Spin Alignment of Dark Matter Halos: Mad Halos

We investigate the spin alignment of the dark matter halos by considering a mechanism somewhat similar to tidal locking. We dubbed it Tidal Locking Theory (TLT). While Tidal Torque Theory is responsible for the initial angular momentum of the dark matter halos, the Tidal locking Theory explains the angular momentum evolution during non-linear ages. Our previous work showed that close encounters between haloes could drastically change their angular momentum. The current manuscript argues that the tidal locking theory predicts partial alignment between speed and the spin direction for the large high-speed halos. To examine this prediction, we use the IllustrisTNG simulation and look for the alignment of the halos' rotation axis. We find that the excess probability of alignment between spin and speed is about 10 percent at $z=0$ for fast haloes; with velocities larger than twice the median. We show that tidal torque theory predicts that the spin of a halo tends to be aligned with the middle eigendirection of the tidal tensor. Moreover, we find that the halos at $z=10$ are preferentially aligned with the middle eigendirection of the tidal tensor with an excess probability of 15 percent. We show that tidal torque theory fails to predict correct alignment at $z=0$ while it works almost flawlessly at $z=10$.Comment: 7 pages, 4 figure

Autologous Adipocyte Derived Stem Cells Favour Healing in a Minipig Model of Cutaneous Radiation Syndrome

Cutaneous radiation syndrome (CRS) is the delayed consequence of localized skin exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation. Here we examined for the first time in a large animal model the therapeutic potential of autologous adipose tissue-derived stroma cells (ASCs). For experiments, Göttingen minipigs were locally gamma irradiated using a 60Co source at the dose of 50 Gy and grafted (n = 5) or not (n = 8). ASCs were cultured in MEM-alpha with 10% fetal calf serum and basic fibroblast growth factor (2 ng.mL−1) and post irradiation were intradermally injected on days 25, 46, 67 and finally between days 95 and 115 (50×106 ASCs each time) into the exposed area. All controls exhibited a clinical evolution with final necrosis (day 91). In grafted pigs an ultimate wound healing was observed in four out of five grafted animals (day 130 +/− 28). Immunohistological analysis of cytokeratin expression showed a complete epidermis recovery. Grafted ASCs accumulated at the dermis/subcutis barrier in which they attracted numerous immune cells, and even an increased vasculature in one pig. Globally this study suggests that local injection of ASCs may represent a useful strategy to mitigate CRS

NADPH oxidases in cardiovascular disease: insights from in vivo models and clinical studies

NADPH oxidase family enzymes (or NOXs) are the major sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are implicated in the pathophysiology of many cardiovascular diseases. These enzymes appear to be especially important in the modulation of redox-sensitive signalling pathways that underlie key cellular functions such as growth, differentiation, migration and proliferation. Seven distinct members of the family have been identified of which four (namely NOX1, 2, 4 and 5) may have cardiovascular functions. In this article, we review our current understanding of the roles of NOX enzymes in several common cardiovascular disease states, with a focus on data from genetic studies and clinical data where available

ACE2 Deficiency Enhances Angiotensin II-Mediated Aortic Profilin-1 Expression, Inflammation and Peroxynitrite Production

Inflammation and oxidative stress play a crucial role in angiotensin (Ang) II-mediated vascular injury. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has recently been identified as a specific Ang II-degrading enzyme but its role in vascular biology remains elusive. We hypothesized that loss of ACE2 would facilitate Ang II-mediated vascular inflammation and peroxynitrite production. 10-week wildtype (WT, Ace2+/y) and ACE2 knockout (ACE2KO, Ace2−/y) mice received with mini-osmotic pumps with Ang II (1.5 mg.kg−1.d−1) or saline for 2 weeks. Aortic ACE2 protein was obviously reduced in WT mice in response to Ang II related to increases in profilin-1 protein and plasma levels of Ang II and Ang-(1–7). Loss of ACE2 resulted in greater increases in Ang II-induced mRNA expressions of inflammatory cytokines monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 without affecting tumor necrosis factor-α in aortas of ACE2KO mice. Furthermore, ACE2 deficiency led to greater increases in Ang II-mediated profilin-1 expression, NADPH oxidase activity, and superoxide and peroxynitrite production in the aortas of ACE2KO mice associated with enhanced phosphorylated levels of Akt, p70S6 kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Interestingly, daily treatment with AT1 receptor blocker irbesartan (50 mg/kg) significantly prevented Ang II-mediated aortic profilin-1 expression, inflammation, and peroxynitrite production in WT mice with enhanced ACE2 levels and the suppression of the Akt-ERK-eNOS signaling pathways. Our findings reveal that ACE2 deficiency worsens Ang II-mediated aortic inflammation and peroxynitrite production associated with the augmentation of profilin-1 expression and the activation of the Akt-ERK-eNOS signaling, suggesting potential therapeutic approaches by enhancing ACE2 action for patients with vascular diseases

Fe3O4–wheat straw: preparation, characterization and its application for methylene blue adsorption

The removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution by NaOH-treated wheat straw from agriculture biomass impregnated with Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNP-NWS) was investigated. Magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4) were prepared by chemical precipitation of a mixture of Fe2+ and Fe3+ salts from solution aqueous by ammonia. These magnetic nanoparticles of the adsorbent Fe3O4 were characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), nitrogen physisorption and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). FTIR results showed complexation and ion exchange appears to be the principal mechanism for MB adsorption. The adsorption isotherm data were fitted to Langmuir, Sips, Redlich–Peterson and Freundlich equations. Langmuir adsorption capacity, Qmax, was found to be 1374.6 mgg−1. The Freundlich equation yielded the best fit to the experimental data in comparison to the other isotherm models. The removal of MB by MNP-NWS followed pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics based on Lagergren equations

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus vaccine: past, present, and future

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) has been recognized as a tick-borne infection caused by a member of the Nairoviridae family within the Bunyavirales order, named CCHF virus. CCHF virus is a zoonotic virus, so transferred between vertebrates and humans. Therefore, vaccination in humans and animals might reduce the risk of infection. Currently, there are no globally licensed vaccines or therapeutics for CCHF. Although several studies have been performed on the production of the CCHF vaccine, any of these vaccines were not fully protective. Hence, the development of a new generation of vaccines could contribute to better management of CCHF. In this review, we will discuss on features of these vaccine candidates. © 2022 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. All rights reserved