Search Results (232)

Biomonitoring often yields normal results in patients who report environmental sensitivities, such as in multiple chemical sensitivity. This study examined whether biomonitoring results influence disease attribution and perception. Patients over 18 presenting for the first time to the University Environmental Medicine Outpatient Clinic in Freiburg with suspected complaints linked to heavy metals, wood preservatives, pesticides, solvents, or mold spores were included. Illness perceptions were assessed before and after biomonitoring using the Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R). Of 358 patients, 51 met inclusion criteria; 3 showed relevant findings, and 15 did not attribute their symptoms to environmental causes at baseline. The remaining 33 patients were analyzed. After receiving a normal biomonitoring result, only seven patients (21%) altered their illness attribution. These individuals also reported milder perceived consequences, less personal control over the illness, and showed lower levels of somatization and compulsiveness than those who maintained their original attribution. Most patients remained convinced of an environmental cause despite unremarkable findings. This suggests that a substantial subset of patients is strongly attached to an environmental explanation for their symptoms, with stable attribution linked to higher psychological symptom burden and a belief in personal control over the illness. Full article

Pine wilt disease (PWD), caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus Steiner & Buhrer (pine wood nematodes, PWN), impacts forest carbon sequestration and climate change. However, satellite-based PWD monitoring is challenging due to the limited spatial resolution of Sentinel’s MSI sensor, which reduces its sensitivity to subtle biochemical alterations in foliage. We have, therefore, developed a slope product index (SPI) for effective detection of PWD using single-date satellite imagery based on spectral gradients in the visible and near-infrared (VNIR) range. The SPI was compared against 15 widely used vegetation indices and demonstrated superior robustness across diverse test sites. Results show that the SPI is more sensitive to changes in chlorophyll content in the PWD detection, even under potentially confounding conditions such as drought. When integrated into Random Forest (RF) and Back-Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) models, SPI significantly improved classification accuracy, with the multivariate RF model achieving the highest performance and univariate with SPI in BPNN. The generalizability of SPI was validated across test sites in distinct climate zones, including Zhejiang (accuracyZ_Mean = 88.14%) and Shandong (accuracyS_Mean = 78.45%) provinces in China, as well as Portugal. Notably, SPI derived from Sentinel-2 imagery in October enables more accurate and timely PWD detection while reducing field investigation complexity and cost. Full article

The last decade has seen a transformative advancement in computational technologies, enabling the precise creation, evaluation, visualization, and reproduction of high-fidelity three-dimensional (3D) models of archaeological sites and artefacts. With the advent of 3D printing, both small- and large-scale objects can now be reproduced with remarkable accuracy and at customizable scales. Artefacts composed of organic materials—such as wood—are inherently susceptible to biological degradation and thus require extensive, long-term conservation employing costly methodologies. These procedures often raise environmental concerns and lead to irreversible alterations in the wood’s chemical composition, dimensional properties, and the intangible essence of the original artefact. In the context of public education and the dissemination of knowledge about historical technologies and objects, 3D replicas can effectively fulfill the same purpose as original artefacts, without compromising interpretative value or cultural significance. Furthermore, the digital data embedded in 3D surface and object models provides a wealth of supplementary information that cannot be captured, preserved, or documented through conventional techniques. Waterlogged wooden objects can now be thoroughly documented in 3D, enabling ongoing, non-invasive scientific analysis. Given these capabilities, it is imperative to revisit the philosophical and ethical foundations of preserving waterlogged wood and to adopt innovative strategies for the conservation and presentation of wooden artefacts. These new paradigms can serve educational, research, and outreach purposes—core functions of contemporary museums. Full article

This study investigates the impact of mild steaming (105 °C and 120 °C for 12 h) on the colour characteristics and chemical stability of beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.) during natural indoor ageing. Untreated and steamed samples of mature wood and false heartwood were analysed for CIELAB and CIELCh colour parameters (L*, a*, b*, C*, h°) and chemical changes using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Steaming resulted in a significant decrease in lightness (L*) and increased a*, b*, and C* values, producing darker and more saturated reddish-brown tones. It also reduced the visual differences between mature wood and false heartwood, enhancing colour uniformity. During the light-induced ageing period, steamed wood—particularly at 105 °C—exhibited improved colour stability, maintaining chroma and hue more effectively than untreated samples. Statistically significant interaction effects between treatment, time, and tissue type revealed that the ageing-related colour changes were jointly influenced by thermal modification and the anatomical characteristics of the wood. In the FTIR spectra, the most pronounced changes were observed in the absorption bands of the aromatic skeleton and carbonyl groups (1504 and 1732 cm⁻¹). These findings confirm that mild steaming alters the original aesthetic properties and colour of beech wood when exposed to an indoor environment. Full article

The production of food with a naturally enriched protein content is a strategic response to the growing global demand for sustainable protein sources. Wood distillate (WD), a by-product of the pyrolysis of woody biomass, has previously been shown to increase the protein concentration and bioavailability in chickpea seeds. Here, we evaluated the effect of 0.5% (v/v) WD soil drenching on chickpea productivity, nutritional profile, and proteomic pattern. WD treatment significantly improved the yield by increasing plant biomass (+144%), number of pods and seeds (+148% and +147%), and seed size (diameter: +6%; weight: +25%). Nutritional analyses revealed elevated levels of soluble proteins (+15%), starch (+11%), fructose (+135%), and polyphenols (+14%) and a greater antioxidant capacity (25%), alongside a reduction in glucose content, albeit not statistically significant, suggesting an unchanged or even lowered glycemic index. Although their concentration decreased, Ca (−31%), K (−12%), P (−5%), and Zn (−14%) in WD-treated plants remained within normal ranges. To preliminary assess the quality and safety of the protein enrichment, a differential proteomic analysis was performed on coarse flours from individual seeds. Despite the higher protein content, the overall protein profiles of the WD-treated seeds showed limited variation, with only a few storage proteins, identified as legumin and vicilin-like isoforms, being differentially abundant. These findings indicate a general protein concentration increase without a major alteration in the proteoform composition or differential protein synthesis. Overall, WD emerged as a promising and sustainable biostimulant for chickpea cultivation, capable of enhancing both yield and nutritional value, while maintaining the proteomic integrity and, bona fide, food safety. Full article

Auricularia (wood ear fungus) is susceptible to Burkholderia gladioli pv. cocovenenans (BGC) and causes food poisoning. This study investigated pulsed-light (PL) inactivation of BGC on Auricularia. The evaluation of PL parameters indicated that lower initial biomass, shorter distance, and more fluences were more effective in inactivating BGC. This study achieved 5~8 Log reductions in BGC in phosphate-buffered saline and ~4 Log reductions in Auricularia auricula and Auricularia cornea var. Li, and the survivor curves fit the Weibull model well with R² values of 0.943~0.987 and RMSE values of 0.308~0.430 in all three substrates. PL caused cell membrane damage, leading to DNA, protein, and ATP leakage and increased ROS production. PL caused an alteration in color (ΔE 3.01~7.67) but not springiness and cohesiveness in the texture of Auricularia at 11.80~35.40 J/cm². In all, PL is effective in inactivating BGC on the surface of Auricularia at 35.40 J/cm² and can be taken as a good controlling measure. Full article

Wood is an important raw material for industrial applications. Its fiber-specific genetic modification provides an effective strategy to alter wood characteristics in tree breeding. Here, we performed a cross-analysis of previously reported single-cell RNA sequencing and the AspWood database during wood formation to identify potential xylem fiber-dominant expressing genes in poplar. As a result, 32 candidate genes were obtained, and subsequently, we further examined the expression of these genes in fibers and/or vessels of stem secondary xylem using the laser capture microdissection technique and RT-qPCR. Analysis identified nine candidate genes, including PtrFLA12-2, PtrIRX12, PtrFLA12-6, PtrMYB52, PtrMYB103, PtrMAP70, PtrLRR-1, PtrKIFC2-3, and PtrNAC12. Next, we cloned the promoter regions of the nine candidate genes and created promoter::GUS transgenic poplars. Histochemical GUS staining was used to investigate the tissue expression activities of these gene promoters in transgenic poplars. In one month, transgenic plantlets grown in medium showed intensive GUS staining signals that were visible in the leaves and apical buds, suggesting substantial expression activities of these gene promoters in plantlets predominantly undergoing primary growth. In contrast, for three-month-old transgenic poplars in the greenhouse with predominantly developed secondary stem tissues, the promoters of seven of nine candidate genes, including PtrMYB103, PtrIRX12, and PtrMAP70, showed secondary xylem fiber-dominant GUS signals with considerable spatial specificity. Overall, this study presents xylem fiber-dominant promoters that are well-suited for specifically expressing genes of interest in wood fibers for forest tree breeding. Full article

Horticultural substrates based on coconut fibre are among the most commonly used growing media, but with limited durability. This study presents methods for modifying coconut fibre through surface coating with biopolymers, where polymerisation was initiated in the applied solution. Additionally, the suitability of adding pelletised biochar was analysed. A biomonomer derived from wood processing was used both for fibre surface modification and for binding biochar into pellets. Surface modification through biopolymer coating resulted in changes to selected physicochemical properties. It was found that the coating significantly altered the porosity of the substrate. Depending on the type of coconut fibre, the differences in porosity compared to the unmodified substrate ranged from 12 to 24%. This directly influenced bulk density, which is a crucial parameter in the preparation of substrates for plant growth. The surface properties of the modified substrates also affected sorption and retention capacities. From the perspective of plant production, the supply of bioavailable forms of potassium and phosphorus is essential. Coating and the addition of pelletised biochar, regardless of the type of fibre used, significantly increased the release of PO₄³⁻ and K⁺ compared to unmodified substrates. The physiological parameters in plants confirmed the suitability of the modified substrates for plant production. Full article

Heat treatment is a widely employed method for modifying solid wood and has also been extended to veneer-type woods. Owing to the thinness and ease of handling of veneers, the regulation of protective media in heat treatment has not been highly regarded by the industry and is scarcely reported in research. In light of this, in this paper, rubber wood (Hevea brasiliensis) veneer is taken as the research subject to investigate the influences of heat treatment with hot air (HTHA) and heat treatment with superheated steam (HTSS) at different temperatures on the chemical properties, longitudinal tensile strength, color values, hygroscopicity, thermal degradation performance and microstructure of the wood. The results show that heat treatment alters the chemical properties of wood. Both heat treatments reduce the content of hemicellulose and other components in the veneer, and the characteristic peak of lignin in HTSS is slightly enhanced. The crystallinity of the veneer slightly increases after heat treatment, and the increase in HTSS is greater than that in HTHA. Through scanning electron microscopy, it is observed that heat treatment can effectively remove starch granules in rubber wood veneer, with HTSS being superior to HTHA, and the removal effect increases with the rise in temperature. The longitudinal tensile strength of the veneer decreased by 0.69%, 3.87%, and 24.98% respectively at 135~155 °C HTHA, and by 3.25%, 7.00%, and 18.47% respectively at 135~155 °C HTSS. Both heat treatments reduced the lightness of the veneer and increased the chroma index. At 155 °C, the color difference value of the veneer treated by HTSS was smaller than that treated by HTHA. The effects of heat treatment on the moisture absorption performance of the veneer were different. The equilibrium moisture content of the veneer treated at 135 °C HTHA and 135~155 °C HTSS was lower than that of the untreated material, indicating an improvement in moisture absorption stability. The maximum moisture sorption hysteresis of untreated material is 3.39%. The maximum moisture sorption hysteresis of 135 °C HTHA is not much different from that of untreated material. The values of 145 °C and 155 °C HTHA increase by 8.85% and 9.14% respectively. The values of 135 °C, 145 °C, and 155 °C HTSS increase by 22.42%, 25.37%, and 19.47% respectively. The moisture absorption hysteresis of the veneer increases after heat treatment, and the effect of HTSS improvement is more significant. From the TG and DTG curves, it can be seen that the residual mass percentage of the veneer after heat treatment is higher than that of the untreated material. The residual mass percentage of HTHA at 135 °C, 145 °C, and 155 °C increased by 3.13%, 3.07%, and 2.06% respectively, and that of HTSS increased by 5.14%, 7.21%, and 6.08% respectively. Full article

The natural variability and moisture sensitivity of bamboo limit its widespread use in construction applications. To address these challenges, densification and delignification processes have emerged as promising modification techniques. Densification and delignification processes can lead to significant improvements in the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of solid wood. In this study, a two-step process of delignification and densification was carried out on Dendrocalamus asper bamboo specimens. The objective was to assess whether the optimized parameters of densification for natural bamboo on an open pressing system can be transferred for delignified bamboo. Delignification was achieved using an alkali solution (NaOH and Na₂SO₃) with two different temperature settings (25 °C or 100 °C). The pre-treated samples were dried in one of the two different conditions, either at 100 °C for 24 h or 25 °C for 30 days, resulting in four different groups with an average moisture content ranging from 7 to 10%. The samples were densified to 50% of their original thickness through an open thermo-mechanical press system at 160 °C with a compression rate of 6.7 mm/min and compared to densified bamboo without delignification (reference). The compression stress required to achieve a 50% degree of densification was evaluated, with untreated samples exhibiting an average value close to 17 MPa. Following treatment, the compression stress ranged from 7 to 13.4 MPa, indicating that the exposure to a high pH solution facilitates the densification process. However, a reduction in flexural properties (MOR, LOP, and MOE) was observed on the alkali-treated samples after a three-point bending test. Physical properties (water absorption and thickness swelling) were not altered after delignification. These findings demonstrate that the direct application of a densification process optimized for natural bamboo is not fully effective for chemically modified bamboo, highlighting the need for adjustments. Delignified bamboo showed an increase in free space after chemical treatment, which should be further densified under higher degrees. Full article

Vanilla is native to Mexico and has social-cultural and economic importance. It is sensory characteristics are developed during the curing process, which is associated with the region where it is carried out since the know-how of each locality is involved. In this sense, this work aimed to evaluate the influence of the curing process. Four different processes from four regions (SJA, SLP, CQ and EPM) were considered, taking into account two curing conditions. Additionally, sample control was considered. The moisture content, protein, ether extract, ash and pH were analyzed. The aromatic profile was evaluated by the RATA methodology and liking level. Except for ash content, the process influenced the other physicochemical parameters. The moisture contents of SLP and CQ samples from Period 1, as well as SLP samples from Period 2, comply with the current Mexican Standard. SJA vanilla was “slightly” accepted in both periods, surpassing the control sample. In contrast, the CQ sample was the least preferred. Thirty-five aromatic descriptors were generated. At the sensory level, a clear separation of vanillas was observed according to the type of curing. The attributes described included caramel, dry fruit, fruity, honey, maltol, rancid, sweet, tree bark, vanilla and ashes, which boosted the liking level. On the other hand, the descriptors chemical, moisture, dairy, spicy, wood and lipids had a negative effect, proving that these factors can alter the aromatic balance, giving an unpleasant smell and reducing preference. It was confirmed that the curing process influences physicochemical parameters, the aromatic profile and the liking level. However, it would be necessary to consider other variables. Full article

This work is devoted to the changes in polysaccharides in thermally treated wood after its accelerated aging with the aim of its optimal utilization after its original use has ended. Spruce wood samples were treated by the Thermowood process at temperatures of 160 °C, 180 °C, and 210 °C and subjected to accelerated aging in wet mode. The influence of treatment temperature and accelerated aging was monitored by wet chemistry, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). During thermal treatment, hemicelluloses are mainly degraded. At the temperature of 210 °C, aromatic compounds formed as degradation products of lignin and hemicelluloses bind to cellulose fibers and increase cellulose yield. Preferential decomposition of the amorphous portion of cellulose leads to an increase in its crystallinity, while higher temperatures cause degradation of the crystal lattice. The degree of polymerization in both cellulose and hemicelluloses decreases due to the cleavage of glycosidic bonds. Accelerated aging does not significantly affect the changes in polysaccharides. The results obtained can be used in the processing of cellulose and hemicelluloses from thermally modified wood at the end of its life cycle in various industrial fields. Full article

The present study aims to evaluate the mechanical properties, colorimetric characteristics, and decay resistance of Pinus elliottii woods treated with oxides synthesized via green chemistry. For this purpose, an aqueous extract from Eucalyptus dunnii leaves was used to synthesize particles based on copper- and zinc-based oxides, as well as a binary oxide system (CuO/ZnO). Sodium polyacrylate was employed as a dispersant, impregnating the oxides into the wood through a horizontal autoclave using a modified Bethell process, assisted by a compressor, applying a pressure of 0.8 MPa for 30 min. The exposure to weathering aging did not significantly alter the mechanical properties of the samples, but it caused the leaching of particles from the treated wood surface, as shown by colorimetric results. Regarding the decay resistance, the copper-based oxide proved to be the most effective treatment against Trametes versicolor (a white-rot fungus), reducing mass loss down to 1.2%. The CuO/ZnO formulation reduced the mass loss caused by Gloeophyllum trabeum to 1.1%, while the zinc oxide showed minimal efficacy. Thus, oxides synthesized via green chemistry using aqueous leaf extracts and mild thermal conditions for synthesis and calcination proved effective in enhancing the wood resistance against biotic deterioration agents. Full article

Folk art includes objects that are items for everyday use and, at the same time, gracefully reflect the Greek artistic point of view, drawing its inspiration from life itself, the environment and its beauties, and local tradition. An 18th c. wood-carved and painted chest coming from the famous wood-carved centers of Epirus in Greece is presented in this study. As the number of studies and the general bibliographical references are limited for these kinds of items, prior to interventive conservation, a protocol of analysis was followed to identify the damages, the construction materials, and previous alterations. The main goal of this study is to identify the component materials using non-destructive techniques. The methodology followed for the documentation of the artifact includes the following: a. digital microscopy to identify damage from insects, different cracks and losses on the gesso and paint surface, corrosion products, etc.; b. 3D imaging using a polycam, with special attention given to the inside decoration of the cap; c. IR and UV photography to identify any previous alterations or signs of alterations in the varnish layers; d. and XRF analysis to identify the three (3) main colors of the chest, such as the blue used extensively as a background, red, and white. Nevertheless, the Greek folklore painting palette is limited, and for this reason, this study can be a foundation for research on similar artifacts. Full article

The crystallinity of cellulose substrates is a key factor in their processability, as well as an indication of their susceptibility to undergo sensitive reactions (such as enzymatic saccharification) with high yields. FT-IR and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy are useful, reliable, and easy-to-reach solid-state characterization methods for assessing the crystallinity of different cellulose substrates including wood and wood-based materials. Due to their specific methodology, they can be used to analyze not only starting materials and their final products but also intermediates. Data obtained by these methods substantiated the structural changes in cellulose substrates, as well as the alterations that occurred in their supramolecular architectures. The conversion of crystalline cellulose I into amorphous cellulose II during enzymatic saccharification, with or without pre-treatment (solubilization in ILs), was evidenced beyond any reasonable doubt by FT-IR and XRD experimental results. Enzyme hydrolysis rates of the ILs-treated cellulose substrates can be significantly increased, as evidenced by reducing sugar yields. Crystallinity index values for cellulose of different origins (initial, pre-treated with ILs, and hydrolyzed with enzyme, as well as cellulose submitted to one-pot procedure with ILs and enzyme) can be determined using FTIR and X-ray diffraction data and discussed for comparison purposes. The same solid-state characterization methods can be also successfully employed for investigation of surface changes, expressed as cellulose crystallinity, in wood samples before and after impregnation with natural-based products, as well as under biodegradation conditions in soil burial tests. Full article