Ex vivo programmed macrophages ameliorate experimental chronic inflammatory renal disease

Macrophage infiltration of the kidney is a prominent feature associated with the severity of renal injury and progressive renal failure. To determine the influence of macrophages in renal disease models in the absence of endogenous T and B cells, we performed adoptive transfer of macrophages into severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. In this study, macrophages were isolated from the spleens of BALB/c mice and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide to induce classically activated M1 macrophages or with interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 to induce alternatively activated M2 macrophages. These macrophages were then infused into SCID mice with adriamycin nephropathy; an in vivo model of chronic inflammatory renal disease analogous to human focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Mice infused with M1 macrophages had a more severe histological and functional injury, whereas M2 macrophage-induced transfused mice had reduced histological and functional injury. Both M1 and M2 macrophages localized preferentially to the area of injury and maintained their phenotypes even after 4 weeks. The protective effect of M2 macrophages was associated with reduced accumulation and possibly downregulated chemokine and inflammatory cytokine expression of the host infiltrating macrophages. Our findings demonstrate that macrophages not only act as effectors of immune injury but can be induced to provide protection against immune injury.

Occurrence State and Molecular Structure Analysis of Extracellular Proteins with Implications on the Dewaterability of Waste-Activated Sludge

The occurrence state and molecular structure of extracellular proteins were analyzed to reveal the influencing factors on the water-holding capacities of protein-like substances in waste-activated sludge (WAS). The gelation process of extracellular proteins verified that advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for WAS dewaterability improvement eliminated the water affinity of extracellular proteins and prevented these macromolecules from forming stable colloidal aggregates. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation proteomics identified that most of the extracellular proteins were originally derived from the intracellular part and the proteins originally located in the extracellular part were mainly membrane-associated. The main mechanism of extracellular protein transformation during AOPs could be represented by the damage of the membrane or related external encapsulating structure and the release of intracellular substances. For the selected representative extracellular proteins, the strong correlation (R² > 0.97, p < 0.03) between the surface hydrophilicity index and α-helix percentages in the secondary structure indicated that the water affinity relied more on the spatial distribution of hydrophilic functional groups rather than the content. Destructing the secondary structure represented by the α-helix and stretching the polypeptide aggregation in the water phase through disulfide bond removal might be the key to eliminating the inhibitory effects of extracellular proteins on the interstitial water removal from WAS.

Bis(ditertiaryphosphine) complexes of rhodium(I). Synthesis, spectroscopy, and activity for catalytic hydrogenation

Rhodium(I)–bis(ditertiaryphosphine) complexes of the general formula [Formula: see text]n = 1–4, and (+)-diop (diop = 2,3-O-isopropylidene 2,3-dihydroxy-1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane) have been prepared by treating [Rh(cyclooctene)2Cl]2 with the appropriate ditertiaryphosphine. The n = 1 and n = 4 and diop species are five-coordinate in the solid state and in non-polar solvents, while the n = 2 and 3 species contain ionic chloride. The cationic complexes [Formula: see text] were prepared from the [Formula: see text] species by adding AgX (X = SbF6, PF6, BF4). Reaction of the chloro complexes with borohydride has yielded the hydrides, [Formula: see text] for the n = 2 and 3 diphosphines, and for (+)-diop. 1H and 31P nmr, as well as visible spectral data, are presented: a solvent-dependent deshielding of ortho protons of the phenyl groups is observed in some of the complexes, and the ligand CH2 protons are coupled to the rhodium in the Rh(Ph2PCH2PPh2)2+ cation; the P atom in this bis(diphenylphosphino) ligand shows an usual high field shift on coordination to rhodium.Preliminary kinetic data for catalytic hydrogenation of methylenesuccinic acid show that the cationic and hydrido complexes are more active than the corresponding chloro complexes, and that activity generally increases with increasing chain length of the diphosphine.

H(2) production and carbon utilization by Thermotoga neapolitana under anaerobic and microaerobic growth conditions

H(2) production by Petrotoga miotherma, Thermosipho africanus, Thermotoga elfii, Fervidobacterium pennavorans, and Thermotoga neapolitana was compared under microaerobic conditions. Contrary to these previously reported strains being strict anaerobes, all tested strains grew and produced H(2) in the presence of micromolar levels of O(2). T. neapolitana showed the highest H(2) production under these conditions. Microscopic counting techniques were used to determine growth curves and doubling times, which were subsequently correlated with optical density measurements. The Biolog anaerobic microtiter plate system was used to analyze the carbon source utilization spectrum of T. neapolitana and to select non-metabolized or poorly metabolized carbohydrates as physiological buffers. Itaconic acid was successfully used as a buffer to overcome pH-induced limitations of cell growth and to facilitate enhanced production of CO-free H(2).

Reactions of bis(ditertiaryphosphine) complexes of rhodium(I) with carbon monoxide, dioxygen, dihydrogen, and hydrogen chloride

The products, resulting from addition under mild conditions of the gaseous molecules CO, O2, H2, and HCl, to some rhodium(I)–bis(ditertiaryphosphine) complexes, are described; the [Formula: see text] phosphines used were Ph2P(CH2)nPPh2, n = 1–4, and (+)-diop (diop = 2,3-O-isopropylidene 2,3-dihydroxy-1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane). Monocarbonyls were isolated from addition of CO to [Formula: see text] complexes (n = 1 and 3), the reactions being reversible; there was no reaction with the n = 2 system, while the n = 4 and diop systems absorbed > 1 mol of CO per Rh to give mixtures of products. The same cation precursors add O2 to yield cis-[Formula: see text] adducts (n = 1–3), the binding being reversible for the n = 2 system; pure products were not isolated with the n = 4 cation which absorbs 3 molO2/Rh; the diop system was unreactive toward O2. Reversible additions of 1 mol H2 yield isolable cis-[Formula: see text] complexes with the n = 3 and diop systems; the n = 1 and 2 [Formula: see text] cations are unreactive toward H2, while a mixture of hydrides is formed from the n = 4species. The chlorohydrido cations [Formula: see text] (A = Cl, BF4, PF6, SbF6), n = 1–3, were prepared via routes involving addition of gaseous HCl to precursor [Formula: see text] complexes; however, the reactions with the n = 4 and diop systems did not yield pure products.The solution structures of all the isolated five- and six-coordinate addition products have been determined using 1H and variable temperature 31P nmr. The five-coordinate carbonyl with n = 1 shows equivalent phosphines from −50 to 25 °C, while the n = 3 system shows inequivalent phosphines resulting from a trigonal bipyramidal structure with an equatorial carbonyl. The [Formula: see text] cation, n = 3, has cis geometry, while trans-structures are preferred for the n = 1 and 2 species.

A collectin-like protein from tunicates

Collectins are a sub-family of C-type lectins from mammals and birds that are characterized by their collagen-like domains. The mammalian collectin, mannose binding lectin, has attracted considerable interest because it can activate complement components via a lectin-mediated complement pathway that is independent of immunoglobulins. In this study, we have identified a calcium-dependent lectin from the invertebrate (tunicate), Styela plicata, that bears substantial similarities to mammalian collectins. The tunicate lectin, which was isolated by carbohydrate affinity chromatography, has a reduced apparent molecular mass of 43 kDa. The 43 kDa reduced polypeptide appeared as dimers, trimers and hexamers when analyzed by non-reducing and two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, while gel filtration suggested that the native form of the protein was a nonamer. Amino acid sequence and amino acid composition analysis revealed obvious similarities between the tunicate lectin and mammalian collectins, notably the inclusion of a collagenous domain and a short, cysteine bearing N-terminal domain. The identification of a collectin-like protein in an invertebrate such as S. plicata, which does not express immunoglobulin, indicates that lectin-mediated complement pathways may predate the origin of antibodies.

The effect of chronic and acyclic elevation of circulating androstenedione or estrone concentrations on ovarian function in the rhesus monkey

The concept that chronically elevated blood androstenedione concentrations increase the incidence of anovulation in the primate and that acyclic elevated basal blood androgen and/or estrogen concentrations cause abnormal gonadotropin secretion was studied. Regularly menstruating female rhesus monkeys were implanted sc with Silastic tubing filled with androstenedione or estrone and compared with controls. Androstenedione implants increased the serum androstenedione concentrations from 1.6 +/- 0.1 (SE) ng/ml to 6.30 +/- 0.27 ng/ml. By peripheral conversion the testosterone concentration increased from control values of 279 +/- 10 (SE) pg/ml to 1280 +/- 41 pg/ml. The testosterone concentration in the estrone-treated monkeys was 247 +/- 9.7 pg/ml. The estrone concentrations were: controls, 63.2 +/- 3.1 (SE) pg/ml; androstenedione-treated monkeys, 63.2 +/- 3.1 pg/ml; and estrone-treated animals, 150 +/- 5.3 pg/ml. The corresponding estradiol concentrations were: control animals, 35.1 +/- 2.1 (SE) pg/ml; androstenedione animals, 30.9 +/- 1.8 pg/ml; and estrone-treated monkeys, 65.7 +/- 3.9 pg/ml. There was no difference in the morning serum cortisol concentrations between any of the three groups or between ovulatory or anovulatory months. The chronic elevation of either androstenedione or estrone caused an increased incidence of anovulation compared with the controls. Increased estrogen concentrations caused increased anovulation during both summer and winter months; however, increased androgen concentrations caused increased anovulation only during the summer months. However, LH concentrations were unaffected in either group but were lower during anovulation months in all three groups. An LH or FSH surge followed an estradiol bolus in three of four control animals and four of six androstenedione-treated but none of the estrone-treated monkeys. Histological examination of ovarian biopsies demonstrated thickening of the tunica albuginea ovarii in androgen-treated ovaries and an apparent increased number of atretic follicles. Corpora lutea were absent in the ovaries of the estrogen-treated monkeys, but otherwise these ovaries were similar to those of controls. It is concluded that chronic acyclic elevation of blood androstenedione (and resultant testosterone) increases seasonal anovulation in the rhesus monkey. Increased blood estrone (and resultant estradiol) leads to almost complete anovulation throughout the year and renders the central nervous system-pituitary axis insensitive to positive feedback effect of estradiol. Neither treatment caused an increase in basal LH concentrations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Synthesis of zerovalent nanophase metal particles stabilized with poly(ethylene glycol)

Concurrent sonolysis of iron pentacarbonyl and poly(ethylene glycol)-400 (PEG-400) in hexadecane solvent proceeds via zero-order kinetics and results in Fe nanoparticles encapsulated in PEG-400 (Fe-PEG). The transmission electron microscopy images show Fe-PEG consisting of <3 nm Fe particles that are evenly dispersed in the PEG matrix. Mössbauer and X-ray absorption fine structure/X-ray absorption near-edge structure data reveal an ordered PEG assembly that helps protect the zerovalent Fe core. The Fe nanoparticles in Fe-PEG are superparamagnetic with a magnetization value of 45 emu/g-Fe at 10 KOe. The rheology of the synthesized material shows an unusual increase in viscosity with temperature that is likely due to lower critical saturation temperature phase segregation over 40 degrees C. The low-temperature mobility of the PEG-400 moiety in Fe-PEG would allow facile ligation of the Fe0 core with biologically and chemically active groups.

Solvent effect in sonochemical synthesis of metal-alloy nanoparticles for use as electrocatalysts

Nanomaterials are now widely used in the fabrication of electrodes and electrocatalysts. Herein, we report a sonochemical study of the synthesis of molybdenum and palladium alloy nanomaterials supported on functionalized carbon material in various solvents: hexadecane, ethanol, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) and Ionic liquids (ILs). The objective was to identify simple and more environmentally friendly design and fabrication methods for nanomaterial synthesis that are suitable as electrocatalysts in electrochemical applications. The particles size and distribution of nanomaterials were compared on two different carbons as supports: activated carbon and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The results show that carbon materials functionalized with ILs in ethanol/deionized water mixture solvent produced smaller particles sizes (3.00 ± 0.05 nm) with uniform distribution while in PEG 400, functionalized materials produced 4.00 ± 1 nm sized particles with uneven distribution (range). In hexadecane solvents with Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as capping ligands, large particle sizes (14.00 ± 1 nm) were produced with wide particle size distribution. The metal alloy nanoparticles produced in ILs without any external reducing agent have potential to exhibit a higher catalytic activity due to smaller particle size and uniform distribution.

Risk factors for coronary heart disease in two similar Indian population groups, one residing in India, and the other in Sydney, Australia

OBJECTIVE

To identify the prevalence of coronary risk factors among South Asian Indians in Australia and India.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional intercountry comparison.

SUBJECTS

Healthy volunteers aged 23-75 y recruited from the Indian community in Sydney Australia (n=125), and their nominated relatives in India, (n=125).

RESULTS

The two groups were of similar background with over 90% of the group in India being siblings, parents or relatives of the group in Australia. There was no difference in the populations between India and Australia with regard to mean age (40+/-11.5 vs 39+/-10.3 y), body mass index (BMI) (25+/-3.3 vs 25+/-3.5 kg/m(2)), lipoprotein (a) (178 vs 202 mg/l), total cholesterol (5.3+/-1.3 vs 5.3+/-1.2 mmol/l) or triglyceride (1.7+/-0.8 vs 1.7+/-0.8 mmol/l). The group in India had higher insulin (median values) (139 vs 83 pmol/l, P=0.0001), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (0.88+/-0.08 vs 0.85+/-0.09, P=0.01), exercise time (23.7+/-32.7 vs 17.2+/-23.2 h/week, P=0.07), lower waist (83+/-10.0 vs 85+/-11.1 cm, P=0.05) and high-density lipoprotein (0.9+/-0.3 vs 1.1+/-0.6 mmol/l, P=0.02). Women in India had lower BMI (22.7+/-2.9 vs 25.3+/-4.2 kg/m(2), P<0.001), higher insulin (182 vs 90 pmol/l, P<0.001), WHR (0.86+/-0.08 vs 0.77+/-0.06, P<0.001)) and prevalence of abdominal obesity (% WHR >0.8, 73 vs 23%, P<0.001; odds of waist >90 cm=2.3, P<0.05). Men in India had the same BMI, lower waist (85.5+/-8.8 vs 92.9+/-7.2 cm, P<0.001) and WHR (0.89+/-0.09 vs 0.93+/-0.05, P<0.01) but higher insulin (137 vs 76 pmol/l).

CONCLUSION

The group in Australia (especially women) have a more favourable disease risk profile than those in India. The fact that the groups are of such similar background and partly related, make it unlikely that changes due to migration have a strong genetic bias. In contrast to other studies, the absence here of excessive weight gain on migration may be a key factor in disease risk prevention.

Hydrate formation at the methane/water interface on the molecular scale

We report the nucleation process of methane hydrate on the molecular scale. A stationary planar interface separating methane gas and liquid water was studied by using in situ neutron reflectivity. We found that the angstrom-scale surface roughening is triggered as soon as the water phase contacts methane gas under the hydrate forming conditions. In addition, it was found that the microscopic surface structure remains unchanged until a macroscopic hydrate film is developed at the interface. We therefore postulate that the angstrom-scale surface roughening is attributed to the formation of microscopic hydrate "embryos" in a "dynamic equilibrium" manner.

Regular non-vigorous physical activity and cholesterol levels in the elderly

BACKGROUND

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is a powerful independent risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) among the elderly. Regular vigorous physical activity has been found to raise the concentration of HDL-C and thus reduce the risk of CHD. There is little data on the effect of non-vigorous activity on HDL-C in the elderly.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare CHD risk factors, especially HDL-C, in a group of elderly persons who engage in regular non-vigorous physical activity with a group of frail elderly examined in a previous study.

METHODS

Each subject (51 women and 19 men) had anthropometric measures taken and completed a questionnaire on lifestyle and medical history. Total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C and lipoprotein (a) were analysed. Results were compared with those of a frail group examined previously using similar methodology.

RESULTS

HDL-C, adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), was greater among women (p < 0.01) and men (p < 0.05) who were engaged in a regular physical activity at least once a week. TC was higher among active women (p < 0.001), but there was also a trend towards a lower TC/HDL ratio. Therefore, although TC is higher in active women, this could be due to a higher proportion of the cholesterol fraction consisting of HDL-C. WHR was negatively associated with HDL-C in frail men (p < 0. 05), active men (p < 0.01) and active women (p < 0.05). BMI was negatively associated with HDL-C in frail women (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This sample of elderly people who participate in regular weekly non-vigorous physical activity have a higher HDL-C than frail individuals who do little or no exercise. Since HDL-C is consistently reported to be inversely associated with CHD in the elderly, an elevation in HDL-C concentration may provide some protection to elderly persons who participate in regular nonvigorous physical activity compared to frail elderly individuals who are largely sedentary. Caution should be exercised in the interpretation of a TC only reading in active elderly women without an accompanying measure of HDL.

Low-density lipoprotein subclasses in children under 10 years of age

OBJECTIVE

To examine the prevalence of small dense low density lipoprotein (LDL) in a cohort of children under 10 years of age and to investigate the relationship to other biochemical variables and to measures of fatness. A preponderance of small dense LDL (pattern B), is associated with obesity, abdominal fat accumulation, insulin resistance and risk of heart disease in adults.

METHODOLOGY

LDL peak particle diameter (PPD) was determined by gel electrophoresis in 53 children under 10 years of age and in 65 of their parents: apoproteins A1 and B were determined by turbidimetry. Anthropometric variables, basic lipid profiles, insulin and leptin had been determined previously. Differences between patterns A (large light particles > 25.5 nm diameter) and B were examined by t-test, Chi-square, or Mann-Whitney test. Relationships between the variables were reported as Pearson correlation coefficients.

RESULTS

Pattern B (PPD of < or = 25.5 nm) prevalence was 7.5% in children and 11% in parents (17% in men and 5% in women). Most of the children (86%) who had PPD < or = 26.0 nm also had parents with PPD in this range. A strong association was found between children's and mother's PPD (r=0.60, P < 0.001), but this was somewhat less with fathers (r=0.40, P=0.02). Children in the lowest tertile of PPD had a tendency towards a higher body mass index, waist, fat mass and insulin.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of small dense LDL is lower in children under 10 years of age than in their parents; fathers had a higher prevalence of pattern B than mothers and there is some evidence of a familial effect in the inheritance of pattern B.