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A new approach is presented here for constructing higher-performance anion exchange membranes (AEMs) by combining block-type and comb-shaped architectures. A series of quaternization fluorene-containing block poly (arylene ether nitrile ketone)s (QFPENK-m-n) were synthesized by varying the length of hydrophobic segment as AEMs. The well-designed architecture, which involved grafting comb-shaped C10 long alkyl side chains onto the block-type main chains, formed efficient ion-transport channels, as confirmed by atomic force microscopy. As a result, the AEMs showed high hydroxide conductivities in the range of 34.3–102.1 mS⋅cm−1 from 30 to 80 °C at moderate ion exchange capacities (IECs). Moreover, the hydrophobic segment with nitrile groups also exhibited a profound anti-swelling property for the AEMs, resulting in ultralow swelling ratios ranging from 4.7% to 7.1% at 30 °C and 7.5%–9.8% at 80 °C, as well as superb conductivity-to-swelling ratios at 80 °C. In addition, the AEMs displayed good mechanical properties, thermal and oxidative stability, and optimizable alkaline stability. • Block poly (arylene ether nitrile ketone)s with comb-shaped alkyl chains were prepared for AEMs. • Effects of the hydrophobic segments on AEMs' morphology and properties were studied. • The AEMs showed clear phase separation morphology between the hydrophilic/hydrophobic segments. • The AEMs showed high hydroxide conductivity in the range of 34.3–102.1 mS cm−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The first total synthesis of syringalide B, 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl 4-O-[(E)-feruloyl]-β-d-glucopyranoside, is described. The hydroxyl groups were protected with allyloxycarbonyl (Aoc) and allyl groups, which successfully prevent the migration of the feruloyl group during the deblocking procedure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Based on the two antigenic peptides, 26–43 (P26) and 116–131 (P116), derived from 28kDa glutathione S-transferase of Schistosoma mansoni (Sm28GST), two multiple antigenic peptides (MAPs), (P26)4-MAP and (P116)4-MAP with the same oligomeric lysine core, were synthesized by stepwise solid-phase peptide synthesis method. The antigenicities and protective effects of these two MAPs were examined on experimental animals. As shown in the dot-ELISA result, the synthetic MAPs could be recognized and bound by immunoglobins in both patient’s and infected-rabbit’s sera. After Kunming mice were immunized with (P26)4-MAP, the worm burden reduction rate and the liver egg reduction rate were 59.9% and 61.1%. In (P26)4-MAP or (P116)4-MAP immunized BALB/c mice, the worm burden reduction rates were 37.5% and 62.5%, respectively, and the liver egg reduction rates were 35.1% and 54.0%, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective The pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is the troublesome complication after total laryngectomy. Despite a large number of investigations having been performed, there is still controversy about which factors are most significant for PCF. The objective of the present meta-analysis was to analyze the potential risk factors for PCF after total laryngectomy. Data sources Published English-language literature. Review methods PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched using multiple search terms. Twenty-one studies with 3832 patients were identified. The quality of evidence was assessed by The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Results Sixteen studies involving 2598 patients were included for the meta-analysis. The results showed that, tumor subsite (RR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.47–0.88, P < 0.01), T stage (RR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.51–0.96, P = 0.03), previous radiotherapy (RR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.46–0.84, P < 0.01), postoperative hemoglobin <12.5 g/L (RR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.27–0.76, P < 0.01), and surgical margin (RR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.22–0.74, P < 0.01) were the risk factors associated with the development of PCF. Conclusions From the results of our study, several significant risk factors for PCF are identified. Methodologically high-quality comparative studies are needed for further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiogenesis plays an essential role in many physiological and pathological processes. Auranofin (Ridaura ® ), an important gold(I) complex, is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. However, the effect of auranofin on blood vessel formation is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the anti-angiogenic activity of auranofin on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro and zebrafish in vivo . Our results showed that auranofin could inhibit the proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs and disrupted the formation of intersegmental vessels and the subintestinal vessels of zebrafish embryos. Auranofin inhibited the phosphorylation of vascular endothelial growth factor 2 (p-VEGFR2) on HUVECs and suppressed the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway ( vegfa , flt-1 , kdr ) but not thioredoxin reductase ( TrxR ) on zebrafish. Our study suggested that auranofin might serve as a potential anti-angiogenic compound candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]