Warsaw University of Life Sciences

Background Mycobacterium bovis BCG is the human tuberculosis vaccine and is the oldest vaccine still in use today with over 4 billion people vaccinated since 1921. The BCG vaccine has also been investigated experimentally in cattle and wildlife by various routes including oral and parenteral. Thus far, oral vaccination studies of cattle have involved liquid BCG or liquid BCG incorporated into a lipid matrix. Lyophilization is an established technique used for stabilizing bioproducts such as vaccines. Methods In the current study, cattle were vaccinated in two phases. In each phase, cattle were divided into three groups. Group 1 received BCG injected SQ, Group 2 received liquid BCG delivered to the posterior oral cavity, Group 3 orally consumed lyophilized BCG contained within a gelatin capsule placed within a small amount of a commercial alfalfa product. Results No vaccinated cattle were positive by an interferon gamma release assay. All but 4 animals were negative by tuberculin skin testing prior to vaccination: the 4 non-negative animals being categorized as suspects. Sixteen weeks post-vaccination all but 1 animal was negative, it being categorized as a suspect. An in vitro antigen stimulation assay and flow cytometry were used to detect antigen-specific CD4, CD8 and γδ T cell responses following vaccination. Oral vaccination of animals with lyophilized BCG did not result in any increases in the frequency of CD4, CD8 or γδ T cell proliferative or IFN-γ responses at any of the time points analyzed in either phase 1 or 2. In contrast, vaccination with BCG SQ and liquid BCG delivered to the posterior pharynx, resulted in an increase in the frequency of proliferating and IFN-γ-producing CD4 T cells with peak responses at 9–12 weeks post-vaccination. Similar to oral lyophilized BCG vaccinated animals, we did not observe any significant increases in the frequency of CD8 and γδ T cell proliferative and IFN-γ responses following SQ or oral liquid vaccinated animals. Conclusions These data would suggest that vaccination with oral lyophilized BCG does not induce a measurable, antigen-specific cell mediated responses in the periphery, when compared to BCG administered SQ or liquid BCG administered via the oral route. However, vaccination with either SQ or liquid BCG delivered to the posterior pharynx does induce measurable CD4 T cell responses in the periphery.

The black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) is a small bird belonging to the Laridae family. Their distribution and breeding broad area primarily cover the northern part of the Eurasian continent. Gulls are considered monomorphic birds, and distinguishing the sexes based on external morphological features is extremely difficult. In this study, a 3D shape analysis of the skull of black-headed gulls from central-northern Poland was performed to reveal the variation in shape between individuals and whether male skulls differ from females. For these purposes, 82 skulls were used (32 females and 50 males). 3D surface models of the skull were extracted using computed tomography. Twenty-one landmarks were designed on each skull. The principal components method was used to assess the variability of skull shapes. The first two principal components accounted for 48.28% of the cumulative shape variation. The most significant shape variation relative to PC1 was observed in the braincase. Positive PC2 values reflected the neurocranium expanding more rapidly dorso-ventrally with a wider orbit, and the nasofrontal hinge moved dorsally. According to the Procrustes ANOVA, the centroid size was statistically different between the sexes (p < 0.0001). Male skulls were longer than females. Neurocranium was wider in male gulls. The nasofrontal hinge was more caudal in females. The results of this study are consistent with the observations of other authors applying linear morphometry.

Main conclusion Plant development has a greater impact on the chemical composition of inflorescences than of the leaves and stems of Monarda didyma plants. Abstract Monarda didyma L. is a well-known ornamental and aromatic plant. However, no studies are yet available concerning the diversity in the chemical composition of M. didyma organs during plant development that affect the final quality of the raw material. This study aimed to determine the content of phenolic compounds, essential oil (EO), and their composition in various organs affected by plant development. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of leaf and inflorescence EOs and the antioxidant activity of leaves, stems, and inflorescences were determined. EO content in the leaves and inflorescences collected during flowering was 2.39% and 3.64%, respectively. The main ingredients of the investigated EOs were p-cymene (17.11–35.56%) and carvacrol (5.39–28.19%). The EOs from the leaves and inflorescences collected during flowering inhibited the growth of six investigated microbial strains at the concentration range 0.313–1.250 µL × mL⁻¹. Total phenolic and flavonoid content in leaves was higher than in inflorescences and stems. The leaves were found to be rich in didymin (average content 1283.63 mg × 100 g⁻¹), while the inflorescences collected during flowering contained a significant amount of linarin (1247.47 mg × 100 g⁻¹). The variability in the content and composition of EO and phenolic compounds depending on the stage of plant development was mainly observed in inflorescences. These findings contribute to better understanding of distribution and accumulation of biologically active compounds in M. didyma aerial organs, the potential of these organs as raw materials for medicinal, cosmetic and food applications, and the importance of the time of their harvesting. Graphical abstract

Railway transport accessibility is widely recognized as one of the key factors stimulating spatial development. This dependency was particularly evident during periods of its greatest significance before the era of mass motorization. Despite growing research interest in the issue of relationship between transport and land use, few studies have considered this subject in long-term perspective and in quantitative terms. The primary objective of this study is to determine historical, long-term impact of railway transport on the dynamics of morphological changes in the settlement network. This study was conducted in the eight largest urban agglomerations in Poland, serving as an example of the Central and Eastern European region. The general temporal scope of the study spans the period from 1842 to 1989. The research revealed a strong correlation between railway transport and morphological changes in analyzed urban agglomerations. The most significant changes observed within 1,600 meters of railway stations and up to 20 kilometers from central stations. This quantitative analysis contributed to understanding the long-term impact of railways on spatial development, offering valuable insights for planning and policymaking. The research emphasized the importance of historical context in comprehending current spatial processes, particularly in the context of new railway investments.

Background Nasal allergen provocation tests are an important part of the diagnostics of allergic diseases triggered by environmental factors. Recently, increased attention has been paid to the potential use of this method in the diagnosis of food allergy. The objective of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of the nasal allergen provocation test in a group of subjects allergic to hen's egg white allergens. Methods The material consisted of a group of 57 subjects (32 subjects with hen's egg white allergy and 25 healthy controls). The method consisted in a nasal allergen provocation test carried out with the use of hen's egg white allergen and assessed using the visual analog scale and optical rhinometry as well as by determination of sIgE and tryptase levels in nasal lavage fluid. Results Subjective nasal symptoms and objective evaluations following the application of 100 µg of hen's egg white allergen revealed a moderately positive nasal mucosal response in optical rhinometry tests (ΔE = 0.34 OD). Conclusions Nasal food challenge with hen's egg white allergen is a good diagnostic alternative in the group of food allergy patients. Due to the insufficient number of studies carried out so far, further attempts at standardization of the method are required.

The study involved a gross anatomical description of the parotid gland, mandibular gland, monostomatic sublingual gland, polystomatic sublingual gland, and zygomatic gland in 12 adult Eurasian wolves (Canis lupus lupus) (wild free-ranging individuals and their zoo counterparts), including their morphometry and microscopic evaluation using hematoxylin & eosin, mucicarmine, azan trichrome, PAS, AB pH 1.0, AB pH 2.5; AB pH 2.5/PAS, and HDI stainings. Topographically, the salivary glands were located similarly to those of other terrestrial Carnivora. The parotid gland in all wolves had a shape similar to a trapezoid (four angles). The parotid duct opened onto the fourth upper premolar (P4). The parotid gland was a branched alveolar complex that produced serous secretion. In captive specimens, the mandibular gland was a complex branched tubular gland producing mucous secretion, while in free-ranging wolves it was a branched tubuloalveolar gland producing mucoserous secretion. The monostomatic sublingual gland in free-ranging wolves was a complex branched tubuloalveolar gland that produced seromucous secretion, while in captive wolves, it revealed a mucoserous secretion character. The polystomatic sublingual gland consisted of several independent packets (from 6–7 to 7–8) and was a complex branched tubuloalveolar gland with seromucous secretion. The zygomatic duct opened onto the last upper molar tooth (M3), and this gland was a complex branched tubular gland producing mucous secretion. The anatomical and histological similarities between the salivary glands of the oral cavity in captive and free-ranging wolves, compared to other terrestrial carnivores, provide valuable insights for veterinary treatments and understanding pathological conditions. These findings emphasize the need for further research on diverse populations of wolves and related species within the Canidae family to better understand the influence of diet on salivary gland morphology.

In 1973, Jaffe identified and characterized the phenomenon of thigmomorphogenesis, also referred to as mechanical stress (MS) or mechanical stimulation in plants. Previous studies on petunia plants demonstrated that MS significantly affects growth dynamics. As a response to MS, petunias exhibit increased levels of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) oxidase and peroxidase, although the active transport of endogenous IAA remains unaffected. Furthermore, earlier research has shown that MS inhibits the synthesis of IAA and gibberellin (GA3), with noticeable effects on the 14th day of mechanical stimulation. The current experiment made on Petunia × atkinsiana 'Pegasus Special Burgundy Bicolor’ focused on evaluating the morphological and physiological responses to MS, along with the expression of specific touch-responsive genes such as GH3.1, which is involved in auxin metabolism, and calmodulins (CaMs), playing an important role in stress responses. GH3.1 expression was found to be negatively correlated with IAA synthesis while positively correlated with GAs synthesis and IAA oxidase activity. Variable expression patterns were observed in the calmodulins: CAM53 and CAM81 expression positively correlated with IAA synthesis and plant height, whereas CAM72 expression was positively associated with GAs levels and IAA oxidase activity in plants touched 80× per day, but all of them were negatively related to IAA content and shoot increment, while positively related to GAs synthesis and IAA oxidase activity.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of environmental factors, sexual selection, and genetic variation on skull morphology by examining the skull structure of the European bison, a species at risk of extinction, and comparing it to other bovid species. The skull of the European bison was significantly bigger than that of other species of the tribe Bovini, and the results revealed considerable morphological differences in skull shape compared to other Bovini samples. The bison skull exhibited a broader shape in the frontal region and a more laterally oriented cornual process. The frontal bone also significantly influenced skull shape variation within the European bison subspecies. Also, the findings indicated that cornual processes size significantly affected skull shape. Male Bison had larger skulls and more developed cornual ridges, and these morphological changes in the frontal region are thought to have also influenced the nuchal region, maxillary region, and facial bones. Furthermore, the differences in skull size observed between the Lowland-Pszczyna and Lowland-Białowieża lines, which share a closer origin than the Lowland-Carpathian lines, may reflect environmental and genetic adaptations over time. This research provides a reference point for future studies on the ecological and evolutionary factors influencing bison skull variations, with significant implications for the conservation of this species. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-85654-3.

Chronic instability at the lumbosacral junction, particularly between the L7 vertebra and the sacral bone, presents significant challenges in veterinary orthopedics, especially for large breed dogs. This condition frequently results in severe pain, neurological deficits, and mobility impairments, prompting the development of various surgical techniques aimed at effectively stabilizing the affected area. A critical evaluation of the literature on surgical stabilization of the lumbosacral spine in dogs reveals the clinical applications, outcomes, and future directions in veterinary spinal surgery. The pathophysiology of L7-S1 instability necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of different surgical interventions and the potential for custom-made solutions utilizing advanced materials and technologies. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify studies that focus on the surgical management of degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS) in dogs, with particular reference to the use of implants, the influence of ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards in veterinary surgery, and the use of novel materials and custom-made implants.Although current surgical methods provide significant benefits in managing L7-S1 instability, further research is needed to refine these techniques and fully explore the potential of custom-made solutions in veterinary orthopedics. Integrating ISO standards from human medicine into veterinary practice could significantly improve the safety and effectiveness of spinal stabilization procedures in dogs.

The crucial homotopy invariants in Nielsen periodic point theory are numbers: $NP_n(f)$, which is a lower bound of the number of periodic points of length n, and $NF_n(f)$ a lower bound of the number of periodic points of length dividing n. Here, $f:X\rightarrow X$ is a self-map of a compact polyhedron. We derive formulae of the invariants for self-maps of polyhedra with fundamental group $\pi _1 M=\mathbb {Z}_{p^s}$ whose all irreducible classes are essential.

This study, which evaluated the effects of biological pretreatment on comminuted pine and poplar shavings and particleboards with urea–formaldehyde resin (UF), utilising Pleurotus ostreatus (P. ostreatus), holds statistically significant implications for the future of waste management and biogas production. The 17-week fungal pretreatment was followed by a physicomechanical and chemical analysis of raw and pretreated materials and pressure agglomeration to produce pastilles and an anaerobic digestion process to produce biogas. The specific density and strength parameters in radial and axial compression were determined for the produced pastilles. The pretreatment notably reduced lignin content by 6.8–8.3%, which increased mechanical parameters, angles of internal friction, cohesion, shear, and consolidation stresses and positively affected agglomeration efficiency and increased pellet density. Values for the specific compaction work of treated biomass were higher than those of raw biomass (24.03 vs. 21.70 kJ kg⁻¹), correlating with the production of denser pastilles (1014 vs. 959 kg m⁻³). After pretreatment, enhanced structural properties of the biomass (lignin and hemicellulose components decreased, and cellulose content increased) facilitated increased methane yields, showing up to a 3.7-fold increase for pine and 2.9-fold for poplar UF particleboards. This research advances the potential for developing recycling and biogas technologies, offering novel insights into UF degradation via fungal pretreatment. The findings underscore the necessity for further detailed studies to analyse changes in resin content post-pretreatment and their impact on the properties of wood materials.

Background Elevated BHB levels are hypothesized to influence hepatic antioxidant enzyme expression and activity, contributing to oxidative response. However, the impact of BHB between 0.8 and 1.2 mmol/L on these mechanisms remains unclear. We hypothesized that elevated serum BHB levels would influence the hepatic expression of antioxidant genes (SOD1, SOD2, SOD3, and GPX3) and blood antioxidant enzyme activity, contributing to oxidative response. The primary objective was to evaluate the correlation between serum BHB levels, hepatic antioxidant gene expression, and blood antioxidant enzyme activity in high-yielding dairy cows during the postpartum period. The study involved 23 healthy high-yielding Holstein-Friesian dairy cows, divided into experimental (EXP, n = 12) and control (CONT, n = 11) groups based on serum BHB levels during the first three weeks postpartum. The EXP group maintained BHB levels between 0.8 and 1.2 mmol/L, while the CONT group remained below 0.8 mmol/L. All animals were monitored up to 9 weeks postpartum. This cohort study utilized weekly blood samples from 7 days prepartum to 9 weeks postpartum and liver biopsy samples from 4 to 7 weeks postpartum. Serum BHB concentrations, blood SOD and GSH-Px activities, and hepatic expression of SOD1, SOD2, SOD3, and GPX3 genes were analyzed. Results The EXP group exhibited a significant increase in hepatic SOD2 expression at 4 weeks postpartum (p < 0.05) and higher blood SOD activity at 6 and 7 weeks postpartum compared to controls. This suggests an oxidative activity response to elevated BHB levels. By week 7, hepatic SOD2 expression began to normalize, indicating a transient response or adaptation. No significant changes were observed in hepatic SOD1, SOD3, or GPX3 expression between groups. Conclusion Persistently high serum BHB levels in postparturient dairy cows significantly impact hepatic SOD2 expression and blood SOD activity. The specificity of this response, primarily involving SOD2, highlights the complex interplay between metabolic changes and oxidative mechanisms during the transition period. These findings underline the importance of BHB concentration monitoring and suggest potential reevaluation of current BHB thresholds for identifying at-risk cows. Furthermore, SOD2 could potentially serve as an early biomarker.

The effective implementation of the European Green Deal is based on closing cycles by means of reusing products and extending their durability, especially for steel products in the construction industry. The Life Cycle Assessment gives an opportunity to determine the potential impact caused on the environment by building structures and it is used mainly at the early design stage. At the same time, there are significant gaps when it comes to predicting properties of steel products at the last stage of the life cycle of existing buildings in the End of Life Stage (C1-C4) phases and especially D—Benefits and Loads Beyond the System Boundary. This paper uses machine learning (ML) in order to solve the problem of predicting the reusability of construction steel based on the determination of its yield strength by a non-destructive magnetic method. This will give an opportunity to make informed decisions when using this steel again. The research uses machine learning approaches that include regression problems. However, the use of ensemble learning significantly improves quality and accuracy of the results, while demonstrating its advantage in combining multiple models for obtaining more accurate predictions. The research results show that the WeightedEnsemble ensemble method (which includes 8 models) has the best prediction accuracy (MSE = 441 MPa and RMSE = 21 MPa). This method has high accuracy and low delay of conclusion (IL = 0.119 s) when predicting the tensile strength limit (MPa) based on the data of non-destructive testing of structural steel products. . The innovation of the development lies in the ability to provide an automated tool to support informed decision-making for the reuse of building steel for construction site professionals. The accuracy of the ensemble model and its potential for integration with existing practices indicate significant progress in managing steel reuse processes at the final stage of the building life cycle – stage D.

Embryo implantation in the mare occurs just over one month after fertilization, coinciding with the production of chorionic gonadotropin. The factors that regulate this late implantation in the mare, and whether they are unique to horses or shared with more invasive embryo implantation in other species, remain poorly understood. This study aimed to determine and compare the transcriptome and subpopulations of endometrial cells before and after embryo implantation in the horse. Single-cell RNA sequencing was used to characterize the transcriptome of nearly 97,000 endometrial cells collected from biopsies of the endometrium at the beginning (day 33 of gestation) and after embryo implantation (day 42 of gestation) in mares. Sixteen immune and 24 non-immune cell clusters were identified, representing known major cell populations as well as novel subpopulations of horse immune cells such as resident innate lymphoid cells and mucosal-associated invariant T cells. Contrary to current knowledge, endometrial natural killer (eNK) cells were the most abundant endometrial leukocyte population during implantation in horses. Moreover, eNK cells not only expressed genes that may interact with fetal MHC I, such as LY49F, but also exert immunoregulatory functions independent of MHC I expression, such as CD96/TIGIT. Analogous to other species studied, upregulation of CXCR4 was found in several subpopulations of immune cells. Our results suggest that despite distinctive and later placentation compared with humans, horses share some key similarities in the mechanisms of embryo implantation.

Air pollution is highest in winter. The high concentration of particulate matter (PM) and trace elements (TE) after the growing season is influenced by increased pollutant emissions, unfavorable meteorological conditions, and the low efficiency of air phytofiltration. Plants that can remove pollutants from the air during the growing season are leafless in autumn/winter, and therefore unable to capture PM/TE effectively. This study investigated the ability of nine species of leafy evergreen plants to accumulate PM (surface and in-wax PM; PM2.5 and PM10) and TE in autumn and winter. Plant material was harvested in November and December from the park in Wuhan, China. The amount of accumulated pollutants depended on the species. The shrubs (Loropetalum chinense, Pittosporum tobira, Rhododendron simsii) and grass (Ophiopogon japonicus), were more effective at phytofiltration of PM and TE per leaf area unit than the trees. However, to better understand the potential of plants to accumulate PM in relation to a unit of land area, the leaf area index (LAI) has to be considered. Ligustrum lucidum and P. tobira characterized by low LAI, despite having PM deposition comparable to other trees and shrubs, exhibited a markedly reduced efficacy of pollutants accumulation in relation to square metre of land they occupy. In contrast to the TE concentration in winter, PM deposition on plants did not always increase after the autumn, probably due to the park's low density of vegetation, PM resuspension by wind, and a decrease in the plants' physiological activity. Seasonal variations in pollutants accumulation among species were recorded during the autumn/winter. This study reinforces the need for biodiversity and higher-density urban greening to optimize post-growth air phytofiltration. A holistic, year-round air pollution mitigation strategy should be provided by incorporating more diverse evergreen plant species with complementary phytofiltering properties.

Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) are a diverse group of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, and terpenoids, which have been recognised for their critical role in modulating cellular functions. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the effects of PSMs on mitochondrial health, with particular emphasis on their therapeutic potential. Emerging evidence shows that these metabolites improve mitochondrial function by reducing oxidative stress, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, and regulating key processes such as apoptosis and mitophagy. Mitochondrial dysfunction, a hallmark of many pathologies, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome, has been shown to benefit from the protective effects of PSMs. Recent studies show that PSMs can improve mitochondrial dynamics, stabilise mitochondrial membranes, and enhance bioenergetics, offering significant promise for the prevention and treatment of mitochondrial-related diseases. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects, including modulation of key signalling pathways and direct interactions with mitochondrial proteins, are discussed. The integration of PSMs into therapeutic strategies is highlighted as a promising avenue for improving treatment efficacy while minimising the side effects commonly associated with synthetic drugs. This review also highlights the need for future research to elucidate the specific roles of individual PSMs and their synergistic interactions within complex plant matrices, which may further optimise their therapeutic utility. Overall, this work provides valuable insights into the complex role of PSMs in mitochondrial health and their potential as natural therapeutic agents targeting mitochondrial dysfunction.

Background Renal cell cancer (RCC) is the most common and highly malignant subtype of kidney cancer. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are components of tumor microenvironment (TME) that influence RCC progression. The impact of RCC-secreted small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) on TME is largely underexplored. Here, we comprehensively analysed the composition of exosomal sncRNAs secreted by RCC cells to identify those that influence MSCs. Methods Exosomal sncRNAs secreted by RCC cells and normal kidney cells were analyzed using RNAseq, followed by qPCR validation. MSCs were treated by conditioned media (CM) derived from RCC cells and transfected with piRNA, followed by the analysis of proliferation, viability, migration and immunocytochemical detection of piRNA. Expression of MSCs genes was evaluated using microarray and qPCR. TCGA data were analyzed to explore the expression of sncRNAs in RCC tumors. Results RNAseq revealed 40 miRNAs, 71 tRNAs and four piRNAs that were consistently secreted by RCC cells. qPCR validation using five independent RCC cell lines confirmed that expressions of miR-10b-3p and miR-125a-5p were suppressed, while miR-365b-3p was upregulated in exosomes from RCC cells when compared with normal kidney proximal tubules. The expression of miR-10b-3p and miR-125a-5p was decreased, whereas the expression of miR-365b-3p was increased in RCC tumors and correlated with poor survival of patients. Expressions of tRNA-Glu, tRNA-Gly, and tRNA-Val were the most increased, while tRNA-Gln, tRNA-Leu, and tRNA-Lys were top decreased in RCC exosomes when compared with normal kidney cells. Moreover, hsa_piR_004153, hsa_piR_016735, hsa_piR_019521, and hsa_piR_020365 were consistently upregulated in RCC exosomes. piR_004153 (DQ575660.1; aliases: hsa_piRNA_18299, piR-43772, piR-hsa-5938) was the most highly expressed in exosomes from RCC cells when compared with normal kidney cells. Treatment of MSCs with RCC CM resulted in upregulation of piR_004153 expression. Transfection of MSCs with piR_004153 stimulated their migration and viability, and altered expression of 35 genes, including downregulation of FGF2, SLC7A5, and WISP1. Immunocytochemistry confirmed the nuclear localization of piR_004153 transfected in MSCs. Conclusion RCC cells secrete multiple sncRNAs, including piR_004153 which targets MSCs, alters expression of FGF2, SLC7A5, and WISP1, and stimulates their motility and viability. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing that cancer-derived piRNA can enhance MSC migration. Graphical Abstract Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12964-024-02001-1.

Using a 2-D energy band model for electrons on metal surfaces, the value of surface electrical potential was determined. This potential depends on the work function, the concentration of conduction electrons in the metal, and the electron effective mass in surface 2-D band. The spatial distributions of electrical potential were calculated in thermal equilibrium in cylindrical structures of different semiconductors with Al contacts and considered surface states that accumulate surface charge. The electrical potential difference between the metal surface and the interior of the semiconductor constitutes the Schottky barrier (SB). The results of our calculations are in good agreement with the experimental data and confirm the fact that simple Schottky–Mott theory cannot be used to calculate the height of the SB. Calculations were performed for the structure Hg _0.78 Cd _0.22 Te at T = 77 K, as well as CdTe and GaAs at T = 300 K. The estimated effective mass of electrons in the surface 2-D band for aluminum is m _e ≈ 1.16 m ₀ .