Biological Capacity Research Articles

Reflections on timing of motherhood - a qualitative online study with women of reproductive age

BackgroundThe age of Danish women giving birth to their first child has risen throughout the last 50 years, and the number of women and men who are having their first child when they are at advanced maternal or paternal age is increasing worldwide. Postponing parenthood is not unique to Denmark, as the same pattern is seen especially in other European and Western countries. The aim of this study was in a social media setting to explore reflections on the timing of motherhood among Danish women of reproductive age who not yet had children.MethodThis study was a qualitative study based on three online focus groups on Facebook. Twenty-six women of reproductive age discussed the timing of motherhood for three days in January 2020. Data were analyzed using Systematic Text Condensation.ResultsThree main themes were identified: ‘Life before parenthood’, ‘To plan for a child’ and ‘A life without children’. Several external and internal conditions influence whether and if so when women consider becoming mothers. Regarding the biological capacity for having children, women compare themselves with their female relatives and friends and colleagues regarding the social norms surrounding motherhood. Women with no children often experience either positive or negative pressure from family, friends, and colleagues regarding when to have children.ConclusionSeveral internal and external considerations influence when and if women become mothers. Social surroundings such as family, friends, and colleagues have an impact on women’s reproductive considerations in terms of pressure to have children in the future. Danish women tend to compare their reproductive capacity to their female relatives and compare the social norms surrounding motherhood to their female friends. Women in this study were positive towards discussing the timing of motherhood with other women of reproductive age on social media.

A Potential Role for Oridonin in Cancer Control: Mechanisms of Autophagy and Apoptosis.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. It is characterized by unmanaged cell proliferation and growth, leading to tumour formation with the potential to metastasize to various organs of the human body. Currently, several common therapeutic approaches exist to treat malignancies, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radi-otherapy, which can be used to prevent the progression of malignancies. However, these ther-apeutic approaches often face challenges due to their cytotoxic impacts and various side ef-fects. Ergo is currently researching a new treatment that effectively reduces cancer progression with minimal side effects. Emerging evidence suggests that harnessing herbal sources, which are both accessible and safe, can be useful in improving various disorders, including cancer. Oridonin, a diterpenoid isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Rabdosia ru-bescens, has shown significant potential in cancer therapy. Moreover, numerous pharmacolog-ical and biological capacities have been attributed to this naturally active compound, such as anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral influences. This review sum-marizes the current knowledge on oridonin's mechanisms of action, particularly its effects on autophagy and apoptosis. While apoptosis is a well-established pathway for eliminating cancer cells through DNA fragmentation, autophagy plays a complex role, acting as both a cytopro-tective and cell death mechanism depending on the context. We provide a comprehensive evaluation of the relevant studies, highlighting oridonin's potential in cancer control and iden-tifying areas for further research.

Fish resilience as an ethical issue.

Fish resilience can be understood as the capacity of fish to successfully respond to a challenge so that they are able to function and flourish in much the same way as they did prior to the occurrence of the challenge. Resilience is a function not only of individual fish, but also of a whole fish population. Enhancing the resilience of fish requires both adapting the robustness of the animals and adapting the (production) environment to the specific needs of the fish. Rather than a mere biological capacity of fish, resilience also comes with ethical questions. These questions occur at four levels. First, in practice resilience often comes with a "rhetoric" of optimalization. The view that aquaculture that strives for resilient fish is good for both fish welfare and production is inherently normative. It assumes a 'win-win situation', but thereby makes certain normative assumptions. Second, especially when the win-win situation is not achievable, resilience means making trade-offs between preferred responses to challenges from the perspective of individual animals and groups or between individual housing and larger aquaculture systems. Third, the discussions on resilience and fish demonstrate the need to move beyond an animal welfare framework when discussing the treatment of fish in aquaculture. Recently, animal ethics has seen a turn towards centering animals' own agency. This means that we should not only focus on improving animal welfare, but also on asking what the animals themselves want and how they can be given more control over their situation. This may also impact the definition of resilience and how it is made operational. Finally, the use of the concept of resilience may reveal a certain moral outlook with regard to fish. On the one hand, resilience is portrayed as a positive characteristic of animals that enables improvement of the quality of life of fish. At the same time, it raises the question of how far we should stretch the "manufacturability" of fish. When we physically adapt animals so that they can cope with difficult circumstances we may be stretching moral boundaries. For example, this raises the objection that we are instrumentalizing animals. In this article, we reflect on these types of ethical issues and aim to show that the ethical dimensions of resilience need to be taken into account by professionals in aquaculture in order to make resilience operational and to contribute to a responsible interaction with fish in aquaculture.

Exploring the determinants of fertility rates in Ethiopia: a decomposition analysis using count regression models with a focus on urban and rural residence, based on the 2019 Ethiopian demographic health survey

IntroductionFertility refers to the biological capacity to reproduce and have children. It is a key aspect of reproductive health influenced by various factors. Therefore, this study aims to explore the determinants of fertility rates based on urban and rural settings in Ethiopia.MethodA stratified two-stage cluster sampling approach was used, employing data from the 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey (https://dhsprogram.com). The study comprised 8,885 women aged 15 to 49 years. The study employed Stata 17, and the data was described using descriptive statistics. Associations were examined using decomposition analysis and negative binomial regression. The Incidence Rate Ratio and p-value were used to determine the statistical significance of the variables examined.ResultsThe negative binomial regression found that factors such as maternal age (IRR, 1.08, P-value,0.00), living in rural (IRR,1.09, P-value,0.00), being Muslim (IRR,1.13, P-value,0.00), being from other religious groups (IRR,1.16, P-value,0.00), having six up to nine household members (IRR,1.24, P-value,0.00), having greater than nine household member(IRR,1.14, P-value,0.04), having one child under five year (IRR,1.35, P-value,0.00), having two children under five year (IRR,1.77, P-value,0.00), and having more than two under five years (IRR,1.99, P-value,0.00), being currently pregnant (IRR,1.08, P-value,0.00), use of contraceptive(IRR,1.13, P-value,0.00) are positively associated with bearing more children. On the other hand, completing primary education (IRR,0.84, P-value,0.00), secondary education (IRR,0.61, P-value,0.00), being from the richest household (IRR = 0.94, P-value,0.00), and being single/divorced and widowed (IRR,0.49, P-value,0.00) are negatively associated with having more children because their IRR is less than one. The decomposition analysis also demonstrated that marital status has a stronger negative correlation with fertility in rural compared to urban settings. Additionally, the number of children under five exerts a greater influence on fertility in urban areas.Conclusionthe study found significant rural-urban differences in the factors shaping fertility in Ethiopia. While demographics like maternal age, education, and wealth influenced fertility in both settings, the relationships varied in nature and magnitude. To address this, Policymakers should develop targeted fertility programs that address the unique needs and challenges faced by rural and urban populations.

Glucose addition in natural forest soils has higher biological nitrogen fixation capacity than other types of soils

Land use changes soil microbial and chemical properties, but the mechanism of biological nitrogen fixation under different land use patterns is rarely reported, so we used four types of soil: Natural forest soil (NS), healthy banana soil (HS), diseased banana soil (DS) and paddy soil (PS). Treatments included the control (CK), addition of glucose (G), addition of glucose and ammonium nitrate (GN), addition of banana straw (BS), addition of banana straw and ammonium nitrate (BSN), addition of banana root (BR), and addition of banana root and ammonium nitrate (BRN). The study found that the change of soil utilization types, glucose addition increased carbon dioxide emissions (Compared with the control, increased by 963.11%, 508.39%, 794.77% and 511.34%, respectively) and enhanced the ability of soil microbial nitrogen fixation. Importantly, natural forest soil microorganisms have a higher biological nitrogen fixation capacity compared to other types of soils. Glucose addition caused the accumulation of ammonium nitrogen (Compared with the control, increased by 426.08%, 934.21%, 420% and 1065.95%, respectively), indicating that microorganisms had higher utilization efficiency of soluble carbon and enhanced the biological nitrogen fixation capacity, and nitrogen addition caused the accumulation of ammonium nitrogen, thereby weakening the biological nitrogen fixation capacity. At the same time, glucose significantly increased the Fimicutes phylum (83.73%, 66.38%, 67.18% and 70.36%) and lowered the level of other bacterial phylums, thereby reducing the bacterial network structure, and the stability of the soil environment has decreased. Forest analysis showed that CO2 was an important factor in predicting the bacterial community structure of different soil types, an increase in CO2 content can predict drastic changes in the bacterial community. Bacteria at the Fimicutes phylum level preferred glucose, which may also have a negative effect on bacteria at the level of other phylums.

Skeletal magnesium content in Antarctic echinoderms along a latitudinal gradient

Ocean warming and acidification driven by anthropogenic CO2 emissions may impact the mineral composition of marine calcifiers. Species with high skeletal Mg content could be more susceptible in polar regions due to the increased solubility of CO2 at lower temperatures. We aimed to assess the environmental influence on skeletal Mg content of Antarctic echinoderms belonging to Asteroidea, Ophiuroidea, Echinoidea and Holothuroidea classes, along a latitudinal gradient from the South Shetland Islands to Rothera (Adelaide Island). We found that all skeletal structures, except for echinoid spines, exhibited high Mg content, with asteroids showing the highest levels. Our results suggest that asteroids and holothuroids exert a higher biological capacity to regulate Mg incorporation into their skeletons. In contrast, the variability observed in the skeletal Mg content of ophiuroids and echinoids appears to be more influenced by local environmental conditions. Species-specific differences in how environmental factors affect the skeletal Mg content can be thus expected as a response to global climate change.

EVALUATION OF MORPHOBIOLOGICAL AND PRODUCTIVE INDICATORS OF POTATO CULTIVARS (Solanum tuberosum l.) IN THE AREA OF MYZEQE, LUSHNJE

The potato is spread all over the world, being planted in plain, hilly, sub-mountain, and mountain areas. In Albania, 10,000 to 14,000 ha of early, medium, and late potatoes are planted. In recent years, the yield of potatoes in large-scale production has increased for two reasons: First, it is planted in more productive soils and under irrigated conditions, so there are improvements in cultivation. Secondly, new cultivars with higher biological productive capacity have been introduced into cultivation. The study of morphobiological and productive indicators of potato cultivars is ongoing to achieve high and sustainable yields. This also includes the study carried out in Zhama, Lushnje, in which eleven cultivars were included, specifically: La Perla, Valencia, Aleksjo, Gaya 1, Amora, Gaya 2, Juveli, Fidel, Solo, Zisi and Melene 2. The experiment was set up on light soils according to a randomized block design with eleven variants and four replications. Planting was done with the workforce in two days, on February 8 and 9, 2023. During the vegetation, ten plants for each variant and repetition were determined on which biometric and production measurements were made, such as Plant height, number of shoots per plant, production per plant, number of grains per plant, production in percentage by weight; up to 30 g, 31 - 80 g, 81 - 120 g and over 120 g. The data was processed to determine the best cultivar.

The Contribution of the Management of Landscape Features to Soil Organic Carbon Turnover among Farmlands

Background: Landscape features (LF—i.e., the natural and semi-natural areas in agricultural landscapes) positively contribute to soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration and storage among farmlands. LF-related SOC partitioning still needs context-specific investigation to properly address climate change mitigation goals. Not many studies address LF phytocoenoses traits relation with SOC partitioning. Our study investigates SOC partitioning (total organic carbon [TOC]; labile dissolved organic carbon [DOC]; stable recalcitrant organic carbon [ROC]) between arable fields (AGR) and semi-natural/natural components (NAT: herbaceous field margins, young/mature hedgerows, young/mature woods) in a temperate alluvial pedoclimatic context (Po Plain, Northwestern Italy). Methods: We compared topsoil SOC and its fractions (0–20 cm depth) between: AGR-NAT sites; hedgerows (HED)-AGR sites; and different ecological quality degrees (phytocoenoses were classified by Biological Territorial Capacity [BTC] values and Index of Vegetation Naturalness categories [IVN]--). Results: Our results confirmed a significantly different SOC partitioning behaviour between AGR and NAT sites (NAT: +79% TOC; +409% ROC); AGR sites were negatively correlated with ROC. TOC was a robust ROC predictor. HED had significantly higher TOC (+71%) and ROC (+395%) compared to arable fields, with the highest values in mature hedgerows. DOC showed contrasted behaviours. A linear regression model on BTC and IVN (predictors) and TOC and ROC showed significant positive relationships, especially for ROC. Conclusions: Our study confirmed the LF role in long-term SOC storage among farmlands, which should be coupled with AGR management (with prevalent short-term SOC fractions). LF ecological quality was a determining factor in total and long-term SOC. Proper LF management is pivotal to aligning climate change mitigation goals with other ecological benefits.

Effect of central metal ion on some pharmacological properties of new Schiff base complexes. Anticancer, antioxidant, kinetic/thermodynamic and computational studies

The biological capacities of Schiff Base complexes such as anti-cancer, anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties have been widely studied in the scientific community. However, the effect of central metal ion in the occurrence of their biological properties should be paid more attention. With this aim, novel 2-(hydroxyimino)-1-phenylpropylidene)benzohydrazide (HIPB) Schiff base ligand, and C1/palladium(II), C2/platinum(II), and C3/zinc(II) complexes derived from it were synthesized and characterized. Theoretical studies showed that C2 is more reactive and also has a higher pharmacological affinity than C1 and C3. Experimental investigations were done to compare some biological properties of the complexes. The anticancer assay showed that C1-C3 have the ability to inhibit the growth of HCT116 colon cancer cell lines, but C2 shows a relatively better effect than other. Antioxidant studies using •DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay presented the following trend: C2 > C1 > C3 > HIPB. Considering the importance of the antioxidant enzyme catalase in removing reactive oxygen species (ROS), the interaction of C1-C3 with Bovine Liver Catalase (BLC) was evaluated. Kinetic studies showed that C1-C3 can inhibit the catalytic performance of BLC by a similar mechanism, i.e. mixed-type inhibition. Among them, C1 was the strongest inhibitor (Activity inhibition% = 82.2). The C1-C3 quenched the BLC fluorescence emission with dynamic quenching mechanism. The binding affinity to BLC was higher for C1 and C2 than C3. The most important forces in the interaction of C1-C3 with BLC were hydrophobic interactions, which was strongly confirmed by molecular docking data. Tracking the structural changes of catalase showed that BLC undergoes structural changes in the presence of C1 more than C2 and C3.

The protective influence of Secamone emetica (Retz.) R. Br. ex Sm.: Mitigating oxidative stress and glycoxidation in glucose-albumin system

The science and processes of anti-glycoxidation are integral for exploring novel approaches to address health concerns. The study examines the sustainable utilization of wild edibles, Secamone emetica, as a strategic solution to address health concerns and strengthen food security. A step-by-step attenuation method in a glucose-induced glycation system was used to study the impact of phytochemical content and antioxidant capabilities on glycoxidation. The distribution of metabolites and antioxidants adheres to a pattern of stem > root > leaf. The extracts effectively reduce protein carbonyls [86.45 % SSE (Stem extract of S. emetica), 84.97 % RSE (Root extract of S. emetica), 57.34 % LSE (Leaf extract of S. emetica) vs. 53.74 % in AGEs (Advanced glycation end products)] and inhibit amyloid β-aggregation (88.64 % SSE, 84.86 % RSE, 82.70 % LSE vs. 53.74 % in AGEs). Electrophoretic mobility significantly increased (9.99 × 10–5 cm2/V.s in SSE), surpassing the negative control (7.78 × 10‐5 cm2/V.s in AGEs after 72 h). Thiol group concentrations are maintained and lower 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) impurities are observed, indicating anti-glycoxidative properties. These results are comparable to aminoguanidine, suggesting the extracts scavenge free radicals and inhibit glycoxidation's consequences. Thus, highlighting the biological capacity of S. emetica in addressing oxidative stress and glycoxidation underscores its potential benefits.

Environmental sustainability from the perspective of assets diversification: A comparative empirical analysis for developed and developing countries

Assets have an important role in sustainability discussions. The substitutability aspects of assets deal with weak and strong sustainability criteria. Weak sustainability enables substitutability between natural and man-made assets while strong sustainability requires the maintenance of natural resources and individual assets. In this respect, this study conducts a comparative empirical analysis of 126 developed and developing countries over the period 1995 to 2018 to investigate the significance of diverse assets such as natural capital, produced capital, human capital, and financial capital on environmental sustainability. Ecological footprint and biological capacity are used as detailed environmental sustainability indicators. The results based on the Fixed Effects Model and Generalized Method of Moments suggest that natural capital has a great potential for the environment and produced capital is environmentally unsustainable while human and financial capital have heterogeneous effects on the environment in developed and developing countries. The study also employs adjusted net saving (as an environmental sustainability indicator) and income group analysis for robustness checks. The findings of the study suggest that the protection of renewable natural capital, including its ability to regenerate is a core aspect of sustainability and the diversification of assets can reduce pressure on natural capital. Cooperative climate policies can enhance the benefits of investing in a diverse portfolio of assets and can help in achieving environmental sustainability.

The potential of phosphorus-solubilizing purple nonsulfur bacteria in agriculture: Present and future perspectives

Abstract Phosphorus (P) is one of the essential macronutrients for crops. It is present in soil in two forms: soluble and insoluble. However, plants cannot absorb the insoluble forms, including Al-P, Fe-P, and Ca-P; thus, the phosphorus use efficiency is reduced. Therefore, the biological approaches should focus more on sustainable agriculture to overcome this constraint. This article cites publications relating to the biological P solubilizer group of bacteria, which have a highly potential adaptation to many conditions in soils. Among the biological approaches, purple nonsulfur bacteria (PNSB) are a potent group of bacteria according to their adaptability in acidic, saline, and toxic conditions based on their mechanisms in producing exopolymeric substances and siderophores under such adverse environments like acid-sulfate and saline soils. PNSB can solubilize P in soil to have more P availability for soil microbes and plants. This particular group of bacteria has been widely applied in liquid and solid forms from agricultural waste to promote plant growth under submerged conditions. Moreover, this article summarized the P-solubilizing mechanisms of P-solubilizing bacteria and introduced future research perspectives on patterns of PNSB in aspects of nutrient-providing potency, plant growth-promoting capability, and biological control capacity. However, the specific mechanisms of P solubilization by PNSB have not been well documented since the P-solubilizing mechanisms have been investigated on general P-solubilizing bacteria. Thus, specific pathways and metabolites relating to the P-solubilizing PNSB should be investigated, and attention should be addressed to them soon.

Enhancing the biological integration of massive bone allografts: A porcine preclinical in vivo pilot-study

Critical bone loss can have several origins: infections, tumors or trauma. Therefore, massive bone allograft can be a solution for limb salvage. Such a biological reconstruction should have the ideal biomechanical qualities. However, their complication rate remains too high. Perfusion-decellularization of massive allografts could promote the vitality of these grafts, thereby improving their integration and bone remodeling.Three perfusion-decellularized massive bone allografts were compared to 3 fresh frozen massive bone allografts in a preclinical in vivo porcine study using an orthopedic surgery model. Three pigs each underwent a critical diaphyseal femoral defects followed by an allogeneic intercalary femoral graft on their both femurs (one decellularized and one conventional fresh frozen as “native”) to reconstruct the defect. Clinical imaging was performed over 3 months of follow-up. The grafts were then explanted and examined by non-decalcified histology, fluoroscopic microscopy and immunohistochemistry.Bone consolidation was achieved in both groups at the same time. However, the volume of bone callus appeared to be greater in the decellularized group. Histology demonstrated a superior bone remodeling in the decellularized group, with a higher number of osteoclasts (p < 0.001) and larger areas of osteoid matrix and newly formed bone as compared to the “native” group. Immunohistochemistry showed a superior vitality and remodeling in both the cortical and medullary cavities for osteocalcin (p < 0.001), Ki67 (p < 0.001), CD3 (p < 0.001) and α-SMA (p < 0.001) as compared the “native” group. Three months after implantation, the decellularized grafts were proven to be biologically more active compared to native grafts. Fluoroscopic microscopy revealed more ossification fronts in the depth of the decellularized grafts (p = 0.021).This pilot study provides the first in vivo demonstration on the enhanced biological capacities of massive bone allograft decellularized by perfusion as compared to conventional massive bone allografts.

How do we justify research into enhanced warfighters?

State militaries have strong interests in developing enhanced warfighters: taking otherwise healthy service personnel (soldiers, marines, pilots, etc.) and pushing their biological, physiological, and cognitive capacities beyond their individual statistical or baseline norm. However, the ethical and regulatory challenges of justifying research into these kinds of interventions to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of enhancements in the military has not been well explored. In this paper, we offer, in the context of the US Common Rule and Institutional Review Board framework, potential justifications for justifying research into enhancing warfighters on the grounds of (i) individual and group risk reduction; (ii) protection of third parties such as civilians; and (iii) military effectiveness.

Norwegian male U14 soccer players have superior running capacity compared to Icelandic players.

The organisation and development strategies of youth soccer differ between Norway and Iceland. Whether this affect physical capacity is unknown. Thus, the first aim of the present study is to compare physical capacity between players from Iceland and Norway. Secondary aim is to assess associations between biological maturity and physical capacity in the Icelandic players since an association previously has been shown among the Norwegians. There were 48 U14 players from Iceland included and 103 players from Norway. Bone age (BA), measured with left-wrist x-ray, was used as an indicator of biological maturity. To measure physical capacity, 40 metre (m) linear sprint, standing long jump (SLJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (IR1-test) and a maximal oxygen uptake test (VO2max) were used. Training load was assessed by questionnaire. The results showed that the Norwegian players ran faster (5.90 ± 0.38 vs. 6.37 ± 0.44 s, p < .001), had better intermittent endurance capacity (1,235 ± 461 vs. 960 ± 423 m, p < .001) and higher VO2max, (60.3 ± 6.5 vs. 54.8 ± 5.3 ml·kg-1·min-1, p < .001) than the Icelandic players. The players from Norway reported a higher number of weekly organised soccer training hours than the Icelandic. We also found significant correlations between BA and performance on 40 m linear sprint (r = -.566, p < .001), SLJ (r = .380, p = .008) and CMJ (r = .354, p = .014) among the Icelandic players. Moreover, no correlations were found between BA and VO2max or intermittent endurance capacity. In conclusion, the Norwegian players ran faster and had better VO2max and intermittent endurance capacity than the Icelandic players. Biological maturity level was associated with speed and jumping performance in U14 soccer players in Iceland, but not with VO2max or intermittent endurance capacity. Findings indicate that more research is needed to investigate the influence of different organisation and structure of youth soccer between the two countries on physical capacity.

A Review of Semen Analysis: Updates From the WHO Sixth Edition Manual and Advances in Male Fertility Assessment.

Semen analysis is essentially used to check the fertility of a man, especially when couples are having difficulties conceiving. Studies concerning male fertility, testicular factors, and seminal characteristics have been under investigation for the last few decades. In 1980, the World Health Organization (WHO) started reaching out to scientists in order to set standards for high-quality semen and develop a semen manual. From this point to the present, six editions of this manual have been produced, delineating the characteristics of semen and reporting protocols for semen analysis. Sperm morphology is analyzed as per WHO norms to measure the biological capacity of a male for reproduction. Both national and international manuals have been developed, with the latest, the sixth edition, produced in July 2021. This review paper conveys the current WHO publication's updates and identifies the clinical recommendations for proper evaluations. The publication considers the characteristics of semen in order to discuss the content of the previous editions of the WHO. It is also utilized to assess the method applied to determine the DNA presence of sperm fragmentation.

Development and In-vitro Evaluation of Konjac Glucomannan/Virgin Coconut Oil Based Asymmetric Membrane for Wound Dressing

Asymmetric membranes have promising features for use in wound dressings. A permeable bottom layer absorbs the wound exudate, whereas the occlusive top layer restricts microbiological penetration and avoids an excessive loss of water. Recently, asymmetric membranes made of konjac glucomannan (KGM), a natural polysaccharide, have been explored as potential wound treatments. However, there are no studies reported regarding the incorporation of other materials into KGM asymmetric membrane. Due to its biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties, virgin coconut oil (VCO) is a good choice for promoting the healing process. In this study, we examine the potential of using KGM asymmetric membrane with different concentration of VCO as wound dressing material. The membrane sample's asymmetric morphology and good thermal stability were both revealed by scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric studies, respectively. In addition, biological and fluid handling capacity analysis indicated that the KGM-VCO membrane is biocompatible and able to maintain the ideal moist environment for wound healing.

Оценка химического состава сапропелей различных месторождений

Complex chemical composition and wide mining opportunities determine the use of sapropels and sapropel-based products in various sectors of national economy. The fullest potential of sapropel is revealed in agriculture, where it is used as fertilizer, a component of soils, raw materials for humic preparations production etc. The aim was to study the sapropels’ suitability for the production of humic fertilizers. Using validated methods we analyze chemical composition of sapropel sediments from 4 freshwater lakes located within the latitudinal section of 53–56° N in the temperate climate. Microbiological parameters of all studied samples are within the normal range. Dry matter content in the range of 46.1–51.3% corresponds to the normative indicators. The mass fraction of organic matter varies in the range of 31.8–39.9% DM. This allows classifying all samples as organo-clay, and determines the possibility of their use for soils of light granulometric composition. The relatively high content of humic (18.3–22.9% DM) and fulvic acids (3.7–6.4% DM) makes it possible to use the studied sapropel samples for the manufacture of humic preparations (especially, a sapropel sample of the lake Chervonoe, Belarus). Low P and K content (0.24–0.36% DM and 0.32–0.42% DM, respectively) can negatively affect the efficiency of fertilizers from these sapropel species; this can be avoided by mixing sapropel with manure or enrichment with mineral fertilizers. Indicators of heavy metal (Cu, Mn, Zn, Co, Pb and Cd) content in all studied samples meet the safety requirements. Samples from deeper layers of the Rusaki Lake (Altai Territory) and the Beloe Lake (Novosibirsk Region) refer to the 1st class of suitability, the rest (according to a number of indicators) – to the 2nd class. The content of trace elements in the studied sapropels is within the established norms and makes it possible to use them for replenishing the deficit of trace elements in soils. In general, all the studied samples can be used as environmentally friendly organomineral fertilizers, as well as production of humic preparations to increase in the biological and energy capacity of agrocenoses and to reproduce the soil fertility.

The biological self-purification capacity of natural and waste waters by assessing the ratio between biodegradable and toxic pollutants

The study emphasizes the significant impact of chemical pollution in the aquatic environment, originating from various sources - continuous, intermittent, and accidental - with particular focus on small rivers in the Republic of Moldova. The article applies the methodology for evaluating the self-purification capacity of natural and waste waters using parameters as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and chemical oxygen demand (CODCr). These parameters are essential for assessing the contribution of pollutant biodegradation processes in natural and waste waters. The classification of waters into five levels of self-purification, from efficient to impossible, is based on the ratio BOD5/CODCr. This paper emphasizes the need to comply with the normative requirements for the treatment of wastewater from different economic sectors. Monitoring compliance with these requirements can be achieved by calculating the self-purification capacity using the BOD5/CODCr ratio.

Comprehensive Bio-Screening of Phytochemistry and Biological Capacity of Oregano (Origanum vulgare) and Salvia triloba Extracts against Oral Cariogenic and Food-Origin Pathogenic Bacteria.

This study utilized phytochemical screening to conduct the qualitative analysis of plant extracts, aiming to identify various classes of secondary metabolites. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of different types of Oregano vulgare and Salvia triloba extracts was determined. To achieve the aim of this study, aqueous, ethanolic, and enzymatic extracts were prepared and screened for phytochemical capacity and antioxidant activities. The determination of the antibacterial activity included phenotypic screening of antibiotic susceptibility pattern of oral and food pathogenic bacterial strains, determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration-via microdilution broth test and in vitro valuation of antibacterial efficacies-of the anti-biofilm properties of the studied herbal extractions. Results: Our study evaluated the phytochemical composition and the antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-biofilm properties of O. vulgare and S. triloba extracts. The analyzed samples contained bioactive compounds, such as phenolics and flavonoids, contributing to the observed strong antioxidant effect. Furthermore, they exhibited notable activity against oral biofilm formation and demonstrated significant antibacterial efficacy against dental caries' microorganisms as well as food pathogens. Despite methodological variations, all extracts showed significant antioxidant capacity and promising antibacterial activity against various pathogens, including resistant strains, while also inhibiting biofilm formation. Although limited to two plant species and facing methodological constraints, this study lays the groundwork for future research, indicating the therapeutic potential of O. vulgare and S. triloba extracts. Further exploration is needed to report on underlying mechanisms and validate efficacy through clinical trials.