Purpose One of the hallmarks of cancer cells is the demand of supply for the synthesis of new membranes involved in cell proliferation and lipids have an important role in cellular structure, signaling pathways and progression of cancer. In this sense, lipid studies have become an essential tool allowing the establishment of signatures associated with breast cancer (BC). In this regard, some metabolic processes including proteins, nucleic acids and lipid synthesis are enhanced as part of cancer-associated metabolic reprogramming, as a requirement for cell growth and proliferation. Methods Pairwise samples of breast active carcinoma (BAC) and breast cancer-free tissues were collected from n = 28 patients and analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS. Results Major lipid species are identified in the MALDI-TOF mass spectra, with certain phosphatidylinositols (PIs) detectable only in BAC. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) between ratios lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) 16:0/phosphatidylcholine (PC) 16:0_18:2 between AC and CF groups as well as for BC stages II and III. The ratio PC 16:0_18:2/PC16:0_18:1 was statistically different between AC and CF groups. The one-way ANOVA revealed that there are no statistical differences among BC stages (I, II and III) within AC group. Comparing BC stages, the significance impact increased (p < 0.05) with stage. ConclusionThe obtained data revealed MALDI-TOF MS as a powerful tool to explore lipid signatures and the enzyme activity associated with BC and possibly establish novel disease markers.
This work aims to develop simpler methodologies of extracting ferulic acid (FA) from brewer’s spent grain (BSG). BSG is produced by brewing companies at high amounts all over the year and does not possess a direct application. Thus, its use as raw material for extraction of bioactive compounds has gained attention in the last years. FA has different interesting applications in cosmetics, food industry, and pharmaceutics. Several studies aim for its extraction from BSG by various methods, namely alkaline hydrolysis. In the present work, we suggest the use of autoclave to process higher amounts of BSG in a lab scale. A simplification of the regular post-hydrolysis procedures is also proposed to decrease the number of experimental steps and energy costs and to simultaneously increase the extraction yield (up to 470 mg of FA per 100 g of BSG). The adsorption of extracted FA in a synthetic resin is suggested as a partial purification method.
This paper presents a review of the particular variants of particle swarm optimization, based on the velocity-type class. The original particle swarm optimization algorithm was developed as an unconstrained optimization technique, which lacks a model that is able to handle constrained optimization problems. The particle swarm optimization and its inapplicability in constrained optimization problems are solved using the dynamic-objective constraint-handling method. The dynamic-objective constraint-handling method is originally developed for two variants of the basic particle swarm optimization, namely restricted velocity particle swarm optimization and self-adaptive velocity particle swarm optimization. Also on the subject velocity-type class, a review of three other variants is given, specifically: (1) vertical particle swarm optimization; (2) velocity limited particle swarm optimization; and (3) particle swarm optimization with scape velocity. These velocity-type particle swarm optimization variants all have in common a velocity parameter which determines the direction/movements of the particles.
This chapter aimed to analyse the profile and patterns of consumption of non-resident spectators of a sporting event that took place in an insular tourist city: Funchal (Madeira Island, Portugal). Data collection was performed at the entrance of the football stadium where 108 (n) spectators were randomly surveyed. Data were analysed based on descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that on average, each tourist spent 231 euros in the city; the highest cost was due to accommodation and secondly to tickets; ‘arrival time at the stadium' was the variable that most positively influenced the total expenditure; individuals with higher education/wage levels had a greater predisposition to spend more money on food/drink and accommodation. As spectators' opinion on the city/stadium showed high levels of satisfaction, the event improved the visitors' perception and image of the city. This study highlights how sporting events can increase the insular tourism. Future research should replicate this study in similar events hosted in comparable destinations.
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