Estudi per convertir l'aeroport de Lleida en un aeroport verd

The air transport is an essential factor for the modernization and development in the new global context. Therefore, in the recent years, commercial aviation has experimented a great expansion. Increasingly, people use air transport to move from one place to another. This expansion has been very beneficial for the development of the aviation sector. But there are also appeared a number of problems, especially related with the environment. These problems have forced several countries to reach agreements to provide solutions and cooperate with the aim of reducing the impact of their own activities. In the case of airports, must deal with the increase in CO2 emissions, noise emissions, the large consumption of electricity, water consumption, etc. To this end in 2009, the ACI Europe created the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program (ACA) to help evaluate and recognize the efforts made by airports in order to manage and reduce their CO2 emissions. In addition, in 2010, Aena and Ministerio de Fomento, launched the project Aeropuerto Verde. This project specifies the most important areas to reduce energy consumption and emissions produced by airport activities. In this project, we seek measures that could be incorporated into the facilities of the Lleida-Alguaire airport. To doing so, has taken into account the objectives and actions proposed in the Aena's project Aeropuerto Verde. Firstly, a study to identify the measures applied to reduce power consumption on various Spanish and European airports participating in the program ACA is done. In the next part of this project, has carried out a study of the actual state of the Lleida-Alguaire Airport. Once the situation is known, a study of different proposals to reduce CO2 and electricity consumption is made. And finally, the viability of the various proposals on Lleida-Alguaire airport has been tested

Ceramide Synthase 3 and its Essential Role in Skin Barrier Function and Male Fertility

The functional specialization of sphingolipids (SLs) is determined by their structural diversity and their unique expression patterns according to cell type and degree of differentiation. Ultra long chain (ULC) SLs characterized by an N-acyl moiety longer than 26 carbon atoms in length are primarily expressed in mature male germ cells and epidermal keratinocytes. To unveil the functional role of these unconventional SLs, it is necessary to define their biosynthetic requirements at the molecular level. In mammals, fatty acids are incorporated into SLs at the stage of ceramide synthesis by a family of six homologue enzymes, the ceramide synthases (CerS1–6). By analyzing the expression levels of the CerS family in skin, as well as in juvenile and in “germ cell-free” testis, solely CerS3 mRNA distinctively correlated with the presence of ULC-SLs. As found in vitro, the synthesis of ceramides with cerotoyl- (26:0) and montanoyl-residues (28:0) required CerS3, as demonstrated by a non-radioactive and detergent-free enzymatic assay established in living human cells expressing CerS3. For this purpose, activated ULC-acyl-CoAs as assay substrates and ceramide internal standards for mass spectrometric quantifications were specifically synthesized. The crucial role of CerS3 in the synthesis of ULC-SLs could be further confirmed with CerS3 deficient mice. Mass spectrometric analysis of epidermal extracts established acyl-CoAs ranging from 24 to 36 carbon atoms in length as substrates of CerS3 in vivo. CerS3 deficiency resulted in a complete loss of ceramides with acyl-chains longer than 24 carbon atoms, including all ω-hydroxy-ULC-ceramides. Consequently, the total epidermal ceramides were drastically reduced by 90% leading to a severe impairment of the epidermal permeability barrier and ultimately to premature neonatal death. The metabolic defect of CerS3 mice gave rise to a multitude of alterations associated with the maturation and terminal cornification of keratinocytes. At the stratum granulosum (SG), diminished size in filaggrin-containing granules and reduced number of loricrin-containing granules were accompanied by aberrant processing of filaggrin and decreased levels of loricrin. At the stratum corneum (SC), remnants of glycogen, nuclear material and organelle structures were detected at the first corneocyte layers. CerS3d/d mice exhibited a markedly thickened and compact SC that could be associated with the persistence of corneodesmosomes, eventually resulting from the reduced expression of the protease cathepsin D at the SG and SC. Additionally, the defective degradation of corneodesmosomes led to the distinctive persistence of the embryonic peridermal layer in newborn mutant epidermis. Furthermore, CerS3 deficient mice exhibited disorganized lamellar sheets that yield the formation of non-lamellar lipid agglomerates, rather than building up evenly distributed lipid unit lamellar structures. The compromised skin integrity of mutant mice facilitated the severe invasion of pathogens evidenced by the increased microbial growth and the formation of pseudohyphae prior to colonization by Candida albicans on cultured skin biopsies. In summary, these results demonstrated the prerequisite of a functional CerS3 for the generation of ULC-SLs, which play an essential role in skin barrier function and male fertility. The phenotypic alterations derived from the in vivo depletion of CerS3 suggested in addition a crucial regulatory function that could be encoded within the homeobox domain. Taken all together, these findings established the basis for the identification and diagnosis of potential human skin disorders associated with a CerS3 dysfunction

Glucosylceramide Synthase Is Involved in Development of Invariant Natural Killer T Cells

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells represent a unique population of CD1d-restricted T lymphocytes expressing an invariant T cell receptor encoded by Vα14-Jα18 and Vα24-Jα18 gene segments in mice and humans, respectively. Recognition of CD1d-loaded endogenous lipid antigen(s) on CD4/CD8-double positive (DP) thymocytes is essential for the development of iNKT cells. The lipid repertoire of DP thymocytes and the identity of the decisive endogenous lipid ligands have not yet been fully elucidated. Glycosphingolipids (GSL) were implicated to serve as endogenous ligands. However, further in vivo investigations were hampered by early embryonal lethality of mice deficient for the key GSL-synthesizing enzyme glucosylceramide (GlcCer) synthase [GlcCer synthase (GCS), EC 2.4.1.80]. We have now analyzed the GSL composition of DP thymocytes and shown that GlcCer represented the sole neutral GSL and the acidic fraction was composed of gangliosides. Furthermore, we report on a mouse model that by combination of Vav-promoter-driven iCre and floxed GCS alleles (VavCreGCSf/f) enabled an efficient depletion of GCS-derived GSL very early in the T cell development, reaching a reduction by 99.6% in DP thymocytes. Although the general T cell population remained unaffected by this depletion, iNKT cells were reduced by approximately 50% in thymus, spleen, and liver and showed a reduced proliferation and an increased apoptosis rate. The Vβ-chains repertoire and development of iNKT cells remained unaltered. The GSL-depletion neither interfered with expression of CD1d, SLAM, and Ly108 molecules nor impeded the antigen presentation on DP thymocytes. These results indicate that GlcCer-derived GSL, in particular GlcCer, contribute to the homeostatic development of iNKT cells

Loss of ceramide synthase 3 causes lethal skin barrier disruption

The stratum corneum as the outermost epidermal layer protects against exsiccation and infection. Both the underlying cornified envelope (CE) and the intercellular lipid matrix contribute essentially to these two main protective barriers. Epidermis-unique ceramides with ultra-long-chain acyl moities (ULC-Cers) are key components of extracellular lipid lamellae (ELL) and are bound to CE proteins, thereby contributing to the cornified lipid envelope (CLE). Here, we identified human and mouse ceramide synthase 3 (CerS3), among CerS1-6, to be exclusively required for the ULC-Cer synthesis in vitro and of mouse CerS3 in vivo. Deficiency of CerS3 in mice results in complete loss of ULC-Cers (≥C26), lack of continuous ELL and a non-functional CLE. Consequently, newborn mutant mice die shortly after birth from transepidermal water loss. Mutant skin is prone to Candida albicans infection highlighting ULC-Cers to be pivotal for both barrier functions. Persistent periderm, hyperkeratosis and deficient cornification are hallmarks of mutant skin demonstrating loss of Cers to trigger a keratinocyte maturation arrest at an embryonic pre-barrier stag

The serotonin receptor 3E variant is a risk factor for female IBS-D

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gut-brain disorder of multifactorial origin. Evidence of disturbed serotonergic function in IBS accumulated for the 5-HT3 receptor family. 5-HT3Rs are encoded by HTR3 genes and control GI function, and peristalsis and secretion, in particular. Moreover, 5-HT3R antagonists are beneficial in the treatment of diarrhea predominant IBS (IBS-D). We previously reported on functionally relevant SNPs in HTR3A c.-42C > T (rs1062613), HTR3C p.N163K (rs6766410), and HTR3E c.*76G > A (rs56109847 = rs62625044) being associated with IBS-D, and the HTR3B variant p.Y129S (rs1176744) was also described within the context of IBS. We performed a multi-center study to validate previous results and provide further evidence for the relevance of HTR3 genes in IBS pathogenesis. Therefore, genotype data of 2682 IBS patients and 9650 controls from 14 cohorts (Chile, Germany (2), Greece, Ireland, Spain, Sweden (2), the UK (3), and the USA (3)) were taken into account. Subsequent meta-analysis confirmed HTR3E c.*76G > A (rs56109847 = rs62625044) to be associated with female IBS-D (OR = 1.58; 95% CI (1.18, 2.12)). Complementary expression studies of four GI regions (jejunum, ileum, colon, sigmoid colon) of 66 IBS patients and 42 controls revealed only HTR3E to be robustly expressed. On top, HTR3E transcript levels were significantly reduced in the sigma of IBS patients (p = 0.0187); more specifically, in those diagnosed with IBS-D (p = 0.0145). In conclusion, meta-analysis confirmed rs56109847 = rs62625044 as a risk factor for female IBS-D. Expression analysis revealed reduced HTR3E levels in the sigmoid colon of IBS-D patients, which underlines the relevance of HTR3E in the pathogenesis of IBS-D

The serotonin receptor 3E variant is a risk factor for female IBS-D

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gut-brain disorder of multifactorial origin. Evidence of disturbed serotonergic function in IBS accumulated for the 5-HT receptor family. 5-HT Rs are encoded by HTR3 genes and control GI function, and peristalsis and secretion, in particular. Moreover, 5-HT R antagonists are beneficial in the treatment of diarrhea predominant IBS (IBS-D). We previously reported on functionally relevant SNPs in HTR3A c.-42C > T (rs1062613), HTR3C p.N163K (rs6766410), and HTR3E c.*76G > A (rs56109847 = rs62625044) being associated with IBS-D, and the HTR3B variant p.Y129S (rs1176744) was also described within the context of IBS. We performed a multi-center study to validate previous results and provide further evidence for the relevance of HTR3 genes in IBS pathogenesis. Therefore, genotype data of 2682 IBS patients and 9650 controls from 14 cohorts (Chile, Germany (2), Greece, Ireland, Spain, Sweden (2), the UK (3), and the USA (3)) were taken into account. Subsequent meta-analysis confirmed HTR3E c.*76G > A (rs56109847 = rs62625044) to be associated with female IBS-D (OR = 1.58; 95% CI (1.18, 2.12)). Complementary expression studies of four GI regions (jejunum, ileum, colon, sigmoid colon) of 66 IBS patients and 42 controls revealed only HTR3E to be robustly expressed. On top, HTR3E transcript levels were significantly reduced in the sigma of IBS patients (p = 0.0187); more specifically, in those diagnosed with IBS-D (p = 0.0145). In conclusion, meta-analysis confirmed rs56109847 = rs62625044 as a risk factor for female IBS-D. Expression analysis revealed reduced HTR3E levels in the sigmoid colon of IBS-D patients, which underlines the relevance of HTR3E in the pathogenesis of IBS-D. [Abstract copyright: © 2022. The Author(s).

Estudi per convertir l'aeroport de Lleida en un aeroport verd

The air transport is an essential factor for the modernization and development in the new global context. Therefore, in the recent years, commercial aviation has experimented a great expansion. Increasingly, people use air transport to move from one place to another. This expansion has been very beneficial for the development of the aviation sector. But there are also appeared a number of problems, especially related with the environment. These problems have forced several countries to reach agreements to provide solutions and cooperate with the aim of reducing the impact of their own activities. In the case of airports, must deal with the increase in CO2 emissions, noise emissions, the large consumption of electricity, water consumption, etc. To this end in 2009, the ACI Europe created the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program (ACA) to help evaluate and recognize the efforts made by airports in order to manage and reduce their CO2 emissions. In addition, in 2010, Aena and Ministerio de Fomento, launched the project Aeropuerto Verde. This project specifies the most important areas to reduce energy consumption and emissions produced by airport activities. In this project, we seek measures that could be incorporated into the facilities of the Lleida-Alguaire airport. To doing so, has taken into account the objectives and actions proposed in the Aena's project Aeropuerto Verde. Firstly, a study to identify the measures applied to reduce power consumption on various Spanish and European airports participating in the program ACA is done. In the next part of this project, has carried out a study of the actual state of the Lleida-Alguaire Airport. Once the situation is known, a study of different proposals to reduce CO2 and electricity consumption is made. And finally, the viability of the various proposals on Lleida-Alguaire airport has been tested

Study of Value-Cost model of infrared payloads in small satellites at Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) missions

The main goal of the study is to obtain qualitative and quantitative relationships between the cost and the value of the value chain of EO companies exploiting VLEO and LEO missions. The analysis is focused in value activities such as payload subsystems, product/service price, manufacturing process,...THIS PROJECT IS LINKED TO A H2020 PROPOSAL. After successful development of the TFM the student can be hired to extend his/her work inside the TUAREG RESEARCH GROUP.The principal aim of this thesis is to develop a preliminary Value-Cost model of infrared payloads in small satellites at Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO). To develop this thesis, two different studieshave been performedto get thispreliminary Value-Cost model, one from a qualitative point of view and the other one inamore quantitative way. The objective of doing the qualitative studyis to identify which is the most interesting value for the Earth Observation market. This will be possible, after analysing the different opportunities for the infrared technologyin the Earth Observation market and the needs that must be fulfilled to provide the most suitable solution to coverthese opportunities. On the other hand, with the quantitative study, it ispossibleto identify which is the cost of the model.And once the value and thecost areidentified, the final step is to develop the equations of the model.These equations relate the spatial resolution (value) with the price per square kilometreof the image taken by the satellite (cost

Study of the future perspectives of micro and nano-satellite constellations in the Earth Observation market

The principal aim of this thesis is to study through qualitative and quantitative analysis, the future perspectives of the Micro/Nanosatellitesconstellations in the Earth observation market. The objective of doing the qualitative analysis is to identify and study in detailseveral companies that are designing commercial Micro/Nano-satellite constellation to fulfil the needs of the Earth Observation market in order to have an overall perspective of where the sector is going. Once the qualitative analysis has been made and the main interesting parameters of micro/nanosatellite constellation are found, we will run the quantitative analysis. With the performance of this analysis,we are able to determine if the expectations of the companiesof the performance of the constellations are realistic or not. To determine the feasibility of theseparameters, they will be compared with the resultsobtained by implementing a specific case in the SaVi software

Study of the future perspectives of micro and nano-satellite constellations in the Earth Observation market

The principal aim of this thesis is to study through qualitative and quantitative analysis, the future perspectives of the Micro/Nanosatellitesconstellations in the Earth observation market. The objective of doing the qualitative analysis is to identify and study in detailseveral companies that are designing commercial Micro/Nano-satellite constellation to fulfil the needs of the Earth Observation market in order to have an overall perspective of where the sector is going. Once the qualitative analysis has been made and the main interesting parameters of micro/nanosatellite constellation are found, we will run the quantitative analysis. With the performance of this analysis,we are able to determine if the expectations of the companiesof the performance of the constellations are realistic or not. To determine the feasibility of theseparameters, they will be compared with the resultsobtained by implementing a specific case in the SaVi software