Journals
2019 EN
Monise Fazolin Petrucelli · Josie Budag Matsuda · Kamila Peroni
+6 more
The dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum is the main causative agent of dermatophytoses worldwide. Although a superficial mycosis, its incidence has been increasing especially among diabetic and immunocompromised patients. Terbinafine is commonly used for the treatment of infections caused by dermatophytes. However, cases of resistance of T . rubrum to this allylamine were reported even with the efficacy of this drug. The present study is the first to evaluate the effect of terbinafine using a co-culture model of T. rubrum and human keratinocytes, mimicking a fungus-host interaction, in conjunction with RNA-seq technique. Our data showed the repression of several genes involved in the ergosterol biosynthesis cascade and the induction of genes encoding major facilitator superfamily (MFS)- and ATP-binding cassette superfamily (ABC)-type membrane transporter which may be involved in T. rubrum mechanisms of resistance to this drug. We observed that some genes reported in the scientific literature as candidates of new antifungal targets were also modulated. In addition, we found the modulation of several genes that are hypothetical in T. rubrum but that possess known orthologs in other dermatophytes. Taken together, the results indicate that terbinafine can act on various targets related to the physiology of T. rubrum other than its main target of ergosterol biosynthetic pathway.
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Journals
2019 EN
Kamila Sałasińska · Mateusz Barczewski · Monika Borucka
+4 more
The influence of plant fillers on the flammability and smoke emission of natural composites was investigated. Epoxy composites with 15, 25, and 35 wt % of walnut and hazelnut shell, as well as sunflower husk, were prepared and examined. The ground organic components were characterized by grain size distribution, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and microstructure observations (SEM). The composite materials were subjected to dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and structural evaluation with scanning electron microscopy. Cone calorimeter tests and TGA determined the influence of plant waste filler addition on thermal stability and flammability. Moreover, the semi-volatile and volatile compounds that evolved during the thermal decomposition of selected samples were identified using a steady state tube furnace and a gas chromatograph with a mass spectrometer. The intensity of the degradation reduced as a function of increasing filler content, while the yield of residue corresponded to the amount of lignin that is contained in the tested plants. Moreover, the incorporation of agricultural waste materials resulted in the formation of a char layer, which inhibits the burning process. The yield of char depended on the amount and type of the filler. The composites containing ground hazelnut shell formed swollen char that was shaped in multicellular layers, similar to intumescent fire retardants.
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Journals
2019 EN
Krzysztof Wilczyński · Andrzej Nastaj · A. Lewandowski
+2 more
A review paper is presented on modeling for polymer extrusion for both single screw and twin-screw extrusion. An issue of global modeling is discussed, which includes modeling for solid conveying, melting, melt flow, and co-operation of the screw/die system. The classical approach to global modeling of the extrusion process, which is based on separate models for each section of the screw, i.e., solid transport section, melting and pre-melting sections, and the melt flow section is presented. In this case, the global model consists of the elementary models. A novel continuous concept of global modeling based on CFD (Computational Fluids Dynamics) computations is also presented, and a concept of using the DEM (Discrete Element Method) computation coupled with CFD computations is discussed.
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Journals
2019 EN
Karol Malecha · Laura Jasińska · Anna Grytsko
+3 more
This paper compares two types of microfluidic sensors that are designed for operation in ISM (Industrial, Scientific, Medical) bands at microwave frequencies of 2.45 GHz and 5.8 GHz. In the case of the first sensor, the principle of operation is based on the resonance phenomenon in a microwave circuit filled with a test sample. The second sensor is based on the interferometric principle and makes use of the superposition of two coherent microwave signals, where only one goes through a test sample. Both sensors are monolithic structures fabricated using low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCCs). The LTCC-based microwave-microfluidic sensor properties are examined and compared by measuring their responses for various concentrations of two types of test fluids: one is a mixture of water/ethanol, and the other is dopamine dissolved in a buffer solution. The experiments show a linear response for the LTCC-based microwave-microfluidic sensors as a function of the concentration of the components in both test fluids.
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Journals
2019 EN
Dominika Głąbska · Valentina Rahelić · Dominika Guzek
+4 more
In Poland and Croatia, similarly as for a number of European countries, anemia and osteoporosis are common diet-related diseases in women, while for both the proper nutritional behaviors and preventive education are crucial. However, for the proper nutritional education there are some barriers, including those associated with an educator, his own nutritional behaviors and beliefs. The aim of the study was to assess the dietary health risk factors for women in the Polish and Croatian population based on the nutritional behaviors of junior health professionals. The study was conducted in Polish (n = 70) and Croatian (n = 80) female students of the faculties associated with public health at the universities in capital cities. Their diets were assessed based on 3-day dietary records. Nutritional value and consumption of food products, as well as the dietary risk factors for anemia and osteoporosis, were compared. While assessing the risk factors for anemia, in the Polish group, the higher intake of iron and folate, as well as vitamin B12 per 1000 kcal, was observed; and for folate, the higher frequency of inadequate intake was stated for Croatian women. While assessing the risk factors for osteoporosis, in the Polish group, compared with the Croatian, the higher intake of calcium per 1000 kcal was observed, but for vitamin D, there were no differences. Differences of the intake between the Polish and the Croatian group of junior health professionals may result in various dietary health risks for women. Based on the assessment of dietary intake, for anemia, compared to Polish women, a higher risk may be indicated for Croatian women, but for osteoporosis, similar risks may be indicated for Polish and Croatian women. Therefore, for public health, adequate nutritional education of junior health professionals is necessary.
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Journals
2019 EN
Dominika Ewa HabrowskaGórczyńska · Karolina Kowalska · Kinga Anna Urbanek
+3 more
Deoxynivalenol (DON), known as vomitoxin, a type B trichothecene, is produced by Fusarium . DON frequently contaminates cereal grains such as wheat, maize, oats, barley, rye, and rice. At the molecular level, it induces ribosomal stress, inflammation and apoptosis in eukaryotic cells. Our findings indicate that DON modulates the viability of prostate cancer (PCa) cells and that the response to a single high dose of DON is dependent on the androgen-sensitivity of cells. DON appears to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cells, induces DNA damage, and triggers apoptosis. The effects of DON application in PCa cells are influenced by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and NFΚB- HIF-1α signaling pathways. Our results indicate that p53 is a crucial factor in DON-associated apoptosis in PCa cells. Taken together, our findings show that a single exposure to high concentrations of DON (2-5 µM) modulates the progression of PCa.
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Journals
2019 EN
Miroslav Flieger · Eva Stodůlková · Stephen A. Wyka
+9 more
Ergot, fungal genus Claviceps , are worldwide distributed grass pathogens known for their production of toxic ergot alkaloids (EAs) and the great agricultural impact they have on both cereal crop and farm animal production. EAs are traditionally considered as the only factor responsible for ergot toxicity. Using broad sampling covering 13 ergot species infecting wild or agricultural grasses (including cereals) across Europe, USA, New Zealand, and South Africa we showed that the content of ergochrome pigments were comparable to the content of EAs in sclerotia. While secalonic acids A-C (SAs), the main ergot ergochromes (ECs), are well known toxins, our study is the first to address the question about their contribution to overall ergot toxicity. Based on our and published data, the importance of SAs in acute intoxication seems to be negligible, but the effect of chronic exposure needs to be evaluated. Nevertheless, they have biological activities at doses corresponding to quantities found in natural conditions. Our study highlights the need for a re-evaluation of ergot toxicity mechanisms and further studies of SAs' impact on livestock production and food safety.
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Journals
2019 EN
Chandra S. Pareek · Mateusz Sachajko · J. M. Jaśkowski
+14 more
Global gene expression in liver transcriptome varies among cattle breeds. The present investigation was aimed to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), metabolic gene networks and metabolic pathways in bovine liver transcriptome of young bulls. In this study, we comparatively analyzed the bovine liver transcriptome of dairy (Polish Holstein Friesian (HF); n = 6), beef (Hereford; n = 6), and dual purpose (Polish-Red; n = 6) cattle breeds. This study identified 895, 338, and 571 significant ( p < 0.01) differentially expressed (DE) gene-transcripts represented as 745, 265, and 498 hepatic DE genes through the Polish-Red versus Hereford, Polish-HF versus Hereford, and Polish-HF versus Polish-Red breeds comparisons, respectively. By combining all breeds comparisons, 75 hepatic DE genes ( p < 0.01) were identified as commonly shared among all the three breed comparisons; 70, 160, and 38 hepatic DE genes were commonly shared between the following comparisons: (i) Polish-Red versus Hereford and Polish-HF versus Hereford; (ii) Polish-Red versus Hereford and Polish-HF versus Polish-Red; and (iii) Polish-HF versus Hereford and Polish-HF versus Polish-Red, respectively. A total of 440, 82, and 225 hepatic DE genes were uniquely observed for the Polish-Red versus Hereford, Polish-HF versus Hereford, and Polish-Red versus Polish-HF comparisons, respectively. Gene ontology (GO) analysis identified top-ranked enriched GO terms ( p < 0.01) including 17, 16, and 31 functional groups and 151, 61, and 140 gene functions that were DE in all three breed liver transcriptome comparisons. Gene network analysis identified several potential metabolic pathways involved in glutamine family amino-acid, triglyceride synthesis, gluconeogenesis, p38MAPK cascade regulation, cholesterol biosynthesis (Polish-Red versus Hereford); IGF-receptor signaling, catecholamine transport, lipoprotein lipase, tyrosine kinase binding receptor (Polish-HF versus Hereford), and PGF-receptor binding, (Polish-HF versus Polish-Red). Validation results showed that the relative expression values were consistent to those obtained by RNA-seq, and significantly correlated between the quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and RNA-seq (Pearson's r > 0.90). Our results provide new insights on bovine liver gene expressions among dairy versus dual versus beef breeds by identifying the large numbers of DEGs markers submitted to NCBI gene expression omnibus (GEO) accession number GSE114233, which can serve as useful genetic tools to develop the gene assays for trait-associated studies as well as, to effectively implement in genomics selection (GS) cattle breeding programs in Poland.
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Journals
2019 EN
Joanna Rodziewicz · Kamila Ostrowska · Wojciech Janczukowicz
+1 more
The basic factors determining the efficiency of the removal of nitrogen and carbon compounds from airport wastewater containing de-icing agents are low temperature and the C/N ratio (carbon to nitrogen ratio). Biofilm reactors (biofilters) create better conditions for nitrification and denitrification than suspended biomass reactors. The scope of the study included determination of the influence of the C/N ratio in the wastewater on nitrification, denitrification and organic compound removal in biofilm reactors depending on the temperature. The experiment was performed in 24 circular laboratory biofilters with LECA (Light Expanded Clay Aggregates) filling. The study was divided into three series differing in organic carbon loading. In each series, carried out at the same hydraulic retention time, biofilters were operated at 25, 8, 4 or 0 °C. The study showed the effective removal of nitrogen compounds across a very wide temperature range. The applied filling and properly selected operating parameters of the reactors resulted in effective simultaneous nitrification and denitrification. The highest efficiency of nitrogen removal at 0 °C (34.57 ± 4.54%) was obtained at the C/N ratio of 0.5 gC/gN. The efficiency of denitrification (the lowest at the temperature of 0 °C) increased as the temperature and C/N ratio increased in the wastewater.
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Journals
2019 EN
Jon Gibson · Sharon Spooner · Kamila Hawthorne
+2 more
Background Many UK areas are experiencing a shortage of GPs. Shortages present issues both for patients, who may not be able to get timely access to care, and GPs who may struggle to deliver high quality care when time is limited. Although several studies have shown how many new doctors intend to train as GPs, little is known about their career intentions as they complete training. Aim To gather cross-sectional evidence on how well prepared and motivated new GPs feel on completion of GP specialty training. Collect data about specific aspects of training, perceptions of GP work and what determines career planning and therefore their availability in the future GP workforce. Method An online questionnaire emailed to GPs within 1-year post certificate of completion of training. Recruitment via RCGP email and further publicity via social media. Results Although data collection is ongoing anticipated findings include indications of how responders could be better prepared for their roles and data on their level of commitment to substantive GP work and how they perceive future work (GP or other). Conclusion Sustained recruitment and retention of GPs is central for building a sustainable future GP workforce. Findings from this study will add information about what influences GP career intentions. In the context of shifting policies, practices, and expectations, these data are essential underpinnings for GP training and workforce planning.
Royal College of General Practitioners