Rapid translocation of nanoparticles from the lung airspaces to the body

Nano-size particles show promise for pulmonary drug delivery, yet their behavior after deposition in the lung remains poorly understood. In this study, a series of near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent nanoparticles were systematically varied in chemical composition, shape, size and surface charge, and their biodistribution and elimination were quantified in rat models after lung instillation. We demonstrate that nanoparticles with hydrodynamic diameter (HD) less than ≈34 nm and a noncationic surface charge translocate rapidly from the lung to mediastinal lymph nodes. Nanoparticles of HD < 6 nm can traffic rapidly from the lungs to lymph nodes and the bloodstream, and then be subsequently cleared by the kidneys. We discuss the importance of these findings for drug delivery, air pollution and carcinogenesis

Vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in overweight adults: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Despite Australia's sunny climate, low vitamin D levels are increasingly prevalent. Sun exposure is limited by long working hours, an increase in time spent indoors, and sun protection practices, and there is limited dietary vitamin D fortification. While the importance of vitamin D for bone mineralization is well known, its role as a protective agent against chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, is less understood. Observational and limited intervention studies suggest that vitamin D might improve insulin sensitivity and secretion, mainly via its anti-inflammatory properties, thereby decreasing the risk of development and progression of type 2 diabetes. The primary aim of this trial is to investigate whether improved plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), obtained through vitamin D supplementation, will increase insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion. A secondary aim is to determine whether these relationships are mediated by a reduction in underlying subclinical inflammation associated with obesity.Fifty overweight but otherwise healthy nondiabetic adults between 18 and 60 years old, with low vitamin D levels (25(OH)D < 50 nmol/l), will be randomly assigned to intervention or placebo. At baseline, participants will undergo a medical review and anthropometric measurements, including dual X-ray absorptiometry, an intravenous glucose tolerance test, muscle and fat biopsies, a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp, and questionnaires assessing diet, physical activity, sun exposure, back and knee pain, and depression. The intervention group will receive a first dose of 100,000 IU followed by 4,000 IU vitamin D (cholecalciferol) daily, while the placebo group will receive apparently identical capsules, both for a period of 16 weeks. All measurements will be repeated at follow-up, with the primary outcome measure expressed as a change from baseline in insulin sensitivity and secretion for the intervention group compared with the placebo group. Secondary outcome measures will compare changes in anthropometry, cardiovascular risk factors, and inflammatory markers.The trial will provide much needed clinical evidence on the impact of vitamin D supplementation on insulin resistance and secretion and its underlying mechanisms, which are relevant for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT02112721 .Barbora de Courten, Aya Mousa, Negar Naderpoor, Helena Teede, Maximilian P J de Courten and Robert Scrag

Watermelons in the Sand of Sahara: Cultivation and use of indigenous landraces in the Tombouctou Region of Mali

researchWatermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai) is mainly cultivated worldwide for its dessert type, sweet, red flesh fruits. Other types with white flesh are cultivated for their seeds more locally in some parts of the world. The cultivation and use of these watermelons are less documented than the dessert type watermelons. This photo essay describes and documents watermelon production and processing of seeds of indigenous, white flesh watermelons in the Tombouctou region of Mali. The crop is grown in sandy soils in the desert, relying on a short period of rain for the seed to germinate. In 2008 the watermelons were cultivated on around 540 ha in the region. Three watermelon seed types were identified: Fombou, Kaneye, and Musa Musa. For many people the seeds from these types are an important food source. In addition, dessert types called Kankani were also cultivated. The men take care of the field work related to the watermelon production and the women in the households process seeds into various snacks, flour to make sauces, and oil for meal preparations. Many use most of the seeds in their own household, and only surplus seed is sold on the market. Women, often organized in groups, are also engaged in local sale of the seed derived products