In this study, we combine in situ fast differential scanning calorimetry (FDSC) with synchrotron X-ray measurements to study simultaneously the structure and thermophysical properties of materials. ...Using the example of the organic compound BCH-52, we show that the X-ray beam can heat the sample and induce a shift of the heat-flow signal. The aim of this paper is to investigate the influence of radiation on sample behavior. The calorimetric data is used to quantify the absorbed beam energy and, together with the diffraction data, reveal an irreversible damage of the sample. The results are especially important for materials with high absorption coefficients and for high-energy X-ray and electron beams. Our findings illustrate that FDSC combined with X-ray diffraction is a suitable characterization method when beam damage must be minimized.
All memory T cells mount an accelerated response on antigen reencounter, but significant functional heterogeneity is present within the respective memory T-cell subsets as defined by CCR7 and CD45RA ...expression, thereby warranting further stratification. Here we show that several surface markers, including KLRB1, KLRG1, GPR56, and KLRF1, help define low, high, or exhausted cytokine producers within human peripheral and intrahepatic CD4
memory T-cell populations. Highest simultaneous production of TNF and IFN-γ is observed in KLRB1
KLRG1
GPR56
CD4 T cells. By contrast, KLRF1 expression is associated with T-cell exhaustion and reduced TNF/IFN-γ production. Lastly, TCRβ repertoire analysis and in vitro differentiation support a regulated, progressive expression for these markers during CD4
memory T-cell differentiation. Our results thus help refine the classification of human memory T cells to provide insights on inflammatory disease progression and immunotherapy development.
In recent decades, small domestic wastewater treatment plants have become popular in rural areas of the Slovak Republic. The reason for the expansion of decentralized wastewater management is that ...many rural areas have scattered settlements, and a centralized wastewater disposal system is economically, technically demanding, and inefficient. The disadvantage of using small domestic treatment plants in terms of environmental protection is that these facilities have yet to be significantly monitored. Due to improper operation and maintenance, they can have a long-term negative impact on the environment and jeopardize the quality of water resources. Currently, a new law amendment is being introduced in Slovakia to promote regular inspections of these facilities. The aim of this contribution is to summarize the knowledge in the field of decentralized wastewater treatment in rural areas, present the new legislative framework, and focus on the need to develop a methodology for addressing identified problematic sites and proposing measures to ensure the good condition of groundwater and surface water in the territory of the Slovak Republic.
In this research study, we are using CFD to better understand processes in a wastewater settling tank. Secondary sedimentation tanks belong to the most important objects at the wastewater treatment ...line. CFD plays an important part in better understanding the processes from a standpoint of operation and optimization. We conducted four CFD simulations based on a verified model of a secondary settling tank at the wastewater treatment plant in Nitra, SK. The four simulations contain four different adjustments to the inlet zone of the tank. We reached a reduction in sludge zone velocity to 6 from 12 mm/s in a representative measurement profile. We also analyze the influence of temperature-induced viscosity changes based on seasonal temperature change.
Graphical abstract
This study investigated whether sacubitril/valsartan or valsartan are able to prevent left ventricular (LV) fibrotic remodelling and dysfunction in two experimental models of pre-hypertension induced ...by continuous light (24 hours/day) exposure or by chronic lactacystin treatment, and how this potential protection interferes with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Nine groups of three-month-old male Wistar rats were treated for six weeks as follows: untreated controls (C), sacubitril/valsartan (ARNI), valsartan (Val), continuous light (24), continuous light plus sacubitril/valsartan (24+ARNI) or valsartan (24+Val), lactacystin (Lact), lactacystin plus sacubitil/valsartan (Lact+ARNI) or plus valsartan (Lact+Val). Both the 24 and Lact groups developed a mild but significant systolic blood pressure (SBP) increase, LV hypertrophy and fibrosis, as well as LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Yet, no changes in serum renin-angiotensin were observed either in the 24 or Lact groups, though aldosterone was increased in the Lact group compared to the controls. In both models, sacubitril/valsartan and valsartan reduced elevated SBP, LV hypertrophy and fibrosis and attenuated LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Sacubitril/valsartan and valsartan increased the serum levels of angiotensin (Ang) II, Ang III, Ang IV, Ang 1–5, Ang 1–7 in the 24 and Lact groups and reduced aldosterone in the Lact group. We conclude that both continuous light exposure and lactacystin treatment induced normal-to-low serum renin-angiotensin models of pre-hypertension, whereas aldosterone was increased in lactacystin-induced pre-hypertension. The protection by ARNI or valsartan in the hypertensive heart in either model was related to the Ang II blockade and the protective Ang 1–7, while in lactacystin-induced pre-hypertension this protection seems to be additionally related to the reduced aldosterone level.
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•Both continuous light exposure and lactacystin treatment induced pre-hypertension.•Both models are normal to low serum renin-angiotensin models of pre-hypertension.•In lactacystin induced pre-hypertension aldosterone level was increased.•Sacubitril/valsartan or valsartan protected against heart remodeling and dysfunction.•Protection by both drugs were related to angiotensin II blockade and angiotensin 1–7.
ANALYSIS OF MICROPOLLUTANTS IN URBAN WATER RUN-OFF Hrudková, Lenka; Wittmanová, Réka; Škultétyová, Ivona ...
International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference : SGEM,
01/2023, Letnik:
23, Številka:
3.1
Conference Proceeding
Changing climatic conditions in urbanized areas enormously impact the quality of life in urbanized areas. Persistent prolonged dry periods, extreme downpours with heavy heaviness or prolonged ...rainfall are an extreme problem for effective water management in cities. Extreme weather changes also risk the environment when infiltrating or relieving highly contaminated water from the first run-off. These wastewaters are a potential source of groundwater and surface water pollution in which various pollutants are concentrated. In our research, we focus on evaluating water quality from surface run-off with an emphasis on concentrations of micropollutants. The analyses aim to assess concentrations of heavy metals, microplastics, and other pollutants in surface run-off concerning recipient water quality and groundwater quality. The research focuses on evaluating the current state of stormwater management in urbanized areas with a focus on the spread of pollution and the possibility of capturing such contaminated water with subsequent disposal to a wastewater treatment plant.
Aldrin, endrin and dieldrin are highly toxic and persistent cyclodiene-type organochlorine pesticides. Although these compounds have been banned over the last few decades in many countries, they can ...still be found in the environment, especially in the agricultural soil. In order to determine the residue levels of cyclodiene-type organochlorine pesticides in soils of Vojvodina Province, and to obtain detailed information on their spatial distribution, 1370 soil samples under different land uses were collected from Vojvodina Province and analyzed for the presence of aldrin, dieldrin and endrin. The residues of those pesticides were detected in the soils of Vojvodina in measurable concentrations and dieldrin was the most dominant compound in the soil. However, the concentrations of analysed cyclodiene-type organochlorine pesticides in the most soil samples from Vojvodina province were lower than Dutch target values for soil quality. Soil organic matter and clay content were found to be positively associated with aldrin content while clay content was found to be negatively associated with endrin.
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