Neoagarooligosaccharide Protects against Hepatic Fibrosis via Inhibition of TGF-β/Smad Signaling Pathway

Hepatic fibrosis occurs when liver tissue becomes scarred from repetitive liver injury and inflammatory responses; it can progress to cirrhosis and eventually to hepatocellular carcinoma. Previously, we reported that neoagarooligosaccharides (NAOs), produced by the hydrolysis of agar by β-agarases, have hepatoprotective effects against acetaminophen overdose-induced acute liver injury. However, the effect of NAOs on chronic liver injury, including hepatic fibrosis, has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, we examined whether NAOs protect against fibrogenesis in vitro and in vivo. NAOs ameliorated PAI-1, α-SMA, CTGF and fibronectin protein expression and decreased mRNA levels of fibrogenic genes in TGF-β-treated LX-2 cells. Furthermore, downstream of TGF-β, the Smad signaling pathway was inhibited by NAOs in LX-2 cells. Treatment with NAOs diminished the severity of hepatic injury, as evidenced by reduction in serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis mouse models. Moreover, NAOs markedly blocked histopathological changes and collagen accumulation, as shown by H&E and Sirius red staining, respectively. Finally, NAOs antagonized the CCl₄-induced upregulation of the protein and mRNA levels of fibrogenic genes in the liver. In conclusion, our findings suggest that NAOs may be a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of chronic liver injury via inhibition of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.     

Comparison of yield and metabolites according to the types of hilling materials utilized during Glehnia littoralis sprout vegetable cultivation

Food Science and Biotechnology - Various hilling materials (rice hulls, pine sawdust, and perlite) were compared to produce sprout vegetables using beach silvertop (Glehnia littoralis Fr. Schm. ex...     

In vivo Kinetic Biodistribution of Nano‐Sized Outer Membrane Vesicles Derived from Bacteria

Evaluation of kinetic distribution and behaviors of nanoparticles in vivo provides crucial clues into their roles in living organisms. Extracellular vesicles are evolutionary conserved nanoparticles, known to play important biological functions in intercellular, inter‐species, and inter‐kingdom communication. In this study, the first kinetic analysis of the biodistribution of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs)—bacterial extracellular vesicles—with immune‐modulatory functions is performed. OMVs, injected intraperitoneally, spread to the whole mouse body and accumulate in the liver, lung, spleen, and kidney within 3 h of administration. As an early systemic inflammation response, increased levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6 are observed in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In addition, the number of leukocytes and platelets in the blood is decreased. OMVs and cytokine concentrations, as well as body temperature are gradually decreased 6 h after OMV injection, in concomitance with the formation of eye exudates, and of an increase in ICAM‐1 levels in the lung. Following OMV elimination, most of the inflammatory signs are reverted, 12 h post‐injection. However, leukocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid are increased as a late reaction. Taken together, these results suggest that OMVs are effective mediators of long distance communication in vivo.     

Planar double-layer leaky-wave microstrip antenna

This paper presents a double-layer leaky-wave microstrip antenna that is entirely planar for easy fabrication. The cavity model and the full-wave spectral domain method are used to analyze the proposed structure. The results from these two approaches agree well with experimental data. The planar structure makes the leaky-wave antenna convenient for implementation in a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) environment. Also, due to the flexibility of the microstrip structure, the geometrical shape can be modified for other desirable radiation patterns     

The permeation resistance of interface and the directional dependence of permeation in plasma-grafted composite membranes

Composite membranes were prepared by grafting plasma-polymerized films onto the surface of nonporous poly (dimethylsiloxane) films. Gas permeabilities of the composite membranes were measured at 35°C, 1 atm for N₂, 0₂, CO₂ and CH₄. The permeation properties of the composite membrane was analyzed using the series resistance model. There was a great interfacial resistance to CH₄ permeation through the composite membrane. The interfacial resistance was negligible for the other gases. The interfacial resistance seems to be a result of an interfacial layer caused by the interaction between the bulk two layers. For CH₄ gas, the permeation rate through the composite membrane was affected by the direction of flow. The directional dependence was negligible for the other gases.     

Synthesis of High-Molecular-Weight [60]Fullerene Pearl-Necklace Polyamides Derived from Equatorial [60]fullerenobisacetic Acid

Abstract

A series of [60]fullerene pearl-necklace polyamides, consisting of equatorial-[60]fullerenobisacetic acid and various chromophoric aromatic diamines, were synthesized by a phosphorylation route using large amounts of triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as condensing reagents with stepwise addition of the condensing reagents. In the present polymers, [60]fullerene pearls and diamine linkers were attached to one another by cyclopropane connectors. The polyamides had weight-average molecular weights (M_w)of 4.5-5.0×10⁴ g/mol and inherent viscosities (n _inh) of 0.3-0.4 dL/g in N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) at 30 °C. They had glass transition temperatures at 30-125 °C and decomposition temperatures at 300-310 °C. The UV-VIS spectra in DMAc exhibited broad absorption with λ_max at 310-390 nm tailing to longer wavelengths.     

Upper extremity hemodynamics and sensation with backpack loads

Heavy backpacks are often used in extreme environments, for example by military during combat, therefore completion of tasks quickly and efficiently is of operational relevance. The purpose of this study was to quantify hemodynamic parameters (brachial artery Doppler and microvascular flow by photoplethysmography; tissue oxygenation by near-infrared spectroscopy; arterial oxygen saturation by pulse oximeter) and sensation in upper extremities and hands (Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test and 2-point discrimination test) while wearing a loaded backpack (12 kg) in healthy adults for 10 min. All values were compared to baseline before wearing a backpack. Moderate weight loaded backpack loads significantly decreased upper extremity sensation as well as all macrovascular and microvascular hemodynamic values. Decreased macrovascular and microvascular hemodynamics may produce neurological dysfunction and consequently, probably affect fine motor control of the hands.