Search Results (219)

Historic timber buildings rely heavily on naturally aged wood. However, the influence of long-term environmental exposure on the thermal behavior and fire performance of such structural members remains insufficiently understood. This study evaluates the effect of natural aging on heat transfer, charring development, and the phase-change interval of free water in larch wood (Larix decidua). Medium-scale radiant panel tests were conducted on fresh and naturally aged timber beams. Internal temperatures were recorded at multiple depths and analyzed using derivative-based T-history methods. The temperature profiles of aged and fresh larch were highly comparable, exhibiting a strong correlation (R² = 0.89). Aged wood, characterized by a slightly higher density, showed shallower thermal gradients and a marginally lower average charring rate (0.63 mm·min⁻¹) compared with fresh wood (0.65 mm·min⁻¹). In both materials, the charring rate decreased with depth. The phase-change interval of free water differed markedly: fresh wood showed water evaporation between 107.8–142.1 °C, whereas aged wood exhibited an earlier and narrower interval (93.6–116.3 °C), indicating facilitated dehydration due to microstructural degradation. Overall, natural aging did not significantly impair fire-relevant thermal properties, suggesting that aged larch retains charring resistance comparable to that of fresh wood and can reliably perform in passive fire protection applications for heritage structures. Full article

Tree bark is a chemically rich but underexploited forest byproduct that can support circular bioeconomy strategies. This study investigates how provenance and drying temperature influence the structural and chemical composition of Larix decidua Mill. bark, aiming to support genotype selection and biomass valorization. The experimental design included bark collected from seven distinct provenances and subjected exclusively to controlled drying at three temperatures (60 °C, 80 °C, and 100 °C), enabling a focused assessment of thermally induced chemostructural variation. Bark samples from seven Romanian provenances were exposed to four drying treatments (control, 60 °C, 80 °C, 100 °C) and examined using FT-IR and GC–MS. FT-IR spectra revealed temperature-dependent shifts in O–H, C–H, and C=O regions, indicating subtle rearrangements in lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose structures. GC–MS profiling identified major terpenoid, ester, amide, and diterpenoid/triterpenoid derivatives whose concentrations varied significantly across both thermal regimes and genetic origins. Moderate heating (60–80 °C) enhanced the release or stabilization of α-pinene, larixol, and several esterified or diterpenoid compounds, whereas 100 °C promoted oxidative transformations, increasing lipid-derived amides and resin-oxidation products such as caryophyllene oxide. Provenances from cooler, mid-altitude regions showed higher terpenoid abundance and greater thermochemical stability, while southern provenances accumulated more oxidative derivatives under high-temperature exposure. The strong provenance × temperature interactions highlight genetically driven variation in thermochemical plasticity. These findings provide a basis for identifying elite genotypes suitable for resin-oriented breeding and for optimizing temperature-controlled bark processing within sustainable biomass valorization frameworks. Full article

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Mice (Edn1^H/+) having excess endothelin-1 developed preeclampsia-like phenotypes during pregnancy in a maternal genotype-dependent manner. Here, we investigated whether decidualization is impaired in Edn1^H/+ dams, and whether nicotinamide (a potent inhibitor of ET-1) exerts beneficial effect. We compared implantation sites between wild type (WT) and Edn1^H/+ dams with or without nicotinamide treatment. Implantation sites of Edn1^H/+ dams exhibited abnormal ectoplacental cones and sinusoids, along with reduced vascular density in the mesometrial regions of the decidua. VEGF levels were higher in the decidua of Edn1^H/+ dams compared with WT dams. Markers of decidualization were decreased in Edn1^H/+ dams. Nicotinamide supplementation corrected this abnormality. During differentiation (decidualization) of cultured human endometrial stomal cells, ET-1 impaired the upregulated expression of decidualization markers. The effect of ET-1 was reversed by nicotinamide. These results show nicotinamide counteracts the detrimental effects of ET-1 on endometrial decidualization and has potential to improve embryo implantation and subsequent pregnancy outcomes. Full article

Forests play a crucial role in climate regulation through atmospheric CO₂ sequestration. However, disturbances like wildfires can severely compromise this function. This study assesses the ecological and economic consequences of a 2018 wildfire in The Roaches Nature Reserve, UK, focusing on post-fire carbon dynamics. A mixed woodland dominated by Pinus sylvestris L. and Larix decidua Mill. was evaluated via satellite imagery (remote sensing indices), dendrochronological analysis (wood cores sampling), and soil properties analyses. Remote sensing revealed areas of high fire severity and progressive vegetation decline. Tree-ring data indicated near-total mortality of L. decidua, while P. sylvestris showed greater post-fire resilience. Soil properties (e.g., soil organic carbon, biomass and microbial indices, etc.) assessed at a depth of 0–5 cm showed no significant changes. The analysis of CO₂ sequestration trends revealed a marked decline in burned areas, with post-fire sequestration reduced by approximately 70% in P. sylvestris and nearly 100% in L. decidua, in contrast to the stable patterns observed in the control stands during the same period. To estimate this important ecosystem service, we developed a novel CO₂ Sequestration Loss (CSL) index, which quantified the reduction in forest carbon uptake and underscored the impaired sequestration capacity of burned area. The decrease in CO₂ sequestration also resulted in a loss of regulating ecosystem service value, with burned areas showing a marked reduction compared to pre-fire conditions. Finally, a carbon loss of ~208 Mg ha⁻¹ was estimated in the burnt area compared to the control, mainly due to tree mortality rather than shallow soil carbon stock. Overall, our findings demonstrate that wildfire can substantially compromise the climate mitigation potential of temperate forests, highlighting the urgency of proactive management and restoration strategies. Full article

Capers (Capparis L.), a genus of shrub-like plants within the family Capparaceae, exhibit remarkable ecological adaptability and have long been used in traditional medicine, food, and agroforestry. Phytochemical investigations have identified a wide array of bioactive compounds—including flavonoids, alkaloids, glucosinolates, spermidine derivatives, and other unique secondary metabolites—particularly in species such as C. spinosa and C. decidua. Pharmacological studies have reported diverse biological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, and antioxidant effects. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the genus, with particular attention to its botanical characteristics, ethnomedicinal relevance, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological potential. Full article

The genus Manglietia Blume is an important group of Magnoliaceae that has high economic and ornamental value. Owing to the small morphological differences among most Manglietia species and the limited sample sizes in previous molecular-level studies, its infrageneric classification remains unclear, and interspecific relationships for some species are still contentious. Clarifying the phylogenetic relationships within the genus Manglietia is crucial for species classification, genetic diversity assessment, and evolutionary developmental studies. This study sequenced, assembled, and annotated the chloroplast (cp) genomes of Manglietia guangnanica, Manglietia hookeri, and Manglietia longirostrata. The results indicated that these cp genomes are canonical quadripartite structures with total lengths of 160,067 bp, 160,067 bp, and 160,076 bp, respectively. All three cp genomes were annotated with 133 genes, comprising 88 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNAs, and 8 rRNAs. A total of 31, 30, and 30 dispersed repeats and 53, 53, and 56 SSRs were detected, respectively. ENC plot, neutrality plot, and PR2 plot analyses indicated that codon usage bias was influenced primarily by natural selection. Nucleotide diversity analysis revealed 8 highly variable regions in the cp genomes, among which petA-psbJ, rpl32-trnL, and ccsA-ndhD are recommended as candidate molecular markers for Manglietia species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed four highly supported clades: Clade I (18 species), Clade II (M. decidua only), Clade III (9 species), and Clade IV (M. caveana only). Among these clades, Clade IV is a newly discovered monotypic clade in this study, which differs from the results of all previous studies. Further investigations of Clades I and III, which include multiple Manglietia species, revealed that the presence or absence of hairs on Twigs, Stipules, and the abaxial surface of the leaf are important morphological characteristics for distinguishing species between these two clades. Furthermore, the results revealed that M. guangnanica and M. calcarea are two distinct species, and the treatment of M. longirostrata as a variety of M. hookeri was not supported by our study. This study enriches the cp genome data of Manglietia, provides new insights into infrageneric classification, and lays a foundation for further phylogenetic and evolutionary studies of Manglietia. Full article

Brucella infection is associated with an increased risk of adverse obstetric outcomes in humans and animals. Decidualization, a process involving structural and functional changes in endometrial stromal cells, is essential for proper trophoblast implantation and placental development. Trophoblasts’ migration and their ability to invade the decidua and to undergo tubulogenesis, critical for proper implantation and placental development, are normally promoted by decidual cells. We evaluated whether Brucella infection of human endometrial stromal cells (T-HESC cell line) affects their ability to decidualize and to promote trophoblast functions. Infection of T-HESC cells with either B. abortus, B. suis, or B. melitensis resulted in deficient decidualization (as revealed by reduced prolactin levels) and an increased production of proinflammatory chemokines (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 -CXCL8- and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 -CCL2-) as compared to uninfected cells subjected to decidualization stimuli. In addition, conditioned media (CM) from infected decidualized T-HESC induced an inflammatory response (CXCL8, CCL2 and interleukin-6 -IL-6) in human trophoblasts (Swan-71 cell line) but reduced their ability to produce progesterone. Trophoblasts preincubated with this CM also had reduced migration, invasion, and tubulogenesis capacities, and this impairment was mediated, at least in part, by CXCL8 and CCL2. Moreover, infection of decidual stromal cells impaired the adhesion and spreading of blastocyst-like spheroids formed by Swan-71 cells. Brucella infection also affected the chemotactic capacity of decidual stromal cells for trophoblasts. Overall, these results suggest that Brucella infection of endometrial stromal cells impairs key processes required for successful implantation and placental development. Full article

The sapwood and heartwood of European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) are both used in industrial applications, but they differ in structure and composition, which may lead to surface property differences. This study compared their surface characteristics (on radial and tangential sections) after sanding with aluminium oxide papers of four grit sizes (P60, P120, P180, P240). Surface roughness (Ra, Rz), wettability (contact angle with two reference liquids: water and diiodomethane, 3 and 30 s after droplet deposition), surface free energy, and colour parameters (L*, a*, b*) were analysed. Microscopic measurements were also performed to assess anatomical differences between sapwood and heartwood. The results showed no significant differences in roughness (Ra, Rz) between sapwood and heartwood. Measurement direction and sandpaper grit accounted for about 80% of variability in roughness parameters. Wettability was mainly influenced by wood area, with its effect ranging from 55% to 89% depending on measurement time. The sapwood was characterised by the lower wettability on the tangential section, while the heartwood was characterised by the lower wettability on the radial section. This was examined for the contact angle tests performed 3 s after the water droplet had been applied to the wood surface. Such dependencies were not observed after 30 s. Sapwood exhibited higher surface free energy (SFE) values than heartwood. The greatest colour change ΔE, at level 2.59, was noted for the heartwood on the radial section after sanding with P240 sandpaper. Full article

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a multifactorial condition affecting 1–5% of couples, often with unclear etiology. Idiopathic pregnancy losses (iPLs) are particularly challenging due to unknown molecular mechanisms. This study investigates the transcriptomic profiles of first-trimester products of conception (POC) from iPLs to uncover underlying molecular pathways. We performed RNA-sequencing on nine POC samples, identifying two distinct clusters enriched in trophoblast and decidual cells. Deconvolution analysis revealed reduced syncytiotrophoblast (STB) cells, with increased cytotrophoblast (CTB) and extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells in iPLs. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis highlighted immune pathways enrichment in both villous trophoblasts and decidua. Gene ontology (GO) analysis of downregulated genes implicated hormonal and endocrine processes, consistent with STB reduction, while upregulated genes were associated with MHC protein complex and immune system processes, aligning with EVT increases. Histological analysis showed chronic histiocytic intervillositis (CHI) in iPL samples, supporting maternal immune dysregulation in unexplained RPL. Together, transcriptomic and histological analyses indicate that immune signaling dysregulation and impaired trophoblast differentiation may underlie unexplained iPLs. These findings bridge molecular and histopathological evidence, underscoring the interplay between trophoblast dysfunction and immune imbalance. Our results provide insights into iPL pathogenesis, highlighting potential biomarkers that may contribute to improved diagnosis and future research. Full article

Deciduous teeth accumulate toxic metals until fully mineralized, making them a stable biological matrix for assessing chronic exposure during fetal and early postnatal life. Their metal content is influenced by environmental factors (e.g., industrial areas, mining sites) and individual factors (e.g., maternal diet, early nutrition, passive smoking). The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxic metal content in deciduous teeth and to identify factors contributing to its accumulation, as well as possible health implications. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and following the PICO framework. Quality assessment was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for quasi-experimental studies. The literature search was carried out in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using the following keywords: deciduous, milk, primary, decidua, teeth, dentition, heavy metal, toxic metals. A total of 134 articles were initially identified, with 95 remaining after duplicate removal. After screening, 75 articles were excluded: 71 did not meet the inclusion criteria, 3 were not available in English, and 1 lacked full-text access. Ultimately, 20 studies were included in the review. Toxic metal concentrations were determined using various analytical techniques, mainly inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Higher levels of metals, especially lead, were observed in the teeth of children residing in industrial areas, near mines, or in regions affected by armed conflict. Although two out of five studies indicated a possible link between fathers’ smoking habits and elevated lead concentrations, no definitive relationship was established between secondhand smoke exposure and the levels of lead and cadmium found in dental tissue. Similarly, no definitive relationship was identified between mercury and lead content and the prevalence of autism. However, lower manganese levels were associated with the presence of autistic traits, weaker verbal performance, and reduced memory capacity. In conclusion, deciduous teeth represent a valuable biological material for assessing chronic prenatal and early postnatal exposure to toxic metals, which may serve as a starting point for further research into diseases of unknown etiology, such as autism, and in the future may have clinical significance in their prevention and treatment. And it is also important for monitoring environmental pollution levels. Full article

To clarify the physiological importance of the tryptophan catabolizing enzyme, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, in human pregnancy, we have studied how the expression of this enzyme controls extravillous cytotrophoblast invasion into the decidua. We have generated an Ishikawa cell line stably transfected with a plasmid encoding indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase under the control of a tetracycline inducible promoter. Using this Ishikawa cell line and extravillous cytotrophoblast cell line, HTR-8/SVneo, we developed a quantitative in vitro trophoblast invasion assay. When trophoblast cells were cultured on a layer of Ishikawa cells expressing indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, tryptophan degradation was enhanced and trophoblast cell invasion was suppressed. These findings suggest that indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase expressed in the decidua may play a role in regulating trophoblast invasion. Full article

Maternal–fetal tolerance mechanisms are crucial during human pregnancy to prevent the immune rejection of the embryo. A well-known mechanism blocking NK-cell cytotoxicity is the interaction of their inhibitory killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (iKIR) with HLA-C molecules on the target cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression of iKIRs (KIR2DL1 and KIR2DL2/3) on the matched decidual and peripheral γδT cells and the localization of HLA-C ligands throughout human pregnancy. The degranulation of γδT cells of pregnant and non-pregnant women in the presence of trophoblast cells was evaluated as well. Our results showed a higher proportion of iKIR-positive γδT cells at the maternal–fetal interface early in human pregnancy compared to the paired blood of pregnant women and full-term pregnancy decidua. In accordance, HLA-C was intensively expressed by the intermediate cytotrophoblasts and decidua-invading extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) in early but not late pregnancy. Decidual γδT cells during early pregnancy showed higher spontaneous degranulation compared to their blood pairs, but neither decidual nor peripheral γδ T cells increased their degranulation in the presence of Sw71 EVT-like cells. The latter were unable to suppress the higher cytotoxicity of γδT cells, suggesting a complex regulatory landscape beyond NK-like activity inhibition. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study examines index pregnancies with histopathological diagnosis of placenta accreta, based on findings of basal plate myometrial fibers (BPMFs) without intervening decidua, and the risk of hemorrhagic morbidity and/or clinically adherent placenta in the subsequent pregnancy. Outcomes were compared between index pregnancies with incidental asymptomatic BPMF findings and those with symptoms based on hemorrhagic and placental factors. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a large, integrated healthcare system from 2008 to 2019. All patients with an index finding of BPMF without intervening decidua and subsequent delivery of a live singleton were identified. Index pregnancies with BPMF were categorized as asymptomatic or symptomatic by the absence or presence of hemorrhagic morbidity and/or clinically adherent placenta. Rates of hemorrhagic morbidity and clinically adherent placenta in the subsequent pregnancy were compared among asymptomatic and symptomatic BPMF index pregnancies in bivariate analyses and multivariate models controlling for potential confounders. Results: A total of 140 patients were found to have BPMF and a subsequent delivery of a live singleton. Subsequent hemorrhagic morbidity/adherent placenta occurred in 28% of cases, with a lower incidence in asymptomatic patients (8% vs. 39%, p < 0.0001). Symptomatic BPMF was associated with increased odds of hemorrhagic morbidity/adherent placenta (aOR 10.2, 95% CI 2.7–38.4). Among 71 patients with subsequent placental pathology, 32% had recurrent BPMF, which correlated with higher morbidity compared to those without recurrence or those without placental pathology (61% vs. 40% vs. 9%, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Incidentally identified BPMF was associated with a lower rate of subsequent hemorrhagic morbidity and/or adherent placenta compared to symptomatic BPMF. Symptomatic BPMF is highly associated with hemorrhagic morbidity and/or adherent placenta in the next pregnancy compared with incidentally identified BPMF, particularly if it is recurrent. These data can inform counseling and management of pregnant individuals with BPMF planning subsequent pregnancies. Full article

The uterine decidua contains NK cells differing in their characteristics from classical NK cells, as well as other populations of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). ILC differentiation depends on the active transcription factors: ILC1 is characterized by T-bet expression, ILC2 is defined by RORα and GATA3, ILC3 expresses RORγt and AhR. We analyzed in vitro the expression of transcription factors by NK cells in the presence of trophoblast cells and cytokines and changes in NK cell cytotoxic activity. We used NK-92 and JEG-3 cell lines, which we cocultured in the presence of IFNγ, IL-10, IL-15, and TGFβ. Then, cells were treated with antibodies to AhR, Eomes, GATA-3, RORα, RORγt, and T-bet and were analyzed. We determined NK cell cytotoxicity towards K562 cells. To characterize the functional state of trophoblast cells, we estimated their secretion of TGFβ and βhCG. We showed that in the presence of trophoblasts, the expression of the classical NK cell transcription factors—Eomes, T-bet, as well as RORα, regulating ILC2 differentiation, and AhR, participating in NCR+ ILC3 formation—decreased in NK cells. RORγt expression typical for NCR- ILC3 remained unchanged. IFNγ inhibited AhR expression. IL-10 stimulated an increase in the number of T-bet+ ILC1-like cells. Both IL-10 and IFNγ suppressed RORα expression by NK cells and stimulated TGFβ secretion by trophoblasts. After coculture with trophoblast cells, NK cells reduced their cytotoxicity. These results indicated trophoblast cell influence on the acquisition of ILC1 and ILC3 characteristics by NK cells. Full article

To investigate the association between miscarriage and ZIKV and CHIKV infection. The study population consisted of pregnant women who had miscarriages between 2015, 2016 and 2017, comprising a total of 30 women who were treated at the Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Pará Foundation (FSCMPA). The processed samples came from already paraffinized material containing placental and fetal remains, where they were tested with hematoxylin–eosin and immunohistochemistry for ZIKV and CHIKV. Regarding the sociodemographic, clinical and obstetric characteristics of the patients, they correspond to the age group between 20 and 29 years of age; of brown color; women who had abortions for the first time; miscarriages occurring in the first trimester of pregnancy; women belonging to the metropolitan region of Belém; diagnosed with incomplete abortion and who had undergone uterine curettage procedure. Regarding the histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings, an inflammatory infiltrate rich in neutrophils and lymphocytes, among others, was found in the endometrial fragments and chorionic membranes. In addition, placental areas consisting of edema, necrosis and hemorrhage were found. The study identified ZIKV and CHIKV in 40% (n = 12) of samples from spontaneous abortion specimens, and CHIKV was the most prevalent virus in the study, representing 36.11% of the total specimens, with reddish granular material in the cytoplasm of decidua cells and placental villi suggesting that the viruses may be present in these regions of the placenta. Full article