Residual alkali-evoked cross-linked polymer layer for anti-air-sensitivity LiNi_(0.89)Co_(0.06)Mn_(0.05)O_(2)cathode

High-energy density lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)with layered high-nickel oxide cathodes(LiNi_(x)Co_(y)Mn_(1-x-y)O_(2),x≥0.8)show great promise in consumer electronics and vehicular applications.However,LiNi_(x)Co_(y)Mn_(1-x-y)O_(2)faces challenges related to capacity decay caused by residual alkalis owing to high sensitivity to air.To address this issue,we propose a hazardous substances upcycling method that fundamentally mitigates alkali content and concurrently induces the emergence of an anti-air-sensitive layer on the cathode surface.Through the neutralization of polyacrylic acid(PAA)with residual alkalis and then coupling it with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane(KH550),a stable and ion-conductive cross-linked polymer layer is in situ integrated into the LiNi_(0.89)Co_(0.06)Mn_(0.05)O_(2)(NCM)cathode.Our characterization and measurements demonstrate its effectiveness.The NCM material exhibits impressive cycling performance,retaining 88.4%of its capacity after 200 cycles at 5 C and achieving an extraordinary specific capacity of 170.0 mA h g^(-1) at 10 C.Importantly,this layer on the NCM efficiently suppresses unfavorable phase transitions,severe electrolyte degradation,and CO_(2)gas evolution,while maintaining commendable resistance to air exposure.This surface modification strategy shows widespread potential for creating air-stable LiNi_(x)Co_(y)Mn_(1-x-y)O_(2)cathodes,thereby advancing high-performance LIBs.

Mechanism of high Li-ion conductivity in poly(vinylene carbonate)-poly(ethylene oxide)cross-linked network based electrolyte revealed by solid-state NMR

Solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs)have become increasingly important in advanced lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)due to their improved safety and mechanical properties compared to organic liquid electrolytes.Cross-linked polymers have the potential to further improve the mechanical property without trading off Li-ion conductivity.In this study,focusing on a recently developed cross-linked SPE,i.e.,the one based on poly(vinylene carbonate)-poly(ethylene oxide)cross-linked network(PVCN),we used solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)techniques to investigate the fundamental interaction between the chain segments and Li ions,as well as the lithium-ion motion.By utilizing homonuclear/heteronuclear correlation,CP(cross-polarization)kinetics,and spin-lattice relaxation experiments,etc.,we revealed the structural characteristics and their relations to lithium-ion mobilities.It is found that the network formation prevents poly(ethylene oxide)chains from crystallization,which could create sufficient space for segmental tumbling and Li-ion co nductio n.As such,the mechanical property is greatly improved with even higher Li-ion mobilities compared to the poly(vinylene carbonate)or poly(ethylene oxide)based SPE analogues.

Tuning the cross-linked structure of basic poly(ionic liquid)to develop an efficient catalyst for the conversion of vinyl carbonate to dimethyl carbonate

Dimethyl carbonate(DMC)is a crucial chemical raw material widely used in organic synthesis,lithiumion battery electrolytes,and various other fields.The current primary industrial process employs a conventional sodium methoxide basic catalyst to produce DMC through the transesterification reaction between vinyl carbonate and methanol.However,the utilization of this catalyst presents several challenges during the process,including equipment corrosion,the generation of solid waste,susceptibility to deactivation,and complexities in separation and recovery.To address these limitations,a series of alkaline poly(ionic liquid)s,i.e.[DVBPIL][PHO],[DVCPIL][PHO],and[TBVPIL][PHO],with different crosslinking degrees and structures,were synthesized through the construction of cross-linked polymeric monomers and functionalization.These poly(ionic liquid)s exhibit cross-linked structures and controllable cationic and anionic characteristics.Research was conducted to investigate the effect of the cross-linking degree and structure on the catalytic performance of transesterification in synthesizing DMC.It was discovered that the appropriate cross-linking degree and structure of the[DVCPIL][PHO]catalyst resulted in a DMC yield of up to 80.6%.Furthermore,this catalyst material exhibited good stability,maintaining its catalytic activity after repeated use five times without significant changes.The results of this study demonstrate the potential for using alkaline poly(ionic liquid)s as a highly efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional catalysts for the transesterification synthesis of DMC.

Molecular Dynamics Study on Hydrothermal Response of PNIPAM:From Single Chain to Cross-Linked Polymer

Thermosensitive hydrogel can integrate vapor molecular capture,in-situ liquefaction,and thermal-induced water release for freshwater capture.This study aimed to examine the dynamic behavior of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)(PNIPAM)single chain and cross-linking thermosensitive hydrogel through molecular dynamics simulation.Specifically,the impact of lower critical solution temperature(LCST)on the conformation of polymer chain and the interaction between water and polymer chain were also investigated.The polymer chain conformation underwent a transition from coil to globule when the temperature exceeded the LCST,indicating the temperature responsiveness of PNIPAM.Additionally,thermosensitive hydrogel samples with different cross-linking degrees(DOC)were studied,and relevant parameters such as the number of free water,the diffusion coefficient of water,and the pore size distribution were counted to evaluate the temperature responsiveness and water release characteristics of thermosensitive hydrogel.

Interfacial modification using the cross-linkable tannic acid for highly-efficient perovskite solar cells with excellent stability

Although the performance of perovskite solar cells(PSCs)has been dramatically increased in recent years,stability is still the main obstacle preventing the PSCs from being commercial.PSC device instability can be caused by a variety of reasons,including ions diffusion,surface and grain boundary defects,etc.In this work,the cross-linkable tannic acid(TA)is introduced to modify perovskite film through post-treatment method.The numerous organic functional groups(–OH and C=O)in TA can interact with the uncoordinated Pb^(2+)and I^(-)ions in perovskite,thus passivating defects and inhibiting ions diffusion.In addition,the formed TA network can absorb a small amount of the residual moisture inside the device to protect the perovskite layer.Furthermore,TA modification regulates the energy level of perovskite,and reduces interfacial charge recombination.Ultimately,following TA treatment,the device efficiency is increased significantly from 21.31%to 23.11%,with a decreased hysteresis effect.Notably,the treated device shows excellent air,thermal,and operational stability.In light of this,the readily available,inexpensive TA has the potential to operate as a multipurpose interfacial modifier to increase device efficiency while also enhancing device stability.

Synthesis and Properties of Lactic Acid-based Cross-linked Poly(ester-amide)

A novel lactic acid-based cross-linked poly（ester-amide） （LCPEA） was synthesized. The gel fraction of the LCPEA could be modulated by the reaction conditions and it affected the mechanical and thermal properties of the LCPEA. The tensile strength, elastic modulus and bend strength of the LCPEA of 65% gel fraction were 4.65, 136.55 and 39.63 MPa, respectively. The thermal decomposition temperature （50 wt%） of the LCPEA was around 410℃.

Study on Biocompatibility of Cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid Derivatives

Objective:The cross-linked production,which was prepared by HA and cross-linking agent STMP,EDC,GP through cross-linking reaction,might be used in drug delivery system(DDS).To ensure the security of clinical application,the excellent properties such as none cell toxicity,nonirritant,none general toxicity,none immunological rejection are necessary.Methods:In accordance with the request of GB/T 16886.1 on security evaluation of medical biomaterials,cell toxicity test,hemolysis test,intracutaneous stimulation test,acute toxicity test,and hypersensitive test were required.Results:Cell toxicity of HA-STMP,HA-EDC,HA-GP were all less than 1.All hypersensitive tests were eligible.But HA-EDC,HA-GP produced different degrees of slight thrill,slight toxicity,hemolysis rate,which were larger than the standard value.Conclusion:HA-STMP possesses favourable biocompatibility,which is a kind of ideal biomaterials and drug carriers.

Decoding the nexus:branched-chain amino acids and their connection with sleep,circadian rhythms,and cardiometabolic health

The sleep-wake cycle stands as an integrative process essential for sustaining optimal brain function and,either directly or indirectly,overall body health,encompassing metabolic and cardiovascular well-being.Given the heightened metabolic activity of the brain,there exists a considerable demand for nutrients in comparison to other organs.Among these,the branched-chain amino acids,comprising leucine,isoleucine,and valine,display distinctive significance,from their contribution to protein structure to their involvement in overall metabolism,especially in cerebral processes.Among the first amino acids that are released into circulation post-food intake,branched-chain amino acids assume a pivotal role in the regulation of protein synthesis,modulating insulin secretion and the amino acid sensing pathway of target of rapamycin.Branched-chain amino acids are key players in influencing the brain's uptake of monoamine precursors,competing for a shared transporter.Beyond their involvement in protein synthesis,these amino acids contribute to the metabolic cycles ofγ-aminobutyric acid and glutamate,as well as energy metabolism.Notably,they impact GABAergic neurons and the excitation/inhibition balance.The rhythmicity of branchedchain amino acids in plasma concentrations,observed over a 24-hour cycle and conserved in rodent models,is under circadian clock control.The mechanisms underlying those rhythms and the physiological consequences of their disruption are not fully understood.Disturbed sleep,obesity,diabetes,and cardiovascular diseases can elevate branched-chain amino acid concentrations or modify their oscillatory dynamics.The mechanisms driving these effects are currently the focal point of ongoing research efforts,since normalizing branched-chain amino acid levels has the ability to alleviate the severity of these pathologies.In this context,the Drosophila model,though underutilized,holds promise in shedding new light on these mechanisms.Initial findings indicate its potential to introduce novel concepts,particularly in elucidating the intricate connections between the circadian clock,sleep/wake,and metabolism.Consequently,the use and transport of branched-chain amino acids emerge as critical components and orchestrators in the web of interactions across multiple organs throughout the sleep/wake cycle.They could represent one of the so far elusive mechanisms connecting sleep patterns to metabolic and cardiovascular health,paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.

Increased excitatory amino acid transporter 2 levels in basolateral amygdala astrocytes mediate chronic stress–induced anxiety-like behavior

The conventional perception of astrocytes as mere supportive cells within the brain has recently been called into question by empirical evidence, which has revealed their active involvement in regulating brain function and encoding behaviors associated with emotions.Specifically, astrocytes in the basolateral amygdala have been found to play a role in the modulation of anxiety-like behaviors triggered by chronic stress. Nevertheless, the precise molecular mechanisms by which basolateral amygdala astrocytes regulate chronic stress–induced anxiety-like behaviors remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we found that in a mouse model of anxiety triggered by unpredictable chronic mild stress, the expression of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 was upregulated in the basolateral amygdala. Interestingly, our findings indicate that the targeted knockdown of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 specifically within the basolateral amygdala astrocytes was able to rescue the anxiety-like behavior in mice subjected to stress. Furthermore, we found that the overexpression of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 in the basolateral amygdala, whether achieved through intracranial administration of excitatory amino acid transporter 2agonists or through injection of excitatory amino acid transporter 2-overexpressing viruses with GfaABC1D promoters, evoked anxiety-like behavior in mice. Our single-nucleus RNA sequencing analysis further confirmed that chronic stress induced an upregulation of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 specifically in astrocytes in the basolateral amygdala. Moreover, through in vivo calcium signal recordings, we found that the frequency of calcium activity in the basolateral amygdala of mice subjected to chronic stress was higher compared with normal mice.After knocking down the expression of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 in the basolateral amygdala, the frequency of calcium activity was not significantly increased, and anxiety-like behavior was obviously mitigated. Additionally, administration of an excitatory amino acid transporter 2 inhibitor in the basolateral amygdala yielded a notable reduction in anxiety level among mice subjected to stress. These results suggest that basolateral amygdala astrocytic excitatory amino acid transporter 2 plays a role in in the regulation of unpredictable chronic mild stress-induced anxiety-like behavior by impacting the activity of local glutamatergic neurons, and targeting excitatory amino acid transporter 2 in the basolateral amygdala holds therapeutic promise for addressing anxiety disorders.

Characteristics of Hyaluronic Acid Derivative Cross-linked by Polyethylene Glycol

Characteristic and dynamic viscosities of Hyaluronic acid （ HA ） derivative modified by polyethylene glycol （PEG） were tested with different reaction times （6 h,12 h,18 h and 24 h ）, different molar ratio of HA/PEG （1/10,1/5,1/3 and 1/2）, different molecular weight of PEG（400,6 000 and 20 000） and mass fraction is 0. 4% by Wushi Viscosimeter and L-90 Rheometer at 25℃ . Characteristic viscosity of HA derivative had the largest value in 12 h, which decreased with increasing of PEG molecular weight, bat its aqueous dynamic viscosity increased with increment of PEG molecular weight. Meanwhile, we tested dynamic mechanic properties of HA derivative by 3ARES3 Rheometer at 25℃ to study viscoelastic changes and to compare change difference from viscosity to elasticity with the changes of vibration frequency between unmodified HA and HA derivative. Change from low vibrated freqnency to high one of solution resulted in change from viscosity to elasticity of solution. In conclusion, as to the rheological properties, structure- modified HA derivative meets the requirement of biomaterial .

Targeting harmful effects of non-excitatory amino acids as an alternative therapeutic strategy to reduce ischemic damage

The involvement of the excitatory amino acids glutamate and aspartate in ce rebral ischemia and excitotoxicity is well-documented.Nevertheless,the role of non-excitatory amino acids in brain damage following a stroke or brain trauma remains largely understudied.The release of amino acids by necrotic cells in the ischemic core may contribute to the expansion of the penumbra.Our findings indicated that the reversible loss of field excitato ry postsynaptic potentials caused by transient hypoxia became irreversible when exposed to a mixture of just four non-excitatory amino acids(L-alanine,glycine,L-glutamine,and L-serine)at their plasma concentrations.These amino acids induce swelling in the somas of neurons and astrocytes during hypoxia,along with permanent dendritic damage mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors.Blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors prevented neuronal damage in the presence of these amino acids during hypoxia.It is likely that astroglial swelling caused by the accumulation of these amino acids via the alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 exchanger and system N transporters activates volume-regulated anion channels,leading to the release of excitotoxins and subsequent neuronal damage through N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation.Thus,previously unrecognized mechanisms involving non-excitatory amino acids may contribute to the progression and expansion of brain injury in neurological emergencies such as stroke and traumatic brain injury.Understanding these pathways co uld highlight new therapeutic targets to mitigate brain injury.

Preparation of Low Ratio Magnesium Ccement by Acid Leaching Treatment of Boron Mud

The effects of liquid-solid ratio and reaction time on the leaching rate of magnesium at room temperature were investigated,as well as the effects of the molar ratio of MgO/MgCl_(2),the amount of water added,and the amount of acid-impregnated slag dosed on the compressive strength and water resistance of LR-MOC.The results showed that the magnesium element in the boron mud could be maximally leached under the conditions of 1:1 concentration of hydrochloric acid at room temperature,liquid-solid ratio of 2.5 mL·g^(-1),and reaction time of 5 h,and the main products were amorphous SiO_(2) as well as a small amount of magnesium olivine which had not been completely reacted.The LR-MOC prepared using the acid-soaked mixture could reach a softening coefficient of 0.85 for 28 d of water immersion when the molar ratio of MgO/MgCl_(2) was 2.2,the amount of water added was 0 g,and the acid-soaked slag dosing was 40 wt%,which also led to an appreciable late-strength,with an increase of 19.4%in compressive strength at 28 d compared to that at 7 d.Unlike previous studies,LR-MOC prepared in this way has a final strength phase that is not the more easily hydrolysed 3-phase but the lath-like 5-phase.For this phenomenon,we analyzed the mechanism and found that,during the acid leaching process,a part of amorphous SiO_(2) dissolved in the acid leaching solution formed a silica sol,in which Mg^(2+)played a bridging role to make the silica sol more stable.With the addition and hydrolysis of MgO,the silica sol gel coagulation slows down,providing a capping layer to inhibit the hydrolysis of the 5-phase crystals and providing some strength after coagulation.The amorphous SiO_(2) in the other part of the acid-impregnated slag generated M-S-H gel with Mg^(2+)and OH-,which synergised with the dense structure composed of interlocking crystals to improve the water resistance of LR-MOC.

Dysregulation of genes involved in the long-chain fatty acid transport in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)is an aggressive lethal malignancy with limited options for treatment and a 5-year survival rate of 11%in the United States.As for other types of tumors,such as colorectal cancer,aberrant de novo lipid synthesis and reprogrammed lipid metabolism have been suggested to be associated with PDAC development and progression.AIM To identify the possible involvement of lipid metabolism in PDAC by analyzing in tumoral and non-tumoral tissues the expression level of the most relevant genes involved in the long-chain fatty acid(FA)import into cell.METHODS A gene expression analysis of FASN,CD36,SLC27A1,SLC27A2,SLC27A3,SLC27A4,SLC27A5,ACSL1,and ACSL3 was performed by qRT-PCR in 24 tumoral PDAC tissues and 11 samples from non-tumoral pancreatic tissues obtained via fine needle aspiration or via surgical resection.The genes were considered significantly dysregulated between the groups when the p value was<0.05 and the fold change(FC)was≤0.5 and≥2.RESULTS We found that three FA transporters and two long-chain acyl-CoA synthetases genes were significantly upregulated in the PDAC tissue compared to the non-tumoral tissue:SLC27A2(FC=5.66;P=0.033),SLC27A3(FC=2.68;P=0.040),SLC27A4(FC=3.13;P=0.033),ACSL1(FC=4.10;P<0.001),and ACSL3(FC=2.67;P=0.012).We further investigated any possible association between the levels of the analyzed mRNAs and the specific characteristics of the tumors,including the anatomic location,the lymph node involvement,and the presence of metastasis.A significant difference in the expression of SLC27A3(FC=3.28;P=0.040)was found comparing patients with and without lymph nodes involvement with an overexpression of this transcript in 17 patients presenting tumoral cells in the lymph nodes.CONCLUSION Despite the low number of patients analyzed,these preliminary results seem to be promising.Addressing lipid metabolism through a broad strategy could be a beneficial way to treat this malignancy.Future in vitro and in vivo studies on these genes may offer important insights into the mechanisms linking PDAC with the long-chain FA import pathway.

g-C_(3)N_(4)nanosheets coupled with CoSe_(2)as co-catalyst for efficient photooxidation of xylose to xylonic acid

Photocatalysis has emerged as an effective approach to sustainably convert biomass into value-added products.CoSe_(2)is a promising nonprecious,efficient cocatalyst for photooxidation,which can facilitate the separation of photogenerated electron–holes,increase the reaction rates,and enhance photocatalytic efficiency.In this work,we synthesized a stable and efficient photocatalysis system of CoSe_(2)/g-C_(3)N_(4)through attaching CoSe_(2)on g-C_(3)N_(4)sheets,with a yield of 50.12%for the selective photooxidation of xylose to xylonic acid.Under light illumination,the photogenerated electrons were prone to migrating from g-C_(3)N_(4)to CoSe_(2)due to the higher work function of CoSe_(2),resulting in the accelerated separation of photogenerated electron–holes and the promoted photooxidation.Herein,this study reveals the unique function of CoSe_(2),which can significantly promote oxygen adsorption,work as an electron sink and accelerate the generation of ·O_(2)^(-),thereby improving the selectivity toward xylonic acid over other by-products.This work provides useful insights into the design of selective photocatalysts by engineering g-C_(3)N_(4)for biomass high-value utilization.

Flotation separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite using mineral fulvic acid as selective depressant under weakly alkaline conditions

Mineral fulvic acid(MFA)was used as an eco-friendly pyrite depressant to recover chalcopyrite by flotation with the use of the butyl xanthate as a collector.Flotation experiments showed that MFA produced a stronger inhibition effect on pyrite than on chalcopyrite.The separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite was realized by introducing 150 mg/L MFA at a pulp pH of approximately 8.0.The copper grade,copper recovery,and separation efficiency were 28.03%,84.79%,and 71.66%,respectively.Surface adsorption tests,zeta potential determinations,and localized electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests showed that more MFA adsorbed on pyrite than on chalcopyrite,which weakened the subsequent interactions between pyrite and the collector.Atomic force microscope imaging further confirmed the adsorption of MFA on pyrite,and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicated that hydrophilic Fe-based species on the pyrite surfaces increased after exposure of pyrite to MFA,thereby decreasing the floatability of pyrite.

Additive neurorestorative effects of exercise and docosahexaenoic acid intake in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease

There is a need to develop interventions to slow or reverse the degeneration of dopamine neurons in Parkinson’s disease after diagnosis.Given that preclinical and clinical studies suggest benefits of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids,such as docosahexaenoic acid,and exercise in Parkinson’s disease,we investigated whether both could synergistically interact to induce recovery of the dopaminergic pathway.First,mice received a unilateral stereotactic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into the striatum to establish an animal model of nigrostriatal denervation.Four weeks after lesion,animals were fed a docosahexaenoic acid-enriched or a control diet for the next 8 weeks.During this period,the animals had access to a running wheel,which they could use or not.Docosahexaenoic acid treatment,voluntary exercise,or the combination of both had no effect on(i)distance traveled in the open field test,(ii)the percentage of contraversive rotations in the apomorphine-induction test or(iii)the number of tyrosine-hydroxylase-positive cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta.However,the docosahexaenoic acid diet increased the number of tyrosine-hydroxylase-positive terminals and induced a rise in dopamine concentrations in the lesioned striatum.Compared to docosahexaenoic acid treatment or exercise alone,the combination of docosahexaenoic acid and exercise(i)improved forelimb balance in the stepping test,(ii)decreased the striatal DOPAC/dopamine ratio and(iii)led to increased dopamine transporter levels in the lesioned striatum.The present results suggest that the combination of exercise and docosahexaenoic acid may act synergistically in the striatum of mice with a unilateral lesion of the dopaminergic system and provide support for clinical trials combining nutrition and physical exercise in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Leaching of WO_(3)from sulfuric acid converted product of scheelite in NH_(3)·H_(2)O−NH_(4)HCO_(3)solution

The leaching of sulfuric acid converted product of scheelite in NH_(3)·H_(2)O−NH_(4)HCO_(3)solution was systemically studied to improve sulfuric acid conversion−ammonium salts leaching technology route for ammonium paratungstate production.The results showed that the WO_(3)leaching efficiency was about 99%under optimal conditions of 350 r/min,liquid-to-solid ratio of 3 mL/g,1 mol/L NH_(4)HCO_(3),4 mol/L NH_(3)·H_(2)O,25℃,and 15 min.During the leaching,CaSO_(4)almost had no change and was still in a banding or rod-like shape in short leaching time,while conglobate CaCO_(3)was gradually formed on the CaSO_(4)surface.A secondary reaction might occur between CaSO_(4)and WO_(4)^(2−),which could be restrained by a certain amount of CO_(3)^(2−)in the solution.There was no CaCO_(3)phase determined by XRD in leaching residue of converted product for scheelite concentrate under optimal conditions,which was different from that for synthetic scheelite.The leaching process could be explained by neutralization reaction of H_(2)WO_(4)and solid transformation of CaSO_(4)in NH_(3)·H_(2)O−NH_(4)HCO_(3)solution.

Bile acid therapy for primary biliary cholangitis:Pathogenetic validation

Knowledge of the etiological and pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of any disease is essential for its treatment.Because the cause of primary biliary cholangitis(PBC),a chronic,slowly progressive cholestatic liver disease,is still unknown,treatment remains symptomatic.Knowledge of the physicochemical properties of various bile acids and the adaptive responses of cholangiocytes and hepatocytes to them has provided an important basis for the development of relatively effective drugs based on hydrophilic bile acids that can potentially slow the progression of the disease.Advances in the use of hydrophilic bile acids for the treatment of PBC are also associated with the discovery of pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of cholangiocyte damage and the appearance of the first signs of this disease.For 35 years,ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA)has been the unique drug of choice for the treatment of patients with PBC.In recent years,the list of hydrophilic bile acids used to treat cholestatic liver diseases,including PBC,has expanded.In addition to UDCA,the use of obeticholic acid,tauroursodeoxycholic acid and norursodeoxycholic acid as drugs is discussed.The pathogenetic rationale for treatment of PBC with various bile acid drugs is discussed in this review.Emphasis is made on the mechanisms explaining the beneficial therapeutic effects and potential of each of the bile acid as a drug,based on the understanding of the pathogenesis of the initial stages of PBC.

Characteristic of hyaluronic acid derivative films cross-linked by polyethylene glycol of low water content

Objective:To test the characteristics of hyaluronic acid(HA)derivative cross-linked by polyethylene glycol films of low water content.Methods:The cross-linked HA film with 200μm thickness was got at atmospheric pressure at 25℃for 5 d.After dried,cross-linked films of 10 mm×10 mm were weighed and immersed in phosphate buffered saline (PBS pH 7.45)at 37℃for 24 h.Then the solution fraction and water content were estimated.Meanwhile,cross-linked HA derivative films were immersed in phosphate buffered saline(PBS:pH 7.45)at 37℃for determined time and then implanted subcutaneously in the back of white rats to test in vitro or in vivo degradation characteristic.Results and Conclusion:HA hydrogel cross-linked by polyethylene glycol with water content is as low as 60% and this kind of HA derivative has a slow degradation rate.

Maintaining moderate levels of hypochlorous acid promotes neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation in the recovery phase of stroke

It has been shown clinically that continuous removal of ischemia/reperfusion-induced reactive oxygen species is not conducive to the recovery of late stroke.Indeed,previous studies have shown that excessive increases in hypochlorous acid after stroke can cause severe damage to brain tissue.Our previous studies have found that a small amount of hypochlorous acid still exists in the later stage of stroke,but its specific role and mechanism are currently unclear.To simulate stroke in vivo,a middle cerebral artery occlusion rat model was established,with an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation model established in vitro to mimic stroke.We found that in the early stage(within 24 hours)of ischemic stroke,neutrophils produced a large amount of hypochlorous acid,while in the recovery phase(10 days after stroke),microglia were activated and produced a small amount of hypochlorous acid.Further,in acute stroke in rats,hypochlorous acid production was prevented using a hypochlorous acid scavenger,taurine,or myeloperoxidase inhibitor,4-aminobenzoic acid hydrazide.Our results showed that high levels of hypochlorous acid(200μM)induced neuronal apoptosis after oxygen/glucose deprivation/reoxygenation.However,in the recovery phase of the middle cerebral artery occlusion model,a moderate level of hypochlorous acid promoted the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons and astrocytes.This suggests that hypochlorous acid plays different roles at different phases of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.Lower levels of hypochlorous acid(5 and 100μM)promoted nuclear translocation ofβ-catenin.By transfection of single-site mutation plasmids,we found that hypochlorous acid induced chlorination of theβ-catenin tyrosine 30 residue,which promoted nuclear translocation.Altogether,our study indicates that maintaining low levels of hypochlorous acid plays a key role in the recovery of neurological function.