Coauthors

Feed additives are crucial in livestock production, enhancing performance, health, and reproductive efficiency. Recently, there has been a shift toward natural biomolecules as feed additives, specifically targeting improved reproductive outcomes and sperm quality. This transition arises from concerns about antibiotic misuse, antimicrobial resistance, and consumer preferences for eco-friendly products, along with the superior bioavailability, lower toxicity, and reduced environmental impact of natural biomolecules compared to synthetic alternatives. Collaboration among researchers, veterinarians, nutritionists, and regulators is essential to ensure safe and effective livestock management. The review explores advancements in using vital biomolecules in reproductive processes, including plant-derived bioactives such as phytochemicals and antioxidants. It investigates not only the mechanisms but also the intricate interactions of these compounds with animals’ hormonal and physiological systems. Additionally, the review critically assesses challenges and prospects related to incorporating natural biomolecules into livestock practices. The potential benefits include enhanced reproductive efficiency and improved sperm quality. However, successful implementation requires understanding factors like precise dosing, potential interactions, and long-term health impacts. Overall, this comprehensive review highlights recent research, technological strides, and the future potential of integrating natural biomolecules into animal diets.

The purpose of this research is to develop an electrochemical sensor in order to determine paracetamol (PC) levels. To reach this objective, an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode was modified with a composite of carbon nanosphere (CNS) and iron-doped bismuth vanadate nanoparticles (Fe0.05Bi0.95VO4), which was tested to evaluate its electrocatalytic properties for the anodic oxidation of PC. Exploiting their various structural advantages that include large exposed active surface sites, ultrathin nanosheets, and unique three-dimensional spherical nanostructure, the as-obtained hybrid electrode Fe0.05Bi0.95VO4/CNS exhibits an excellent electrochemical performance. The fabricated nanocomposite electrode Fe0.05Bi0.95VO4/CNS/ITO reacted rapidly with enhanced anodic peak current when PC analyte is added. At optimized conditions, the proposed electrochemical platform enabled a linear plot over a concentration range of 1–80 μM with a detection limit of 1 μM of PC. This research’s novelty consists of designing a new and effective electrochemical sensing system that can identify PC with high sensitivity and selectivity, helping to keep water quality under control and preventing negative effects on the environment and public health.

Abstract A label-free, flexible, and disposable aptasensor was designed for the rapid on-site detection of vancomycin (VAN) levels. The electrochemical sensor was based on lab-printed carbon electrodes (C-PE) enriched with cauliflower-shaped gold nanostructures (AuNSs), on which VAN-specific aptamers were immobilized as biorecognition elements and short-chain thiols as blocking agents. The AuNSs, characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), enhanced the electrochemical properties of the platform and the aptamer immobilization active sites. The developed disposable aptasensor allowed label-free detection of VAN via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) across a wide range of concentrations (50–1000 nM), with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.721 nM. The aptasensor presented good selectivity against some commonly found interferences in human serum and milk and was successfully applied to the analysis of these samples. Graphical Abstract

In this work, a novel binary g-C3N4/CeO2 nanocomposite doped with chromium by different doping percentages (1%, 3%, 5%) is used for the photocatalytic degradation of levofloxacin under visible light irradiation. The prepared photocatalysts by the hydrothermal method were characterized by XRD, SEM, HTEM and studied by UV, PL and CV. The UV-visible reflectance spectra showed a shift of the absorption edge to a longer visible region upon loading CeO2 with Cr thus forming new dopant energy levels that facilitate the interfacial charge transfer of both electrons (e−) and holes (h+) implying an enhanced photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposites in the visible region. The experimental photodegradation results reveal that the g-C3N4/CeO2(Cr3%) photocatalyst exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity, with 100% degradation efficiency after 90 min under visible light irradiation. Recycling tests suggest a high photostability and reusability of the photocatalyst. Schematic diagram for the possible photocatalytic mechanism of the Cr doped g-C3N4/CeO2 composite under visible light irradiation.

ABSTRACTA series of fluorinated poly(ether‐pyridine)s were synthesized via polycondensation of bis‐perfluoropyridine with either bisphenol A (BPA) or isosorbide, a bio‐sourced diol. The polymers were characterized using 1H and 19F NMR spectroscopy, and their molecular weights were determined using GPC. Thermal properties were assessed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The presence of isosorbide in polymer P2 increases the glass transition temperature and results in a lower molecular weight and a higher hydrophilicity. On the other hand, polymer P3, based on BPA, shows the best thermal stability, the highest molecular weight, and the most pronounced hydrophobic character. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to evaluate the modified gold electrodes for the selective detection of metal ions. Among the four target ions (Ni2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, and Hg2+), defined by the European Water Framework Directive, Pb2+ was selectively detected on the hydrophilic polymer P2, while Cd2+ was selectively detected on the hydrophobic polymer P3. The achieved detection limits were 5 × 10−11 M, corresponding to 10 ng/L for Pb2+ and 5.6 ng/L for Cd2+, respectively.

AbstractThe use of metal single atoms (SAs) as co‐catalysts on semiconductors has emerged as a promising technology to enhance their photocatalytic hydrogen production performance. In this study, we describe the deposition of very low amounts of Pt SAs (<0.1 at %) on exfoliated graphitic carbon nitride (C3N4) by a direct Pt−deposition approach from highly dilute chloroplatinic acid precursors. We find that − using this technique−a remarkably low loading of highly dispersed Pt SAs (0.03 wt %) on C3N4 is sufficient to achieve a drastic decrease in the overall charge transfer resistance and a maximized photocatalytic efficiency. The resulting low‐loaded Pt SAs/C3N4 provides a H2 production rate of 1.66 m mol/h/mg Pt, with a remarkable stability against agglomeration; even during prolonged photocatalytic reactions no sign of light‐induced Pt agglomerations can be observed. We ascribe the high performance and stability to the site‐selective, stable coordination of Pt within the C3N4 structure. Notably the H2 production rate of the low‐loaded Pt SAs surpasses the activity of Pt SAs deposited by other techniques or nanoparticles at comparable or even higher loading – the optimized Pt SAs decorated C3N4 show ≈5.9 times higher rate than Pt NP decorated C3N4.

Lazaar N., Wu S., Qin S., Hamrouni A., Bikash Sarma B., E. Doronkin D., Denisov N., Lachheb H., Schmuki P.

AbstractThe use of metal single atoms (SAs) as co‐catalysts on semiconductors has emerged as a promising technology to enhance their photocatalytic hydrogen production performance. In this study, we describe the deposition of very low amounts of Pt SAs (<0.1 at %) on exfoliated graphitic carbon nitride (C3N4) by a direct Pt−deposition approach from highly dilute chloroplatinic acid precursors. We find that − using this technique−a remarkably low loading of highly dispersed Pt SAs (0.03 wt %) on C3N4 is sufficient to achieve a drastic decrease in the overall charge transfer resistance and a maximized photocatalytic efficiency. The resulting low‐loaded Pt SAs/C3N4 provides a H2 production rate of 1.66 m mol/h/mg Pt, with a remarkable stability against agglomeration; even during prolonged photocatalytic reactions no sign of light‐induced Pt agglomerations can be observed. We ascribe the high performance and stability to the site‐selective, stable coordination of Pt within the C3N4 structure. Notably the H2 production rate of the low‐loaded Pt SAs surpasses the activity of Pt SAs deposited by other techniques or nanoparticles at comparable or even higher loading – the optimized Pt SAs decorated C3N4 show ≈5.9 times higher rate than Pt NP decorated C3N4.

Copper isotopes are measured in gold matrix for the first time by LA-MC-ICP-MS with precisions and accuracies sufficient for cultural heritage studies, thanks to a femtosecond laser and the development of a minimally destructive sampling strategy.

The maize streak virus belongs in the genus Mastrevirus, in the family Geminiviridae. The A-strain of the virus (MSV-A) is recognised as the principal causative agent of the most severe manifestation of maize streak disease (MSD). This disease continues to be a persistent limitation on maize output across sub-Saharan Africa and the nearby Indian Ocean islands. Irrespective of the causes behind the spread of MSV-A, we can determine the paths and speeds with which MSV-A spreads by analysing MSV genome sequence data along with information on when and where samples were taken. This information is valuable for identifying the geographical origins of viral strains that cause sporadic MSD epidemics in specific places and the geographical regions where viruses remain in reservoirs and contribute to prolonged epidemics during outbreaks. Our aim is to utilise these analyses to estimate the timing and origin of the MSV-A that arrived on the island of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. Specifically, we employ model-based phylogeographic analyses on 524 complete MSV-A genome sequences, which consist of 56 newly obtained genomes from infected maize plants collected in Madagascar. These studies allow us to reconstruct the most likely paths of MSV-A to Madagascar. We found strong evidence for the existence of at least four separate movements of MSV-A variants from East and southern Africa to Madagascar. These movements took place between roughly 1979 (with a 95% highest probability density interval [HPD] ranging from 1976 to 1982) and 2003 (with a 95% HPD ranging from 2002 to 2003). While we inferred that MSV-A variants are spreading at an average rate of 38.9 km/year (with a 95% highest posterior density interval of 34.0-44.4) across their geographical range. Since their arrival in Madagascar, MSV-A variants have been migrating at an average rate of 47.6 km/year (with a 95% highest posterior density interval of 36.05-61.70). Human influences are likely significant contributors to both sporadic long-range movements of MSV-A between mainland Africa and Madagascar, as well as shorter to medium range movements within the island.

Eucalyptus torwood is a spontaneous hybrid of two species: Eucalyptus torquata and Eucalyptus woodwardii. Our work aims to study the essential oils of these three taxa, including yield, chemical composition and antimicrobial activities, with the aim of analyzing the effect of hybridization on these parameters. The essential oil yields were 2.6, 2.52 and 2.12% for E. torquata, E. woodwardii and E. torwood, respectively. All three oils showed the same α-pinene content (around 12%), but E. woodwardii was richer in aromandendrene than the other two eucalypts, which have higher torquatone contents. Also, E. torwood showed a specific richness in β-eudesmol and a lower percentage in 1,8-cineole. The antibacterial and antifungal activity was determined against six bacterial strains, the results obtained highlight that the essential oils tested showed antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria to different degrees, while on gram- negative bacteria they showed resistance. The yeast Candida albicans was most sensitive to the three Eucalyptus essential oils. To clarify the antibacterial effect of the major phytocompounds, we employed computational methods, including ADME and molecular docking. Significant results were obtained, molecular docking simulations highlighted high binding score of four major abundant compounds towards targeted receptors (pdb: 2zcq and pdb: 1kzn).

This study investigates the utilization of olive pomace to produce cellulose nanofibers (CNF) for manufacturing nanopapers. The adopted method for extracting cellulose fibers and CNF involved alkaline and bleaching treatments, as well as a mechanical defibrillation process. CNF were obtained by a TEMPO-mediated oxidation pretreatment followed by grinding. Initially, the chemical constituents of olive pomace were analyzed using various analytical techniques. The morphological, crystalline, and thermal properties of CNF were assessed and used for making nanopaper sheets. The optical and physical properties of the nanopaper sheets were evaluated using standard methods. The isolated CNF had average width and length values of 20.80 nm and 341 nm, respectively. The nanofibers exhibit a thermal degradation onset temperature of 242 °C and a crystallinity of 60.6%. Nanopapers made from CNF showed a tensile strength of 6.07 MPa, an elongation at break of 2.49%, Young’s modulus of 8.04 GPa, and a water vapor permeability of 7.95 g.µm/m2.d.kPa. Overall analysis of the results confirmed that the produced CNF displayed favorable physical and optical properties. Therefore, olive pomace emerges as a valuable source for producing high-quality CNF for nanopaper manufacturing.

AbstractFocusing on Southern Europe, this article sheds light on the mining landscape of the early Middle Ages. Based on the current state of historical and archaeological knowledge, the article raises a number of questions that can be extended to other European regions. The documentary problem shows that the scarcity of sources is due to a less developed mining historiography of the early Middle Ages. The few references show that it was not a question of ignorance, nor of the terrain, nor of the potential, nor of the techniques, taking into account the work in Melle and in the Harz. The study of production from the angle of an economic problem forms the basis of a hypotheses for selective and centralized exploitation during the Carolingian period and of an unbridled mining boom from the early 11th century. Even with the current paucity of documentary evidence, it is reasonable to assume that early medieval societies did not choose to exploit all the resources available to them. Finally, there is the social question. Who was behind the work and trade in ingots? The model of elite dirigisme will be discussed and it will be suggested that the role of the elite be reduced in favour of other actors such as entrepreneurs. Finally, the article argues for the extension of archaeological research to production areas in order to date operations, establish reference systems for ores and read archaeological remains from a social perspective.

ABSTRACTThe detrimental effects of hyperthermia on the testes and the protective effect of thyme essential oil against testicular damage induced by this stress in rams were studied. Twenty‐four rams of the Barbarine breed with an average weight of 62.5 ± 0.3 kg and an average age of 24 ± 0.6 months. The experiment consisted of inducing localized heat stress on the first group of rams by applying heat bags to both testicles of six rams (G s). The second group underwent the same heat stress on the testes but received orally 100 µL/day/animal of thyme essential oil (G s‐he). A positive control did not undergo stress but received thyme essential oil (G he) with the same doses as the (G s‐he) group, and the negative control did not undergo either stress or receive the essential oil of thyme (G c). One hundred twenty‐eight adult ewes of the same breed divided into four groups of 32 ewes were used to study the effect of different treatments on the in vivo ram's fertility. Ewes are synchronized and we have applied natural mating with oestrus control, the reproduction balance sheet is calculated after lambing. The results showed that tests of heat stress (HS) negatively affect semen quality but did not cause infertility. However, neither tests for heat stress nor treatment with thyme EO significantly affected the haematological profile. The study of the effect of heat stress on the testes on fertility in vivo showed a drop in the number of females who were fertilized at the first oestrus and consequently a drop in fertility. However, the rams that suffered the same stress but were treated with EO thymus recorded an improvement in these parameters.