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Heterostructures of compositionally and electronically variant two-dimensional (2D) atomic layers are viable building blocks for ultrathin optoelectronic devices. We show that the composition of interfacial transition region between semiconducting WSe2 atomic layer channels and metallic NbSe2 contact layers can be engineered through interfacial doping with Nb atoms. WxNb1–xSe2 interfacial regions considerably lower the potential barrier height of the junction, significantly improving the performance of the corresponding WSe2-based field-effect transistor devices. The creation of such alloyed 2D junctions between dissimilar atomic layer domains could be the most important factor in controlling the electronic properties of 2D junctions and the design and fabrication of 2D atomic layer devices.

The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of autoclaved soy flour and DJI chungkukjang powder fermented using Bacillus subtilis DJI were investigated in type 2 diabetic animal models. After a 2-week adaptation period, the diabetic animal model db/db mice were divided into the diabetic control group (D-C group), a diabetic group fed with soybean (D-S group), and a diabetic group fed with DJI chungkukjang (D-CJ group). The body weight gain, food intake, water intake, liver, and adipose tissue weights were not significantly different between the experimental groups. The supplementation of DJI chungkukjang or autoclaved soy flour diet induced a marked reduction of fasting blood glucose, blood glycosylated hemoglobin levels, and glucose levels in the oral glucose tolerance test and AUC for glucose compared with the diabetic control group. However, DJI chungkukjang showed a much stronger antidiabetic effect than unfermented autoclaved soy flour. Serum insulin levels were the same among the groups. The supplementation of DJI chungkukjang or autoclaved soy flour diet also significantly lowered the serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol levels compared with the control diabetic group, while it elevated the HDL-cholesterol level in the serum. This data suggests that the dietary supplementation of autoclaved soy flour or DJI chungkukjang may be useful in the control of blood glucose in animals with type 2 diabetes.

This study investigated the effect of soybeans, , and on blood glucose and serum lipid profile in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 205 g were divided into non-diabetic and diabetic groups. The diabetic groups were further subdivided into four experimental groups: a normal group (N), a diabetic control group (STZ-C), a diabetic group fed autoclaved soybean powder (STZ-S), a diabetic group fed powder (STZ-CKJ) and a diabetic group fed powder (STZ-DJ). Food and water intakes were higher in the diabetic groups than in the N group. The body weight gain and food efficiency ratios were higher in the STZ-S, STZ-CKJ, and STZ-DJ groups than in the STZ-C group, but created no significant changes between the diabetic groups on food intake and body weight gain. The whole blood level at 4 weeks of the STZ-CKJ group was significantly lower than the STZ-C group. Serum glucose levels of the STZ-S, STZ-CKJ, and STZ-DJ groups were significantly lower than the STZ-C group, but there was no significant change in serum insulin levels. The AST and ALP activities in serum were markedly higher in the STZ-C group, but these decreases in relation to diabetes increased in the STZ-S, STZ-CKJ, and STZ-DJ groups. The level of serum triglycerides was lower in the STZ-CKJ and STZ-DJ groups than in the STZ-C group, whereas level of serum HDL-cholesterol was higher in the STZ-CKJ and STZ-DJ groups. Levels of total serum and LDL-cholesterol were higher in the diabetic groups compared with the N group, but significantly decreased in the STZ-S, STZ-CKJ, and STZ-DJ groups compared to the STZ-C group. These results indicate that dietary supplements of soybean, and may improve blood glucose and lipid metabolism and help prevent or attenuate the progression of diabetes in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Block copolymers were used to achieve nanoscale patterning. Block copolymers, particularly polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA), produce patterns from which one block polymer may be selectively etched. However, the selective wet etching of PMMA with acetic acid can induce the remaining PS structures to collapse due to capillary forces between adjacent PS domains during drying. This study presents an alternative approach to the formation of nanoscale patterns by using an atmospheric UV-ozone (AP-UVO, λ = 365 nm) exposure system. Compared with the general etching system, AP-UVO exposure is relatively low cost, can potentially be scaled up, and proceeds via a simple process. In addition, we demonstrate that the line and space (L/S) sizes of the block copolymer pattern can be controlled by using the AP-UVO etch time. Also, we were able to obtain well-ordered patterns from the combining the AP-UVO exposure process with a control process of block copolymers conditions. These results suggest that the AP-UVO exposure method with block copolymers may be used to form etch masks, particularly for the fabrication of graphene nanoribbons, quantum dots, nano grid wires, and nanopores.

We studied the effect of Zn2+ source concentration on the structural and optical properties of hydrothermally grown ZnO nanorods. The nanorods were grown on ZnO/p-Si(111) substrate using by a hydrothermal process in various concentrations of reagent at a low temperature (approximately 95 degrees C) and the structural and optical characteristics of ZnO nanorods were subsequently investigated by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and room temperature photoluminescence. The results demonstrate that the morphology and crystallinity of ZnO nanorods are influenced by the overall concentration of the precursor. The density and diameter of ZnO nanorods with a hexagonal structure are especially sensitivite to concentration of reactants. Furthermore, the structural transition is shown by increasing concentration. At the lowest concentration of Zn2+, the ZnO nanorods grow as single crystals with a low density and variable orientations. On the contrary, at the highest concentration, the nanorods grow as polycrystas due to the supersaturated Zn2+ source.

This study was conducted to investigate the cholesterol lowering effect and weight reduction of autoclaved soy flour, cheonggulgang and doenjang, which are fermented using Bacillus subtilis DJI, in rats fed a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250 g, were divided into five groups; a normal diet group (N), a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet group (HFC), a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet with 5% autoclaved soy flour group (HFC-S), a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet with 5% cheonggulgang group (HFC-CJ), and a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet with 5% deonjang group (HFC-DJ). The body weight gain and adipose tissues weights increased in rats fed a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet, but decreased significantly in rats fed autoclaved soy flour, cheonggulgang and doenjang, compared with the HFC group. Food intake was lower in the all HFC groups (HFC, HFC-S.HFC-CJ and HFC-DJ) than that of the N group, However, there was no differences in the food intake between HFC diet groups. Serum triglyceride level increased with a high-fat/high-cholesterol dietgroup whereas HFC-CJ and HFC-DJ groups were markedly decreased serum triglyceride levels compared with N group. Levels of serum total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, and level of total cholesterol in the liver were significantly lower in the HFC-S group, the HFC-CJ group and the HFC-DJ group than that of the HFC group, but exerted no significant change between the HFC groups on levels of total lipid and triglyceride in the liver. Fecal total lipid content increased in the HFC-CJ group and the HFC-DJ group than those of the HFC group and HFC-S group. The activities of heparin-releasable lipoprotein lipase (HR-LPL) and total-extractable LPL in adipose tissues decreased in the HFC-S group, the HFC-CJ group and the HFC-DJ group compared with the HFC group. These results suggest that dietary cheonggulgang and doenjang may exert cholesterol-lowering effect and prevent obesity.

The methanol extracts of 19 commercial herb medicines was analyzed to antibacterial activities against Edwardsiella tarda, causing several fish diseases. Rhus javanica showed most strong antibacterial activity against E. tarda and Escherichia coli. Methanol extract of R. javanica was further extracted using several organic solvents having different polarity. Extract from ethyl acetate fraction showed strong activity against E. tarda as well as E. coli. Minimal inhibitory concentration, MIC of R. javanica extract was measured and resulted showing for E. tarda and for E. coli. It is needed that, from these results, further purification and isolation of reposible compound of these activities and further study on the synergy effect using combination with antibiotics against pathogenic bacteria.

Jae-Joon Lee, Mi-Ran Park, Ah-Ra Kim, and Myung-Yul Lee*Department of Food and Nutrition, Chosun UniversityAbstract This study was performed to investigate the effects of ramie (Boehmeria nivea) leaf powder on improvementsin lipid metabolism in serum, liver and adipose tissue, and the anti-obesity effect in rats fed a high fat/high cholesteroldiet for 4 weeks to induce a hyperlipidemic and obese model rat. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighting 210 g were dividedinto four groups; a normal diet group (N), a high fat/high cholesterol diet group (HFC), a high fat/high cholesterol dietwith 5% ramie leaf powder group (HFC-RL), and a high fat/high cholesterol diet with 10% ramie leaf powder group(HFC-RH). The body weight gain increased with a high fat/high cholesterol diet, but gradually decreased in the ramie leafpowder fed groups compared with the HFC group. The liver index in the HFC group was highest among the four groups,although the difference was not significant compared with the ramie leaf powder fed groups. The adipose tissues weightin the HFC group was heavier than that of the N group, whereas those of groups fed ramie leaf powder decreasedgradually. Alkaline phosphatase activity was not different between the HFC groups, but serum alkaline aminotransferaseand lactate dehydrogenase activities decreased significantly after ramie leaf powder feeding. Levels of serum triglyceride,total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, atherogenic index and cardiac risk factors tended to decrease in the ramie leaf powderfed groups compared with the HFC group, whereas serum HDL-cholesterol level decreased in the HFC group andmarkedly increased in the ramie leaf powder fed groups. Levels of triglyceride and total cholesterol in the liver weresignificantly lower in the ramie leaf powder fed groups than in the HFC group. Levels of triglyceride and total cholesterolin adipose tissues were also lower in the ramie leaves powder fed groups than in the HFC group. The activities of heparin-releasable lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and total-extractable LPL in adipose tissues increased in the HFC group compared tothat of the N group, but those of the ramie leaf powder fed groups decreased significantly. These results suggest that ramieleaf powder may improve lipid metabolism in serum, liver and adipose tissue and potentially reduce lipid storage.Keywords: ramie (Boehmeria nivea), high fat/high cholesterol diet, anti-obesity, cholesterol lowering, lipoprotein lipase

This study was carried out to investigate the physicochemical compositions and antioxidative effects of Eriobotrya japonoca Lindl (Loquat). The proximate compositions of the loquat leaf on a dry matter basis were 8.78% moisture content, 6.74% crude protein, 7.87% crude fat, 6.99% crude ash, 43.61% dietary fiber and 26.01% carbohydrate. In analysis of free amino acids, 16 kinds total amino acid components, 17 kinds of components were isolated from loquat. The essential amino acids contained in loquat leaf accounted for 50.15% of total amino acids, while the non-essential amino acids accounted for 49.85%. In analysis of total fatty acids, only 5 kinds of acid were detected: lauric acid, myristic acid, pentadecanoic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid. The contents of vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin C were 0.039 mg%, 0.096 mg% and 0.575 mg%, respectively. The mineral contents of loquat leaf were greater in order of Zn

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of powders of autoclaved soy flour and doenjang fermented using Bacillus subtilis DJI on lipid profiles and antioxidative activities of rats fed a high cholesterol diet. Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing 200~210 g were divided into four groups: normal diet group (N), high cholesterol diet group (HC), autoclaved soy flour and high cholesterol diet group (SHC), and doenjang and high cholesterol diet group (DHC). The serum ALT, AST and ALP activities of the SHC and DHC groups were lower than those of the HC group, but exerted no significant change on serum LDH activity. Serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels were markedly decreased by autoclaved soy flour and doenjang administration, while the serum HDL-cholesterol level was higher in groups given autoclaved soy flour and doenjang administration. The GSH-Px and catalase activities in liver elevated by a high cholesterol diet were significantly decreased by autoclaved soy flour and doenjang administration (p

This study was performed to investigate the effect of Brassica rapa (BR) sprouts on weight reduction and cholesterol-lowering action in rats fed high fat diet for 4 weeks. Weight-matched male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to four groups according to dietary fat levels (10% or 20% of diet wt.). Experimental groups were normal diet group (N), high fat diet group (HF), high fat diet with 5% BR sprouts powder group (HF-BRL), and high fat diet with 10% BR sprouts powder group (HF-BRH). The body weight gain was increased in HF group, but gradually decreased to the corresponding level of the N group fed BR sprouts powder. The concentrations of serum LDL-cholesterol, atherogenic index and cardiac risk factor tended to decrease in the BR sprouts powder fed groups compared with the HF group. However, HDL-cholesterol concentration in serum decreased in the HF group and markedly increased in the BR sprouts powder fed groups. Concentrations of triglyceride and total cholesterol in liver were also markedly decreased in the BR sprouts powder fed groups. Triglyceride concentrations of epididymal and mesenteric adipose tissues in the BR sprouts powder fed groups were also decreased compared with the HF group. These results indicate that BR sprouts powder may reduce fat accumulation and body weight, and have cholesterol-lowering effect.

This study was carried out to investigate the physicochemical and functional properties of Yacon (Polymnia Sonchifolia) powder. The proximate composition of Yacon powder as a dry matter basis was 3.53% moisture content, 1.13% crude protein, 0.40% crude fat, 0.79% crude ash, 1.63% dietary fiber and 92.52% carbohydrate. The major free sugars were identified as fructose and glucose. Analysing total amino acids, 18 kinds of components were isolated from Yacon powder. The essential amino acid contained in Yacon powder accounted for 28.40% of total amino acid, while the non-essential amino acid accounted for 73.61%. Analysing total fatty acids, only 2 kinds - palmitic acid and lauric acid - were detected. Oxalic acid was the major organic acid. The contents of vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E were 0.057 mg%, 0.670 mg% and 0.001 mg%, respectively. The mineral contents of Yacon powder were in the order of Zn＜Mg＜Ca＜Na＜K. Antioxidant index by Rancimat test and nitrite scavenging ability of ethylacetate fraction of Yacon ethanol extract were the highest among fractions and were less than that of BHT. These results suggest that Yacon is recommendable as a vegetable of high nutritional quality and possesses potential antioxidative capacity.

This study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant effect of 80% ethanol extracts from Angelica acutiloba Kitagawa (A. acutiloba Kitagawa) in vitro. The extract was further fractionated subsequently by n-hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate, n-butanol and water. Antioxidative activities of different fractions were examined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical generation, Rancimat test, thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value, nitrite scavenging activity, inhibition of lipid peroxidation and peroxide value (POV) in linoleic acid in comparison with the commercial antioxidant butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT). Antioxidant activities of n-hexane fraction of Angelico acutiloba Kitagawa ethanol extract were the highest among fractions and were a little less than that of BHT. Nitrite scavenging activity showed the most remarkable effect at pH 12. These results suggest that ethanol extracts of A. acutiloba Kitagawa can be used in natural antioxidant source.

Trichinella spiralis ES product was separated by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in 12 % polyacrylamide gels using a Mini-PROTEAN Tetra Cell electrophoresis unit (Bio-Rad, USA). Trichinella spiralis ES product (40, 20, 10, 5 Îźg) was loaded and incubated at 150 V for 1 h. To determine the proteins in T. spiralis ES product, the gel was stained with coomassie blue. Trichinella spiralis T653k protein was detected in T. spiralis ES product. (PDF 45 KB)

We have investigated the effects of metal decoration on the gas-sensing properties of a device with two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) flake channels and graphene electrodes. The 2D hybrid-structure device sensitively detected NO2 gas molecules (&gt, 1.2 ppm) as well as NH3 (&gt, 10 ppm). Metal nanoparticles (NPs) could tune the electronic properties of the 2D graphene/MoS2 device, increasing sensitivity to a specific gas molecule. For instance, palladium NPs accumulate hole carriers of graphene/MoS2, electronically sensitizing NH3 gas molecules. Contrarily, aluminum NPs deplete hole carriers, enhancing NO2 sensitivity. The synergistic combination of metal NPs and 2D hybrid layers could be also applied to a flexible gas sensor. There was no serious degradation in the sensing performance of metal-decorated MoS2 flexible devices before/after 5000 bending cycles. Thus, highly sensitive and endurable gas sensor could be achieved through the metal-decorated 2D hybrid-structure, offering a useful route to wearable electronic sensing platforms.

Two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) atomic layers have a strong potential to be used as 2D electronic sensor components. However, intrinsic synthesis challenges have made this task difficult. In addition, the detection mechanisms for gas molecules are not fully understood. Here, we report a high-performance gas sensor constructed using atomic-layered MoS2 synthesised by chemical vapour deposition (CVD). A highly sensitive and selective gas sensor based on the CVD-synthesised MoS2 was developed. In situ photoluminescence characterisation revealed the charge transfer mechanism between the gas molecules and MoS2, which was validated by theoretical calculations. First-principles density functional theory calculations indicated that NO2 and NH3 molecules have negative adsorption energies (i.e., the adsorption processes are exothermic). Thus, NO2 and NH3 molecules are likely to adsorb onto the surface of the MoS2. The in situ PL characterisation of the changes in the peaks corresponding to charged trions and neutral excitons via gas adsorption processes was used to elucidate the mechanisms of charge transfer between the MoS2 and the gas molecules.

We investigated the effects of surface pattern size and shape on the characteristics of hydrothermally grown ZnO nanorods. For this purpose, the structural characteristics of ZnO nanorods were examined using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The sputtered ZnO seed layer was patterned using photolithography techniques on a Si substrate. ZnO nanorods with a [0001] texturing structure were successfully grown on selective areas by hydrothermal processes. In our experiments, however, it was observed that the diameter and the texture of the ZnO nanorods were strongly influenced by the size of the surface pattern.

Quercetin is a plant-derived flavonoid and its cytotoxic properties have been widely reported. However, in nature, quercetin predominantly occurs as various glycosides. Thus far the cytotoxic activity of these glycosides has not been investigated to the same extent as quercetin, especially in animal models. In this study, the cytotoxic properties of quercetin (1), hyperoside (quercetin 3-O-galactoside, 2), isoquercitrin (quercetin 3-O-glucoside, 3), quercitrin (quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside, 4), and spiraeoside (quercetin 4'-O-glucoside, 5) were directly compared in vitro using assays of cancer cell viability. To further characterize the influence of glycosylation in vivo, a novel zebrafish-based assay was developed that allows the rapid and experimentally convenient visualization of glycoside cleavage in the digestive tract. This assay was correlated with a novel human tumor xenograft assay in the same animal model. The results showed that 3 is as effective as 1 at inhibiting cancer cell proliferation in vivo. Moreover, it was observed that 3 can be effectively deglycosylated in the digestive tract. Collectively, these results indicate that 3 is a very promising drug candidate for cancer therapy, because glycosylation confers advantageous pharmacological changes compared with the aglycone, 1. Importantly, the development of a novel and convenient fluorescence-based assay for monitoring deglycosylation in living vertebrates provides a valuable platform for determining the metabolic fate of naturally occurring glycosides.

Scalable sub-micrometer molybdenum disulfide ([Formula: see text]) flake films with highly uniform coverage were created using a systematic approach. An electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing process realized a remarkably uniform distribution of exfoliated [Formula: see text] flakes on desired substrates. In combination with a fast evaporating dispersion medium and an optimal choice of operating parameters, the EHD printing can produce a film rapidly on a substrate without excessive agglomeration or cluster formation, which can be problems in previously reported liquid-based continuous film methods. The printing of exfoliated [Formula: see text] flakes enabled the fabrication of a gas sensor with high performance and reproducibility for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].

We studied the effect of Zn2+ source concentration on the structural and optical properties of hydrothermally grown ZnO nanorods. The nanorods were grown on ZnO/p-Si(111) substrate using by a hydrothermal process in various concentrations of reagent at a low temperature (approximately 95 degrees C) and the structural and optical characteristics of ZnO nanorods were subsequently investigated by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and room temperature photoluminescence. The results demonstrate that the morphology and crystallinity of ZnO nanorods are influenced by the overall concentration of the precursor. The density and diameter of ZnO nanorods with a hexagonal structure are especially sensitivite to concentration of reactants. Furthermore, the structural transition is shown by increasing concentration. At the lowest concentration of Zn2+, the ZnO nanorods grow as single crystals with a low density and variable orientations. On the contrary, at the highest concentration, the nanorods grow as polycrystas due to the supersaturated Zn2+ source.

Vascular inflammation has been implicated in the progression of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. In the present study, we found that HMC05, an extract from eight different herbal mixtures, dose-dependently inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)-induced adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells. Such inhibitory effect of HMC05 correlated with suppressed expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, CC chemokine receptor 2, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1. In addition, HMC05 significantly inhibited production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation by TNF-α. Those inhibitory effects of HMC05 (1–10 μg mL−1) on the TNF-α-induced inflammatory event was similar to those of berberine (1–10 μM), which is a major component of HMC05 and one of herbal compounds known to have vasorelaxing and lipid-lowering activities. However, berberine significantly reduced the viability of HUVECs in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, HMC05 (1–10 μg ml−1) did not affect the cell viability for up to 48 h treatment. In conclusion, we propose that HMC05 may be a safe and potent herbal formula against vascular inflammation, and its action may be attributable to the inhibition of ROS- and NF-κB-dependent expression of adhesion molecules and chemokines.

We investigated the effect of ZnO buffer layer thickness on the growth of hydrothermally grown ZnO nanorods. A series of ZnO buffer layers with different thicknesses was deposited on a p-Si (111) substrate using a co-sputtering system. After annealing the ZnO buffer layer, ZnO nanorods grown were grown hydrothermally at 95 degrees C. Unlike ZnO nanorods grown on as-deposited ZnO buffer layer, the diameter and length of ZnO nanorods grown on annealed ZnO buffer layers can be controlled. The structural and optical properties of ZnO nanorods grown on annealed ZnO buffer layers were analyzed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and photoluminescence. The influence of ZnO buffer layer thickness on ZnO nanorods growth is discussed.

An aqueous extract of Cornus kousa Burg. leaves (ACK) that contained high amount of polyphenols showed significant antioxidant activity against diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and TNF-alpha-generated reactive oxygen species. ACK at concentrations of 10 and 50 microg/mL significantly inhibited TNF-alpha-induced adhesion of U937 pre-monocytic cells to HT-29 colon epithelial cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The reduced adhesion by ACK correlated with the suppressed expressions of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and interleukin (IL)-8, the major inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated chemokines. Moreover, ACK significantly suppressed TNF-alpha-induced translocation of redox-sensitive nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB as well as degradation of cytosolic I-kappaBalpha. The effective concentrations of ACK were much lower than that of 5-aminosalicylic acid (3.06 mg/mL), which is an active metabolite of sulfasalazine, a well-known drug used in the treatment of IBD. The results indicate that ACK may provide a potential benefit for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases such as IBD.

Vascular endothelial cell activation by cytokines and other pro-inflammatory mediators is an initial event in atherosclerosis and in other vascular diseases. Simvastatin, a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, suppressed both tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha- and angiotensin (Ang) II-induced monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells (an initial step in vascular inflammation) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Diphenyleneiodonium and apocynin, both NADPH oxidase inhibitors, also suppressed TNF-alpha-induced ROS and monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion, demonstrating that TNF-alpha-induced monocyte adhesion is mediated through ROS produced by NADPH oxidase activation. Furthermore, exogenously applied mevalonate or geranylgeranylpyrophosphate in combination with simvastatin completely prevented the inhibitory effects of simvastatin on ROS generation and monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion by TNFalpha and Ang II. These results suggest that monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells induced by TNF-alpha or Ang II is mediated via the geranylgeranyl isoprenoid-dependent generation of ROS, and that this is inhibited by simvastatin.

We successfully fabricated lateral Schottky diodes with a thin MgZnO layer inserted between the ZnO and Schottky contact metal layers. The MgZnO/ZnO heterostructure was deposited onto a c-sapphire substrate by pulsed laser deposition using Mg0.3Zn0.7O and ZnO targets. Ti/Au was used to achieve ohmic contact with the Mg0.3Zn0.7O thin film layer, whereas Schottky contacts were prepared using silver (Ag), gold (Au), and palladium (Pd). The Ag Schottky diode devices exhibited rectification ratios as high as ∼103 at a bias voltage of ±1 V, with an ideality factor of 2.37 and a work function of 0.73 eV. The possibility of preparing Schottky contacts with a high carrier concentration on the ZnO layer is discussed as a function of the presence or absence of a MgZnO thin layer and in terms of the measured current–voltage properties.

Sex cord-stromal cell tumors of ovary is derived from the coelomic epithelium or mesenchymal cells of the embryonic gonads and unclassified type of them consists of 0.5-0.8% of all malignant ovarian tumors. Histologic findings and management of a 37-year-old woman with sex cord-stromal tumor, unclassified type, were described. We ruled out soft tissue tumors that usually originate from the retroperitoneum, and with immunohistochemical staining, this tumor was diagnosed as a retroperitoneal unclassified borderline sex cord-stromal cell tumor. She had a normal postoperative course, and was discharged 14 days postoperatively. Unclassified sex cord-stromal cell tumor of ovary is rare and should be discriminated between other tumors, such as primitive mesenchymal tumor and metastatic endometrial cancer.

We investigated the effect of an annealed ZnO buffer layer on the structural and optical properties of hydrothermally grown ZnO nanorods. ZnO buffer layers were deposited on a p-type Si(100) substrate by radio-frequency (RF) sputtering. ZnO nanorods were grown on as-deposited and annealed ZnO buffer layers by a hydrothermal process at a low temperature for various growth times. Annealed ZnO buffer layers have higher c-axis texturing than as-deposited ZnO buffer layer. ZnO nanorods grown on annealed ZnO buffer layers had higher X-ray diffraction (002) peak intensities and ultraviolet (UV) emission intensities than those grown on the as-deposited ZnO buffer layer. The degree of c-axis texturing of ZnO buffer layer affects the perpendicular growth for hydrothermal ZnO nanorod.

Recurrent ipsilateral tubal pregnancy is unusual, especially following partial salpingectomy for ectopic pregnancy (EP) previously. We report the case of a patient who had recurrent consecutive ectopic pregnancies on the ipsilateral side after natural conception and was treated surgically in each case with partial salpingectomy, removal of tubal stump, respectively.We present an unusual case of EP. When salpingectomy is performed, complete salpingectomy should be attempted to eliminate the risk of recurrent ipsilateral EP.

Background The frequent outbreaks of human trichinellosis globally underscore the need to develop effective vaccine. We hypothesized that a novel vaccine could improve vaccine efficacy against Trichinella spiralis. Methods In this study, we developed virus-like particles (VLPs) containing the 53 KDa excretory/secretory (ES) protein of T. spiralis and the influenza matrix protein 1 (M1) as a core protein, and investigated the protective efficacy of the VLPs alone or with cholera toxin (CT) in a mouse model. Results Intramuscular immunization induced T. spiralis-specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a antibody responses before and after challenge infections in the sera. These antibody responses were significantly enhanced in mice immunized with adjuvanted VLPs. Upon challenge infection, vaccinated mice showed significantly reduced worm burden in the diaphragm. Protective immune responses and efficacy of protection were significantly improved by immunization with VLPs together with CT adjuvant. Conclusions Our results are informative for a better understanding of the protective immunity induced by T. spiralis VLPs, and will provide insight into designing safe and effective vaccines. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1662-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.