Pyrolysis of End-Of-Life Tires: Moving from a Pilot Prototype to a Semi-Industrial Plant Using Auger Technology.

This work, carried out within the framework of the BlackCycle project, demonstrates the robustness of an auger reactor for the pyrolysis of end-of-life tires (ELTs) to be considered within the seventh level of technology readiness (TRL-7). For this purpose, the resulting pyrolysis products are compared with those obtained from a pilot scale facility ranging within the fifth technology readiness level (TRL-5). Using the same type of ELTs, tire trucks (TTs), operating conditions used at the TRL-5 plant are attempted to mimic those expected at a semi-industrial plant: tailored temperature profile (450, 550, and 775 °C) and residence time for vapors (30 s) and solids (15 min). The feed mass rate is 4 and 400 kg/h for the pilot and semi-industrial plants, respectively. The yields of tire pyrolysis oil (TPO), tire pyrolysis gas (TPG), and raw recovered carbon black (RRCB) from both plants, as well as their key properties and characteristics, are in good agreement with each other. The TPO produced by both plants contains comparable concentrations of value-added chemicals such as benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, and limonene. There is also a very similar pattern between the simulated distillation curves. The TPG obtained from both plants is also very rich in H2 and CH4 and has a lower calorific value of 52-54 MJ/Nm3 (N2 free basis). Although the RRCBs produced by the two plants are more demanding and require more labor, they do have a number of comparable characteristics. All this information demonstrates not only the reliability of the experimental campaigns to scale up the pyrolysis process but also the robustness of the semi-industrial scale plant based on the auger technology to be classified at TRL-7.

Spanish catheter ablation registry. 23rd official report of the Heart Rhythm Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (2023).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: We report the results of the 2023 Spanish catheter ablation registry. METHODS: Procedural data were collected and incorporated into the REDCap platform by all participating centers through a specific form. RESULTS: There were 104 participating centers in 2023 compared with 103 in 2022. In 2023, the total number of ablation procedures was 26 207, indicating a stabilization of the increase observed in 2022 following the pandemic. The increase was mainly due to procedures for atrial fibrillation (AF), with a total of 9942 ablations, representing 38% of all substrates. Notably, pulse-field ablation represented 10.3% of all AF ablation procedures, leading single-shot ablation strategies to outnumber point-by-point AF ablation for the first time in the history of the registry. Cavotricuspid isthmus ablation remained the second most targeted substrate (19% of all substrates, n=5067). The overall acute success rate remained high (97%), with a downward trend in the complication rate (1.6% vs 1.8% in 2022) and mortality rate (0.03%; n=7). Compared with 2022, there was a significant increase in procedures performed using electro-anatomical mapping and zero-fluoroscopy techniques for cavotricuspid isthmus ablation (52% vs 26%), AV node re-entrant tachycardia (48% vs 34%), and accessory pathways (62% vs 22%). We registered 466 ablations in pediatric patients. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate a stabilization in the post-pandemic increase in ablation procedures, with an absolute and relative increase in AF as the predominant substrate. Success rates remained stable with a modest reduction in complication and mortality rates.

A model of long-term population growth with an application to Central West Argentina.

We propose an Ideal Specialization Model to help explain the diversity of population growth trajectories exhibited across archaeological regions over thousands of years. The model provides a general set of expectations useful for guiding empirical research, and we provide a concrete example by conducting a preliminary evaluation of three expectations in Central West Argentina. We use kernel density estimates of archaeological radiocarbon, estimates of paleoclimate, and human bone stable isotopes from archaeological remains to evaluate three expectations drawn from the model's dynamics. Based on our results, we suggest that innovations in the production of food and social organization drove demographic transitions and population expansion in the region. The consistency of population expansion in the region positively associates with changes in diet and, potentially, innovations in settlement and social integration.

Ultrasound-guided procedures for plantar fasciitis: a randomized clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroid injections are commonly used for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. In recent years, ultrasound-guided multipuncture treatment of the fascia has been described in the literature. Our study aimed to compare the effectiveness of these two techniques in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. METHODS: The outcomes achieved over 120 days following the use of these techniques to treat plantar fasciitis were examined. A total of 81 patients were randomly selected for the study; 41 were treated with ultrasound-guided multipuncture and 40 with ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection. Clinical examinations and ultrasound assessments were performed before treatment and at 30, 60 and 120 days post-treatment. Clinical assessments included the use of a visual analog scale (VAS) to record pain and the Foot Function Index (FFI) to evaluate function. Ultrasound was used to measure the thickness of the plantar fascia. RESULTS: Both the ultrasound-guided multipuncture and corticosteroid injection techniques were associated with significant functional and echographic improvements at 4 months post-treatment (P < 0.001). Pain did not improve significantly after 120 days with ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection, whereas significant pain reduction was observed with ultrasound-guided multipuncture. CONCLUSION: Corticosteroid injection provides better short-term results in terms of VAS pain and FFI scores. However, ultrasound-guided multipuncture shows superior outcomes in VAS pain and FFI scores at 120 days.

Food Environment and Its Effects on Human Nutrition and Health.

The concept of a healthy diet is not a static definition; over the years, it has been molded to scientific knowledge [...].

Decoding LINC00052 role in breast cancer by bioinformatic and experimental analyses.

LncRNA is a group of transcripts with a length exceeding 200 nucleotides that contribute to tumour development. Our research group found that LINC00052 expression was repressed during the formation of breast cancer (BC) multicellular spheroids. Intriguingly, LINC00052 precise role in BC remains uncertain. We explored LINC00052 expression in BC patients` RNA samples (TCGA) in silico, as well as in an in-house patient cohort, and inferred its cellular and molecular mechanisms. In vitro studies evaluated LINC00052 relevance in BC cells viability, cell cycle and DNA damage. Results. Bioinformatic RNAseq analysis of BC patients showed that LINC00052 is overexpressed in samples from all BC molecular subtypes. A similar LINC00052 expression pattern was observed in an in-house patient cohort. In addition, higher LINC00052 levels are related to better BC patient´s overall survival. Remarkably, MCF-7 and ZR-75-1 cells treated with estradiol showed increased LINC00052 expression compared to control, while these changes were not observed in MDA-MB-231 cells. In parallel, bioinformatic analyses indicated that LINC00052 influences DNA damage and cell cycle. MCF-7 cells with low LINC00052 levels exhibited increased cellular protection against DNA damage and diminished growth capacity. Furthermore, in cisplatin-resistant MCF-7 cells, LINC00052 expression was downregulated. Conclusion. This work shows that LINC00052 expression is associated with better BC patient survival. Remarkably, LINC00052 expression can be regulated by Estradiol. Additionally, assays suggest that LINC00052 could modulate MCF-7 cells growth and DNA damage repair. Overall, this study highlights the need for further research to unravel LINC00052 molecular mechanisms and potential clinical applications in BC.

Telomere Length is Associated with the Prevalence, Persistence, and Incidence of Sarcopenia.

BACKGROUND: Telomere length (TL) shortening has been identified as a marker of aging and associated with adverse health outcomes, but evidence of its association with sarcopenia is inconclusive. AIMS: Estimate the cross-sectional and prospective associations between TL and sarcopenia. METHODS: We used data from Waves 3 and 4 (2017, 2021) of the Study on Global Aging and Adult Health in Mexico (SAGE-Mexico). The cross-sectional sample consisted of 1,738 adults aged 50 and older, and the longitudinal sample consisted of 1,437. Relative TL was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) on DNA extracted from saliva samples and quantified as the telomere/single-copy gene (T/S) ratio. Sarcopenia was defined according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2). RESULTS: The mean salivary TL was 1.50 T/S units (95% CI: 1.49-1.52). The baseline prevalence of sarcopenia was 13.3% (95% CI: 9.8-16.8%). The incidence and persistence of sarcopenia were 6.8% (95% CI: 5.0-9.5%) and 7.0% (95% CI: 5.1-9.6%), respectively. The results showed that a one standard deviation decrease in TL was cross-sectionally associated with higher odds of sarcopenia (OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.03-1.67) and prospectively with a higher incidence (RRR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.06-2.25) and persistence (RRR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.01-2.24) of sarcopenia. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults with shorter TL had higher rates of incident and persistent sarcopenia. Implementation of interventions to delay the decline of TL in older adults is warranted. Further translational studies are needed to elucidate the effects of exercise or diet on DNA repair in the telomeric region and their associations with sarcopenia.

Clinical impact of remote heart failure management using the multiparameter ICD HeartLogic alert.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The multiparametric implantable cardioverter-defibrillator HeartLogic index has proven to be a sensitive and timely predictor of impending heart failure (HF) decompensation. We evaluated the impact of a standardized follow-up protocol implemented by nursing staff and based on remote management of alerts. METHODS: The algorithm was activated in HF patients at 19 Spanish centers. Transmitted data were analyzed remotely, and patients were contacted by telephone if alerts were issued. Clinical actions were implemented remotely or through outpatient visits. The primary endpoint consisted of HF hospitalizations or death. Secondary endpoints were HF outpatient visits. We compared the 12-month periods before and after the adoption of the protocol. RESULTS: We analyzed 392 patients (aged 69±10 years, 76% male, 50% ischemic cardiomyopathy) with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (20%) or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (80%). The primary endpoint occurred 151 times in 86 (22%) patients during the 12 months before the adoption of the protocol, and 69 times in 45 (11%) patients (P<.001) during the 12 months after its adoption. The mean number of hospitalizations per patient was 0.39±0.89 pre- and 0.18±0.57 postadoption (P<.001). There were 185 outpatient visits for HF in 96 (24%) patients before adoption and 64 in 48 (12%) patients after adoption (P<.001). The mean number of visits per patient was 0.47±1.11 pre- and 0.16±0.51 postadoption (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: A standardized follow-up protocol based on remote management of HeartLogic alerts enabled effective remote management of HF patients. After its adoption, we observed a significant reduction in HF hospitalizations and outpatient visits.

Distrés psicológico en estudiantes de enfermería: relación con tiempo de pantalla, dieta y actividad física / Psychological distress in nursing students: relationship with screen time, diet and physical activity / Sofrimento psicológico em estudantes de enfermagem: relação com tempo de tela, alimentação e atividade física

Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de síntomas de ansiedad y depresión, al igual que su asociación con el tiempo de pantalla, la dieta y la actividad física, en una cohorte de estudiantes de enfermería. Método: estudio descriptivo y transversal sobre una muestra de 648 estudiantes de enfermería. Se utilizaron la Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, la versión corta del International Physical Activity Questionnaire y el Índice de Alimentación Saludable español. Se llevaron a cabo diferentes modelos de regresión lineal múltiple para analizar la asociación entre los síntomas de ansiedad y depresión, y el tiempo de pantalla, la dieta y la actividad física. Resultados: la prevalencia de síntomas de ansiedad y depresión fue de 24,1% y 3,7%, respectivamente. El tiempo de pantalla prolongado (>6 horas por día), baja actividad física y dieta inadecuada se asociaron de manera independiente y significativa con una mayor sintomatología psicológica. Conclusión: la salud mental de los estudiantes de enfermería podría beneficiarse de implementarse iniciativas que promuevan estilos de vida saludables.

Objective: to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as their association with screen time, diet and physical activity, in a cohort comprised by nursing students. Method: a descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted with a sample of 648 Nursing students. The instruments used were the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Spanish Healthy Eating Index (Índice de Alimentación Saludable Español, IASE). Different multiple linear regression models were performed to analyze the association between anxiety/depression symptoms and screen time, diet and physical activity. Results: the prevalence values for anxiety and depression symptoms were 24.1% and 3.7%, respectively. Prolonged screen times (>6 hours a day), low levels of physical activity and inadequate diet were independently and significantly associated with deeper psychological symptoms. Conclusion: Nursing students' mental health might benefit from the implementation of initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles.

Objetivo: determinar a prevalência de sintomas de ansiedade e depressão e sua associação com tempo de tela, dieta e atividade física em uma coorte de estudantes de enfermagem. Método: estudo descritivo transversal com amostra de 648 estudantes de enfermagem. Utilizou-se a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, a versão curta do International Physical Activity Questionnaire e o Índice Espanhol de Alimentação Saudável. Foram realizados diferentes modelos de regressão linear múltipla para analisar a associação entre sintomas de ansiedade e depressão e tempo de tela, dieta e atividade física. Resultados: a prevalência de sintomas de ansiedade e depressão foi de 24,1% e 3,7%, respectivamente. O tempo prolongado de tela (>6 horas por dia), a baixa atividade física e a dieta inadequada foram associados de forma independente e significativa ao aumento da sintomatologia psicológica. Conclusão: a saúde mental dos estudantes de enfermagem pode ser beneficiada com a implementação de iniciativas que promovam estilos de vida saudáveis.

Actividad física durante el embarazo y su relación con la ganancia de peso gestacional / Physical activity during pregnancy and its relationship with gestational weight gain / Atividade física durante a gestação e sua relação com o ganho de peso gestacional

Objetivo: describir los patrones de actividad física de una cohorte de gestantes de nuestro medio y explorar su asociación con la ganancia de peso en cada uno de los trimestres del embarazo. Método: estudio descriptivo longitudinal sobre una muestra de 151 mujeres. Se utilizó el Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física para evaluar la actividad física durante el embarazo en función del volumen, intensidad y ámbito de realización. Se llevaron a cabo diferentes modelos de regresión lineal múltiple para analizar la asociación entre actividad física y ganancia de peso gestacional. Resultados: la actividad física disminuyó durante el embarazo, tanto en tiempo como en intensidad. El índice de masa corporal pre-gestacional fue el principal factor asociado con una menor ganancia de peso a lo largo de todo el embarazo. La influencia de la actividad física sobre la ganancia de peso gestacional se limitó al tercer trimestre del embarazo en el que se observó una asociación inversa entre ambas variables. Conclusión: los resultados de este estudio muestran un importante descenso de la actividad física en la época del embarazo y sugieren una influencia limitada de ésta sobre la ganancia de peso gestacional.

Objective: to describe the physical activity patterns of a cohort comprised by pregnant women from our environment and to explore its association with weight gain in each of the trimesters of pregnancy. Methods: a descriptive and longitudinal study conducted with a sample of 151 women. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess physical activity during pregnancy based on volume, intensity and setting where it is performed. Different multiple linear regression models were performed to analyze the association between physical activity and gestational weight gain Results: physical activity decreased during pregnancy, both in terms of time and intensity. Pre-gestational Body Mass Index was the main factor associated with lower weight gain throughout pregnancy. The influence of physical activity on gestational weight gain was limited to the third trimester of pregnancy, where an inverse association was observed between both variables. Conclusion: the results of this study show an important reduction in physical activity during pregnancy and suggest that it exerts a limited influence on gestational weight gain

Objetivo: descrever os padrões de atividade física de uma coorte de gestantes em nosso meio e explorar sua associação com o ganho de peso em cada um dos trimestres de gestação. Método: estudo descritivo longitudinal com uma amostra de 151 mulheres. O Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física foi utilizado para avaliar a atividade física durante a gestação de acordo com o volume, intensidade e escopo do desempenho. Diferentes modelos de regressão linear múltipla foram utilizados para analisar a associação entre atividade física e ganho de peso gestacional. Resultados: a atividade física diminuiu durante a gestação, tanto em tempo quanto em intensidade. O índice de massa corporal pré-gestacional foi o principal fator associado ao menor ganho de peso ao longo da gestação. A influência da atividade física no ganho de peso gestacional limitou-se ao terceiro trimestre de gestação, no qual foi observada associação inversa entre ambas as variáveis. Conclusão: os resultados deste estudo mostram uma diminuição significativa da atividade física no momento da gravidez e sugerem uma influência limitada desta no ganho de peso gestacional.

Foot Pain and Disability in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Relationship with Quality of Life.

The aim of this work was to investigate the relationship foot pain and foot disability have with HRQoL in groups of women with RA, SLE and EDS, in comparison with a control group. A cross-sectional study was carried out with females with one of these conditions and a control group. The SF-12 questionnaire was used to collect data about quality of life. The type of foot was classified according to the footprint and the foot posture index. A total of 156 patients and 47 controls participated in the study (N = 203). Neither pain nor foot posture were different between groups. The physical and mental components of SF-12 were worse in rheumatoid arthritis and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome patients, and the physical component was worse in systemic lupus erythematosus patients, compared to controls. A significant difference was also observed in the mental component between systemic lupus erythematosus and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome patients, the latter having the lowest values among the groups. We can conclude that women with rheumatoid arthritis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus and foot pain perceive a worse quality of life. There are no significant changes in foot posture. Pain and health-related quality of life are independent of foot posture.

Mental health knowledge and classroom experiences of school teachers in Aragon, Spain.

Background: Research shows that many mental disorders begin in childhood but are sometimes not diagnosed until later years. School-age children spend much of their time in schools and have daily interactions with school teachers. Aim: Examine school teachers' experiences of mental disorders in school going children and adolescents and their associated mental health training needs. Method and sample: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with teachers in Infant-Primary and Secondary Education-Baccalaureate schools. Results: A convenience sample of 685 teachers responded to the online survey. Participants worked in both urban and rural areas and in Infant-Primary and Secondary Education-Baccalaureate schools. Over half of participants reported classroom experiences of learner mental disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, conduct disorders or autism. Most participants acknowledged a training need, both in recognition of symptoms of mental disorders and in care resources and processes. However, 80% of respondents reported having not received any training in this regard. Participant preferences for training included face-to-face or hybrid - combined online learning. Participants also considered the management of their own mental health to be deficient, therefore any training should incorporate personal mental health awareness and self-help strategies. Conclusion: In Aragón (Spain), teachers of children and adolescents with mental disorders, recognize a need for training in the identification of symptoms and other aspects of mental healthcare, such as availability and access to services. Protocols for early identification and referral would promote mentally healthy school environments and reduce stigma which could be a barrier to timely intervention. In addition, any training should include mental health self-care for teachers.

Psychological distress in nursing students: relationship with screen time, diet and physical activity. / Distrés psicológico en estudiantes de enfermería: relación con tiempo de pantalla, dieta y actividad física.

OBJECTIVE: to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as their association with screen time, diet and physical activity, in a cohort comprised by nursing students. METHOD: a descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted with a sample of 648 Nursing students. The instruments used were the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Spanish Healthy Eating Index (Índice de Alimentación Saludable Español, IASE). Different multiple linear regression models were performed to analyze the association between anxiety/depression symptoms and screen time, diet and physical activity. RESULTS: the prevalence values for anxiety and depression symptoms were 24.1% and 3.7%, respectively. Prolonged screen times (>6 hours a day), low levels of physical activity and inadequate diet were independently and significantly associated with deeper psychological symptoms. CONCLUSION: Nursing students' mental health might benefit from the implementation of initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles.

Phytochemical Constituents, Antimicrobial Properties and Bioactivity of Marine Red Seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) and Seagrass (Cymodocea serrulata).

The present work was performed to evaluate the levels of phytochemical constituents and the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of marine red seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) and seagrass (Cymodocea serrulata). Quantitative phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity against five potential pathogenic bacteria was investigated. In each case, we found the presence of flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, glycosides, steroids, carbohydrates and ashes. Alkaloids were only found in K. alvarezii, though they were not found in C. serrulata. The antimicrobial properties of both K. alvarezii and C. serrulata chloroform extracts were found to be antagonistically effective against the Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis and the Gram-negative bacteria Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio harveyi and Klebsiella pneumoniae. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 94 bioactive compounds in K. alvarezii and 104 bioactive compounds in C. serrulata, including phenol, decane, dodecane, hexadecane, vanillin, heptadecane, diphenylamine, benzophenone, octadecanoic acid, dotriaconate, benzene, phytol, butanoic acid and 2-hydroxyl-ethyl ether, which all played important roles in antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Thus, in view of the results, both K. alvarezii and C. serrulata could be considered to be sources of ingredients with appreciable nutritional and medicinal value.

Factors Impacting the Use or Rejection of Hearing Aids-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To examine the prevalence of adherence to hearing aids and determine their rejection causes. METHODS: This study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting terms for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We performed an electronic search using PubMed, BVS, and Embase. RESULTS: 21 studies that met the inclusion criteria were selected. They analyzed a total of 12,696 individuals. We observed that the most common causes for positive adherence to hearing aid use included having a higher degree of hearing loss, patients being aware of their condition, and requiring the device in their daily life. The most common causes for rejection were the lack of perceived benefits or discomfort with the use of the device. The results from the meta-analysis show a prevalence of patients who used their hearing aid of 0.623 (95% CI 0.531, 0.714). Both groups are highly heterogeneous (I2 = 99.31% in each group, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of patients (38%) do not use their hearing aid devices. Homogeneous multicenter studies using the same methodology are needed to analyze the causes of rejection of hearing aids.

Factors related with nursing students' health literacy: a cross sectional study.

Background: Nursing professionals have a crucial role in promoting health literacy in health services, so it is necessary to ensure health literacy skills in future health professionals. Objective: The objective of the study was to examine the health literacy of nursing students and its associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on 460 nursing students. For data collection, a semi-structured questionnaire was obtained on sociodemographic characteristics, perception and health care, use of the health system and lifestyles. In addition, health literacy was assessed using the European Health Literacy Questionnaire. Results: 6.1% of the participants had an inadequate level of health literacy and 36.5% problematic. The probability of having sufficient health literacy is directly associated with age; and inversely with smoking, prolonged screen time and living alone (p < 0.05). Conclusion: A large percentage of nursing students need to improve their health literacy skills. It is necessary to integrate a greater number of contents in health literacy in the curriculum of nursing students.

Neuronal progenitors of the dentate gyrus express the SARS-CoV-2 cell receptor during migration in the developing human hippocampus.

The COVID-19 pandemic spread around the world is due to the enormous capacity of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus to be transmitted between humans, causing a threat to global public health. It has been shown that the entry of this virus into cells is highly facilitated by the presence of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the cell membrane. Currently, we have no precise knowledge of how this receptor expresses in the brain of human fetus and, as a consequence, we do not know how susceptible the neural cells in the developing brain are to being infected through the vertical transmission of this virus, from mother to fetus. In this work, we describe the expression of ACE2 in the human brain at 20 weeks of gestation. This stage corresponds to the period of neuronal generation, migration, and differentiation in the cerebral cortex. We describe the specific expression of ACE2 in neuronal precursors and migratory neuroblasts of the dentate gyrus in the hippocampus. This finding implies that SARS-CoV-2 infection during the fetal period may affect neuronal progenitor cells and alter the normal development of the brain region where memory engrams are generated. Thus, although vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection was reported in few cases, the massive infection rate of young people in terms of the new variants leads to the possibility of increasing the ratio of congenital infections and originating cognitive alterations, as well as neuronal circuit anomalies that may represent vulnerability to mental problems throughout life.

How do engineered Yarrowia lipolytica strains secrete free fatty acids: hints from comparative transcriptomics.

Yarrowia lipolytica has been considered one of the most promising platforms for the microbial production of fatty acids and derived products. The deletion of the faa1 gene coding for an acyl-CoA synthetase leads to the accumulation and secretion of free fatty acids (FFAs) into the extracellular space. The secretion of products is beneficial for the development of microbial cell factories to avoid intracellular inhibitory effects and reduce downstream processing costs. However, the mechanism behind the secretion of fatty acids is not well known. As a starting point, we compared the transcriptome of this mutant showing FFA secretion to a wildtype-like strain not showing this phenotype. The 12 most upregulated genes were evaluated for involvement in FFA secretion by the creation of deletion and overexpression mutants, among them MCH2, YMOH, three cell wall proteins CWP3, CWP4, and CWP11, M12B, and three proteins with unknown functions YUP1, YUP2, and YUP3. None of these proteins take a clear or isolated role in FFA export. As the transcriptomic data revealed an overrepresentation of cell wall-related proteins, some of them were further examined on a theoretical and experimental way. Surprisingly, overexpression of Ygpi led to the production of FFAs in the wildtype-like genetic background. Finally, some of the evaluated genes showed involvement in resistance to FFA toxicity.