Characterization of Metal and Trace Element Contents of Particulate Matter (PM10) Emitted by Vehicles Running on Brazilian FuelsHydrated Ethanol and Gasoline with 22% of Anhydrous Ethanol

Emission of fine particles by mobile sources has been a matter of great concern due to its potential risk both to human health and the environment. Although there is no evidence that one sole component may be responsible for the adverse health outcomes, it is postulated that the metal particle content is one of the most important factors, mainly in relation to oxidative stress. Data concerning the amount and type of metal particles emitted by automotive vehicles using Brazilian fuels are limited. The aim of this study was to identify inhalable particles (PM10) and their trace metal content in two light-duty vehicles where one was fueled with ethanol while the other was fueled with gasoline mixed with 22% of anhydrous ethanol (gasohol); these engines were tested on a chassis dynamometer. The elementary composition of the samples was evaluated by the particle-induced x-ray emission technique. The experiment showed that total emission factors ranged from 2.5 to 11.8 mg/km in the gasohol vehicle, and from 1.2 to 3 mg/km in the ethanol vehicle. The majority of particles emitted were in the fine fraction (PM2.5), in which Al, Si, Ca, and Fe corresponded to 80% of the total weight. PM10 emissions from the ethanol vehicle were about threefold lower than those of gasohol. The elevated amount of fine particulate matter is an aggravating factor, considering that these particles, and consequently associated metals, readily penetrate deeply into the respiratory tract, producing damage to lungs and other tissues.

Craniometaphyseal Dysplasia With Severe Craniofacial Involvement Shows Homozygosity at 6q21-22.1 Locus

Craniotubular dysplasias (CTD) are a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders of skeletal development, whose clinical and etiological classification is still much debated. One of the most common form is the autosomal dominant craniometaphyseal dysplasia (CMD) which is associated with mutation in the ANKH gene. In the literature a few families are reported with CMD phenotype that suggest an autosomal recessive (AR) pattern of inheritance. A candidate locus at 6q21-22 has been mapped in a large inbred Brazilian family, but the gene of the recessive form is still unknown. Our data on a female patient with CMD phenotype, born from healthy first degree cousins and displaying homozygosity for polymorphic markers at the 6q21-22 locus, further support the existence of an AR CMD, expanding its clinical spectrum to a more severe phenotype. (C) 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Attenuate Renal Fibrosis Through Immune Modulation and Remodeling Properties in a Rat Remnant Kidney Model

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have regenerative properties in acute kidney injury, but their role in chronic kidney diseases is still unknown. More specifically, it is not known whether MSCs halt fibrosis. The purpose of this work was to investigate the role of MSCs in fibrogenesis using a model of chronic renal failure. MSCs were obtained from the tibias and femurs of male Wistar-EPM rats. Female Wistar rats were subjected to the remnant model, and 2 vertical bar x vertical bar 10(5) MSCs were intravenously administrated to each rat every other week for 8 weeks or only once and followed for 12 weeks. SRY gene expression was observed in female rats treated with male MSCs, and immune localization of CD73(+)CD90(+) cells at 8 weeks was also assessed. Serum and urine analyses showed an amelioration of functional parameters in MSC-treated animals at 8 weeks, but not at 12 weeks. Masson`s trichrome and Sirius red staining demonstrated reduced levels of fibrosis in MSC-treated animals. These results were corroborated by reduced vimentin, type I collagen, transforming growth factor beta, fibroblast specific protein 1 (FSP-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and Smad3 mRNA expression and alpha smooth muscle actin and FSP-1 protein expression. Renal interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased after MSC treatment, whereas IL-4 and IL-10 expression levels were increased. All serum cytokine expression levels were decreased in MSC-treated animals. Taken together, these results suggested that MSC therapy can indeed modulate the inflammatory response that follows the initial phase of a chronic renal injury. The immunosuppressive and remodeling properties of MSCs may be involved in the decreased fibrosis in the kidney. STEM CELLS 2009;27:3063-3073

Crystal structure of the IL-22/IL-22R1 complex and its implications for the IL-22 signaling mechanism

Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is a member of the interleukin-10 cytokine family, which is involved in anti-microbial defenses, tissue damage protection and repair, and acute phase responses. Its signaling mechanism involves the sequential binding of IL-22 to interleukin-22 receptor 1 (IL-22R1), and of this dimer to interleukin-10 receptor 2 (IL-10R2) extracellular domain. We report a 1.9 A crystal structure of the IL-22/IL-22R1 complex, revealing crucial interacting residues at the IL-22/IL-22R1 interface. Functional importance of key residues was confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis and functional studies. Based on the X-ray structure of the binary complex, we discuss a molecular basis of the IL-22/IL-22R1 recognition by IL-10R2.

Crystal structure of a soluble decoy receptor IL-22BP bound to interleukin-22

Interleukin-22 (IL-22) plays an important role in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses in mammals. The IL-22 binding protein (IL-22BP), a soluble receptor that specifically binds IL-22, prevents the IL-22/interleukin-22 receptor 1 (IL-22R1)/interleukin-10 receptor 2 (IL-10R2) complex assembly and blocks IL-22 biological activity. Here we present the crystal structure of the IL-22/IL-22BP complex at 2.75 angstrom resolution. The structure reveals IL-22BP residues critical for IL-22 binding, which were confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis and functional studies. Comparison of IL-22/IL-22BP and IL-22/IL-22R1 crystal structures shows that both receptors display an overlapping IL-22 binding surface, which is consistent with the inhibitory role played by IL-22 binding protein.

Aerobic oxidation of monoterpenic alcohols catalyzed by ruthenium hydroxide supported on silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles

Ruthenium hydroxide supported on silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles was shown to be an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the liquid-phase oxidation of a wide range of alcohols using molecular oxygen as a sole oxidant in the absence of co-catalysts or additives. The material was prepared through the loading of the amino modified support with ruthenium(III) ions from an aqueous solution of ruthenium(III) chloride followed by treatment with sodium hydroxide to form ruthenium hydroxide species. Characterizations suggest that ruthenium hydroxide is highly dispersed on the support surface, with no ruthenium containing crystalline phases being detected. Various carbonylic monoterpenoids important for fragrance and pharmaceutical industries can be obtained in good to excellent yields starting from biomass-based monoterpenic alcohols, such as isobomeol, perillyl alcohol, carveol, and citronellol. The catalyst undergoes no metal leaching and can be easily recovered by the application of an external magnet and re-used. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.