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Double epoxy group double quaternary ammonium salts (DEpDQAS) were synthesized by epichlorohydrin (ECH) reacting with N,N,N'N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) and N,N,N'N'-tetramethyl-1,6-hexanediamine (TMHDA), respectively. The results of orthogonal experiments showed that temperature and time were the key factors influencing on epoxy value and quaternarization ratio respectively. The optimal condition for higher epoxy value was the reaction temperature at 15 °C and methanol as solvent. The reaction kinetic process was determined by conductivity, which showed that the reaction had a short induction period and appeared discontinuity in progress that the reaction rate of the first stage was almost constant, while the reaction rate of the second stage decreased gradually. The product was characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). The results of surface tension testing showed that DEpDQAS-6 with longer spacer chain had better surface activity and lowered the solution surface tension to 26 mN·m−1 at 25 °C and CMC 0.27 mol·L−1. The thermodynamic parameters of micellization were obtained basing on charged pseudo-phase model. The studies of cytotoxicity in vitro and antibacterial activity showed that DEpDQAS was biocompatible and its antibacterial activity was more effective against Escherichia coli than against Staphylococcus aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Character strengths and development is one of the most important and influential areas of positive psychology. Yet most of this research involves – as per the field generally – research in high income countries, with relatively little awareness of its dynamics in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, there is a burgeoning research base in such countries, but this has hitherto been neither consolidated nor widely disseminated. To remedy this lacuna, this paper reports on a systematic review of the peer-reviewed journal articles on character development in LMICs, analysing 164 articles selected from 1,507 initial abstracts. Our analysis shows that research into character in LMICs is developing rapidly, noting various significant trends with respect to countries, populations, outcomes, and interventions. We also point where further efforts are needed, showing how research on this important topic can continue to prosper in regions that have been relatively neglected in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the most common and severe complications of multiple myeloma (MM). The aim of this study was to learn about the current awareness regarding MM-associated VTE among Chinese hematologists. A nationwide, online, questionnaire-based survey was sent to the specialized hematologists in mainland China. The questionnaire investigated respondents' demographic and occupational characteristics, their ability to identify VTE risk factors, and their thromboprophylaxis decisions for different anti-MM regimens. Six clinical vignettes were used to evaluate hematologists' awareness of stratified thromboprophylaxis. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. A total of 518 valid questionnaires were received. Of the 518 hematologists investigated, only 23.7% of them could identify VTE-related risk factors correctly. Most hematologists could select appropriate thromboprophylaxis for common anti-MM regimens such as VCd (bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone) and VRd (bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone), but not for uncommon ones such as VTD-PACE (bortezomib, thalidomide, dexamethasone, cisplatin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide) and KRd (carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone). The results from the vignettes suggested that only 19.5% of the hematologists could be defined as the 'stratified thromboprophylaxis' group, and the awareness of stratified thromboprophylaxis depended significantly on physicians' age and working seniority. The results of our study showed that a large proportion of Chinese hematologists failed to recognize the VTE risk factors, most of them cannot select appropriate thromboprophylaxis for different MM therapeutic regimens and lack awareness of stratified thromboprophylaxis for MM-associated VTE. A standard VTE prevention guideline is urgently needed for the Chinese myeloma group. Continuous education for new professionals should be encouraged. A VTE collaborative group is supposed to be established in each hospital to enhance the overall medical care for VTE patients. The substantial myeloma patient population and extensive use of immunomodulatory drugs indicate that MM-associated VTE deserves more attention in China. The results from our cross-sectional study showed that a significant proportion of Chinese hematologists failed to identify the VTE risk factors, most of them cannot select appropriate thromboprophylaxis for different MM therapeutic regimens and lack awareness of stratified thromboprophylaxis for MM-associated VTE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have reported that microRNA-221 (miR-221) is abnormally expressed in various cancers, and there has not been a study to systematically analyze the association between miR-221 and chemoresistance in different cancers. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, and Cochrane for relevant studies. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate. A total of 30 studies with 1670 patients were enrolled in our study. Thirteen cancer types have been studied, and traditional chemotherapy, targeted drugs, endocrine therapy, chemoradiotherapy, and other treatments were used. High miR-221 expression was associated with poor chemotherapy response in most studies, and the meta-analysis confirmed this result (OR = 3.64, 95%CI: 1.73–7.62, p = 0.001). Besides, the higher level of miR-221 was related to shorter overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.16, 95%CI: 1.47–3.16, p < 0.001) and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 1.81, 95%CI: 1.51–2.16, p < 0.001) in patients after chemotherapy. Our results highlight that high miR-221 expression has possible associations with chemoresistance and poor prognosis in multiple cancers. Further studies are needed to discover the molecular mechanisms underlying these associations to provide a solid evidence base for it being used as biomarkers of response to chemotherapeutic interventions in cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aim to develop and validate a nomogram model for predicting severe acute kidney injury (AKI) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). A total of 576 patients who received OLT in our center were enrolled. They were assigned to the development and validation cohort according to the time of inclusion. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression using the forward variable selection routine were applied to find risk factors for post-OLT severe AKI. Based on the results of multivariable analysis, a nomogram was developed and validated. Patients were followed up to assess the long-term mortality and development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Overall, 35.9% of patients were diagnosed with severe AKI. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that recipients' BMI (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04–1.17, p = 0.012), hypertension (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.22–4.45, p = 0.010), preoperative serum creatine (sCr) (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.95–0.97, p < 0.001), and intraoperative fresh frozen plasm (FFP) transfusion (OR for each 1000 ml increase 1.34, 95% CI 1.03–1.75, p = 0.031) were independent risk factors for post-OLT severe AKI. They were all incorporated into the nomogram. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.73 (p < 0.05) and 0.81 (p < 0.05) in the development and validation cohort. The calibration curve demonstrated the predicted probabilities of severe AKI agreed with the observed probabilities (p > 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients in the high-risk group stratified by the nomogram suffered significantly poorer long-term survival than the low-risk group (HR 1.92, p < 0.01). The cumulative risk of CKD was higher in the severe AKI group than no severe AKI group after competitive risk analysis (HR 1.48, p < 0.05). With excellent predictive abilities, the nomogram may be a simple and reliable tool to identify patients at high risk for severe AKI and poor long-term prognosis after OLT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that the progression of hyperuricemia disease often contributes to renal dysfunction. However, there have been few studies on uric acid nephropathy (UAN), especially its relationship with gut microbiota. UAN is usually accompanied by disordered intestinal flora, and damaged gut barrier, which are closely related to tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and systemic inflammation. In previous studies, it has been confirmed that curcumin could alleviate tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and improve renal function through its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory efficacies. However, the effects curcumin exerts on intestinal flora in uric acid nephropathy are still unknown. Therefore, we used next-generation sequencing technology to investigate the effects of curcumin on gut microbiota in a rat model of UAN induced by adenine and potassium oxonate, and rats were randomly divided into control, model or curcumin treatment groups. The results demonstrated that, compared to the model group, the treatment group showed decreased serum uric acid (156.80 ± 11.90 μmol/L vs. 325.60 ± 18.65 μmol/L, p < 0.001), serum creatinine (66.20 ± 11.88 μmol/L vs. 182.20 ± 8.87 μmol/L, p < 0.001) and BUN level (13.33 ± 3.16 mmol/L vs. 36.04 ± 6.60 mmol/L, p < 0.001). The treatment group also displayed attenuated renal pathological lesions and metabolic endotoxemia (25.60 ± 5.90 ng/mL vs. 38.40 ± 4.98 ng/mL, p < 0.01), and improved tightly linked proteins expression. Besides, curcumin altered the gut microbiota structure in UAN rats. More specifically, curcumin treatment protected against the overgrowth of opportunistic pathogens in UAN, including Escherichia-Shigella and Bacteroides, and increased the relative abundance of bacteria producing short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as Lactobacillus and Ruminococcaceae. These results suggest that curcumin could modulate gut microbiota, fortify the intestinal barrier, attenuate metabolic endotoxemia, and consequently protect the renal function in UAN rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although several reports regarding COVID-19 among MM patients have been published at the time of writing [[6]], we still could not reach an agreement on risk co-variates and prognosis of COVID-19 in MM population. Since December 2019, when coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in Wuhan and then spread worldwide, there have been several studies on SARS-CoV-2 infection in cancer patients [[1]]. Real-world assessment of the clinical impact of symptomatic infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (COVID-19 disease) in patients with multiple myeloma receiving systemic anti-cancer therapy. Hospital exposure to COVID-19 should be avoided and tailored chemotherapy regimens should be planned for MM patients during COVID-19 epidemic. [Extracted from the article]

With the appeals for antibiotic-free production and the attention to natural feed additives in poultry. The effects of fresh lemon (FM) supplementation on older laying hens (79–96 weeks) and its comparison with citric acid (CA) and flavomycin (FLA) were evaluated in the present study. Female Jingfen chickens (n = 540) were randomly distributed into 5 dietary treatments: 0 (control), 20 g/kg (2%) and 40 g/kg (4%) FM, 0.7 g/kg CA and 0.005 g/kg FLA. Production performances were recorded daily and egg quality traits were measured biweekly. Serum biochemical indices and antibody titres were detected every 4 weeks from 84 to 96 weeks of age. Compared with the control diet, FM, CA and FLA increased the laying rate (p <.05) and average daily feed intake (ADFI), and reduced the feed to egg ratio (FER), indicating positive effects on production performance. Albumen height and HU were increased by 2% and 4% FM groups compared to the control, while albumen height was decreased in CA and FLA groups. FM improved serum antioxidant enzyme activities (p <.05) and reduced serum HDL, LDL, TG and T-CH compared to other groups, indicating favourable effects on antioxidative status and lipid metabolism. Antibody titres against H5N1, H9N2 and NDV were higher in FM groups than that in other groups during most experimental periods (p <.05). In conclusion, FM supplementation enhanced the production performance and antioxidant capacity of laying hens during the late laying period and was superior to the CA and FLA in improving albumen quality, immune status and lipid metabolism. FM supplementation in layers' diets had positive effects on production performance, egg albumen quality and lipid metabolism, and could enhance antioxidant capacity and immune levels. Adding FM had better effects on the albumen quality, immune status and lipid metabolism of laying hens than adding CA and FLA during the late laying period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PSiQAEp-GH polymers were synthesized by the reaction of gelatin hydrolysate (GH) and polysiloxane quaternary ammonium salts containing epoxy group (PSiQAEp) with different molecular weight from 3147 to 12996. The results of FTIR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR showed that the reaction occurred between primary amino group of arginine in GH and epoxy of PSiQAEp. The XRD and DSC studies showed that the degree of short-range order of PSiQAEp-GH reduced and its glass transition temperature (Tg) lowered more than 10 °C compared with GH. The determinations of moisture absorption and contact angle (CA) indicated that the hydrophobility of PSiQAEp-GH was better than GH. The tests of inhibitory zone and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) illustrated that the PSiQAEp-GHs exhibited excellent antibacterial activity, and the antibacterial activity depended on both the chemical structure of PSiQAEp-GHs and the biological structure of the bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel supermacroporous poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylate) (p(HPMA)) cryogel was synthesized by cryogelation method at -16 °C. In this synthesis process, HPMA was used as a monomer, and N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (MBAAm) was used as cross-linker; the reaction was carried out in the presence of redox initiator pair N,N,N',N'-tetramethylene diamine (TEMED) and ammonium persulfate (APS). The effect of monomer concentration, cross-linker content, cooling rate, and dioxane co-solvent were determined with respect to the pore structure, mechanical behavior, swelling degree, and porosity of cryogel. The ESEM images indicate that the pore wall structure of cryogels was rough; moreover, small holes were present in the pore walls of cryogels. The result of compression test indicates that cryogels can be compressed by at least 80% without any breakdown. The result of swelling kinetics indicates that cryogels attain swelling equilibrium in 10 s. Furthermore, p(HPMA)-Cu2+ cryogel was prepared by loading Cu2+ ions on functionalized poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylate)- iminodiacetic acid (p(HPMA)-IDA) cryogel. We investigated the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on cryogels. The results indicate that compared to Freundlich isotherm, Langmuir isotherm could more suitably describe the adsorption process of BSA on cryogels. Meanwhile, the adsorption capacity of p(HPMA)-Cu2+ cryogel was significantly greater than that of p(HPMA) cryogel. The maximum adsorption capacity of BSA on p(HPMA)-Cu2+ cryogel, which was treated with 1 M Cu2+ ions, was as high as 196.87 mg/g cryogel (equivalent to 20.48 mg/mL cryogel) at 25 °C and pH = 7.8; therefore, the maximum adsorption capacity of BSA on p(HPMA)-Cu2+ cryogel was 4.35 times higher than that of p(HPMA) cryogel. Thus, the adsorption capacity of cryogels was strongly influenced by Cu2+ concentration, moreover, temperature changes clearly affected the adsorption capacity of p(HPMA)-Cu2+cryogel. The adsorption capacity at 25 °C was twice as that at 15 °C. By calculating Gibbs free energy change (?G) of adsorption, we found that the adsorption process was spontaneous; moreover, adsorption process occurred better at higher temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composite of hexadecanol-stearic acid/bamboo charcoal (HD-SA/BC) was prepared by physisorption method using the eutectic mixture of hexadecanol and stearic acid as phase change component and bamboo charcoal as matrix. The structure, morphology, and thermal properties of HD-SA/BC were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the test of melting and solidification process. The results show BC interacts with HD-SA by capillary force and surface tension, and the HD-SA is effectively absorbed into the hole of BC. Furthermore, the phase change temperature and enthalpy of HD-SA/BC are 45.29°C and 68.85 J g-1, respectively, and the thermal conductivity of the composite is improved by using BC as matrix material. The thermal cycle test of shape-stabilized HD-SA/BC indicates that the composite still has good heat storage capability after 50 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycidyl trimethyl ammonium chloride-modified chitosan (GMAC-m-CS) was synthesized through nucleophilic substitution of GMAC on CS in isopropanol dispersed system, which was characterized by FTIR and1H NMR methods. The interaction between GMAC-m-CS and surface active ILs −1-dodecyl (tetradecyl and hexadecyl)-3-methylimidazolium bromide (CnmimBr,n = 12, 14, 16) was studied by surface tension and conductivity methods. The amount of CnmimBr adsorbed on GMAC-m-CS increases first with raising temperature, and then decreases, which reaches the largest amount at 30°C. The amount increases with the increase of alkyl chain length. The surface tension reducing capabilities of GMAC-m-CS/CnmimBr systems increase with temperature, however, decrease with the increase of GMAC-m-CS concentration. The aggregation processes of C14mimBr in solutions without GMAC-m-CS and with high concentration of GMAC-m-CS were entropy driven; however, it is enthalpy driven in solutions with low concentration of GMAC-m-CS. Based on the analysis of properties of GMAC-m-CS/CnmimBr, the interaction model of GMAC-m-CS/ILs was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The oxime-blocking reaction of several aliphatic isocyanates, such as 1,6-Hexane diisocyanate (HDI), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and dicyclohexylmethane-4,4′-diisocyanate (H12MDI), is investigated. The reaction is carried on in various solvents that are divided into two categories: aromatic solvents and oxygen-contained solvents.In situFT-IR is used to monitor the reaction and show the large difference of solvent and the structure of isocyanate. Kinetic studies indicate that the reaction rate appears faster in aromatic solvents although the polarity of aromatic solvents is lower. Then, thermodynamic parameters of the blocking reaction, such as activation energy (Ea), enthalpy (ΔH*) and entropy (ΔS*), are determined from the Arrhenius and Eyring equations. It is found that activation energy in aromatic solvents is higher, but the reaction rate is much faster, all of which are discussed corresponding to the reaction mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gelatin (GE) was modified with epoxy silicone quaternary ammonium salt (EPSiQA) under alkaline conditions (pH 10–11). Silyl and quaternary ammonium groups were linked to gelatin skeleton simultaneously. It was illustrated by XRD and DSC that the short-range order of GE is destroyed and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of GE drops 10 °C after modification. The measured contact angles and surface free energy calculated by Owens–Wendt equation showed that the surface energy of modified gelatin EPSiQA-GE is mainly contributed by the dispersive component of non-polarity silicone groups, the hydrophobility of EPSiQA-GE increases with the increase of grafted silicone units in gelatin. The results of minimum inhibitory concentration indicated that EPSiQA-GE has bactericidal property against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria and has no antibacterial effect on mold. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Epoxypropyl dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (EPDDMAC) was synthesized withN,N-dimethyl dodecyl amine (DMDA) and epichlorohydrin (EPIC). Diethyl-2,3-epoxypropyl-[3-methyldimethoxyl)] silpropyl ammonium chloride (DEEPSAC) was synthesized withN,N-diethyl-aminopropyl-methyldimethoxysilane (DEAPMDES) and epichlorohydrin (EPIC). The products were characterized by infrared and elemental analysis and1H NMR spectroscopy. The surface tension, conductivity, and antibacterial activities of EPDDMAC and DEEPSAC were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Previous in vitro studies have demonstrated that emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methyl-anthraquinone), an anthraquinone derivative from the rhizome of Rheum palmatum L., can inhibit the activation of P2X7 receptors (P2X7R) as a potential antagonist. However, the effects of emodin on P2X7R-related inflammatory processes remain unclear. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of emodin on different inflammation responses of macrophages induced by ATP, the natural ligand of P2X7R. Materials and methods: Rat peritoneal macrophages were treated with millimolar ATP and emodin (0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10 µM) or brilliant blue G (BBG, 0.1, 1, 10 µM). Cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) was detected by fluorescent Ca2+ imaging. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) release was measured by rat IL-1β ELISA kits. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was examined by dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescent staining. Phagocytic activity was tested by neutral red uptake assay. Results: We found that the [Ca2+]c increase evoked by ATP (5 mM) was inhibited by emodin, in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 of 0.5 μM. Furthermore, emodin reduced the IL-1β release induced by ATP (2 mM) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages, with an IC50 of 1.6 μM. Emodin also strongly suppressed the ROS production and phagocytosis attenuation triggered by ATP (1 mM), with IC50 values of 1 μM and 0.7 μM, respectively. Besides, BBG, a specific antagonist of P2X7R, exhibited similar suppressive effects on these inflammation responses. Conclusion: These results showed the inhibitory effects of emodin on ATP-induced [Ca2+]c increase, IL-1β release, ROS production and phagocytosis attenuation in rat peritoneal macrophages, by inhibiting the activation of P2X7R. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel class of organosilicon quaternary gemini surfactants alkanediyl-α, ω-bis(methyl-dimethoxy-silopropyl-diethyl ammonium bromide) was synthesized with N,N-diethyl-aminopropyl-methyl-dimethoxysilane and α, ω-dibromoalkane as the raw materials, where the N,N-diethyl-aminopropyl-methyl-dimethoxysilane was synthesized by reacting diethylamine with γ-chloropropylmethyldimethoxysilane. The effects of various solvents on the conversion rate of the reaction and on purification of surfactants were investigated. The structures of the organosilicon quaternary ammonium gemini surfactants were determined by means of 1H NMR and elemental analysis. The properties of aqueous solution were measured with electrical conductivity and viscosity methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The viscosity of gelatin solutions with concentrations between 10-4 and 10-5 g/cm3, covering the extremely dilute zones, was studied via a photoelectric viscometer, and the effects of the electrolyte, pH, surfactant, urea, and temperature were discussed. The results showed that the reduced viscosity (ηsp/C) of gelatin exhibited a drastic increase with dilution in the extremely dilute aqueous solutions, this being a typical polyelectrolyte effect. The reduced viscosity of gelatin underwent several oscillations with varying pH; the minimum value of the viscosity was at pH = 5.0, corresponding to its isoelectric point, where gelatin exhibited antipolyelectrolyte behavior. The reduced viscosity of gelatin decreased with increasing temperature, which was due to the helix-coil transition in the gelatin solution. The temperature of the helix-coil transition was 30.0°C in gelatin aqueous solution; however the temperature of helix-coil transition decreased to 20.0°C in urea. Upon cooling, the gelatin molecules in aqueous solution underwent a coil-helix transition. Hydrophobic interactions caused chain folding in the presence of the surfactant sodium dodecylsulphate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]