What Is Hiding in the Israeli Mediterranean Seawater and Beach Sand.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the presence of fungi that may affect human health in sand and water on Israeli Mediterranean Sea coast beaches. METHODS: The study included screening of the sand and water of six urban beaches from north to south on the Israeli Mediterranean coast. Sand samples were extracted with water, and the water wash was cultured and quantitated. Water samples were quantitated as well. MALDI-TOF MS analysis and ITS sequencing identified the fungi. RESULTS: The study considered several parameters: 1. Presence of fecal-contamination-related fungi; 2. Presence of dermal-infection-related fungi. 3. Presence of allergy-related fungi; 4. Presence of fungi posing risk for immunocompromised individuals. The screen revealed that about 80% of the isolates were molds and about 20% yeasts. The mold species included opportunistic pathogens and potential allergens: Aspergillus fumigatus and other Aspergillus species, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Mucorales species. Yeast isolates included Candida-including the human commensals Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis-Cryptococcus, and Rhodotorula species. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that beaches should be monitored for fungi for safer use, better management, and the benefit of public health.

Metabolic causes and consequences of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multifactorial metabolic disorder that was first described in 1980. It has been prevalent and on the rise for many years and is associated with other metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). NAFLD can be best described as a metabolic dysfunction that stems from insulin resistance-induced hepatic lipogenesis. This lipogenesis increases oxidative stress and hepatic inflammation and is often potentiated by genetic and gut microbiome dysfunction. As NAFLD progresses from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the odds of complications including cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and overall mortality increase. The aim of this review is to describe the metabolic causes and consequences of NAFLD while examining the risks that each stage of NAFLD poses. In this review, the etiology of "lean" NAFLD, the impact of obesity, T2DM, genetics, and microbiome dysbiosis on NAFLD progression are all explored. This review will also discuss the core issue behind the progression of NAFLD: insulin resistance (IR). Upon describing the causes and consequences of NAFLD, the effectiveness of diet modification, lifestyle changes, and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1) agonists to retard NAFLD progression and stem the rate of complications is examined.

[The RCEP and Its Relevance to the EU]. / Das RCEP-Abkommen und dessen Bedeutung für die EU.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a multilateral free trade agreement (FTA) between the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and five Asia-Pacific countries, with which ASEAN has existing FTAs in the Asia-Pacific region. It was initiated with the aim to broaden and deepen regional trade and investment among the signatories. The agreement was finalised and signed in November 2020. It is now the largest free trade agreement in the world. The article examines the expected effects and their implications for the EU. It also outlines strategic ways in which the EU could respond to this new agreement.

Fungi in sands of Mediterranean Sea beaches of Israel-Potential relevance to human health and well-being.

BACKGROUND: Sand of sea harbour bacteria that may cause enteric and other infections in humans, and are controlled by regulatory measures. Data on fungi in sea sand are scarce. Thus, an international group of mycologists was formed to explore fungal flora in sand of various waterbodies. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to explore fungal sand contamination in beaches of the Israeli Mediterranean Sea Coast, regarding possible impact on human health in three aspects: (a) faecal contamination, as judged by presence of the human enteric fungi; (b) contamination by fungi, causing dermal infections; (c) and the presence of moulds, causing respiratory allergies and pose a risk for infection in immunocompromised individuals. METHODS: The study included sand screen of six urban beaches from north to south of the Israeli Mediterranean Coast. Sand samples were extracted by water, and the water wash was cultured and quantitated. The fungi were identified phenotypically, by MALDI-TOF MS system and ITS sequencing. RESULTS: The screen revealed that about 80% of the isolates were moulds and about 20% yeasts. The mould species included opportunistic pathogens and potential allergens: Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium and Mucorales species. Yeast isolates included Candida, Cryptococcus and Rhodotorula species. CONCLUSIONS: (a) Fungi are contaminating Israeli Mediterranean sand beaches; (b) the contaminating fungi include various yeast and mould species; (c) some of the yeasts and mould species found in sand are known opportunistic pathogens, or respiratory allergens; (d) the data could serve as basis for initiating regulatory measures to control fungal contamination of sand for the benefit of public health.

Thermodynamic Properties of Organic Substances: Experiment, Modeling, and Technological Applications.

In this review, results of the studies of thermodynamic properties of organic substances conducted at the Chemistry Department of the Belarusian State University (Minsk, Belarus) over a period of more than 50 years are summarized. Emphasis is made on precise measurements (both calorimetry and equilibria) and prediction methods, including group-contribution, quantum chemical, and statistical mechanical, for a broad range of thermodynamic properties of various classes of chemical substances. The principal purposes of these studies were to establish relationships between thermodynamic properties of organic substances and their molecular structure, develop methods of extrapolation and prediction of the properties of substances lacking experimental data, and provide thermodynamic background for innovative energy- and resource-saving technologies.

Experimental in Vivo Models of Candidiasis.

Candidiasis is a multifaceted fungal disease including mucosal-cutaneous, visceral, and disseminated infections caused by yeast species of the genus Candida. Candida infections are among the most common human mycoses. Candida species are the third to fourth most common isolates from bloodstream infections in neutropenic or immunocompromised hospitalized patients. The mucosal-cutaneous forms-particularly vaginal infections-have a high prevalence. Vaginitis caused by Candida species is the second most common vaginal infection. Hence, candidiasis is a major subject for research, including experimental in vivo models to study pathogenesis, prevention, or therapy of the disease. The following review article will focus on various experimental in vivo models in different laboratory animals, such as mammals (mice, rats, rabbits), the fruit fly-Drosophila melanogaster, the larvae of the moth Galleria mellonella, or the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The review will describe the induction of the different clinical forms of candidiasis in the various models and the validity of such models in mimicking the human clinical situations. The use of such models for the assessment of antifungal drugs, evaluation of potential vaccines to protect before candidiasis, exploration of Candida virulence factors, and comparison of pathogenicity of different Candida species will be included in the review. All of the above will be reported as based on published studies of numerous investigators as well as on the research of the author and his group.

Phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of Candida albicans isolates from bloodstream and mucosal infections.

The interaction of Candida albicans with the host is of a complex nature involving fungal factors and host's response. In this study, we concentrated on the phenotypic expression of virulence attributes and genotypic characteristics of C. albicans isolates from two distinct clinical entities of candidiasis-blood stream and vaginal infections, and the possible role of these factors. Hence, we conducted a comparative in vitro assessment of virulence characteristics, including adhesion to epithelial cells and HaCat cell line, biofilm formation, aspartic proteinases and phospholipase activity of 20 C. albicans isolates from patients with C. albicans bloodstream infection and 22 isolates from patients with C. albicans vaginitis. Further, we studied the epigenetic phenotypic switching of the strains and their ploidy, by flow cytometry and CHEF techniques. These studies indicated that although no overall differentiation between the isolates of the two groups (bloodstream infection and vaginitis) could be demonstrated, several characteristics were more specific to one of the groups than the other. While the strains from vaginal infection had higher capacity to adhere, the strains from patients with bloodstream infection had higher activity of phospholipase. Differences were also noted in phenotypic switching, with the strains from bloodstream infection revealing primarily the "white" type colonies, known to be more virulent, and had higher DNA content. This study is unique considering the concurrent comparison of isolates from different clinical entities, at the phenotypic and genotypic level.

Onychomycosis in Israel: epidemiological aspects.

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection treated orally for prolonged periods of treatment, caused primarily by Dermatophytes, Candida species and non-dermatophyte moulds (NDMs). The prevalence of specific aetiology may differ in dependence of environmental, geographic and demographic factors, and may affect management of the infection. The objective of this survey was to analyse epidemiologic parameters of onychomycosis in Israel. Data of a cohort of 27,093 patients were collected from six centres during a 2- and 10-year period. The diagnosis was based on microscopy of KOH/calcofluor mounts of nail scrapings and culture isolation. A positive result indicates isolation of a fungus in culture. Data were analysed for each centre and expressed as range for the whole cohort, using the spss v18 software. Analysis included three epidemiologic parameters: fungal aetiology in toe- and fingernails; association with gender; association with age group. Dermatophytes were the major causative agents and Trichophyton rubrum the most frequent isolate. Candida species were more frequent in women fingernails; frequency increased with age and C. parapsilosis the most frequent species. NDMs were isolated at low rate and Aspergillus terreus was the most frequent isolate. This is a first large cohort of onychomycosis patients from Israel analysed by defined epidemiological parameters.

Dermatophyte infections in environmental contexts.

Fungal dermal diseases caused by the molds of the Dermatophyte family are among the most frequent infectious diseases affecting quality of life. There are 3 attributed sources of infection by Dermatophytes:1) humans; 2) animals and 3) soil. Dermatophytes posses the ability to utilize keratin from human and animal tissues, or debris from dead animal sources found in soil, such as feathers, skin or nails. Hence, Dermatophytes are abundant in different ecological niches. All 3 groups can infect humans, causing dermatophytoses manifested in different clinical entities involving skin, hair or nails. The mode of infection of the Dermatophytes is via direct or indirect contact. Dermatophytes are found universally, however the relative prevalence of dermatophytoses caused by different Dermatophytes may vary in different geographic areas according to climatic conditions or lifestyle. Thus, studies in different geographic areas assessing the specific fungal etiology involved are of epidemiological relevance serving as baseline information for management of dermatophytoses at the local level. The present article will focus, mostly, on epidemiological data from published surveys conducted in different geographic/climatic areas analyzing the prevalence of specific Dermatophyte species in regard to gender, age, type of infection in context of environmental factors.

ThermoData Engine (TDE): software implementation of the dynamic data evaluation concept. 9. Extensible thermodynamic constraints for pure compounds and new model developments.

ThermoData Engine (TDE) is the first full-scale software implementation of the dynamic data evaluation concept, as reported in this journal. The present article describes the background and implementation for new additions in latest release of TDE. Advances are in the areas of program architecture and quality improvement for automatic property evaluations, particularly for pure compounds. It is shown that selection of appropriate program architecture supports improvement of the quality of the on-demand property evaluations through application of a readily extensible collection of constraints. The basis and implementation for other enhancements to TDE are described briefly. Other enhancements include the following: (1) implementation of model-validity enforcement for specific equations that can provide unphysical results if unconstrained, (2) newly refined group-contribution parameters for estimation of enthalpies of formation for pure compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, (3) implementation of an enhanced group-contribution method (NIST-Modified UNIFAC) in TDE for improved estimation of phase-equilibrium properties for binary mixtures, (4) tools for mutual validation of ideal-gas properties derived through statistical calculations and those derived independently through combination of experimental thermodynamic results, (5) improvements in program reliability and function that stem directly from the recent redesign of the TRC-SOURCE Data Archival System for experimental property values, and (6) implementation of the Peng-Robinson equation of state for binary mixtures, which allows for critical evaluation of mixtures involving supercritical components. Planned future developments are summarized.

ThermoData Engine (TDE): software implementation of the dynamic data evaluation concept. 8. Properties of material streams and solvent design.

ThermoData Engine (TDE) is the first full-scale software implementation of the dynamic data evaluation concept, as reported in this journal. The present paper describes the first application of this concept to the evaluation of thermophysical properties for material streams involving any number of chemical components with assessment of uncertainties. The method involves construction of Redlich-Kister type equations for individual properties (excess volume, thermal conductivity, viscosity, surface tension, and excess enthalpy) and activity-coefficient models for phase equilibrium properties (vapor-liquid equilibrium). Multicomponent models are based on those for the pure-components and all binary subsystems evaluated on demand through the TDE software algorithms. Models are described in detail, and extensions to the class structure of the program are provided. Novel program features, such as ready identification of key measurements for subsystems that can reduce the combined uncertainty for a particular stream property, are described. In addition, new product-design features are described for selection of solvents for optimized crystal dissolution, separation of binary crystal mixtures, and solute extraction from a single-component solvent. Planned future developments are summarized.

The structure of anthracycline derivatives determines their subcellular localization and cytotoxic activity.

The cytotoxic activities and subcellular localizations of clinically used and synthetic analogues of the anthracycline family of chemotherapeutic agents were studied. The structures of the anthracycline derivatives affected their cytotoxicity and the time required for these compounds to exert cytotoxic effects on tumor cells. Fluorescent DNA intercalator displacement experiments demonstrated that there was no correlation between the DNA intercalation properties and the cytotoxicity of the studied anthracycline derivatives. Confocal microscopy experiments indicated that structural differences led to differences in subcellular localization. All studied anthracycline derivatives were observed in lysosomes, suggesting that this organelle, which is involved in several processes leading to malignancy, may contain previously unidentified molecular targets for these antitumor agents.

ThermoData Engine (TDE) software implementation of the dynamic data evaluation concept. 7. Ternary mixtures.

ThermoData Engine (TDE) is the first full-scale software implementation of the dynamic data evaluation concept, as reported in this journal. The present paper describes the first application of this concept to the evaluation of thermophysical properties for ternary chemical systems. The method involves construction of Redlich-Kister type equations for individual properties (excess volume, thermal conductivity, viscosity, surface tension, and excess enthalpy) and activity coefficient models for phase equilibrium properties (vapor-liquid and liquid-liquid equilibrium). Constructed ternary models are based on those for the three pure component and three binary subsystems evaluated on demand through the TDE software algorithms. All models are described in detail, and extensions to the class structure of the program are provided. Reliable evaluation of properties for the binary subsystems is essential for successful property evaluations for ternary systems, and algorithms are described to aid appropriate parameter selection and fitting for the implemented activity coefficient models (NRTL, Wilson, Van Laar, Redlich-Kister, and UNIQUAC). Two activity coefficient models based on group contributions (original UNIFAC and NIST-KT-UNIFAC) are also implemented. Novel features of the user interface are shown, and directions for future enhancements are outlined.

ThermoData Engine (TDE): software implementation of the dynamic data evaluation concept. 6. Dynamic web-based data dissemination through the NIST Web Thermo Tables.

ThermoData Engine (TDE) is the first full-scale software implementation of the dynamic data evaluation concept, as reported recently in this journal. In the present paper, we describe the development of a World Wide Web-based interface to TDE evaluations of pure compound properties, including critical properties, phase boundary equilibria (vapor pressures, sublimation pressures, and crystal-liquid boundary pressures), densities, energetic properties, and transport properties. This includes development of a system for caching evaluation results to maintain high availability and an advanced window-in-window interface that leverages modern Web-browser technologies. Challenges associated with bringing the principal advantages of the TDE technology to the Web are described, as are compromises to maintain general access and speed of interaction while remaining true to the tenets of dynamic data evaluation. Future extensions of the interface and associated Web-services are outlined.

Targeting anthracycline-resistant tumor cells with synthetic aloe-emodin glycosides.

The cytotoxic activity of aloe-emodin (AE), a natural anthranoid that readily permeates anthracycline-resistant tumor cells, was improved by the attachment of an amino-sugar unit to its anthraquinone core. The new class of AE glycosides (AEGs) showed a significant improvement in cytotoxicity-up to more than 2 orders of magnitude greater than those of AE and the clinically used anthracycline doxorubicin (DOX)-against several cancer cell lines with different levels of DOX resistance. Incubation with the synthetic AEGs induced cell death in less than one cell cycle, indicating that these compounds do not directly target the cell division mechanism. Confocal microscopy provided evidence that unlike DOX, AEGs accumulated in anthracycline-resistant tumor cells in which resistance is conferred by P-glycoprotein efflux pumps. The results of this study demonstrate that AEGs may serve as a promising scaffold for the development of cytotoxic agents capable of overcoming anthracycline resistance in tumor cells.

ThermoData Engine (TDE): software implementation of the dynamic data evaluation concept. 5. Experiment planning and product design.

ThermoData Engine (TDE) is the first full-scale software implementation of the dynamic data evaluation concept, as reported recently in this journal. In the present paper, we describe development of an algorithmic approach to assist experiment planning through assessment of the existing body of knowledge, including availability of experimental thermophysical property data, variable ranges studied, associated uncertainties, state of prediction methods, and parameters for deployment of prediction methods and how these parameters can be obtained using targeted measurements, etc., and, indeed, how the intended measurement may address the underlying scientific or engineering problem under consideration. A second new feature described here is the application of the software capabilities for aid in the design of chemical products through identification of chemical systems possessing desired values of thermophysical properties within defined ranges of tolerance. The algorithms and their software implementation to achieve this are described. Finally, implementation of a new data validation and weighting system is described for vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) data, and directions for future enhancements are outlined.

Thermochemistry of imidazolium-based ionic liquids: experiment and first-principles calculations.

In this work the molar enthalpy of formation of the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanoamide in the gaseous phase [C(2)MIM][N(CN)(2)] was measured by means of combustion calorimetry and enthalpy of vaporization using transpiration. Available, but scarce, primary experimental results on enthalpies of formation of imidazolium based ionic liquids with the cation [C(n)MIM] (where n = 2 and 4) and anions [N(CN)(2)], [NO(3)] and [NTf(2)] were collected and checked for consistency using a group additivity procedure. First-principles calculations of the enthalpies of formation in the gaseous phase for the ionic liquids with the common cation [C(n)MIM] (where n = 2 and 4) and with the anions [N(CN)(2)], [NO(3)], [NTf(2)], [Cl], [BF(4)] and [PF(6)] have been performed using the G3MP2 theory. It has been established that the gaseous phase enthalpies of formation of these ionic liquids obey the group additivity rules.

ThermoData engine (TDE): software implementation of the dynamic data evaluation concept. 4. Chemical reactions.

ThermoData Engine (TDE) is the first full-scale software implementation of the dynamic data evaluation concept, as reported recently in this journal. This paper describes the first application of this concept to the evaluation of thermodynamic properties for chemical reactions. Reaction properties evaluated are the enthalpies, entropies, Gibbs energies, and thermodynamic equilibrium constants. Details of key considerations in the critical evaluation of enthalpies of formation and of standard entropies for organic compounds are discussed in relation to their application in the calculation of reaction properties. Extensions to the class structure of the program are described that allow close linkage between the derived reaction properties and the underlying pure-component properties. Derivation of pure-component enthalpies of formation and of standard entropies through the use of directly measured reaction properties (enthalpies of reaction and equilibrium constants) is described. Directions for future enhancements are outlined.

ThermoData Engine (TDE): software implementation of the dynamic data evaluation concept. 3. Binary mixtures.

ThermoData Engine (TDE) is the first full-scale software implementation of the dynamic data evaluation concept, as reported recently in this journal. The present paper describes the first application of this concept to the evaluation of thermophysical properties for binary chemical systems. Five activity-coefficient models have been implemented for representation of phase-equilibrium data (vapor-liquid, liquid-liquid, and solid-liquid equilibrium): NRTL, UNIQUAC, Van Laar, Margules/Redlich-Kister, and Wilson. Implementation of these models in TDE is fully described. Properties modeled individually are densities, surface tensions, critical temperatures, critical pressures, excess enthalpies, and the transport properties-viscosity and thermal conductivity. Extensions to the class structure of the program are described with emphasis on special features allowing close linkage between mixture and pure-component properties required for implementation of the models. Details of gas-phase models used in conjunction with the activity-coefficient models are shown. Initial implementation of the dynamic data evaluation concept for reactions is demonstrated with evaluation of enthalpies of formation for compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Directions for future enhancements are outlined.

Web Thermo Tables - an On-Line Version of the TRC Thermodynamic Tables.

It has long been understood that availability of thermophysical and thermochemical property data is vital to scientific research and industrial design. For over 65 years, the Thermodynamics Research Center (TRC) has been publishing tables of critically evaluated data covering physical and thermodynamic properties of pure compounds, TRC Tables-Hydrocarbons and TRC Tables-Non-Hydrocarbons. Over their long history, the TRC Tables have always been valued as a reputable source of evaluated thermophysical and thermodynamic data. To facilitate more flexible, convenient, and up-to-date access to the data, here, we present the release of the on-line version of the TRC tables, Web Thermo Tables (WTT). Presently, WTT contains data for 7838 compounds and over 950,000 evaluated data points. The tabulated information includes critical properties, vapor pressures and boiling temperatures, phase transition properties, volumetric properties, heat capacities and derived properties, transport properties, reaction state-change properties, as well as index of refraction, surface tension, and speed of sound. Various search options and data plotting capabilities are provided via the Web interface. WTT are distributed through the NIST Standard Reference Data Program [1].