Nitric oxide modulates expression of extracellular matrix genes linked to fibrosis in kidney mesangial cells

Mesangial cells are thought to be important mediators of glomerular inflammation and fibrosis. Studies have established a direct role for nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of gene expression in mesangial cells. Representational difference analysis was used to investigate changes in gene expression elicited by the treatment of S-nitroso-L-glutathione in rat mesangial cells. Seven upregulated and 11 downregulated genes were identified. Four out of 11 downregulated genes (connective tissue growth factor, thrombospondin-1, collagen type I all and collagen type I alpha 2) are known to be linked to inflammation and fibrosis. Results were verified across species in mesangial cells treated with a series of NO donors using Northern blot analysis, quantitative real-time PCR and protein analysis methods. Induction of endogenous NO production by cytokine stimulation also triggered regulation of the genes. One example gene, connective tissue growth factor, was studied at the promoter level. Promoter-reporter gene studies in mesangial cells demonstrated that NO acts at the transcriptional level to suppress gene expression. Our results reveal a complex role of NO in regulating gene expression in mesangial cells and suggest an antifibrotic potential for NO

Impacts of artificial light at night in marine ecosystems—A review

The globally widespread adoption of Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) began in the mid-20th century. Yet, it is only in the last decade that a renewed research focus has emerged into its impacts on ecological and biological processes in the marine environment that are guided by natural intensities, moon phase, natural light and dark cycles and daily light spectra alterations. The field has diversified rapidly from one restricted to impacts on a handful of vertebrates, to one in which impacts have been quantified across a broad array of marine and coastal habitats and species. Here, we review the current understanding of ALAN impacts in diverse marine ecosystems. The review presents the current state of knowledge across key marine and coastal ecosystems (sandy and rocky shores, coral reefs and pelagic) and taxa (birds and sea turtles), introducing how ALAN can mask seabird and sea turtle navigation, cause changes in animals predation patterns and failure of coral spawning synchronization, as well as inhibition of zooplankton Diel Vertical Migration. Mitigation measures are recommended, however, while strategies for mitigation were easily identified, barriers to implementation are poorly understood. Finally, we point out knowledge gaps that if addressed would aid in the prediction and mitigation of ALAN impacts in the marine realm

Improving IGM temperature constraints using wavelet analysis on high-redshift quasars

Large scale structure and cosmolog

A generative model for quasar spectra

High Energy AstrophysicsGalaxie

The action of Nutraceuticals on key macrophage processes associated with Atherosclerosis

Objectives: To investigate the actions of nutraceuticals on key macrophage processes associated with atherosclerosis. Background: Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disorder of the vasculature orchestrated by the action of cytokines. Macrophages play a pivotal role in atherosclerosis and represent promising therapeutic targets. Current therapies against atherosclerosis are associated with substantial residual risk together with other issues such as adverse side effects. In addition, there have been numerous disappointments on many pharmaceutical agents identified from drug discovery programs. This has initiated interest in nutraceuticals as preventative or therapeutic agents in atherosclerosis but requires an in-depth understanding of their actions. The purpose of this study was to delineate the effects of nutraceuticals on key macrophage processes associated with atherosclerosis together with the molecular mechanisms underlying their actions. Methods: The studies used a combination of macrophage cell lines and primary cultures. Gene expression was monitored by real time quantitative PCR and western blot analysis. The production of reactive oxygen species was determined using a kit from Abcam. Foam cell formation was monitored by uptake of fluorescently labeled modified LDL, intracellular lipid profile and cholesterol efflux. Inflammasome activation was evaluated by following the release of interleukin (IL)-1beta. Cell viability was assessed by release of lactate dehydrogenase. Results: The studies focused on key components in olive oil and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. These attenuated the expression of key markers of inflammation induced by several pro-atherogenic cytokines, the uptake of modified LDL, macropinocytosis and foam cell formation in macrophages. In addition, they stimulated macrophage cholesterol efflux. A differential effect was observed for other parameters such as production of reactive oxygen species and production of IL-1beta via inflammasome activation. The mechanisms underlying such actions will be presented. Conclusions: The studies provide novel insights into the actions of nutraceuticals on key macrophage pprocesses associated with atherosclerosisroce

When spectral modeling meets convolutional networks: a method for discovering reionization-era lensed quasars in multiband imaging data

Instrumentatio

Multi-scale waves in sound-proof global simulations with EULAG

EULAG is a computational model for simulating flows across a wide range of scales and physical scenarios. A standard option employs an anelastic approximation to capture nonhydrostatic effects and simultaneously filter sound waves from the solution. In this study, we examine a localized gravity wave packet generated by instabilities in Held-Suarez climates. Although still simplified versus the Earth’s atmosphere, a rich set of planetary wave instabilities and ensuing radiated gravity waves can arise. Wave packets are observed that have lifetimes ≤ 2 days, are negligibly impacted by Coriolis force, and do not show the rotational effects of differential jet advection typical of inertia-gravity waves. Linear modal analysis shows that wavelength, period, and phase speed fit the dispersion equation to within a mean difference of ∼ 4%, suggesting an excellent fit. However, the group velocities match poorly even though a propagation of uncertainty analysis indicates that they should be predicted as well as the phase velocities. Theoretical arguments suggest the discrepancy is due to nonlinearity — a strong southerly flow leads to a critical surface forming to the southwest of the wave packet that prevents the expected propagation

Probing early supermassive black hole growth and quasar evolution with near-infrared spectroscopy of 37 reionization-era quasars at 6.3 < z < 7.64

Galaxie