scholarly journals Targeting Neurovascular Interaction in Retinal Disorders

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 1503 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhongjie Fu ◽  
Ye Sun ◽  
Bertan Cakir ◽  
Yohei Tomita ◽  
Shuo Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Vascular Development ◽  
Normal Function ◽  
The Body ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Metabolic Dysfunction ◽  
Vascular Growth ◽  
Retinal Disorders ◽  
Neurovascular Interactions

The tightly structured neural retina has a unique vascular network comprised of three interconnected plexuses in the inner retina (and choroid for outer retina), which provide oxygen and nutrients to neurons to maintain normal function. Clinical and experimental evidence suggests that neuronal metabolic needs control both normal retinal vascular development and pathological aberrant vascular growth. Particularly, photoreceptors, with the highest density of mitochondria in the body, regulate retinal vascular development by modulating angiogenic and inflammatory factors. Photoreceptor metabolic dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation may cause adaptive but ultimately pathological retinal vascular responses, leading to blindness. Here we focus on the factors involved in neurovascular interactions, which are potential therapeutic targets to decrease energy demand and/or to increase energy production for neovascular retinal disorders.

scholarly journals Retinal Vasculature in Development and Diseases

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ye Sun ◽  
Lois E.H. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Vascular System ◽  
Vascular Endothelial Cells ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Vascular Development ◽  
The Body ◽  
Retinal Cell ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Vascular Growth ◽  
Pathological Conditions

The retina is one of the most metabolically active tissues in the body, consuming high levels of oxygen and nutrients. A well-organized ocular vascular system adapts to meet the metabolic requirements of the retina to ensure visual function. Pathological conditions affect growth of the blood vessels in the eye. Understanding the neuronal biological processes that govern retinal vascular development is of interest for translational researchers and clinicians to develop preventive and interventional therapeutics for vascular eye diseases that address early drivers of abnormal vascular growth. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the cellular and molecular processes governing both physiological and pathological retinal vascular development, which is dependent on the interaction among retinal cell populations, including neurons, glia, immune cells, and vascular endothelial cells. We also review animal models currently used for studying retinal vascular development.

scholarly journals The effects of nano-curcumin as a nutritional strategy on clinical and inflammatory factors in children with cystic fibrosis: the study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeedeh Talebi ◽  
Mahammad Safarian ◽  
Mahmood Reza Jaafari ◽  
Seyed Javad Sayedi ◽  
Zahra Abbasi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Genetic Disorder ◽  
The Body ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Nutritional Strategy ◽  
Cftr Protein ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder, which is caused by the CFTR protein defects. Along with CFTR dysfunction, inflammation plays a key role in the disease outcomes. Inflammation may develop due to the internal dysfunction of the CFTR protein or external factors. Curcumin affects the CFTR protein function primarily as a corrector and potentiator and secondary as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent. The present study aims to assess the impact of nano-curcumin on clinical and inflammatory markers in children with CF. Methods This prospective, double blind control trial will be conducted at the Akbar Children’s Hospital in Mashhad, Iran. Children with CF will be enrolled based on the eligibility criteria. Placebo and curcumin with the maximum dose of 80 mg considering the body surface of the patients will be administrated for 3 months. The primary outcome is to evaluate inflammation based on serum interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and hs-CRP, stool calprotectin, and neutrophil count of nasopharyngeal swab. The secondary outcome involved clinical assessment via spirometry, anthropometrics, and quality of life. They will be assessed before and after 3 months. Discussion Due to the multifarious effects of curcumin on CF disease, it could be proposed as a nutritional strategy in the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Trial registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20200705048018N1. Registered on July 10, 2020.

scholarly journals Linking metabolic dysfunction with cardiovascular diseases: Brn-3b/POU4F2 transcription factor in cardiometabolic tissues in health and disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vishwanie S. Budhram-Mahadeo ◽  
Matthew R. Solomons ◽  
Eeshan A. O. Mahadeo-Heads
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Cardiovascular Responses ◽  
Normal Function ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Metabolic Dysfunction ◽  
Pathological Changes ◽  
Cardiac Responses

AbstractMetabolic and cardiovascular diseases are highly prevalent and chronic conditions that are closely linked by complex molecular and pathological changes. Such adverse effects often arise from changes in the expression of genes that control essential cellular functions, but the factors that drive such effects are not fully understood. Since tissue-specific transcription factors control the expression of multiple genes, which affect cell fate under different conditions, then identifying such regulators can provide valuable insight into the molecular basis of such diseases. This review explores emerging evidence that supports novel and important roles for the POU4F2/Brn-3b transcription factor (TF) in controlling cellular genes that regulate cardiometabolic function. Brn-3b is expressed in insulin-responsive metabolic tissues (e.g. skeletal muscle and adipose tissue) and is important for normal function because constitutive Brn-3b-knockout (KO) mice develop profound metabolic dysfunction (hyperglycaemia; insulin resistance). Brn-3b is highly expressed in the developing hearts, with lower levels in adult hearts. However, Brn-3b is re-expressed in adult cardiomyocytes following haemodynamic stress or injury and is necessary for adaptive cardiac responses, particularly in male hearts, because male Brn-3b KO mice develop adverse remodelling and reduced cardiac function. As a TF, Brn-3b regulates the expression of multiple target genes, including GLUT4, GSK3β, sonic hedgehog (SHH), cyclin D1 and CDK4, which have known functions in controlling metabolic processes but also participate in cardiac responses to stress or injury. Therefore, loss of Brn-3b and the resultant alterations in the expression of such genes could potentially provide the link between metabolic dysfunctions with adverse cardiovascular responses, which is seen in Brn-3b KO mutants. Since the loss of Brn-3b is associated with obesity, type II diabetes (T2DM) and altered cardiac responses to stress, this regulator may provide a new and important link for understanding how pathological changes arise in such endemic diseases.

scholarly journals Integrated Approach for Wastewater Treatment and Biofuel Production in Microalgae Biorefineries

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 2282
Author(s):  
Sanjeet Mehariya ◽  
Rahul Kumar Goswami ◽  
Pradeep Verma ◽  
Roberto Lavecchia ◽  
Antonio Zuorro
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
World Population ◽  
Treatment Processes ◽  
Current Scenario ◽  
Valuable Compounds

The increasing world population generates huge amounts of wastewater as well as large energy demand. Additionally, fossil fuel’s combustion for energy production causes the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) and other pollutants. Therefore, there is a strong need to find alternative green approaches for wastewater treatment and energy production. Microalgae biorefineries could represent an effective strategy to mitigate the above problems. Microalgae biorefineries are a sustainable alternative to conventional wastewater treatment processes, as they potentially allow wastewater to be treated at lower costs and with lower energy consumption. Furthermore, they provide an effective means to recover valuable compounds for biofuel production or other applications. This review focuses on the current scenario and future prospects of microalgae biorefineries aimed at combining wastewater treatment with biofuel production. First, the different microalgal cultivation systems are examined, and their main characteristics and limitations are discussed. Then, the technologies available for converting the biomass produced during wastewater treatment into biofuel are critically analyzed. Finally, current challenges and research directions for biofuel production and wastewater treatment through this approach are outlined.

scholarly journals Relationships between dietary macronutrients and adult neurogenesis in the regulation of energy metabolism – CORRIGENDUM

2013 ◽  
Vol 111 (4) ◽  
pp. 755-755
Author(s):  
Marianne A. Yon ◽  
Suzanna L. Mauger ◽  
Lucy C. Pickavance
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Energy Metabolism ◽  
Adult Neurogenesis ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
The Body ◽  
Adult Brain ◽  
Metabolic Dysfunction ◽  
Neurogenic Niche ◽  
Normal Limits ◽  
Simple Carbohydrates

Of the environmental factors which have an impact on body weight, nutrients are most influential. Within normal limits, hypothalamic and related neuronal populations correct perturbations in energy metabolism, to return the body to its nutritional set-point, either through direct response to nutrients or indirectly via peripheral appetite signals. Excessive intake of certain macronutrients, such as simple carbohydrates and SFA, can lead to obesity and attendant metabolic dysfunction, also reflected in alterations in structural plasticity, and, intriguingly, neurogenesis, in some of these brain regions. Neurogenesis, previously thought to occur only in the embryo, is now known to take place in the adult brain, dependent on numerous stimulating and inhibiting factors, including dietary components. Because of classic associations between neurogenesis and the hippocampus, in learning and cognition, this brain region has also been the focus of attention in the study of links between diet and neurogenesis. Recently, however, a more complete picture of this relationship has been building: not only has the hypothalamus been shown to satisfy the criteria for a neurogenic niche, but appetite-related mediators, including circulating hormones, such as leptin and ghrelin, pro-inflammatory cytokines and the endocannabinoid intracellular messengers, are also being examined for their potential role in mediating neurogenic responses to macronutrients. The present review draws together these observations and investigates whether n-3 PUFA may exert their attenuating effects on body weight through the stimulation of adult neurogenesis. Exploration of the effects of nutraceuticals on neurogenic brain regions may encourage the development of new rational therapies in the fight against obesity.

scholarly journals Bioenergía a partir de microalgas en México

2019 ◽  
pp. 23-34
Author(s):  
Sheila Genoveva Pérez-Bravo ◽  
Ana María Mendoza-Martínez ◽  
Maria del Refugio Castañeda-Chávez ◽  
Luciano Aguilera-Vázquez
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
World Population ◽  
Fuel Prices ◽  
Lipid Contents ◽  
Current Energy ◽  
Short Carbon

The energy demand of the world population is increasing due to population growth and technological development. The current energy base is a generator of CO2 emissions, the most abundant and main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming, as well as pollutants, sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides. The environmental deterioration and the increase in fossil fuel prices make it necessary to investigate less aggressive energy sources with the environment at competitive costs in the market. Biofuels are an alternative for energy production due to their origin in the short carbon cycle, their emissions are considered almost zero, including biodiesel and bioethanol. The latter can be obtained from microalgae rich in carbohydrates and lipids, easy to grow in short periods of time. The objective of this research is to summarize the findings made about the existence of useful microalgae as raw material to produce biofuels in Mexican territory. An exhaustive review of the literature was carried out, which contributed to estimate the microalgal diversity in the country and its lipid contents as well as carbohydrates, with different species of the genera Chlamydomonas, Chlorella, Scenedesmus, Desmodesmus being found mainly.

scholarly journals Regulation of the Migration of Distinct Dendritic Cell Subsets

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng Feng ◽  
Shuping Zhou ◽  
Yong Yu ◽  
Qinghong Su ◽  
Xiaofan Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dendritic Cells ◽  
Dendritic Cell ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
The Body ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Pathogenic Microorganisms ◽  
Migration Patterns ◽  
Dendritic Cell Subsets ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Antigen Presenting

Dendritic cells (DCs), a class of antigen-presenting cells, are widely present in tissues and apparatuses of the body, and their ability to migrate is key for the initiation of immune activation and tolerogenic immune responses. The importance of DCs migration for their differentiation, phenotypic states, and immunologic functions has attracted widespread attention. In this review, we discussed and compared the chemokines, membrane molecules, and migration patterns of conventional DCs, plasmocytoid DCs, and recently proposed DC subgroups. We also review the promoters and inhibitors that affect DCs migration, including the hypoxia microenvironment, tumor microenvironment, inflammatory factors, and pathogenic microorganisms. Further understanding of the migration mechanisms and regulatory factors of DC subgroups provides new insights for the treatment of diseases, such as infection, tumors, and vaccine preparation.

scholarly journals Modelling of Demand Driven Biogas Plants to Cover Residual Load Rises

Proceedings ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (22) ◽  
pp. 1385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lena Peters ◽  
Piotr Biernacki ◽  
Frank Uhlenhut ◽  
Sven Steinigeweg
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Input Data ◽  
Biogas Production ◽  
Pi Controller ◽  
Feeding Program ◽  
Biogas Plants ◽  
Flexible Operation

In future, systems for energy storage and demand-driven energy production will be essential to cover the residual load rises. A rigorous dynamic process model based on ADM1 was used to analyze the flexible operation of biogas plants for covering the residual load rises. This model was optimized and an operation concept for a demand-driven energy production was worked out. For the input data different substrates were analyzed by batch fermentations and the Weender analysis with van Soest method. The results show that the substrates have got a different biogas production rate and reaction time. Finally, an intelligent feeding algorithm by implementation of a PI controller was developed. It calculates feeding times and quantities of available substrates so that a defined energy demand can be covered by biogas plants. The results demonstrate that a flexible operation of biogas plants with an individual and intelligent feeding program is possible.

scholarly journals Matching Energy Consumption and Photovoltaic Production in a Retrofitted Dwelling in Subtropical Climate without a Backup System

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (22) ◽  
pp. 6026
Author(s):  
Sergio Gómez Melgar ◽  
Antonio Sánchez Cordero ◽  
Marta Videras Rodríguez ◽  
José Manuel Andújar Márquez
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Subtropical Climate ◽  
Zero Energy ◽  
Electric Circuits ◽  
Renewable Energy Production ◽  
Zero Energy Buildings

The construction sector is a great contributor to global warming both in new and existing buildings. Minimum energy buildings (MEBs) demand as little energy as possible, with an optimized architectural design, which includes passive solutions. In addition, these buildings consume as low energy as possible introducing efficient facilities. Finally, they produce renewable energy on-site to become zero energy buildings (ZEBs) or even plus zero energy buildings (+ZEB). In this paper, a deep analysis of the energy use and renewable energy production of a social dwelling was carried out based on data measurements. Unfortunately, in residential buildings, most renewable energy production occurs at a different time than energy demand. Furthermore, energy storage batteries for these facilities are expensive and require significant maintenance. The present research proposes a strategy, which involves rescheduling energy demand by changing the habits of the occupants in terms of domestic hot water (DHW) consumption, cooking, and washing. Rescheduling these three electric circuits increases the usability of the renewable energy produced on-site, reducing the misused energy from 52.84% to 25.14%, as well as decreasing electricity costs by 58.46%.

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