Search Results (270)

In this study, the characteristics of ammonia and their effects on secondary particulate matter (PM) formation were analyzed by region in Korea in 2020. The NH₃ concentration was high in GJ (11.4 ppb), a neighboring agricultural area, followed by DJ (9.0 ppb) and SE (8.6 ppb), which are located in urban areas. On the other hand, BI (2.6 ppb) and JI (4.5 ppb), which are background regions, demonstrated a lower concentration than other areas. Seasonally, ammonia was high in spring and summer, and it generally increased when human activities are active. Therefore, it is believed that the ammonia in the atmosphere not only changes depending on local emissions, but also based on temperature-dependent phase distribution characteristics. For SE and GJ, regions with relatively high ammonia concentrations, investigations into the effect of ammonia on secondary PM formation were conducted. In both regions, the ammonium-to-sulfate mole ratio tended to increase with increasing ammonia or PM_2.5 concentration. It can be assumed that the PM_2.5 concentration increases as nitrates are formed under the ammonia-sufficient condition. The adjusted gas ratio is generally greater than 4, indicating that there is a lot of free ammonia. Thus, it is estimated that a reduction in ammonia would not be effective to restrain nitrate formation. Full article

The overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines triggers a variety of diseases. Protopanaxadiol (PPD) and resveratrol are naturally found in plants such as ginseng and have potential anti-inflammatory properties, and resveratrol- and PPD-enriched rice seeds have been previously successfully generated. Herein, the synergistic anti-inflammatory activities of extracts of these enriched seeds were assessed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In comparison with treatment using extract prepared from PPD-producing transgenic rice (DJ-PPD) alone, cotreatment with DJ526 and DJ-PPD (TR_3) markedly enhanced the anti-inflammatory activities at a similar (compared to DJ526) or higher (compared to DJ-PPD) level. Cotreatment with DJ526 and DJ-PPD markedly inhibited the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Thus, DJ526 and DJ-PPD in combination suppressed the expression of phosphorylated (p)-NF-κB p65, p-p38 MAPK, and p-ERK 1/2. Cotreatment with DJ526 and DJ-PPD downregulated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), LPS receptor (toll-like receptor-4, TLR-4), proinflammatory mediators (nitric oxide and PGE₂), and arachidonic acid pathway critical enzyme (COX-2). These findings demonstrate the synergistic potential anti-inflammatory activities of resveratrol- and PPD-enriched rice seed extract. Full article

To address the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and promote healthier eating habits, Japan requires a culturally tailored Nutrient Profile Model. This study aimed to develop a Nutrient Profile Model for Dishes in Japan version 1.0 (NPM-DJ (1.0)) that corresponds to the nutritional issues and food culture in Japan. The aim of the NPM-DJ (1.0) was to promote the health of the general population, and to prevent the increase in NCDs in Japan. The NPM-DJ (1.0) categorizes dishes into staples, sides, mains, mixed dishes, and mixed dishes with staples. The model evaluates dishes based on energy, saturated fats, sugars, and sodium as restricted nutrients, while considering protein, dietary fiber, and the weight of certain food groups as recommended nutrients. The distribution of the overall score for each dish category was analyzed and a rating algorithm was created. The baseline, modification points, and final scores were significantly lower for side dishes than for staple dishes. In contrast, the baseline points and final scores were significantly higher for mixed dishes with staple. The model effectively differentiated nutritional profiles across five dishes categories, which may promote healthier dish reformulation by food businesses operators and encourage consumers to select healthier dishes. Full article

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a multifactorial, chronic, and progressive neurodegenerative disorder inducing movement alterations as a result of the loss of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons of the pars compacta in the substantia nigra and protein aggregates of alpha synuclein (α-Syn). Although its etiopathology agent has not yet been clearly established, environmental and genetic factors have been suggested as the major contributors to the disease. Mutations in the glucosidase beta acid 1 (GBA1) gene, which encodes the lysosomal glucosylceramidase (GCase) enzyme, are one of the major genetic risks for PD. We found that the GBA1 K198E fibroblasts but not WT fibroblasts showed reduced catalytic activity of heterozygous mutant GCase by −70% but its expression levels increased by 3.68-fold; increased the acidification of autophagy vacuoles (e.g., autophagosomes, lysosomes, and autolysosomes) by +1600%; augmented the expression of autophagosome protein Beclin-1 (+133%) and LC3-II (+750%), and lysosomal–autophagosome fusion protein LAMP-2 (+107%); increased the accumulation of lysosomes (+400%); decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψm) by −19% but the expression of Parkin protein remained unperturbed; increased the oxidized DJ-1Cys106-SOH by +900%, as evidence of oxidative stress; increased phosphorylated LRRK2 at Ser935 (+1050%) along with phosphorylated α-synuclein (α-Syn) at pathological residue Ser129 (+1200%); increased the executer apoptotic protein caspase 3 (cleaved caspase 3) by +733%. Although exposure of WT fibroblasts to environmental neutoxin rotenone (ROT, 1 μM) exacerbated the autophagy–lysosomal system, oxidative stress, and apoptosis markers, ROT moderately increased those markers in GBA1 K198E fibroblasts. We concluded that the K198E mutation endogenously primes skin fibroblasts toward autophagy dysfunction, OS, and apoptosis. Our findings suggest that the GBA1 K198E fibroblasts are biochemically and molecularly equivalent to the response of WT GBA1 fibroblasts exposed to ROT. Full article

Combinatorial antiretroviral therapy (cART) has transformed HIV infection from a death sentence to a controllable chronic disease, but cannot eliminate the virus. Latent HIV-1 reservoirs are the major obstacles to cure HIV-1 infection. Previously, we engineered exosomal Tat (Exo-Tat) to reactivate latent HIV-1 from the reservoir of resting CD4+ T cells. Here, we present an HIV-1 eradication platform, which uses our previously described Exo-Tat to activate latent virus from resting CD4+ T cells guided by the specific binding domain of CD4 in interleukin 16 (IL16), attached to the N-terminus of exosome surface protein lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 variant B (Lamp2B). Cells with HIV-1 surface protein gp120 expressed on the cell membranes are then targeted for immune cytolysis by a BiTE molecule CD4-αCD3, which colocalizes the gp120 surface protein of HIV-1 and the CD3 of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Using primary blood cells obtained from antiretroviral treated individuals, we find that this combined approach led to a significant reduction in replication-competent HIV-1 in infected CD4+ T cells in a clonal in vitro cell system. Furthermore, adeno-associated virus serotype DJ (AAV-DJ) was used to deliver Exo-Tat, IL16lamp2b and CD4-αCD3 genes by constructing them in one AAV-DJ vector (the plasmid was named pEliminator). The coculture of T cells from HIV-1 patients with Huh-7 cells infected with AAV-Eliminator viruses led to the clearance of HIV-1 reservoir cells in the in vitro experiment, which could have implications for reducing the viral reservoir in vivo, indicating that Eliminator AAV viruses have the potential to be developed into therapeutic biologics to cure HIV-1 infection. Full article

Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas with a 25 times higher 100-year warming potential than carbon dioxide and is a target for mitigation to achieve climate goals. To control and curb methane emissions, estimates are required from the sources and sectors which are typically generated using bottom-up methods. However, recent studies have shown that national and international bottom-up approaches can significantly underestimate emissions. In this study, we present three bottom-up approaches used to estimate methane emissions from all emission sectors in the Denver-Julesburg basin, CO, USA. Our data show emissions generated from all three methods are lower than historic measurements. A Tier 1/2 approach using IPCC emission factors estimated 2022 methane emissions of 358 Gg (0.8% of produced methane lost by the energy sector), while a Tier 3 EPA-based approach estimated emissions of 269 Gg (0.2%). Using emission factors informed by contemporary and region-specific measurement studies, emissions of 212 Gg (0.2%) were calculated. The largest difference in emissions estimates were a result of using the Mechanistic Air Emissions Simulator (MAES) for the production and transport of oil and gas in the DJ basin. The MAES accounts for changes to regulatory practice in the DJ basin, which include comprehensive requirements for compressors, pneumatics, equipment leaks, and fugitive emissions, which were implemented to reduce emissions starting in 2014. The measurement revealed that normalized gas loss is predicted to have been reduced by a factor of 20 when compared to 10-year-old normalization loss measurements and a factor of 10 less than a nearby oil and production area (Delaware basin, TX); however, we suggest that more measurements should be made to ensure that the long-tail emission distribution has been captured by the modeling. This study suggests that regulations implemented by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment could have reduced emissions by a factor of 20, but contemporary regional measurements should be made to ensure these bottom-up calculations are realistic. Full article

The testosterone to cortisol ratio (T:C ratio) is a measure of whether elite athletes are recovering from their training. This study described this hormone balance stress in elite women’s basketball. (1) Objectives: to analyse the fluctuation of T:C ratio over a 16-week period and explore itis relation to their athletic performance. The participants characteristics were: (height: 177.6 ± 6.4 cm; body mass: 77.808 ± 12.396 kg age: 26.0 ± 5.9 years; and a playing experience of 14.7 ± 2.9 years with 5.0 ± 1.2 years at the elite level. The T:C ratio at Time 1 is: 4.0 ± 2.4 (n = 12); and at Time 2 is: 5.1 ± 4.3 (n = 12). (2) Methods: during 16 weeks of competition, participants underwent analysis of blood samples to assess various biochemical parameters including hormone levels. In addition, their athletic performance was assessed with the following tests: jumping (SJ, CMJ, ABK, DJ); throwing test with a medicine ball (3 kg); Illinois COD agility test; sprint repeatability with change of direction; 20-m speed test without change of direction; and Yo-yo intermittent endurance test IET (II). (3) Results: The main alterations observed were an increase in T levels (1.687%) and a decrease in C levels (−7.634%) between moments, with an improvement (26.366%) in the T:C ratio. Improvements were also observed in some of the tests developed, such as jumping (SJ: 11.5%, p = 0.029; CMJ: 10.5%, p = 0.03; DJ: 13.0%, p = 0.01), upper body strength (MBT: 5.4%, p = 0.03), translation ability (20 m: −1.7%), repeated sprint ability (RSA: −2.2%), as well as intermittent endurance test (Yy (IET): 63.5%, p = 0.01), with significant changes in some of the performance tests. (4) Conclusions: T:C ratio may differ in a manner unrelated to training volume, showing some variation. These results may be attributed to the accumulation of psychophysiological stress during the season. Full article

This experiment was performed to evaluate the inclusion impact of various levels of jack mackerel meal (JMM) in olive flounder (P. olivaceus) feeds substituting 50% FM by duck by-product meal (DBM) on growth, feed availability, and economic efficiency. Seven experimental diets were prepared. The control (Con) diet contained 60% FM. Fifty percent FM in the Con diet was substituted with DBM, and then the graded levels (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) of JMM were added instead of FM, named the DJ0, DJ10, DJ20, DJ30, DJ40, and DJ50 diets, respectively. All feeds were assigned to triplicate fish groups. At the end of 56 days’ feeding, fish fed the DJ40 and DJ50 diets exhibited comparable weight gain and specific growth rate to fish fed the Con diet. Higher feed consumption was observed in fish fed the Con, DJ40, and DJ50 diets compared to fish fed the DJ0 and DJ10 diets. Lower feed conversion ratio was observed in fish fed the Con diet compared to fish fed the DJ0, DJ10, DJ20, and DJ30 diets. Furthermore, the DJ50 diet led to the highest economic profit index (EPI). In conclusion, inclusion of 50% JMM in the olive flounder diet replacing 50% FM with DBM seems to be the most recommendable dietary treatment based on growth and feed consumption of olive flounder and EPI. Full article

Forty castrated Holstein calves underwent an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge to assess the effects of premortem stress on the longissimus lumborum (LL) following harvest. LL biopsies were collected before the challenge, at different harvest times (2, 12, 24, and 48 h; n = 10), and after 14 d aging. The expression of small heat shock proteins (SHSPs), deglycase 1 (DJ-1), and troponin were analyzed. Blood was analyzed throughout the ACTH challenge and at harvest for cortisol, oxidative stress, and complete blood count (CBC). Color and myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI) were measured in aged samples. Unexpectedly, calves from different harvest times differed (p = 0.05) in cortisol response. Calves were divided into two different cortisol response groups (high or low; n = 20). Statistical analysis assessed the effects of cortisol response (n = 20), harvest time (n = 10), and their interaction. Harvest time altered SHSPs (p = 0.03), DJ-1 (p = 0.002), and troponin (p = 0.02) expression. Harvest time and cortisol response impacted steak color (p < 0.05), and harvest time altered steak pH (p < 0.0001). Additionally, various CBCs were changed (p < 0.05) by harvest time. Harvest time changed (p = 0.02) MFI. These data demonstrate that the protein expression, color, and MFI of the LL may be influenced by premortem stress. Full article

In this paper, the qualitative and quantitative profile is evaluated of the bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity (AA), microbiostatic properties, as well as the color parameters of jostaberry extracts, obtained from frozen (FJ), freeze-dried (FDJ), and oven-dried berries (DJ). The optimal extraction conditions by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) were selected after determination of the total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total antocyanin content (TA), AA by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH), and the free radical cation 2,2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonates (ABTS). Non-conventional extraction methods are less destructive to anthocyanins, while drying the berries reduced TA, regardless of the extraction method. The oven-drying process reduced the concentration of TA in DJ extracts by 99.4% and of ascorbic acid by 92.42% compared to FJ. AA was influenced by the jostaberry pretreatment methods. The DPPH and ABTS tests recorded values (mg Trolox equivalent/g dry weight) between 17.60 and 35.26 and 35.64 and 109.17 for FJ extracts, between 7.50 and 7.96 and 45.73 and 82.22 for FDJ, as well as between 6.31 and 7.40 and 34.04 and 52.20 for DJ, respectively. The jostaberry pretreatment produced significant changes in all color parameters. Mutual information analysis, applied to determine the influence of ultrasound and microwave durations on TPC, TFC, TA, AA, pH, and color parameters in jostaberry extracts, showed the greatest influence on TA (0.367 bits) and TFC (0.329 bits). The DPPH and ABTS inhibition capacity of all FJ’ extracts had higher values and varied more strongly, depending on pH, heat treatment, and storage time, compared to the AA values of FDJ’ and DJ’ extracts. A significant antimicrobial effect was observed on all bacterial strains studied for FJP. FDJP was more active on Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. DJP was more active on Salmonella Abony and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antifungal effect of DJP was stronger compared to FDJP. Jostaberry extracts obtained under different conditions can be used in food production, offering a wide spectrum of red hues. Full article

This study aimed to determine the influence of body composition on the muscle fitness of selected judokas. This study was conducted on a sample of 23 judokas (cadets n = 12, juniors n = 11), members of the male national team of Serbia. The assessment of body composition was performed using the InBody 720 (Biospace Co., Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea) and calipers. Muscle fitness was assessed using “Optojump” (Microgate, Bolzano, Italy), Fitrodine Premium (Fitronic, Bratislava, Slovakia), and a digital force instrument IMADA Z2H-1100 (Imada Inc., Northbrook, IL, USA). Regression analysis revealed a notable association between muscle mass and measures of explosive strength (countermovement jump (CMJ) p = 0.023; drop jump (DJ) p = 0.026). Moreover, this study’s results showed that back extension (p = 0.006; R² = 0.61) and hand grip (p = 0.009; R² = 0.52) provide a strong positive association with muscle mass. The findings suggest that tailored training and nutritional strategies that improve muscle mass might significantly enhance muscle fitness in young judokas, optimizing their performance. Full article

We report on the use of 2D Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) perovskites as optoelectronic materials in building-integrated applications, addressing the challenge of balancing transparency, photoluminescence, and stability. With the addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), the 2D RP films exhibit superior transparency compared to their 3D counterparts with an average visible transmittance (AVT) greater than 50% and photoluminescence stability under continuous illumination and 85 °C heat for up to 100 h as bare, unencapsulated films. Structural investigations show a stress relaxation in the 3D perovskite films after degradation from thermal aging that is not observed in the 2D RP films, which retain their phase after thermal and light aging. We also demonstrate ultrasmooth, wide-bandgap 2D Dion–Jacobson (DJ) films with PVP incorporation up to 2.95 eV, an AVT above 70%, and roughnesses of ~2 nm. These findings contribute to the development of next-generation solar materials, paving the way for their integration into built structures. Full article

PARK7, also known as DJ-1, plays a critical role in protecting cells by functioning as a sensitive oxidation sensor and modulator of antioxidants. DJ-1 acts to maintain mitochondrial function and regulate transcription in response to different stressors. In this study, we showed that cell lines vary based on their antioxidation potential under basal conditions. The transcriptome of HEK293 cells was tested following knockdown (KD) of DJ-1 using siRNAs, which reduced the DJ-1 transcripts to only 12% of the original level. We compared the expression levels of 14k protein-coding transcripts and 4.2k non-coding RNAs relative to cells treated with non-specific siRNAs. Among the coding genes, approximately 200 upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) signified a coordinated antiviral innate immune response. Most genes were associated with the regulation of type 1 interferons (IFN) and the induction of inflammatory cytokines. About a quarter of these genes were also induced in cells treated with non-specific siRNAs that were used as a negative control. Beyond the antiviral-like response, 114 genes were specific to the KD of DJ-1 with enrichment in RNA metabolism and mitochondrial functions. A smaller set of downregulated genes (58 genes) was associated with dysregulation in membrane structure, cell viability, and mitophagy. We propose that the KD DJ-1 perturbation diminishes the protective potency against oxidative stress. Thus, it renders the cells labile and responsive to the dsRNA signal by activating a large number of genes, many of which drive apoptosis, cell death, and inflammatory signatures. The KD of DJ-1 highlights its potency in regulating genes associated with antiviral responses, RNA metabolism, and mitochondrial functions, apparently through alteration in STAT activity and downstream signaling. Given that DJ-1 also acts as an oncogene in metastatic cancers, targeting DJ-1 could be a promising therapeutic strategy where manipulation of the DJ-1 level may reduce cancer cell viability and enhance the efficacy of cancer treatments. Full article

This study analyzed differences in body composition, jump performance, running speed, and ball-kicking speed according to playing position in amateur female soccer players. This cross-sectional study involved 160 females distributed into groups of goalkeepers (n = 20), defenders (n = 38), midfielders (n = 52), and forwards (n = 50), with a mean age of 27.1 ± 3.23 years. They were assessed for body fat percentage (BFP), fat-free mass (FFM), squat jump, countermovement jump, drop jump (DJ), and running sprint speed for 10 m, 20 m, and 30 m, and ball-kicking speed (BKS) with both feet. Significant differences were found between groups in FFM (F_(3,96) = 17.4; p = 0.000) and BFP (F_(3,96) = 7.00; p = 0.000), with a higher FFM in midfielders with respect to goalkeepers (p = 0.00; ES = 1.77; ∆ = 27%), defenders (p = 0.00; ES = 2.14; ∆ = 26.5%), and forwards (p = 0.00; ES = 1.13; ∆ = 15.8%), and a lower BFP in midfielders with respect to goalkeepers (p = 0.00; ES = 1.41; ∆ = 26.7%) and forwards (p = 0.00; ES = 1.05; ∆ = 27%). In addition, significant differences were found between groups in DJ (F_(3,96) = 20.8; p = 0.000), with midfielders achieving greater height compared to goalkeepers (p = 0.00; ES = 1.94; ∆ = 25.1%), defenders (p = 0.00; ES = 1.59; ∆ = 19%), and forwards (p = 0.00; ES = 1.73; ∆ = 16.3%). Significant differences were found between groups in BKS for dominant (F_(3,96) = 5.84; p = 0.001) and non-dominant (F_(3,96) = 3.29; p = 0.02) feet, and these were lower in goalkeepers than defenders (p = 0.00; ES = 0.99; ∆ = 8.83%) and midfielders (p = 0.00; ES = 1.21; ∆ = 11.8%). In conclusion, midfielders presented significantly better body composition and physical performance than other playing positions. Full article