Research progress of TCM monomer in treating diabetic kidney disease based on inflammatory mechanism

With the increasing morbidity of diabetes mellitus (DM), diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has become the major reason causing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) over the world. However, current treating strategy is aiming at blood glucose controlling and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) restricting which can’t effectively preventing the development of DKD. Recent research indicating that low level of inflammatory and activation of immune system play a significant role in occurrence and progression of DKD. Understanding of inflammatory cascade and its mechanism is conducive to discern novel target of DKD and contributing to design new treating strategy based on anti-inflammatory. For the past few years, an increasing number of evidences proved that Tradit Chin Med (TCM) could delay the progression of ESRD on the basis of inflammatory. In this review, we overview the protective effect against DKD-based renal injury of TCM monomer, offering novel ideas in drug discovery and in mechanism-related research.sd.

An Affordable and Easily Accessible Approach for Acrylonitrile Monomer Purification through a Simple Column Technique

This manuscript presents a dataset detailing a method for purifying monomers. Purification plays a crucial role in every chemical process, as it leads to an improvement in product quality through the removal of impurities. The primary method for monomer purification, like acrylonitrile (AN), is the distillation technique. However, this technique is unsafe and hard to set up or handle. A straightforward, risk-free, low-cost method like the column technique resolves these issues. A simple column technique demonstrated the successful execution of purifying AN. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses confirmed that AN was successfully purified, with purity reaching 99.8%. FTIR spectra revealed changes in the position and intensity of the stretching vibration peaks after purification. Also, the functional groups of the inhibitor monomethyl ether of hydroquinone (MeHQ) were undetected after purification. Furthermore, after purification, NMR spectra revealed the absence of aromatic protons and carbons associated with MeHQ. In conclusion, the column technique is a successful and inexpensive way to purify AN monomers. This makes it useful for a wide range of applications, especially in polymerization reactions where MeHQ needs to be removed to prevent self-polymerization during the initiation process.

Construction of all-organic low dielectric polyimide hybrids via synergistic effect between covalent organic framework and cross-linking structure

Polyimide(PI)is a promising electronic packaging material,but it remains challenging to obtain an all-organic PI hybrid film with decreased dielectric constant and loss without modifying the monomer.Herein,a series of allorganic PI hybrid films were successfully prepared by introducing the covalent organic framework(COF),which could induce the formation of the cross-linking structure in the PI matrix.Due to the synergistic effects of the COF fillers and the cross-linking structure,the PI/COF hybrid film containing 2 wt%COF exhibited the lowest dielectric constant of 2.72 and the lowest dielectric loss(tanδ)of 0.0077 at 1 MHz.It is attributed to the intrinsic low dielectric constant of COF and a large number of mesopores within the PI.Besides,the cross-linking network of PI prevents the molecular chains from stacking and improves the fraction of free volume(FFV).The molecular dynamics simulation results are well consistent with the dielectric properties data.Furthermore,the PI/COF hybrid film with 5 wt%COF showed a significant enhancement in breakdown strength,which increased to 412.8 kV/mm as compared with pure PI.In addition,the PI/COF hybrid film achieve to reduce the dielectric constant and thermal expansion coefficient(CTE).It also exhibited excellent thermal,hydrophobicity,and mechanical performance.The all-organic PI/COF hybrid films have great commercial potential as next-generation electronic packaging materials.

Cross-Linking of Sago Starch with Furan and Bismaleimide via the Diels-Alder Reaction

This research paper describes the synthesis of thermo-reversible cross-linking of sago starch by grafting a furan pendant group(methyl 2-furoate)onto the starch backbone,followed by a Diels-Alder(DA)reaction of the furan functional group with 1,1′-(methylenedi-4,1-phenylene)bismaleimide(BM).The proof of principles was provided by FTIR and 1H-NMR analyses.The relevant FTIR peaks are the carbonyl peak(υC=O sym)at 1721 cm^(−1);the two peaks appeared after DA cross-linking,i.e.,at 1510 cm^(−1)(corresponding toυCH=CH BM aromatic rings,stretching vibrations),and at 1173 cm^(−1)(assigned to cycloadduct(C-O-C,δDA ring))while the^(1)H-NMR result shows evidence for the presence of a furan ring in the starch matrices(in the range ofδ6.3-7.5 ppm).The crosslinked starch product is indeed thermally reversible,as is evident from the appearance of exothermal(DA,temperature range of 50℃-70℃)and endothermal(retro DA,temperature range of 125℃-150℃)transitions in the DSC thermograms.This paper not only proves the thermal reversibility but also demonstrates that the final product properties(chemical,morphology,and thermal stability)can be tuned by varying the annealing temperature,BM intake,and reaction time.

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.

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.

possible role of soluble fibrin monomer complex after gastroenterological surgery

AIM To examine the role of soluble fibrin monomer complex(SFMC) in the prediction of hypercoagulable state after gastroenterological surgery.METHODS We collected data on the clinical risk factors and fibrin-related makers from patients who underwent gastroenterological surgery at Hiroshima University Hospital between April 1, 2014 and March 31, 2015. We investigated the clinical significance of SFMC, which is known to reflect the early plasmatic activation of coagulation, in the view of these fibrin related markers.RESULTS A total of 123 patients were included in the present study. There were no patients with symptomatic VTE. Thirty-five(28%) patients received postoperative anticoagulant therapy. In the multivariate analysis, a high SFMC level on POD 1 was independently associated with D-dimer elevation on POD 7(OR = 4.31, 95%CI: 1.10-18.30, P = 0.03). The cutoff SFMC level was 3.8 μg/ml(AUC = 0.78, sensitivity, 63%, specificity, 89%). The D-dimer level on POD 7 was significantly reduced in high-SFMC patients who received anticoagulant therapy in comparison to highSFMC patients who did not.CONCLUSION The SFMC on POD 1 strongly predicted the hypercoagulable state after gastroenterological surgery than the clinical risk factors and the other fibrin related markers.

A novel associative latex thickener using ethoxylated behenyl methacrylate as functional monomer

Alkali-soluble associative latex thickeners modified with hydrophobic long chain alkyl groups were prepared using common acrylics and varying amount of a functional monomer,ethoxylated behenyl methacrylate(BEM),through emulsion polymerization.It was found that the size of the emulsion particle became larger with addition of BEM.The light transmittance of the thickener latex sharply increased with pH varied from 6 to 7.The associative latex thickener manifested a higher viscosity when solids in the latex thickeners were kept at 0.5 wt%or higher,and the optimal amount of BEM was found to be around 2.5 wt%,or 0.16 mol%.All thickener latexes modified with BEM have better shearing resistance than the BEM-free thickener.

Simulation research on monomer agglomeration of nonmetallic inclusions in steel with a diffusion limited aggregation model

The monomer agglomeration of nonmetallic inclusions was simulated with a diffusion limited aggregation （DLA） model of the fractal theory. The simulation study with a random two-dimensional diffusion was carried out. The results indicate that the DLA model can be used for the simulation of agglomeration behavior of the cluster-type inclusions. The morphology of clusters was observed with SEM and compared with the simulated agglomerates. The modelling procedure of the DLA model is applicable for the agglomeration process. The uncertainty of agglomeration process and the persuasive average agglomerative ratio was analyzed. The factors about the agglomerative ratio with the collision path distance and the size of particles or seed were discussed. The adherence of the nonmetallic inclusions on the dam, the weir and the walls of a tundish, and the absorption of inclusions by stopper or nozzle were also discussed.

HYDROPHOBICALLY ASSOCIATING POLYACRYLAMIDES MODIFIED BY A NOVEL SELF-ASSOCIATIVE CATIONIC MONOMER

A series of hydrophobically associating polyacrylamides modified by small amounts （〈 3 mol%） of a self- associative cationic monomer 4-（2-（acryloyloxy） ethoxy） benzyl tri-ethyl ammonium bromide （AEBA） as hydrophobe were synthesized by radical copolymerization in aqueous solutions without external surfactants. The resulting eopolymers containing a multiblock structure exhibited a high tendency for hydrophobic association and a high thickening capacity. Solution properties and aggregation structures were investigated by viscometry and fluorescence technique. The high viscosity enhancement was found as the polymer concentration beyond a critical value c＊ and strongly depended on the copolymer microstructures. The number and length of hydrophobic microblocks within the copolymer backbones could be controlled by changing the AEBA concentration in copolymerization system. Addition of salt induced more hydrophobic association and viscosity enhancement. The synthesis method used was simple and environmentally friendly without any external surfactant contamination in comparison with the conventional micellar copolymerization.

Yizhijiannao Granule and a combination of its effective monomers,icariin and Panax notoginseng saponins,inhibit early PC12 cell apoptosis induced by beta-amyloid(25-35)

One of our previous studies showed that Yizhijiannao Granule,a compound Chinese medicine, effectively improved the clinical symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.In the present study,we established a model of Alzheimer’s disease using beta-amyloid（25-35）in PC12 cells,and treated the cells with Yizhijiannao Granule and its four monomers,i.e.,icariin,catechin,Panax notoginseng saponins,and eleutheroside E.Flow cytometry showed that Yizhijiannao Granule-containing serum, icariin,Panax notoginseng saponins,and icariin＋Panax notoginseng saponins were protective against beta-amyloid（25-35）-induced injury in PC12 cells.Icariin in combination with Panax notoginseng saponins significantly inhibited early apoptosis of PC12 cells with beta-amyloid （25-35）-induced injury compared to icariin or Panax notoginseng saponins alone.The effects of icariin＋Panax notoginseng saponins were similar to the effects of Yizhijiannao Granule.The findings indicate that two of the effective monomers of Yizhijiannao Granule,icariin and Panax notoginseng saponins,can synergistically inhibit early apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by beta-amyloid（25-35）.

PERVAPORATION PROPERTIES OF PDMS MEMBRANES CURED WITH DIFFERENT CROSS-LINKING REAGENTS FOR ETHANOL CONCENTRATION FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS

Ethanol perm-selective PDMS/PVDF composite membranes were prepared by curing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with various cross-linking reagents,such as tetraethoxylsilane(TEOS),γ-aminopropyltriethoxylsilane(APTEOS), phenyltrimethoxylsilane(PTMOS) and octyltrimethoxylsilane(OTMOS) as well.The cross-linking density and surface properties of the PDMS active layer were adjusted by varying cross-linking reagents.The pervaporation performance of PDMS membranes cured with different cross-linking reagents was investig...

Experimental study on the treatment of rabbit corneal melting after alkali burn with Collagen cross-linking

AIM: To evaluate the effect of Collagen cross-linking on the prevention of melting in rabbit corneas after alkali burn. METHODS: Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into model control group and collagen cross-linking treatment group. The second group of rabbits received collagen cross linked treatment. Both groups were applied with antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection. The corneas were evaluated for melting, opacity, pathological and immunohistochemistry, record the changes when 28 days after the animals were killed. RESULTS: In the control group, 6 out of 8 rabbits showed corneal melting after injury (14 +/- 4) days, while two corneal perforated. In collagen cross-linking treatment group, one rabbit showed corneal melting after injury 23 days, without corneal perforation; corneal dissolution rate between the two groups was significantly different (P <0.05). Pathological examination suggested that in the treatment group, mild corneal edema, mild damage to collagen fibers, inflammatory cell infiltration was significantly less than the control group. Immunohistochemistry showed that corneal collagen fibers arranged in neat rows in the control group. CONCLUSION: Collagen cross-linking treatment not only can prevent and delay the corneal melting after alkali burn, but also can reduce the destruction of corneal collagen fibers and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the corneal tissue.

A short-term study of corneal collagen cross-linking with hypo-osmolar riboflavin solution in keratoconic corneas

AIM: To report the 3mo outcomes of collagen crosslinking(CXL) with a hypo-osmolar riboflavin in thin corneas with the thinnest thickness less than 400 μm without epithelium.METHODS: Eight eyes in 6 patients with age 26.2±4.8y were included in the study. All patients underwent CXL using a hypo-osmolar riboflavin solution after its de-epithelization. Best corrected visual acuity, manifest refraction, the thinnest corneal thickness, and endothelial cell density were evaluated before and 3mo after the procedure.RESULTS: The mean thinnest thickness of the cornea was 408.5 ±29.0 μm before treatment and reduced to369.8 ±24.8 μm after the removal of epithelium. With the application of the hypo-osmolar riboflavin solution, the thickness increased to 445.0 ±26.5 μm before CXL and recover to 412.5 ±22.7 μm at 3mo after treatment, P =0.659). Before surgery, the mean K-value of the apex of the keratoconus corneas was 57.6 ±4.0 diopters, and slightly decreased(54.7±4.9 diopters) after surgery(P =0.085). Mean best-corrected visual acuity was 0.55 ±0.23 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution, and increased to 0.53±0.26 logarithm after surgery(P =0.879).The endothelial cell density was 2706.4 ±201.6 cells/mm2 before treatment, and slightly decreased( 2641. 2 ±218.2 cells/mm2) at last fellow up(P =0.002).CONCLUSION: Corneal collagen cross-linking with a hypo-osmolar riboflavin in thin corneas seems to be a promising treatment. Further study should be done to evaluate the safety and efficiency of CXL in thin corneas for the long-term.

Systematic review and Meta-analysis comparing modified cross-linking and standard cross-linking for progressive keratoconus

AIM：To compare the effectiveness and safety between modified cross-linking（MC）and standard cross-linking（SC）in mild or moderate progressive keratoconus.METHODS：Eligible studies were retrieved from four electronic databases,including CENTRAL,Clinical Trials gov,Pup Med and OVID MEDLINE.We set post-surgical maximum K value（Kmax）as the primary outcome.In addition,uncorrected and corrected distant visual acuity（UDVA and UDVA）,spherical equivalent（SE）,endothelial cell density（ECD）,central cornea thickness（CCT）and depth of demarcation line（DDL）were Meta-analyzed as secondary outcomes.Mean differences for these outcomes were pooled through either a random-effect model or fixed-effect model according to data heterogeneity.RESULTS：Twenty-four comparative studies either on accelerated cross-linking（AC）compared with SC or on transepithelial cross-linking（TC）compared with SC were included and pooled for analysis.The results indicated that MC was significantly inferior to SC at delaying Kmax deterioration[AC vs SC 0.49（95%CI：0.04-0.94,I2=75%,P=0.03）;TC vs SC 1.15（95%CI：0.54-1.75,I2=50%,P=0.0002）].SE decreased significantly for SC when compared to AC[0.62（95%CI：0.38-0.86,I2=22%,P〈0.00001）].DDL of SC was more significantly deeper than that of TC[-133.49（95%CI：-145.94 to-121.04,I2=33%,P〈0.00001）].Other outcomes demonstrated comparable results between MC and SC.CONCLUSION：SC is more favorable at halting the progression of keratoconus,but visual acuity improvement showed comparable results between MCs and SC.

Corneal collagen cross-linking and liposomal amphotericin B combination therapy for fungal keratitis in rabbits

AIM： To observe the therapeutic effect of corneal collagen cross-linking（CXL） in combination with liposomal amphotericin B in fungal corneal ulcers.METHODS： New Zealand rabbits were induced fungal corneal ulcers by scratching and randomly divided into 3groups, i.e. control, treated with CXL, and combined therapy of CXL with 0.25% liposomal amphotericin B（n =5 each）. The corneal lesions were documented with slit-lamp and confocal microscopy on 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 d after treatment. The corneas were examined with transmission electron microscopy（TEM） at 4wk.RESULTS： A rabbit corneal ulcer model of Fusarium was successfully established. The corneal epithelium defect areas in the two treatment groups were smaller than that in the control group on 3, 7, 14 and 21d（P 〈0.05）. The corneal epithelium defect areas of the combined group was smaller than that of the CXL group（P 〈0.05） on 7 and 14 d, but there were no statistical differences on 3, 21 and 28 d. The corneal epithelium defects of the two treatment groups have been healed by day 21. The corneal epithelium defects of the control group were healed on 28 d. The diameters of the corneal collagen fiber bundles（42.960 ±7.383 nm in the CXL group and 37.040±4.160 nm in the combined group） were thicker than that of the control group（24.900±1.868 nm）,but there was no difference between the two treatment groups. Some corneal collagen fiber bundles were distorted and with irregular arrangement, a large number of fibroblasts could be seen among them but no inflammatory cells in both treatment groups. CONCLUSION： CXL combined with liposomal amphotericin B have beneficial effects on fungal corneal ulcers. The combined therapy could alleviate corneal inflammattions, accelerate corneal repair, and shorten the course of disease.

PREPARATION AND SURFACE PROPERTIES OF ACRYLIC COPOLYMERS CONTAINING FLUORINATED MONOMERS

A series of copolymers comprising butylmethacrylate, styrene, butylacrylate, hydroxypropyl acrylate and perfluoroalkyl methacrylate were synthesized by the free radical polymerization using BPO as an initiator. The surface property of the copolymer films was subsequently characterized. The contact angle measurements and energy dispersive analysis of X-ray （EDAX） show that the length and content of perfluoroalkyl side chains in the copolymers are crucial for the preparation of the film with low surface energy. At a given content of fluorinated monomers in the copolymers, the longer the perfluoroalkyl side chain, the larger the water contact angle of the copolymer films will be. On the other hand, the higher the content of fluorinated monomers, the lower the surface energy is. The water contact angle increases with the increase of the fluorinated monomer content and reaches a plateau at 3 wt% of fluorinated monomer content.

Measurement of Monomer Reactivity Ratios of D,L-3-Methylglycolide with Glycolide or D,L-Lactide

For monomer reactivity ratios study, the copolymerization of D,L-3-methylglycolide (MG) with glycolide (GA) or D,L-lactide (LA) was carried out in bulk to a certain low conversion in the presence of stannous octoate at 140 degrees C. The copolymer compositions were determined by H-1 NMR spectroscopy. The monomer reactivity ratios were evaluated by Fineman-Ross method, Kelen-Tudos method and linear least-squares method. The monomer reactivity ratios of D,L-3-methylglycolide and glycolide or D,L-lactide are r(mg)= 0.73, r(ga)= 1.47; r(mg)= 1.71, r(la)= 0.92, respectively.

Radiation-induced cross-linking:a novel avenue to permanent 3D modification of polymeric membranes

Membrane fouling is always the biggest problem in the practice of membrane separation technologies,which strongly impacts their applicability,separation efficiency,cost effectiveness,and service lifespan.Herein,a simple but effective 3D modification approach was designed for permanently functionalizing polymeric membranes by directly cross-linking polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)under gamma-ray irradiation at room temperature without any additives.After the modification,a PVA layer was constructed on the membrane surface and the pore inner surface of polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF)membranes.This endowed them with good hydrophilicity,low adsorption of protein model foulants,and easy recoverability properties.In addition,the pore size and distribution were customized by controlling the PVA concentration,which enhanced the rejection ability of the resultant membranes and converted them from microfiltration to ultrafiltration.The crosslinked PVA layer was equipped with the resultant membranes with good resistance to chemical cleaning by acidic,alkaline,and oxidative reagents,which could greatly prolong the membrane service lifetime.Furthermore,this approach was demonstrated as a universal method to modify PVDF membranes with other hydrophilic macromolecular modifiers,including polyethylene glycol,sodium alginate,and polyvinyl pyrrolidone.This modification of the membranes effectively endowed them with good hydrophilicity and antifouling properties,as expected.

New Family of Functionalized Monomers Based on Amines: A Novel Synthesis that Exploits the Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction

Chemistry modifications are usually performed to introduce specific group that can increase properties and functionality of materials. In this study, we present the synthesis of six new functionalized monomers prepared by nucleophilic substitution reactions. Reaction of aliphatic and aromatic amines with acryloyl chloride at –20&#186;C, in presence of triethylamine allowed the synthesis of the corresponding amides. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and ultraviolet- visible (UV-Vis) measurements confirmed the success of the synthesis with a yield over 90%. These compounds emerged as potentially attractive monomers since they can be used to obtain stimuli-sensitive polymeric materials, due to the presence of amide and pyridine groups.