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Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due to inadequate insulin secretion, resistance, or both. The cardiovascular complications of DM are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. There are three major types of pathophysiologic cardiac remodeling including coronary artery atherosclerosis, cardiac autonomic neuropathy, and DM cardiomyopathy in patients with DM. DM cardiomyopathy is a distinct cardiomyopathy characterized by myocardial dysfunction in the absence of coronary artery disease, hypertension, and valvular heart disease. Cardiac fibrosis, defined as the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, is a hallmark of DM cardiomyopathy. The pathophysiology of cardiac fibrosis in DM cardiomyopathy is complex and involves multiple cellular and molecular mechanisms. Cardiac fibrosis contributes to the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which increases mortality and the incidence of hospitalizations. As medical technology advances, the severity of cardiac fibrosis in DM cardiomyopathy can be evaluated by non-invasive imaging modalities such as echocardiography, heart computed tomography (CT), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear imaging. In this review article, we will discuss the pathophysiology of cardiac fibrosis in DM cardiomyopathy, non-invasive imaging modalities to evaluate the severity of cardiac fibrosis, and therapeutic strategies for DM cardiomyopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious public health problem. Due to a high variability in the speed of CKD progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and the critical involvement of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in CKD, we investigated the role of the Wnt antagonist Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) in CKD progression. Our data revealed that patients with CKD stages 4–5 had higher DKK1 levels in their serum and renal tissues than the control subjects. In an 8-year follow-up, the serum DKK1-high group in the enrolled CKD patients showed a faster progression to ESRD than the serum DKK1-low group. Using a rat model of 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx)-induced CKD, we consistently detected elevated serum levels and renal production of DKK1 in 5/6 Nx rats compared to sham-operated rats. Importantly, the knockdown of the DKK1 levels in the 5/6 Nx rats markedly attenuated the CKD-associated phenotypes. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that the treatment of mouse mesangial cells with recombinant DKK1 protein induced not only the production of multiple fibrogenic proteins, but also the expression of endogenous DKK1. Collectively, our findings suggest that DKK1 acts as a profibrotic mediator in CKD, and elevated levels of serum DKK1 may be an independent predictor of faster disease progression to ESRD in patients with advanced CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Redox is a constant phenomenon in organisms. From the signaling pathway transduction to the oxidative stress during the inflammation and disease process, all are related to reduction-oxidation (redox). Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a transcription factor targeting many antioxidant genes. In non-stressed conditions, NRF2 maintains the hemostasis of redox with housekeeping work. It expresses constitutively with basal activity, maintained by Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1)-associated ubiquitination and degradation. When encountering stress, it can be up-regulated by several mechanisms to exert its anti-oxidative ability in diseases or inflammatory processes to protect tissues and organs from further damage. From acute kidney injury to chronic kidney diseases, such as diabetic nephropathy or glomerular disease, many results of studies have suggested that, as a master of regulating redox, NRF2 is a therapeutic option. It was not until the early termination of the clinical phase 3 trial of diabetic nephropathy due to heart failure as an unexpected side effect that we renewed our understanding of NRF2. NRF2 is not just a simple antioxidant capacity but has pleiotropic activities, harmful or helpful, depending on the conditions and backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) can cause inflammation and fibrosis, in addition to being the main complication of diabetes. Among many factors, epigenetic alterations in aberrant histone modifications play a key role in causing DKD. In this study, the mechanism of GSK-J4, a histone demethylase KDM6A inhibitor, was evaluated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. It was confirmed that GSK-J4, via dickkopf-1 (DKK1) modulation, could significantly reduce proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis in diabetic mice. The mRNA accumulation levels of DKK1, TGF-β1, fibronectin, and collagen IV were significantly elevated in diabetic mice. In contrast, the mRNA accumulations of those genes were significantly reduced in diabetic mice treated with GSK-J4 compared to those in diabetic mice, relatively speaking. The protein accumulation levels of fibronectin and collagen IV were significantly elevated in diabetic mice. Furthermore, GSK-J4 attenuated the high glucose-induced expression of profibrotic factors in mesangial cells via DKK1. In conclusion, our study provides a novel strategy to eliminate fibrosis in the kidneys of DKD mice. Using GSK-J4 reduces DKK1 expression, thereby ameliorating renal insufficiency, glomerulosclerosis morphological abnormalities, inflammation, and fibrosis in diabetic mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes-induced chronic kidney disease leads to mortality and morbidity and thus poses a great health burden worldwide. Krüppel-like factor 10 (KLF10), a zinc finger-containing transcription factor, regulates numerous cellular functions, such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. In this study, we explored the effects of KLF10 on diabetes-induced renal disease by using a KLF10 knockout mice model. Knockout of KLF10 obviously diminished diabetes-induced tumor growth factor-β (TGF-β), fibronectin, and type IV collagen expression, as evidenced by immunohistochemical staining. KLF10 knockout also repressed the expression of Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) and phosphorylated β-catenin in diabetic mice, as evidenced by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis. Quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed that significantly decreased type IV collagen, fibronectin, and DKK-1 existed in KLF10 knockout diabetic mice compared with control diabetic mice. Moreover, knockout of KLF10 reduced the renal fibrosis, as shown by Masson's Trichrome analysis. Overall, the results indicate that depletion of KLF10 ameliorated diabetic renal fibrosis via the downregulation of DKK-1 expression and inhibited TGF-β1 and phosphorylated β-catenin expression. Our findings suggest that KLF10 may be a promising therapeutic choice for the treatment of diabetes-induced renal fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the major leading cause of kidney failure. To identify the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), renal function/fibrosis is playing a crucial role. Unfortunately, lack of sensitivities/specificities of available clinical biomarkers are key major issues for practical healthcare applications to identify the renal functions/fibrosis in the early stage of DN. Thus, there is an emerging approach such as therapeutic or diagnostic are highly desired to conquer the CKD at earlier stages. Herein, we applied and examined the application of dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) to identify the progression of fibrosis between wild type (WT) and miR29a transgenic (Tg) mice during streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Further, we also validate the potential renoprotective role of miR29a to maintain the renal perfusion, volume, and function. In addition, Ktrans values of DCE-MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of DWI could significantly reflect the level of fibrosis between WT and Tg mice at identical conditions. As a result, we strongly believed that the present non-invasive MR imaging platforms have potential to serveas an important tool in research and clinical imaging for renal fibrosis in diabetes, and that microenvironmental changes could be identified by MR imaging acquisition prior to histological biopsy and diabetic podocyte dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the leading causes of end‐stage renal disease and creates heavy healthcare burdens globally. Dysfunction of mesangial cells and podocytes contributes to diabetic nephropathy. Dysregulation of signaling involved in renal development and regeneration may cause diabetic kidney damages. Growing evidences suggest the importance of dysregulated dickkopf‐1 (DKK1)/Wnt/ β‐catenin signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of diabetic glomerular injuries. The inhibition of Wnt signaling in injured mesangial cells is likely attributed to the high glucose‐induced Ras/Rac1 dependent superoxide formation. When DKK1, the cellular inhibitor of Wnt signaling, binds to the Kremen‐2 receptor, depositions of extracellular matrix increase in the mesangium of diabetic kidneys. Additionally, reactivation of Notch‐1 signaling has been implicated in podocytopathy during diabetic proteinuria development. Knocking down Notch‐1 alleviates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, nephrin repression and proteinuria in diabetic kidneys. It is also found that epigenetic modulations by histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) and miR‐29a could lead to diabetic nephropathy. High glucose increases the expression of HDAC4, which causes deacetylation with subsequent ubiquitination of nephrin. Overexpression of miR‐29a in diabetic transgenic mice would decrease the expression of HDAC4 and stabilize nephrin. Surprisingly, reprogramming or reactivation of signaling involved in renal development or regeneration often brings about diabetic glomerular sclerosis in mesangial cells and podocytes. Better knowledge about modifications of embryonic stem cell signaling will have a chance to implement strategically focused pharmacological research programs aiming to the development of new drugs for diabetic kidney injuries. Summary at a Glance: Dysregulation of signaling involved in renal development or regeneration often leads to diabetic nephropathy. Recent advances of these molecular mechanisms are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Adiponectin (ADPN), one of most abundant fat-derived biologically active substances, plays an important role in anti-atherosclerotic process. There are conflicting results about the impact of ADPN on cardiovascular (CV) outcomes and mortality, particularly in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Moreover, the relationship between ADPN and inflammatory mediators has been seldom explored in this population. Therefore, we examined the relationship between ADPN and longitudinal high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) changes and investigated whether ADPN or hs-CRP levels could predict CV outcomes and mortality in prevalent PD patients after comprehensive adjustment of possible confounders. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 78 PD patients were enrolled and followed from February 2009 to August 2012. During follow-up, CV events and all-cause mortality were recorded. Results: The mean baseline ADPN value was 29.46±18.01 μg/ml and duration of PD treatment was 37.76±36.96 months. In multiple linear regression analysis, plasma ADPN levels positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein and negatively associated with hs-CRP, body mass index, D4/D0 glucose, triglyceride, and duration of PD treatment. After stratified by genders, the inverse association between baseline ADPN and hs-CRP was more significant in the female group. The hs-CRP levels were followed up annually and remained significantly lower in the high ADPN group in the first 2 years. Patients were then stratified into two groups according to the median ADPN value (23.8 μg/ml). The results of Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated less CV events and better survival in high ADPN group. On multivariate Cox regression analysis, only ADPN level (HR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88–0.98, p = 0.02), age and history of CV diseases were independent risk factors for future CV events. Furthermore, hs-CRP (HR: 1.11, 95% CI:1.001–1.22, p = 0.04) was identified as independent predictor of all-cause mortality. Conclusions: Serum hs-CRP levels were consistently lower in the high ADPN group during 2-year follow-up. We also demonstrated the importance of ADPN and hs-CRP in predicting CV events and all-cause mortality in PD population during 3.5-year follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is characterized by the development of progressive glomerulosclerotic lesions gradually leading to an increasing loss of functioning kidney parenchyma. Relatively little proteomic research of isolated glomeruli of experimental animal models has been done so far. Isolated glomerular proteomics is an innovative tool that potentially detects simultaneous expressions of glomeruli in diabetic pathological contexts. We compared the isolated glomerular profiles of rats with and without diabetes. The proteins in the aliquots of glomeruli were subjected to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The protein spots were matched and quantified using an imaging analysis system. The peptide mass fingerprints were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and a bioinformation search. We found that diabetes increased collagen type I and collagen type IV levels in diabetic glomeruli when compared to normal control group using Dynabeads. We found that rats with diabetes had significantly higher abundance of the Protein disulfide isomerase associated 3, Aspartoacylase-3,3-hydroxymethyl-3-methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A lyase, Lactamase beta 2 and Agmat protein. However, diabetic glomeruli in rats had significantly lower levels of the Regucalcin, rCG52140, Aldo-keto reductase family 1, Peroxiredoxin 1, andl-arginine: glycine amidinotransferase. These proteins of interest were reported to modulate disturbances in the homeostasis of endoplasmic reticulum stress, disturbance of inflammatory and fibrinogenic activities, impairing endothelial function, and dysregulation in the antioxidation capacity/oxidative stress in several tissue types under pathological contexts. Taken together, our high-throughput isolated glomerular proteomic findings indicated that multiple pathological reactions presumably occurred in DN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction The role of the renal nitric oxide ( NO) system in the pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy constitutes a very challenging and fertile field for future investigation. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether NO donors can attenuate diabetic renal fibrosis and apoptosis through modulating oxidative- and nitrosative-stress, and Wnt signaling using in vivo diabetic models. Materials and Methods Diabetic rat was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Rats in each group were intraperitoneally given 2,2′-(hydroxynitrosohydrazino)bis-ethanamine (1 U/kg/day) and vehicle for 28 and 56 consecutive days. Expression of the oxidative- and nitrosative-stress, and Wnt signaling components were examined in kidneys from diabetic animals by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining. Results NO donor treatment significantly reduced the ratio of kidney weight to bodyweight and proteinuria. This treatment also significantly restored the suppressive effect of diabetes on urinary NO2 + NO3 levels. Immunohistochemistry showed that NO donor treatment significantly reduced transforming growth factor ( TGF)-β1, fibronectin, cleaved caspase-3 and triphosphate-biotin nick end-labeling expression in the glomeruli of diabetic rats. We found that diabetes promoted 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, and peroxynitrite expression coincided with reduced endothelial NO synthase expression in glomeruli. Interestingly, NO donor treatment completely removed oxidative stress and nitrosative stress, and restored endothelial NO synthase expression in diabetic renal glomeruli. Immunohistomorphometry results showed that NO donor treatment significantly restored suppressed Wnt5a expression and β-catenin immunoreactivities in glomeruli. Based on laser-captured microdissection for quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, diabetes significantly increased TGF-β1, and fibronectin expression coincided with depressed Wnt5a expression. NO donor treatment reduced TGF-β1, fibronectin activation, and the suppressing effect of diabetes on Wnt5a and β-catenin expression in renal glomeruli. Conclusions NO donor treatment alleviates extracellular matrix accumulation and apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy in vivo by not only preventing the diabetes-mediated oxidative and nitrostative stress, but also restoring downregulation of endothelial NO synthase expression and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These findings suggest that modulation of NO is a viable alternative strategy for rescuing diabetic renal injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensive fibrosis in the glomerular microenvironment is a prominent feature of diabetic nephropathy. Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) reportedly mediates diabetes-induced renal injury. However, studies on the molecular events underlying CB1R promotion of renal dysfunction are limited. This study is undertaken to investigate whether CB1R signaling via Ras or PPARγ pathway regulates mesangial fibrosis in diabetic kidneys. In streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, hyperglycemia induced glomerular hypertrophy and fibrosis in association with increased IL-1β, fibronectin, and CB1R expressions and reduced PPARγ2 signaling. CB1R transgenic mice gained kidney weight, and renal glomeruli strongly displayed IL-1β and fibrotic matrices. Disruption of CB1R by antisense oligonucleotides or inverse agonist AM251 restored PPARγ2 signaling and reduced the promotional effects of hyperglycemia on the expression of fibrogenic transcription factor c-Jun, inflammation regulator SOCS3, proinflammatory cytokines, and accumulation of fibrotic matrix. PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone reduced the hyperglycemia-mediated enhancement of CB1R signaling, inflammation, and glomerular fibrosis in diabetic animals. In vitro, CB1R antagonism restored PPARγ2 action and reduced the promotional effects of high glucose on Ras, ERK, c-Jun, SOCS3 signaling, IL-1β, and fibronectin expression in renal mesangial cells. Activation of PPARγ2 reduced the high glucose-induced CB1R expression in mesangial cells. Taken together, CB1R signaling contributes to the hyperglycemia disturbance of PPARγ2 signaling and increases inflammatory cytokine secretion and fibrotic matrix deposition in renal glomeruli. CB1R mediates the hyperglycemia-induced inflammation and fibrosis in mesangial cells by regulating Ras, ERK, and PPARγ2 signaling. CB1R blockade has a therapeutic potential to reduce the deleterious actions of hyperglycemia on renal glomerular integrity. Key message: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a world-wide public health problem. The purpose of this study was to identify the role of some controversial potential risk factors in development of CKD. 'Community Complex Health Screening' is a large-scale, free, health program for individuals ≥40 years of age that has been available since January 2002 in Chiayi County, Taiwan. A questionnaire was administered to study participants, collecting information on ethnicity, use of analgesics, and life habits. Age, sex, and blood biochemical analyses were considered as potential confounders. A high prevalence and low awareness of CKD were noted in this population. Females with CKD had a lower awareness of their illness than males. Analgesic users had a significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Age (OR = 1.095), females (OR = 0.348), fasting plasma glucose (OR = 1.005), level of uric acid (UA) (OR = 1.517), and analgesic usage (OR = 1.512) remained independent predictors of CKD. Multivariate linear regression found that use of analgesics, father' clan from Fujian, mother' clan from Fujian, and coffee intake were independent determinants of renal outcome with coefficient of regression (β) of −0.102, −0.192, 0.210 and 0.88, respectively. The prevalence of CKD decreased with advanced education. Further, there was no significant difference between education background and analgesics use. In conclusion, analgesic use, parents' clan, and coffee intake were independent risk factors for CKD in middle-aged and elderly Taiwanese. Thus, an effective educational program that increases the awareness of such individuals residing in rural counties is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. The natural history of DKD includes glomerular hyperfiltration, progressive albuminuria, declining estimated glomerular filtration rate, and, ultimately, kidney failure. It is known that DKD is associated with metabolic changes caused by hyperglycemia, resulting in glomerular hypertrophy, glomerulosclerosis, and tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis. Hyperglycemia is also known to cause programmed epigenetic modification. However, the detailed mechanisms involved in the onset and progression of DKD remain elusive. In this review, we discuss recent advances regarding the pathogenic mechanisms involved in DKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) frequently leads to end-stage renal disease and other life-threatening illnesses. The dysregulation of glomerular cell types, including mesangial cells, endothelial cells, and podocytes, appears to play a vital role in the development of DKD. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) exhibit immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory properties through the depletion of L-arginine that is required by T cells, through generation of oxidative stress, interference with T-cell recruitment and viability, proliferation of regulatory T cells, and through the promotion of pro-tumorigenic functions. Under hyperglycemic conditions, mouse mesangial cells reportedly produce higher levels of fibronectin and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, the number of MDSCs is noticeably decreased, weakening inhibitory immune activities, and creating an inflammatory environment. In diabetic mice, immunotherapy with MDSCs that were induced by a combination of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, reduced kidney to body weight ratio, fibronectin expression, and fibronectin accumulation in renal glomeruli, thus ameliorating DKD. In conclusion, MDSCs exhibit anti-inflammatory activities that help improve renal fibrosis in diabetic mice. The therapeutic targeting of the proliferative or immunomodulatory pathways of MDSCs may represent an alternative immunotherapeutic strategy for DKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In order to improve the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate for the ozonation of phenol solution, ozonation combined with calcium binding was investigated. The results show that the addition of Ca2+ can effectively enhance the COD removal rate. During the ozonation, calcium ion can bind with some of the intermediate products of phenol, including high molecular weight products, maleic acid and oxalic acid, to form insoluble precipitates. These calcium binding effects are responsible for the enhancement of COD removal. The variations of ADMI value during ozonation are similar for solutions with and without Ca2+. However, the peak ADMI value in calcium-contained solution is lower than that without Ca2+. As the phenol was completely decomposed, the ozone gas outlet concentration rapidly increases. The increasing rate of the ozone gas outlet concentration for ozonation with the presence of Ca2+ is faster than that without Ca2+. The optimal initial calcium dosage shows linear relationship with the initial phenol concentration, which is useful for practical application. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To achieve effective COD removal, the combination of preozonation with biological treatment is necessary for phenolic wastewater treatments. Preozonation of 4-cresol, 2-chlorophenol and 4-nitrophenol solutions can be carried out with high ozone utilization rate using a new gas-inducing reactor. During the preozonation, the phenolic compounds can be completely decomposed with 100% ozone utilization rate. This new gas-inducing reactor is beneficial for the preozonation of phenolic solutions, comparing with a conventional gas-liquid reactor. The BOD5 of preozonized phenolic solution is strongly related to both the degree of decomposition of phenolic compounds and the accumulation of intermediate products in aqueous solution. Based on the high ozone utilization rate, it is suggested that the optimal utilized ozone dose for 4-cresol, 2-chlorophenol and 4-nitrophenol can be chosen as 360, 350 and 400 mg/L, respectively. At those optimal utilized ozone doses, the ratio of BOD5/COD of preozonized 4-cresol, 2-chlorophenol and 4-nitrophenol solutions increase to 0.33, 0.26 and 0.33, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, the effects of preozonation on the biodegradability of mixed 2-chlorophenol/4-cresol solution were investigated using a new gas-inducing reactor, which can provide high ozone utilization efficiency. The decomposition rate of phenolic mixture, COD removal and TOC removal increases with increasing pH. A half-order overall kinetic model can correctly describe the decomposition of phenolic mixture. The BOD5/COD ratio of the preozonized solutions increases with increasing preozonation time, indicating that preozonation can enhance the biodegradability. Based on high ozone utilization rate, it is concluded that the best characteristic time can be chosen at the rapid increase of ozone gas outlet concentration. Since the ozone gas outlet concentration can be easily monitored, it is a useful real-time control parameter in preozonation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this research, the effects of preozonation on the biodegradability of 4-cresol, 4-nitrophenol and 2-chlorophenol solutions were investigated using a new gas-inducing reactor with high ozone utilization rate. The extent of preozonation may be monitored by determining the characteristic ozonation behaviors of preozonized phenolic solutions, such as residual phenolic concentration, ADMI value and ozone gas outlet concentration. Experimental results showed that as the initial phenolic compounds decomposed completely, the ozone gas outlet concentration rapidly increases. In addition, at pH 7, a peak ADMI value appears during the preozonation of 4-cresol and 2-chlorophenol, while for 4-nitrophenol the ADMI value decreases monotonically. Based on the characteristic ozonation behaviors and the ozone utilization rate, three characteristic times were chosen in order to have better control on the extent of preozonation. The effect of preozonation on the biodegradability of preozonized phenolic solution was studied based on these characteristic times. The intermediate products during the preozonation were also identified. The variation of BOD5 is strongly dependent on the accumulation of intermediate products. It is suggested that the best characteristic time is as the rapid increase of ozone gas outlet concentration in this study. The biodegradability (BOD5/COD) of preozonized 4-cresol, 2-chlorophenol and 4-nitrophenol solutions increase to 0.18, 0.26 and 0.33, respectively, for the best characteristic time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this research was to study the scale-up behavior of dye RB-19 ozonation in a new gas-inducing reactor, which has been used in the NTUST laboratory on various ozonation studies over the past few years. In this scale-up study, three geometrically similar gas-inducing reactors with different diameters (Dt?0.17, 0.29, and 0.51m) were employed. Three common scale-up criteria (i.e., equal liquid surface motion, equal specific power consumption, and equal impeller tip velocity) were investigated in this research. Under the equal liquid surface motion criterion, the scale-up exponent value and constant K of the modified onset Froude number were determined to be 0.5 and 0.61, respectively. The equal specific power consumption criterion was studied under gas input condition and the scale-up exponent was found to be 0.65. The regression equation for the power number of the three different scale reactors was also obtained. The scale-up exponent of equal impeller tip velocity was determined by theory to be 1.0. The scale-up investigation of dye RB-19 ozonation was then carried out in reactors with three different diameters under the same operating conditions (e.g., initial dye concentration, initial dye/ozone molar ratio, superficial gas velocity, temperature and pH value). From the experimental results, the best-fit scale-up exponent was found to be 1.18, resulting in same dye removal rate in reactors with different diameters. The enhancement factors and chemical ozone mass transfer coefficients were also obtained for these sets of ozonation experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To obtain a better treatment e8ciency for dye or textile wastewater, a semi-batch and a continuous peroxone process using a new gas-inducing reactor were investigated in this study. In the semi-batch peroxone process, the results show that the peroxone process does not improve the color value (ADMI) removal rate, regardless of the pH value. However, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate could be enhanced in this peroxone process at higher pH value, but the extent of improvement is only slight. The optimal molar ratio of hydrogen peroxide to ozone (H[SUB2]O[SUB2]=O[SUB3]) is 1.0, and at this condition, the mass ratio of removed COD)to consumed ozone ΔCOD=ΔO[SUB3] is twice as high as that in the ozone alone process. In the continuous peroxone process, the hydrogen peroxide addition also does not improve the ADMI removal. However, the COD removal is improved more significantly in the continuous peroxone process. The optimal H[SUB2]O[SUB2]=O[SUB3] molar ratio for the continuous peroxone process varies with the input liquid flow rate (Q[SUBL]). For liquid flow rate of 0.5 L/min, the optimal H[SUB2]O[SUB2]=O[SUB3] molar ratio is 3.0 and the COD removal percentage (R[SUBCOD) reaches 50.0∼55.8%, providing about 15 min oxidation time, for the two kinds of dye solutions that were investigated in this study. The optimal residual hydrogen peroxide concentration in the working solution (H[SUB2]O[SUB2]][SUBres.]) is about 1.7×10 rate of ozone at 8.8 ×3 10[SUP-2]mol/h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of gas-inducing reactor to obtain high oxygen dissolution has been investigated at various operation conditions including agitation speed, temperature (20–40°C), pressure (1.0–1.2 atm) and working liquid levels. Correlations regarding onset speed, agitation power consumption, gas holdup and oxygen mass transfer coefficient were established from experimental data. Onset speed can be accurately predicted with modified Froude number. The agitation power consumptions before and after onset speed is a function of Froude number and working liquid level. Gas holdup is an important factor influencing the mass transfer of oxygen after onset speed. In the study of mass transfer of oxygen (T=20°C, P=1 atm), the highest dissolved oxygen concentration is as high as 39.34–39.92 mg L−1. The value of kLa is within 0.511–1.792 min−1. The kLa is not affected by the oxygen gas pressure (1.0–1.2 atm). However, kLa increases with increasing temperature. The gas-inducing reactor of this study has higher kLa than the other type of gas-inducing reactor under the same unit volume power consumption. The pure oxygen utilization rate of this system can be as high as 100%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new Gas-Induced Reactor (GIR) has been developed to improve the efficiency of ozone utilization in water treatment. In this study, the GIR was used to investigate the behavior of ozonation of aqueous phenol solution by means of O[SUB3] and O[SUB3]/H[SUB2]O[SUB2] processes in order to explore the feasibility and efficiency of) treating such wastewater using the new GIR. The study observed the decomposition of phenol, utilization of ozone, and variation of TOC during ozonation, varying pH values, phenol initial concentrations, ozone input concentrations, and hydrogen peroxide dosages. The study concluded that the new GIR was capable of performing effective and efficient ozonation of phenolic wastewater, maintaining high ozone utilization ratios at all experimental pH values and initial phenol and ozone concentrations. The optimal pH condition for phenol removal was around 11. The best molar ratios of initial hydrogen peroxide over input ozone among the performed experiments were about 20 at pH 7 and 10 at pH 9 and 11. The primary operational energy used for treating a tonne of wastewater was 66 MJ, giving treatment costs of about US$1.0 per tonne. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study that proposed the use of liquid dioctyl phthalate (DOP) as a scrubbing agent to reduce DOP emissions. Investigation on the effects of waste gas and scrubbing agent temperatures and the waste gas flow rate on the removal of DOP; Why the treatment of excessive DOP emissions is mandatory; Three DOP waste gas treatment methods; Limitations of the three methods; Findings and analysis of results; Conclusions.

Treatment for glomerular diseases has been extrapolated from the experience of other autoimmune disorders while the underlying pathogenic mechanisms were still not well understood. As the classification of glomerular diseases was based on patterns of juries instead of mechanisms, treatments were typically the art of try and error. With the advancement of molecular biology, the role of the immune agent in glomerular diseases is becoming more evident. The four-hit theory based on the discovery of gd-IgA1 gives a more transparent outline of the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN), and dysregulation of Treg plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of minimal change disease (MCD). An epoch-making breakthrough is the discovery of PLA2R antibodies in the primary membranous nephropathy (pMN). This is the first biomarker applied for precision medicine in kidney disease. Understanding the immune system's role in glomerular diseases allows the use of various immunosuppressants or other novel treatments, such as complement inhibitors, to treat glomerular diseases more reasonable. In this era of advocating personalized medicine, it is inevitable to develop precision medicine with mechanism-based novel biomarkers and novel therapies in kidney disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes is not solely a metabolic disorder but also involves inflammatory processes. The immune response it incites is a primary contributor to damage in target organs. Research indicates that during the initial phases of diabetic nephropathy, macrophages infiltrate the kidneys alongside lymphocytes, initiating a cascade of inflammatory reactions. The interplay between macrophages and other renal cells is pivotal in the advancement of kidney disease within a hyperglycemic milieu. While M1 macrophages react to the inflammatory stimuli induced by elevated glucose levels early in the disease progression, their subsequent transition to M2 macrophages, which possess anti-inflammatory and tissue repair properties, also contributes to fibrosis in the later stages of nephropathy by transforming into myofibroblasts. Comprehending the diverse functions of macrophages in diabetic kidney disease and regulating their activity could offer therapeutic benefits for managing this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hospital revisits significantly contribute to financial burden. Therefore, developing strategies to reduce hospital revisits is crucial for alleviating the economic impacts. However, this critical issue among peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients has not been explored in previous research. This single-center retrospective study, conducted at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi branch, included 1373 PD patients who visited the emergency room (ER) between Jan 2002 and May 2018. The objective was to predict hospital revisits, categorized into 72-h ER revisits and 14-day readmissions. Of the 1373 patients, 880 patients visiting the ER without subsequent hospital admission were analyzed to predict 72-h ER revisits. The remaining 493 patients, who were admitted to the hospital, were studied to predict 14-day readmissions. Logistic regression and decision tree methods were employed as prediction models. For the 72-h ER revisit study, 880 PD patients had a revisit rate of 14%. Both logistic regression and decision tree models demonstrated a similar performance. Furthermore, the logistic regression model identified coronary heart disease as an important predictor. For 14-day readmissions, 493 PD patients had a readmission rate of 6.1%. The decision tree model outperformed the logistic model with an area under the curve value of 79.4%. Additionally, a high-risk group was identified with a 36.4% readmission rate, comprising individuals aged 41 to 47 years old with a low alanine transaminase level ≤15 units per liter. In conclusion, we present a study using regression and decision tree models to predict hospital revisits in PD patients, aiding physicians in clinical judgment and improving care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arteriovenous graft (AVG) is an important vascular access route in hemodialysis patients. The optimal waiting time between AVG creation and the first cannulation is still undetermined, therefore the current study investigated the association between ideal timing for cannulation and AVG survival. This retrospective cohort study used data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database, which included 6,493 hemodialysis patients with AVGs between July 1st 2008 and June 30th 2012. The waiting cannulation time was defined as the time from the date of shunt creation to the first successful cannulation. Patients were categorized according to the waiting cannulation time of their AVGs as follows: ≤30 days, between 31 and 90 days, between 91 and 180 days, and >180 days. The primary outcome was functional cumulative survival, measured as the time from the first cannulation to shunt abandonment. The AVGs which were cannulated between 31 and 90 days (reference group) after construction had significantly superior functional cumulative survival compared with those cannulated ≤30 days (adjusted HR = 1.651 with 95% CI 1.482–1.839; p < 0.0001) and >180 days (adjusted HR = 1.197 with 95% CI 1.012–1.417; p = 0.0363) after construction. An analysis of the hazard ratios in patients with different demographic characteristics, revealed that the functional cumulative survival of AVGs in most groups was better when they received cannulation >30 days after construction. Consequently, in order to achieve the best long-term survival, AVGs should be cannulated at least 1 month after construction, but you should avoid waiting for >3 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nephrologist-based multidisciplinary care (MDC) has a positive impact on slowing chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. However, the benefits of MDC in patients with stage 5 CKD remain unclear. Methods: Stage 5 CKD patients who visited the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan during the period of 2002-2008 were enrolled. The incident dialysis and medical cost were compared between MDC recipients and nonrecipients. The MDC recipients were divided into two groups by educational duration to observe the clinical renal outcome and medical care expenses. The effect of MDC on renal disease progression was also compared in MDC recipients with and without diabetes. Results: Out of 307 patients, 171 received MDC. For MDC recipients, the temporary usage of catheter was reduced (54.7% vs. 79.4%, p < 0.001), the hospital stay was shorter (18.64 ± 1.20 vs. 24.63 ± 1.22 months, p = 0.001), and the total medical cost was lower [New Taiwan dollars (NTD) 105,948.54 ± 9,967.22 vs. NTD 160,388.61 ± 16,373.97, p = 0.005] than for nonrecipients. Out of the 171 MDC recipients, those with MDC for more than 1 year had slower renal disease progression (0.76 ± 0.27 mL/min per 1.73 m2 per year) and had an estimated per- capita annual cost savings of about NTD 336,500.66. MDC recipients with diabetes had a higher risk of requiring dialysis than those without diabetes. Conclusions: MDC could significantly reduce temporary use of the catheter, hospital stay, and total medical costs in patients with stage 5 CKD. Furthermore, longer (>1 year) MDC could preserve renal function and deliver annual medical cost savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The kinetics of Basic Red 18 and Acid Blue 9 sorption onto activated clay have been investigated. A batch sorption model, based on the assumption of a pseudo–second order mechanism, has been developed to predict the rate constant of sorption, the equilibrium sorption capacity, and initial sorption rate with the effect of initial dye concentration, activated clay particle size, temperature, and pH value. In addition, an activation energy of sorption has also been determined based on the pseudo–second order rate constants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: A functional shunt is critical to hemodialysis, but the ideal timing of shunt cannulation is still not established. In this study, we assessed the association between ideal puncture timing and shunt survival. (2) Methods: This retrospective cohort study using data from the Taiwan Health and Welfare database, which included 26885 hemodialysis patients with arteriovenous fistulas from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2012. Fistulas were categorized by functional maturation time, defined as the time from the date of shunt construction to the first successful cannulation. Functional cumulative survival, measured as the duration from the first puncture to shunt abandonment, was mainly regarded. (3) Results: The fistulas created between 91 and 180 days prior to the first cannulation had significantly greater cumulative functional survival (HR 0.883; 95% CI 0.792–0.984), and there was no more benefit on their survival from waiting more than 180 days (HR 0.957; 95% CI 0.853–1.073) for shunt maturity. (4) Conclusions: Our results showed that to achieve better long-term shunt survivals, fistulas should be constructed at least 90 days before starting hemodialysis. Notably, there was no additional benefit on waiting more than 180 days prior to cannulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic nephropathy often leads to end-stage renal disease and life-threatening morbidities. Simple control of risk factors is insufficient to prevent the progression of diabetic nephropathy, hence the need for discovering new treatments is of paramount importance. Recently, the dysregulation of microRNAs or the cannabinoid signaling pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various renal tubulointerstitial fibrotic damages and thus novel therapeutic targets for chronic kidney diseases have emerged; however, the role of microRNAs or cannabinoid receptors on diabetes-induced glomerular injuries remains to be elucidated. In high-glucose-stressed renal mesangial cells, transfection of a miR-29a precursor sufficiently suppressed the mRNA and protein expressions of cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R). Our data also revealed upregulated CB1R, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, c-Jun, and type 4 collagen in the glomeruli of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice, whereas the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) was decreased. Importantly, using gain-of-function transgenic mice, we demonstrated that miR-29a acts as a negative regulator of CB1R, blocks the expressions of these proinflammatory and profibrogenic mediators, and attenuates renal hypertrophy. We also showed that overexpression of miR-29a restored PPAR-γ signaling in the renal glomeruli of diabetic animals. Collectively, our findings indicate that the interaction between miR-29a, CB1R, and PPAR-γ may play an important role in protecting diabetic renal glomeruli from fibrotic injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyperuricemia is now regarded as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Micro-albuminuria is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. We hypothesized that elevated serum uric acid (UA) is associated with development of micro-albuminuria in the general population. Methodology/Principal Findings: We conducted a community-based prospective cohort study. A total of 1862 subjects from southern Taiwan, all older than 40 years, were screened and 993 of these participants without micro-albuminuria were followed for 4 years. Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio was measured two times per year. A multiple linear regression model indicated that serum UA was independently associated with ln(ACR) after adjustment for 8 factors (age, sex, and 6 metabolic metrics) (β = 0.194, p<0.01). Logistic regression analysis indicated that each 1 mg/dL increase of UA was associated with a 1.42-fold increased risk of micro-albuminuria after adjustment for the same 8 factors (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.27–1.59, p<0.01). A Cox regression model using subjects with serum UA less than 5 mg/dL as reference group indicated higher hazard ratios (HRs) only found in subjects with serum UA more than 7 mg/dL (HR = 3.54, 95% CI: 2.11–5.93, p<0.01) and not in subjects with serum UA of 5 to 7 mg/dL (HR = 1.30, 95% CI: 0.82–2.07, p = 0.15). Conclusion: Hyperuricemia is significantly associated with micro-albuminuria in middle-aged and elderly males and females from a general population in Taiwan. Elevated serum UA is an independent predictor for development of micro-albuminuria in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]