BH4 supplementation reduces retinal cell death in ischaemic retinopathy.

Dysregulation of nitric oxide (NO) production can cause ischaemic retinal injury and result in blindness. How this dysregulation occurs is poorly understood but thought to be due to an impairment in NO synthase function (NOS) and nitro-oxidative stress. Here we investigated the possibility of correcting this defective NOS activity by supplementation with the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin, BH4. Retinal ischaemia was examined using the oxygen-induced retinopathy model and BH4 deficient Hph-1 mice used to establish the relationship between NOS activity and BH4. Mice were treated with the stable BH4 precursor sepiapterin at the onset of hypoxia and their retinas assessed 48 h later. HPLC analysis confirmed elevated BH4 levels in all sepiapterin supplemented groups and increased NOS activity. Sepiapterin treatment caused a significant decrease in neuronal cell death in the inner nuclear layer that was most notable in WT animals and was associated with significantly diminished superoxide and local peroxynitrite formation. Interestingly, sepiapterin also increased inflammatory cytokine levels but not microglia cell number. BH4 supplementation by sepiapterin improved both redox state and neuronal survival during retinal ischaemia, in spite of a paradoxical increase in inflammatory cytokines. This implicates nitro-oxidative stress in retinal neurones as the cytotoxic element in ischaemia, rather than enhanced pro-inflammatory signalling.

Comparative Assessment of Methane Emissions from Onshore LNG Facilities Measured Using Differential Absorption Lidar.

This study provides results from measurements of methane emissions from three onshore LNG liquefaction facilities and two regasification facilities across different regions using the Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) technique. The measurement approach was to quantify, at each facility, emissions from the key functional elements (FEs), defined as spatially separable areas related to different identified processes. The DIAL technique enabled quantification of emissions at the FE level, allowing emission factors (EFs) to be determined for each FE using activity data. The comprehensive data set presented here should not be used for annualization, however shows the potential of what could be achieved with a larger sample size in terms of potential methane reduction and improving inventory accuracy. Among the benefits in obtaining data with this level of granularity is the possibility to compare the emissions of similar FEs on different plants including FEs present in both liquefaction and regasification facilities. Emissions from noncontinuous sources and superemitters can also be identified and quantified enabling more accurate inventory reporting and targeted maintenance and repair. Site throughput during the measurement periods was used to characterize total site EF; on average the methane losses were 0.018% and 0.070% of throughput at the regasification and liquefaction facilities, respectively.

Characterization of age-related macular degeneration in Indian donor eyes.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test the reliability of fundus stereomicroscopy in postmortem eyes to assign severity of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using the Minnesota grading and confirmation by histology using Alabama and Sarks grading scales and to assess the incidence of AMD pathology in donor eyes from a South Indian population. Methods: Eyes (199) from 153 donors (55-95 years) after obtaining fundus images were processed for histology. Fundus images were graded according to the Minnesota grading system based on drusen size, area of depigmentation, and atrophy. At least one eye from each donor displaying the AMD phenotypes were subjected to histological examination. The fundus grading was correlated with histology and the stages of AMD assigned for early AMD by the Alabama AMD grading system and for both early and advanced AMD by the Sarks classification. Results: Stereoscopic examination of the fundus found that 10 of the 153 donors had features of early AMD and 3 advanced AMD. Following histological examination, one of the early AMD eyes was reclassified as advanced AMD. Early AMD features that were observed on histology included soft drusen (>63 µm), basal laminar deposits, photoreceptor outer segment degeneration, disorganization of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), Bruch's membrane thickening. Advanced AMD features observed in histology are extensive atrophy of RPE, choroidal neovascularization and disciform scar formation. . Conclusion: Identification of either early or advanced AMD using stereomicroscopic assessment (SMA) showed high sensitivity and specificity. However, misclassification between AMD stages can occur when only SMA is used.

Safe Sampling Volume determinations of 12 volatile organic compounds on Carboxen 1003, Carbopack-X & Tenax-TA.

Pumped sorbent tube sampling is a well established method for the sampling of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in ambient, indoor and workplace atmospheres1. Safe sampling volumes and breakthrough volumes have been published for commonly found VOCs on widely used sorbents such as Tenax, however for newer sorbents and less commonly found VOCs there is less robust data. The Safe Sampling Volumes (SSVs) were determined from 15 tests of Retention Volume on 12 VOCs across the 3 sorbents. VOCs tested were: Aldehydes (C5, C6, C8, C9), Ketones (C4, C6), Alcohols (C3, C4), Furan, Limonene, Isoprene and Ethyl Acetate. 12 VOC / sorbent combinations gave SSVs large enough for practical sampling of indoor atmospheres, while SSVs for Furan on Carbopack-X, Isovaleraldehyde on Tenax TA and Methyl Ethyl Ketone on Tenax TA gave SSVs that were too small to be of practical use. This work identifies suitable sorbents and sampling volumes for the complete range of species tested.

Uncertainty requirements of the European Union's Industrial Emissions Directive for monitoring sulfur dioxide emissions: Implications from a blind comparison of sulfate measurements by accredited laboratories.

We report results from a blind comparison of five analytical laboratories ISO/IEC 17025 (International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission) accredited for the analysis of sulfate collected in H2O2(aq) from industrial stacks in accordance with the European Standard Reference Method (SRM) for sulfur dioxide (SO2) (EN 14791): the method produced under European Commission mandate to support the enforcement of the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED). Both "synthetic" (sodium sulfate dissolved in aqueous hydrogen peroxide [H2O2(aq)]) and "real" (extracted and collected from a stack simulator facility in accordance with EN 14791) samples were prepared across 2-10 and 10-290 mg·m0-3 emission equivalent concentration ranges, respectively. From the measurements returned by the laboratories, it was found that in 35% of the former and 28% of the latter the stated expanded uncertainty limits did not intersect with the mean. It was also found with the real samples that in 30% of the 46 different concentration test levels the stated expanded uncertainty of at least two of the laboratories did not intersect. With respect to compliance monitoring, it was found that EN 14791 was capable of enforcing emission limits under the IED associated with waste incinerators (i.e., 50 mg·m0-3), as only 3% of the deviations were in excess of the required uncertainty (commensurate with a 95% level of confidence). However, with respect to the use of EN 14791 for calibration of automated measuring systems (AMSs), it was found that 38.5% of the deviations were in excess of the uncertainty recommended by at least one national regulator as being necessary for EN 14791 to be an "effective tool" for the calibration of AMSs. With emission limits under the IED and the Best Available Technique Reference (BREF) documents it adopts becoming increasingly stringent, it is clear that more work is needed to determine the capability of the SRM and also alternative methods based on portable instruments. Implications: The deviations observed between laboratories ISO/IEC 17025 accredited for sulfate analysis bring into question the monitoring communities' ability to routinely meet the uncertainty requirements associated with increasingly stringent SO2 emission limits under the European Union's Industrial Emissions Directive. Furthermore, with even further reductions in the near future due to legislative adoption of BREF documents, such issues are only likely to be exacerbated. If the European monitoring community is to have confidence in the capability of the existing Standard Reference Method described in EN 14791 for enforcing increasingly stringent limits, work is needed to validate this method at these lower emission levels.

Hyperoxia depletes (6R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin levels in the neonatal retina: implications for nitric oxide synthase function in retinopathy.

Retinopathy of prematurity is a sight-threatening complication of premature birth caused by nitro-oxidative insult to the developing retinal vasculature during therapeutic hyperoxia exposure and later ischemia-induced neovascularization on supplemental oxygen withdrawal. In the vasodegenerative phase, during hyperoxia, defective endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS) produces reactive oxygen and nitrogen free radicals rather than vasoprotective nitric oxide for unclear reasons. Crucially, normal NOS function depends on availability of the cofactor (6R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). Because BH4 synthesis is controlled enzymatically by GTP cyclohydrolase (GTPCH), we used GTPCH-depleted mice [hyperphenylalaninemia strain (hph1)] to investigate the impact of hyperoxia on BH4 bioavailability and retinal vascular pathology in the neonate. Hyperoxia decreased BH4 in retinas, lungs, and aortas in all experimental groups, resulting in a dose-dependent decrease in NOS activity and, in the wild-type group, elevated NOS-derived superoxide. Retinal dopamine levels were similarly diminished, consistent with the dependence of tyrosine hydroxylase on BH4. Despite greater depletion of BH4, the hph(+/-) and hph1(-/-) groups did not show exacerbated hyperoxia-induced vessel closure, but exhibited greater vascular protection and reduced progression to neovascular disease. This vasoprotective effect was independent of enhanced circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which was reduced by hyperoxia, but to local retinal ganglion cell layer-derived VEGF. In conclusion, a constitutively higher level of VEGF expression associated with retinal development protects GTPCH-deficient neonates from oxygen-induced vascular damage.

Abnormal Glycogen Storage by Retinal Neurons in Diabetes.

PURPOSE: It is widely held that neurons of the central nervous system do not store glycogen and that accumulation of the polysaccharide may cause neurodegeneration. Since primary neural injury occurs in diabetic retinopathy, we examined neuronal glycogen status in the retina of streptozotocin-induced diabetic and control rats. METHODS: Glycogen was localized in eyes of streptozotocin-induced diabetic and control rats using light microscopic histochemistry and electron microscopy, and correlated with immunohistochemical staining for glycogen phosphorylase and phosphorylated glycogen synthase (pGS). RESULTS: Electron microscopy of 2-month-old diabetic rats (n = 6) showed massive accumulations of glycogen in the perinuclear cytoplasm of many amacrine neurons. In 4-month-old diabetic rats (n = 11), quantification of glycogen-engorged amacrine cells showed a mean of 26 cells/mm of central retina (SD ± 5), compared to 0.5 (SD ± 0.2) in controls (n = 8). Immunohistochemical staining for glycogen phosphorylase revealed strong expression in amacrine and ganglion cells of control retina, and increased staining in cell processes of the inner plexiform layer in diabetic retina. In control retina, the inactive pGS was consistently sequestered within the cell nuclei of all retinal neurons and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), but in diabetics nuclear pGS was reduced or lost in all classes of retinal cell except the ganglion cells and cone photoreceptors. CONCLUSIONS: The present study identifies a large population of retinal neurons that normally utilize glycogen metabolism but show pathologic storage of the polysaccharide during uncontrolled diabetes.

The role of K+ and Cl- channels in the regulation of retinal arteriolar tone and blood flow.

PURPOSE: This study tested the role of K(+) and Cl(-) channels in the regulation of retinal blood flow. METHODS: Studies were carried out in adult Male Hooded Lister rats. Selectivity of ion-channel blockers was established using electrophysiological recordings from smooth muscle in isolated arterioles under voltage clamp conditions. Leukocyte velocity and retinal arteriolar diameter were measured in anesthetized animals using leukocyte fluorography and fluorescein angiography imaging with a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope. These values were used to estimate volumetric flow, which was compared between control conditions and following intravitreal injections of ion channel blockers, either alone or in combination with the potent vasoconstrictor Endothelin 1 (Et1). RESULTS: Voltage-activated K(+) current (IKv) was inhibited by correolide, large conductance (BK) Ca(2+)-activated K(+) current (IKCa) by Penitrem A, and Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) current (IClCa) by disodium 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate (DIDS). Intravitreal injections (10 µL) of DIDS (estimated intraocular concentration 10 mM) increased flow by 22%, whereas the BK-blockers Penitrem A (1 µM) and iberiotoxin (4 µM), and the IKv-inhibitor correolide (40 µM) all decreased resting flow by approximately 10%. Endothelin 1 (104 nM) reduced flow by approximately 65%. This effect was completely reversed by DIDS, but was unaffected by Penitrem A, iberiotoxin, or correolide. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that Cl(-) channels in retinal arteriolar smooth muscle limit resting blood flow and play an obligatory role in Et1 responses. K(+)-channel activity promotes basal flow but exerts little modifying effect on the Et1 response. Cl(-) channels may be appropriate molecular targets in retinal pathologies characterized by increased Et1 activity and reduced blood flow.

Mid-infrared dual-comb spectroscopy with an optical parametric oscillator.

We present the first implementation of mid-infrared dual-comb spectroscopy with an optical parametric oscillator. Methane absorption spectroscopy was demonstrated with a resolution of 0.2 cm(-1) (5 GHz) at an acquisition time of ~10.4 ms over a spectral coverage at 2900-3050 cm(-1). The average power from each individual mid-infrared comb line was ~1 µW, representing a power level much greater than typical difference-frequency-generation sources. Mid-infrared dual-comb spectroscopy opens up unique opportunities to perform broadband spectroscopic measurements with high resolution, high requisition rate, and high detection sensitivity.

High-power asynchronous midinfrared optical parametric oscillator frequency combs.

We introduce a new stabilization scheme providing a pair of high-power, carrier-envelope-offset (CEO) frequency-stabilized, broadband, asynchronous frequency combs operating at 3.3 µm. The two channels, each with 100 mW average power and originating from a single synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillator, share all the components for midinfrared generation and CEO-frequency detection, and can be stabilized independently at repetition frequencies up to 5 kHz apart. This unique source is fully compatible with midinfrared dual-comb spectroscopy, and the approach can be readily extended to other wavelengths.

Asynchronous midinfrared ultrafast optical parametric oscillator for dual-comb spectroscopy.

Two asynchronous, broadband 3.3 µm pulse trains with a stabilized repetition-rate difference of up to 5 kHz were generated using an ultrafast optical parametric oscillator. The two oscillation channels, each producing ~100 mW average power, ran essentially independently, and weak non-phase-matched sum-frequency mixing between them provided a timing signal that indicated when the asynchronous pulses coincided. The system has immediate applications in incoherent asynchronous optical sampling and, with additional carrier-envelope-offset stabilization, could be applied to coherent dual-frequency-comb spectroscopy.

Airborne and satellite remote sensing of the mid-infrared water vapour continuum.

Remote sensing of the atmosphere from space plays an increasingly important role in weather forecasting. Exploiting observations from the latest generation of weather satellites relies on an accurate knowledge of fundamental spectroscopy, including the water vapour continuum absorption. Field campaigns involving the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements research aircraft have collected a comprehensive dataset, comprising remotely sensed infrared radiance observations collocated with accurate measurements of the temperature and humidity structure of the atmosphere. These field measurements have been used to validate the strength of the infrared water vapour continuum in comparison with the latest laboratory measurements. The recent substantial changes to self-continuum coefficients in the widely used MT_CKD (Mlawer-Tobin-Clough-Kneizys-Davies) model between 2400 and 3200 cm(-1) are shown to be appropriate and in agreement with field measurements. Results for the foreign continuum in the 1300-2000 cm(-1) band suggest a weak temperature dependence that is not currently included in atmospheric models. A one-dimensional variational retrieval experiment is performed that shows a small positive benefit from using new laboratory-derived continuum coefficients for humidity retrievals.

Feedback via Ca²âº-activated ion channels modulates endothelin 1 signaling in retinal arteriolar smooth muscle.

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of feedback by Ca²âº-sensitive plasma-membrane ion channels in endothelin 1 (Et1) signaling in vitro and in vivo. Methods. Et1 responses were imaged from Fluo-4-loaded smooth muscle in isolated segments of rat retinal arteriole using two-dimensional (2-D) confocal laser microscopy. Vasoconstrictor responses to intravitreal injections of Et1 were recorded in the absence and presence of appropriate ion channel blockers using fluorescein angiograms imaged using a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Results. Et1 (10 nM) increased both basal [Ca²âº](i) and the amplitude and frequency of Ca²âº-waves in retinal arterioles. The Ca²âº-activated Cl⁻-channel blockers DIDS and 9-anthracene carboxylic acid (9AC) blocked Et1-induced increases in wave frequency, and 9AC also inhibited the increase in amplitude. Iberiotoxin, an inhibitor of large conductance (BK) Ca²âº-activated K⁺-channels, increased wave amplitude in the presence of Et1 but had no effect on frequency. None of these drugs affected basal [Ca²âº](i). The voltage-operated Ca²âº-channel inhibitor nimodipine inhibited wave frequency and amplitude and also lowered basal [Ca²âº](i) in the presence of Et1. Intravitreal injection of Et1 caused retinal arteriolar vasoconstriction. This was inhibited by DIDS but not by iberiotoxin or penitrem A, another BK-channel inhibitor. Conclusions. Et1 evokes increases in the frequency of arteriolar Ca²âº-waves in vitro, resulting in vasoconstriction in vivo. These responses, initiated by release of stored Ca²âº, also require positive feedback via Ca²âº-activated Cl⁻-channels and L-type Ca²âº-channels.

Broadband conversion in an Yb:KYW-pumped ultrafast optical parametric oscillator with a long nonlinear crystal.

We report the generation of 200-nm-bandwidth mid-infrared pulses at 3.5-µm from an optical parametric oscillator incorporating a 25-mm MgO:PPLN crystal and synchronously-pumped by chirped pulses from a fiber-amplified Yb:KYW laser. A long nonlinear crystal permits efficient transfer of the pump bandwidth into the idler pulses, achieves exceptional passive stability and enables pumping using chirped pulses directly from a fiber-amplifier, avoiding the need to use lossy pulse-compression optics.

Intervention with an erythropoietin-derived peptide protects against neuroglial and vascular degeneration during diabetic retinopathy.

OBJECTIVE: Erythropoietin (EPO) may be protective for early stage diabetic retinopathy, although there are concerns that it could exacerbate retinal angiogenesis and thrombosis. A peptide based on the EPO helix-B domain (helix B-surface peptide [pHBSP]) is nonerythrogenic but retains tissue-protective properties, and this study evaluates its therapeutic potential in diabetic retinopathy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: After 6 months of streptozotocin-induced diabetes, rats (n = 12) and age-matched nondiabetic controls (n = 12) were evenly split into pHBSP and scrambled peptide groups and injected daily (10 µg/kg per day) for 1 month. The retina was investigated for glial dysfunction, microglial activation, and neuronal DNA damage. The vasculature was dual stained with isolectin and collagen IV. Retinal cytokine expression was quantified using real-time RT-PCR. In parallel, oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) was used to evaluate the effects of pHBSP on retinal ischemia and neovascularization (1-30 µg/kg pHBSP or control peptide). RESULTS: pHBSP or scrambled peptide treatment did not alter hematocrit. In the diabetic retina, Müller glial expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein was increased when compared with nondiabetic controls, but pHBSP significantly reduced this stress-related response (P < 0.001). CD11b+ microglia and proinflammatory cytokines were elevated in diabetic retina responses, and some of these responses were attenuated by pHBSP (P < 0.01-0.001). pHBSP significantly reduced diabetes-linked DNA damage as determined by 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling positivity and also prevented acellular capillary formation (P < 0.05). In OIR, pHBSP had no effect on preretinal neovascularization at any dose. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with an EPO-derived peptide after diabetes is fully established can significantly protect against neuroglial and vascular degenerative pathology without altering hematocrit or exacerbating neovascularization. These findings have therapeutic implications for disorders such as diabetic retinopathy.

Myeloid angiogenic cells act as alternative M2 macrophages and modulate angiogenesis through interleukin-8.

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) promote angiogenesis, and clinical trials have shown such cell therapy to be feasible for treating ischemic disease. However, clinical outcomes have been contradictory owing to the diverse range of EPC types used. We recently characterized two EPC subtypes, and identified outgrowth endothelial cells as the only EPC type with true progenitor and endothelial characteristics. By contrast, myeloid angiogenic cells (MACs) were shown to be monocytic cells without endothelial characteristics despite being widely described as "EPCs." In the current study we demonstrated that although MACs do not become endothelial cells or directly incorporate into a microvascular network, they can significantly induce endothelial tube formation in vitro and vascular repair in vivo. MAC-derived interleukin-8 (IL-8) was identified as a key paracrine factor, and blockade of IL-8 but not vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) prevented MAC-induced angiogenesis. Extracellular IL-8 transactivates VEGFR2 and induces phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases. Further transcriptomic and immunophenotypic analysis indicates that MACs represent alternative activated M2 macrophages. Our findings demonstrate an unequivocal role for MACs in angiogenesis, which is linked to paracrine release of cytokines such as IL-8. We also show, for the first time, the true identity of these cells as alternative M2 macrophages with proangiogenic, antiinflammatory and pro-tissue-repair properties.

Infrared differential absorption Lidar (DIAL) measurements of hydrocarbon emissions.

We report the application of an infrared (IR) differential absorption Lidar (DIAL) system (also capable of ultra violet measurements) built at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), UK, to field measurements of total site emissions (controlled and fugitive) from petrochemical and landfill installations. The validation of the IR-DIAL was carried out via a series of controlled field experiments including comparison to GC analysis and tests against controlled methane releases from a test stack, all detailing agreements on the order of ±20%. In volatile organic compound (VOC) measurements at a UK petrochemical site it was found that the American Petroleum Institute's methodology of the time for calculating the emitted flux underestimated by a factor of 2.4. Also, in a similar field trial it was found that scaling traditional point measurements at easily accessible flanges and valves to represent all flanges and valves on a site led to an underestimation by a factor of 6. In addition to petrochemical examples we also report field measurements from a landfill site to demonstrate the advantageous of the DIAL technique for monitoring area emission sources. In this case study it was found that active (still being filled) cells resulted in significantly greater VOC emission rates (30 kg h(-1)) than closed (≤ 10 kg h(-1)).

Microvascular retinal endothelial and pericyte cell apoptosis in vitro: role of hedgehog and Notch signaling.

PURPOSE: Aberrant retinal blood flow is a hallmark of retinopathies and may be a causative factor in their pathophysiology. In this study, the effects of pulsatile flow on hedgehog and Notch control of retinal endothelial cell and pericyte apoptosis were examined. METHODS: The levels of hedgehog and Notch signaling components in bovine retinal endothelial cells (BRECs) and pericytes (BRPs) were examined in vitro under static conditions and after exposure to pulsatile flow, with a perfused transcapillary co-culture system. Notch and hedgehog signaling was examined by immunocytochemistry, immunoblot, and real-time PCR. RESULTS: Notch and hedgehog proteins were present in BRECs and BRPs in vitro and in human retinal vasculature in vivo. Inhibition of hedgehog with cyclopamine and Notch with DAPT decreased hedgehog target gene levels and Notch intracellular receptor expression, respectively, concomitant with an increase in BREC and BRP apoptosis. Sonic hedgehog (Shh) mediated upregulation of Notch1 receptor levels was attenuated after cyclopamine treatment in both cell types. Exposure of co-cultured BRECs and BRPs to pulsatile flow increased apoptosis in the BRPs while concurrently decreasing apoptosis in the BRECs. These changes were concomitant with increased expression of Notch and hedgehog signaling components in the BRECs and reduced expression in the BRPs. The flow-induced decrease in apoptosis in the BRECs was associated with increased Notch receptor expression and was reversed after inhibition of hedgehog signaling with cyclopamine and inhibition of Notch signaling after ectopic expression of the CBF-1/RBP-Jκ-binding protein, RPMS-1. CONCLUSIONS: Pulsatile flow promotes BREC survival and enhances BRP apoptosis through modulation of Notch and hedgehog pathways. These interactions have important implications for the pathogenesis of retinopathies.