Summary
Low‐grade inflammation of the intestine results in metabolic dysfunction, in which dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is intimately involved. Dietary fibre induces prebiotic effects that may ...restore imbalances in the gut microbiota; however, no clinical trials have been reported in patients with metabolic diseases. Here, six obese subjects with type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension were assigned to a strict vegetarian diet (SVD) for 1 month, and blood biomarkers of glucose and lipid metabolisms, faecal microbiota using 454‐pyrosequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA genes, faecal lipocalin‐2 and short‐chain fatty acids were monitored. An SVD reduced body weight and the concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and haemoglobin A1c, and improved fasting glucose and postprandial glucose levels. An SVD reduced the Firmicutes‐to‐Bacteroidetes ratio in the gut microbiota, but did not alter enterotypes. An SVD led to a decrease in the pathobionts such as the Enterobacteriaceae and an increase in commensal microbes such as Bacteroides fragilis and Clostridium species belonging to clusters XIVa and IV, resulting in reduced intestinal lipocalin‐2 and short‐chain fatty acids levels. This study underscores the benefits of dietary fibre for improving the risk factors of metabolic diseases and shows that increased fibre intake reduces gut inflammation by changing the gut microbiota.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
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•The thermodynamics equilibrium properties for the two-component mixture of 1H, 1H-perfluorooctyl acrylate (PFOA) and 1H, 1H-perfluorooctyl methacrylate (PFOMA) in supercritical CO2 ...were investigated.•The phase behaviour of PFOA + SC-CO2 and PFOMA + SC-CO2 exhibits a type-I model.•The vapor and liquid curves of as-proposed two-component models (PFOA + SC-CO2 and PFOMA + SC-CO2) were investiagted by experimentaly as well as numerically (Peng-Robinson equation of state).•The as-proposed binary models (PFOA + SC-CO2 and PFOMA + SC-CO2) experimental results were shows a good fit with the numerical simulated results (Peng-Robinson equation of state).
The solubility information of fluoro-monomer (meth) acrylate in organic solvents is an important factor affecting their use in numerous engineering practices. This study investigated the phase equilibria of 1H, 1H-perfluorooctyl acrylate (PFOA) and 1H, 1H-perfluorooctyl methacrylate (PFOMA) in supercritical CO2 using optical fiber and contact lenses. The solubility curves investigations were conducted at different temperatures (313.2 to 393.2) K and pressures (3.31 to 16.84) MPa, and the mole fraction of (0.032 to 0.630).Results revealed that the PFOA + SC-CO2 and PFOMA + SC-CO2 systems exhibited a type-I behavior. The RMSD (%) for the PFOA + SC-CO2 kij = 0.075, ηij = 0.0, and PFOMA + SC-CO2 kij = 0.075, ηij = 0.0 models using two factors determined at 353.2 K evaluated with the alterable parameters at each T were 5.08 %, and 5.36 %, respectively. The correlation of the experimental response for the PFOA + SC-CO2 and PFOMA + SC-CO2 two component models were examined using Peng-Robinson (PR) equation of state (EOS) involving two parameters (kij, ηij) base on a fluid mixture rule. Additionally, the critical properties (pc, Tc and ω) and vapor pressure of PFOA and PFOMA were assessed using the Joback-Lyderson group impact.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Consumption of a typical Western diet is a risk factor for several disorders. Metabolic syndrome is the most common disease associated with intake of excess fat. However, the incidence of ...inflammatory bowel disease is also greater in subjects consuming a Western diet, although the mechanism of this phenomenon is not clearly understood. We examined the morphological and functional changes of the intestine, the first site contacting dietary fat, in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) inducing obesity. Paneth cell area and production of antimicrobial peptides by Paneth cells were decreased in HFD-fed mice. Goblet cell number and secretion of mucin by goblet cells were also decreased, while intestinal permeability was increased in HFD-fed mice. HFD-fed mice were more susceptible to experimental colitis, and exhibited severe colonic inflammation, accompanied by the expansion of selected pathobionts such as Atopobium sp. and Proteobacteria. Fecal microbiota transplantation transferred the susceptibility to DSS-colitis, and antibiotic treatment abrogated colitis progression. These data suggest that an experimental HFD-induced Paneth cell dysfunction and subsequent intestinal dysbiosis characterized by pathobiont expansion can be predisposing factors to the development of inflammatory bowel disease.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Although counter-intuitive features have been observed in non-Hermitian optical systems based on micrometre-sized cavities, the achievement of a simplified but unambiguous approach to enable the ...efficient access of exceptional points (EPs) and the phase transition to desired lasing modes remains a challenge, particularly in wavelength-scale coupled cavities. Here, we demonstrate coupled photonic-crystal (PhC) nanolasers with asymmetric optical gains, and observe the phase transition of lasing modes at EPs through tuning of the area of graphene cover on one PhC cavity and systematic scanning photoluminescence measurements. As the gain contrast between the two identical PhC cavities exceeds the intercavity coupling, the phase transition occurs from the bonding/anti-bonding lasing modes to the single-amplifying lasing mode, which is confirmed by the experimental measurement of the mode images and the theoretical modelling of coupled cavities with asymmetric gains. In addition, we demonstrate active tuning of EPs by controlling the optical loss of graphene through electrical gating.
Background & Aims Decreased levels or function of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) are associated with Crohn's disease. NOD2 regulates intestinal inflammation, and also is expressed ...by human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs), to regulate their differentiation. We investigated whether NOD2 is required for the anti-inflammatory activities of MSCs in mice with colitis. Methods Colitis was induced in mice by administration of dextran sulfate sodium or trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid. Mice then were given intraperitoneal injections of NOD2-activated hUCB-MSCs; colon tissues and mesenteric lymph nodes were collected for histologic analyses. A bromodeoxyuridine assay was used to determine the ability of hUCB-MSCs to inhibit proliferation of human mononuclear cells in culture. Results Administration of hUCB-MSCs reduced the severity of colitis in mice. The anti-inflammatory effects of hUCB-MSCs were greatly increased by activation of NOD2 by its ligand, muramyl dipeptide (MDP). Administration of NOD2-activated hUCB-MSCs increased anti-inflammatory responses in colons of mice, such as production of interleukin (IL)-10 and infiltration by T regulatory cells, and reduced production of inflammatory cytokines. Proliferation of mononuclear cells was inhibited significantly by co-culture with hUCB-MSCs that had been stimulated with MDP. MDP induced prolonged production of prostaglandin (PG)E2 in hUCB-MSCs via the NOD2–RIP2 pathway, which suppressed proliferation of mononuclear cells derived from hUCB. PGE2 produced by hUCB-MSCs in response to MDP increased production of IL-10 and T regulatory cells. In mice, production of PGE2 by MSCs and subsequent production of IL-10 were required to reduce the severity of colitis. Conclusions Activation of NOD2 is required for the ability of hUCB-MSCs to reduce the severity of colitis in mice. NOD2 signaling increases the ability of these cells to suppress mononuclear cell proliferation by inducing production of PGE2.
This study aimed to develop an improved sustained‐release (SR) PLGA microsphere of exenatide using supercritical fluid extraction of emulsions (SFEE). As a translational research, we investigated the ...effect of various process parameters on the fabrication of exenatide‐loaded PLGA microspheres by SFEE (ELPM_SFEE) using the Box–Behnken design (BBD), a design of experiment approach. Further, ELPM obtained under optimized conditions and satisfying all the response criteria were compared with PLGA microspheres prepared using the conventional solvent evaporation (ELPM_SE) method through various solid‐state characterizations and in vitro and in vivo evaluations. The four process parameters selected as independent variables were pressure (X1), temperature (X2), stirring rate (X3), and flow ratio (X4). The effects of these independent variables on five responses, namely the particle size, its distribution (SPAN value), encapsulation efficiency (EE), initial drug burst release (IBR), and residual organic solvent, were evaluated using BBD. Based on the experimental results, a desirable range of combinations of various variables in the SFEE process was determined by graphical optimization. Solid‐state characterization and in vitro evaluation revealed that ELPM_SFEE improved properties, including a smaller particle size and SPAN value, higher EE, lower IBR, and lower residual solvent. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study results indicated better in vivo efficacy with desirable SR properties, including a reduction in blood glucose levels, weight gain, and food intake, for ELPM_SFEE than those generated using SE. Therefore, the potential drawback of conventional technologies such as the SE for the preparation of injectable SR PLGA microspheres could be improved by optimizing the SFEE process.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
•Effect of Y alloying on the corrosion of extruded Mg–Al–Ca-based alloy was investigated.•Alloying with Y resulted in the formation of Al8Mn4Y and Al2Y instead of the nobler Al8Mn5.•Corrosion ...resistance in 0.6M NaCl solution was remarkably improved by alloying with Y.•The role of the microstructural changes in the corrosion properties is discussed.
We report that alloying with Y remarkably enhances the corrosion resistance of extruded Mg–Al–Ca-based alloy. The corrosion rates, measured by immersion tests in 0.6M NaCl solution at 25°C, were 0.31 and 1.84mmy−1 for the Mg–6Al–1Zn–0.5Ca–0.3Mn (wt.%) alloys with and without 0.25wt.% Y, respectively. The improved corrosion resistance is mainly attributed to a change in the type of Al-containing intermetallic particles toward reducing their electrochemical nobility, resulting in reduced H2 evolution rate during corrosion.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
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•Avian influenza virus biosensor composed of DNA 3 W J on hollow Au spike-like nanoparticle was developed.•The multi-functional DNA was rolled to recognition, signal enhancement and ...immobilization.•Hollow Au nanospike was prepared to LSPR measurement.•This study showed the label-free LSPR detection elements for avian influenza virus detection.
In the present study, we fabricated a label-free avian influenza (AIV H5N1) detection biosensor composed of a multi-functional DNA 3 way-Junction (3 W J) on a hollow Au spike-like nanoparticle (hAuSN) using a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) method. To construct the multi-functional DNA (MF-DNA) as a bioprobe, the 3 W J was introduced. The proposed AIV detection bioprobe should contain three functionalities: target recognition, signal amplification, and connection to substrate. To achieve this goal, each piece of the DNA 3 W J was tailored to a hemagglutinin (HA) binding aptamer, FAM dye and thiol group, respectively. The assembly of each DNA 3 W J functional fragment was then confirmed by TBM-Native PAGE. Moreover, the hAuSN was immobilized on the indium-tin-oxide (ITO) substrate for LSPR measurement. The DNA 3 W J was immobilized onto the hAuSN electrode through the thiol-group of DNA 3 W J. The fabricated DNA 3 W J/hAuSN heterolayer on the ITO substrate was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). LSPR experiments were conducted to confirm HA protein binding to the DNA 3 W J/ hAuSN -modified electrode. The proposed biosensor can detected the HA protein in PBS buffer (LOD: 1 pM) as well as in the diluted chicken serum (LOD: 1 pM). The present study details a label-free, simple fabrication method consisted of DNA 3 W J/ hAuSN heterolayer that uses easy-to-tailor elements to detect not only AIV but also various viruses detection platform easily.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
UV-curable high-viscosity ZrO2 ceramic nanocomposite resins were prepared for use in supportless stereolithography 3D printing. To improve their dispersion stability and photo-curing properties, the ...mixing ratio of nano- and micro-particles of ZrO2 was optimized to 70:30 by volume, and the surfaces of the mixed particles were functionalized with acrylate groups through hydrolysis and condensation of a silane coupling agent (APTMS, 3-acryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane). APTMS-coated ZrO2 ceramic particles were dispersed in mixtures of di- and tri-functional acrylate monomers with non-reactive diluents, based on interpenetrating networks. Rheological, dispersion, and photo-curing characteristics of APTMS-coated ZrO2 ceramic nanocomposite resins with 50 vol% of ceramic particles and with a high viscosity of over 20,000 cps were investigated using a rheometer, relaxation NMR, stability analyzer and photo-differential scanning calorimeter. The green bodies of the 3D-printed objects with different cross-linking densities were sintered at 1450 °C, and the cross-linking degree of the photopolymers in the sintered 3D-printed objects was optimized by analysis of the volume shrinkage, surface morphology, and density. This work widens the possibility of ceramic composite materials for supportless 3D printing, enabling fabrication of customized zirconia dental implant restorations, as an alternative to computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing.
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•For supportless SLA, the high-viscosity nanocomposite resins were prepared.•Rheological, photo-curing, and sintering characteristics were investigated.•Effects of different polymer networks were studied on sintered 3D-printed objects.•Cross-linking degree of the resins in sintered 3D-printed objects was optimized.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
High‐quality and large‐area molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) thin film is highly desirable for applications in large‐area electronics. However, there remains a challenge in attaining MoS2 film of ...reasonable crystallinity due to the absence of appropriate choice and control of precursors, as well as choice of suitable growth substrates. Herein, a novel and facile route is reported for synthesizing few‐layered MoS2 film with new precursors via chemical vapor deposition. Prior to growth, an aqueous solution of sodium molybdate as the molybdenum precursor is spun onto the growth substrate and dimethyl disulfide as the liquid sulfur precursor is supplied with a bubbling system during growth. To supplement the limiting effect of Mo (sodium molybdate), a supplementary Mo is supplied by dissolving molybdenum hexacarbonyl (Mo(CO)6) in the liquid sulfur precursor delivered by the bubbler. By precisely controlling the amounts of precursors and hydrogen flow, full coverage of MoS2 film is readily achievable in 20 min. Large‐area MoS2 field effect transistors (FETs) fabricated with a conventional photolithography have a carrier mobility as high as 18.9 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is the highest reported for bottom‐gated MoS2‐FETs fabricated via photolithography with an on/off ratio of ≈105 at room temperature.
To synthesize large‐area MoS2 film, a growth substrate is coated with an aqueous solution of Na2MoO4 prior to synthesis. Growth begins with the supply of a liquid sulfur precursor via a bubbling system in an inert atmosphere. With adequate control of the concentration of Na2MoO4 and hydrogen flow, MoS2 film with controlled thickness is grown in 20 min.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
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