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High-molecular-weight linear polymers (HMWLPs) have earned the name "drag-reducing polymers" because of their ability to reduce drag in turbulent flows. Recently, these polymers have become popular in bioengineering applications. This study investigated whether the addition of HMWLP in a venoarterial extracorporeal circulation (ECC) model could improve microvascular perfusion and oxygenation. Golden Syrian hamsters were instrumented with a dorsal skinfold window chamber and subjected to ECC using a circuit comprised of a peristaltic pump and a bubble trap. The circuit was primed with lactated Ringer solution (LR) containing either 5 ppm of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with a low molecular weight of 500 kDa (PEG500k) or 5 ppm of PEG with a high molecular weight of 3,500 kDa (PEG3500k). After 90 min of ECC at 15% of the animal's cardiac output, the results showed that the addition of PEG3500k to LR improved microvascular blood flow in arterioles and venules acutely (2 h after ECC), whereas functional capillary density showed improvement up to 24 h after ECC. Similarly, PEG3500k improved venular hemoglobin O2 saturation on the following day after ECC. The serum and various excised organs all displayed reduced inflammation with the addition of PEG3500k, and several of these organs also had a reduction in markers of damage with the HMWLPs compared to LR alone. These promising results suggest that the addition of small amounts of PEG3500k can help mitigate the loss of microcirculatory function and reduce the inflammatory response from ECC procedures.NEW & NOTEWORTHY High-molecular-weight linear polymers have gained traction in bioengineering applications. The addition of PEG3500k to lactated Ringer solution (LR) improved microvascular blood flow in arterioles and venules acutely after extracorporeal circulation (ECC) in a hamster model and improved functional capillary density up to 24 h after ECC. PEG3500k improved venular hemoglobin O2 saturation and oxygen delivery acutely after ECC and reduced inflammation in various organs compared to LR alone.

Porous polyethylene glycol terephthalate (PET) film is a kind of mesopore structure template with pore size ranging from nanometer to micrometer by chemical etching after irradiation of heavy ions. The etching rate is an important factor affecting the pore morphology and quality of the membrane. In this paper, four stacked PET film were irradiated with 140 MeV [sup.32]S ions at room temperature and vacuum. During chemical etching of irradiated samples, the path etching rate [V.sub.t] was determined by conduction method, and the bulk etching rate [V.sub.b] was determined by weighing method. The relationship between etching temperature, concentration, sensitization time, and etching rate was studied. The results show that the etching rate is exponentially correlated with the etching temperature, and increases linearly with the increase of the etching solution concentration. When the concentration of NaOH is 3 mol [L.sup.-1] and the etching temperature is 75[degrees]C, the formation of cylindrical micropores is the most favorable. The pore size of porous PET film can be adjusted, and the relationship between pore size and etching time is d(nm) = 15nm + 0.24t. This is of great significance for the preparation of nanowires with uniform size and stable properties. Highlights * We have obtained the optimal conditions for obtaining cylindrical holes. * The relationship between the diameter of holes and etching time were determined. KEYWORDS bulk etching rate, heavy ions, mesopore, path etching rate, porous PET film, 1 | INTRODUCTION Template method is one of the most effective methods for the preparation of one-dimensional nanomaterials, which has been recognized and adopted by more and more researchers due [...]

In this study, a wound-healing membrane was fabricated based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) containing curcumin (Cur) and bromelain (Br). Citric acid (CA) was used as a cross-linking agent. This membrane showed an ideal degree of swelling, which was significantly dependent on the concentration and duration of cross-linked CA. The chemical characterization showed the CA cross-linker mechanism was more associated with chemical reactions with CMC carboxyl groups, and PEG hydroxyl groups played an important role in forming a hybrid polymer network. It greatly enhanced mechanical and adhesive properties, so the stress strength was improved from 29.4 to 38.52 Mpa. The hydrophilicity of the membrane surface according to the water contact angle assay showed the membrane surface is suitable for adhesion, growth, migration, and proliferation of skin cells. The drug delivery assay demonstrated that the Br and Cur were released during 48 h, but the Br followed the burst release in comparison with Cur. Antibacterial properties showed that CMC/PEG-Cur/Br have ideal antibacterial properties for preventing the growth of bacteria. In summary, the engineered CMC/PEG containing Cur/Br films with desired cell viability properties and antibacterial activity can potentially improve and accelerate skin regeneration for chronic wound healing. Highlights * Hydrogel film was prepared based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and citric acid as cross-linking agent. * CMC/PEG film were induced controlling curcumin (Cur) and bromelain (Br) release for wound healing process. * CMC/PEG film revealed a wide range of physiochemical, mechanical, adhesion, and biological properties behavior. * Incorporation of Cur and Br promoted in vitro biocompatibility, L-929 cells attachments, and cell migration. KEYWORDS antibacterial properties, bromelain, carboxymethyl cellulose, curcumin, drug delivery, polyethylene glycol, wound dressing, 1 | INTRODUCTION As the largest human tissue, the skin serves a crucial role as a barrier against infection. (1) Due to an incomplete physical barrier and exposed subcutaneous tissue, [...]

Background: The frequency and severity of abiotic stress events, especially drought, are increasing due to climate change. The plant root is the most important organ for water uptake and the first to be affected by water limitation. It is therefore becoming increasingly important to include root traits in studies on drought stress tolerance. However, phenotyping under field conditions remains a challenging task. In this study, plants were grown in a hydroponic system with polyethylene glycol as an osmotic stressor and in sand pots to examine the root system of eleven spring barley genotypes. The root anatomy of two genotypes with different response to drought was investigated microscopically. Results: Root diameter increased significantly (p < 0.05) under polyethylene glycol treatment by 54% but decreased significantly (p < 0.05) by 12% under drought stress in sand pots. Polyethylene glycol treatment increased root tip diameter (51%) and reduced diameter of the elongation zone (14%) compared to the control. Under drought stress, shoot mass of plants grown in sand pots showed a higher correlation (r = 0.30) with the shoot mass under field condition than polyethylene glycol treated plants (r = -0.22). Conclusion: These results indicate that barley roots take up polyethylene glycol by the root tip and polyethylene glycol prevents further water uptake. Polyethylene glycol-triggered osmotic stress is therefore unsuitable for investigating root morphology traits in barley. Root architecture of roots grown in sand pots is more comparable to roots grown under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmid-mediated DNA transformation is a foundational molecular technique and the basis for most CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing systems. While plasmid transformations are well established for many agricultural Phytophthora pathogens, development of this technique in forest Phytophthoras is lacking. Given our long-term research objective to develop CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in a forest pathogenic Phytophthora species, we sought to establish the functionality of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-mediated plasmid transformation in five species: P. cactorum, P. cinnamomi, P. cryptogea, P. ramorum, and P. syringae. We used the agricultural pathogen P. sojae, a species for which PEG-mediated transformations are well-established, as a transformation control. Using a protocol previously optimized for P. sojae, we tested transformations in the five forest Phytophthoras with three different plasmids: two developed for CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and one developed for fluorescent protein tagging. Out of the five species tested, successful transformation, as indicated by stable growth of transformants on a high concentration of antibiotic selective growth medium and diagnostic PCR, was achieved only with P. cactorum and P. ramorum. However, while transformations in P. cactorum were consistent and stable, transformations in P. ramorum were highly variable and yielded transformants with very weak mycelial growth and abnormal morphology. Our results indicate that P. cactorum is the best candidate to move forward with CRISPR-Cas9 protocol development and provide insight for future optimization of plasmid transformations in forest Phytophthoras. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A semi-synthetic camptothecin derivative known as irinotecan hydrochloride is frequently used to treat colorectal cancer, including colorectal adenocarcinoma and lung cancers involving small cells. Irinotecan has a very short half-life; therefore, continuous infusions are required to keep the drug's blood levels at therapeutic levels, which could produce cumulative toxicities. Effective delivery techniques, including liposomes, have been developed to address these shortcomings. In this study, a continuous supercritical fluid approach dubbed Expansion Supercritical Fluid into an aqueous solution, in which the pressure decreases rapidly but remains over the critical pressure, is proposed to manufacture polyethylene glycolylated (PEGylated) liposomes carrying irinotecan hydrochloride. To accomplish this, PEGylated liposomes were created using a Box–Behnken design, and the operating parameters (flow rate, temperature, and pressure drop) were optimized. Encapsulation efficiency, mean size, and prepared liposome count were 94.6%, 55 nm, and 758 under ideal circumstances. Additionally, the stability of the PEGylated liposome was investigated during 8 weeks, and also PEGylated liposome-loaded irinotecan release profile was compared to conventional liposomes and free irinotecan, and a constant drug release was seen after the first burst release from liposomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drought constitutes a major abiotic stress factor adversely affecting plant growth and productivity. Plant-microbe symbiotic associations have evolved regulatory mechanisms to adapt to environmental stress conditions. However, the interactive effects of different fungi on host growth and stress tolerance under drought conditions remain unclear. Objective: This study explored the effects of varying polyethylene glycol (PEG6000) concentrations (0%, 15%, 25%, and 35%) on the growth and physiological responses of two ectomycorrhizal fungi (Suillus granulatus (Sg) and Pisolithus tinctorius (Pt)) and two dark septate endophytes (Pleotrichocladium opacum (Po) and Pseudopyrenochaeta sp. (Ps)) isolated from the root system of Pinus tabuliformis. Specifically, the study aimed to evaluate six inoculation treatments, including no inoculation (CK), single inoculations with Sg, Pt, Po, Ps, and a mixed inoculation (Sg: Pt : Po: Ps = 1:1:1:1), on the growth and physiological characteristics of P. tabuliformis seedlings under different water regimes: well-watered at 70% ± 5%, light drought at 50% ± 5%, and severe drought at 30% ± 5% of the maximum field water holding capacity. Results: All four fungi exhibited the capacity to cope with drought stress by enhancing antioxidant activities and regulating osmotic balance. Upon successful root colonization, they increased plant height, shoot biomass, root biomass, total biomass, and mycorrhizal growth response in P. tabuliformis seedlings. Under drought stress conditions, fungal inoculation improved seedling drought resistance by increasing superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, free proline and soluble protein contents, and promoting nitrogen and phosphorus uptake. Notably, mixed inoculation treatments significantly enhanced antioxidant capacity, osmotic adjustment, and nutrient acquisition abilities, leading to superior growth promotion effects under drought stress compared to single inoculation treatments. Conclusion: All four fungi tolerated PEG-induced drought stress, with increased antioxidant enzyme activities and osmotic adjustment substances and they promoted the growth and enhanced drought resistance of P. tabuliformis seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2011, Beeler and Hoilman generalized the game of peg solitaire to arbitrary connected graphs. Since then peg solitaire and related games have been considered on many graph classes. One of the main goals is the characterization of solvable graphs. To this end, different graph operations, such as joins and Cartesian products, have been considered in the past. In this article, we continue this venue of research by investigating line graphs. Instead of playing peg solitaire on the line graph L(G) of a graph G, we introduce a related game called stick solitaire and play it on G. This game is examined on several well-known graph classes, for example complete graphs and windmills. In particular, we prove that most of them are stick-solvable. We also present a family of graphs which contains unsolvable graphs in stick solitaire. Naturally, the fool's stick solitaire number is an object of interest, which we compute for the previously considered graph classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCEs) have been extensively used in the areas of construction and building; however, the application limitation of PCEs has emerged owing to their sensitivity to clay. In this work, three anticlay PCEs were synthesized by introducing acrylamide (AM), methacryloxyethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (DMC), or 3-[2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl] dimethylammonio-propane-1-sulfonate (DMAPS) into the polycarboxylate copolymer of ethylene glycol monovinyl polyethylene glycol ether (EPEG) and acrylic acid (AA), denoted as A-PCE, D-PCE, and S-PCE, respectively. The structures of these superplasticizers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Compared with the common polycarboxylate superplasticizers (O-PCEs), the resultant anticlay PCEs showed better dispersion as far as the fluidity of cement paste and mortar were concerned. With the content of 0.5% per weight sodium bentonite in place of cement, these anticlay PCEs exhibited better clay resistance than O-PCE. In addition, the compressive strengths of mortar and concrete by the addition of A-PCE, D-PCE, or S-PCE were slightly higher than those of O-PCE. Total organic carbon (TOC) revealed that the sensitivity of A-PCE, D-PCE, and S-PCE to clay was lower than that of O-PCE. X-ray diffraction (XRD) proved that the layer spacing of clay increased after treatment with superplasticizer. In combination of adsorption determination with XRD analysis, a possible mechanism was proposed. Unlike the PEG side chains inserting into the clay layers for O-PCE, the cations in functional groups entered the clay layers through cation exchange for anticlay PCEs preferentially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of bioactive magnetic glass ceramics for hyperthermia treatment is still far from optimization due to the variable performance of many nanostructured systems. 0.2 SiO 2 - 0.5 FeO - 0.3 CaO glass ceramics were synthesized by sol–gel method at room temperature with a precursor to solvent ratio 1:5. The effect of adding polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG4000) with 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 wt% in the final stage of the sol preparation, on the magnetic and phase properties of the samples was studied. Heat treatment of the samples was done at 680 and 760°C. Phase analysis showed that maghemite and hematite phases have crystallized. By adding PEG4000 from 2 to 12 wt%, the saturation magnetization of the samples increased from 6.9 to 14.95 emu g–1. Further increase of PEG did not have much effect on improving the magnetic properties. It was also seen that heat treatment at higher temperatures led to a decrease in magnetic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we studied the shear thickening performance of a novel silicon nitride and silica-mixed nanoparticles suspension. Silicon-nitride/silica-shear thickening fluids (Si3N4/SiO2-STFs) with different mass fraction ratios were prepared using polyethylene glycol as a dispersion medium. For the Si3N4/SiO2-STFs, the results showed that the viscosity increased from 168.35 (0.0 wt% Si3N4) to 1387.73 Pa s (7.5 wt% Si3N4), and a concomitant decrease in the critical shear rate from 10.0 to 3.55 s–1, while thickening period decreased from 60.92 to 16.03 s–1. Dynamic rheological analysis showed that compared with SiO2-based STF (SiO2-STF), the peak values of storage and loss modulus of 7.5%Si3N4/20%SiO2-STF (7.5 wt% Si3N4 and 20 wt% SiO2) increased nearly six times and three times, respectively. The results also showed that, compared with SiO2-STF, the thickening ratio of 7.5%Si3N4/20%SiO2-STF increases by 174% at 45°C and slows down the effect of temperature increase on the thickening period. This work provides a novel method for high-performance STF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MS‐275, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, has proven anticancer activities against various malignancies. However, its clinical application has been constrained by dose‐limiting toxicity, off‐target effects, and variable clinical outcomes. Clinical data suggest that sustained low MS‐275 doses could achieve a more selective and consistent effect. This study aimed at enhancing the anticancer activity of MS‐275 by encapsulating it in D‐α‐tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) micelles. The produced nanoformulations were characterized by their low polydispersity (0.201), negative zeta potential (−0.397 mV), and high entrapment efficiency (98.8%). Experimental evaluation of the formulation showed a significant reduction in HepG2, HCT116, and MCF7 cells' viability, associated with enhanced apoptosis at a lower IC50 compared to MS‐275 alone. The formulation was further examined on cancer cells xenografted on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of chick embryos. The results showed a substantial reduction in tumor size. TPGS micelles alone induced an accumulation in G1 and slightly reduced the cellular viability of the examined cell lines. Our results suggest that encapsulating MS‐275 in TPGS micelles represents a promising strategy to enhance MS‐275 therapeutic impact while minimizing its pharmacological dosage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the impact of polyethylene glycol, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and polyvinyl alcohol on the rheological behavior, printability, and mechanical/physical properties of 3D‐printed scaffolds for high‐temperature applications using SiC/clay ceramic paste. Employing the Direct Ink Writing method, varying concentrations of each polymer (PEG: 2.5%–10% weight, CMC: .6%–1.8% weight, PVA: .25%–1% weight) were incorporated into the composition. The resulting SiC/clay paste, with adjusted additive content, was used to 3D‐print scaffold structures through Direct Ink Writing. Sintering of clay‐bonded SiC samples were carried out at 1300°C for 1 h in an ambient atmosphere. The research revealed that altering the additive amounts significantly influenced the rheological behavior, mechanical properties, and physical characteristics of the printed specimens. Notably, the ideal properties with additive concentrations (10% wt PEG, 1% wt PVA, and .6% CMC) were identified, providing the best outcomes in terms of printability and firing results. High density samples with 2.09, 1.93, and 1.79 g/cm3, high compression strength of 20.82, 14.5 and 12.53 MPa with 32.26%, 42.5%, and 52.63% open porosity for samples containing PVA, CMC, and PEG modifiers were obtained, respectively. Additionally, the study led to the development of a high solid loading printable paste with an 80% weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of nanostructuring and doping of hematite (α‐Fe2O3) photoanodes have been widely engaged towards improving their photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) response. Here, a FeCl3‐based solution was modified with 0–10 % polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 and used as an electrolyte for the electrodeposition of nanostructured α‐Fe2O3 thin films. The electrolyte containing 10 % PEG was further used to prepare Mn‐doped α‐Fe2O3 films by adding 1, 3, 6, and 10 % of MnCl2.4H2O with respect to the molarity of FeCl3. The addition of 10 % PEG into the electrolyte limited particle agglomeration and yielded the best PEC response among the pristine films. The 3 % Mn‐doped α‐Fe2O3 photoanodes produced the highest photocurrent, yielding 2.2 and 6.1‐fold photocurrent enhancement at 1.23 V and 1.5 V vs. RHE respectively, over the pristine films. The improved PEC response is linked to the reduced particle agglomeration and improved charge transport properties observed for the films. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the formation energies yielded negative values for the Mn‐doped α‐Fe2O3, which implies that the materials are thermodynamically stable after doping. This work introduces a new pathway for the electrodeposition of doped α‐Fe2O3 films and underscores the roles of Mn‐doping in boosting their PEC response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, polyimide (PI) and polysulfonamide (PSA) were used as base materials, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) was added to successfully prepare PI/PSA/PEG nanofiber membranes through electrospinning technology. Subsequently, water etching was performed on the membranes, utilizing the water solubility of PEG to form the rough wrinkled structure, further enhancing the surface hydrophobicity. The experimental results showed that under the conditions of a spinning voltage of 10 kV, PI/PSA mass fraction of 15 wt.%, and PEG-to-PI/PSA mass ratio of 1/3, the obtained fiber membranes exhibit a uniform morphology (an average diameter of 0.73 µm) and excellent hydrophobicity (the initial water contact angle (WCA) reaching 130.4°). After PEG water etching, the surface of the PI/PSA/PEG hydrophobic membranes formed the rough wrinkled structure, which not only improved their mechanical properties but also further enhanced their hydrophobicity (the initial WCA increasing to 137.9°). Hence, fiber membranes are expected to have broad application prospects in fields such as waterproofing and moisture permeability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase change materials with high energy storage density and stable phase change temperature are ideal choices for personal thermal therapy and heat management. However, leakage and poor flexibility have long been bottlenecks in their application. Excellent latent heat performance and flexibility are crucial, especially in the thermal management of flexible wearable devices. In this study, a simple strategy was adopted to prepare a flexible polyurethane-based phase change material using a prepolymer method with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the phase change material. Attributed to the cross-linked network structure in the polymer, the prepared phase change material exhibits excellent thermal stability and shape stability without leakage. Additionally, it shows relatively high latent heat and good flexibility. Based on these significant comprehensive properties, a performance-improved thermal wrist wrap was designed to achieve thermal therapy and efficient human heat management. This work provides insights into the rational design of flexible and shape-stable high latent heat phase change materials, demonstrating tremendous potential applications in wearable thermal management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, stationary phases based on ionic liquids are a promising and widely used technique in gas chromatography, yet they remain poorly studied. Unfortunately, testing of "new" stationary phases is often carried out on a limited set of test compounds (about 10 compounds) of relatively simple structures. This study represents the first investigation into the physicochemical patterns of retention of substituted (including polysubstituted) aromatic alcohols on two stationary phases of different polarities: one based on pyridinium-based ionic liquids and the other on a standard polar phase. The retention order of the studied compounds on such stationary phases compared to the standard polar phase, polyethylene glycol (SH-Stabilwax), was compared and studied. It was shown that pyridinium-based ionic liquids stationary phase has a different selectivity compared to the SH-Stabilwax. Using a quantitative structure–retention relationships (QSRR) study, the differences in selectivity of the two stationary phases were interpreted. Using CHERESHNYA software, the importance of descriptors on different stationary phases was evaluated for the same data set. Different selectivity of the stationary phases correlates with different contributions of descriptors for the analytes under study. For the first time, we show that in-column dehydration is observed for some compounds (mostly substituted benzyl alcohols). This effect is worthy of further investigation and requires attention when analyzing complex mixtures. It suggests that when testing "new" stationary phases, it is necessary to conduct tests on a large set of different classes of compounds. This is because, in the case of using ionic liquids as an stationary phase, a reaction between the analyte and the stationary phase is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioactive glass is currently considered a material with a high biocompatibility and has been used both in the field of bone regeneration and in the preparation of cosmetic products with the controlled release of active compounds. The present work involved a study on the synthesis of bioglass using the sol–gel process. The study aims to evaluate the influence of the treatment of bioglass with Polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) on its main characteristics. The surface characteristics of this material were obtained by nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis, using the standard BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) equation, the crystallinity by XRD (X-ray diffraction) analysis, the surface structure by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), thermal stability by TGA (ThermoGravimetric Analyses), and chemical bonds changes by FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy. After treatment with PEG 4000, the average diameter of the pores increased insignificantly, the crystallinity peak disappeared, and the SEM analysis highlighted several clusters of very small sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bee alarm pheromones are essential molecules that are present in beehives when some threats occur in the bee population. In this work, we have applied multilevel modeling techniques to understand molecular interactions between representative bee alarm pheromones and polymers such as polymethyl siloxane (PDMS), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and their blend. This study aimed to check how these interactions can be manipulated to enable efficient separation of bee alarm pheromones in portable membrane inlet mass spectrometric (MIMS) systems using new membranes. The study involved the application of powerful computational atomistic methods based on a combination of modern semiempirical (GFN2-xTB), first principles (DFT), and force-field calculations. As a fundamental work material for the separation of molecules, we considered the PDMS polymer, a well-known sorbent material known to be applicable for light polar molecules. To improve its applicability as a sorbent material for heavier polar molecules, we considered two main factors—temperature and the addition of PEG polymer. Additional insights into molecular interactions were obtained by studying intrinsic reactive properties and noncovalent interactions between bee alarm pheromones and PDMS and PEG polymer chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxia is an important feature of the tumor microenvironment (TME) of most solid tumors, and it is closely linked to cancer cell proliferation, therapy resistance, and the tumor immune response. Herein, we describe a method for hypoxia-induced heterogeneous oxygen distribution in xenograft tumors based on phosphorescence imaging microscopy (PLIM) using intravascular and intracellular oxygen probes. We synthesized Ir(III) complexes with polyethylene glycol (PEG) units of different molecular weights into the ligand as intravascular oxygen probes, BTP-PEGm (m = 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000). BTP-PEGm showed red emission with relatively high emission quantum yield and high oxygen sensitivity in saline. Cellular and in vivo experiments using these complexes revealed that BTP-PEG10000 was the most suitable probe in terms of blood retention and ease of intravenous administration in mice. PLIM measurements of xenograft tumors in mice treated with BTP-PEG10000 allowed simultaneous imaging of the tumor microvasculature and quantification of oxygen partial pressures. From lifetime images using the red-emitting intracellular oxygen probe BTPDM1 and the green-emitting intravascular fluorescent probe FITC-dextran, we demonstrated hypoxic heterogeneity in the TME with a sparse vascular network and showed that the oxygen levels of tumor cells gradually decreased with vascular distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel in vitro bilayer 3D co‐culture platform designed to obtain cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs)‐like cells. The platform consists of a bilayer hydrogel structure with a collagen/polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel for fibroblasts as the upper layer and an alginate hydrogel for tumor cells as the lower layer. The platform enabled paracrine interactions between fibroblasts and cancer cells, which allowed for selective retrieval of activated fibroblasts through collagenase treatment for further study. Fibroblasts remained viable throughout the culture periods and showed enhanced proliferation when co‐cultured with cancer cells. Morphological changes in the co‐cultured fibroblasts resembling CAFs were observed, especially in the 3D microenvironment. The mRNA expression levels of CAF‐related markers were significantly upregulated in 3D, but not in 2D co‐culture. Proteomic analysis identified upregulated proteins associated with CAFs, further confirming the transformation of normal fibroblasts into CAF within the proposed 3D co‐culture platform. Moreover, co‐culture with CAF induced radio‐ and chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer cells (PANC‐1). Survival rate of cancer cells post‐irradiation and gemcitabine resistance increased significantly in the co‐culture setting, highlighting the role of CAFs in promoting cancer cell survival and therapeutic resistance. These findings would contribute to understanding molecular and phenotypic changes associated with CAF activation and provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to obtain SnO2 quantum dots with good gas response, the SnO2 quantum dots with diameters of about 4 nm were successfully synthesized by using 1,3-dimethyl imidazolium-2-carboxylate (1,3-diMiM-2-COO) as inducing agent and polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG200) as dispersant. The struc- ture and morphology of SnO2 quantum dots were characterized by X-ray diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscope. The purity, optical properties, and the specific surface area of SnO2 quantum dots were tested by FT-IR, UV-Vis spectrophotometer and specific surface analyzer, respective- ly. The response to ethanol gas was also tested. The results show that the prepared SnO2 quantum dots have uniform particle size, specific surface area of 123.89 m²/g, visible light transmittance of more than 90%, excellent ethanol gas sensitivity, and the sensitivity of SnO2, quantum dots can be up to 195. 34 at 250 °C and ethanol volume fraction of 300×10-6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of construction materials with the integration of phase change materials (PCMs) has been a topic of wide interest in the scientific community, especially in recent years, due to its positive impact on temperature regulation inside buildings. However, little is known about the behavior of materials doped with PCMs when exposed to accidental or severe environments. Currently, a large area of the planet experiences seasonal freeze–thaw effects, which impact the durability and performance of construction materials. Accordingly, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the damage caused by cyclic freeze–thaw actions on the behavior of a cement mortar, including a PEG-based form-stable PCM. An experimental methodology was developed based on the physical and mechanical characterization of mortars under normal operating conditions and after being subjected to freeze–thaw cycles. The results indicated that, under normal exposure conditions, the incorporation of aggregate functionalized with PCM led to a decrease in the mortar's water absorption capacity, compressive strength, and adhesion. However, its applicability has not been compromised. Exposure to freeze–thaw cycles caused a loss of mass in the specimens and a decrease in the compressive strength and adhesion capability of the mortar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the structural attributes of nanoparticles obtained by a renewable and non-immunogenic "inulinated" analog of the "pegylated" PLA (PEG-PLA) were examined, together with the potential of these novel nanocarriers in delivering poorly water-soluble drugs. Characterization of INU-PLA assemblies, encompassing critical aggregation concentration (CAC), NMR, DLS, LDE, and SEM analyses, was conducted to elucidate the core/shell architecture of the carriers and in vitro cyto- and hemo-compatibility were assayed. The entrapment and in vitro delivery of sorafenib tosylate (ST) were also studied. INU-PLA copolymers exhibit distinctive features: (1) Crew-cut aggregates are formed with coronas of 2–4 nm; (2) a threshold surface density of 1 INU/nm2 triggers a configuration change; (3) INU surface density influences PLA core dynamics, with hydrophilic segment stretching affecting PLA distribution towards the interface. INU-PLA2NPs demonstrated an outstanding loading of ST and excellent biological profile, with effective internalization and ST delivery to HepG2 cells, yielding a comparable IC50. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low cost and excellent catalytic properties of lipase for industrial processes are highly desirable. A promising new approach involves the support modification of lipase and spacer arm, which enables the enhancement of lipase properties. This study investigates the immobilization of crude lipase from Mucor miehei onto a Polyurethane Foam (PUF) surface using various coating techniques. The PUF matrix was obtained through isocyanate and polyol reactions. Subsequently, the PUF was coated by adsorbing lipase and adding edible support material. The immobilized lipase was then utilized in the hydrolysis of coconut oil to produce fatty acids. Furthermore, the immobilized enzyme was employed in the esterification of fatty acids to produce bio-flavors. The results demonstrate that the attachment reaction using support material, namely lecithin, gelatin, MgCl2, and Polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG), all of which are simple and edible, was able to enhance the stability and reusability of lipase. This immobilization technique increased triglyceride hydrolysis into FFA by 422%. The successful edible support modification of immobilized lipase from M. miehei on PUF, coupled with significantly enhanced enzyme stability and catalytic activity, offers a promising, environmentally friendly solution for diverse applications in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt-induced diffusiophoresis is the migration of a colloidal particle in water due to a directional salt concentration gradient. An important example of colloidal particles is represented by micelles, generated by surfactant self-assembly in water. For non-ionic surfactants containing polyethylene glycol (PEG) groups, PEG preferential hydration at the micelle–water interface is expected to drive micelle diffusiophoresis from high to low salt concentration. However, micelles are reversible supramolecular assemblies, with salts being able to promote a significant change in micelle size. This phenomenon complicates the description of diffusiophoresis. Specifically, it is not clear to what extent the salt-induced growth of micelles affects micelle diffusiophoresis. In this paper, a multiple-equilibrium model is developed for assessing the contribution of the micelle growth and preferential hydration mechanisms to the diffusiophoresis of non-ionic micelles. The available experimental data characterizing the effect of NaCl on Triton X-100 aggregation number are combined with data on diffusiophoresis and the preferential hydration of PEG chains to show that the contribution of the micelle growth mechanism to overall diffusiophoresis is small compared to that of preferential hydration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, the transformation of polymers into useful structures for the human body in medical field has been an interesting subject that affected everyone. Synthetic polymers have a wide range of uses in the health sector such as coating, cardiovascular, orthodontic surgery, tissue engineering, implant, and drug carrier with the development of technology. These polymers are known as polymers with various characteristics and applications artificially synthesized in accordance with chemical and thermodynamic laws. The polymers in health sector have a share of 41% in drug and release studies, 18% in treatment with therapy applications, 10% in vaccine production, 31% in studies on new approaches in this field. Synthetic polymers have ability to be produced cheaply and easily in large quantities. In this study, synthetic polymers such as polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyurethane, polyolefin, polytetrafluoroethylene, silicone, polyvinyl chloride, poly-methyl methacrylate, polyester, polyamide and poly-lactic acid were investigated and details regarding the applications with explications of polymers were provided. It was seen that synthetic polymers could be evaluated in treatment of cancer and chronic diseases by determining the most appropriate methods and techniques with biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of polylactide stereocomplex (sc-PLA), involving the blending of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(D-lactide) (PDLA), enhances PLA materials by making them stronger and more heat-resistant. This study investigated the competitive crystallization behavior of homocrystals (HCs) and stereocomplex crystals (SCs) in a 50/50 PLLA/PDLA blend with added polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG, with molecular weights of 400 g/mol and 35,000 g/mol, was incorporated at concentrations ranging from 5% to 20% by weight. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed that PEG increased the crystallization temperature, promoted SC formation, and inhibited HC formation. PEG also acted as a plasticizer, lowering both melting and crystallization temperatures. The second heating DSC curve showed that the pure PLLA/PDLA blend had a 57.1% fraction of SC while adding 5% PEG with a molecular weight of 400 g/mol resulted in complete SC formation. In contrast, PEG with a molecular weight of 35,000 g/mol was less effective, allowing some HC formation. Additionally, PEG consistently promoted SC formation across various cooling rates (2, 5, 10, or 20 °C/min), demonstrating a robust influence under different conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin (Cur) is a heavily used complementary derived drug from cancer patients. Spheroid samples derived from 82 patients were prepared and treated after 48 h with two Cur formulations (CurA, CurB) in mono- and combination therapy. After 72 h, cell viability and morphology were assessed. The Cur formulations had significant inhibitory effects of −8.47% (p < 0.001), CurA of −10.01% (−50.14–23.11%, p = 0.001) and CurB of −6.30% (−33.50–19.30%, p = 0.006), compared to their solvent controls Polyethylene-glycol, β-Cyclodextrin (CurA) and Kolliphor-ELP, Citrate (CurB). Cur formulations were more effective in prostate cancer (−19.54%) and less effective in gynecological non-breast cancers (0.30%). CurA showed better responses in samples of patients <40 (−13.81%) and >70 years of age (−17.74%). CurB had stronger effects in metastasized and heavily pretreated tumors. Combinations of Cur formulations and standard therapies were superior in 20/47 samples (42.55%) and inferior in 7/47 (14.89%). CurB stimulated chemo-doublets more strongly than monotherapies (−0.53% vs. −6.51%, p = 0.022) and more effectively than CurA (−6.51% vs. 3.33%, p = 0.005). Combinations of Cur formulations with Artesunate, Resveratrol and vitamin C were superior in 35/70 (50.00%) and inferior in 16/70 (22.86%) of samples. Cur formulations were significantly enhanced by combination with Artesunate (p = 0.020). Cur formulations showed a high variance in their anti-cancer effects, suggesting a need for individual testing before administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SEVEN IN ABSENTIA (SINA) E3 ubiquitin ligase is widely involved in drought and salt stress in plants. However, the biological function of the SINA proteins in cotton is still unknown. This study aimed to reveal the function of GhSINAT5 through biochemical, genetic and molecular approaches. GhSINAT5 is expressed in several tissues of cotton plants, including roots, stems, leaves and cotyledons, and its expression levels are significantly affected by polyethylene glycol, abscisic acid and sodium chloride. When GhSINAT5 was silenced in cotton plants, drought and salinity stress occurred, and the length, area and volume of the roots significantly decreased. Under drought stress, the levels of proline, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase in the GhSINAT5-silenced cotton plants were significantly lower than those in the non-silenced control plants, whereas the levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde were greater. Moreover, the expression of stress-related genes in silenced plants under drought stress suggested that GhSINAT5 may play a positive role in the plant response to drought and salt stress by regulating these stress response-related genes. These findings not only deepen our understanding of the mechanisms of drought resistance in cotton but also provide potential targets for future improvements in crop stress resistance through genetic engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial phototherapy has gained recognition as a promising approach for addressing bacterial biofilms, however, its effectiveness is often impeded by the robust physical and chemical defenses of the biofilms. Traditional antibacterial nanoplatforms face challenges in breaching the extracellular polymeric substances barrier to efficiently deliver photosensitizers deep into biofilms. Moreover, the prevalent hypoxia within biofilms restricts the success of oxygen-reliant phototherapy. In this study, we engineered a soft mesoporous organosilica nanoplatform (SMONs) by incorporating polyethylene glycol (PEG), catalase (CAT), and indocyanine green (ICG), forming SMONs-PEG-CAT-ICG (SPCI). We compared the antimicrobial efficacy of SPCI with more rigid nanoplatforms. Our results demonstrated that unique flexible mechanical properties of SPCI enable it to navigate through biofilm barriers, markedly enhancing ICG penetration in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilms. Notably, in a murine subcutaneous MRSA biofilm infection model, SPCI showed superior biofilm penetration and pharmacokinetic benefits over its rigid counterparts. The embedded catalase in SPCI effectively converts excess H 2 O 2 present in infected tissues into O 2 , alleviating hypoxia and significantly boosting the antibacterial performance of phototherapy. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that SPCI surpasses traditional rigid nanoplatforms in overcoming biofilm barriers, offering improved treatment outcomes for infections associated with bacterial biofilms. This study presents a viable strategy for managing bacterial biofilm-induced diseases by leveraging the unique attributes of a soft mesoporous organosilica-based nanoplatform. This research introduces an innovative antimicrobial phototherapy soft nanoplatform that overcomes the inherent limitations posed by the protective barriers of bacterial biofilms. By soft nanoplatform with flexible mechanical properties, we enhance the penetration and delivery of photosensitizers into biofilms. The inclusion of catalase within this soft nanoplatform addresses the hypoxia in biofilms by converting hydrogen peroxide into oxygen in infected tissues, thereby amplifying the antibacterial effectiveness of phototherapy. Compared to traditional rigid nanoplatforms, this flexible nanoplatform not only promotes the delivery of therapeutic agents but also sets a new direction for treating bacterial biofilm infections, offering significant implications for future antimicrobial therapies. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in regulating lipid digestion through the construction of various interfacial structures. In the present work, a series of complex interfacial structures were designed by combining Tween 80 in the aqueous phase and lecithin in the oil phase at different concentration ratios. The emulsification properties, the roles in regulating lipid digestion, and the interfacial dilatational rheological properties of the composite emulsifying systems were characterized. The results showed that the combination of Tween 80 and lecithin at different ratios could effectively modulate the rate of lipid digestion. The polyoxyethylene chains of Tween 80 formed a network, that provided a spatial obstacle for the adsorption of bile salts and lipases. Thus, Tween 80 significantly delayed the lipid digestion. The introduction of lecithin gradually replaced Tween 80 molecules at the interface, thus providing space for the adsorption of bile salts and lipases. In addition, as the ratio of lecithin concentration to Tween 80 increased, lecithin gradually became the dominant factor in the interfacial properties. As a result, the rate of lipid digestion was accelerated. Therefore, by compounding different ratios of lecithin and Tween 80, a series of emulsions with different lipid digestion rates were obtained. This research provides a basis for rationally designing food emulsions according to specific needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient protoplast transient transformation system in plants is an important tool to study gene expression, metabolic pathways, and various mutagenic parameters, but it has not been established in Phelipanche aegyptiaca. As a root parasitic weed that endangers the growth of 29 species of plants in 12 families around the world, there is still no good control method for P. aegyptiaca. Even the parasitic mechanisms of P. aegyptiaca and the related genes regulating parasitism are not yet understood. In this study, by comparing the factors related to protoplast isolation and transfection, we developed the optimal protocol for protoplast isolation and transfection in Phelipanche aegyptiaca haustorium. The optimal protoplast yield and activity were 6.2 × 106 protoplasts/g fresh weight [FW] and 87.85%, respectively, by using 0.5 mol/L mannitol, enzyme concentrations of 2.5% cellulase R-10 and 0.8% Macerozyme R-10 at 24 °C for 4 h. At the same time, transfection efficiency of protoplasts was up to 78.49% when using 30 μg plasmid, 40% polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentration, 24 °C incubation temperature, and 20 min transfection time. This is the first efficient protoplasts' isolation and transient transformation system of Phelipanche aegyptiaca haustorium, laying a foundation for future studies on the gene function and mechanisms of haustorium formation in parasitic plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mytilaria laosensis, a common fast-growing tree species in southern China, boasts excellent growth speed and attractive color and texture. However, due to its short growth cycle and high proportion of juvenile wood, it typically exhibits poor dimensional stability and low strength, which significantly limits its practical applications. This study uses vacuum impregnation to modify M. laosensis wood with polyethylene glycol (PEG), focusing on the effects and mechanisms of PEG with different molecular weights on wood properties. The results indicate that PEG enters the wood cell walls through capillary action and diffusion, forming hydrogen bonds with the free hydroxyl groups on cellulose and hemicellulose, which keeps the cell walls swollen and enhances dimensional stability. Post modification, the dimensional stability of M. laosensis wood improved, with an anti-swelling efficiency ranging from 61.43% to 71.22%, showing an initial increase followed by a decrease with increasing PEG molecular weight. The optimal PEG molecular weight for anti-swelling efficiency was 1500 Da, achieving 71.22%. The flexural modulus of elasticity and flexural strength of the treated wood also first decreased and then increased with increasing PEG molecular weight. Among them, the PEG1000-treated material showed the best performance, with the flexural modulus of elasticity increased by about 29% and the flexural strength increased by about 5% compared to untreated wood. Additionally, PEG, having a higher pyrolysis temperature than wood, raised the initial pyrolysis temperature and maximum pyrolysis rate temperature of M. laosensis wood, thus improving its thermal stability. These findings provide scientific evidence and technical support for the efficient utilization and industrialization of M. laosensis wood, promoting its widespread application and industrial development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the influence of the mass percentage and maturation stage of bottom ash on bio-composite mechanical strength. Two kinds of bottom ash were used: matured and non-matured. To elaborate the composites, several different percentages of bottom ash were mixed with an organic matrix. Casein, starch, alginate, polyethylene glycol, pre-vulcanized natural latex, and water are the components of matrix. The idea was to use as much bottom ash as possible, since it can be used as 80% or more as the main charge, which was in prismatic form for mechanical testing after drying. The results show that whatever the state of maturation of the bottom ash, the resistances present a maximum for a percentage of bottom ash equal to 85%. It could also be noticed that non-matured bottom ash composites have better mechanical strengths than composites with matured bottom ash. This is due to the decrease in porosity of the composites and to the improvement in their structural integrity. These new composites could solve some of the solid waste problems created by bottom ash production. As the matrix is made from organic resources, it saves energy and reduces the carbon footprint. This bio-composite contributes to the circular economy by giving waste a second life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of polyethylene glycol loxenatide (PEG-Loxe) compared to those of dapagliflozin in patients with mild-to-moderate diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a prevalent microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The study is set against the backdrop of increasing global diabetes incidence and the need for effective DKD management. Methods: This study constituted a single-center, randomized, open-label, clinical trial. The trial included patients with mild-to-moderate DKD and suboptimal glycemic control. Eligible participants were randomly allocated to one of the two groups for treatment with either PEG-Loxe or dapagliflozin. The primary endpoint was the change in UACR from baseline at 24 weeks. Results: Overall, 106 patients were randomized and 80 patients completed the study. Following 24 weeks of treatment, the PEG-Loxe group exhibited a mean percent change in baseline UACR of -29.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: -34.8, -23.7), compared to that of -31.8% in the dapagliflozin group (95% CI: -34.8, -23.7). Both PEG-Loxe and dapagliflozin showed similar efficacy in reducing UACR, with no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.336). The HbA1c levels decreased by -1.30% (95% CI: -1.43, -1.18) in the PEG-Loxe group and by -1.29% (95% CI: -1.42, -1.17) in the dapagliflozin group (p = 0.905). The TG levels decreased by -0.56 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.71, -0.42) in the PEG-Loxe group and -0.33 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.48, -0.19) in the dapagliflozin group (p = 0.023). Differences in TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, SBP, and DBP levels between the groups were not statistically significant (all p > 0.05). Safety profiles were consistent with previous findings, with gastrointestinal adverse events being more common in the PEG-Loxe group. Conclusions: PEG-Loxe is as effective as dapagliflozin in improving urine protein levels in patients with mild-to-moderate DKD and offers superior benefits in improving lipid profiles. These findings support the use of PEG-Loxe in DKD management, contributing to evidence-based treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3D) tissue-engineered scaffolds mimic the physiological environment of cells by providing essential structural support, biochemical cues, and the mechanical strength needed for cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Hydrogels like polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) are commonly used biomaterials for cell culture due to their affordability, tunable stiffness, and ability to efficiently transport nutrients and gases. However, PEGDA lacks cell adhesion sites essential for cell proliferation and migration and has limited degradability. Methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) produced from denatured bovine collagen, crosslinks under ultraviolet light (UV) resulting in a degradable hydrogel with cell adhesion sites. Here, we synthesized GelMA with variable degree of methacrylation and crosslinked it with PEGDA to produce cell scaffolds with independently tunable mechanical and biochemical properties by varying the ratios of the two polymers. We determined polymer ratios that resulted in scaffolds with different mechanical properties but the same gelatin concentrations (providing cell adhesion and degradation sites) as well as different gelatin concentrations but the same mechanical properties. With the developed scaffold library, we further used a design of experiments approach to probe the parameter space and perform detailed analysis on chemical compositionscaffold properties as well as scaffold properties-cell behavior correlations. Our findings showed that hydrogel properties such as modulus, swelling, pore size, and permeability, strongly depended on total polymer concentration and not on theGelMA fraction. GelMA significantly influenced cell spreading, while addition of any amount of PEGDA delayed cell spreading significantly. We suggest that such analysis will broaden the utility of the GelMA/PEGDA hydrogels, presenting a versatile platform for mechanosensing research in 3D environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typically, hydrogels are described as three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers that are able to capture a certain mass of water within their structure. Recently, hydrogels have been widely used as drawing agents in forward osmosis (FO) desalination processes. The major aim of this study is to prepare a novel semi-interpenetrating hydrogel by crosslinking sodium alginate (SA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) by using the epichlorohydrin (ECH) crosslinker and polyethylene glycol (PEG) interpenetrated within the hydrogel's network as a linear polymer. Based on the optimum composition of SA/PVA composite hydrogel obtained from our earlier research, the effect of various percentages of PEG on the response of the hydrogel was investigated. The optimal composition of SA/PVA/PEG hydrogel was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), compression strength testing, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphological and mechanical properties of the SA/PVA/PEG semi-interpenetrating hydrogel were also compared to those of the SA/PVA composite hydrogel. Moreover, the performance of the optimal SA/PVA/PEG hydrogel in a FO batch unit as a drawing agent was investigated based on the optimal operation conditions from our previous experiments. The results showed that the optimal PEG/polymer blend mass ratio was 0.25, which increased the swelling ratio (SR) (%) of the hydrogel from 645.42 (of the neat SA/PVA hydrogel) to 2683. The SA/PVA/PEG semi-interpenetrating hydrogel was superior to the SA/PVA copolymer hydrogel in pore structure and mechanical properties. Additionally, in terms of FO desalination, the achieved water flux by SA/PVA/PEG hydrogel is higher than that accomplished by SA/PVA hydrogel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch is a promising polymer for creating novel microparticulate systems with superior biocompatibility and controlled drug delivery capabilities. In this study, we synthesized polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified starch microparticles and encapsulated folic acid using a solvent-mediated acid-base precipitation method with magnetic stirring, which is a simple and effective method. To evaluate particle degradation, we simulated physiological conditions by employing an enzymatic degradation approach. Our results with FTIR and SEM confirmed the successful synthesis of starch–PEG microparticles encapsulating folic acid. The average size of starch microparticles encapsulating folic acid was 4.97 μm and increased to 6.01 μm upon modification with PEG. The microparticles were first exposed to amylase at pH 6.7 and pepsin at pH 1.5 at different incubation times at physiological temperature with shaking. Post-degradation analysis revealed changes in particle size and morphology, indicating effective enzymatic degradation. FTIR spectroscopy was used to assess the chemical composition before and after degradation. The initial FTIR spectra displayed characteristic peaks of starch, PEG, and folic acid, which showed decreased intensities after enzymatic degradation, suggesting alterations in chemical composition. These findings demonstrate the ongoing development of starch–PEG microparticles for controlled drug delivery and other biomedical applications and provide the basis for further exploration of PEG–starch as a versatile biomaterial for encapsulating bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Well-complexed PEGDA generates extra Na+ transport pathways. • The optimized quasi-solid PPE-50 exhibits a high ionic conductivity of 3.42 × 10–4 S cm−1. • PPE-50 displays high electrochemical oxidation stability and mechanical strength. • PPE-50 guides the formation of flexible and rigid SEI and dense and homogeneous CEI. • Na|PPE-50|Na and Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 3 |PPE-50|Na cells demonstrate excellent long-term cyclability and capacity. Sodium-metal batteries (SMBs) are ideal for large-scale energy storage due to their stable operation and high capacity. However, they have safety issues caused by severe dendrite growth and side reactions, particularly when using liquid electrolytes. Therefore, it is critically important to develop electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and improved safety that are non-flammable and resistant to dendrites. Here, we developed polymerized polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA)-modified poly(vinylidene fluoride- co -hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) electrolytes (PPEs) with highly conductive sodium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide and corrosion-inhibitive sodium bis(oxalato)borate salts for SMBs. Well-complexed PEGDA not only increases the amorphicity of the PVDF matrix, but also offers numerous Lewis basic sites through the polar groups of carbonyl and ether groups (i.e., electron donors). The presence of the Lewis basic sites facilitates the dissociation of sodium salt and transportation of Na+ within the PVDF matrix. This results in the generation of additional Na+ transport pathways, which can enhance the performance of the battery. Among PPEs, the optimized PPE-50 exhibits a high ionic conductivity of 3.42 × 10–4 S cm−1 and a mechanical strength of 14.0 MPa. A Na||Na symmetric cell with PPE-50 displays high stability at 0.2 mA cm−2 for 800 h. PPE-50 further displays high capacity, e.g., a Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 3 |PPE-50|Na battery delivers a decent discharge capacity of 101.5 mAh g−1 at 1.0C after 650 cycles. Our work demonstrates the development of high-performance quasi-solid polymer electrolytes with multiple transport pathways suitable for room-temperature SMBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Capacitive deionization (CDI) is flourishing as an energy-efficient and cost-effective water desalination method. However, challenges such as electrode degradation and fouling have hindered the practical deployment of CDI technology. To address these challenges, the key point of our strategy is applying a hydrophilic coating composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-functionalized nano-TiO 2 /polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to the electrode interface (labeled as APPT electrode). The PEG/PVDF/TiO 2 layer not only mitigates the co-ion depletion, but also imparts the activated carbon (AC) electrode hydrophilicity. As anticipated, the APPT electrode possessed an enhanced desalination capacity of 83.54 μmol g−1 and a low energy consumption of 17.99 Wh m−3 in 10 mM sodium chloride solution compared with the bare AC electrode. Notably, the APPT maintained about 93.19 % of its desalination capacity after 50 consecutive adsorption–desorption cycles in the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA). During the trial, moreover, no obvious overall performance decline was noted in concentration reduction (Δc), water recovery (WR) and productivity (P) over 50 cycles. This strategy realizes energy-efficient, antifouling and stable brackish water desalination and has great promise for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bacterial genomes often encode structures similar to phage capsids (encapsulins) and phage tails which can be induced spontaneously or using genotoxic compounds such as mitomycin C. These high molecular-weight (HMW) putative antibacterial proteins (ABPs) are used against the competitive strains under natural environment. Previously, it was unknown whether these HMW putative ABPs originating from the insect pathogenic Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium Brevibacillus laterosporus (Bl) isolates (1821L, 1951) are spontaneously induced during the growth and pose a detrimental effect on their own survival. Furthermore, no prior work has been undertaken to determine their biochemical characteristics. Results: Using a soft agar overlay method with polyethylene glycol precipitation, a narrow spectrum of bioactivity was found from the precipitated lysate of Bl 1951. Electron micrographs of mitomycin C- induced filtrates showed structures similar to phage capsids and contractile tails. Bioactivity assays of cell free supernatants (CFS) extracted during the growth of Bl 1821L and Bl 1951 suggested spontaneous induction of these HMW putative ABPs with an autocidal activity. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of spontaneously induced putative ABPs showed appearance of ~ 30 kDa and ~ 48 kDa bands of varying intensity across all the time intervals during the bacterial growth except in the initial hours. Statistically, spontaneously induced HMW putative ABPs of Bl 1951 exhibited a significant decrease in the number of viable cells of its producer strain after 18 h of growth in liquid. In addition, a significant change in pH and prominent bioactivity of the CFS of this particular time period was noted. Biochemically, the filtered supernatant derived from either Bl 1821L or Bl 1951 maintained bioactivity over a wide range of pH and temperature. Conclusion: This study reports the spontaneous induction of HMW putative ABPs (bacteriocins) of Bl 1821L and Bl 1951 isolates during the course of growth with potential autocidal activity which is critically important during production as a potential biopesticide. A narrow spectrum of putative antibacterial activity of Bl 1951 precipitate was found. The stability of HMW putative ABPs of Bl 1821L and Bl 1951 over a wide range of pH and temperature can be useful in expanding the potential of this useful bacterium beyond the insecticidal value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maesa indica Roxb. Sweet is a shrub known for its richness in secondary metabolites. A callus culture protocol was established to enhance its chemical profile. Sixteen elicitation culture treatments were evaluated, and we confirmed that the treatment of 200 mg/L polyethylene glycol (4000) coupled with exposure to 30 W UV irradiation for 60 min (PEG4) resulted in the highest total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, which were 4.1 and 4.9 times those of the plant ethanolic extract and 4.9 and 4.8 times those of a control sample, respectively. The phenolic compounds in the different treatments were identified qualitatively and quantitatively using the LC-ESI-MS/MS-MRM technique. Molecular docking studies of the phenolic compounds were conducted using MOE software and revealed that rutin showed the highest binding affinity toward the anti-cancer target (p38α MAPK). The cytotoxicity of the ME and PEG 4 treatment was tested against colon, breast, prostate, lung, and liver cell lines using an MTT assay. The highest cytotoxic effect of PEG4 was against prostate cancer with an IC50 value of 25.5 µg/mL. Hence, this study showed enhanced secondary metabolite accumulation and identified the phenolic compounds in the 16 treatments. The cytotoxicity assay highlighted the possible cytotoxic effect of the PEG4 treatment, and we recommend further investigations into its activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitric oxide (NO) is a multifunctional signalling molecule involved in the regulation of plant ontogenesis and adaptation to different adverse environmental factors, in particular to osmotic stress. Understanding NO-induced plant protection is important for the improvement of plant stress tolerance and crop productivity under global climate changes. The root system is crucial for plant survival in a changeable environment. Damages that it experiences under water deficit conditions during the initial developmental periods seriously affect the viability of the plants. This work was devoted to the comparative analysis of the pretreatment of wheat seedlings through the root system with NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) for 24 h on various parameters of redox homeostasis under exposure to osmotic stress (PEG 6000, 12%) over 0.5–24 h. The active and exhausted solutions of SNP, termed as (SNP/+NO) and (SNP/−NO), respectively, were used in this work at a concentration of 2 × 10−4 M. Using biochemistry and light microscopy methods, it has been revealed that osmotic stress caused oxidative damages and the disruption of membrane cell structures in wheat roots. PEG exposure increased the production of superoxide (O2•−), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the levels of electrolyte leakage (EL) and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Stress treatment enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), the excretion of proline, and the rate of cell death and inhibited their division. Pretreatment with (SNP/+NO) decreased PEG-induced root damages by differently regulating the antioxidant enzymes under stress conditions. Thus, (SNP/+NO) pretreatment led to SOD, APX, and CAT inhibition during the first 4 h of stress and stimulated their activity after 24 h of PEG exposure when compared to SNP-untreated or (SNP/−NO)-pretreated and stress-subjected plants. Osmotic stress triggered the intense excretion of proline by roots into the external medium. Pretreatment with (SNP/+NO) in contrast with (SNP/−NO) additionally increased stress-induced proline excretion. Our results indicate that NO is able to mitigate the destructive effects of osmotic stress on the roots of wheat seedlings. However, the mechanisms of NO protective action may be different at certain periods of stress exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To effectively remove Diazinon (DZ), Amoxicillin (AMX), and Crystal Violet (CV) from aquatic environments, a novel granular activated carbon (GAC) modified with Polyethylene glycol 600 (PEG) was created and manufactured. The chemical properties were investigated using a variety of characteristic analyses, including FT-IR, XRD, FESEM, and N2 adsorption/desorption. The effectiveness of GAC-PEG's adsorption for the removal of DZ, AMX, and CV was assessed under a variety of conditions, including a pH of 4–9 for the solution, 0.003–0.05 g doses of adsorbent, 50–400 ppm starting concentration, and a reaction time of 5–25 min. For DZ, AMX, and CV adsorption, the maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax) was 1163.933, 1163.100, and 1150.300 mg g-1, respectively. The Langmuir isotherm described all of the data from these adsorption experiments, and the pseudo-second-order well explains all-adsorption kinetics. Most contacts between molecules, electrostatic interactions, π–π interactions, hydrogen bonding, and entrapment in the modified CAG network were used to carry out the DZ, AMX, and CV adsorption on the GAC-PEG. The retrievability of the prepared adsorbent was successfully investigated in studies up to two cycles without loss of adsorption efficiency, and it was shown that it can be efficiently separated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: It is well known that macro-thyroid-stimulating hormone (macro-TSH) could interfere with the detection of TSH. The anti-TSH autoantibody is an essential component of macro-TSH. However, the epidemiological characteristics and the clinical interference of the anti-TSH autoantibody are unclear. Methods: In this study, the radioimmunoprecipitation technique was used to detect the anti-TSH autoantibody. Platforms with different detection mechanisms were applied to measure the TSH in patients with the anti-TSH autoantibody. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation was used to determine the immunoassay interference. Results: The prevalence of the anti-TSH autoantibody in patients with mild subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and autoimmune thyroiditis, but normal thyroid function, was 4.78%. All 10 patients with anti-TSH antibodies had autoimmune diseases, with five of them having significant clinical test interference. Conclusion: The appearance of the anti-TSH antibody is not associated with thyroid autoantibodies. The presence of the anti-TSH autoantibody can interfere with the detection of TSH and can affect clinical diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Polygenic urolithiasis has a complicated etiology and even more varied therapeutic outcomes. Spermacoce articularis L.f. has been used historically for stone treatments in several traditional medical systems. Aim: The current study aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo anti-urolithiatic potential of Spermacoce articularis Stem Extract (SASE). Methods: In vitro antiurolithiatic potential on the CaOx crystallization was evaluated using nucleation and aggregation assays. In vivo, activity was assessed on renal calculi-induced Wistar rats by polyethylene glycol (0.75%) in drinking water for 14 days. SASE and cystone with two experimental doses (250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) were dispensed for ten days. Various biochemical parameters were assessed in the kidneys' serum, urine, and histological sections. In addition, SASE inhibited CaOx crystallization by reducing the density of crystals, triggering the breakdown of CaOx crystals, and hindering their growth. Cystone demonstrated comparable outcomes. Results: Upon treatment with SASE, urinary, serum, kidney homogenates, and antioxidants were significantly improved (p<0.05) to normal levels. The histopathology of the kidney section showed no damaged cells of SASE treated and Cystone treated compared with that of control animals. Conclusion: This research validates the traditional idea and suggests that SASE is advantageous in preventing the growth of urinary stones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetanus is a life-threatening bacterial disease in humans and many animal species caused by the neurotoxin tetanospasmin produced by Clostridium tetani. Antitoxins obtained from horses and humans are primarily used to treat this disease. However, there are several clinical side effects and disadvantages associated with the use of these antitoxins. Current techniques for diagnosing tetanus use monoclonal antibodies produced in mice. These antibodies have several advantages, such as their homogeneity and specificity. In contrast, a notable feature of polyclonal antibodies, especially egg yolk antibodies, i.e. immunoglobulin-Y (IgY), extracted from poultry, is that they can be generated in greater quantities than mammalian antibodies (IgG). In this study, 22-week-old chickens were immunized with C. tetani toxoid and adjuvant (Freund's complete and incomplete adjuvants) via injection into the chest muscle. The immunization process was completed by administering two booster injections at 4-week intervals. Total antibody titers were observed to reach their highest level in the serum of blood samples taken 14 days after the last immunization. IgY antibodies were isolated noninvasively from the eggs of immunized and nonimmunized chickens using the polyethylene glycol (6000) extraction protocol. Immunological analyses confirmed that the purified IgY antibodies were produced specifically for the C. tetani toxoid. The specific tetanus antibodies obtained in this study may be valuable therapeutic tools as alternatives to current treatments for tetanus in humans and domestic animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]