Inhibition of Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling Mitigates Microvascular Loss but Not Fibrosis in a Model of Ischemic Acute Kidney Injury

The development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) following an episode of acute kidney injury (AKI) is an increasingly recognized clinical problem. Inhibition of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) protects renal function in animal models of AKI and has become a viable therapeutic strategy in AKI. However, the impact of TLR4 inhibition on the chronic sequelae of AKI is unknown. Consequently, we examined the chronic effects of TLR4 inhibition in a model of ischemic AKI. Mice with a TLR4-deletion on a C57BL/6 background and wild-type (WT) background control mice (C57BL/6) were subjected to bilateral renal artery clamping for 19 min and reperfusion for up to 6 weeks. Despite the acute protective effect of TLR4 inhibition on renal function (serum creatinine 1.6 ± 0.4 mg/dL TLR4-deletion vs. 2.8 ± 0.3 mg/dL·WT) and rates of tubular apoptosis following ischemic AKI, we found no difference in neutrophil or macrophage infiltration. Furthermore, we observed significant protection from microvascular rarefaction at six weeks following injury with TLR4-deletion, but this did not alter development of fibrosis. In conclusion, we validate the acute protective effect of TLR4 signal inhibition in AKI but demonstrate that this protective effect does not mitigate the sequential fibrogenic response in this model of ischemic AKI.     

Rapid visualization of the potential residential cost savings from energy storage under time-of-use electric rates

Buildings feature a prominent role in electric grid loading, as they use about 75% of the total electricity generated in the United States and are main drivers of electric peak demand in the summer due to electrically driven air conditioning systems. Energy storage is a key technology that can increase energy cost savings, and add flexibility to the grid. However, cost is an important factor to consider. This study proposes a rapid approach that allows for visualization of potential cost savings by introducing energy storage as a peak load control for residential buildings in California. A combination of EnergyPlus load data generation, Matlab post-processing, and Google Fusion Tables data presentation analyses the potential cost savings when energy storage is implemented and TOU rates are applied. The study presents potential annual cost savings of $420 per home with storage capacities of 24?kWh.     

Synthesis of Co3O4 @ Organo/Polymeric Bentonite Structures as Environmental Photocatalysts and Antibacterial Agents for Enhanced Removal of Methyl Parathion and Pathogenic Bacteria

Two green nanocomposites of Co₃O₄ decorated CTAB/bentonite (Co@CT/BE) and chitosan/bentonite (Co@CH/BE) were synthesized as enhanced and environmental photocatalysts and antibacterial agents. As photocatalysts, the products were applied in the effective oxidation of toxic methyl parathion pesticide (MP) in wastewater under a visible light source. The application of Co@CH/BE (0.02 g) resulted in the complete oxidation of MP (50 mg/L) after 40 min and complete mineralization after 60 min. while the complete oxidation and mineralization of MP (50 mg/L) by Co@CT/BE was recognized after 75 min and 100 min, respectively. The Co@CH/BE composite is of higher activity than Co@CT/BE and can cause complete oxidation for MP at high concentrations up to 100 mg/L after 75 min. The oxidation pathway was illustrated considering the existence of the hydroxyl radicals as the active oxidizing species and the identified secondary organic compounds during the oxidation tests. The detected intermediate converted into end products of CO₂ and inorganic anions of SO₄^?2, NO₃^?, and PO₄^?3 at the final stages of the oxidation processes. As antibacterial agents, the two composites exhibit considerable inhabitation zones of about 20 mm against both the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio Sp. The synthetic Co@CH/BE showed the best antibacterial properties with 200 μg/mL as minimum inhibitory against Staphylococcus aureus.

     

Correction to: Synthesis of Co3O4 @ Organo/Polymeric Bentonite Structures as Environmental Photocatalysts and Antibacterial Agents for Enhanced Removal of Methyl Parathion and Pathogenic Bacteria

Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials -     

On the Cooling Rate-Microstructure Relationship in Molten Metal Gas Atomization

Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A - Gas atomization is the most used powder production technique since it provides good control on particles shape, surface oxidation and dimension. It is a...     

Review of Treating the juvenile offender.

Reviews the book, Treating the juvenile offender edited by Robert D. Hoge, Nancy G. Guerra, and Paul Boxer (see record 2008-02979-000). This book rejuvenates interest in treatment for juvenile offenders, outlining the important advances that have been made, key challenges that remain, and useful principles for effectively meeting these challenges. Key themes that are emphasised include the importance of evidence-based approaches, interventions that are sensitive to the ecological systems within which youth are embedded, and rehabilitative strategies that are closely informed by research on youths’ risks, needs, and strengths. This book does not deliver a quick manual on how to deliver a particular program, but instead carefully models how to think about and approach treatment. While the book remains accessible to beginners, it is written in a manner which will be thought-provoking and informative even for experts. Furthermore, it is likely to have the positive effect of leaving readers with a desire to learn and do more to improve current practices. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Proteome profiling of exosomes derived from plasma of heifers with divergent genetic merit for fertility

The current study evaluated exosomes isolated from plasma of heifers bred to have high or low fertility through developing extreme diversity in fertility breeding values, however, key animal traits (e.g., body weight, milk production, and percentage of North American genetics) remained similar between the 2 groups. The exosomes were isolated by a combined ultracentrifugation and size exclusion chromatography approach and characterized by their size distribution (nanoparticle tracking analysis), morphology (transmission electron microscopy), and presence of exosomal markers (immunoblotting). In addition, a targeted mass spectrometry approach was used to confirm the presence of 2 exosomal markers, tumor susceptibility gene 101 and flotillin 1. The number of exosomes from plasma of high fertility heifers was greater compared with low fertility heifers. Interestingly, the exosomal proteomic profile, evaluated using mass spectrometry, identified 89 and 116 proteins in the high and low fertility heifers respectively, of which 4 and 31 were unique, respectively. These include proteins associated with specific biological processes and molecular functions of fertility. Most notably, the tetratricopeptide repeat protein 41-related, glycodelin, and kelch-like protein 8 were identified in plasma exosomes unique to the low fertility heifers. These proteins are suggested to play a role in reproduction; however, the role of these proteins in dairy cow reproduction remains to be elucidated. Their identification underscores the potential for proteins within exosomes to provide information on the fertility status and physiological condition of the cow. This may potentially lead to the development of prognostic tools and interventions to improving dairy cow fertility.     

Biomass Smoke Exposure Enhances Rhinovirus-Induced Inflammation in Primary Lung Fibroblasts

Biomass smoke is one of the major air pollutants and contributors of household air pollution worldwide. More than 3 billion people use biomass fuels for cooking and heating, while other sources of exposure are from the occurrence of bushfires and occupational conditions. Persistent biomass smoke exposure has been associated with acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) as a major environmental risk factor. Children under the age of five years are the most susceptible in developing severe ALRI, which accounts for 940,000 deaths globally. Around 90% of cases are attributed to viral infections, such as influenza, adenovirus, and rhinovirus. Although several epidemiological studies have generated substantial evidence of the association of biomass smoke and respiratory infections, the underlying mechanism is still unknown. Using an in vitro model, primary human lung fibroblasts were stimulated with biomass smoke extract (BME), specifically investigating hardwood and softwood types, and human rhinovirus-16 for 24 h. Production of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as IL-6 and IL-8, were measured via ELISA. Firstly, we found that hardwood and softwood smoke extract (1%) up-regulate IL-6 and IL-8 release (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, human rhinovirus-16 further increased biomass smoke-induced IL-8 in fibroblasts, in comparison to the two stimulatory agents alone. We also investigated the effect of biomass smoke on viral susceptibility by measuring viral load, and found no significant changes between BME exposed and non-exposed infected fibroblasts. Activated signaling pathways for IL-6 and IL-8 production by BME stimulation were examined using signaling pathway inhibitors. p38 MAPK inhibitor SB239063 significantly attenuated IL-6 and IL-8 release the most (p ≤ 0.05). This study demonstrated that biomass smoke can modulate rhinovirus-induced inflammation during infection, which can alter the severity of the disease. The mechanism by which biomass smoke exposure increases inflammation in the lungs can be targeted and inhibited via p38 MAP kinase pathway.