Plasma cells are not restricted to the CD27+ phenotype:characterization of CD27-CD43+ antibody-secreting cells

Circulating antibody-secreting cells are present in the peripheral blood of healthy individuals reflecting the continued activity of the humoral immune system. Antibody-secreting cells typically express CD27. Here we describe and characterize a small population of antibody-secreting class switched CD19+CD43+ B cells that lack expression of CD27 in the peripheral blood of healthy subjects. In this study, we characterized CD27-CD43+ cells. We demonstrate that class-switched CD27-CD43+ B cells possess characteristics of conventional plasmablasts as they spontaneously secrete antibodies, are morphologically similar to antibody-secreting cells, show downregulation of B cell differentiation markers, and have a gene expression profile related to conventional plasmablasts. Despite these similarities, we observed differences in IgA and IgG subclass distribution, expression of homing markers, replication history, frequency of somatic hypermutation, immunoglobulin repertoire, gene expression related to Toll-like receptors, cytokines, and cytokine receptors, and antibody response to vaccination. Their frequency is altered in immune-mediated disorders. Conclusion: we characterized CD27-CD43+ cells as antibody-secreting cells with differences in function and homing potential as compared to conventional CD27+ antibody-secreting cells.</p

The potential impact of Blockchain technology from Procurement point of view in the Dutch automotive industry

Purpose: The purpose of the present research is exploratory in nature. What means that the researcher will examine the first insights about the new technology Blockchain from procurement point of view in the Dutch automotive industry. The purpose is to find out if the new technology has advantages and disadvantages in the defined scope and to identify where in the procurement department possible changes can be expect. Methodology/approach: The researcher has chosen for an interpretivist philosophy, inductive approach, and a narrative research strategy. Due to the new topic the present research has an exploratory purpose and is qualitative of nature. It is hard to conduct a successful quantitative research on a new topic before the first insights are established. Findings: Based on a critically literature review and the results of thematic semi-structured interviews, the present research concludes that blockchain technology has numerous advantages for procurement departments in the Dutch automotive industry. The biggest advantage of adoption blockchain is standardisation. Blockchain links systems together in order to share information, and therefore blockchain enables the procurement departments an easier way to do business with (new) suppliers. This will also improve the globalisation level of certain companies. Other advantages are smart-contracts, change current processes, and reduces in FTEs on administration departments. Besides advantages there are also disadvantages, the main disadvantages of blockchain were fraudulent, energy consumptions and takt time. Originality / value: Due to the fact that none research is done before on this topic the originality is high. There are recent studies about procurement and blockchain, but not a combination of those concepts. Therefore, this study indicates what for possibilities blockchain has for the procurement departments in the Dutch automotive industry. Future research: This study mainly focusses on the Dutch automotive industry, and therefore future research could be done on other industries, to check whether the findings are applicable to other industries. Also, future research can be done with a descriptive purpose to extend the exploratory purpose

Nano-TiO2 modulates the dermal sensitization potency of dinitrochlorobenzene after topical exposure

Little is known about the impact of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) on the skin sensitization caused by chemicals.status: publishe

Lung distribution, quantification, co-localization and speciation of silver nanoparticles after lung exposure in mice

Large knowledge gaps still exist on the toxicological mechanisms of silver (Ag) engineered nanoparticles (ENPs); a comprehensive understanding of the sources, biodistribution, toxicity and transformation of Ag ENPs along their life cycle and after transfer in living organisms is needed. In a previous study, mice were pulmonary exposed to Ag ENPs and local (lung) and systemic toxic effects together with biodistribution to organs including heart, liver, spleen and kidney were investigated. Here, Ag lung distribution, local concentration, co-localization with other elements such as Fe, Cu and S, and speciation were determined after lung exposure to Ag ENPs using micro X-ray fluorescence (μXRF), micro X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy (μXANES) and micro proton-induced X-ray emission (μPIXE) techniques. We found that approximately a quarter of all macrophages in the lumen of the airways contained ENPs. High local concentrations of Ag were also detected in the lung tissue, probably phagocytized by macrophages. The largest part of the ENPs was dissolved and complexed to thiol-containing molecules. Increased concentrations of Fe and Cu observed in the Ag-rich spots suggest that these molecules are metallothioneins (MTs). These results give more insights on the behavior of Ag ENPs in the lung in vivo and will help in the understanding of the toxicological mechanisms of Ag ENPs.publisher: Elsevier articletitle: Lung distribution, quantification, co-localization and speciation of silver nanoparticles after lung exposure in mice journaltitle: Toxicology Letters articlelink: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.toxlet.2015.07.001 content_type: article copyright: Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.status: publishe

Toxicity of nanoparticles embedded in paints compared to pristine nanoparticles, in vitro study

The unique physicochemical properties of nanomaterials has led to an increased use in the paint and coating industry. In this study, the in vitro toxicity of three pristine ENPs (TiO2, Ag and SiO2), three aged paints containing ENPs (TiO2, Ag and SiO2) and control paints without ENPs were compared. In a first experiment, cytotoxicity was assessed using a biculture consisting of human bronchial epithelial (16HBE14o-) cells and human monocytic cells (THP-1) to determine subtoxic concentrations. In a second experiment, a new coculture model of the lung-blood barrier consisting of 16HBE14o- cells, THP-1 and human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVEC) was used to study pulmonary and extrapulmonary toxicity. The results show that the pristine TiO2 and Ag ENPs have some cytotoxic effects at relative high dose, while pristine SiO2 ENPs and all aged paints with ENPs and control paints do not. In the complex triculture model of the lung-blood barrier, no considerable changes were observed after exposure to subtoxic concentration of the different pristine ENPs and paint particles. In conclusion, we demonstrated that although pristine ENPs show some toxic effects, no significant toxicological effects were observed when they were embedded in a complex paint matrix.publisher: Elsevier articletitle: Toxicity of nanoparticles embedded in paints compared to pristine nanoparticles, in vitro study journaltitle: Toxicology Letters articlelink: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.toxlet.2014.11.030 content_type: article copyright: Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.status: publishe

Lung distribution, quantification, co-localization and speciation of silver nanoparticles after lung exposure in mice

International audienceLocal Ag distribution, and co-localiza-tion with Fe, Cu and S, was determined. XRF, mXANES, and mPIXE techniques were used. A quarter of all macrophages in the lumen of the airways contained ENPs. A large part of the ENPs was dissolved and complexed to thiol-containing molecules. Ag, S-rich spots were enriched in Fe and Cu, suggestive for metallothio-neins (MTs). Silver Micro X-ray fluorescence (mXRF) Micro X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy (mXANES) Micro proton-induced X-ray emission (mPIXE) A B S T R A C T Large knowledge gaps still exist on the toxicological mechanisms of silver (Ag) engineered nanoparticles (ENPs); a comprehensive understanding of the sources, biodistribution, toxicity and transformation of Ag ENPs along their life cycle and after transfer in living organisms is needed. In a previous study, mice were pulmonary exposed to Ag ENPs and local (lung) and systemic toxic effects together with biodistribution to organs including heart, liver, spleen and kidney were investigated. Here, Ag lung distribution, local concentration, co-localization with other elements such as Fe, Cu and S, and speciation were determined after lung exposure to Ag ENPs using micro X-ray fluorescence (mXRF), micro X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy (mXANES) and micro proton-induced X-ray emission (mPIXE) techniques. We found that approximately a quarter of all macrophages in the lumen of the airways contained ENPs. High local concentrations of Ag were also detected in the lung tissue, probably phagocytized by macrophages. The largest part of the ENPs was dissolved and complexed to thiol-containing molecules. Increased concentrations of Fe and Cu observed in the Ag-rich spots suggest that these molecules are metallothioneins (MTs). These results give more insights on the behavior of Ag ENPs in the lung in vivo and will help in the understanding of the toxicological mechanisms of Ag ENPs

Nano-titanium dioxide modulates the dermal sensitization potency of DNCB

status: publishe

Mangroves in motion: Investigating the impact of the Hai Phong Masterplan: A case study in the Do Son area

The Hai Phong region is undergoing transformative changes through a Masterplan aimed at enhancing financial stability and improving the quality of life for the local community. A significant component of this Masterplan involves the construction of two new port terminals close to the mangroves of Do Son, a small town southeast of Hai Phong. Mangroves are beneficial in multiple facets. They act as a natural barrier, protecting coastlines from erosion, storm surges, and tsunamis. Additionally, mangroves contribute to water quality by filtering pollutants and trapping sediments, improving overall aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, they provide crucial habitat for various species, supporting biodiversity and serving as nurseries for many marine organisms that benefit the local community. This research investigates the potential implications of the Masterplan using the following research question: What are the potential effects of the Hai Phong Masterplan on the mangrove ecosystems and the local community? Conducted by a multidisciplinary team of six students, this research involved interviews with professionals, locals, and governmental organisations, extensive literature review, and field trips. It was concluded from this research that the construction of the port terminals have far-reaching consequences. In the mangrove area in Bang La (area A), the port terminal will have a sheltering effect over the mangrove area. This will cause sedimentation to occur and thus accretion. Also, it is also expected that the water quality will degrade further due to increased anthropogenic activity in combination with the poor sewage system present. The mangrove area in Ngoc Hai (area B) is expected to have little direct changes. The local community in Do Son shows varied awareness and support for the Masterplan, with stronger support in mangrove area A. Economic benefits, such as increased tourism, drive positive attitudes. However, there is a notable lack of awareness in area B. The willingness to participate is influenced by economic incentives, and effective communication is crucial for shaping community perspectives. With regards to the further execution of the Masterplan it is recommended to incorporate effective waste management, revise reafforestation plans to meet legal obligations, and engage key environmental stakeholders. For further research, it is recommended to conduct measurements over a more extended period of time to better understand the dynamics of the area. Additionally, more detailed research is needed to substantiate assumptions.Civil Engineerin

Toxicity of Nanoparticles Embedded in Paints Compared with Pristine Nanoparticles in Mice

The unique physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials have led to their increased use in many industrial applications, including as a paint additive. For example, titanium dioxide (TiO2) engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) have well-established anti-UV, self-cleaning, and air purification effects. Silver (Ag) ENPs are renowned for their anti-microbial capabilities and silicon dioxide (SiO2) ENPs are used as fire retardants and anti-scratch coatings. In this study, the toxic effects and biodistribution of three pristine ENPs (TiO2, Ag, and SiO2), three aged paints containing ENPs (TiO2, Ag, and SiO2) along with control paints without ENPs were compared. BALB/c mice were oropharyngeally aspirated with ENPs or paint particles (20 μg/aspiration) once a week for 5 weeks and sacrificed either 2 or 28 days post final aspiration treatment. A bronchoalveolar lavage was performed and systemic blood toxicity was evaluated to ascertain cell counts, induction of inflammatory cytokines, and key blood parameters. In addition, the lung, liver, kidney, spleen, and heart were harvested and metal concentrations were determined. Exposure to pristine ENPs caused subtle effects in the lungs and negligible alterations in the blood. The most pronounced toxic effects were observed after Ag ENPs exposure; an increased neutrophil count and a twofold increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion (keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß)) were identified. The paint containing TiO2 ENPs did not modify macrophage and neutrophil counts, but mildly induced KC and IL-1ß. The paints containing Ag or SiO2 did not show significant toxicity. Biodistribution experiments showed distribution of Ag and Si outside the lung after aspiration to respectively pristine Ag or SiO2 ENPs. In conclusion, we demonstrated that even though direct exposure to ENPs induced some toxic effects, once they were embedded in a complex paint matrix little to no adverse toxicological effects were identified.status: publishe