Improvement of the secondary aluminium metallurgical quality by means of an adequate melt treatment.

This work has the purpose to demonstrate that if an adequate melt treatment is applied, it is pos-sible to obtain recycled aluminium alloy AlSi10MnMg(Fe) with as good metal cleanliness than primary AlSi10MnMg alloy. The melt quality is assessed by the thermal analysis, density index, macro- and micro-inclusions tests, of one primary and two secondary alloys, before and after the melt treatment. The melt treatment is based on deoxidation, degassing and skimming with de-tailed procedure described in this article. The different analysis are: Thermal analysis to compare the variables of the solidification cooling curve (Al primary temperature and its undercooling; Al-Si eutectic temperature and its recalescence); Density index is used to evaluate the hydrogen gas content in the melt; Macroinclusions level is analysed after solidifying the melt under vacuum of 5 mbar, favouring inclusion floatation to the sample surface; Microinclusion level is evaluate with porous disc filtration apparatus (similar to PoDFA).

Streptozotocin induces alpha-2u globulin nephropathy in male rats during diabetic kidney disease

Background Alpha-2u globulin nephropathy mainly shows toxicological pathology only in male rats induced by certain chemicals and drugs, such as levamisole (antiparasitic and anticancer drugs). Streptozotocin (STZ) is also an anticancer-antibiotic agent that has been used for decades to induce a diabetic kidney disease model in rodents. The purpose of this study is to determine if STZ causes alpha-2u globulin nephropathy in male rats during an advanced stage of diabetic kidney disease. Alpha-2u globulin nephropathy, water absorption and filtration capacities (via aquaporin [AQP]-1, − 2, − 4 and − 5) and mitochondrial function (through haloacid dehalogenase-like hydrolase domain-containing protein [HDHD]-3 and NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase 75 kDa subunit [NDUFS]-1 proteins) were examined in STZ-induced diabetic Wistar rat model. Results More than 80% of severe clinical illness rats induced by STZ injection simultaneously exhibited alpha-2u globulin nephropathy with mitochondrial degeneration and filtration apparatus especially pedicels impairment. They also showed significantly upregulated AQP-1, − 2, − 4 and − 5, HDHD-3 and NDUFS-1 compared with those of the rats without alpha-2u globulin nephropathy. Conclusions STZ-induced alpha-2u globulin nephropathy during diabetic kidney disease in association with deterioration of pedicels, renal tubular damage with adaptation and mitochondrial driven apoptosis.

Evolution of a high-throughput environmental DNA sampling platform

With the rise of environmental DNA as a surveillance tool for aquatic species, a need has also arisen for professionally engineered research tools specifically designed for eDNA applications. We created the first portable, purpose-built eDNA sampling system in the form of a backpack smart-pump filtration apparatus and custom made eDNA filter packets for each sample. The eDNA-Sampler (previously ANDe) enables both point-location sampling and mobile sampling over a spatial distance, with the ability to standardize filtration parameters (e.g. flow rate, pressure, water volume, etc.). In this presentation we will describe the evolution of the eDNA sampling backpack and associated components, each designed to help streamline the eDNA sampling process and increase sampling efficiency. We have optimized the platform for mobile sampling by integrating GPS and data logging capabilities, in addition to modifying the chemistry of the eDNA filter packets to minimize the effort required for sample preservation. Results will be presented from a series of pilot studies in which the eDNA-Sampler capabilities were evaluated. Combined, the innovations described herein should help remove barriers to entry for potential eDNA practitioners and also improve overall eDNA data quality.

Benefits of Polyamide Nanofibrous Materials: Antibacterial Activity and Retention Ability for Staphylococcus Aureus

Although nanomaterials are used in many fields, little is known about the fundamental interactions between nanomaterials and microorganisms. To test antimicrobial properties and retention ability, 13 electrospun polyamide (PA) nanomaterials with different morphology and functionalization with various concentrations of AgNO3 and chlorhexidine (CHX) were analyzed. Staphylococcus aureus CCM 4516 was used to verify the designed nanomaterials’ inhibition and permeability assays. All functionalized PAs suppressed bacterial growth, and the most effective antimicrobial nanomaterial was evaluated to be PA 12% with 4.0 wt% CHX (inhibition zones: 2.9 ± 0.2 mm; log10 suppression: 8.9 ± 0.0; inhibitory rate: 100.0%). Furthermore, the long-term stability of all functionalized PAs was tested. These nanomaterials can be stored at least nine months after their preparation without losing their antibacterial effect. A filtration apparatus was constructed for testing the retention of PAs. All of the PAs effectively retained the filtered bacteria with log10 removal of 3.3–6.8 and a retention rate of 96.7–100.0%. Surface density significantly influenced the retention efficiency of PAs (p ≤ 0.01), while the effect of fiber diameter was not confirmed (p ≥ 0.05). Due to their stability, retention, and antimicrobial properties, they can serve as a model for medical or filtration applications.

Stimulation of Fibronectin Matrix Assembly by Lysine Acetylation

Diabetic nephropathy, a devastating consequence of diabetes mellitus, is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) that disrupts the kidney’s filtration apparatus. Elevated glucose levels increase the deposition of a fibronectin (FN) matrix by mesangial cells, the primary matrix-producing cells of the kidney, and also increase acetyl-CoA leading to higher levels of lysine acetylation. Here, we investigated the connection between acetylation and the ECM and show that treatment of mesangial cells with deacetylase inhibitors increases both acetylation and FN matrix assembly compared to untreated cells. The matrix effects were linked to lysine 794 (K794) in the β1 integrin cytoplasmic domain based on studies of cells expressing acetylated (K794Q) and non-acetylated (K794R) mimetics. β1(K794Q) cells assembled significantly more FN matrix than wildtype β1 cells, while the non-acetylated β1(K794R) form was inactive. We show that mutation of K794 affects FN assembly by stimulating integrin-FN binding activity and cell contractility. Wildtype and β1(K794Q) cells but not β1(K794R) cells further increased their FN matrix when stimulated with deacetylase inhibitors indicating that increased acetylation on other proteins is required for maximum FN assembly. Thus, lysine acetylation provides a mechanism for glucose-induced fibrosis by up-regulation of FN matrix assembly.

Cerebral ischemia induces TRPC6 via HIF1α/ZEB2 axis in the glomerular podocytes and contributes to proteinuria

Podocytes are specialized cells of the glomerulus and key component of the glomerular filtration apparatus (GFA). GFA regulates the permselectivity and ultrafiltration of blood. The mechanism by which the integrity of the GFA is compromised and manifest in proteinuria during ischemic stroke remains enigmatic. We investigated the mechanism of ischemic hypoxia-induced proteinuria in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Ischemic hypoxia resulted in the accumulation of HIF1α in the podocytes that resulted in the increased expression of ZEB2 (Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 2). ZEB2, in turn, induced TRPC6 (transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily C, member 6), which has increased selectivity for calcium. Elevated expression of TRPC6 elicited increased calcium influx and aberrant activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in podocytes. FAK activation resulted in the stress fibers reorganization and podocyte foot process effacement. Our study suggests overactive HIF1α/ZEB2 axis during ischemic-hypoxia raises intracellular calcium levels via TRPC6 and consequently altered podocyte structure and function thus contributes to proteinuria.

Cerebral ischemia induces TRPC6 in the glomerular podocytes: A novel role for HIF1α/ZEB2 axis in the pathogenesis of stroke-induced proteinuria

Glomerular filtration apparatus (GFA) regulates the glomerular permselectivity and ultrafiltration of urine. Podocytes are specialized cells and a key component of the GFA. The mechanism by which the integrity of the GFA is compromised and manifest in proteinuria during ischemic stroke remains enigmatic. Hypoxia is a determining factor in the pathophysiology of ischemia. We investigated the mechanism of ischemic-hypoxia induced proteinuria in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Ischemic hypoxia resulted in the accumulation of HIF1α in the glomerular podocytes that resulted in the increased expression of ZEB2. ZEB2, in turn, induced TRPC6 (transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily C, member 6), which has increased selectivity for calcium. Elevated expression of TRPC6 elicited increased calcium influx and aberrant activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in podocytes. FAK activation resulted in the stress fibers reorganization and podocyte foot process effacement. Our study suggests overactive HIF1α/ZEB2 axis during ischemic-hypoxia induces intracellular calcium levels via TRPC6 and consequently altered podocyte integrity and permselectivity.

Trematode cercariae as prey for zooplankton: effect on fitness traits of predators

Removal of parasite free-living stages by predators has previously been suggested an important factor controlling parasite transmission in aquatic habitats. Experimental studies of zooplankton predation on macroparasite larvae are, however, scarce. We tested whether trematode cercariae, which are often numerous in shallow waters, are suitable prey for syntopic zooplankters. Feeding rates and survival of freshwater cyclopoids (Megacyclops viridis, Macrocyclops distinctus), calanoids (Arctodiaptomus paulseni), cladocerans (Sida crystallina) and rotifers Asplanchna spp., fed with cercariae of Diplostomum pseudospathaceum, a common fish trematode, were studied. In additional long-term experiments, we studied reproduction of cyclopoids fed with cercariae. All tested zooplankton species consumed cercariae. The highest feeding rates were observed for cyclopoids (33 ± 12 cercariae ind−1 h−1), which actively reproduced (up to one egg clutch day−1) when fed ad libitum with cercariae. Their reproductive characteristics did not change significantly with time, indicating that cercariae supported cyclopoids’ dietary needs. Mortality of rotifers and cladocerans was high (25–28% individuals) when exposed to cercariae in contrast to cyclopoids and calanoids (<2%). Cercariae clogged the filtration apparatus of cladocerans and caused internal injuries in predatory rotifers, which ingested cercariae. Observed trophic links between common freshwater zooplankters and cercariae may significantly influence food webs and parasite transmission in lentic ecosystems.