterized by a greater ratio of bacteria belonging to the Serratia and Enterobacter genera, and a lower ratio belonging to the Pseudomonas and Pantoea genera. Moreover, the β-biodiversity analysis confirmed that the oxygen concentration was the main factor influencing the differentiation of the metabiomes of the stored carrots. The bacterial strains isolated from carrots identified by molecular methods were mostly pathogenic or potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Neither the minimal pre-treatment nor packaging in high-oxygen atmosphere was able to eliminate the threat of pathogenic bacteria emerging in the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Dissatisfaction with indoor air quality is common even in relatively new or renovated Polish school buildings. To improve air quality in educational buildings, portable devices have seen increased use, for which manufacturers guarantee a high level of indoor air purification. However, their optimized operation largely depends on their correct use. The aim of this article was to determine the effectiveness of air purification in a primary school using an air purification device with an analysis of the classroom indoor air quality (IAQ). Two criteria were used, microbiological and particulate matter concentration. Measurements were made before device installation and during its continuous operation, and before and after lessons on chosen days. Measurements related to IAQ did not detect clear differences in the analyzed measurement periods. For microbiological contamination, in the morning before lessons, the total count for all bacteria and microscopic fungi was definitely lower than after lessons. Comparing the periods before and after device installation, no clear tendency for reducing the bacteria count or microscopic fungi occurred during air purifier operation, nor was there any noticeable trend in the reduction of particulate matter. There was no improvement in air quality in the classrooms during the operation of the purification devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic cancers are among of the most lethal types of neoplasms, and are mostly detected at an advanced stage. Conventional treatment methods such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy often do not bring the desired therapeutic effects. For this reason, natural compounds are increasingly being used as adjuvants in cancer therapy. Polyphenolic compounds, including resveratrol, are of particular interest. The aim of this study is to analyze the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic mechanisms of resveratrol on human pancreatic cells. The study was carried out on three human pancreatic cancer cell lines: EPP85-181P, EPP85-181RNOV (mitoxantrone-resistant cells) and AsPC-1, as well as the normal pancreatic cell line H6c7. The cytotoxicity of resveratrol in the tested cell lines was assessed by the colorimetric method (MTT) and the flow cytometry method. Three selected concentrations of the compound (25, 50 and 100 µM) were tested in the experiments during a 48-h incubation. TUNEL and Comet assays, flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy, real-time PCR and Western Blot analyses were used to evaluate the pleiotropic effect of resveratrol. The results indicate that resveratrol is likely to be anticarcinogenic by inhibiting human pancreatic cancer cell proliferation. In addition, it affects the levels of Bcl-2 pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins. However, it should be emphasized that the activity of resveratrol was specific for each of the tested cell lines, and the most statistically significant changes were observed in the mitoxantrone-resistant cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A building's energy consumption is assessed considering the energy required for heating, cooling, lighting, and domestic hot water (DHW). Methodologies used to calculate energy certificates in European Union countries consider hot water consumption rates per person or per heated (floor) area, giving wide-ranging values (35–88 dm3/person/day). Using extreme parameters, it is possible to obtain a primary energy index that meets the legal requirements, although unrealistically large proportions of domestic hot water use relative to the total energy balance of the building may marginalize the influence of other components, such as fluctuations in heating, ventilation, or lighting. In the current work, the DHW consumption of three residential buildings was measured to verify the energy consumption for hot water preparation. Investigations were conducted based on the consumption of natural gas for DHW preparation. Experimentally obtained water consumption rates were determined per m2 of a dwelling and per person living in the building. The calculated indicators (0.85 ± 0.005 dm3/m2/day and 27.4 ± 1.4 dm3/person/day) were lower than those used for energy certifications of buildings. The experimentally obtained indicators were used in further theoretical energy assessments of six residential buildings. By adopting the designated indicators, the analyzed buildings met the legally required primary energy value (<70 kWh/m2/year) when using natural gas as a heat source. Applying more realistic DHW consumption values resulted in more accurate energy certifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer diseases are currently one of the greatest health challenges in clinical medicine worldwide. Classic methods of treatment often lead to numerous side effects, including the development of multidrug resistance. For this reason, increasing hope is being placed on compounds of natural origin, mainly due to their pleiotropic effect on different types of cells, protective effect on normal cells and toxic effect on cancerous ones. The most studied group are the polyphenolic compounds, which include resveratrol. The effectiveness of polyphenols in the treatment and prevention of many diseases, including cancer of various origins, has become the basis of many scientific studies. The anticancer effect of resveratrol has been demonstrated at all stages of the carcinogenesis process. Additionally, whether administered by itself or in combination with cytostatics, it may play a significant role in the process of reversing multidrug resistance. A review of the effects of resveratrol in in vitro conditions proves that it has a stronger or weaker antiproliferative and proapoptotic effect on the cells of certain neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite the differences in the effect of this compound on different types of cancer, a similar tendency can be observed especially regarding the correlation between the concentration of the compound and the incubation time on the one hand and the antitumour effect on the other hand. The information included in this review may prove helpful in planning in vivo and clinical studies in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]