[Nutritional support treatment for short bowel syndrome related intestinal failure].

Intestinal failure is a syndrome characterized by a diminished intestinal function that is inadequate to maintain normal digestion and absorption, leading to systemic metabolic disorder and requiring long-term nutritional supplementation to sustain health and growth. Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is one of the primary causes of intestinal failure. Given the significant differences among SBS patients, nutritional treatment strategies should emphasize individualization. This review focuses on SBS, combining its anatomical and pathological characteristics, to introduce nutritional support treatment plans and experiences for patients with intestinal failure.

Effects of Bacillus fermentation on the protein microstructure and anti-nutritional factors of soybean meal.

This study evaluated the effects of Bacillus fermentation on soybean meal protein (SBMP) microstructure and major anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) in soybean meal (SBM). The Bacillus siamensis isolate JL8 producing high yield of protease at 519·1 U g-1 was selected for the laboratory production of fermented soybean meal (FSBM). After 24 h fermentation, the FSBM showed better properties compared with those of SBM, the ANFs such as glycinin, ß-conglycinin and trypsin inhibitor significantly decreased by 86·0, 70·3 and 95·01%, while in vitro digestibility and absorbability increased by 8·7 and 18·9% respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image of fermented soybean meal protein showed smaller aggregates and looser network than that of SBMP. Secondary structure examination of proteins revealed fermentation significantly decreased the content of ß-sheet structure by 43·2% and increased the random coil structure by 59·9%. It is demonstrated that Bacillus fermentation improved the nutritional quality of SBM through degrading ANFs and changing the microstructure of SBMP. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: There is limited information about the structural property changes of soybean protein during fermentation. In this study, physicochemical analysis of soybean meal protein showed evidence that the increase in in vitro digestibility and absorbability of fermented soybean meal reflected the decrease in ß-conformation and destruction of original structure in soybean meal protein. The results directly gained the understanding of nutritional quality improvement of soybean meal by Bacillus fermentation, and supply the potential use of Bacillus siamensis for fermented soybean meal production.

Enhancing magnetic ordering in Cr-doped Bi2Se3 using high-TC ferrimagnetic insulator.

We report a study of enhancing the magnetic ordering in a model magnetically doped topological insulator (TI), Bi(2-x)Cr(x)Se(3), via the proximity effect using a high-TC ferrimagnetic insulator Y(3)Fe(5)O(12). The FMI provides the TI with a source of exchange interaction yet without removing the nontrivial surface state. By performing the elemental specific X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) measurements, we have unequivocally observed an enhanced TC of 50 K in this magnetically doped TI/FMI heterostructure. We have also found a larger (6.6 nm at 30 K) but faster decreasing (by 80% from 30 to 50 K) penetration depth compared to that of diluted ferromagnetic semiconductors (DMSs), which could indicate a novel mechanism for the interaction between FMIs and the nontrivial TIs surface.

[Transcriptome-based bioinformatics analysis of Arnebia euchroma ERF transcription factor family].

Twenty-seven ERF transcription factor family genes were isolated from Arnebia euchroma, with an average size of 1,010 bp, each gene encoded a 212 amino acids on average. The gene structure and expression of physicochemical properties, subcellular localization, signal peptides, senior structural domains and conservative forecasting, and analysis of A. euchroma were studied comparing with ERF gene gi261363612 of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, and phylogenetic analysis of A. euchroma ERF family was carried out. The results showed the existence of three conserved domains in this family, the senior structure based on random coil and it clustered into CBF/DREB and ERF subfamilies.

Manipulating surface-related ferromagnetism in modulation-doped topological insulators.

A new class of devices based on topological insulators (TI) can be achieved by the direct engineering of the time-reversal-symmetry (TRS) protected surface states. In the meantime, a variety of interesting phenomena are also expected when additional ferromagnetism is introduced to the original topological order. In this Letter, we report the magnetic responses from the magnetically modulation-doped (Bi(z)Sb(1-z))2Te3/Cr(x)(Bi(y)Sb(1-y))2Te3 bilayer films. By electrically tuning the Fermi level across the Dirac point, we show that the top TI surface carriers can effectively mediate the magnetic impurities and generate robust ferromagnetic order. More importantly, such surface magneto-electric effects can be either enhanced or suppressed, depending on the magnetic interaction range inside the TI heterostructures. The manipulation of surface-related ferromagnetism realized in our modulation-doped TI device is important for the realization of TRS-breaking topological physics, and it may also lead to new applications of TI-based multifunctional heterostructures.

Surface-dominated conduction in a 6 nm thick Bi2Se3 thin film.

We report a direct observation of surface dominated conduction in an intrinsic Bi(2)Se(3) thin film with a thickness of six quintuple layers grown on lattice-matched CdS (0001) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations from the topological surface states suggest that the Fermi level falls inside the bulk band gap and is 53 ± 5 meV above the Dirac point, which is in agreement with 70 ± 20 meV obtained from scanning tunneling spectroscopies. Our results demonstrate a great potential of producing genuine topological insulator devices using Dirac Fermions of the surface states, when the film thickness is pushed to nanometer range.

Revelation of topological surface states in Bi2Se3 thin films by in situ Al passivation.

Topological insulators (TIs) are extraordinary materials that possess massless, Dirac-like topological surface states in which backscattering is prohibited due to the strong spin-orbit coupling. However, there have been reports on degradation of topological surface states in ambient conditions, which presents a great challenge for probing the original topological surface states after TI materials are prepared. Here, we show that in situ Al passivation inside a molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) chamber could inhibit the degradation process and reveal the pristine topological surface states. Dual evidence from Shubnikov-de Hass (SdH) oscillations and weak antilocalization (WAL) effect, originated from the π Berry phase, suggests that the helically spin-polarized surface states are well preserved by the proposed in situ Al passivation. In contrast, we show the degradation of surface states for the unpassivated control samples, in which the 2D carrier density is increased 39.2% due to ambient n-doping, the SdH oscillations are completely absent, and a large deviation from WAL is observed.

Homologous expression and quantitative analysis of T3SS-dependent secretion of TAP-tagged XoAvrBs2 in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae induced by rice leaf extract.

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) produces a putative effector, XoAvrBs2. We expressed XoAvrBs2 homologously in Xoo with a TAP-tag at the C-terminus to enable quantitative analysis of protein expression and secretion. Addition of rice leaf extracts from both Xoo-sensitive and Xoo-resistant rice cultivars to the Xoo cells induced expression of the XoAvrBs2 gene at the transcriptional and translational levels, and also stimulated a remarkable amount of XoAvrBs2 secretion into the medium. In a T3SS-defective Xoo mutant strain, secretion of the TAPtagged XoAvrBs2 was blocked. Thus, we elucidated the transcriptional and translational expressions of the XoAvrBs2 gene in Xoo was induced in vitro by the interaction with rice and the induced secretion of XoAvrBs2 was T3SSdependent. It is the first report to measure the homologous expression and secretion of XoAvrBs2 in vitro by rice leaf extract. Our system for the quantitative analysis of effector protein expression and secretion could be generally used for the study of host-pathogen interactions.

Neuroprotection of Scutellarin is mediated by inhibition of microglial inflammatory activation.

Inhibition of microglial over-reaction and the inflammatory processes may represent a therapeutic target to alleviate the progression of neurological diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases and stroke. Scutellarin is the major active component of Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand-Mazz, a herbal medicine in treatment of cerebrovascular diseases for a long time in the Orient. In this study, we explored the mechanisms of neuroprotection by Scutellarin, particularly its anti-inflammatory effects in microglia. We observed that Scutellarin inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of proinflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), suppressed LPS-stimulated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), TNFα, and IL-1ß mRNA expression in rat primary microglia or BV-2 mouse microglial cell line. Scutellarin inhibited LPS-induced nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). It repressed the LPS-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 phosphorylation without affecting the activity of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase. Moreover, Scutellarin also inhibited interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-induced NO production, iNOS mRNA expression and transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 1α (STAT1α) activation. Concomitantly, conditioned media from Scutellarin pretreated BV-2 cells significantly reduced neurotoxicity compared with conditioned media from LPS treated alone. Together, the present study reported the anti-inflammatory activity of Scutellarin in microglial cells along with their underlying molecular mechanisms, and suggested Scutellarin might have therapeutic potential for various microglia mediated neuroinflammation.

Patterning and templating for nanoelectronics.

The semiconductor industry will soon be launching 32 nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology node using 193 nm lithography patterning technology to fabricate microprocessors with more than 2 billion transistors. To ensure the survival of Moore's law, alternative patterning techniques that offer advantages beyond conventional top-down patterning are aggressively being explored. It is evident that most alternative patterning techniques may not offer compelling advantages to succeed conventional top-down lithography for silicon integrated circuits, but alternative approaches may well indeed offer functional advantages in realising next-generation information processing nanoarchitectures such as those based on cellular, bioinsipired, magnetic dot logic, and crossbar schemes. This paper highlights and evaluates some patterning methods from the Center on Functional Engineered Nano Architectonics in Los Angeles and discusses key benchmarking criteria with respect to CMOS scaling.

Metal nanodot memory by self-assembled block copolymer lift-off.

As information technology demands for larger capability in data storage continue, ultrahigh bit density memory devices have been extensively investigated. To produce an ultrahigh bit density memory device, multilevel cell operations that require several states in one cell have been proposed as one solution, which can also alleviate the scaling issues in the current state-of-the-art complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology. Here, we report the first demonstration of metal nanodot memory using a self-assembled block copolymer lift-off. This metal nanodot memory with simple low temperature processes produced an ultrawide memory window of 15 V at the +/-18 V voltage sweep. Such a large window can be adopted for multilevel cell operations. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy studies showed a periodic metal nanodot array with uniform distribution defined by the block copolymer pattern. Consequently, this metal nanodot memory has high potential to reduce the variability issues that metal nanocrystal memories previously had and multilevel cells with ultrawide memory windows can be fabricated with high reliability and manufacturability.

Active pharmaceutical ingredients and mechanisms underlying phasic myometrial contractions stimulated with the saponin extract from Paris polyphylla Sm. var. yunnanensis used for abnormal uterine bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Total steroidal saponins of Paris polyphylla Sm. var. yunnanensis (TSSP) have been widely used in China for the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). But until now, the main active constituents and the mechanisms underlying the pharmacological actions on uterine activity have not been described. METHODS: Total steroidal saponins were extracted with EtOH and purified by chromatography. In vitro isometric contraction studies were performed using myometrial strips from estrogen-primed or pregnant rats. Intracellular calcium was monitored under a confocal microscope using Fluo-3 AM-loaded myometrial cells. RESULTS: TSSP dose-dependently induced phasic myometrial contractions in vitro. Experiments with calcium channel blockers or kinase inhibitors demonstrated that the TSSP-stimulated myometrial contraction was mediated by an increase in [Ca(2+)](i) via influx of extracellular calcium and release of intracellular calcium. Through bioassay-guided separation, it was found that total spirostanol saponins exhibited contractile activity in myometrium and Pennogenin-3-O-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl(1-->4)[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (PARG) was identified as the active ingredient of TSSP. Furthermore, the contractile response of rat myometrium to PARG was significantly enhanced with advancing pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide evidence that myometrial contractility stimulated by TSSP results from [Ca(2+)](i) increase and supports the possibility that some spirostanol gylcosides may represent a new type of contractile agonist for the uterus.

[Study on activity of inner inhibitory substances of Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim) harms fruits and seeds].

OBJECTIVE: By studying on the inner inhibitory substances of Acanthopanax senticosus fruits and seeds, the reason for dormancy of the Seeds was investigated. METHOD: First, the raw extracts of Acanthopanax senticosus fruits and seeds were prepared and determined by biological methods. Then, the ether extract of Acanthopanax senticosus fruits was prepared and the components were separated by paper chromatography and each section with different Rf value was determined, respectively. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: Inner inhibitory substances with high activity exists in Acanthopanax senticosus fruits and their outer coats, middle coats and the seeds. The inner inhibitory substances showed stronger inhibitory effect on the germination of Brassica chinensis seeds than the growth of its younger roots. The Rf 0.1 section of the ether extract of Acanthopanax senticosus fruit coats showed the strongest inhibitory activity on the germination of Brassica chinensis seeds and the growth of its young roots. The rough extracts of Acanthopanax senticosus fruits could inhibit the activity of the (alpha-amylase in the process of wheat seeds germination. The dormanvy of Acanthopanax senticosus seeds is related to the inhibitory substances with high activity in Acanthopanax senticosus fruits and seeds.

Chinese herbal formula XQ-9302: pilot study of its clinical and in vitro activity against human immunodeficiency virus.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of XQ-9302--a purified, precise mixture of 20 Chinese herbs--against infection with human immunodeficiency virus in vitro and in the clinic. DESIGN: In vitro cell culture assay, heavy metal content analysis, and pilot non-randomised clinical trial. SETTING: Drug rehabilitation centre and municipal surveillance centre, Shanghai, China. PATIENTS: Forty-eight patients who had various clinical histories, such as drug abuse, cancer, and infection with human immunodeficiency virus, participated in the clinical study. INTERVENTION: During the clinical trial, multiple 15-day courses of XQ-9302 10.8 g/d were given to participants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: CD4 count, P24 antigen level, level of antibody against human immunodeficiency virus, number of copies per millilitre of human immunodeficiency virus in the plasma (viral load), and any side effects. RESULTS: XQ-9302 protected cultured MT4 cells from infection with human immunodeficiency virus in vitro. Clinical tests showed that the herbal formula relieved the symptoms of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and enhanced CD4 counts in patients infected by the human immunodeficiency virus. There were no observable side effects, even after taking the drug for several months. In three patients who had acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, treatment with XQ-9302 reduced the magnitude of the viral load by more than 1 log. CONCLUSION: XQ-9302 not only improves the immune function of patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, but also interrupts viral replication and slows the progression of the disease without detectable side effects. In addition, the heavy metal content of XQ-9302 is well within safety levels set by the Government of China.

[The inhibitory effect of melatonin on morphine withdrawal syndromes and serum monoamines in morphine dependent mice].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the inhibitory effect of melatonin on morphine withdrawal syndromes and serum monoamines in morphine dependent mice. METHODS: A physical dependent model in mice was established by subcutaneous injection of morphine. The intensity of withdrawal syndromes was evaluated according to the jumping latency and jumping times. The concentration of serum monoamines was detected with HPLC-ECD. RESULTS: The physical withdrawal syndromes in morphine dependent mice were inhibited partly by four different doses (25, 50, 100, 200 mg/kg) of melatonin and showed a significant dose-dependent manner. The increased concentration of serum norepinephrine and dopamine in morphine-dependent mice could be reduced by large dose (100 mg/kg) of melatonin. CONCLUSION: The jumping withdrawal syndromes and serum monoamiues in morphine-dependent mice could be inhibited partly by melatonin.

Ribozyme-mediated high resistance against potato spindle tuber viroid in transgenic potatoes.

A hammerhead ribozyme [R(-)] targeting the minus strand RNA of potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) and a mutated nonfunctional ribozyme [mR(-)] were designed, cloned, and transcribed. As predicted, both monomer and dimer transcripts of the active R(-) ribozyme gene could cleave the PSTVd minus strand dimer RNA into three fragments of 77, 338, and 359 bases in vitro at 25 and 50 degrees C. The tandem dimer genes of R(-) and mR(-) were subcloned separately into the plant expression vector pROK2. Transgenic potato plants (cultivar Desirée) were generated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. Twenty-three of 34 independent transgenic plant lines expressing the active ribozyme R(-) resulted in having high levels of resistance to PSTVd, being free of PSTVd accumulation after challenge inoculation with PSTVd, but the remaining lines showed weaker levels of resistance to PSTVd with low levels of PSTVd accumulation. In contrast, 59 of 60 independent transgenic lines expressing the mutated ribozyme mR(-) were susceptible to PSTVd inoculation and had levels of PSTVd accumulation similar to that of the control plants transformed with the empty vector. The resistance against PSTVd replication was stably inherited to the vegetative progenies.

156 cases of Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome treated by acupuncture.

The principle of clearing Yangming and nourishing the kidney and heart was adopted in the treatment of 156 cases of Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome with acupuncture. The total effective rate was 92.3%, and the cure rate in children aged 11-15 years was markedly higher than that in children 6-10 years of age. Among 84 cases with abnormal EEG, the pathological waves in 54 disappeared or ameliorated after the treatment.

Nitrogen catabolite repression in a glutamate auxotroph of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The biosynthesis of asparaginase II in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is subject to nitrogen catabolite repression. In the present study we examined the physiological effects of glutamate auxotrophy on cellular metabolism and on the nitrogen catabolite repression of asparaginase II. Glutamate auxotrophic cells, incubated without a glutamate supplement, had a diminished internal pool of alpha-ketoglutarate and a concomitant inability to equilibrate ammonium ion with alpha-amino nitrogen. In the glutamate auxotroph, asparaginase II biosynthesis exhibited a decreased sensitivity to nitrogen catabolite repression by ammonium ion but normal sensitivity to nitrogen catabolite repression by all amino acids tested.