Optimal synthesis and characterization of Ag nanofluids by electrical explosion of wires in liquids

Silver nanoparticles were produced by electrical explosion of wires in liquids with no additive. In this study, we optimized the fabrication method and examined the effects of manufacturing process parameters. Morphology and size of the Ag nanoparticles were determined using transmission electron microscopy and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. Size and zeta potential were analyzed using dynamic light scattering. A response optimization technique showed that optimal conditions were achieved when capacitance was 30 μF, wire length was 38 mm, liquid volume was 500 mL, and the liquid type was deionized water. The average Ag nanoparticle size in water was 118.9 nm and the zeta potential was -42.5 mV. The critical heat flux of the 0.001-vol.% Ag nanofluid was higher than pure water

Pneumococcal infection of respiratory cells exposed to welding fumes; Role of oxidative stress and HIF-1 alpha

Colt Foundation: CF/05/12

Mouse models to unravel the role of inhaled pollutants on allergic sensitization and airway inflammation

Air pollutant exposure has been linked to a rise in wheezing illnesses. Clinical data highlight that exposure to mainstream tobacco smoke (MS) and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) as well as exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEP) could promote allergic sensitization or aggravate symptoms of asthma, suggesting a role for these inhaled pollutants in the pathogenesis of asthma. Mouse models are a valuable tool to study the potential effects of these pollutants in the pathogenesis of asthma, with the opportunity to investigate their impact during processes leading to sensitization, acute inflammation and chronic disease. Mice allow us to perform mechanistic studies and to evaluate the importance of specific cell types in asthma pathogenesis. In this review, the major clinical effects of tobacco smoke and diesel exhaust exposure regarding to asthma development and progression are described. Clinical data are compared with findings from murine models of asthma and inhalable pollutant exposure. Moreover, the potential mechanisms by which both pollutants could aggravate asthma are discussed

Inhaled particle dosimetry: Session commentary

The Third Colloquium on Particulate Matter and Human Health addressed the roles that inhaled particle dosimetry plays in understanding the potential health risks of human populations exposed to particulate air pollution. Nineteen papers, including posters, were presented that addressed particle deposition and clearance in both humans and laboratory animals. The effects of age, gender, and illness were addressed, as well as ultrafine particles and correlations between particle deposits and tissue pathology. The papers and related discussions also illuminated some important gaps in knowledge, such as the accuracy of dosimetry predictions for individuals; the underrepresentation of susceptible populations; the movement of deposited particles to nonlung tissues and organs; and the accuracy of extrapolations across species. Although current dosimetric information is useful for understanding the effects of particulate air pollution, several unsolved problems remain