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Environmental engineering plays a crucial role in addressing the sustainability challenges of the environment and everyday life. These areas cover a wide range of aspects, from environmental impacts, efficient use of natural resources, waste management and recycling, and improving air and water quality to preventing, managing and mitigating environmental hazards and disasters. For example, climate change, global warming, pollutant emissions, etc., are frequently discussed on social media. Unfortunately, however, these platforms, as the primary means of mass information, provide scope for misinformation, manipulation and influencing opinions through dubious or outright fake news and posts. Despite the prevalence and growing volume of research on detecting fake news, there is a significant lack of quality publications focusing specifically on this environmental engineering-related area. In this paper, the authors aim to bridge this gap by developing a supervised machine-learning model for detecting fake news in this field of science. To build a robust model, a training dataset was constructed by using a specific dataset of labelled social media posts containing keywords from Chemical Engineering Transactions journal articles, with a particular focus on sustainability and environmental aspects. This research contributes to enhancing the integrity of environmental engineering in social media discourse by providing a tool for identifying and mitigating the spread of misinformation, promoting informed decision-making and critical thinking, and improving public awareness of environmental matters.

A magyar mezőgazdaság az utóbbi másfél évtizedben dinamikus átalakuláson ment át, amely az ágazat szinte minden jellemzőjét érinti. A folyamat hátterében számos tényező húzódik meg: a globalizálódó árupiacoktól a támogatáspolitikán át a klímaváltozásig. Mindezen tényezők közvetlenül vagy közvetve hatást gyakorolnak az ágazat munkaerőigényére, annak minőségi, mennyiségi és időbeli jellemzőinek alakulására. Míg a klíma változását és a munkaerőhiányt a tudományos kutatások külön vizsgálják, mi arra teszünk kísérletet, hogy összekapcsoljuk őket. A tanulmány első részében a releváns nemzetközi szakirodalom eredményeit mutatjuk be, amelyet Kapcsolt Államigazgatási Paneladatok elemzése követ. A paneladatokon végzett klaszteranalízis alapján országos szinten válik láthatóvá a mezőgazdaság főbb munkavállalói csoportjait érintő átrendeződés (2008–2017). A folyamat szélsőséges polarizációként jellemezhető, a főállású foglalkoztattak mellett az alkalmi munkások csoportja mutatott rendkívüli bővülést, amelyet a határozott idejű (idényjelleggel) foglalkoztatottak számának csökkenése kísért. Az alkalmi munkavállalók köre is élesen elkülönülő csoportokra tagolható: markáns réteget alkotnak a gyakorlatilag egész évben alkalmi munkából élők, valamint azok, akik csupán rövidebb ideig foglalkoztatott, ténylegesen alkalmi munkavállalók, és akik sok tekintetben kiszorították a határozott idejű szerződéssel foglalkoztatottakat. Ezen munkaerőpiaci folyamatok és a klímaváltozáshoz való alkalmazkodás mögött meghúzódó okok feltárása érdekében kvalitatív kutatásokat végeztünk kertészeti, illetve szőlészeti ágazatokban dolgozó gazdálkodók körében Magyarország négy, eltérő mezőgazdasági jellemzőket mutató térségében, hogy feltárjuk alkalmazkodási stratégiáikat, a hétköznapok döntéseiből kirajzolódó gazdálkodói adaptációs irányokat, a döntések mögött meghúzódó megfontolásokat, szándékokat és korlátokat. A kvalitatív és kvantitatív kutatási eredmények egyaránt azt jelzik, hogy a hazai gazdálkodók a klímaváltozás jelentette termelési kockázatok növekedésének ellensúlyozására főként technikai, technológiai adaptációval válaszolnak, amely összekapcsolódik a munkaerőmegtakarítást jelentő gépesítéssel, emellett megfigyelhető egyfajta törekvés is az „alkalmas”, megbízható munkaerő egész éves, főállású foglalkoztatására. A klímaváltozás munkakörülményekre és munkatermelékenységre gyakorolt hatását a hazai gazdálkodók érzékelik, ám ezzel kapcsolatban egy „nem tudatos alkalmazkodásról” beszélhetünk (amelynek része a munkavégzés eltérő ütemezése, a gépesítés, az eszközök és módszerek fejlesztése, védőital biztosítása, a munkatempó rugalmas megválasztása stb.). Mindeközben érzékelhetően mérséklődik a munkaerőkínálat, feltételezésünk szerint többek között az egyre kedvezőtlenebbé váló munkakörülmények következtében.

A mezőgazdasági szektor klímasérülékenysége kiemelkedően magas, különösen a szőlő-, gyümölcs- és zöldségtermesztés ágazataiban. Az éghajlati adaptációt számos nemzetközi és hazai szakpolitikai stratégia prioritásként kezeli. Tanulmányunkban egységes elméleti keretrendszert kívánunk kialakítani, amely lehetővé teszi a klímasérülékenység komplex értelmezését. A kutatás célja a szőlő-, gyümölcs- és zöldségtermesztők klímasérülékenységének elemzése négy hazai mintaterületen, a kitettség, érzékenység és adaptációs képesség vizsgálatán keresztül; a gazdálkodók klímaváltozással kapcsolatos percepciójának bemutatása; a gazdálkodók által használt jó adaptációs gyakorlatok feltárása; a kitettség, az érzékenység, percepció és adaptációs képesség területi különbségeit befolyásoló környezeti, társadalmi és gazdasági tényezők azonosítása. A vizsgálat kvalitatív (félig strukturált interjúk) és kvantitatív (sérülékenységi mutatók számítása) módszereket alkalmazott. Az eredmények alapján a gazdálkodók egyöntetűen érzékelték az éghajlatváltozás negatív hatásait, bár percepciójuk részben eltért a mért adatoktól. A gazdák számos adaptációs gyakorlatot alkalmaznak, az innovatív módszerek különösen a magas társadalmi tőkével és erős hálózatokkal rendelkező területeken terjedtek gyorsan. A sikeres alkalmazkodás nem kizárt sem a magas éghajlati kitettség, sem a kedvezőtlen társadalmi-gazdasági körülmények mellett. Az elszigeteltség ösztönzőleg hathat az adaptációra, de a legrosszabb helyzetben lévő perifériákon az alapvető források és képességek hiánya miatt az alkalmazkodás ellehetetlenülhet.

A tanulmány a magyar mezőgazdaság munkaintenzív ágazataiban jelentkező tartós munkaerőhiány problémáját tárgyalja. A magyarországi folyamatok nem választhatók el a szezonális munka 1980-as években megkezdődött globalizálódásától, ami a munkaerőpiac szegmentálódásával és a migráns idénymunkások alkalmazásának elterjedésével járt. Magyarországon a szezonális foglalkoztatást a rendszerváltást követő években munkaerőtöbblet jellemezte, részint az ágazatból kikerült és munkanélkülivé vált embereknek, részint a már ekkor a határon túlról, elsősorban Erdélyből érkező szezonális munkások növekvő számának köszönhetően. Az uniós munkaerőpiac megnyílása és a 2008-as gazdasági válság átalakította a szezonális mezőgazdasági munkások összetételét: a jellemzően magyar ajkú és nemzetiségű, magasabban kvalifikált erdélyiek Európa más országai felé vették az irányt, helyükre szegénységben élő, képzetlen romák érkeztek a határon túlról. A 2008-2015 közötti években a válságkezelés a rendelkezésre álló hazai szezonális munkaerő számát is jelentősen csökkentette, hiszen az érintetteket a közfoglalkoztatás új rendszerébe terelte. A 2015-ben elindult újraiparosítás következtében azok a képzetlen emberek is el tudtak helyezkedni a munkaerőpiacon, akik az agrárvállalkozók szezonális munkásai voltak, s ennek eredményeként az ágazatban nem csupán a munkaerőhiány erősödött, de egyre kevesebb lett a mezőgazdasági munkára alkalmasnak és megbízhatónak tartott munkavállalók száma is. Napjainkra a szezonális munkaerő piaca etnicizálódott; az évtizedek óta masszívan újratermelődő szegénység s egyes lokális társadalmak mélyülő szegregálódása az oka annak, hogy a gazdálkodók szinte kizárólag roma munkavállalókra tudnak támaszkodni, s fordítva, a roma családok megélhetési stratégiáiban a mezőgazdaságban végzett időszakos munka alapvető fontosságú maradt. A tanulmány két eltérő természeti, klimatikus adottságú és gazdasági helyzetű térségben, a Nagykőrösi és a Bonyhádi járás területén végzett empirikus kutatás eredményei alapján részletesen bemutatja, hogy a gyümölcságazat gazdálkodói miként érzékelik, és milyen okokkal magyarázzák a munkaerőhiányt, valamint elemzi azokat a stratégiákat, gyakorlatokat, amelyek e kihíváshoz való alkalmazkodást szolgálják. A vállalkozók egyfelől igyekeznek megtartani alkalmas, megbízható embereiket minél hosszabbra nyúló foglalkoztatással (ezt segíti a gyümölcsfajták diverzifikációja) és a munkafeltételek javításával, másfelől mérsékelni kívánják munkaerőigényüket a tevékenységek, illetve a termékszerkezet diverzifikációja, valamint egyes termesztési fázisok gépesítése révén.

This study aimed to investigate differences in mastery motivation (MM), mastery pleasure (MP), and self-concept (SC) in singing based on class type (specialized non-specialized music classes) and gender across four grades: 1, 3, 5, and 7. It also explored the relationships between students’ demographic variables and the fundamental motivational factors in music education such as MM, MP, and SC. A survey questionnaire was administered to 586 elementary students in grades 1, 3, 5, and 7 in Hungary. The findings showed that the students from specialized music classes had higher MM, MP, and SC compared to those from non-specialized classes. Female students demonstrated higher MM, MP, and SC in signing across all grades, 1, 3, 5, and 7. Moreover, a negative correlation between grade and these factors showed that the younger students had higher MM, MP, and SC in singing than the older students. Demographic factors such as gender, grade, and class type, except for parental education, significantly influenced students’ development in MM, MP, and SC in singing. This study highlights the importance of specialized music education and early engagement in developing MM, MP, and SC in singing, suggesting that appropriate approaches based on age and gender could enhance students’ musical development.

Abstract The Tac4 gene-derived hemokinin-1 (HK-1) binds to the NK1 receptor, similarly to Substance P, and plays a role in acute stress reactions and pain transmission in mice. Here we investigated Tac4 mRNA expression in stress and pain-related regions and its involvement in chronic restraint stress-evoked behavioral changes and pain using Tac4 gene-deleted (Tac4 -/-) mice compared to C57Bl/6 wildtypes (WT). Tac4 mRNA was detected by in situ hybridization RNAscope technique. Touch sensitivity was assessed by esthesiometry, cold tolerance by paw withdrawal latency from 0°C water. Anxiety was evaluated in the light–dark box (LDB) and open field test (OFT), depression-like behavior in the tail suspension test (TST). Adrenal and thymus weights were measured at the end of the experiment. We found abundant Tac4 expression in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, but Tac4 mRNA was also detected in the hippocampus, amygdala, somatosensory and piriform cortices in mice, and in the frontal regions and the amygdala in humans. In Tac4 -/- mice of both sexes, stress-induced mechanical, but not cold hyperalgesia was significantly decreased compared to WTs. Stress-induced behavioral alterations were mild or absent in male WT animals, while significant changes of these parameters could be detected in females. Thymus weight decrease can be observed in both sexes. Higher baseline anxiety and depression-like behaviors were detected in male but not in female HK-1-deficient mice, highlighting the importance of investigating both sexes in preclinical studies. We provided the first evidence for the potent nociceptive and stress regulating effects of HK-1 in chronic restraint stress paradigm. Identification of its targets might open new perspectives for therapy of stress-induced pain.

IntroductionGlobally, from the age of 14, the dropout rate of young athletes is high in all sports games in Hungary. The reasons for dropping out are complex, however parental support is critical to succeed or continue, especially after failure or injury. The present study explored the main effects of sports injury and sport participation stage on parental involvement in sports.Methods1,174 parents and 690 athletes completed our questionnaire, which contains questions on young players’ sport participation, injury background and Parental Involvement in Sport Questionnaire.ResultsParents’ self-perceived level of involvement differed from the parental involvement perceived by their children. The significant predictors were the person who completed, the parent/athlete, the athlete’s previous sports injury and the child’s current stage of sport participation. In Directive Behavior, the main effect of stages is only seen in parents whose child has been injured. In the sample of injured athletes, the rate of perceived parental Praise and Understanding tends to be lower in the specializing stage.DiscussionOur findings suggest that these two behaviors could be part of the same parenting style, which requires further investigation. The results expand the existing knowledge of the complexity of parents’ involvement in children’s sports careers. These findings have implications beyond parental psychoeducation impacting the work of coaches, sports physicians and rehabilitation experts.

Objectives: Regional differences in diabetes mortality are high in Hungary. In our cross-sectional study, we aim to reveal the drivers of the inequalities in diabetes mortality across the 197 microregions of Hungary. To account for the influence of changes in healthcare and social conditions, we compared two periods (2009–12 and 2013–16).Methods: Traditional and re-conceptualized deprivation- and healthcare provison measures were used in OLS regression models.Results: Microregions with a high proportion of population living in “service deserts,” especially in regard to the lack of grocery stores, suffer the highest rates of diabetes mortality. Alcohol-related mortality has been proven to be a similarly and surprisingly strong predictor of diabetes mortality.Conclusion: Food provision should be supported in areas characterized by low service density, and alcohol policy should be strengthened and targeted.

This paper aims to analyze comprehensively the climate exposure, sensitivity, perception, adaptive capacity, vulnerability, and resilience of the Hungarian agricultural sector, particularly focusing on fruit, vegetable, and grape producers. Four distinct Hungarian case studies were examined, representing different regions with diverse environmental and socioeconomic conditions. The research combined quantitative and qualitative methods, including statistical and GIS analysis of climate, agricultural, and socioeconomic data, as well as field research and semi-structured interviews. The study investigated exposure, sensitivity, perception, and adaptation, leading to the identification of key components and influencing factors. Qualitative research revealed that farms operating in geographically close proximity, in the same regulatory and support environment, can have different adaptive capacities. In the current state of the adaptation process, the extent to which farmers can rely on supportive professional networks and seek out and adopt new practices is crucial. Field experience suggests that without a strong and supportive producer organization (extension network), farmers may prefer to resort to extensification (afforestation) to mitigate production risks. From a development policy perspective, it is worthwhile to present good practices and provide information on possible adaptation techniques through existing local sectoral organizations.

We report on the reconstruction of ultrashort laser pulses from computer-simulated and experimental second harmonic generation-frequency resolved optical gating (SHG-FROG) spectrograms. In order to retrieve the spectral amplitude and phase we use a convolutional neural network trained on simulated SHG-FROG spectrograms and the corresponding spectral-domain fields employed as labels for the network, which is a complex field encompassing the full information about the amplitude and phase. Our results show excellent retrieval capabilities of the neural network in case of the simulated pulses. Although trained only on computer generated data, the method shows promising results regarding experimentally measured pulses.

Abstract Purpose To study the trends of smoking-attributable mortality among the low and high educated in consecutive birth cohorts in 11 European countries. Methods Register-based mortality data were collected among adults aged 30 to 79 years in 11 European countries between 1971 and 2012. Smoking-attributable deaths were estimated indirectly from lung cancer mortality rates using the Preston-Glei-Wilmoth method. Rate ratios and rate differences among the low and high-educated were estimated and used to estimate the contribution of inequality in smoking-attributable mortality to inequality in total mortality. Results In most countries, smoking-attributable mortality decreased in consecutive birth cohorts born between 1906 and 1961 among low- and high-educated men and high-educated women, but not among low-educated women among whom it increased. Relative educational inequalities in smoking-attributable mortality increased among both men and women with no signs of turning points. Absolute inequalities were stable among men but slightly increased among women. The contribution of inequality in smoking-attributable mortality to inequality in total mortality decreased in consecutive generations among men but increased among women. Conclusions Smoking might become less important as a driver of inequalities in total mortality among men in the future. However, among women, smoking threatens to further widen inequalities in total mortality.

Abstract Background Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen which is responsible for widespread nosocomial infections. It encompasses a fungus specific serine/threonine protein phosphatase gene, CaPPZ1 that is involved in cation transport, cell wall integrity, oxidative stress response, morphological transition, and virulence according to the phenotypes of the cappz1 deletion mutant. Results We demonstrated that a short-term treatment with a sublethal concentration of tert-butyl hydroperoxide suppressed the growth of the fungal cells without affecting their viability, both in the cappz1 mutant and in the genetically matching QMY23 control strains. To reveal the gene expression changes behind the above observations we carried out a global transcriptome analysis. We used a pilot DNA microarray hybridization together with extensive RNA sequencing, and confirmed our results by quantitative RT-PCR. Novel functions of the CaPpz1 enzyme and oxidative stress mechanisms have been unraveled. The numbers of genes affected as well as the amplitudes of the transcript level changes indicated that the deletion of the phosphatase sensitized the response of C. albicans to oxidative stress conditions in important physiological functions like membrane transport, cell surface interactions, oxidation-reduction processes, translation and RNA metabolism. Conclusions We conclude that in the wild type C. albicans CaPPZ1 has a protective role against oxidative damage. We suggest that the specific inhibition of this phosphatase combined with mild oxidative treatment could be a feasible approach to topical antifungal therapy.

Abstract Background 3-Hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) is a promising platform chemical with various industrial applications. Several metabolic routes to produce 3-HP from organic substrates such as sugars or glycerol have been implemented in yeast, enterobacterial species and other microorganisms. In this study, the native 3-HP metabolism of Cupriavidus necator was investigated and manipulated as it represents a promising chassis for the production of 3-HP and other fatty acid derivatives from CO2 and H2. Results When testing C. necator for its tolerance towards 3-HP, it was noted that it could utilise the compound as the sole source of carbon and energy, a highly undesirable trait in the context of biological 3-HP production which required elimination. Inactivation of the methylcitrate pathway needed for propionate utilisation did not affect the organism’s ability to grow on 3-HP. Putative genes involved in 3-HP degradation were identified by bioinformatics means and confirmed by transcriptomic analyses, the latter revealing considerably increased expression in the presence of 3-HP. Genes identified in this manner encoded three putative (methyl)malonate semialdehyde dehydrogenases (mmsA1, mmsA2 and mmsA3) and two putative dehydrogenases (hpdH and hbdH). These genes, which are part of three separate mmsA operons, were inactivated through deletion of the entire coding region, either singly or in various combinations, to engineer strains unable to grow on 3-HP. Whilst inactivation of single genes or double deletions could only delay but not abolish growth, a triple ∆mmsA1∆mmsA2∆mmsA3 knock-out strain was unable utilise 3-HP as the sole source of carbon and energy. Under the used conditions this strain was also unable to co–metabolise 3-HP alongside other carbon and energy sources such as fructose and CO2/H2. Further analysis suggested primary roles for the different mmsA operons in the utilisation of β-alanine generating substrates (mmsA1), degradation of 3-HP (mmsA2), and breakdown of valine (mmsA3). Conclusions Three different (methyl)malonate semialdehyde dehydrogenases contribute to 3-HP breakdown in C. necator H16. The created triple ∆mmsA1∆mmsA2∆mmsA3 knock-out strain represents an ideal chassis for autotrophic 3-HP production.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal disease with a complex pathology including oxidative stress. Oxidative stress triggers oxidative DNA lesions such as formation of 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-2′-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) and also causes DNA strand breaks. DNA breaks can activate the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) which contributes to AP pathology. 8-oxoG is recognized by 8-oxoG glycosylase 1 (OGG1) resulting in the removal of 8-oxoG from DNA as an initial step of base excision repair. Since OGG1 also possesses a DNA nicking activity, OGG1 activation may also trigger PARP1 activation. In the present study we investigated the role played by OGG1 in AP. We found that the OGG1 inhibitor compound TH5487 reduced edema formation, inflammatory cell migration and necrosis in a cerulein-induced AP model in mice. Moreover, TH5487 caused 8-oxoG accumulation and reduced tissue poly(ADP-ribose) levels. Consistent with the indirect PARP inhibitory effect, TH5487 shifted necrotic cell death (LDH release and Sytox green uptake) towards apoptosis (caspase activity) in isolated pancreatic acinar cells. In the in vivo AP model, TH5487 treatment suppressed the expression of various cytokine and chemokine mRNAs such as those of TNF, IL-1β, IL1ra, IL6, IL16, IL23, CSF, CCL2, CCL4, CCL12, IL10 and TREM as measured with a cytokine array and verified by RT-qPCR. As a potential mechanism underlying the transcriptional inhibitory effect of the OGG1 inhibitor we showed that while 8-oxoG accumulation in the DNA facilitates NF-κB binding to its consensus sequence, when OGG1 is inhibited, target site occupancy of NF-κB is impaired. In summary, OGG1 inhibition provides protection from tissue injury in AP and these effects are likely due to interference with the PARP1 and NF-κB activation pathways.

Socioeconomic inequalities in disability-free life expectancy (DFLE) exist across all European countries, yet the driving determinants of these differences are not completely known. We calculated the impact on educational inequalities in DFLE of equalizing the distribution of eight risk factors for mortality and disability using register-based mortality data and survey data from 15 European countries for individuals between 35 and 80 years old. From the selected risk factors, the ones that contribute the most to the educational inequalities in DFLE are low income, high body-weight, smoking (for men), and manual occupation of the father. Potentially large reductions in inequalities can be achieved in Eastern European countries, where educational inequalities in DFLE are also the largest.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) poses a worldwide challenge due to the growing incidence and its potentially life-threatening course and complications. Specific targeted therapies are not available, prompting the identification of new pathways and novel therapeutic approaches. Flavonoids comprise several groups of biologically active compounds with wide-ranging effects. The flavone compound, tricetin (TCT), has not yet been investigated in detail but sporadic reports indicate diverse biological activities. In the current study, we evaluated the potential protective effects of TCT in AP. TCT (30 μM) protected isolated primary murine acinar cells from the cytotoxic effects of cerulein, a cholecystokinin analog peptide. The protective effects of TCT were observed in a general viability assay (calcein ester hydrolysis), in an apoptosis assay (caspase activity), and in necrosis assays (propidium iodide uptake and lactate dehydrogenase release). The effects of TCT were not related to its potential antioxidant effects, as TCT did not protect against H2O2-induced acinar cell death despite possessing radical scavenging activity. Cerulein-induced expression of IL1β, IL6, and matrix metalloproteinase 2 and activation of nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) were reduced by 30 μM TCT. In vivo experiments confirmed the protective effect of TCT in a mouse model of cerulein-induced AP. TCT suppressed edema formation and apoptosis in the pancreas and reduced lipase and amylase levels in the serum. Moreover, TCT inhibited interleukin-1β (IL1β), interleukin-6 (IL6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) expression in the pancreas and reduced the activation of the oxidative DNA damage sensor enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1). Our data indicate that TCT can be a potential treatment option for AP.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has widespread effects on adipocyte development. However, the molecular mechanisms of EGCG are not fully understood. We investigate the adipogenic differentiation of human-derived mesenchymal stem cells, including lipid deposition and changes in the expression and phosphorylation of key transcription factors, myosin, protein phosphatase-2A (PP2A), and myosin phosphatase (MP). On day 6 of adipogenic differentiation, EGCG (1–20 µM) suppressed lipid droplet formation, which was counteracted by an EGCG-binding peptide for the 67 kDa laminin receptor (67LR), suggesting that EGCG acts via 67LR. EGCG decreased the phosphorylation of CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein beta via the activation of PP2A in a protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent manner, leading to the partial suppression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and adiponectin expression. Differentiated cells exhibited a rounded shape, cortical actin filaments, and lipid accumulation. The EGCG treatment induced cell elongation, stress fiber formation, and less lipid accumulation. These effects were accompanied by the degradation of the MP target subunit-1 and increased the phosphorylation of the 20 kDa myosin light chain. Our results suggest that EGCG acts as an agonist of 67LR to inhibit adipogenesis via the activation of PP2A and suppression of MP. These events are coupled with the decreased phosphorylation and expression levels of adipogenic transcription factors and changes in cell shape, culminating in curtailed adipogenesis.

Redox regulation has been proposed to control various aspects of carcinogenesis, cancer cell growth, metabolism, migration, invasion, metastasis and cancer vascularization. As cancer has many faces, the role of redox control in different cancers and in the numerous cancer-related processes often point in different directions. In this review, we focus on the redox control mechanisms of tumor cell destruction. The review covers the tumor-intrinsic role of oxidants derived from the reduction of oxygen and nitrogen in the control of tumor cell proliferation as well as the roles of oxidants and antioxidant systems in cancer cell death caused by traditional anticancer weapons (chemotherapeutic agents, radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy). Emphasis is also put on the role of oxidants and redox status in the outcome following interactions between cancer cells, cytotoxic lymphocytes and tumor infiltrating macrophages. Keywords: Cancer, Redox regulation, Natural killer cells, Cytotoxic lymphocytes, Chemotherapeutics, Free radicals, Antioxidants

The facultative chemolithoautotroph Cupriavidus necator H16 is able to grow aerobically either with organic substrates or H2 and CO2 s and it can accumulate large amounts of (up to 90%) poly (3-hydroxybutyrate), a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymer. The ability of this organism to co-utilize volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and CO2 as sources of carbon under mixotrophic growth conditions was investigated and PHA production was monitored. PHA accumulation was assessed under aerobic conditions, with either individual VFAs or in mixtures, under three different conditions—with CO2 as additional carbon source, without CO2 and with CO2 and H2 as additional sources of carbon and energy. VFAs utilisation rates were slower in the presence of CO2. PHA production was significantly higher when cultures were grown mixotrophically and with H2 as an additional energy source compared to heterotrophic or mixotrophic growth conditions, without H2. Furthermore, a two-step VFA feeding regime was found to be the most effective method for PHA accumulation. It was used for PHA production mixotrophically using CO2, H2 and VFA mixture derived from an anaerobic digestor (AD). The data obtained demonstrated that process parameters need to be carefully monitored to avoid VFA toxicity and low product accumulation.

Summary: Background: Socioeconomic inequalities in longevity have been found in all European countries. We aimed to assess which determinants make the largest contribution to these inequalities. Methods: We did an international comparative study of inequalities in risk factors for shorter life expectancy in Europe. We collected register-based mortality data and survey-based risk factor data from 15 European countries. We calculated partial life expectancies between the ages of 35 years and 80 years by education and gender and determined the effect on mortality of changing the prevalence of eight risk factors—father with a manual occupation, low income, few social contacts, smoking, high alcohol consumption, high bodyweight, low physical exercise, and low fruit and vegetable consumption—among people with a low level of education to that among people with a high level of education (upward levelling scenario), using population attributable fractions. Findings: In all countries, a substantial gap existed in partial life expectancy between people with low and high levels of education, of 2·3–8·2 years among men and 0·6–4·5 years among women. The risk factors contributing most to the gap in life expectancy were smoking (19·8% among men and 18·9% among women), low income (9·7% and 13·4%), and high bodyweight (7·7% and 11·7%), but large differences existed between countries in the contribution of risk factors. Sensitivity analyses using the prevalence of risk factors in the most favourable country (best practice scenario) showed that the potential for reducing the gap might be considerably smaller. The results were also sensitive to varying assumptions about the mortality risks associated with each risk factor. Interpretation: Smoking, low income, and high bodyweight are quantitatively important entry points for policies to reduce educational inequalities in life expectancy in most European countries, but priorities differ between countries. A substantial reduction of inequalities in life expectancy requires policy actions on a broad range of health determinants. Funding: European Commission and Network for Studies on Pensions, Aging, and Retirement.

Macrophages are highly plastic cells of the innate immune system. Macrophages play central roles in immunity against microbes and contribute to a wide array of pathologies. The processes of macrophage activation and their functions have attracted considerable attention from life scientists. Although macrophages are highly resistant to many toxic stimuli, including oxidative stress, macrophage death has been reported in certain diseases, such as viral infections, tuberculosis, atherosclerotic plaque development, inflammation, and sepsis. While most studies on macrophage death focused on apoptosis, a significant body of data indicates that programmed necrotic cell death forms may be equally important modes of macrophage death. Three such regulated necrotic cell death modalities in macrophages contribute to different pathologies, including necroptosis, pyroptosis, and parthanatos. Various reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and peroxynitrite have been shown to act as triggers, mediators, or modulators in regulated necrotic cell death pathways. Here we discuss recent advances in necroptosis, pyroptosis, and parthanatos, with a strong focus on the role of redox homeostasis in the regulation of these events. Keywords: Cell death, Macrophage, Regulated necrosis, Pyroptosis, Necroptosis, Parthanatos, Redox, Pathogens, Myeloid cells

Purpose: Diabetes is accompanied by fundamental rearrangements in redox homeostasis. Hyperglycemia triggers the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species which contributes to tissue damage in various target organs. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is a common manifestation of diabetic complications but information on the possible role of reactive intermediates in this condition with special regard to the involvement of the vitreous in PDR-associated redox alterations is scarce. The aim of the study was to determine key parameters of redox homeostasis [advanced glycation endproducts (AGE); protein carbonyl and glutathione (GSH)] content in the vitreous in PDR patients. Methods: The study population involved 10 diabetic patients undergoing surgery for complications of proliferative diabetic retinopathy and 8 control (non-diabetic) patients who were undergoing surgery for epiretinal membranes. Vitreal fluids were assayed for the above biochemical parameters. Results: We found elevated levels of AGE in the vitreous of PDR patients (812.10 vs 491.69 ng AGE/mg protein). Extent of protein carbonylation was also higher in the samples of diabetic patients (2.08 vs 0.67 A/100 μg protein). The GSH content also increased in the vitreous of PDR patients as compared to the control group (4.54 vs 2.35 μmol/μg protein), respectively. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that diabetes-associated redox alterations also reach the vitreous with the most prominent changes being increased protein carbonylation and increased antioxidant levels.

In this work we present the results obtained with an artificial neural network (ANN) which we trained to predict the expected output of high-order harmonic generation (HHG) process, while exploring a multi-dimensional parameter space. We argue on the utility and efficiency of the ANN model and demonstrate its ability to predict the outcome of HHG simulations. In this case study we present the results for a loose focusing HHG beamline, where the changing parameters are: the laser pulse energy, gas pressure, gas cell position relative to focus and medium length. The physical quantity which we predict here using ANN is directly related to the total harmonic yield in a specified spectral domain (20⁻40 eV). We discuss the versatility and adaptability of the presented method.

BackgroundSocioeconomic inequalities in alcohol-related mortality have been documented in several European countries, but it is unknown whether the magnitude of these inequalities differs between countries and whether these inequalities increase or decrease over time.Methods and findingsWe collected and harmonized data on mortality from four alcohol-related causes (alcoholic psychosis, dependence, and abuse; alcoholic cardiomyopathy; alcoholic liver cirrhosis; and accidental poisoning by alcohol) by age, sex, education level, and occupational class in 20 European populations from 17 different countries, both for a recent period and for previous points in time, using data from mortality registers. Mortality was age-standardized using the European Standard Population, and measures for both relative and absolute inequality between low and high socioeconomic groups (as measured by educational level and occupational class) were calculated. Rates of alcohol-related mortality are higher in lower educational and occupational groups in all countries. Both relative and absolute inequalities are largest in Eastern Europe, and Finland and Denmark also have very large absolute inequalities in alcohol-related mortality. For example, for educational inequality among Finnish men, the relative index of inequality is 3.6 (95% CI 3.3-4.0) and the slope index of inequality is 112.5 (95% CI 106.2-118.8) deaths per 100,000 person-years. Over time, the relative inequality in alcohol-related mortality has increased in many countries, but the main change is a strong rise of absolute inequality in several countries in Eastern Europe (Hungary, Lithuania, Estonia) and Northern Europe (Finland, Denmark) because of a rapid rise in alcohol-related mortality in lower socioeconomic groups. In some of these countries, alcohol-related causes now account for 10% or more of the socioeconomic inequality in total mortality. Because our study relies on routinely collected underlying causes of death, it is likely that our results underestimate the true extent of the problem.ConclusionsAlcohol-related conditions play an important role in generating inequalities in total mortality in many European countries. Countering increases in alcohol-related mortality in lower socioeconomic groups is essential for reducing inequalities in mortality. Studies of why such increases have not occurred in countries like France, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy can help in developing evidence-based policies in other European countries.

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This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the development of singing ability among primary school children in grades 1, 3, 5, and 7. The sample included 476 children enrolled in general music education. In this research, distinct subtests were employed for assessing pitch matching (interval reproduction and single pitch reproduction) and singing melodies (phrase-singing and song-singing). The overall development of singing ability was measured by using a composite indicator, called ÉKÖM (Singing Ability). Voice quality was also evaluated as a separate variable, with a newly developed measurement tool, that demonstrated strong reliability. Results showed a significant, moderate improvement in ÉKÖM between the first and third grades. However, no further progress was observed in fifth grade, and the singing ability of seventh graders was not significantly different from that of first graders. Additionally, notable advancements were observed in singing ability between grades 1 and 3. Development rates varied by gender, with girls generally demonstrating more advanced singing abilities than boys, except in third grade. However, three specific skills-interval reproduction, songsinging, and voice quality-did not show any developmental changes during schooling. These findings suggest that the objectives outlined in the National Core Curriculum concerning the role and development of singing in general music education, especially in middle school years, are not fully achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]