Quantitative 3D Characterization of Functionally Relevant Parameters in Heavy-Oxide-Supported 4d Metal Nanocatalysts.

Accurate 3D nanometrology of catalysts with small nanometer-sized particles of light 3d or 4d metals supported on high-atomic-number oxides is crucial for understanding their functionality. However, performing quantitative 3D electron tomography analysis on systems involving metals like Pd, Ru, or Rh supported on heavy oxides (e.g., CeO2) poses significant challenges. The low atomic number (Z) of the metal complicates discrimination, especially for very small nanoparticles (1-3 nm). Conventional reconstruction methods successful for catalysts with 5d metals (e.g., Au, Pt, or Ir) fail to detect 4d metal particles in electron tomography reconstructions, as their contrasts cannot be effectively separated from those of the underlying support crystallites. To address this complex 3D characterization challenge, we have developed a full deep learning (DL) pipeline that combines multiple neural networks, each one optimized for a specific image-processing task. In particular, single-image super-resolution (SR) techniques are used to intelligently denoise and enhance the quality of the tomographic tilt series. U-net generative adversarial network algorithms are employed for image restoration and correcting alignment-related artifacts in the tilt series. Finally, semantic segmentation, utilizing a U-net-based convolutional neural network, splits the 3D volumes into their components (metal and support). This approach enables the visualization of subnanometer-sized 4d metal particles and allows for the quantitative extraction of catalytically relevant structural information, such as particle size, sphericity, and truncation, from compressed sensing electron tomography volume reconstructions. We demonstrate the potential of this approach by characterizing nanoparticles of a metal widely used in catalysis, Pd (Z = 46), supported on CeO2, a very high density (7.22 g/cm3) oxide involving a quite high-atomic-number element, Ce (Z = 58).

An Overview of the Health Effects of Bisphenol A from a One Health Perspective.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound, considered as an "emerging pollutant", that appears ubiquitously, contaminating the environment and food. It is an endocrine disruptor, found in a multitude of consumer products, as it is a constituent of polycarbonate used in the manufacture of plastics and epoxy resins. Many studies have evaluated the effects of BPA, using a wide range of doses and animal models. In this work, we carried out a review of relevant research related to the effects of BPA on health, through studies performed at different doses, in different animal models, and in human monitoring studies. Numerous effects of BPA on health have been described; in different animal species, it has been reported that it interferes with fertility in both females and males and causes alterations in their offspring, as well as being associated with an increase in hormone-dependent pathologies. Similarly, exposure to BPA has been related to other diseases of great relevance in public health such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, or neurodevelopmental disorders. Its ubiquity and nonmonotonic behavior, triggering effects at exposure levels considered "safe", make it especially relevant when both animal and human populations are constantly and inadvertently exposed to this compound. Its effects at low exposure levels make it essential to establish safe exposure levels, and research into the effects of BPA must continue and be focused from a "One Health" perspective to take into account all the factors that could intervene in the development of a disease in any exposed organism.

Valorization of Pennisetum setaceum: From Invasive Plant to Fiber Reinforcement of Injected Composites.

During the control campaigns of Pennisetum setaceum (invasive species widespread worldwide), the generated waste has accumulated in landfills. This study investigates its use to obtain P. setaceum fibers for their application as reinforcement of polymeric materials for injection molding, thus facilitating and promoting alternatives for the long-term sustainable management of P. setaceum. The extracted fibers were treated with alkaline, silane, acetic acid, and combined alkaline and silane treatments. Different composites with 20 and 40 wt% of fiber were extruded, and test samples were obtained by injection molding using recycled polyethylene as matrix. The composition of the fibers was determined by gravimetric methods, and contrasted with the analysis of the functional chemical groups using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Increases of up to 47% in the cellulose content of the treated fiber were observed. The thermal degradation was also evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis, which determined an increase in the degradation temperature, from 194 to 230 °C, after the combined alkaline-silane treatment. In order to analyze the differences in the composites, tensile, flexural, and impact properties were evaluated; in addition, differential scanning calorimetry was performed. Regarding the flexural behavior, it was possible to improve the flexural modulus up to 276% compared with that of the unreinforced polymer.

Effects of chronic low-dose aflatoxin B1 exposure in lactating Florida dairy goats.

In the past few years there has been a growing trend in the prevalence of aflatoxins, attributable to climate change, in substances destined for animal feeding, together with an increase in dairy product consumption. These facts have triggered great concern in the scientific community over milk pollution by aflatoxin M1. Therefore, our study aimed to determine the transfer of aflatoxin B1 from the diet into milk as AFM1 in goats exposed to different concentrations of AFB1, and its possible effect on the production and serological parameters of this species. For this purpose, 18 goats in late lactation were divided into 3 groups (n = 6) and exposed to different daily doses of aflatoxin B1 (T1 = 120 µg; T2 = 60 µg, and control = 0 µg), during 31 d. Pure aflatoxin B1 was administered 6 h before each milking in an artificially contaminated pellet. The milk samples were taken individually in sequential samples. Milk yield and feed intake were recorded daily, and a blood sample was extracted on the last day of exposure. No aflatoxin M1 was detected, either in the samples taken before the first administration, or in the control group ones. The aflatoxin M1 concentration detected in the milk (T1 = 0.075 µg/kg; T2 = 0.035 µg/kg) increased significantly on a par with the amount of aflatoxin B1 ingested. The amount of aflatoxin B1 ingested did not have any influence on aflatoxin M1 carryover (T1 = 0.066% and T2 = 0.060%), these being considerably lower than those described in dairy goats. Thus, we concluded that the concentration of aflatoxin M1 in milk follows a linear relationship with respect to the aflatoxin B1 ingested, and that the aflatoxin M1 carryover was not affected by the administration of different aflatoxin B1 doses. Similarly, no significant changes in the production parameters after chronic exposure to aflatoxin B1 were observed, revealing a certain resistance of the goat to the possible effects of that aflatoxin.

Comparative study of tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) and eugenol as euthanasia agents in zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an experimental model.

In experimental procedures inevitably leading to the sacrifice of animals, suitable measures should be taken to minimise their pain and suffering as much as possible, as well as to prevent any modification or masking in the experimental results obtained. An overdose of anaesthetic is the method of euthanasia most employed in fish, since it is effective and easy to apply. Our objectives were to compare the efficacy of eugenol and of tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) as euthanasia agents in zebrafish, and to make a histological evaluation of the possible effects derived from their application. The concentrations established for eugenol were 0.25 and 0.35 mg/mL, and those for MS-222 were 0.25 and 0.50 mg/mL, for both the buffered solution and the non-buffered one. Eugenol turned out to be a stronger euthanasia agent than MS-222 in zebrafish, presenting with significantly shorter euthanasia times. However, the exposure of the fish to euthanasia doses of eugenol triggered branchial alterations, in addition to serious lesions and changes in their nerve tissue. The results obtained with MS-222 also revealed a marked branchial alteration derived from its use. In this respect, the addition of a buffer to the MS-222 solution enhanced the effectiveness of the drug, with significantly shorter euthanasia times being achieved than with the non-buffered solution, and diminished the severity of the lesions described. We therefore determined that the buffered MS-222 solution is the most effective, reliable and safest method of euthanasia for use in research on zebrafish.

Analysis of Blood Biochemistry and Pituitary-Gonadal Histology after Chronic Exposure to Bisphenol-A of Mice.

Bisphenol-A is an emerging pollutant that is widespread in the environment, and to which live beings are continuously and inadvertently exposed. It is a substance with an endocrine-disrupting capacity, causing alterations in the reproductive, immunological, and neurological systems, among others, as well as metabolic alterations. Our study aimed to assess its clinical signs, and effects on the most relevant blood biochemical parameters, and to evaluate pituitary and gonadal histology after a chronic exposure of adult mice to different BPA doses (0.5, 2, 4, 50 and 100 µg/kg BW/day) through their drinking water. The biochemical results showed that a marked significant reduction (p < 0.05) was produced in the levels of serum glucose, hypoproteinaemia and hypoalbuminemia in the groups exposed to the highest doses, whereas in the group exposed to 50 µg/kg BW/day the glucose and total protein levels dropped, and the animals exposed to 100 µg/kg BW/day experienced a diminution in albumin levels. In the case of the group exposed to 50 µg/kg BW/day, however, hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia were determined, and the blood parameters indicating kidney alterations such as urea and creatinine experienced a significant increase (p < 0.05) with respect to the controls. Regarding the pituitary and gonads, none of the animals exposed presented histological alterations at the doses tested, giving similar images to those of the control group. These results suggest that continuous exposure to low BPA doses could trigger an inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis, which would result in a hypoglycaemic state, together with an induction of the enzymes responsible for lipidic synthesis, a mechanism by which the increase in the lipid and serum cholesterol levels could be explained. Likewise, the decline in the protein and albumin levels would be indicative of a possible hepatic alteration, and the increase in urea and creatinine would point to a possible renal perturbation, derived from continuous exposure to this xenobiotic. Based on our results, it could be said that chronic exposure to low BPA doses would not produce any clinical signs or histological pituitary-gonadal effects, but it could cause modifications in some blood biochemical parameters, that could initially indicate a possible hepatic and renal effect.

A semi-industrial scale AnMBR for municipal wastewater treatment at ambient temperature: performance of the biological process.

A semi-industrial scale AnMBR plant was operated for more than 600 days to evaluate the long-term operation of this technology at ambient temperature (ranging from 10 to 27 ○C), variable hydraulic retention times (HRT) (from 25 to 41 h) and influent loads (mostly between 15 and 45 kg COD·d-1). The plant was fed with sulfate-rich high-loaded municipal wastewater from the pre-treatment of a full-scale WWTP. The results showed promising AnMBR performance as the core technology for wastewater treatment, obtaining an average 87.2 ± 6.1 % COD removal during long-term operation, with 40 % of the data over 90%. Five periods were considered to evaluate the effect of HRT, influent characteristics, COD/SO42--S ratio and temperature on the biological process. In the selected periods, methane yields varied from 70.2±36.0 to 169.0±95.1 STP L CH4·kg-1 CODinf, depending on the influent sulfate concentration, and wasting sludge production was reduced by between 8 % and 42 % compared to conventional activated sludge systems. The effluent exhibited a significant nutrient recovery potential. Temperature, HRT, SRT and influent COD/SO42--S ratio were corroborated as crucial parameters to consider in maximizing AnMBR performance.

Analysis of Indirect Biomarkers of Effect after Exposure to Low Doses of Bisphenol A in a Study of Successive Generations of Mice.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is considered as being an emerging pollutant, to which both animal and human populations are continuously and inadvertently exposed. The identification of indirect biomarkers of effect could be a key factor in determining early adverse outcomes from exposure to low doses of BPA. Thus, this study on mice aims to evaluate and identify indirect biomarkers of effect through the analysis of their blood biochemistry, and of certain reproduction parameters after exposure to different BPA concentrations (0.5, 2, 4, 50, and 100 µg/kg BW/day) in drinking water over generations. Our results showed that there were no modifications in the reproductive parameters evaluated, like estrous cycle duration, litter size, or the percentage of the young alive at reaching the weaning stage, at the exposure levels evaluated. However, there were modifications in the biochemical parameters, e.g., alterations in the glucose levels, that increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the breeders at the higher exposure doses (50 and 100 µg/kg BW/day in F1; 50 µg/kg BW/day in F2 and 100 µg/kg BW/day in F3), that would suggest that the BPA could induce hyperglycemia and its complications in adult animals, probably due to some damage in the pancreas cells; albumin, that increased in the breeders exposed to the highest dose in F1 and F3, inferring possible hepatic alterations. Further, total proteins showed a diminution in their values in F1 and F2, except the group exposed to 100 µg/kg BW/day, whereas in F3 the values of this parameter increased with respect to the control group, this aspect likely being related to a possible hepatic and renal alteration. Based on these results, glucose, albumin, and total proteins could initially be considered as early indicators of indirect effect after prolonged exposure to low BPA doses over generations.

Evaluation of the Toxicity of Bisphenol A in Reproduction and Its Effect on Fertility and Embryonic Development in the Zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical substance commonly used in the manufacture of plastic products. Its inhalation or ingestion from particles in suspension, water, and/or polluted foods can trigger toxic effects related to endocrine disruption, resulting in hormonal, reproduction, and immunological alterations in humans and animals. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an ideal experimental model frequently used in toxicity studies. In order to assess the toxic effects of BPA on reproduction and embryonic development in one generation after parental exposure to it, a total of 80 zebrafish, males and females, divided into four groups in duplicate (n = 20) were exposed to BPA concentrations of 500, 50, and 5 µg L-1, along with a control group. The fish were kept in reproduction aquariums for 21 days. The embryos obtained in the crosses were incubated in a BPA-free medium and observed for signs of embryotoxicity. A histopathological study (under optical and electron microscopes) was performed of adult fish gonads. The embryos of reproducers exposed to BPA were those most frequently presenting signs of embryotoxicity, such as mortality and cardiac and musculoskeletal malformations. In the histopathological studies of adult individuals, alterations were found in ovocyte maturation and in spermatazoid formation in the groups exposed to the chemical. Those alterations were directly related to BPA action, affecting fertility in both sexes, as well as the viability of their offspring, proportionally to the BPA levels to which they were exposed, so that our results provide more information by associating toxic effects on the offspring and on the next generation.

Tremorgenic mycotoxicosis in cattle, caused by Claviceps paspali.

Claviceps paspali is a fungus that mainly parasitises Paspalum dilatatum, generating a structure denominated sclerotium, in which indole-diterpenoid alkaloids are isolated. Its action mechanism is related to the inhibition of the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor. It basically affects bovines, triggering the tremorgenic syndrome, the prevalence of this intoxication being relatively low in Europe. This work describes a clinical case on a cattle farm in Seville (southern Spain), composed of 91 bovines, 60% of which were principally affected with nervous clinical signs. The diagnosis was based on a clinical inspection of the animals, as well as of the presence of paspalum seed heads containing the sclerotia of Claviceps paspali in the plants present in the pastures. The causal agent was identified as being Claviceps paspali, which had parasitised numerous examples of Paspalum paspaloides. The indole-diterpenoid alkaloids produced by Claviceps paspali were identified using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry and mass spectrometry. At present, no effective aetiological treatment has been described for poisoning caused by this mycotoxin, so a supportive treatment was administered, and different handling methods were applied, resulting in the complete recovery of the animals. Finally, it was concluded that unusually high humidity and temperature levels for the region triggered the development of the sclerotium generated by this fungus.

Predicting Future Renal Function Decline in Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Using Mayo Clinic Classification.

INTRODUCTION: Mayo clinic classification (MCC) has been proposed in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) to identify who may experience a rapid decline of renal function. Our aim was to validate this predictive model in a population from southern Spain. METHODS: ADPKD patients with measurements of height-adjusted total kidney volume (HtTKV) and baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >30 mL/min/1.73 m2 were selected. Last eGFR was estimated with Mayo Clinic (MC) equation and bias and accuracy were studied. We also analyzed predictive capacity of MCC classes using survival analysis and Cox regression models. RESULTS: We included 134 patients with a mean follow-up of 82 months. While baseline eGFR was not different between classes, last eGFR decreased significantly with them. eGFR variation rate was different according to the MCC class with a more rapid decline in 1C, 1D, and 1E classes. Final eGFR predicted was not significantly different from the real one, with an absolute bias of 0.6 ± 17.0 mL/min/1.73 m2. P10 accuracy was low ranging from 37.5 to 59.5% in classes 1C, 1D, and 1E. Using MC equation, the rate of eGFR decline was underestimated in 1C, 1D, and 1E classes. Cox regression analysis showed that MCC class is a predictor of renal survival after adjusting with baseline eGFR, age, sex, and HtTKV, with 1D and 1E classes having the worst prognosis. CONCLUSION: MCC classification is able to identify patients who will undergo a more rapid decline of renal function in a Spanish population. Prediction of future eGFR with MC equation is acceptable as a group, although it shows a loss of accuracy considering individual values. The rate of eGFR decline calculated using MC equation can underestimate the real rate presented by patients of 1C, 1D, and 1E classes.

Valorization of Invasive Plants from Macaronesia as Filler Materials in the Production of Natural Fiber Composites by Rotational Molding.

This paper compares the mechanical properties of different natural fiber composites produced by rotational molding as a way of waste valorization from campaigns to control invasive plant species in Macaronesia. Rotomolded parts produced with polymeric matrices (polyethylene) and filled with up to 20% by weight of cellulosic fibers obtained from Arundo donax L., Pennisetum setaceum, and Ricinus communis plants were characterized in terms of tensile, flexural, and impact strength. It was found that the sieving of natural fibers allowed for their introduction in higher loadings, from 10 (for un-sieved material) to 20%; fiber size greatly affected the mechanical properties of the final parts, although some combinations were proven not to reduce the mechanical properties of the neat resin. This study is a first approach to the valorization of residues obtained from periodic campaigns of the control of invasive species performed by public authorities, usually at the local level. It is important to highlight that the main objective of this research did not focus on economically profitable activity; instead, it was focused on the reduction of wastes to be disposed from ecosystem maintenance actions and the investment of potential income into preservation policies.

Environmental Hazards of Giant Reed (Arundo donax L.) in the Macaronesia Region and Its Characterisation as a Potential Source for the Production of Natural Fibre Composites.

This paper summarises the results obtained from the characterisation of giant reed (Arundo donax L.) plant and fibres. The research is part of a project developed in the Macaronesia region, of which the aim is to demonstrate the feasibility of using biomass from invasive plant species in the composites sector as a way of financing control campaigns and habitats conservation labours. An experimental procedure for the extraction of fibre bundles from this plant was developed, and the material obtained was characterised in terms of chemical composition, thermogravimetry and infrared spectra to evaluate its potential application in the production of polymeric composite materials as a strategy for the valorisation of residual biomass from this invasive species in Macaronesia. Thermoplastic matrix composites with fibre content up to 40 wt.% were produced and their mechanical properties under tensile, flexural and impact loading were determined. No references on the preparation of composite materials with polyolefin matrices and giant reed fibres have been found. Results obtained from mechanical tests show a good performance of the manufactured composites, with a significant increase in both flexural and tensile stiffness; the flexural modulus is almost tripled for PE-based composites and rises to 88% with respect to PP matrix. The ultimate flexural strength and the tensile and flexural yield strength are kept at acceptable values compared to neat polymer materials, although ultimate tensile strength and impact resistance are significantly affected when natural fibres are added.

Opuntia spp. Fibre Characterisation to Obtain Sustainable Materials in the Composites Field.

Some studies have evaluated the use of Opuntia as reinforcement for polymeric matrices, obtaining good results in energy absorption tests and increasing the tensile elastic modulus. However, no studies focusing on the previous characterisation of the fibres and their treatment to improve compatibility with polymeric matrices have been found. This work analyses the chemical composition of Opuntia maxima (OM) and Opuntia dillenii (OD) cladodes and fibre, studying how different treatments influence it. AOAC 2000 methods were used to determine non-structural components and the Van Soest method was used to estimate structural components. Surface characteristics of the samples were also evaluated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Opuntia fibre presented higher cellulose (50-66%) and lignin (6-14%) content and lower hemicellulose (8-13%) content than Opuntia cladodes (9-14% cellulose, 20-50% hemicellulose, 1-4% lignin). Despite the variability of lignocellulosic materials, OD cladodes treated with water and acetic acid achieved an increase in the structural components. Alkaline fibre treatment removed pectin and hemicellulose from the fibre surface, slightly increasing the cellulose content. Future research should evaluate whether the treated Opuntia fibre can improve the mechanical properties of reinforced polymer.

Differential Diagnosis of Hepatic Mass with Central Scar: Focal Nodular Hyperplasia Mimicking Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary hepatic tumor that usually appears in young adults. Radical surgery is considered curative for this kind of tumor, so early diagnosis becomes essential for the prognosis of the patients. The main characteristic of this entity is the central scar, which is the center of differential diagnosis. We report the case of a 30-year-old man who was diagnosed with fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma by ultrasonography. Contrast-enhanced CT confirmed this diagnosis, and the patient underwent a [18F] fluorocholine PET/CT. Hypermetabolism and the morphology in the nuclear medicine exploration suggest neoplastic nature of the lesion. Radical surgery was performed, and histopathologic analysis was performed, which resulted in focal nodular hyperplasia. Hepatic masses with central scar could have a difficult differential diagnosis, and focal nodular hyperplasia could mimic fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma imaging patterns. These morphofunctional characteristics have not been described in [18F] Fluorocholine PET/CT, so there is a need to find out the potential role PET/CT in the differential diagnosis of hepatic mass with central scar.

Assessment of the effect of autohydrolysis treatment in banana's pseudostem pulp.

Banana's pseudostem pulp (BPP) is a potential by-product obtained in the mechanical fiber extraction of banana's pseudostem. Its chemical characterization revealed to have an interesting composition, with a high polysaccharides content and low content in lignin, which makes it particularly relevant for the biorefinery's biochemical platform. Autohydrolysis pretreatment, studied under isothermal (140 °C) and non-isothermal conditions (140-220 °C), yielded oligosaccharides, mainly gluco-oligosaccharides, as the main soluble products. The highest oligosaccharides production (24 g/100 g raw material) was obtained at a severity factor of 2.3. Autohydrolysis pretreatment effectively disrupted the structure of the material, inducing an improvement of the enzymatic digestibility from 73% for the raw material up to 90% for the most severe conditions. Two stage autohydrolysis, with increasing severity, was also studied, allowing to obtain a higher amount of oligosaccharides (32 g/100 g raw material) and higher digestibility of the remaining solid (up to 97%).

A Serious Game on the First-Aid Procedure in Choking Scenarios: Design and Evaluation Study.

BACKGROUND: Choking is one of the causes of unintentional injury death. Gaining the knowledge of the first-aid procedure that has to be applied in case of choking can increase the chances of survival of persons with choking. Serious games can be a good channel for educating people about choking scenarios and the actions to be taken to save the persons with choking. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to present and evaluate the effectiveness of a serious game designed to prevent choking and to promote the first-aid procedure that needs to be applied in case of choking. METHODS: In this study, we present a serious game as a set of minigames that reproduces the main steps of the protocol for the first-aid performed in choking. In the proposed game, the player acquires the role of a helper who has to save the person in a choking emergency by applying the main steps of the protocol. Time and score restrictions are imposed to pass each minigame. To test this game, we performed a pilot study with 48 high school students. Different tests were performed to assess the students' preferences and their knowledge on choking before and after playing the proposed game. The obtained results were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test when a grade variable was involved and by using Fisher exact test when 2 categorical variables were involved. RESULTS: The findings of our study showed that the players enjoyed the game. No statistical differences were detected when considering the gender of the player, their preferences for video games, or their previous experience in choking emergencies. By comparing the knowledge of these students before and after playing the game, we found that all the indicators of the knowledge about how to act in case of a choking emergency were improved through this serious game. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our study show that the proposed game is a good strategy for promoting and teaching first-aid procedures in choking emergencies to nonexperts in this field.

Three-dimensional printed polycaprolactone-microcrystalline cellulose scaffolds.

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is proposed in this study as an additive in polycaprolactone (PCL) matrices to obtain three-dimensional (3D) printed scaffolds with improved mechanical and biological properties. Improving the mechanical behavior and the biological performance of polycaprolactone-based scaffolds allows to increase the potential of these structures for bone tissue engineering. Different groups of samples were evaluated in order to analyze the effect of the additive in the properties of the PCL matrix. The concentrations of MCC in the groups of samples were 0, 2, 5, and 10% (w/w). These combinations were subjected to a thermogravimetric analysis in order to evaluate the influence of the additive in the thermal properties of the composites. 3D printed scaffolds were manufactured with a commercial 3D printer based on fused deposition modelling. The operation conditions have been established in order to obtain scaffolds with a 0/90° pattern with pore sizes between 450 and 500 µm and porosity values between 50 and 60%. The mechanical properties of these structures were measured in the compression and flexural modes. The scaffolds containing 2 and 5% MCC have higher flexural and compression elastic modulus, although those containing 10% do not show this reinforcement effect. On the other hand, the proliferation of sheep bone marrow cells on the proposed scaffolds was evaluated over 8 days. The results show that the proliferation is significantly better (p < 0.05) on the group of samples containing 2% MCC. Therefore, these scaffolds (PCL:MCC 98:2) have suitable properties to be further evaluated for bone tissue engineering applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 521-528, 2019.