Filtration Apparatus Research Articles

Functional Morphology of the Tongue and Laryngeal Entrance and Scanning Electron Microscopic Pattern of the Filter Feeding Apparatus of Anas crecca.

There is insufficient information about the migratory Eurasian teal, Anas crecca. The study provides the first anatomical description of lingual adaptations and their relationship with the species-specific feeding behavior of A. crecca collected near Egyptian Lake Nasser. Our investigation was applied with the help of gross, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and morphometric analysis. The study focused on the feeding filtering apparatus that depends on eight lingual papillae. The spatula-shaped nail is adapted for food particle pecking, while the lingual combs, rostral border of the prominence, unique papillary crest, median groove, and papillary system aid in intra-oral transportation. The feeding apparatus is formed by the lateral and dorsal papillary systems. The lateral papillary system had conical papillae with numerous long filiform and hair-like filiform papillae to constitute the food filtration apparatus, while the dorsal papillary system had ridged-like and rod-like papillae in addition to the small papillae of the papillary crest and spinated border of the root to help in moving the food particles with water to the lateral sides of the prominence. The laryngeal region exhibited papillary (pre-glottic) and non-papillary (glottic) areas. The papillary area had two lateral papillary portions and a median smooth portion, while the non-papillary area had an ovoid laryngeal mound with a median glottic opening that was bordered by a papillary border. The papillary portion had three slightly oblique longitudinal papillary rows.

A different application of the Aliquat® 336 loaded poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) based electrospun nanofibers disks for the preconcentration followed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry detection of low-level Bi(III)

It is the first report on the potential of electrospun nanofiber disks inserted in a filtration apparatus as a preconcentration strategy for the analysis of low-level metals. The nanofibers included 60 wt% of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) and 40 wt% of ionic liquid Aliquat® 336. The electrospinning process was done by applying a voltage of 16 kV, an injection rate of 1 mL h−1, and 10 cm distance of the needle tip location from the drum collector. A circular piece of the prepared nanofiber disks was placed in a filtration apparatus, and 200 mL solution containing 1 mg of Bi(III) adjusted to 0.5 mol/L of hydrochloric acid was transmitted from inside the nanofiber disk by controlling the flowrate (3.3 mL s−1). The adsorbed Bi(III) was eluted by 10 mL of 0.2 mol/L solution of ethylendiaminetetraacetic acid and ammonium hydroxide mixture, and then was analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The introduced technique (nanofiber disks-based solid phase extraction) can be used in the bismuth concentration range of 4–2000 µg/L, with a limit of detection 1.2 µg/L. The determined inter- and intra-day relative standard deviations (3 days and n = 7) for a solution of 100 µg/L of bismuth were 1.1 % and 2.4 %, respectively. The method offers a preconcentration factor of 200-fold. The fabricated nanofiber disks were used at least in 7 consecutive preconcentration experiments. The proposed method was selective towards Bi(III) and can be used satisfactory for its determination in real samples.

Prediction and analysis of dominant factors influencing moisture content during vacuum screening based on machine learning

The study of the dominant factors influencing moisture content is essential for investigating vacuum filtration mechanisms. In view of the present situation where there is insufficient experimental data and the dominant factors influencing the moisture content of a filter cake have not been identified, in this study a vacuum filtration apparatus was designed and constructed. Quartz sand particles were used as the filtration material. 300 datasets of moisture contents of a filter cake were obtained under different experimental conditions. Multiple Linear Regression, artificial neural network, decision tree, random forest, and extreme gradient boosting were used to establish a prediction model for moisture content during vacuum screening. By comprehensively analyzing the feature importance rankings and the effects of positive and negative correlations, the dominant factors influencing the moisture content of the filter cake during vacuum screening were the particle ratio, screen mesh, and airflow rate. This finding not only provides a scientific basis for the optimization of vacuum screening technology but also points the way for improving screening efficiency in practical applications. It is of significant importance for deepening the understanding of the vacuum screening mechanism and promoting its extensive application.

Subgrade soil response to rail loading: Instability mechanisms, causative factors, and preventive measures

The demand for more efficient heavy-haul rail networks over soft subgrades poses significant geotechnical challenges and requires a comprehensive understanding of stress conditions as well as the failure potential of subgrade soil under moving wheel loads and increasing rail speeds. Unfavourable stress conditions in the subgrade can result in various types of failures, three of which are identified in this article: (i) excessive plastic settlement, (ii) progressive shear failure, and (iii) subgrade fluidisation (mud pumping). Through a series of advanced testing schemes using cyclic triaxial, hollow cylinder, and an in-house dynamic filtration apparatus, critical stress conditions and soil characteristics prone to subgrade instability are discussed. The results demonstrate that under adverse combinations of loading frequency (f) and cyclic stress ratio (CSR) the continuous application of cyclic loads can lead to an unstable state of soil where excess pore pressure and axial strain increase rapidly. This study also reveals that low to medium plasticity soils (PI < 22) are more vulnerable to subgrade fluidisation, where the rapid internal migration of pore water transforms the upper soil to a fluid-like state with substantial loss in soil stiffness. The layered response of soil through dynamic filtration tests showed larger hydrodynamic forces induced by differential hydraulic gradients in the top layer during cyclic loading causes moisture to move upwards. Various factors that can influence soil instability such as the degree of compaction degree, clay content, soil fabric and stress rotation are also addressed in this paper. Finally, novel solutions for stabilising subgrade such as a vertical drain-composite system and the use of eco-friendly biopolymers are presented.

Investigation of Microplastics Contamination in African Catfish Clarias gariepinus and Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus Fish Species in Owe River Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Nigeria

The primary aim of this study is to investigate the presence of microplastics (MPs) contamination in surface water and two fish species (Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus) in Owe River. One Litre (1 L) of water samples were collected from four different locations along the river in triplicates, samples were digested to remove organic matters. Eighteen (18) numbers of fishes were collected for each species. Samples collected were dissected and the guts excised were digested with 10% Potassium hydroxide and 10% Hydrogen Peroxide. Both digested water and fish samples were filtered using 0.45µm membrane through a vacuum filtration apparatus. The filter papers were then observed under digital microscope (1600X RoHS China) for MPs identification. MPs were classified into colours and shapes. A total of 104 items was found in the gut of both fish species with an average of 4.33 ± 1.71 and 1.44 ± 0.70 items/individual for Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus respectively. Fiber was seen to be dominant in fish species compared to other MPs shapes identified.The abundance of MPs in the water samples ranged from 203 ± 50.64 to 724.33 ± 129.89 Items/L with a total of 1898± 198.34 Items/L. Most of the recovered MPs from river water samples were fragments. Attenuated total reflectance– Fourier transform infrared (ATR – FTIR) spectroscopic analyses led to the identification of four (4) plastic polymer types, with polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) jointly constituting 82 % of the plastic particles. The enormous anthropogenic activities and indiscriminate disposal of plastic themed wastes along the river course are notably contributing factors to the MPs contamination of Owe River. A serious monitoring of waste disposal and necessary mitigation process is advised.

Comparative histological and ultrastructural features of the tongue of the mallard domestic duck, Anas platyrhynchos f. domestica, Anatidae (Linnaeus, 1758) in different two age stages (post-hatching [P2] and adult female) captured from Egypt.

The domestic duck is classified as a specialist filter-feeder bird living in the water. These birds also use grazing and pecking as terrestrial feeding methods. The tongues of domestic ducks, similar to those of other Anseriformes, exhibit numerous types and shapes of mechanical papillae that serve a number of purposes when collecting food. The current study attempts to describe the morphological characteristics of the tongue as well as the mechanical papillae's development. In addition, the study aims to determine whether the papillae observed post-hatching (P2) exhibit similar morphology to those found in adult female avian species, as well as to investigate the readiness of the tongue to fulfill its feeding function following hatching. The comprehensive examination of lingual mucosa is examined about the structural modifications necessary for this variety of feeding activities. In this study, the tongues of nine young (P2) and adult female were used. The tongue had three distinct parts: the apex, which had a lingual nail on its ventral surface; the body, which exhibits numerous small and large conical papillae on its lateral sides and a lingual prominence in the caudal region; and the root, which is covered with numerous conical papillae of varying sizes. Conical, filiform, and hair-like mechanical papillae, the three types of food filtration apparatus, are present in both stages. The intraoral transfer involves several structures, including the median groove, lingual combs, and the rostral border of the lingual prominence. The rostral border of the lingual prominence is characterized by distinct rows of conical papillae. The histological analysis demonstrated the presence of both keratinized and nonkeratinized epithelium on different tongue regions. The lingual salivary glands in the rostral and caudal lingual salivary glands exhibit a pronounced periodic acid-Schiff-positive reaction. Additionally, the yellow adipose tissue and sensory receptors, namely the Grandry and Herbst corpuscles, which collectively form the bill-tongue organ that monitors the movement of food. These results conclude the presence of microstructural species-specific alterations in specific tongue areas of domestic ducks' lingual mucosa. These modifications are formed by the filtering mechanism and terrestrial feeding mechanisms, such as grazing or pecking. Following hatching, the tongue of the domestic duck undergoes significant development, primarily in preparation for grazing activities. The anatomical and histological structure of the young (P2) tongue exhibited similarities to that of the adult female domestic duck while also displaying certain variations that could potentially be attributed to the bird's habitat and mode of feeding. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The results of this study concluded that the domestic duck exhibit a complex tongue structure characterized by the arrangement and morphology of its mechanical papillae, the presence of the lingual prominence with distinctive shape and the lingual comb. These features are believed to be adaptations that enable the duck to actively and efficiently filter food particles from water, serving as its primary feeding mechanism. Additionally, the tongue of domestic ducks is specifically adapted to facilitate various terrestrial activities, such as grazing and pecking. This adaptation is achieved through the presence of conical papillae and a lingual nail. These investigations facilitate our comprehension of both the anatomical and histological characteristics of the domestic duck tongue, as well as enhance our understanding of bird adaptations to various feeding mechanisms.

Big Data-Enabled Repurposing of Clopidogrel for Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis Using Network Biology

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a rare kidney disease characterized by glomerular lesions and damage to podocytes, terminally differentiated renal cells, that are part of the filtration apparatus in glomeruli. FSGS is often associated with nephrotic syndrome and may lead to end-stage renal failure. FSGS pathophysiology is complex with a number of molecular mechanisms being involved in its development and progression. We used a network-based drug repositioning approach to computationally screen for novel treatment options for FSGS in a systematic way. In brief, we first generated a network-based molecular pathobiology model for FSGS following previously established workflows. FSGS-associated molecular features (i.e., genes and proteins) were mapped onto a human protein–protein dependency network, and network clustering algorithms were used to identify dysregulated FSGS molecular mechanisms and biological processes. Key affected enriched mechanisms included glomerular filtration, cell adhesion and extracellular matrix derangements, inflammation, apoptosis, calcineurin signaling, renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, and platelet activation as well as dysregulation of fibrinolysis. The network-based FSGS pathobiology model was subsequently used to computationally screen against a library of drug mechanism of action molecular models. The platelet inhibitor clopidogrel was identified as one of the top compounds significantly interfering with FSGS pathophysiology based on in silico graph alignment analysis. Due to its potential to beneficially interfere with key dysregulated molecular FSGS processes, its positive in vivo data in ameliorating renal sclerosis, and its favorable safety profile, clopidogrel appears as an attractive candidate for subsequent evaluation in clinical trials.

Microbiome analysis reveals Microcystis blooms endogenously seeded from benthos within wastewater maturation ponds.

Toxigenic Microcystis blooms periodically disrupt the stabilization ponds of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Dense proliferations of Microcystis cells within the surface waters (SWs) impede the water treatment process by reducing the treatment efficacy of the latent WWTP microbiome. Further, water quality is reduced when conventional treatment leads to Microcystis cell lysis and the release of intracellular microcystins into the water column. Recurrent seasonal Microcystis blooms cause significant financial burdens for the water industry and predicting their source is vital for bloom management strategies. We investigated the source of recurrent toxigenic Microcystis blooms at Australia's largest lagoon-based municipal WWTP in both sediment core (SC) and SW samples between 2018 and 2020. Bacterial community composition of the SC and SW samples according to 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing showed that Microcystis sp. was dominant within SW samples throughout the period and reached peak relative abundances (32%) during the summer. The same Microcystis Amplicon sequence variants were present within the SC and SW samples indicating a potential migratory population that transitions between the sediment water and SWs during bloom formation events. To investigate the potential of the sediment to act as a repository of viable Microcystis cells for recurrent bloom formation, a novel in-vitro bloom model was established featuring sediments and sterilized SW collected from the WWTP. Microcystin-producing Microcystis blooms were established through passive resuspension after 12 weeks of incubation. These results demonstrate the capacity of Microcystis to transition between the sediments and SWs in WWTPs, acting as a perennial inoculum for recurrent blooms.IMPORTANCECyanobacterial blooms are prevalent to wastewater treatment facilities owing to the stable, eutrophic conditions. Cyanobacterial proliferations can disrupt operational procedures through the blocking of filtration apparatus or altering the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) microbiome, reducing treatment efficiency. Conventional wastewater treatment often results in the lysis of cyanobacterial cells and the release of intracellular toxins which pose a health risk to end users. This research identifies a potential seeding source of recurrent toxigenic cyanobacterial blooms within wastewater treatment facilities. Our results demonstrate the capacity of Microcystis to transition between the sediments and surface waters (SWs) of wastewater treatment ponds enabling water utilities to develop adequate monitoring and management strategies. Further, we developed a novel model to demonstrate benthic recruitment of toxigenic Microcystis under laboratory conditions facilitating future research into the genetic mechanisms behind bloom development.

PODO/TERT256 – A promising human immortalized podocyte cell line and its potential use for in vitro research at different oxygen levels

Podocytes are of key interest for the prediction of nephrotoxicity as they are especially sensitive to toxic insults due to their central role in the glomerular filtration apparatus. However, currently, prediction of nephrotoxicity in humans remains insufficiently reliable, thus highlighting the need for advanced in vitro model systems using human cells with improved prediction capacity. Recent approaches for refining in vitro model systems focus on closely replicating physiological conditions as observed under the in vivo situation typical of the respective nephron section of interest. PODO/TERT256, a human immortalized podocyte cell line, were employed in a semi-static transwell system to evaluate its potential use as a human podocyte in vitro system for modelling potential human glomerular toxicity. Furthermore, the impact of routinely employed excessive oxygen tension (21 % - AtmOx), when compared to the physiological oxygen tensions (10 % - PhysOx) observed in vivo, was analyzed. Generally, cultured PODO/TERT256 formed a stable, contact-inhibited monolayer with typical podocyte morphology (large cell body, apical microvilli, finger-like cytoplasmic projections (reminiscent of foot processes), and interdigitating cell-cell junctions) and developed a size-selective filtration barrier. PhysOx, however, induced a more pronounced in vivo like phenotype, comprised of significantly larger cell bodies, significantly enhanced filtration barrier size-selectivity, and a remarkable re-localization of nephrin to the cell membrane, thus suggesting an improved in vitro replication of in vivo characteristics. Preliminary toxicity characterization with the known glomerulotoxin doxorubicin (DOX) suggested an increasing change in filtration permeability, already at the lowest DOX concentrations tested (0.01 μM) under PhysOx, whereas obvious changes under AtmOx were observed as of 0.16 μM and higher with a near all or nothing effect. The latter findings suggested that PODO/TERT256 could serve as an in vitro human podocyte model for studying glomerulotoxicity, whereby culturing at PhyOx tension appeared critical for an improved in vivo-like phenotype and functionality. Moreover, PODO/TERT256 could be incorporated into advanced human glomerulus systems in vitro, recapitulating microfluidic conditions and multiple cell types (endothelial and mesenchymal cells) that can even better predict human glomerular toxicity.

Metagenomic 16S rDNA reads of in situ preserved samples revealed microbial communities in the Yongle blue hole.

Our knowledge on biogeochemistry and microbial ecology of marine blue holes is limited due to challenges in collecting multilayered water column and oxycline zones. In this study, we collected samples from 16 water layers in Yongle blue hole (YBH) located in the South China Sea using the in situ microbial filtration and fixation (ISMIFF) apparatus. The microbial communities based on 16S rRNA metagenomic reads for the ISMIFF samples showed high microbial diversity and consistency among samples with similar dissolved oxygen levels. At the same depth of the anoxic layer, the ISMIFF samples were dominated by sulfate-reducing bacteria from Desulfatiglandales (17.96%). The sulfide concentration is the most significant factor that drives the division of microbial communities in YBH, which might support the prevalence of sulfate-reducing microorganisms in the anoxic layers. Our results are different from the microbial community structures of a Niskin sample of this study and the reported samples collected in 2017, in which a high relative abundance of Alteromonadales (26.59%) and Thiomicrospirales (38.13%), and Arcobacteraceae (11.74%) was identified. We therefore demonstrate a new profile of microbial communities in YBH probably due to the effect of sampling and molecular biological methods, which provides new possibilities for further understanding of the material circulation mechanism of blue holes and expanding anoxic marine water zones under global warming.

Automated Testing Apparatus for Ceramic Membrane Filtration of High-Strength Industrial Wastewater

Automated Testing Apparatus for Ceramic Membrane Filtration of High-Strength Industrial Wastewater

High stability in filtration apparatus of African shrimp

The African shrimp (Atya gabonensis) uses elongated setae to filter feed, adapting to high flow velocities. The setae's stability stems from carefully designed geometric and structural parameters, notably a specialized wall and distribution principle. This study highlights the robust filtration mechanism in the shrimp and potential for developing stable structures in underwater environments.

Effect of Nanoparticles on Rheological Properties of Water-Based Drilling Fluid.

Nano-water-based drilling fluids (NWBDFs) are prepared using nano-copper oxide (CuO) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as modification materials. The effects of the temperature and concentration of the nanoparticles (NPs) on the rheological properties are studied using a rotational rheometer and viscometer. Also, the influence of two NPs on the filtration properties is studied using a low-pressure and low-temperature filtration apparatus, as well as a scanning electron microscope (SEM). It is found that MWCNTs with a concentration of 0.05 w/v% have the most obvious influence on the NWBDFs, which improve the stability of the gel structure against temperature and also decrease the filtration rate. Finally, a theoretical model predicating the yield point (YP) and the plastic viscosity (PV) as a function of the temperature considering the influence of the NPs is developed based on DLVO theory.

#5649 HEPARANASE OVEREXPRESSION MODIFIES PODOCYTE MOTILITY

Abstract Background and Aims Heparanase is an endo-β-d-glucuronidase that degrades heparan sulfate side chains, which are essential components of extracellular matrices and cell surfaces, including in the kidney filtration apparatus, the glomerulus. Upregulation of heparanase in glomerular diseases (GDs) was demonstrated in experimental models of GDs and in humans. Using transgenic mice overexpressing the human heparanase gene, we recently showed that heparanase reduced proteinuria and preserved the glomerular filtration barrier (GFB) after Adriamycin-induced injury. Furthermore, heparanase improved survival of key GFB cells, the podocytes and enhanced their autophagic flux both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we aimed to study the potential role of heparanase on podocyte locomotion and adhesion. Methods We utilized immortalized human podocyte cell line AB8/13 (a kind gift of Prof. Moin Saleem, Bristol, UK) as an experimental platform. Cells were infected with pLenti6/V5-DEST carrying the heparanase gene construct (H) or control empty vector (V) and were allowed to differentiate for 14 days. To induce injury, differentiated podocytes were treated with Adriamycin (0.5 μg/mL), mimicking Adriamycin nephropathy, an established experimental model for progressive proteinuric GDs. For readouts, we used scratch assay, RT-qPCR, Western blot (WB) and immunofluorescence (IF) analyses. Results The in vitro scratch assay showed that differentiated (H) podocytes migrated at a slower rate compared with control (V) podocytes, both at baseline and after a 12-hour treatment with Adriamycin. Hence, we hypothesized that heparanase may alter podocyte adhesion properties. Indeed, IF staining of differentiated (H) podocytes exhibited an increase in focal contacts containing vinculin compared with control (V) cells treated with Adriamycin. Of note, we observed no differences in vinculin abundance by WB, suggesting that heparanase mediates the active form of vinculin. Moreover, among the integrins, we noticed temporal upregulation of ITGB1 transcription, as early as two hours after Adriamycin treatment, in (H) compared with control (V) podocytes (P = 0.032). Conclusions Collectively, our results suggest that in response to Adriamycin injury, constitutive heparanase overexpression could stabilize podocyte focal adhesions and control motility. Although further research is needed, improving the anchoring of podocytes over the basement membrane may provide an additional cellular mechanism by which heparanase conferred protection against Adriamycin toxicity.

Advanced Drug Delivery Systems for Renal Disorders.

Kidney disease management and treatment are currently causing a substantial global burden. The kidneys are the most important organs in the human urinary system, selectively filtering blood and metabolic waste into urine via the renal glomerulus. Based on charge and/or molecule size, the glomerular filtration apparatus acts as a barrier to therapeutic substances. Therefore, drug distribution to the kidneys is challenging, resulting in therapy failure in a variety of renal illnesses. Hence, different approaches to improve drug delivery across the glomerulus filtration barrier are being investigated. Nanotechnology in medicine has the potential to have a significant impact on human health, from illness prevention to diagnosis and treatment. Nanomaterials with various physicochemical properties, including size, charge, surface and shape, with unique biological attributes, such as low cytotoxicity, high cellular internalization and controllable biodistribution and pharmacokinetics, have demonstrated promising potential in renal therapy. Different types of nanosystems have been employed to deliver drugs to the kidneys. This review highlights the features of the nanomaterials, including the nanoparticles and corresponding hydrogels, in overcoming various barriers of drug delivery to the kidneys. The most common delivery sites and strategies of kidney-targeted drug delivery systems are also discussed.

APPLICATION OF BIOSURFACTANTS IN WASTEWATER BIOFILTRATION TECHNOLOGY USING DAPHNIA MAGNA

When solving water purification problems, including for the needs of industrial fish farming, biofiltration methods involving planktonic organisms, in particular branchiopod crustaceans, deserve special attention. A specific filtration apparatus feeding daphnia can provide highly efficient wastewater treatment from suspended fine particles that have a low settling velocity and are not able to be retained on mechanical filters. An important advantage of this method of water treatment is the ability to use the resulting zooplankton biomass as live feed for fish farming. The filtration properties of zooplankton can be improved by growing it in the presence of surfactants of biological origin, which, in addition, improve the absorption of nutrients by cladocerans and intensify their growth. In this study, the possibility of using a preparation of trehalosolipid biosurfactants obtained from the culture fluid of Rhodococcus erythropolis AU-1 for intensive growth of Daphnia magna culture for the purpose of biological treatment of water bodies was evaluated. It was established that the toxicity of trehalosolipids is dose-dependent, in particular, their minimum concentration at which the death of daphnia was observed within 24 hours of exposure was 300 mg/l, and the LC50 at the same duration of exposure was 479 mg/l. The maximum non-toxic concentration of the trehalosolipid biosurfactant is 200 mg/l. Concentrations of trehalosolipids in the range of 1-3 mg/l provide an increase in the density of daphnia culture by 1.3-1.7 times compared to the control. To evaluate the efficiency of biofiltration of Daphnia magna in the model experiment, water from the mechanical filter of the experimental recirculation system of the Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University was used. The value of the optical density of the discharge water decreases by more than half after one day of daphnia presence in it, and after 4 days - by 7 times. The addition of biosurfactants leads to a more efficient filtration process, with the best results obtained when using the preparation with a concentration of 1 mg/l. The use of biosurfactants in concentrations of 1, 2 and 3 mg/l leads to a decrease in electrical conductivity and total mineralization compared to the control. At the same time, the pH and soluble oxygen content did not change compared to the control.

Reduced Low-Pressure Membrane Fouling by Inline Coagulation Pretreatment for a Colored River Water.

Drinking water treatment (DWT) using low-pressure membranes (LPM) has become increasingly popular due to their many reported advantages compared to conventional technologies. Productivity decline due to fouling has prevented LPMs from becoming the technology of choice in DWT, however, coagulation pretreatment either with or without particle separation mitigates fouling phenomena. The effectiveness of coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation (CF-S), coagulation/flocculation/dissolved air flotation (CF-DAF), and inline coagulation (CF-IN) as technologies for pretreatment of feed water has rarely been investigated using the same water source. In this study, CF-S, CF-DAF, and CF-IN are directly compared as pretreatment of a tubular multi-channeled ultrafiltration (UF) membrane using the same highly colored river water. Three-day long filtration tests were performed using an automated bench-scale filtration apparatus with an inside-out configuration. Although CF-DAF had the greatest removal of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and hydrophobic organics, CF-S pretreatment resulted in a similar level of total fouling. Compared to CF-DAF and CF-S, CF-IN pretreatment resulted in lower fouling. The hydraulic and chemical reversibility of CF-IN fouling was seen to be strongly influenced by the feed water zeta potential, suggesting the importance of floc electrostatic and morphological characteristics on inline coagulation performance.

Diabetic Proteinuria Revisited: Updated Physiologic Perspectives.

Albuminuria, a hallmark of diabetic nephropathy, reflects not only injury and dysfunction of the filtration apparatus, but is also affected by altered glomerular hemodynamics and hyperfiltration, as well as by the inability of renal tubular cells to fully retrieve filtered albumin. Albuminuria further plays a role in the progression of diabetic nephropathy, and the suppression of glomerular albumin leak is a key factor in its prevention. Although microalbuminuria is a classic manifestation of diabetic nephropathy, often progressing to macroalbuminuria or overt proteinuria over time, it does not always precede renal function loss in diabetes. The various components leading to diabetic albuminuria and their associations are herein reviewed, and the physiologic rationale and efficacy of therapeutic interventions that reduce glomerular hyperfiltration and proteinuria are discussed. With these perspectives, we propose that these measures should be initiated early, before microalbuminuria develops, as substantial renal injury may already be present in the absence of proteinuria. We further advocate that the inhibition of the renin–angiotensin axis or of sodium–glucose co-transport likely permits the administration of a normal recommended or even high-protein diet, highly desirable for sarcopenic diabetic patients.

An ex vivo culture model of kidney podocyte injury reveals mechanosensitive, synaptopodin-templating, sarcomere-like structures.

Chronic kidney diseases are widespread and incurable. The biophysical mechanisms underlying them are unclear, in part because material systems for reconstituting the microenvironment of relevant kidney cells are limited. A critical question is how kidney podocytes (glomerular epithelial cells) regenerate foot processes of the filtration apparatus following injury. Recently identified sarcomere-like structures (SLSs) with periodically spaced myosin IIA and synaptopodin appear in injured podocytes in vivo. We hypothesized that SLSs template synaptopodin in the initial stages of recovery in response to microenvironmental stimuli and tested this hypothesis by developing an ex vivo culture system that allows control of the podocyte microenvironment. Results supported our hypothesis. SLSs in podocytes that migrated from isolated kidney glomeruli presented periodic synaptopodin-positive clusters that nucleated peripheral, foot process–like extensions. SLSs were mechanoresponsive to actomyosin inhibitors and substrate stiffness. Results suggest SLSs as mechanobiological mediators of podocyte recovery and as potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Improved microplastic processing from complex biological samples using a customized vacuum filtration apparatus

AbstractPlastics represent the largest component of marine debris globally. In this context, it is essential to quantify the current extent of plastic pollution, including microplastics (MP; plastics &lt; 5 mm), within marine abiotic and biotic compartments. Despite significant effort, MP studies still face methodological impediments to establish accurate and standardized protocols to separate, process and analyze MPs in environmental samples. Furthermore, underestimation and overestimation of MP contamination, either through loss of MPs or introduction of extraneous MPs during handling and processing, is concerning, particularly when assessing risk profiles for marine ecosystems. Presented here is a custom‐made stainless steel vacuum filtration apparatus designed to perform size‐tiered separation and facilitate retrieval of MPs from a variety of environmental sample matrices. Incorporating this apparatus into a standard MP workflow achieved efficient graduated separation of commonly found MP fragments and fibers, validated by spike‐recovery tests. As a case study, the gastrointestinal tracts of three juvenile Australian sharpnose sharks, Rhizoprionodon taylori, were processed using the filtration apparatus, and 46 anthropogenic items ranging from 0.021 to 8.87 mm were retrieved. This study demonstrates the effective use of the size‐tiered stainless steel vacuum filtration apparatus and an improved efficiency in downstream microphotography and spectroscopic analyses of MPs from a complex sample matrix. Finally, it contributes to the MP research field by delivering more reliable estimates of MP contamination in marine ecosystems.