University of Life Sciences in Poznań

The study focused on the epidemiology and resistance of powdery mildew caused by Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici in wheat crops in Poland from 2015 to 2017. Powdery mildew of cereals and grasses is a significant fungal disease globally, impacting crop yield and quality. The disease is favoured by moderate temperatures, high humidity, and poor air circulation. In Poland, it affects various regions, with differing intensities depending on environmental conditions. The research aimed to characterize the population structure of B. graminis f.sp. tritici and evaluate the effectiveness of resistance genes (gene Pm) against local pathogen populations. Leaf samples were collected from multiple locations in Poland across the study period. Single-spore isolates of B. graminis f.sp. tritici were obtained and inoculated onto a differential set of wheat varieties with known Pm genes to assess resistance levels. Statistical analyses revealed significant interactions between study years and Pm genotypes, indicating variability in resistance effectiveness across different environmental conditions. Genotypes such as Pm2, Pm2 + 4b + 8, Pm2 + 6, Pm4b + 5, Pm4b + 8, Pm5 + 8, Pm5d, Pm6, Pm7, and Pm8 consistently exhibited high resistance levels with low infection rates. In contrast, genotypes like Pm1 + 2 + 4b + 9 showed variable resistance, suggesting sensitivity to environmental factors or genetic interactions. The findings underscored the importance of monitoring pathogen populations and deploying effective Pm genes in breeding programs to enhance resistance durability. Strategies like gene pyramiding, which combines multiple Pm genes, were highlighted as effective approaches to mitigate disease impact under varying environmental conditions. In conclusion, the study provided critical insights into the dynamics of powdery mildew resistance in wheat in Poland, emphasizing the need for adaptive breeding strategies and continuous monitoring to combat evolving pathogen threats effectively.

The use of modern molecular techniques in human forensic genetics can identify individual humans using their DNA profile, yielding estimates of age and external body features, including eye color, hair and skin color, facial shape, and biogeographical origin. Such molecular techniques have been successfully introduced into forensic nonhuman DNA investigations almost as rapidly as into human forensics. This review describes the research methods currently used in the forensic diagnostics of domestic and wild animals and also discusses potential future applications and challenges specific to crime investigation requirements.

Background As global agriculture faces the challenge of climate change, characterized by longer and more severe drought episodes, there is an increasing need for crop diversification and improved plant breeding. Buckwheat is one of the climate-resilient candidates for future important crops with remarkable adaptability to various biotic and abiotic stresses. As an underbred crop, a large number of genotypes should be assessed for the breeding of superior plants. Therefore, this study investigates the response of various buckwheat genotypes to water stress by high-throughput phenotyping and auxiliary plant physiology measurements. Results We assessed six buckwheat genotypes from different regions under mild and severe water stress, focusing on morphological and physiological changes to understand drought tolerance mechanisms. Our findings revealed that reallocation of assimilated carbon from growth to secondary metabolite production is a common response to drought stress. Among the genotypes tested, Panda emerged as the most drought-resistant, with its morphology remaining the most stable under mild water stress and its ability to rapidly accumulate protective pigments in response to drought. Silver Hull also demonstrated resilience, maintaining its aboveground biomass under mild water stress at levels comparable to the control group. Additionally, the response magnitude to drought stress was linked to the biomass production potential of the genotypes, which was higher for those from warmer regions (Bhutan, Zimbabwe) and lower for those from colder regions (Poland, Canada). Conclusion The diversity in genotypic responses highlights the significant role of genetic variability in shaping drought resistance strategies in buckwheat. This research not only enhances our understanding of buckwheat’s physiological responses to water stress but also holds promise for developing drought-resistant buckwheat varieties. These advancements are crucial for promoting sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change.

Direct analysis of aromatic glycosidic precursors in plants has posed an analytical challenge for decades. Traditional techniques, such as SPE‐GC/MS, primarily provided information on volatile aglycones released through hydrolysis. However, the application of high‐resolution mass spectrometry combined with liquid chromatography has enabled the direct analysis of intact glycosides without the need for derivatization or hydrolysis. Advances in soft ionization methods, such as DART, offer a novel approach to exploring the hidden aromatic potential in grapes without chromatographic separation. In this work, we present a novel and rapid method for screening aromatic glycosidic precursors in white grapes using high‐resolution mass spectrometry (Orbitrap) combined with the soft ionization DART method with nitrogen plasma. Optimization of N 2 ‐DART ionization parameters, including grid voltage, gas temperature, and Dip‐it sampler speed, performed on selected synthetic glycosidic precursors, allowed the establishment of characteristic ionization patterns and evaluation of 15 groups of glycosidic precursors. The results from the profiling analysis using the N 2 ‐DART‐Orbitrap‐MS method are comparable to those obtained by HPLC/Orbitrap‐MS method. This new analytical approach, N 2 ‐DART‐Orbitrap‐MS, reduces drastically analysis time by eliminating the need for chromatographic separation when screening glycoside precursors, uses a convenient Dip‐it tips for sampling. It also allows for deeper exploration of ionization using nitrogen plasma, applied for the first time in the analysis of glycoside precursors, demonstrating the applicability of this method for the rapid characterization and screening of glycosidically bound aroma compounds in plants.

Background: Malnutrition is an often-overlooked yet potentially crucial factor influencing COVID-19 outcomes. Poor nutritional status weakens immune function, increases infection susceptibility, and worsens prognoses in hospitalized patients. However, its specific role in COVID-19 mortality remains insufficiently characterized. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of malnutrition, as determined by the Nutritional Risk Score (NRS-2002), on in-hospital mortality. Methods: This retrospective, single-center study analyzed 222 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the Delta variant predominance. Thirty-one patients died during hospitalization. Malnutrition (NRS ≥ 3) emerged as a strong predictor of in-hospital mortality in univariate Cox proportional hazard models, both before and after adjustment for potential confounders. Adjusted analyses used 10 different sets of three out of five mortality-related variables. Results: Hazard ratios for malnutrition ranged from 3.19 to 5.88 (p < 0.01 for all models), highlighting its substantial impact on mortality risk. The high Nagelkerke’s R² values (0.66–0.77) indicate that the models explained a significant proportion of mortality variance. Nutritional status plays a critical role in COVID-19 survival among hospitalized patients. Conclusions: Given its simplicity and effectiveness, integrating the NRS-2002 into routine clinical assessments may help identify high-risk patients early. Future research should explore whether early nutritional interventions can mitigate the mortality risks associated with malnutrition in severe COVID-19 cases or patients with other infectious diseases or acute inflammation.

Effects of adding wollastonite (W, at 5% and 10%) and palm leaf residues(at 10%), based on the dry weight of wood fibers, were evaluated relative to selected properties of medium-density fiberboards (MDF), bonded with two adhesive systems, i.e., urea-formaldehyde (UF, at 10%) and isocyanate (IC, at 5%) resins. The results indicated a general improvement in screw withdrawal resistance in the UF-bonded panels due to the addition of wollastonite. This enhancement is attributed to the reinforcing effect of wollastonite. In the IC-bonded panels, the addition of wollastonite had an improving effect when W-content was 5%. The addition of defibrated palm leaves generally decreased the screw withdrawal resistance of the MDF panels due to the soft nature of the palm fibers. The fire properties of the IC-bonded panels tended to be more favorable or at least comparable to those of the UF-bonded panels, which was attributed to the formation of bubbles in the cured resin. The addition of wollastonite generally improved fire properties in both resins. It was concluded that wollastonite and defibrated palm leaves can be recommended for MDF production when the contents of wollastonite and palm leaves do not exceed 5% and 10%, respectively.

(1→3)-α-d-Glucan is an important component of the cell wall of most fungi. The polymer has many applications, including as a therapeutic agent in the prevention or treatment of various diseases, as well as a heavy metal sorbent and a component of new materials used in the plastics industry. The presence of (1→3)-α-d-glucan (water-insoluble, alkali-soluble polysaccharide) in the cell wall of Pleurotus djamor (pink oyster mushroom) was confirmed using specific fluorophore-labeled antibodies. Therefore, the water-insoluble fraction (WI-ASF) of P. djamor B123 fruiting bodies was isolated by alkaline extraction and used for further analyses. The structural features of the WI-ASF were determined by composition analysis, linkage analysis, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy, ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, as well as viscosity, specific rotation, and gel permeation chromatography. These studies revealed the presence of glucose units linked by α-glycosidic bonds and scanty amounts of mannose and xylose. Furthermore, methylation analysis of WI-ASF demonstrated that the (1→3)-linked glucopyranose (Glcp) is the primary moiety (86.4%) of the polymer, while the 3,4- and 3,6-substituted hexoses are the branching residues of the glucan. The results of chemical and spectroscopic investigations indicated that the analyzed WI-ASF is a (1→3)-linked α-d-glucan type with a molecular weight of 552 kDa.

Introduction Wild European hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus ) can carry various pathogens potentially harmful to humans. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of selected zoonotic pathogens in European hedgehogs from urban areas of central-western Poland. Material and Methods Sixty-nine samples (43 of sera and 26 spleens) were collected from 54 hedgehogs brought to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Poznań, Poland, between June 2020 and September 2023. Antibodies against Coxiella burnetii , hepatitis E virus genotype 3, Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. in serum samples were determined using commercial ELISA tests. A PCR was used to evaluate the prevalence of Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp. and Leptospira spp. genetic material in spleens. Results The genetic material of Anaplasma phagocytophilum was found in 18 out of 26 spleens (69.23%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 50.01–83.50), and the genetic material of Rickettsia helvetica in 4 out of these 26 (15.38 %; 95% CI: 6.15–33.53). All Rickettsia -positive spleens were also positive for Anaplasma spp. None of the other pathogens or antibodies against them were detected. Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of some zoonotic pathogens in urban hedgehog populations and their potential impact on public health and urban biodiversity.

Introduction Interest is increasing in natural feed additives that improve animal health, raise farming productivity and enhance the quality of animal products. These additives, especially polyphenols, are biologically active chemical compounds found in plants. Material and Methods Sixty dairy goats were randomly assigned to five feeding groups of 12 animals each. Over 16 weeks, the animals received a polyherbal supplement containing seven or nine herb species at 20 or 40 g/animal/day, along with pelleted concentrate feed. The health status of the animals was assessed based on the concentration of acute phase haptoglobin proteins and serum amyloid A in blood serum. Results A statistically significant positive effect of the herbal mixtures was found on the percentage of milk fat and fat : protein ratio (P-value < 0.05). The time of test-day milking and milk sampling had a significant impact on the level of all examined milk parameters (P-value < 0.001). Moreover, milk yield and fat-corrected milk yield were significantly affected by a feeding group × time of test-day milking and milk sampling interaction, influencing the level of examined parameters. Conclusion The use of herbal supplements in the diet of dairy goats did not negatively affect the goats’ milk production – neither the yield nor composition. A positive effect of the administered multi-herbal mixtures was found on % fat concentration and fat : protein ratio in milk.

Flower strips (FSs) are an effective way to support the sustainable development of agricultural land. Properly managed FS on agricultural fields provide stable habitats for local arthropod populations, but over the years, it can be colonized by plants from the soil seed bank and then become a nuisance to surrounding crops. The aim of this study was to assess the botanical composition of FS in one year after establishment and to analyze the local population of Carabidae, most of which are predatory. Inventory of flowering plants in situ was made regularly from the beginning of June to the end of July, while beetles were collected in mid-July and August. It was found that plant species from the sown seed commercial mixture continued to dominate in the second year, but the proportion of species from the soil seed bank was also noted, ranging from 7.41% to 39.88%. It was concluded that Trifolium pratense L. and Chrysanthemum leucanthemum L. should be particularly recommended for strip sowing in the observed habitats. The species diversity (H’) of Carabidae was higher in the FS than in the cultivated fields. However, when comparing the Shannon–Wiener index for wheat and FS, regardless of time observation, no significant differences were noted. The most abundant ground beetle in the FS was Harpalus rupees, a universal predator that also feeds on weed seeds. Significantly fewer species and individuals of Carabidae were found in the alfalfa field than in the FS and wheat fields. The number of Carabidae was significantly higher in August than in July.

Plastic pollution and environmental degradation necessitate the development of natural, biodegradable food preservation materials. This study examined chitosan-based film-forming solutions using kombucha derived from black tea, lemon balm, and chamomile as natural solvents rich in bioactive compounds. Lemon balm kombucha solutions were used to create chitosan films and coat red peppers. The study assessed the mechanical properties of the films and the effects of chitosan coating on peppers, including texture, ascorbic acid content, sensory attributes, and antioxidant activity. Microbiological tests showed that a chitosan–lemon balm kombucha solution acted against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica. Lemon balm kombucha had high total phenolic (381.67 µg GAeq/mL) and flavonoid (21.05 µg Qeq/mL) contents. The chitosan film exhibited a tensile strength of 11.08 MPa and an elongation at break of 53.45%. The water vapor transmission rate of the obtained chitosan film was 131.84 g/m²·24 h. Coated peppers showed a 32% increase in skin strength and retained 11% more ascorbic acid after 15 days. Sensory evaluation revealed no significant differences from controls. These results highlight lemon balm kombucha as a promising natural solvent for chitosan coatings, which have the potential to extend red pepper shelf life and to support food preservation.

Biogas production from lignocellulosic biomass, such as wheat and rapeseed straw, is an essential strategy for sustainable energy generation. However, the efficiency of anaerobic digestion depends on the physical characteristics of the substrate, particularly the particle size, which influences microbial accessibility and biogas yield. This study aims to optimize straw particle size for enhanced methane production by evaluating different fractionation levels. The straw was processed using a hammer mill and separated into three size fractions (2.4 mm, 1 mm) alongside non-separated and finely ground (2 mm) samples. The chemical composition was analyzed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and key parameters such as pH, dry matter (DM), and organic dry matter (ODM) were assessed. The results indicated that rapeseed straw had lower pH (6.05) and DM than wheat straw (7.01). Biogas yield analysis demonstrated that methane production varied with particle size. For rapeseed straw, non-separated samples achieved the highest methane yield (132.87 m³ Mg⁻¹), whereas for wheat straw, methane yield decreased with increased fragmentation, with the highest yield observed for non-separated material (206.65 m³ Mg⁻¹). The carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio was highest in rapeseed straw (153.82), potentially limiting microbial activity, while finer fractions had more balanced ratios. These findings highlight the importance of mechanical pretreatment in optimizing biogas production and provide insights into improving the efficiency of straw-based anaerobic digestion systems.

Conventional wood-based composites are commonly produced using synthetic, formaldehyde-based resins, derived from petroleum-based constituents, like urea, phenol, and melamine. However, these thermoset adhesives have certain downsides, including the emission of harmful volatile organic compounds, notably formaldehyde, from the finished wood products. The advancements of nanotechnology have created many possibilities for the adhesive sector to innovate and produce a new wave of novel, high-performance adhesives for bonding wood-based composites. Using high aspect ratio nanomaterials as reinforcing agents has shown significant promise in improving the properties of wood-based composites. Therefore, the aim of this chapter is to discuss the recent advances in the use of inorganic and organic nanomaterials as formaldehyde scavengers used in the production of environmentally-friendly, high-performance wood-based composites with enhanced characteristics for a wide range of value-added applications. The challenges and future perspectives of using nanomaterials as formaldehyde scavengers in wood-based composites have also been discussed.

With a tremendous progress observed over the last decade, nanoscience already has become a frontier of technology by enabling almost endless possibilities in many fields. It creates the opportunity to work on a matter representing near-atomic scale in order to invent the novel, so far unknown solutions. Due to the fact that some of these discoveries are implemented into a development of innovative, high-performance materials, this field can be considered as an indicator of the progress in modern times. Nanotechnology offers the strong potential also for a wood industry sector which might lead to numerous advances in, for example, wood-based materials manufacturing. As indicated by the indexes of consumption of wood-containing composites around the world, it is a dynamically developing branch of industry. Therefore, it attracts a lot of attention of scientists who are still looking for innovative ways to improve these materials. Nanoparticles owe their reinforcing nature to a number of excellent properties such as, for example, tremendous surface area and high thermal conductivity which are rather rare in the case of their bulk counterparts. This is why they were found to effectively improve characteristics of wood-based composites bonded with synthetic or natural adhesives. It is particularly important because the implementation of such modifications may contribute to the extension of their use. Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to sum up the current knowledge on the potential of nanomaterials such as mineral nanoparticles, nano-oxides, nano-silver, carbon-based nanoparticles, nanocellulose, and nanolignin in the enhancement of both strength and water-related properties of wood-based materials bonded with synthetic and bio-based adhesives (based on starch, tannins, and lignin).

This research paper evaluates the functional and nutritional properties of extruded corn snacks fortified with plant-based hemp protein (HP) and insect-derived cricket powder (CP). With a focus on sustainable protein sources due to growing environmental concerns and the need for alternative protein sources, this study aims to enhance the nutritional profile of corn snacks. The incorporation of unconventional proteins into snacks is explored to meet consumer demands for sustainable and nutritious options. Results show that HP-enriched snacks have higher mineral content, such as calcium and magnesium, lower sodium content, and improved water interaction profiles. On the other hand, CP-fortified snacks exhibit higher protein content, essential amino acids, and moisture retention capabilities. Texture analysis reveals differences in hardness, cohesiveness, and springiness between HP and CP-enriched products. Moreover, color analysis indicates that HP and CP additives influence the color and appearance of the snacks, with CP enrichments leading to darker snacks. Sorption isotherm studies demonstrate varying hygroscopicity levels between HP- and CP-enriched samples, impacting their storage stability. Surface structure assessments show differences in the specific sorption surface area, suggesting unique properties attributed to each protein source. In conclusion, both hemp protein and cricket powder offer various advantages for snack fortification, providing opportunities to enhance nutritional profiles while addressing sustainability concerns.

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