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Ni-Mg2Si/attapulgite powder (AP) was prepared by thermally decomposing nickel tetracarbonyl onto the as-synthesized Mg2Si/AP by impregnating Mg2Si onto AP in CCl4. Its catalytic performance was evaluated by the catalytic hydroconversion (CHC) of oxydibenzene (ODB) in n-hexane under different reaction conditions. Both ODB conversion and cyclohexane selectivity are 100 % by the CHC of ODB over Ni-Mg2Si/AP under 3 MPa of initial hydrogen pressure at 240 °C for 4 h. However, almost no ODB was converted without Ni-Mg2Si/AP under the same conditions. The results show that Ni-Mg2Si/AP could activate H2 to biatomic active hydrogen (H⋯H) and H−, resulting in the hydrogenation of aromatic rings (ARs) and the hydrocracking of >Car O bridged bonds (COBBs), respectively. Additionally, the catalyst was also successfully applied in the CHC of extraction residue (ER) from Piliqing subbituminous coal (PSBC) in n-hexane. The group components of the soluble portion (SP) from CHC and non-CHC (NCHC) (SPCHC and SPNCHC) of ER were analyzed with a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer. The yield (36.4 %) of SPCHC is significantly higher than that (1.8 %) of SPNCHC. More alkyl-substituted arenols (ASAs), anisoles, and methoxy-substitued cresols exist in SPNCHC, while SPCHC contains more normal alkanes (NAs), non-substituted cycloalkanes, alkylcyclohexanes, tetralins, and octahydroanthracenes. NAs are predominant in SPCHC, while ASAs are the most abundant in SPNCHC, indicating that the CHC facilitates the hydrocracking COBBs and hydrogenating ARs. ODB conversion is as high as 91.2 % after recycling 4 times. Therefore, the catalyst might be potential to produce coal-derived chemicals and clean liquid fuels to facilitate coal efficient conversions owing to its high activity, difunctionality, stability, and good recyclability.

Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the most common cause of respiratory tract infection among young children because of immature T cell immunity of them against hRSV. CD8 T cells play a pivotal role in clearing hRSV and preventing subsequent infection. We examined the effects of dietary bovine colostrum on virus infection and CD8 T cell responses following hRSV infection in the mouse model. Mice received bovine colostrum for 14 days prior to hRSV challenge, and lung indexes (severity of symptom) and lung virus titers were analyzed. In addition, the activation of CD8 T cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs) of mice receiving bovine colostrum were compared with those in the BALFs of mice receiving phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or ribavirin, post virus challenge. The severity of infection and lung virus titers were reduced in the mice receiving bovine colostrum, compared to those receiving PBS. Moreover CD8 T cell responses were selectively enhanced in the former. Our results suggest that dietary bovine colostrum exerts the effects to inhibit hRSV and ameliorate the symptom by hRSV infection, and enhances the CD8 T cell response during the hRSV infection.

Introduction: Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leakage is usually caused by developmental abnormalities and is rare, accounting for approximately 5% of the cases of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage.[1] To the best of our knowledge, clival dysplasia-caused CSF rhinorrhea has never been reported in the neurosurgical field. Conclusion: Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea is often treated by surgery, and a transsphenoidal approach repair is the main surgical method used, offering the advantages of less trauma, fewer complications, rapid postoperative recovery, and low recurrence rate.

Acidic protein levels in the milk decrease markedly as lactation progresses, suggesting that it is an important part of the colostrum. However, little attention has been paid to their biological function. In this study, we isolated the acidic protein fraction of bovine colostrum (AFC, isoelectric point

Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants. The lack of proper prophylactics and therapeutics for controlling hRSV infection has been of great concern worldwide. Xylitol is a well-known sugar substitute and its effect against bacteria in the oral cavity is well known. However, little is known of its effect on viral infections. In this study, the effect of dietary xylitol on hRSV infection was investigated in a mouse model for the first time. Mice received xylitol for 14 d prior to virus challenge and for a further 3 d post challenge. Significantly larger reductions in lung virus titers were observed in the mice receiving xylitol than in the controls receiving phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). In addition, fewer CD3(+) and CD3(+)CD8(+) lymphocytes, whose numbers reflect inflammatory status, were recruited in the mice receiving xylitol. These results indicate that dietary xylitol can ameliorate hRSV infections and reduce inflammation-associated immune responses to hRSV infection.

Vaccination is the main strategy for preventing influenza infection. However, vaccine efficacy is influenced by several factors, including age and health status. The efficacy of the influenza vaccine is much lower (17% to 53%) in individuals over 65 yr of age compared with young adults (70% to 90%). Therefore, increasing vaccine efficacy remains a challenge for the influenza vaccine field. In this study, we investigated the impact of supplementing vaccination with the dietary intake of Korean red ginseng (RG) extract and RG saponin. Mice were immunized two times intranasally with inactivated influenza A (H1N1) virus. Mice received RG extract or RG saponin orally for 14 d prior to the primary immunization. After the primary immunization, mice continued to receive RG extract or RG saponin until the secondary immunization. Mice vaccinated in combination with dietary intake of RG extract and RG saponin showed elevated serum anti-influenza A virus IgG titers and improved survival rates in lethal influenza A virus infection: 56% and 63% of mice receiving RG extract or RG saponin survived, respectively, while 38% of mice that only received the vaccine survived. Moreover, mice receiving RG extract supplementation recovered their body weight more quickly than those not receiving RG extract supplementation. We propose that the dietary intake of RG extract and RG saponin enhances the vaccine-induced immune response and aids in providing protection against influenza virus infection.

Hyperbranched poly(diethynylbenzene-silane) (hb-PDEBS) was synthesized through polycondensation reaction of diethynylbenzene Grignard reagent (A2) and trichlorosilane (B3), and its structure was characterized by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, GPC and Elemental Analysis. The degree of branching of hb-PDEBS was defined by 29Si-NMR and calculated to be about 0.68. The curing behavior of hb-PDEBS was investigated by DSC. Thermal stability of cured hb-PDEBS was examined by TGA, and its residue at 1000°C under nitrogen was 80.6%. Hb-PDEBS displayed a strong absorption due to π-π* transition and exhibited the most intensity structured emission with a maximum around 500 nm.

Gluten plays a key role in determining the unique baking quality of wheat by conferring water absorption capacity, cohesivity, viscosity and elasticity of the dough. In spite of being relatively minor constituents, water-soluble pentosans (WSP) have the capacity to significantly affect the properties of dough and the final baked product. An understanding of their rheological properties in relation to their interaction would be therefore highly desirable in order to understand the physical and chemical mechanisms responsible for variations in bread making quality. Gluten and WSP were extracted from defatted whole wheat flour. Rheological behavior of the hydrated gluten–WSP samples was studied using creep-recovery test and dynamic measurements. For gluten samples, the dynamic moduli increased with the increase in NaCl concentration. The WSP had significant impact on this behavior, hence strengthening the network at any ionic strength, as shown by the increase of storage (G′) and loss (G″) moduli. The gluten–WSP samples were most strengthened when water level was 50%, which was determined by creep tests and oscillating measurement. The gluten–WSP mixture was also less sensitive to the thermal treatment than the glutens alone, as shown by the lower magnitude of variation of G′ and G″ with temperature.

A new Eu(III) complex Eu(phen)(DMF)2(NO3)3 (1) containing phenanthroline (phen) and DMF (N,N-dimethylformamide) as ligands has been synthesized and characterized by IR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The photoluminescence property of 1 is investigated to show the characteristic emission of the Eu(III) ion.

In order to break the limitation of the speed of magnetic installation due to magnetic layer transfer characteristics, the ultrafast thermalization dynamic of Ni films and its composite films were studied by femtosecond laser pump-probe technique. The paper focuses on the research of the effect of cooling layer and annealing on the transient reflectivity curves. And the transient reflectivity signals of Ni films prepared under different parameters were measured. The results show that the cooling layer with the larger electron heat capacity constant and the stronger electron-phonon coupling constant can enhance the scattering efficiency of transient heat conduction. Compared to the unannealed sample, the composite film sample after annealing has faster recovery process.

Effects of drought stresses induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) (0.0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%, with four replicates) on germination of Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) seeds produced in plantations (southern Keerqin sandy land) and natural forests (Hulunbeier sandy plain) were observed. The results indicated that the seeds from both provenances did not germinate when PEG concentration was more than 25%. The time of initial germination and that of its completion of stressed seeds from both provenances were delayed when compared with the unstressed seeds. The germination capacity and germination rate of natural seeds were significantly higher than those of plantation seeds for all treatment levels (P < 0.05). The mean growth rates of radicle and hypocotyl from natural seeds were significantly higher than those from plantation seeds at all treatment levels below 20% PEG treatment (P < 0.05). The ratios of radicle to hypocotyl of 20% PEG treatment were significant higher than those of the corresponding controls for both provenances (P < 0.05). These results suggested that Mongolian pine seeds/seedlings had stronger resistance to PEG drought stresses; 10% PGE stress did not significantly influence germination. Natural seeds exhibited more resistance to PEG stress than plantation seeds. It was concluded that drought stress on seed germination might be one cause of obstructed natural regeneration of Mongolian pine plantations on sandy land. It is recommended that natural seeds be used for afforestation, and light drought stress (e.g., 10% PEG stress) may be useful in improving seed germination and the growth of radicles and hypocotyls.

In order to examine the causes of degradation of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica plantations on sandy land, the foliar concentrations of N, P, K and C were analyzed and compared between the field grown P. sylvestris var. mongolica trees from two provenances (natural forests and plantations). The results indicated that natural tree needles had lower N, P and C concentrations, and higher K concentrations than those of plantation tree needles. For plantation tree needles, ratios of N: P, P: K and N: K increased with tree age before 45 years old; but they were not clear for the natural tree needles. Compared with the conclusions reported on Pinus spp., we found that the foliar N and P concentrations were in the optimal range for both natural and plantation tree needles. This result suggested that N or P might not be the absolute limit factors in plant nutrient for P. sylvestris var. mongolica on sandy land. However, foliar K concentrations in both natural and plantation tree needles were much lower than those reported on Pinus spp. (>4.80 g kg-1). The N: P ratio of natural needles was in the adequate ranges, but N: P ratio of plantation needles was out of the adequate ranges. These results indicated that there was a better balanced nutrition status in the natural forest than in the plantations. If only considering the foliar nutrient concentrations of P. sylvestris var. mongolica from different provenances, it might be concluded that the degradation phenomenon of P. sylvestris var. mongolica plantations was not induced by nutrition deficiency of absolute nutrients of N and P, but might be induced by other mineral nutrients or by the effectiveness of N and P nutrients. The unbalanced nutrition status and relatively quick decomposition of needles in the plantations might also contribute to the degradation.

Around the world, food-borne virus is one of the main pathogenic microorganisms in the aspect of causing people and animals with acute diarrhoea and poses a serious threat to human health. Therefore, the rapid detection of foodborne virus is very important to guarantee food safety and human health. Here, we reported that we developed a specific, convenient and fast detected method to detect rotavirus (RV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) by using F0F1-ATPase molecular motor biosensor. Specific RNA probes were encompassed the conservative region of food-borne virus, and a molecular motor detect device was constructed by connecting probes to F0F1-ATPase molecular motor through biotin-streptavidin system. Extracted virus RNA was conjugated with the biosensor separately and meanwhile ATP was synthesized. By comparing their fluorescence intensity, virus RNA level was detected. Our results demonstrated that this biosensor’s sensitivity was the concentrations of 0.005 ng/mL and 0.01 ng/mL for RV and HAV respectively. Furthermore, this method possessed specificity for RV and HAV and none cross-reaction between them. What’s more, this method could be accomplished within 1h. We detected 15 samples by using this method and the results were consistent with RT-PCR results. Overall, this new-typed method based on F0F1-ATPase molecular motor biosensor for RV and HAV detection is sensitive and specific and can be used in the rapid detection of food-borne virus.

It was previously reported that cytokines and neurotoxins released from activated inflammatory cells induced the loss of projecting dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, which triggered the pathogenesis of PD. The present study investigated the effect of treatment with tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) on the central cytokine synthesis, striatal dopamine content and glutamatergic transmission, and behavioral performance in the rotarod task in mice injected with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Treatment with TMP significantly improved the behavioral performance in the rotarod task in mice injected with MPTP. It also decreased the upregulation of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β) in the substantia nigra and striatum in these modeled mice. Furthermore, treatment with TMP significantly improved the dopamine deficits and attenuated the upregulation of striatal basal glutamatergic strength in the striatum of mice injected with MPTP. These results indicated that TMP might serve as a novel approach for the treatment of patients with PD.

Previous studies have revealed that ingestion of bovine colostrum is effective in preventing pathogens from invading through the gastrointestinal tract (GI) and modulating the mucosal immunity of the GI tract, indicating that its effect is principally local. Thus it is unclear if ingestion of bovine colostrum can affect the systemic immune system. In this study, we investigated the effect of taking bovine colostrum (vs phosphate-buffered saline) for 14 days on the behavior of the immune cells of mice. Isolated splenocytes, which are pivotal cells of systemic immunity, were then stimulated with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide. Bovine colostrum significantly reduced NK cell and monocyte activities and lymphoproliferaltive responses to LPS stimulation. Thus dietary bovine colostrum renders immune cells less responsive to LPS stimulation. Dietary bovine colostrum thus affects the systemic immune system and may have anti-inflammatory actions.

The adjuvanticity of Hansenula polymorpha, Saccharomyces cerevsiae and Yarrowia lipolytica were compared for oral and nasal immunization with virus capsid antigens. Mice were immunized orally with human papillomavirus type 16 L1 virus-like particles (HPV16 L1 VLPs), or intra-nasally with formalin-inactivated influenza A virus (FIV), in combination with one or other yeast. Mice receiving HPV16 L1 VLPs combined with H. polymorpha had a significantly higher titer for serum anti-HPV16 L1 IgG and neutralizing activity than those receiving HPV16 L1 VLPs combined with either of the other two yeasts. Also, mice receiving FIV combined with H. polymorpha had not only a markedly higher anti-influenza A virus IgG titer but also a higher survival rate after a potentially lethal influenza A virus challenge. We suggest that H. polymorpha thus will be useful for enhancing immune responses in mucosal immunizations.

Qunyou Tan,1,* Rong Jiang,3,* Meiling Xu,2,4,* Guodong Liu,5,* Songlin Li,1 Jingqing Zhang21Department of Thoracic Surgery, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, 2Medicine Engineering Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, 3Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering Research, Chongqing Medical University, 4Department of Pharmacy, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, 5Eighth Department, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workBackground: Pyridostigmine bromide (3-[[(dimethylamino)-carbonyl]oxy]-1-methylpyridinium bromide), a reversible inhibitor of cholinesterase, is given orally in tablet form, and a treatment schedule of multiple daily doses is recommended for adult patients. Nanotechnology was used in this study to develop an alternative sustained-release delivery system for pyridostigmine, a synthetic drug with high solubility and poor oral bioavailability, hence a Class III drug according to the Biopharmaceutics Classification System. Novel nanosized pyridostigmine-poly(lactic acid) microcapsules (PPNMCs) were expected to have a longer duration of action than free pyridostigmine and previously reported sustained-release formulations of pyridostigmine.Methods: The PPNMCs were prepared using a double emulsion-solvent evaporation method to achieve sustained-release characteristics for pyridostigmine. The preparation process for the PPNMCs was optimized by single-factor experiments. The size distribution, zeta potential, and sustained-release behavior were evaluated in different types of release medium.Results: The optimal volume ratio of inner phase to external phase, poly(lactic acid) concentration, polyvinyl alcohol concentration, and amount of pyridostigmine were 1:10, 6%, 3% and 40 mg, respectively. The negatively charged PPNMCs had an average particle size of 937.9 nm. Compared with free pyridostigmine, PPNMCs showed an initial burst release and a subsequent very slow release in vitro. The release profiles for the PPNMCs in four different types of dissolution medium were fitted to the Ritger-Peppas and Weibull models. The similarity between pairs of dissolution profiles for the PPNMCs in different types of medium was statistically significant, and the difference between the release curves for PPNMCs and free pyridostigmine was also statistically significant.Conclusion: PPNMCs prepared by the optimized protocol described here were in the nanometer range and had good uniformity, with significantly slower pyridostigmine release than from free pyridostigmine. This novel sustained-release delivery nanosystem for pyridostigmine might alleviate the need to identify new acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.Keywords: nanosized microcapsules, process optimization, characteristics, sustained-release, pyridostigmine bromide

Background To explore the association of ALOX5AP single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotype with the occurrence of cerebral infarction in the Han population of northern China. Methods Blood samples were collected from 236 patients of Han ancestry with a history of cerebral infarction and 219 healthy subjects of Han ancestry with no history of cerebral infarction or cardiovascular disease. Applied Biosystems® TaqMan® SNP Genotyping Assays for SNP genotyping were used to determine the genotypes of 7 ALOX5AP SNP alleles (rs4073259, rs4769874, rs9315050, rs9551963, rs10507391, rs9579646, and rs4147064). Results One SNP allele (A) of rs4073259 was significantly associated with development of cerebral infarction (P = 0.049). In comparison to control groups, haplotype rs9315050&rs9551963 AAAC [OR (95% CI) =1.53 (1.02-2.29)], and genotypes rs4147064 CT [OR (95% CI) =1.872 (1.082-3.241)], and rs9551963 AC [OR (95% CI) = 2.015 (1.165-3.484)] increased the risk of cerebral infarction in patients with hypertension. Genotype rs9579646 GG [OR (95% CI) = 2.926 (1.18-7.251)] increased the risk of, while rs4073259 GG [OR (95% CI) = 0.381 (0.157-0.922)] decreased the risk of cerebral infarction in patients with diabetes. Conclusion These results suggest the ALOX5AP SNP A allele in rs4073259 and genotype rs9579646 GG, rs9551963 AC, and haplotype rs9315050 & rs9551963 AAAC were associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke in the Han population, while rs4073259 GG was associated with a decreased risk.

To establish an high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-based method for analysis of the pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of dextromethorphan chewing gum tablets in rabbits.The pharmacokinetic parameters and the relative bioavailability of dextromethorphan chewing gum preparation in rabbits were compared with those of the commercially available chewing dextromethorphan tablets using 3P97 software.Pharmacokinetic analysis of the new dextromethorphan chewing gum tablets showed a AUC of 488.76 ∓ 175.00 ng.ml(-1).h, C(max) of 95.45 ∓ 17.53 ng/ml, and t(max) of 1.83 ∓ 0.57 h as compared with the corresponding parameters of 370.13 ∓ 90.56 ng.ml(-1).h, 174.00 ∓ 47.88 ng.ml, and 1.04 ∓ 0.14 h for the commercially available chewing tablets. The relative bioavailability of the new chewing gum medicine system was (140.73 ∓ 65.91)%.The new dextromethorphan chewing gum preparation shows an increased AUC((0→)), decreased C(max), and prolonged t(max) in comparison with the commercially available chewing tablets, with also a greatly enhanced relative bioavailability.

Based on the observations of air temperature, soil temperature, and root systems of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica plantations on southeastern Keerqin sandy land, the decline mechanisms of the plantations were analyzed from the aspect of the effects of temperature on the growth and survival of ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM). The results indicated that ECM could hardly survive with in 0-5 cm soil layer because of its high temperature environment, but the temperature condition in 20-40 cm soil layer was suitable for the survival and growth of ECM. 78% of the roots of 13-42 years old P. sylvestris var. mongolica tress were distributed in 20-40 cm soil layer, which suggested that the existence of ECM in this soil layer inhibited or alleviated the decline of the P. sylvestris var. mongolica plantations, and was not the inducing factor of the plantations' top withering, low growth rate, and tree death. The lack of ECM in surface soil layer (0-5 cm) could be one of the main reasons leading to the death of seedlings root systems, and thus, the failure of P. sylvestris var. mongolica plantations' regeneration.

The decline of Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) trees on sandy land in northern China has caused serious ecological concerns. Mongolian pine is an ectomycorrhizal fungus (ECM)-dependent species. Three ECM species (Boletus sp., Lactarius deliciosus and L.sp.) were collected from Mongolian pine plantation stands to test their beneficial effects on Mongolian pine seedlings and their responses to environmental factors such as pH, drought stress and temperature. The results indicated that ECM inoculation significantly increased the rate of ECM colonization and the length of seedling shoots. The three ECM could grow in a pH range from 4 to 7, but did not grow under heavy drought stress (−1.53 MPa). High temperatures (over 37 °C) caused death of ECM. When related to soil pH, soil water content and temperature in the Mongolian pine plantations, water conditions and temperature were unfavorable for ECM growth in surface soil, but suitable in deeper soil. Therefore, it was concluded that the failure of natural regeneration in Mongolian pine plantations might be influenced by the lack of ECM in the surface soil because of high temperatures causing ECM death. Moreover, the majority of the root area is distributed in deeper soil, which alleviates the stresses on ECM development and arrests pine decline; this is beneficial for tree growth.

Background The results of preclinical studies suggest that baclofen may be useful in the treatment of stroke patients with persistent hiccups. This study was aimed to assess the possible efficacy of baclofen for the treatment of persistent hiccups after stroke. Methods In total, 30 stroke patients with persistent hiccups were randomly assigned to receive baclofen (n = 15) or a placebo (n = 15) in a double-blind, parallel-group trial. Participants in the baclofen group received 10 mg baclofen 3 times daily for 5 days. Participants assigned to the placebo group received 10 mg placebo 3 times daily for 5 days. The primary outcome measure was cessation of hiccups. Secondary outcome measures included efficacy in the two groups and adverse events. Results All 30 patients completed the study. The number of patients in whom the hiccups completely stopped was higher in the baclofen group than in the placebo group (relative risk, 7.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.91–25.62; P = 0.003). Furthermore, efficacy was higher in the baclofen group than in the placebo group (P