Thrombin increases inflammatory cytokine and angiogenic growth factor secretion in human adipose cells in vitro

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Abdominal obesity is associated with pro-thrombotic and inflammatory states. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the expression of thrombin receptors (PAR1 and PAR4) human adipose tissue and whether thrombin stimulates an inflammatory cytokine and growth factor profile in human adipose tissue.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Human adipose tissue, isolated preadipocytes and differentiated adipocytes were used in this study. PAR1 and PAR4 mRNA and protein were detected by RT-PCR and immunoblot analysis in both adipose tissue and adipose microvessels. In separate studies, IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-10, FGF-2, VEGF, and PDGF production were measured from adipose tissue (n = 5), adipocytes (n = 5), and preadipocytes (n = 3) supernatants with and without thrombin (1 or 10 U/ml; 24 hrs) treatment.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Thrombin increased cytokine secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1 and TNF-α and growth factor secretion of VEGF from adipocytes along with MCP-1 and VEGF from preadipocytes. The direct thrombin inhibitor lepirudin given in conjunction with thrombin prevented the thrombin-mediated increase in cytokine and growth factor secretion.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Here we show that thrombin PAR1 and PAR4 receptors are present and that thrombin stimulates inflammatory cytokine generation and growth factor release in human adipose tissue and cells <it>in vitro</it>. These data suggest that thrombin may represent a molecular link between obesity and associated inflammation.</p

Algal diversity and distribution in Waste Stabilization Ponds treating faecal sludge leachate from drying vegetated beds

Waste Stabilization Ponds (WSP) were tested at pilot scale for the polishing of faecal sludge leachate from planted drying beds in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Water was sampled at three different depths (10, 30, 45 cm) and three different hydraulic retention times (HRT) (4, 7 and 10 days) in two  maturation basins in series for physico-chemical and biological analyses. As a removal mechanism, algae diversity, density and biomass were assessed and correlated to the physical parameters within the ponds. Results showed the presence of nine algal species belonging to three divisions, four classes, six orders, eight families and eight genera. Among these species found in WSPs, Chlamydomonas globosa, Monoraphidium convolutum and pseudanabaena catena were the most abundant whatever the basin, the hydraulic retention time (HRT) and depth. PO4P, NH4N andthe total chlorophyll showed strong correlation with the algal biomass (0.582, 0.731 and 0.895 respectively) at the surface (0-15 cm) followed by TSS, temperature and COD (0.556, 0.509 and 0.533 respectively) at HRT 4days. These correlations were not observed at HRT 7 and 10 days.Keywords: Algal dynamic, Waste Stabilization Pond, faecal sludge leachate, depth, hydraulic retention time

The Interaction of Photoactivators with Proteins during Microfabrication

Micron-scale protein cross-linking or microfabrication has been carried out using an Nd3+–YAG laser as the excitation source. Fabrication is carried out by the excitation of photoactivators (Rose Bengal, methylene blue and 9-fluorenone-2-carboxylic acid) with the ultimate goal of creating stable structures that will serve as models for various applications (drug delivery and tissue engineering). Experimental parameters have been adjusted to minimize photodamage and maximize cross-linking efficiency. The higher than ideal photon flux and peak power necessitates the use of high protein concentrations to minimize photodamage. Rose Bengal and methylene blue are binding to proteins with high association constants (Ka ≈ 106 M−1) and both Rose Bengal and both 9-fluorenone-2-carboxylic acid are showing changes to their excited states in presence of proteins at cross-linking concentrations. Molecular docking studies show that Rose Bengal binds close to the tryptophan with ΔG = −6.15 kcal/mol

Treatment technology for leachate from faecal sludge drying beds

The use of planted drying beds for faecal sludge treatment is effective for solid-liquid separation, but the leachate produced requires further treatment prior to discharge or reuse. This study investigates the potential of a new and low-cost solution for leachate treatment

Technologies for sanitation: how to determine appropriate sludge treatment strategies in Vietnam

Developing appropriate technologies for the sanitation chain in low- and middle-income countries is crucial to protect public and environmental health. This includes treatment systems for the sludge produced in onsite and centralized systems (i.e., faecal and wastewater sludge). As the quantities and characteristics of sludge differ from city to city, this requires context-specific technologies. This case study was conducted to identify potential management strategies in five cities in Vietnam. The influence of the enabling environment, existing infrastructures, local sanitation practices and socioeconomic contexts on the selection of technology was assessed through literature reviews, household surveys and interviews. A checklist of influential aspects is presented to make best use of local opportunities and minimize the risks of technology failure. This approach is applicable to develop sludge management strategies in other cities

FAQ: faecal sludge quantification and characterization - field trial of methodology in Hanoi, Vietnam

Characterizing and quantifying faecal sludge (FS) at a city-wide scale in low- and middle-income countries is essential for designing and planning appropriate FS treatment facilities. However, there currently is no accurate methodology for the estimation of these values. The FAQ (faecal sludge quantification and characterization) study developed a methodology, and is validating it in Hanoi, Vietnam and Kampala, Uganda. The method utilizes spatially analysed demographic data as a predictor of FS characteristics. Extensive sampling has been conducted to field test the presented method. This paper presents results of collected and analysed secondary data, and preliminary results of the TS, VS, COD and SCOD concentrations from household septic tanks in Hanoi, which were on average 26,471, 19,395, 37,541 and 713 mg/L respectively, and ongoing data analysis is being conducted

Results from FaME (Faecal Management Enterprises) - can dried faecal sludge fuel the sanitation service chain?

In Sub-Saharan Africa, sanitation needs for the majority of the urban population are met by onsite sanitation technologies. Cities grapple with management of faecal sludge (FS) once these technologies become full, while at the same time the urban economy is resource intensive. The FaME (Faecal Management Enterprises) project addressed both of these issues by identifying untapped markets for FS treatment products. Industries have a high fuel demand and FaME demonstrated that dried FS could be used as a solid combustible in industrial kilns. Existing treatment technologies were adapted for fuel production, and its application was demonstrated in two pilot kilns. Historically used as a soil conditioner, processing of FS to a solid biofuel could provide higher revenues, thereby providing a financial incentive for stakeholders to enhance FS management service along the entire sanitation chain

Nonhomologous end joining: A good solution for bad ends

Double strand breaks pose unique problems for DNA repair, especially when broken ends possess complex structures that interfere with standard DNA transactions. Nonhomologous end joining can use multiple strategies to solve these problems. It further uses sophisticated means to ensure the strategy chosen provides the ideal balance of flexibility and accuracy