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Mice deficient in complement C3 (C3-/-) are hematologically normal under steady-state conditions, and yet displayed a significant delay in hematopoietic recovery from either irradiation or transplantation of wild-type (WT) hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC). Transplantation of histocompatible WT Sca-1+ cells into C3-/- mice resulted in a (i) decrease in day 12 CFU-S, (ii) 5-7-day delay in platelet and leukocyte recovery, and (iii) reduced number of BM CFU-GM progenitors at day 16 after transplantation. Nevertheless, HSPC from C3-/- mice engrafted normally into irradiated WT mice, suggesting that there was a defect in the hematopoietic environment of C3-/- mice. Since C3-/- mice cannot activate/cleave C3, the C3 fragments C3a, C3ades-Arg, and iC3b were examined for a role in HSPC engraftment. Liquid-phase C3a and C3ades-Arg increased CXCR4 incorporation into membrane lipid rafts (thus potentiating HSPC responses to SDF-1 gradients), whereas iC3b was deposited onto irradiated BM cells and functioned to tether CR3(CD11b/CD18)+HSPC to damaged stroma. The activity of C3ades-Arg suggested that C3aR+HSPC also expressed the C5L2 (receptor for C3a and C3ades-Arg) and this was confirmed. In conclusion, a novel mechanism for HSC engraftment was identified, which involves complement activation and specific C3 fragments that promote conditioning for transplantation and enhance HSPC engraftment.Leukemia (2004) 18, 1482-1490. doi:10.1038/sj.leu.2403446 Published online 29 July 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on the changes in the chemical composition of wood caused by impregnation with fire retardants such as guanidine carbonate (GC), urea (U), diammonium phosphate (DAP) and their mixtures. The treated wood was tested using the oxygen index (LOI), Py-GC/MS analysis and FTIR Spectroscopy. The wood was vacuum treated at a pressure of 0.8 MPa for 20 min and then subjected to thermal degradation using the LOI. This way, degraded and nondegraded layers were obtained and ground (0.2 mm). All treatment variants achieved the class of non-flammable materials based on LOI tests; the exception was the 5% urea solution, defined as a flame-retardant material. Using the analytical methods, it was found that cellulose and hemicelluloses undergo the fastest thermal degradation. This study found that the variant protected with a 5% mixture of GC and DAP before and after the degradation process had the best fire-retardant properties regarding cellulose content in the wood. The highest content of anhydrosugars characterised the same variants, the amount of which indicates a slowdown in the degradation process and, consequently, a reduction in the release of levoglucosan during combustion, suggesting potential applications in fire safety.

The solvolysis reaction with ionic liquids is one of the most frequently used methods for producing nanometer-sized cellulose. In this study, the nanocellulose was obtained by reacting microcrystalline cellulose with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EmimOAc). The aim of this research was to determine the influence of various antisolvents used in the regeneration of cellulose after treatment with ionic liquid on its properties. The following antisolvents were used in this research: acetone, acetonitrile, water, ethanol and a mixture of acetone and water in a 1:1 v / v ratio. The nanocellulose was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental analysis (EA). The results show that the antisolvent used to regenerate cellulose after the solvolysis reaction with EmimOAc affects its properties. Water, ethanol and a mixture of acetone and water successfully removed the used ionic liquid from the cellulose structure, while acetone and acetonitrile were unable to completely remove EmimOAc from the cellulosic material. The results of the XRD analysis indicate that there is a correlation between the ionic liquid content in the regenerated cellulose and its degree of crystallinity. Among the tested solvents, water leads to the effective removal of EmimOAc from the cellulose structure, which is additionally characterized by the smallest particle size and non-formation of agglomerates.

This study investigates the suitability of using caffeine-treated and untreated black cherry ( Prunus serotina Ehrh.) wood as a polylactide filler. Composites containing 10%, 20%, and 30% filler were investigated in terms of increasing the nucleating ability of polylactide, as well as enhancing its resistance to microorganisms. Differential scanning calorimetry studies showed that the addition of caffeine-treated wood significantly altered the crystallization behavior of the polymer matrix, increasing its crystallization temperature and degree of crystallinity. Polarized light microscopic observations revealed that only the caffeine-treated wood induced the formation of transcrystalline structures in the polylactide. Incorporation of the modified filler into the matrix was also responsible for changes in the thermal stability and decreased hydrophilicity of the material. Most importantly, the use of black cherry wood treated with caffeine imparted antifungal properties to the polylactide-based composite, effectively reducing growth of Fusarium oxysporum , Fusarium culmorum , Alternaria alternata , and Trichoderma viride . For the first time, it was reported that treatment of wood with a caffeine compound of natural origin alters the supermolecular structure, nucleating abilities, and imparts antifungal properties of polylactide/wood composites, providing promising insights into the structure-properties relationship of such composites.

Chitosan is a natural and biodegradable polymer with promising potential for biomedical applications. This study concerns the production of chitosan-based materials for future use in the medical industry. Bioactive substances-caffeine and ethanolic propolis extract (EEP)-were incorporated into a chitosan matrix to increase the bioactivity of the obtained films and improve their mechanical properties. Acetic and citric acids were used as solvents in the production of the chitosan-based films. The obtained materials were characterized in terms of their antibacterial and antifungal activities, as well as their mechanical properties, including tensile strength and elongation at break. Moreover, the chemical structures and surface morphologies of the films were assessed. The results showed that the solution consisting of chitosan, citric acid, caffeine, and EEP exhibited an excellent antiradical effect. The activity of this solution (99.13%) was comparable to that of the standard antioxidant Trolox (92.82%). In addition, the film obtained from this solution showed good antibacterial activity, mainly against Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis . The results also revealed that the films produced with citric acid exhibited higher activity levels against pathogenic bacteria than the films obtained with acetic acid. The antimicrobial effect of the chitosan-based films could be further enhanced by adding bioactive additives such as caffeine and propolis extract. The mechanical tests showed that the solvents and additives used affected the mechanical properties of the films obtained. The film produced from chitosan and acetic acid was characterized by the highest tensile strength value (46.95 MPa) while the chitosan-based film with citric acid showed the lowest value (2.28 MPa). The addition of caffeine and propolis to the film based on chitosan with acetic acid decreased its tensile strength while in the case of the chitosan-based film with citric acid, an increase in strength was observed. The obtained results suggested that chitosan films with natural bioactive substances can be a promising alternative to the traditional materials used in the medical industry, for example, as including biodegradable wound dressings or probiotic encapsulation materials.

Recently, the development of materials based on natural polymers have been observed. This is the result of increasing environmental degradation, as well as increased awareness and consumer expectations. Many industries, especially the packaging industry, face challenges resulting from legal regulations. Chitin is the most common biopolymer right after cellulose and is used to produce chitosan. Due to the properties of chitosan, such as non-toxicity, biocompatibility, as well as antimicrobial properties, chitosan-based materials are used in many industries. Many studies have been conducted to determine the suitability of chitosan materials as food packaging, and their advantages and limitations have been identified. Thanks to the possibility of modifying the chitosan matrix by using natural additives, it is possible to strengthen the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of chitosan films, which means that, in the near future, chitosan-based materials will be a more environmentally friendly alternative to the plastic packaging used so far. The article presents literature data on the most commonly used natural additives, such as essential oils, plant extracts, or polysaccharides, and their effects on antimicrobial, antioxidant, mechanical, barrier, and optical properties. The application of chitosan as a natural biopolymer in food packaging extends the shelf-life of various food products while simultaneously reducing the use of synthetic plastics, which in turn will have a positive impact on the natural environment. However, further research on chitosan and its combinations with various materials is still needed to extent the application of chitosan in food packaging and bring its application to industrial levels.

Propolis is one of the bee products, with multiple biological properties used in numerous applications. The research objective was to determine the chemical composition and biological properties (antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, and cytoprotective activity) of propolis extracts collected from various regions of Poland. The results indicated that the total content of phenols (116.16-219.41 mg GAE/g EEP) and flavonoids (29.63-106.07 mg QE/g EEP) in propolis extracts depended on their geographic origin. The high content of epicatechin, catechin, pinobanksin, myricetin, and acids: vanillic and syringic in propolis samples was confirmed by chromatographic analysis. Moreover, the presence of caffeic acid phenethyl ester was confirmed in all samples. The origin of propolis also influenced the biological properties of its extracts. The propolis extracts were characterized by moderate DPPH free radical scavenging activity (29.22-35.14%), and relatively low ferrous iron chelating activity (9.33-32.32%). The results indicated also that the propolis extracts showed high activity in the protection of human red blood cells against free radicals generated from 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH). The extracts exhibited diversified activity against the tested pathogenic bacteria and limited activity against fungal strains. The research of selected propolis extracts showed that only 2 of 5 examined samples showed moderate activity against HPV (human papillomaviruses) and the activity depended on its geographical distribution.

Nitrogen (N) is an important element for plant growth and development. Although several studies have examined plants' response to N deficiency, studies on plants' response to excess N, which is common in fertilizer-based agrosystems, are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the response of barley to excess N conditions, specifically the root response. Additionally, genomic mechanism of excess N response in barley was elucidated using transcriptomic technologies. The results of the study showed that barley MADS27 transcription factor was mainly expressed in the roots and its gene contained N-responsive cis -regulatory elements in the promoter region. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in HvMADS27 expression under excess N condition; however, its expression was not significantly affected under low N condition. Phenotypic analysis of the root system of HvMADS27 knockdown and overexpressing barley plants revealed that HvMADS27 regulates barley root architecture under excess N stress. Further analysis of wild-type (WT) and transgenic barley plants ( hvmads27 kd and hvmads27 c-Myc OE ) revealed that HvMADS27 regulates the expression of HvBG1 β-glucosidase, which in turn regulates abscisic acid (ABA) level in roots. Overall, the findings of this study showed that HvMADS27 expression is downregulated in barley roots under excess N stress, which induces HvBG1 expression, leading to the release of ABA from ABA-glucose conjugate, and consequent shortening of the roots., Competing Interests: Since 16/11/2021, the co-author AS has been employed by Frontiers Media SA. AS declared his/her affiliation with Frontiers, and the handling Editor states that the process nevertheless met the standards of a fair and objective review. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Smoczynska, Pacak, Grabowska, Bielewicz, Zadworny, Singh, Dolata, Bajczyk, Nuc, Kesy, Wozniak, Ratajczak, Harwood, Karlowski, Jarmolowski and Szweykowska-Kulinska.)

The aim of this study was to determine the dependencies between mechanical properties of modified wood and its color. Within its scope, quantitative changes in color and chemical composition (mass loss, total carbon content, content of extractives and main components of wood), as well as mechanical properties (compressive strength along the grain, strength and modulus of elasticity in longitudinal tension tests, compression across the grain and impact resistance) of the modified Scots pine sapwood, were determined. Modifications were conducted in the atmosphere of superheated steam (time-4 h, temperature of 130, 160, 190, 220 °C). Thermal modification of wood results in an increase in the modulus of elasticity, a reduction of elasticity, longitudinal tensile strength and compressive strength perpendicular to grain. It was found that color parameters ∆E, ∆L and ∆a are linear functions of the modification temperature. The existence of functional dependencies between mass loss, longitudinal tensile strength, radial modulus of elasticity and parameters of ∆E and ∆L makes it possible to determine these properties of modified wood based on color. In turn, chemical analysis indicated that an increase in the temperature of wood modification caused a decrease of holocellulose and hemicelluloses contents, especially in wood samples modified at 220 °C.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the duration of heat treatment on changes in the color, as well as the chemical and mechanical properties of Scots pine sapwood. An important element of the research was to obtain the assumed temperature in the entire volume of samples. Quantitative changes in color and its components were recorded, while mechanical properties were determined in tests of compressive strength parallel and perpendicular to the grain, longitudinal tensile strength and modulus of elasticity and impact strength. The novelty of the research was to determine the above-mentioned parameters for twin samples with identical moisture contents. Chemical analyses were conducted on heat-treated wood that was subjected to heat treatment at 220 °C for a period from 1 to 8 h. Extension of the heat treatment duration resulted in the increasing darkening of the wood, as well as a further reduction in the impact strength and tensile strength parallel to the grain by approx. 40 and 50%, respectively, compared to the control wood, but also compared to heat-treated wood for a shorter treatment duration. The heat treatment of wood caused changes in the contents of the wood components, as well as the elemental composition in the heat-treated wood, compared to the control pine. The changes in the structure of the heat-treated wood were confirmed by the attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Observed quantitative changes in the main wood components, its structural changes, as well as wood decomposition and increased crystallinity of cellulose explain significant changes in both the mechanical properties and the color of heat-treated wood.

Edible nuts are an important component of a healthy diet, and their frequent consumption has beneficial impact on human health, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, various factors, including cultivar, climate, soil characteristic, storage and treatment have influence on the chemical composition of nuts. Therefore, nine tree nut types and peanuts commonly available on Polish market were evaluated for phenolic profile and mineral elements content. The concentration of individual phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, aromatic acids and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) was determined by ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography, while the content of macro-elements and trace minerals was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The phenolic profile of analyzed nuts substantially varied depending on the type of nut. The highest total content of all analyzed flavonoids was determined in walnuts (114.861 µg/g), while the lowest in almonds (1.717 µg/g). In turn, the highest total content of all tested aromatic acid was determined in pecans (33.743 µg/g), and the lowest in almonds (0.096 µg/g). Epicatechin and cinnamic acid were detected in the highest concentration in tested nuts. Moreover, in examined nuts (except walnuts and Brazil nuts), the presence of CAPE was confirmed. The tested nuts were also characterized by wide variation in element concentrations. Almonds contained high concentration of macro-elements (13,111.60 µg/g), while high content of trace elements was determined in pine nuts (192.79 µg/g). The obtained results indicate that the tested nuts are characterized by a significant diversity in the content of both phenolic compounds and minerals. However, all types of nuts, apart from the well-known source of fatty acids, are a rich source of various components with beneficial effect on human health.

Tilia cordata Mill. is a favourite tree used in urban spaces. For this reason, it is important to know its sensitivity to environmental stress, which is particularly burdensome for vegetation in urban spaces. The aim of the study was to investigate the properties necessary to control the growth of these trees and their subsequent use, i.e., chemical properties (percentage contents of cellulose, holocellulose, lignin, pentosans and substances soluble in NaOH and EtOH) as well as the chemical elements (K, Na, Mg, Ca and Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, B, Ni, Cr, Al, As and Hg) and selected hygroscopic properties (hysteresis and sorption isotherms). Trees of Tilia cordata Mill. growing in environments exposed to environmental stress of varying severity were examined. Regardless of the growth conditions, in terms of its chemical composition, bark differs significantly from wood, showing twice the contents of soluble substances in NaOH and lignin and half the content of polysaccharides. Growth conditions clearly affect the range of selected chemical components in bark, e.g., substances soluble in ethanol, cellulose, or lignin. The main inorganic elements in bark and wood are Na, K, Ca, Mg and Zn. In bark, a relationship was found between the content of most chemical elements and differing environmental growth conditions. It was shown that environmental stress influenced the hygroscopic properties of wood and bark, which are a consequence of the percentage of chemical components.

Polymer composites with renewable lignocellulosic fillers, despite their many advantages, are susceptible to biodegradation, which is a major limitation in terms of external applications. The work uses an innovative hybrid propolis-silane modifier in order to simultaneously increase the resistance to fungal attack, as well as to ensure good interfacial adhesion of the filler-polymer matrix. Polypropylene composites with 30% pine wood content were obtained by extrusion and pressing. The samples were exposed to the fungi: white-rot fungus Coriolus versicolor , brown-rot fungus Coniophora puteana , and soft-rot fungus Chaetomium globosum for 8 weeks. Additionally, biological tests of samples that had been previously exposed to UV radiation were carried out, which allowed the determination of the influence of both factors on the surface destruction of composite materials. The X-ray diffraction, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and mycological studies showed a significant effect of the modification of the lignocellulose filler with propolis on increasing the resistance to fungi. Such composites were characterized by no changes in the supermolecular structure and slight changes in the intensity of the bands characteristic of polysaccharides and lignin. In the case of systems containing pine wood that had not been modified with propolis, significant changes in the crystalline structure of polymer composites were noted, indicating the progress of decay processes. Moreover, the modification of the propolis-silane hybrid system wood resulted in the inhibition of photo- and biodegradation of WPC materials, as evidenced only by a slight deterioration in selected strength parameters. The applied innovative modifying system can therefore act as both an effective and ecological UV stabilizer, as well as an antifungal agent.

The aim of the research was to determine the influence of chitosan type and propolis extract concentration on biological and physicochemical properties of chitosan-propolis films in terms of their applicability in food packaging. The films were prepared using three types of chitosan: from crab shells, medium and high molecular weight and propolis concentration in the range of 0.75-5.0%. The prepared polysaccharide films were tested for antimicrobial properties, oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). Moreover, sorption tests and structural analysis were carried out. Microbiological tests indicated the best antimicrobial activity for the film consisting of high molecular weight chitosan and 5.0% propolis extract. Both the type of chitosan and propolis concentration affected transmission parameters-OTR and WVTR. The best barrier properties were recorded for the film composed of high molecular weight chitosan and 5.0% propolis extract. The results of sorption experiments showed a slight influence of chitosan type and a significant effect of propolis extract concentration on equilibrium moisture content of tested films. Moreover, propolis extract concentration affected monolayer water capacity (Mm) estimated using the Guggenheim, Anderson and de Boer (GAB) sorption model. The obtained results indicate that chitosan films with an addition of propolis extract are promising materials for food packaging applications, including food containing probiotic microorganisms.

Nanocellulose has gained increasing attention during the past decade, which is related to its unique properties and wide application. In this paper, nanocellulose samples were produced via hydrolysis with ionic liquids (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazole acetate (EmimOAc) and 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AmimCl)) from microcrystalline celluloses (Avicel and Whatman) subjected to enzymatic pretreatment. The obtained material was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). The results showed that the nanocellulose had a regular and spherical structure with diameters of 30-40 nm and exhibited lower crystallinity and thermal stability than the material obtained after hydrolysis with Trichoderma reesei enzymes. However, the enzyme-pretreated Avicel had a particle size of about 200 nm and a cellulose II structure. A two-step process involving enzyme pretreatment and hydrolysis with ionic liquids resulted in the production of nanocellulose. Moreover, the particle size of nanocellulose and its structure depend on the ionic liquid used.

In the last decade, an increasingly common method of maize stover management is to use it for energy generation, including anaerobic digestion for biogas production. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide a chemical and structural characterization of maize stover fractions and, based on these parameters, to evaluate the potential application of these fractions, including for biogas production. In the study, maize stover fractions, including cobs, husks, leaves and stalks, were used. The biomass samples were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction and analysis of elemental composition. Among all maize stover fractions, stalks showed the highest C:N ratio, degree of crystallinity and cellulose and lignin contents. The high crystallinity index of stalks (38%) is associated with their high cellulose content (44.87%). FTIR analysis showed that the spectrum of maize stalks is characterized by the highest intensity of bands at 1512 cm -1 and 1384 cm -1 , which are the characteristic bands of lignin and cellulose. Obtained results indicate that the maize stover fraction has an influence on the chemical and structural parameters. Moreover, presented results indicate that stalks are characterized by the most favorable chemical parameters for biogas production.

The modification of wood and its treatment with various preservatives may affect its mechanical properties, hence the knowledge of the character changes in wood caused by impregnation is of great importance. Therefore, the aim of the research was to determine the effect of impregnation, with the propolis-silane preparation (EEP-MPTMOS/TEOS) consisting of the propolis extract (EEP) and silicon compounds: 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (MPTMOS) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), on the bending strength of treated wood. Moreover, in the study wood treated with components of the propolis-silane formulation was used, namely 70% ethanol, the propolis extract, and silanes (MPTMOS/TEOS). In order to determine whether the impregnation of wood affects its long-term bending, creep tests were performed depending on the humidity. The impregnation of wood with the propolis extract and the propolis-silane preparation (EEP-MPTMOS/TEOS) contributed to the increase in modulus of rapture and work to maximum load values compared to the untreated wood. In dry wood condition, the wood treated with EEP and EEP-MPTMOS/TEOS was characterized by lower modulus of elasticity values than the control samples. In turn, in wet wood condition, wood treated with the propolis-silane preparation showed an increase in the MOE value. Moreover, the impregnation of wood had an influence on the wood creep process under bending loads. The treated wood was characterized by higher relative creep compliance than the untreated wood. The exception was the wood impregnated with EEP-MPTMOS/TEOS, which showed comparable relative creep compliance to the control samples. The presented results indicate that wood treated with a bio-friendly preparation based on propolis and silicon compounds can be used in various application and also in variable humidity conditions.

Earlier studies have revealed that wood treated with caffeine was effectively protected against decay fungi and molds. However, there is a need to establish how the caffeine molecule behaves after wood impregnation and how it can protect wood. The objective of the research was to characterize the interaction between caffeine and Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) wood as well as to assess the stability of the alkaloid molecule in lignocellulosic material. For this purpose, an elementary analyzer was used to assess the nitrogen concentration in the treated wood. The results showed that caffeine is easily removed from the wood structure through large amounts of water. The changes occurring in the wood structure after impregnation were evaluated with regard to the results obtained by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of two model mixtures with caffeine and cellulose or lignin for the purpose of conducting a comparison with the spectrum of impregnated and non-impregnated samples. The observed changes in FTIR spectra involve the intensity of the C=O(6) caffeine carbonyl group and signals from guaiacyl units. It might indicate favorable interactions between caffeine and lignin. Additionally, molecular simulation of the caffeine's interaction with the guaiacyl β-O-4 lignin model compound characteristic for the lignin structure using computational studies was performed. Consequently, all analyses confirmed that caffeine may interact with the methylene group derived from the aromatic rings of the guaiacyl group of lignin. In summary, scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations suggest that caffeine was accumulated in the lignin-rich areas of the primary walls.

The article presents characteristics of wood/polypropylene composites, where the wood was treated with propolis extract (EEP) and innovative propolis-silane formulations. Special interest in propolis for wood impregnation is due to its antimicrobial properties. One propolis-silane formulation (EEP-TEOS/VTMOS) consisted of EEP, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), and vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMOS), while the other (EEP-TEOS/OTEOS) contained EEP, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), and octyltriethoxysilane (OTEOS). The treated wood fillers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), while the composites were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and optical microscopy. The wood treated with EEP and propolis-silane formulations showed resistance against moulds, including Aspergillus niger , Chaetomium globosum , and Trichoderma viride . The chemical analyses confirmed presence of silanes and constituents of propolis in wood structure. In addition, treatment of wood with the propolis-silane formulations produced significant changes in nucleating abilities of wood in the polypropylene matrix, which was confirmed by an increase in crystallization temperature and crystal conversion, as well as a decrease in half-time of crystallization parameters compared to the untreated polymer matrix. In all the composites, the formation of a transcrystalline layer was observed, with the greatest rate recorded for the composite with the filler treated with EEP-TEOS/OTEOS. Moreover, impregnation of wood with propolis-silane formulations resulted in a considerable improvement of strength properties in the produced composites. A dependence was found between changes in the polymorphic structures of the polypropylene matrix and strength properties of composite materials. It needs to be stressed that to date literature sources have not reported on treatment of wood fillers using bifunctional modifiers providing a simultaneous effect of compatibility in the polymer-filler system or any protective effect against fungi.

It is believed that resource exchange, which is responsible for intensified growth of ectomycorrhizal plants, occurs in the fungus-plant interface. However, increasing evidence indicates that such intensified plant growth, especially root growth promotion, may be independent of root colonization. Nevertheless, the molecular adjustments in low-colonized plants remain poorly understood. Here, we analysed the metabolome of Populus × canescens microcuttings characterized by significantly increased growth triggered by inoculation with Paxillus involutus, which successfully colonized only 2.1 ± 0.3% of root tips. High-throughput metabolomic analyses of leaves, stems and roots of Populus × canescens microcuttings supplemented with leaf proteome data were performed to determine ectomycorrhiza-triggered changes in N-, P- and C-compounds. The molecular adjustments were relatively low in low-colonized (M) plants. Nevertheless, the levels of foliar phenolic compounds were significantly increased in M plants. Increases of total soluble carbohydrates, starch as well as P concentrations were also observed in M leaves along with the increased abundance of the majority of glycerophosphocholines detected in M roots. However, compared with the leaves of the non-inoculated controls, M leaves presented lower concentrations of both N and most photosynthesis-related proteins and all individual mono- and disaccharides. In M stems, only a few compounds with different abundances were detected, including a decrease in carbohydrates, which was also detected in M roots. Thus, these results suggest that the growth improvement of low-colonized poplar trees is independent of an increased photosynthesis rate, massively increased resource (C:N) exchange and delivery of most nutrients to leaves. The mechanism responsible for poplar growth promotion remains unknown but may be related to increased P uptake, subtle leaf pigment changes, the abundance of certain photosynthetic proteins, slight increases in stem and root amino acid levels and the increase in flavonoids (increasing the antioxidant capacity in poplar), all of which improve the fitness of low-colonized poplars., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permission@oup.com.)

Propolis is a natural bee product with various beneficial biological effects. The health-promoting properties of propolis depend on its chemical composition, particularly the presence of phenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between extraction solvent (acetone 100%, ethanol 70% and 96%) and the antifungal, antioxidant, and cytoprotective activity of the extracts obtained from propolis. Concentrations of flavonoids and phenolic acids in the propolis extracts were determined using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography. The antioxidant potential of different extracts was assessed on the basis of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·) free-radical-scavenging activity, Fe 3+ -reducing power, and ferrous ion (Fe 2+ )-chelating activity assays. The ability of the extracts to protect human red blood cell membranes against free-radical-induced damage and their antifungal activity was also determined. The results showed that the concentration of flavonoids in the propolis extracts was dependent on the solvent used in the extraction process and pinocembrin, chrysin, galangin, and coumaric acid were the most abundant phenols. All extracts exhibited high antioxidant potential and significantly protected human erythrocytes against oxidative damage. On the other hand, the antifungal activity of the propolis extracts depended on the solvent used in extraction and the fungal strains tested. It needs to be stressed that, to the best of our knowledge, there is no study relating the effect of solvent used for extraction of Polish propolis to its phenolic profile, and its antifungal, antioxidant, and cytoprotective activity.

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of iron (Fe) on the physiological and behavioural reaction of Chara tomentosa L. Fe was introduced into the environment in the form of iron chloride, the most common coagulants used in the restoration of water bodies. The investigations concerned the oxidative stress comprising phenolic compounds content, antioxidant activity and photosynthetic pigments concentration. Research was conducted as a laboratory microcosm experiment with one-off application of Fe at the level of 26.8 mg dm -3 . Coagulant application caused short-term acidification, increased salinity and deterioration of light conditions. The shading resulted initially from the increase of water colour and turbidity and was followed by covering of the charophytes with a precipitated suspension. C. tomentosa did not activate defensive mechanisms to prevent the shading effect such as intensive elongation and elevated concentration of chlorophylls. Neither oxidative stress nor production of stress-specific phenolic metabolites was found. It was a result of iron coagulant toxicity, which led to cell membrane damage and leakage of cell contents to the water environment. Charophyte growth was significantly impaired, and thalli suffered numerous chlorotic and necrotic spots which extended gradually during experiment and finally caused death of specimens., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that the study was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be envisaged and/or construed as a conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Cellulose nanocrystals were prepared using ionic liquids (ILs), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [EMIM][Cl] and 1-propyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [PMIM][Cl], from microcrystalline cellulose. The resultant samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The XRD results showed that nanocellulose obtained by treatment with both ILs preserved basic cellulose I structure, but crystallinity index of samples (except for Sigmacell treated with [EMIM][Cl]) was lower in comparison to the starting microcrystalline cellulose. The DLS results indicated noticeably smaller particle sizes of prepared cellulose for material treated with [PMIM][Cl] compared to cellulose samples hydrolyzed with [EMIM][Cl], which were prone to agglomeration. The obtained nanocellulose had a rod-like structure that was confirmed by electron microscopy analyses. Moreover, the results described in this paper indicate that cation type of ILs influences particle size and morphology of cellulose after treatment with ionic liquids.

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of aluminium on the perennial macroalgae Chara hispida L. and its bioaccumulation capacities. Aluminium (Al) was introduced into the environment in the form of polyaluminium chloride, an agent utilized in the restoration of waterbodies. Research was conducted in an experimental setting using mesocosms (volume 0.8m 3 ) placed in the littoral zone of a lake with C. hispida. Three doses of the coagulant were applied, each with a different volume: low - 6.1g Al m -3 , medium - 12.2gm -3 and high - 24.5g Al m -3 . A significant acidification of environment was determined, which would imply the presence of toxic Al 3+ ions. It has been demonstrated that aluminium penetrates and accumulates in the cells of the charophyte. This caused damage to the thalli, which manifested itself in chloroses, necroses, flaking of the cortex cells and softening of the thallus, whose severity was proportionate to the dose of the coagulant. The first negative signs were observed after 24h. The study shows that C. hispida is a poor accumulator of aluminium (bioconcentration factor < 200), while bioaccumulation capacity was inhibited at the concentration of approx. 2.0mg Al g -1 d.w. Accumulation in the thalli of the charophytes accounted for 58% of variation following removal of aluminium from the environment. The results of the experiment demonstrate a negative impact of aluminium on charophytes at concentrations used in aggressive restoration of lakes., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A total of 14 patients of various ages diagnosed with schizophrenia and, as an age-matched control group, 12 healthy subjects were examined using the MRI method of neuro-imaging. The volume of the following structures was evaluated in the right and left hemispheres: the superior temporal gyrus, the basolateral temporal area (the region including the middle temporal gyrus, inferior temporal gyrus and fusiform gyrus), the parahippocampal gyrus, the hippocampal head, the amygdaloid body and the inferior horn of the lateral ventricle. In schizophrenia a significant increase in the volume of the amygdaloid body on both the left and right sides was observed. In the patients, as in the control group, we noticed significant asymmetry between the left and right sides in the volume of the structures studied. The left amygdaloid body was significantly larger than the right, whereas the left hippocampal head and the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle were smaller than the right. Our findings suggest that in the early stages of schizophrenia, despite the increased volume of the amygdaloid body, the asymmetry between the structures of the temporal lobe is still present. However, the changes observed in the temporal lobe could be related to the functional disturbances observed in this disease.

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders and is associated with considerable morbidity. In recent years structural-imaging technology has provided an opportunity to examine the brain anatomy in patients with the psychiatric illness. 10 patients of various ages and, as the control group, 16 healthy subjects were examined using the MRI method of neuroimaging. The volumes of the following structures were evaluated in the right and left hemispheres: the superior temporal gyrus, the basolateral temporal area (the region including middle temporal gyrus, inferior temporal gyrus and fusiform gyrus), the parahippocampal gyrus, the hippocampal head, the amygdaloid body and the lateral ventricle. The significant difference between the control group and the group with depression concerned the volume of the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle of both hemispheres. In depressed patients the left temporal horn was 49.8% and the right 38.4% larger in comparison with the control group. In the control group there were significant differences between the left and right hemispheres in the volume of all the structures studied, whereas in the group with depression these difference in volume between the hemispheres concerned only the amygdaloid body and the lateral ventricle.