Hypoxia-inducible Factor-1 Activation in Nonhypoxic Conditions: The Essential Role of Mitochondrial-derived Reactive Oxygen Species

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a key transcription factor for responses to low oxygen. Here we report that the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species are essential for regulating HIF-1 in normal oxygen conditions in the vasculature

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

Investigation on a "tentacle-like" corrosion feature on Bronze Age tin-bronze objects

Studying the micro-structure of Austrian, Bosnian and Croatian Bronze Age objects made of tin bronze, a rare kind of corrosion feature, called in the following "tentacle-like" according to its specific way of penetrating the metallic matrix, was noted and investigated. Differing from the more classical intergranular, pitting, or crevice corrosion features, the "tentacle-like" corrosion is not following the grain boundaries, nor precisely positioned under the etching area, but penetrates mainly the crystal matrix without any apparent order. This paper discusses the first results achieved and the following hypotheses formulated in respect of the typology of this corrosion. The analyses were carried out by optical microscopy, Raman microspectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy equipped with EDX spectroscopy for quantitative analyses

Fine roots of Picea abies compensate for drought stress in the rainfall reduction experiment

This study evaluates the influence of repeated artificial drought stress on the fine root charac- teristics – including ectomycorrhizae – of Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst]. The experimental site consisted of two plots in a mature spruce monoculture stand. The water regime at parts of both plots was regulated by shelters and an isolation trench during vegetation season (spring to autumn) since 2010. Root samples were collected during autumn in 2010, 2012, and 2013. Root analyses revealed the effect of drought stress on mycorrhizal root tips changed over time. While a density of active mycorrhizae was about 34% lower in drought-stressed areas compared to nonstressed (control) areas in 2010, it increased by 15% in 2012 and by 22% in 2013 over both plots. We observed the less pronounced effect of drought on a proportion of active mycorrhizae, but it generally followed the pattern of active mycorrhizae density. The density of nonactive mycorrhizae was not influenced by drought but significantly fluctuated during the course of the experiment. Other root characteristics such as the dry mass of fine roots (< 1 mm), the specific length of fine roots (< 1 mm) and the composition of the ectomycorrhizal community (primarily dominated by Amphinema byssoides, Tylospora fibrillosa, Tylopilus felleus, and Cenococcum geophilum) were also not significantly influenced by drought. Our results indicate the ability of Norway spruce fine roots to com- pensate for repeated drought stress of the intermediate intensity

\u201cIdealit\ue0 e Materialismo\u201d: A first multi-technique characterization of Monteverde's plaster sculpture

Giulio Monteverde (1837\u20131917) was one of the major and most important sculptors of the early 1900s, both in Italy and at a worldwide level. Monteverde is mainly known for the artworks he realized in stone and metal, but he still remains almost unacknowledged for his plaster statues. Until today, neither the manufacture, nor the chemical composition of these sculptures was ever studied. In this paper, we have performed a preliminary investigation of the morphological and chemical composition of the gypsum plaster that Monteverde used to create his artwork in stone \u201cIdealit\ue0 e Materialismo\u201d, today in the National Gallery of Modern Art in Rome. Micro-samples of the sculpture were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), analytical microprobe (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). This enabled the identification of both the chemical composition of the material used by the artist and the steps adopted to realize his sculptures. The analyzed samples have shown the presence of a thin finishing layer, as a \u201cskin\u201d, covering the whole artwork. This layer consists mainly of Gypsum, Calcite and Anhydrite and has, consequently, a different chemical composition than the inner bulk, which is made of pure gypsum. Such outer layer results in a marble-like surface of the sculpture with increased hardness and reduced porosity, which results in a higher resistance to external environmental conditions. This may also explain why Monteverde's plaster sculptures are so well preserved over time

A high-whey-protein diet reduces body weight gain and alters insulin sensitivity relative to red meat in Wistar rats

© 2004 The American Society for Nutritional SciencesA high-protein diet can reduce body weight and increase insulin sensitivity, but whether the type of dietary protein affects these outcomes is unknown. We hypothesized that feeding insulin-resistant rats a high-protein diet (32%) containing whey protein concentrate (WPC) would reduce body weight and tissue lipid levels and increase insulin sensitivity more than a diet containing red meat (RM). Rats were fed a high-fat diet (300 g fat/kg diet) for 9 wk, then switched to a diet containing either 80 or 320 g protein/kg diet, provided by either WPC or RM, for 6 wk (n = 8). The rats were then killed after overnight food deprivation. High dietary protein reduced energy intake (P < 0.001) and visceral (P < 0.001), subcutaneous (P < 0.001), and carcass fat (P < 0.05). Increasing the dietary density of WPC, but not of RM, reduced body weight gain by 4% (P < 0.001). Dietary WPC also reduced plasma insulin concentration by 40% (P < 0.05) and increased insulin sensitivity, compared to RM (P < 0.05). These findings support the conclusions that a high-protein diet reduces energy intake and adiposity and that whey protein is more effective than red meat in reducing body weight gain and increasing insulin sensitivity.Damien P. Belobrajdic, Graeme H. McIntosh, and Julie A. Owen