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Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a serious liver disorder associated with the accumulation of fat and inflammation. The objective of this study was to determine the gut microbiota composition that might influence the progression of NAFLD. Germ-free mice were inoculated with feces from patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or from healthy persons (HL) and then fed a standard diet (STD) or high-fat diet (HFD). We found that the epididymal fat weight, hepatic steatosis, multifocal necrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration significantly increased in the NASH-HFD group. These findings were consistent with markedly elevated serum levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, endotoxin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (Mcp1), and hepatic triglycerides. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of Toll-like receptor 2 (Tlr2), Toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4), tumor necrosis factor alpha (Tnf-α), Mcp1, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Ppar-γ) significantly increased. Only abundant lipid accumulation and a few inflammatory reactions were observed in group HL-HFD. Relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes shifted in the HFD-fed mice. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Streptococcaceae was the highest in group NASH-HFD. Nevertheless, obesity-related Lactobacillaceae were significantly upregulated in HL-HFD mice. Our results revealed that the gut microbiota from NASH Patients aggravated hepatic steatosis and inflammation. These findings might partially explain the NAFLD progress distinctly was related to different compositions of gut microbiota.

Different edible oils such as lard and soybean oil have been reported to interact with the gut microbiota, affecting host lipid metabolism. However, whether bacteria derived from the environment influence host lipid metabolism remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the roles of environmental bacteria in host lipid storage and distribution with various edible oils. Gnotobiotic C57BL/6JNarl mice were inoculated with Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus and Paenibacillus azoreducens and then fed either a normal diet (LabDiet 5010, control group) or a diet containing 60% lard (L-group) or soybean oil (S-group) for 18 months. Interestingly, the S-group accumulated massive amounts of white adipose tissue compared to the L- and control groups, while the L-group displayed more hepatic steatosis and fatty droplets than the other groups. The expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS), hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in the livers of the L-group were markedly elevated compared to the S-group. FAS and PPARγ protein levels were also markedly elevated. However, there were no differences in the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α between the groups. Our results suggest that environmental bacteria may affect host hepatic inflammation and lipid distribution in the presence of high-fat diets, with different effects depending on the fat type consumed.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (PEA) causes severe hepatotoxicity in experimental animals and is useful in investigations of immune-mediated liver injury. However, strain differences in the sensitivity to PEA-induced hepatotoxicity in rats remains be elucidated. In this study, we determined the severity of PEA-induced hepatotoxicity in six genetically different rat strains. Male LE (Long Evans), Wistar, F344, WKY, BN/SsN and LEW rats were administered a single intravenous injection of PEA (20 μg/kg). Significantly elevated serum ALT and AST levels, massive necrosis and hemorrhage, and numerous TUNEL-positive hepatocytes were observed in BN/SsN rats. In contrast, low levels of ALT and AST as well as mild changes in liver histopathology were observed in Wistar and F344 rats. Moderate levels of hepatic injuries were observed in LE, WKY, and LEW rats. Pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-2 and IL-6 serum levels were markedly increased in BN/SsN rats compared to Wistar and F344 rats. However, the hepatic levels of low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP), which functions as the PEA receptor, were not significantly different in each strain. Taken together, we suggest that BN/SsN is the most sensitive rat strain, whereas Wistar and F344 were the most resistant rat strains to PEA-induced liver damage. The different genetic background of rat strains plays an important role in the susceptibility to PEA-induced epatotoxicity that may depend on immune-regulation but not LRP receptor levels.

Cornu cervi pantotrichum (CCP), used in traditional Chinese medicine, is a well-known yang-invigorating agent with multifunctional bioactivities. We previously showed, through an acute exercise challenge, that short-term CCP supplementation improved physical activities and fatigue-associated biochemical indices. Questions about the long-term effects of CCP treatment on exercise performance and physical fatigue, as well as safety, with intensive exercise training need further research. ICR-strain mice were randomly assigned to three groups: (1) sedentary control and vehicle treatment (SC); (2) exercise training with vehicle treatment (ET); and (3) ET with CCP treatment at 4,108 mg/kg/day (ET+CCP). We assessed the physical performance, body compositions, and serum levels of lactate, ammonia, glucose and creatine kinase (CK) after an acute exercise challenge. The ET and ET+CCP groups had significantly increased grip strength and endurance swimming time, and decreased serum lactate and ammonia levels after the acute exercise challenge than the SC group. Moreover, serum ammonia and CK levels in the ET+CCP group were significantly decreased when compared to that of the ET only group. In regard to the body composition, the ET+CCP group inhibits the decrease in fat tissue, and related biochemical changes induced by the high intensity endurance training CCP supplementation combined with high-intensity endurance exercise could significantly improve the physiological adaptions related to fatigue or energy consumption and maintain the fat composition when compared to treatment with training only. Therefore, CCP may potentially improve the physiological adaptions in intensive exercise training.

Milk protein is mostly composed of whey protein (WP) and casein, about 20% and 80%, respectively (23). During cheese manufacturing, WP is generated as a by-product of casein precipitation. WP is the most popular protein supplement sold in powder format. It contains valuable food ingredients because of its nutritional value and functional bioactivity. WP contains β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, immunoglobulins, bovine serum albumin, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, phospholipoprotein, bioactive factors, and enzymes in order of abundance (26). The biological components of WP and its isolates have been reported to benefit antioxidation (21) and regulation of lipid metabolism (27) and have antifatigue (25) and antidiabetic properties (20). WP isolates contain enriched essential amino acids, including branched chain amino acids, which the body needs for tissue synthesis, energy, and health. The high leucine content (50%–75% more than other protein sources), one of the branched chain amino acids, in WP could explain its ability to stimulate muscle protein synthesis (14) and upregulate mammalian target of rapamycin signaling in high concentration (3). With WP supplementation, resistance exercises can result in muscle adaption and hypertrophy, regardless of the contraction mode (13). WP is marketed as a dietary supplement and as an aid for muscle development with resistance training. Because of its rapid rate of digestion, WP provides a rapid source of amino acids that can be taken up by the muscles to repair and rebuild muscular tissue. The use of WP to enhance aerobic exercises and swimming training has only been reported in terms of glycogen storage (28), antioxidation (12), and lipid metabolism. Few reports have shown the beneficial synergistic effects of WP and long-term aerobic exercise training (ET) on biochemical profiles in specific tissues. Moderate exercise or individual training is beneficial to heart and lung functions, improving exercise performance, and as preventive medicine helpful in reducing the incidence of chronic disease (34). High-intensity workouts, ET, and athletic competition affect the body’s hemostasis, with resulting pathological syndromes. Physiological functions such as oxidative systems and important tissues are affected by long-term, high-intensity exercise that exceeds the body’s endurance (18,19). Several clinical biochemistry parameters considered as biomarkers in evaluating physiological functions or status after exercise or training include aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK) (5). In a previous report, WP supplementation was found to reduce weight increase and alleviate glucose intolerance, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce plasma cholesterol in an animal model of high-fat-diet–induced obesity (36). A combination of resistant exercise and WP benefitted the lipid profile, especially plasma triglycerides and cholesterol (2). In this study, we aimed to investigate the beneficial synergistic effects of WP supplementation and swimming ET on exercise performance, biochemical profiles, and pathological responses after long-term supplementation. WP supplementation may be helpful to athletes focusing on resistance training for maximal strength performance related to muscle hypertrophy or performing aerobic exercise such as marathons, long-distance cycling, and swimming as well as for overall physiologic protective effects.

Panax quinquefolium L. (American Ginseng, AG) is one of the most popular herbal medicines in the World. We aimed to investigate whether chronic (28-day) supplementation with AG could protect against ethanol-induced ulcer in gastric tissue. Furthermore, we investigated the possible molecular mechanisms leading to AG-mediated gastric mucosal protection. We randomized 32 male Wistar rats into four groups for treatment (n = 8 per group): supplementation with water (vehicle) and low-dose (AG-1X), medium-dose (AG-2X) and high-dose (AG-5X) AG at 0, 250, 500, and 1250 mg/kg, respectively. In the first experiment, animals were fed vehicle or AG treatments for 4 weeks. At day 29, 75% ethanol was given orally to each animal at 10 mL/kg to induce gastric ulceration for 2 h. In a second experiment, animals were pretreated orally with each treatment for 1 hr before a single oral administration of ethanol (70%, 10 mL/kg). Trend analysis revealed that AG treatments inhibited ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage. AG supplementation dose-dependently decreased the pro-inflammatory levels of interleukin 1β and cyclooxygenase 2 and the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins tBid, cytochrome C, and caspases-9 and -3 and increased the levels of anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and p-Bad. AG could have pharmacological potential for treating gastric ulcer.

Chili pepper is used as a food, seasoning and has been revered for its medicinal and health claims. It is very popular and is the most common spice worldwide. Capsaicin (CAP) is a major pungent and bioactive phytochemical in chili peppers. CAP has been shown to improve mitochondrial biogenesis and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. However, there is limited evidence around the effects of CAP on physical fatigue and exercise performance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of CAP on anti-fatigue and ergogenic functions following physiological challenge. Female Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice from four groups (n = 8 per group) were orally administered CAP for 4 weeks at 0, 205, 410, and 1025 mg/kg/day, which were respectively designated the vehicle, CAP-1X, CAP-2X, and CAP-5X groups. The anti-fatigue activity and exercise performance was evaluated using forelimb grip strength, exhaustive swimming time, and levels of serum lactate, ammonia, glucose, BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatine kinase (CK) after a 15-min swimming exercise. The grip strength and exhaustive swimming time of the CAP-5X group were significantly higher than other groups. CAP supplementation dose-dependently reduced serum lactate, ammonia, BUN and CK levels, and increased glucose concentration after the 15-min swimming test. In addition, CAP also increased hepatic glycogen content, an important energy source for exercise. The possible mechanism was relevant to energy homeostasis and the physiological modulations by CAP supplementation. Therefore, our results suggest that CAP supplementation may have a wide spectrum of bioactivities for promoting health, performance improvement and fatigue amelioration.

Background Some of the genus Rhododendron was used in traditional medicine for arthritis, acute and chronic bronchitis, asthma, pain, inflammation, rheumatism, hypertension and metabolic diseases and many species of the genus Rhododendron contain a large number of phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties that could be developed into pharmaceutical products. Methods In this study, the antioxidative phytochemicals of Rhododendron oldhamii Maxim. leaves were detected by an online HPLC–DPPH method. In addition, the anti-hyperuricemic effect of the active phytochemicals from R. oldhamii leaf extracts was investigated using potassium oxonate (PO)-induced acute hyperuricemia. Results Six phytochemicals, including (2R, 3R)-epicatechin (1), (2R, 3R)-taxifolin (2), (2R, 3R)-astilbin (3), hyposide (4), guaijaverin (5), and quercitrin (6), were isolated using the developed screening method. Of these, compounds 3, 4, 5, and 6 were found to be major bioactive phytochemicals, and their contents were determined to be 130.8 ± 10.9, 105.5 ± 8.5, 104.1 ± 4.7, and 108.6 ± 4.0 mg per gram of EtOAc fraction, respectively. In addition, the four major bioactive phytochemicals at the same dosage (100 mmol/kg) were administered to the abdominal cavity of potassium oxonate (PO)-induced hyperuricemic mice, and the serum uric acid level was measured after 3 h of administration. H&E staining showed that PO-induced kidney injury caused renal tubular epithelium nuclear condensation in the cortex areas or the appearance of numerous hyaline casts in the medulla areas; treatment with 100 mmol/kg of EtOAc fraction, (2R, 3R)-astilbin, hyposide, guaijaverin, and quercitrin significantly reduced kidney injury. In addition, the serum uric acid level was significantly suppressed by 54.1, 35.1, 56.3, 56.3, and 53.2 %, respectively, by the administrations of 100 mmol/kg EtOAc fraction and the derived major phytochemicals, (2R, 3R)-astilbin, hyposide, guaijaverin, and quercitrin, compared to the PO group. The administration of 10 mg/kg benzbromarone, a well-known uricosuric agent, significantly reduced the serum uric acid level by 45.5 % compared to the PO group. Conclusion The in vivo decrease in uric acid was consistent with free radical scavenging activity, indicating that the major phytochemicals of R. oldhamii leave extracts and the derived phytochemicals possess potent hypouricemic effects, and they could be potential candidates for new hypouricemic agents.

Stray dogs may be asymptomatic carriers of Salmonella. We identified 160 Salmonellaisolates, representing 28 different serovars, from stray dogs of central Taiwan. A total of 42 (27%) of the isolates (15 different serovars) were positive for class 1 integrons, with four kinds of gene cassettes. SGI1 were present in 22 of the class 1 integron-positive isolates. This study indicates that widespread occurrence of multidrug resistantSalmonella in stray dogs and the diversity of class 1 integrons and SGI1 in differentSalmonella serovars. Stray dogs may play an important role as carriers of multidrug resistant Salmonella. Key words: class 1 integrons, Salmonella enterica, stray dogs.

The domestic pig is an important source of human salmonellosis, and houseflies are potential mechanical vectors of foodborne Salmonella pathogens. In 2005, we recovered 144 Salmonella isolates from flies and swine stool samples from 11 farms in Taoyuan County and Hsin Chu County (northwestern Taiwan). A total of 71.5% of the isolates were resistant to at least three antibiotics. There were a total of 14 serotypes, and 8 of these serotypes were present in both flies and swine stool samples. Some multidrug-resistant Salmonella strains coming from different swine farms were found to have identical pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Among four common serotypes, we identified 18 PFGE patterns, 8 of which were present in flies and swine stools. The similarity in PFGE profiles between isolates from swine and flies in different farms indicate the potential of flies to serve as a vector for transmission.

Carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays have been synthesized by a repeated growth method using a custom-fabricated plasma-enhanced thermal chemical vapor deposition (PE-thermal CVD) apparatus. The initial catalyst is a layered structure prepared by depositing 10 nm of Al followed by 3 nm of Fe on an oxidized silicon substrate. Following CNT growth, the CNT arrays are removed using an ultrasonic cleaner, and another CNT array is grown on the remaining Fe-Al bimetalic nanoparticles without the addition of more catalyst. Annealing the catalytic substrate in air between growth cycles results in the removal of residual amorphous carbon along with the CNTs, and oxidation of the Fe-Al nanoparticles. The diameter of CNTs is reduced with repeated growth-annealing cycles, an effect of which is attributed to the diminishing size of the catalytically active nanoparticles with each cycle. After two growth cycles, SWNTs with the extraordinarily narrow diameter of 0.86 nm are synthesized. TheID/IGratio derived from the Raman spectrum of these of the SWNT arrays shows the remarkably low value of 0.22.

The present study investigated the effect of different bacterial species lipopolysaccharide plus Pseudomonas exotoxin A (LPS/PEA) on the induction of multiple organ injury (MOI). Rats were injected with various LPS from Salmonella (SAE, SAT), E. coli (EB4, EB5), or P. aeruginosa (PAL) and PEA showed a greater mortality in the SAE/PEA and SAT/PEA groups. Histological alterations, serum enzymes, and cytokines changes were severer in the SAE/PEA group than the EB4/PEA or PAL/PEA group. EB4/PEA and PAL/PEA failed to induce MOI, even at the LPS doses increased up to 2-4- and 4-8-fold, respectively. Rats co-treated with Salmonella lipid A/PEA developed severer MOI than the E. coli lipid A/PEA. The results indicated the critical roles of MOI induction, which were related to LPS derived from appropriate bacterial species.

Carbon nanotubes have been grown on a patterned silicon oxide using an AFM nano-oxidation technique. A nano oxide pattern with a height of 1.0–5.0 nm was fabricated on a Si substrate by applying a bias voltage of + 8 V while rastering a grounded conductive cantilever over the surface at scan speeds of 0.5–4.0 µm/s. An iron film with a thickness of 1 nm was then coated as a catalyst by arc plasma deposition. By annealing the substrate, Fe on the bare Si area was transformed into iron silicide through an interfacial reaction, while the reaction was inhibited on the oxide patterned area. Thus, Fe nanoparticles, which are essential as catalysts for CNT growth, can be formed only on the oxide area. CNTs, which selectively grow only on these nano oxide areas, tend to cluster together to form column-like arrays, presumably due to van der Waals forces. A single CNT has been successfully grown on a 50 nm-wide Si oxide dot. The dependence of the width and height of the initial oxide lines to the morphology and density of CNTs is also discussed.

Epidemiological investigations suggest that increased age is associated with susceptibility to infection. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infection and associated exotoxin A (PEA) toxicity have been reported in hospitalized elderly patients and young children with cystic fibrosis. The present study investigated age-related differences in PEA-induced hepatotoxicity in post weaning (PW, 3 weeks), young adult (YA, 12 weeks), and mature adult (MA, 60-64 weeks) rats. PEA (20 microg/kg) was injected intraveneously and mortality, clinical chemistry, hepatic histopathology, TUNEL (Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labelling) and PCNA (Proliferating cell nuclear antigen) staining, and serum cytokine levels were assessed at specific time points, up to 72 hr post-exposure (HPE). Mortality in MA rats was 100% at less than 48 HPE. Serum ALT levels in MA rats were approximately 5-fold greater than levels in PW and YA rats at 36 HPE. MA rat liver histological sections showed diffuse hepatocellular necrosis. In contrast, hepatocellular apoptosis, demonstrable by the TUNEL method, was noted simply in the periportal and midzonal regions from 36 to 48 HPE. Increased morphological mitoses and PCNA-positive hepatocytes were seen in PW and YA rats at 72 HPE. These parameters were correlated with age-dependent significant increases in TNF-alpha, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-18 levels. These data suggest that inflammatory cytokines play an important role in age-related differences in PEA-induced hepatotoxicity. Moreover, these cytokines might correlate with different patterns histopathologic features at various ages.

A repeated growth process (regrowth process) has been carried out to fabricate a carbon nanotube (CNT) array without additional catalyst by a custom-made plasma-enhanced thermal chemical vapor deposition (PE-thermal CVD) technique. An Fe film with a thickness of 3 nm is coated as a catalyst before the first growth on the SiO2/Si by arc plasma deposition. Two types of treatments, lift-off and thermal annealing, are used to remove the CNTs away for the next growth. Thermal annealing is also used to remove amorphous carbon, which covers the catalytic nanoparticles and to activate the catalyst. The CNT array is regrown without coating additional catalyst through the regrowth process. After certain cycles, high-purity single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are synthesized and the ID/IG ratio of the Raman spectrum reaches a low value of 0.41. The crystallization of CNTs is improved after each growth cycle of thermal annealing treatment.

A combined system of microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MPECVD) and hot filament CVD (HFCVD) has been developed for the growth of various carbon nanotubes, where the source gas (methane) can be decomposed independently through microwave plasma and hot tungsten filament. It is found that microwave plasma provides more efficiently carbon sources for the growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). By the help of microwave plasma, long CNTs array with length of 0.3 mm and high-density single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been grown by thermal CVD and hot filament CVD, respectively. Raman spectra of the SWNTs reveal high crystalline as well as narrow diameter distribution.

Palladium nanostructures with variation in shape and size have been synthesized using an electrochemical deposition method. Cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry have been used to study the growth of Pd nanoparticles on Si substrates and tungsten wire. Different sets of solutions containing PdCl2, Pd(NO3)2, and PdSO4, respectively, have been used to grow the Pd nanoparticles. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was used to visualize the Pd nanostructures on various substrates. The Pd nanostructures were used as a catalyst to grow the multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) by a microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition method. Dependence of the Pd nanoparticle shape on the architecture of MWCNTs is discussed. Carbon nanotubes were also grown on the tungsten tips. Development of Pd into Pd2Si during growth of MWCNT on Pd-coated Si has been studied. The nanotubes were observed to be filled by Pd2Si. Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the structure of the Pd2Si filled carbon nan...

Two processes, the floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process and the rapid heating and cooling (RHC) process, were adopted for synthesizing single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). Batch production of SWNTs and MWNTs with the diameters of 0.8~1.5 nm and 15~40 nm, respectively, were prepared using the floating catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) process. The production rate is 70±20 mg every 10 minutes. The as-synthesized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used for fabricating carbon nanotubes reinforced composites and field emitter for lighting. On the study of nano-composites, around 70% enhancement of tensile strength was detected when 1.5 wt% MWNTs in the form of network structure were introduced to the phenolic matrix. Comparisons on the mechanical properties of the composites reinforced with the network MWNTs and SWNTs were made. Microstructures of the MWNTs and SWNTs were studied by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM). In the RHC process for fabricating the device for lighting, the carbon nanotube array was grown on a silicon substrate which was pre-coated with a catalyst thin film. The synthesis process was performed in a thermal CVD chamber equipped with a rapid heating apparatus. The as-synthesized CNT array was then transferred onto the substrate which was coated with silver paste. After heat treatment, field emission properties of the CNT-based cathode were tested, high current density of 35 mA/cm2 and low turn-on voltage of 0.65 V/μm were achieved in this work.

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is widely used in many fields, because of its outstanding force measurement ability in nano scale. Some coating layers are used to enhance the signal intensity, but these coating layers affect the spring constant of AFM cantilever and the accuracy of force measurement. In this paper, the spring constants of rectangular cantilever with different coating thickness were quantitatively measured and discussed. The finite element method was used to analyze the nonlinear force-displacement behavior from which the cantilever’s normal and torsional spring constants could be determined. The experimental data and the numerical results were also compared with the results from other methods. By considering the influence of coating layers and real cantilever geometries, the more accurate force measurements by AFM cantilever can be obtained.

A process for transferring carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays from a silicon wafer to an alumina substrate coated with Ag paste is proposed. A current density of up to 325?mA?cm?2 at an electric field of 2.4?V??m?1 was achieved. The influence of the patterned size and the length of carbon nanotubes on the field emission properties were investigated. Through this transfer method, the adhesion between the CNTs and the substrate is enhanced and the current density and turn-on voltage are improved. The effects of the microstructure of the emitting sites at the CNT tip on the current density were also studied.

An electric field was applied during the chemical vapor deposition process for fabricating directional single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The electric field significantly affected the direction of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) synthesized on multi-layered substrate. Acetylene and hydrogen were used as carbon precursor and reducing gas, respectively. Thin Ni and Fe films were used as catalysts for CNT growth. The Ni film with a thickness ranging from 1 to 10 nm was coated on Cr layer, which was patterned on SiO 2 /Si substrate. The Cr layer, acting as an electrode, was etched to form a tip-to-tip pattern. The sharp edge of Cr electrode yields an enhanced electric field, which promotes the growth of SWNTs between the two tips. A theoretical analysis was proposed to model the electric field in the process, and the simulated electric field is quite consistent with the SWNT growth region around the tips.

Synthesis of high-quality and high purity single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) on the Fe–Mo catalysts in the thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process was performed. The catalysts were prepared by the co-sputtering and the multilayer pre-coating methods. Acetylene was adopted as the carbon precursor, and Fe and Mo were used as the raw materials of catalyst. Fe and Mo were co-sputtered or sputtered separately onto an Al layer, which was pre-coated onto a SiO 2 substrate. After heat treatment, Fe–Mo catalytic particles with nano-size were formed on the substrate for growing SWNTs. The diameter distribution and microstructure of the SWNTs synthesized using these methods were investigated. Morphologies of the synthesized SWNTs were examined by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and the microstructure was studied using Raman scattering spectrometer and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). Peaks of the radial breathing mode (RBM) in the Raman spectrum demonstrate that highly pure SWNTs had been synthesized when the co-sputtered Fe–Mo catalysts were used.

Purpose To investigate the effects of homocysteine on choroidal angiogenesis, we established an ex vivo choroidal sprouting explant model and examined the potential growth factors for angiogenesis. Methods Choroid fragments with retinal pigment epithelium were isolated from mouse and embedded in Matrigel. Homocysteine at different concentrations were added to the culture mediums. The choroidal explants were observed at different time points, and the total area of choroidal sprouting was measured and analyzed. Results Homocysteine evoked choroidal capillary sprouting by inducing capillary endothelial cell proliferation with pericyte formation and by facilitating polygonal angiogenetic networks. In some cases, vascular lumens were observed in the newly forming capillaries facilitated by homocysteine. The choroidal sprouting effect of homocysteine can only be observed at a certain range of homocysteine concentration, with 1-mM homocysteine exhibiting the most significantly increased choroidal sprouting areas. Isolectin overexpression was noted in the homocysteine-treated group. Possible growth factors for angiogenesis were detected through immunofluorescent staining, which demonstrated the overexpression of platelet-derived growth factor C and angiopoietin 1 in the homocysteine-treated preparations only. In these preparations, platelet-derived growth factor C was highly expressed in the tip cells of sprouting capillaries. Conclusions We therefore conclude that platelet-derived growth factor C and angiopoietin 1 may play key roles in the choroid angiogenesis evoked by homocysteine.

Chicken essence (CE) is a liquid nutritional supplement made from cooking whole chickens. In traditional Chinese medicine, CE is used to support health, promote healing, increase metabolism, and relieve fatigue. However, few studies have examined the effect of CE on exercise performance and physical fatigue. We aimed to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of CE on fatigue and ergogenic functions following physical challenge in mice. Male ICR mice were divided into four groups to receive vehicle or CE by oral gavage at 0, 845, 1690, or 4225 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Exercise performance and anti-fatigue function were evaluated by forelimb grip strength, exhaustive swimming time, and levels of physical fatigue-related biomarkers serum lactate, ammonia, glucose, and creatine kinase (CK) after physical challenge. CE supplementation dose-dependently elevated endurance and grip strength. CE supplementation significantly decreased lactate, ammonia, and CK levels after physical challenge. Tissue glycogen content, an important energy source for exercise, was significantly increased with CE supplementation. In addition, CE supplementation had few subchronic toxic effects. The supplementation with CE can have a wide spectrum of bioactivities on health promotion, performance improvement and anti-fatigue.

Ulcerative colitis is inflammatory conditions of the colon caused by interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Previous studies indicated that the gut microflora may be involved in the colonic inflammation.Bacteroides fragilis(BF) is a Gram-negative anaerobe belonging to the colonic symbiotic. We aimed to investigate the protective role ofBFin a colitis model induced in germ-free (GF) mice by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). GF C57BL/6JNarl mice were colonized withBFfor 28 days before acute colitis was induced by DSS.BFcolonization significantly increased animal survival by 40%, with less reduction in colon length, and decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells (macrophages and neutrophils) in colon mucosa following challenge with DSS. In addition,BFcould enhance the mRNA expression of anti-inflammatory-related cytokine such as interleukin 10 (IL-10) with polymorphism cytokineIL-17and diminish that of proinflammatory-related tumor necrosis factorαwith inducible nitric oxide synthase in the ulcerated colon. Myeloperoxidase activity was also decreased inBF-DSS mice. Taking these together, theBFcolonization significantly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis by suppressing the activity of inflammatory-related molecules and inducing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines.BFmay play an important role in maintaining intestinal immune system homeostasis and regulate inflammatory responses.

Liver injury can be induced by various hepatotoxicants, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (PEA). Our previous study indicated that PEA-induced rat hepatotoxicity was T cells and Kupffer cells dependent. Several reports have demonstrated that non-toxic doses of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can protect liver against the chemicals-induced toxicity such as acetaminophen and concanavalin-A.This study aimed to investigate the protecting mechanisms of LPS on PEA-induced hepatotoxicity.Rats pretreated with LPS (40 μg/kg, 12 h before PEA admission) significantly decreased animal mortality, serum enzyme (ALT, AST and T-bil) activities, histopathological changes and hepatocytes apoptosis following challenge with PEA. The concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) were reduced, but IL-6 and IL-10 were increased in the serum. In addition, prior treatment of these LPS-pretreated rats with gadolinium chloride (GdCl3), a selective Kupffer cell depletion agent, markedly enhanced liver injury after PEA administration. In contrast, the pretreatment of LPS to T-cell deficient athymic nude rats still display significant attenuation of PEA-induced liver injury. This observation further confirmed our hypothesis that LPS ameliorate PEA-hepatotoxicity was through Kupffer cells but not T cells. Moreover, LPS-induced hepatoprotection ability was neutralized by co-treatment with anti-TNF-α antibodies, but not with anti-IFN-γ antibodies. Finally, replacement of LPS with RS-LPS (Rhodobacter sphaeroides LPS), a Toll like receptor-4 (TLR-4) antagonist, resulted in severe hepatotoxicity.These results suggested that Kupffer cells, TNF-α and TLR-4 play central mediator roles during the hepatoprotection against PEA-induced hepatotoxicity conferred by LPS.

Microbiota in the gut are considered an important environmental factor associated with host metabolism and physiology. Although gut microbiota are known to contribute to hepatic lipogenesis and fat storage, little is known about how the condition influences the deposition of glycogen in the liver. To better understand and characterize the host energy metabolism in guts lacking microbiota, we compared the liver metabolome of specific pathogen-free and germ-free mice by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with partial least-squares discriminant analysis. We identified 30 of 52 highly reproducible peaks in chromatograms of liver tissue extracts from the two groups of mice. The two groups showed significant differences in metabolic profile. Changes in liver metabolism involved metabolites such as amino acids, fatty acids, organic acids and carbohydrates. The metabolic profile of germ-free mice suggests that they synthesize glycogen and accumulate it in the liver through gluconeogenesis and glycogenesis. Our findings shed light on a new perspective of the role of gut microbiota in energy metabolism and will be useful to help study probiotics, obesity and metabolic diseases.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (PEA) has been generally used to induce liver injury in mice for experimental study. No PEA-induced hepatotoxicity study has ever been conducted in rats, although rats are the most common rodents used in toxicologic bioassay and pharmacological evaluation. The present study was conducted in male Wistar rats that were injected (i.v.) with PEA at doses of 0, 10, 20, 30 or 40 microg/kg body weight and evaluated at 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 hr post-exposure (HPE). Rats exposed to PEA at 40 microg/kg died before 36 HPE, and the mortality was dose and time dependent. Liver injury was noted as increases in serum enzymes, along with alterations of liver histology in the 40 microg/kg group at 12 HPE. TUNEL-positive staining indicative of hepatocyte apoptosis was observed in the 20 microg/kg group at 12 HPE. Significant levels of DNA fragmentation ladder were observed in the 30 microg/kg group starting at 24 HPE. Serum levels of TNF-alpha was increased in the 30 and 40 microg/kg groups at 48 and 24 HPE, respectively. Other cytokines, such as IL-2, IL-6, and IL-10 were also increased at various doses and times. Furthermore, the elevated serum hepatic index levels decreased significantly by dexamethasone pretreatment. In contrast, these markers were exacerbated by co-administration of a non-toxic dose LPS. In overall evaluation, the PEA-induced liver injury can be used as a model for study of hyperimmune-mediated hepatotoxicity.

We have synthesized Pd-filled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) oriented perpendicular to Si substrates using a microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MPECVD) for the application of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) tip. Prior to the CVD growth, Al thin film (10 nm) was coated on the substrate as a buffer layer followed by depositing a5∼40 nm-thick Pd film as a catalyst. The diameter and areal density of CNTs grown depend largely on the initial Pd thickness. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images clearly show that Pd is successfully encapsulated into the CNTs, probably leading to higher conductivity. Using optimum growth conditions, Pd-filled CNTs are successfully grown on the apex of the conventional SPM cantilever.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa Exotoxin A (PEA) induces hepatotoxicity in experimental animals. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) interacts synergistically with xenotoxics to induce severe organ injury. We examined the combination of non-injurious doses of LPS and sub-hepatotoxic PEA in the induction of multiple organ injury (MOI). Rats treated with 20 or 40 microg/kg LPS plus 10 microg/kg PEA developed severe liver, kidney, and lung injury; elevation of TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, and IL-2; and high mortality. Depletion of Kupffer cells or T-cells by pretreatment with Gadolinium Chloride or FK506, respectively, attenuated MOI. Thus LPS + PEA acted synergistically on Kupffer and T-cells to induce proinflammatory cytokines contributing to MOI.

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