Glycol Groups Research Articles

Blue Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence from Water-Soluble Iridium Complexes Containing Sulfonated Phenylpyridine or Tetraethylene Glycol Derivatized Triazolylpyridine Ligands.

Incorporating phenylpyridine- and triazolylpyridine-based ligands decorated with methylsulfonate or tetraethylene glycol (TEG) groups, a series of iridium(III) complexes has been created for green and blue electrogenerated chemiluminescence under analytically useful aqueous conditions, with tri-n-propylamine as a coreactant. The relative electrochemiluminescence (ECL) intensities of the complexes were dependent on the sensitivity of the photodetector over the wavelength range and the pulse time of the applied electrochemical potential. In terms of the integrated area of corrected ECL spectra, with a pulse time of 0.5 s, the intensities of the Ir(III) complexes were between 18 and 102 % that of [Ru(bpy)3 ](2+) (bpy=2,2'-bipyridine). However, when the intensities were measured with a typical bialkali photomultiplier tube, the signal of the most effective blue emitter, [Ir(df-ppy)2 (pt-TEG)](+) (df-ppy=2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)pyridine anion, pt-TEG=1-(2-(2-(2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,3-triazole), was over 1200 % that of the orange-red emitter [Ru(bpy)3 ](2+) . A combined experimental and theoretical investigation of the electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of the Ir(III) complexes indicated that the greater intensity from [Ir(df-ppy)2 (pt-TEG)](+) relative to those of the other Ir(III) complexes resulted from a combination of many factors, rather than being significantly favored in one area.

Morphological assessment of sulfur mustard-induced acute lung injury in rats through different routes

To establish an animal model of sulfur mustard (SM)-induced acute lung injury in rats through different routes and compare the morphological changes in lung tissue and cells. One hundred and thirty-six male rats were selected and randomly divided into 5 groups, namely peritoneal cavity SM group (n=32), trachea SM group (n=32), peritoneal cavity propylene glycol group (n=32), trachea propylene glycol group (n=32), and normal control group (n=8). The rats in peritoneal cavity SM group were injected intraperitoneally with diluted SM (0.1 ml, 8 mg/kg), and the rats in trachea SM group were injected intratracheally with diluted SM (0.1 ml, 2 mg/kg). Once the rats were sacrificed at 6, 24, 48, and 72 h after SM treatment, morphological changes in lung tissue and cells were observed by light and electron microscopy. In the peritoneal cavity SM group, the epithelial cells of bronchioles maintained intact with increased exudate and bleeding in alveolar cavity and large areas of pulmonary consolidation under the light microscope. In the tracheal SM group, focal ulcer formed in the epithelial cells of bronchioles with increased exudate and bleeding in alveolar cavity, partial pulmonary consolidation, and compensatory emphysema in peripheral alveolar space under the light microscope. The alveolar interval areas were widened obviously in both groups in a time-dependent manner. Under the electron microscope, we observed local loss of cellular membrane in type I alveolar epithelium, broken or lost microvilli in cells of typeⅡalveolar epithelium and fuzzy mitochondrial crista as well as the appearance of ribosome detached from rough endoplasmic reticulum in both two groups. Compared with those in the trachea SM group and the control group, the ratio of the alveolar septum average area to the visual field area in the peritoneal cavity SM group at 6, 24, 48, and 72 h was significantly higher (P<0.05). The lung tissue injury through the intraperitoneal route is more severe than that through the tracheal route, while focal ulceration of bronchioles epithelial cells appears in the case of tracheal route. The degree of injury increases over time in both groups, and the cellular damage is approximately the same in both groups.

Synthesis and biocompatibility of a biodegradable and functionalizable thermo-sensitive hydrogel.

Injectable thermal gels are a useful tool for drug delivery and tissue engineering. However, most thermal gels do not solidify rapidly at body temperature (37°C). We addressed this by synthesizing a thermo-sensitive, rapidly biodegrading hydrogel. Our hydrogel, poly(ethylene glycol)-co-poly(propanol serinate hexamethylene urethane) (EPSHU), is an ABA block copolymer comprising A, methoxy poly ethylene glycol group and B, poly (propanol L-serinate hexamethylene urethane). EPSHU was characterized by gel permeation chromatography for molecular weight and 1H NMR and Fourier transformed infrared for structure. Rheological studies measured the phase transition temperature. In vitro degradation in cholesterol esterase and in Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (DPBS) was tracked using the average molecular weight measured by gel permeation chromatography. LIVE/DEAD and resazurin reduction assays performed on NIH 3T3 fibroblasts exposed to EPSHU extracts demonstrated no cytotoxicity. Subcutaneous implantation into BALB/cJ mice indicated good biocompatibility in vivo. The biodegradability and biocompatibility of EPSHU together make it a promising candidate for drug delivery applications that demand carrier gel degradation within months.

Physiological Degradation Mechanisms of PLGA Membrane Films under Oxygen Plasma Treatment

Degradation under simulated physiological conditions of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) (PLGA) copolymer membrane films subjected to an oxygen plasma treatment compared to its “as prepared” state has been studied by gas cluster ion beam assisted X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for chemical depth profiling analysis. This investigation is complemented with atomic force microscopy, weight loss measurements, and visual inspection of the films at the different stages of the degradation process. The obtained results show that the carbon functional groups of the PLGA membrane films undergo a heterogeneous hydrolytic degradation to different rates depending on the plasma pretreatment. The content of glycolic groups (GA) in untreated PLGA samples immersed for 3 weeks in a phosphate-buffered saline solution decreased at the surface, whereas the ratio between glycolic and lactic units (LA) did not vary in the inner regions (∼400 nm depth) of the degraded membrane films. By contrast, oxygen plasma pretreatment enhances the...

Synthesis and photophysical properties of silicon(IV) tetrapyrazinoporphyrazines axially substituted with ethylene glycol chains as potential photosensitizer

Photodynamic therapy involves administration of a tumor-localizing photosensitizer, which may require metabolic conversion, followed by activation of the photosensitizer with light of a specific wavelength. In this paper, we report the design and synthesis of silicon(IV) tetrapyrazinoporphyrazines derived from 5,9,9-trimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,8-methanoquinoxaline-2,3-dicarbonitrile. The HO –( CH 2 CH 2 O )n– CH 3 groups were introduced at axial positions to give a specific functionality. In particular, poly(ethylene glycol) groups were expected to increase water solubility without changing the λmax.

Proinflammatory and Metabolic Changes Facilitate Renal Crystal Deposition in an Obese Mouse Model of Metabolic Syndrome

To clarify metabolic syndrome induced stone formation mechanisms we investigated the metabolic and immunohistochemical characteristics associated with renal crystal deposition using a model of mice with metabolic syndrome administered a high fat diet and ethylene glycol. Ob/Ob mice with Leptin gene deficiencies and metabolic syndrome related characteristics were compared with wild heterozygous lean mice. Four study groups were fed standard food and water (control group), a high fat diet and normal water (high fat diet group), 1% ethylene glycol and standard food (ethylene glycol group) or a high fat diet and 1% ethylene glycol (high fat diet plus ethylene glycol group). Blood, urine and kidney samples were taken after 14 days. Ob/Ob mice in the high fat diet plus ethylene glycol group showed diffuse renal crystal depositions. Lean and Ob/Ob mice in the high fat diet plus ethylene glycol group showed significant excretion of urinary calcium oxalate crystals. Ob/Ob mice had significant hypercalciuria, hyperphosphaturia and hyperlipidemia, massive lipid fragments in tubular lumina and fat droplets in renal tubular cells. Ob/Ob mice in the high fat diet plus ethylene glycol group hadmarkedly increased expression of osteopontin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. In Ob/Ob mice the number of proinflammatory macrophages was considerably elevated. We induced renal crystal deposition in mice with metabolic syndrome using a high fat diet and ethylene glycol. Increases in luminal mineral and lipid density, and proinflammatory adipocytokines and macrophages facilitated renal crystal formation in mice with metabolic syndrome.

Surface modification of UF membranes with functionalized MWCNTs to control membrane fouling by NOM fractions

To achieve greater hydrophilicity and improved antifouling ability, an ultrafiltration (UF) membrane was modified using a surface coating of raw and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Initially, raw MWCNTs were chemically treated to prepare MWCNTs with carboxylic groups (MWCNTs-COOH) and MWCNTs with polyethylene glycol groups (MWCNTs-PEG), and their physicochemical properties were systematically characterized. The results indicated that the MWCNTs-COOH exhibited the strongest negative charge among the three investigated MWCNTs, whereas the MWCNTs-PEG exhibited the best dispersion ability. Subsequently, the UF membranes were coated with the three MWCNTs, and the surface morphologies and permeability of the modified membranes under different transmembrane pressure (TMP) levels were compared. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images demonstrated that the modified membranes had a rougher surface than the virgin membrane because of the modification layer of MWCNTs. The pure water flux values of all the modified membranes were slightly reduced in comparison with that of the virgin membrane, but the flux sacrifice was very minor. Three natural organic matter (NOM) models, humic acid (HA), bovine serum albumin (BSA) and sodium alginate (SA), were employed to investigate the antifouling potentials of the membranes. The modified membranes exhibited strikingly improved antifouling properties compared with those of virgin membrane for all of the tested NOM foulants, which was probably a consequence of the decreased direct membrane–foulant contact due to the MWCNT coating layer. In addition, decreased surface negative charge and increased surface roughness were two important factors contributing to the enhanced antifouling properties. The r-membranes and the COOH-membrane exhibited satisfactory stabilities during pure-water backwashing at TMP of 60kPa, with dislodged ratios of 1.9% and 4.54%.

Organic Selenium Alleviated the Formation of Ethylene Glycol-Induced Calcium Oxalate Renal Calculi by Improving Osteopontin Expression and Antioxidant Capability in Dogs.

Twenty one-year-old local male dogs were randomly assigned into four groups (five dogs per group). The control and the ethylene glycol (EG) groups were fed basal diets without and with EG, and the EG+sodium selenite (EG+SS) and EG+selenium yeast (EG+SY) groups were fed basal diets with EG containing SS and SY, respectively. Blood, urine, and renal samples were taken after 18 weeks of feeding. The results showed that compared with the control group, the serum calcium levels and antioxidase activities significantly decreased in the EG group. Serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and urine calcium and oxalate levels significantly increased. Calcium oxalate crystal deposition and osteopontin (OPN) messenger RNA and protein expression in the renal tissues significantly increased. These changes above in the EG group were reversed within limits by adding selenium in the diets (both EG+SS and EG+SY groups). Further, compared with the EG+SS group, the EG+SY group showed better effects in decreasing the formation of EG-induced calcium oxalate renal calculi and OPN expression and improving antioxidant capability in dogs. It indicates that organic selenium has the potential value to alleviate the formation of EG-induced calcium oxalate renal calculi.

MP34-13 PPAR-α/γ AGONISTS HAVE DIFFERENT EFFECTS ON RENAL CRYSTAL FORMATION IN HYPEROXALURIC ANIMAL MODELS

You have accessJournal of UrologyStone Disease: Basic Research II1 Apr 2015MP34-13 PPAR-α/γ AGONISTS HAVE DIFFERENT EFFECTS ON RENAL CRYSTAL FORMATION IN HYPEROXALURIC ANIMAL MODELS Kazumi Taguchi, Rei Unno, Yasuhiro Hirose, Shuzo Hamamoto, Takahiro Kobayashi, Ryosuke Ando, Atsushi Okada, Yasunori Itoh, Takahiro Yasui, Keiichi Tozawa, Yutaro Hayashi, and Kenjiro Kohri Kazumi TaguchiKazumi Taguchi More articles by this author , Rei UnnoRei Unno More articles by this author , Yasuhiro HiroseYasuhiro Hirose More articles by this author , Shuzo HamamotoShuzo Hamamoto More articles by this author , Takahiro KobayashiTakahiro Kobayashi More articles by this author , Ryosuke AndoRyosuke Ando More articles by this author , Atsushi OkadaAtsushi Okada More articles by this author , Yasunori ItohYasunori Itoh More articles by this author , Takahiro YasuiTakahiro Yasui More articles by this author , Keiichi TozawaKeiichi Tozawa More articles by this author , Yutaro HayashiYutaro Hayashi More articles by this author , and Kenjiro KohriKenjiro Kohri More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2015.02.1309AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Urolithiasis has inflammatory and oxidative stress-related characteristics resembling metabolic syndrome (Mets). No therapy targeting the molecular biology of crystal formation has been developed, although statins and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists are used to treat Mets. Hence, we evaluated the in vivo efficacy of PPAR agonists for preventing renal crystal formation and investigated changes in gene expression of PPARs and related inflammatory and oxidative molecules in a hyperoxaluric animal model. METHODS We first examined PPAR gene expression by microarray analysis of a mouse kidney stone model in which hyperoxaluria was induced by daily intra-abdominal glyoxylate injection. Affymetrix GeneSpring GX11.0 was used with unbiased gene expression profiling to investigate global renal gene expression. Then, we investigated the effects of 3 different PPAR agonists, the PPARα agonists bezafibrate (BZF) and fenofibrate (FF), and the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone (PGZ). SD rats were untreated (Ctl) or treated with 1% ethylene glycol (EG), 1% EG and 30 mg/kg BZF (EG + B), 1% EG and 30 mg/kg FF (EG + F), or 1% EG and 10 mg/kg PGZ (EG + P). Blood and 24-h urine samples and kidney sections were collected after 14 days□f treatment. We examined crystal formation using Pizzolato staining and polarized light optical microscopy and evaluated inflammation, cell injury, apoptosis, and oxidative stress with immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Microarray analysis showed increased PPARγ expression after crystal formation but no change in PPARα expression during crystal formation. Renal crystal formation was significantly lower in the EG + P and higher in the EG + B and EG + F groups than in the EG group (Figure). The serum and urinary levels of Ca, P, and Mg and urinary level of oxalate did not differ among the EG + B, EG + F, and EG + P groups. PGZ administration markedly decreased cell injury, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Administration of both BZF and FF increased serum levels of creatinine that caused glomerulotubular injury. CONCLUSIONS PPAR-α agonists suppresses renal crystal formation via its renal tubular cytoprotective effects whereas PPAR-α agonists accelerate crystal formation via its renal toxicity. © 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 193Issue 4SApril 2015Page: e415 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Kazumi Taguchi More articles by this author Rei Unno More articles by this author Yasuhiro Hirose More articles by this author Shuzo Hamamoto More articles by this author Takahiro Kobayashi More articles by this author Ryosuke Ando More articles by this author Atsushi Okada More articles by this author Yasunori Itoh More articles by this author Takahiro Yasui More articles by this author Keiichi Tozawa More articles by this author Yutaro Hayashi More articles by this author Kenjiro Kohri More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Hexanoyl-Chitosan-PEG Copolymer Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Hydrophobic Drug Delivery.

Nanoparticle (NP) formulations may be used to improve in vivo efficacy of hydrophobic drugs by circumventing solubility issues and providing targeted delivery. In this study, we developed a hexanoyl-chitosan-PEG (CP6C) copolymer coated, paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded, and chlorotoxin (CTX) conjugated iron oxide NP (CTX-PTX-NP) for targeted delivery of PTX to human glioblastoma (GBM) cells. We modified chitosan with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and hexanoyl groups to obtain the amphiphilic CP6C. The resultant copolymer was then coated onto oleic acid-stabilized iron oxide NPs (OA-IONP) via hydrophobic interactions. PTX, a model hydrophobic drug, was loaded into the hydrophobic region of IONPs. CTX-PTX-NP showed high drug loading efficiency (>30%), slow drug release in PBS and the CTX-conjugated NP was shown to successfully target GBM cells. Importantly, the NPs showed great therapeutic efficacy when evaluated in GBM cell line U-118 MG. Our results indicate that this nanoparticle platform could be used for loading and targeted delivery of hydrophobic drugs.

Photoinduced macroscopic morphological transformation of an amphiphilic diarylethene assembly: reversible dynamic motion.

Self-assembled microstructures of an amphiphilic diarylethene featuring an alkyl chain and triethylene glycol groups showed a photoinduced reversible morphological change in water. Reversible photoisomerization of the core diarylethene gave rise to a reversible morphological transformation between colorless microspheres and colored fibers. When colorless microspheres were irradiated with UV light, colored fibers were formed, and when the colored fibers were irradiated with visible light, the spheres were restored to their original positions where the spheres originally existed. This system showed reversible morphological change through not only photoirradiation but also temperature change. These behaviors can be interpreted as a phase transition between the sphere and fiber states. The dynamic process of the phase transition was monitored by polarized optical microscopy (POM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was revealed that the formation of fibers upon UV irradiation occurred radially at the surface of the sphere and the formation of the spheres upon visible-light irradiation occurred at the middle of the fiber. The unique photoinduced mechanical motion provides useful information for the design of sophisticated photoactuators.

Interaction of gold nanoparticles with Doxorubicin mediated by supramolecular chemistry

A copolymer containing β-cyclodextrin, catechol and polyethylene glycol groups in its side chain was designed for the in situ synthesis and coating of gold nanoparticles (Au@PEG–CD NPs). These platforms were designed as a smart carrier and traceable delivery probe of the chemotherapeutic Doxorubicin drug (Dox). The coated polymer forms stable complexes with Dox in water with a high binding constant (K=2.3×104M−1 at 25°C), which is one hundred times greater than those reported for its complexation with native βCD. Therefore, Au@PEG–CD NPs were able to load 0.01mg of the drug per mg of NP and to release up to 60% of it in 48h at 37°C. In addition, Au@PEG–CD NPs had the capacity to act as a quencher of Dox fluorescence when it was complexed with βCD in the NP organic shell. This feature allows the Dox release to be tracked by monitoring the recovery of its fluorescence in real time. Therefore, the Dox release kinetics and the influence of temperature on the thermal stability of Dox/CD complexes on Au@PEG–CD NP were investigated. The increase in temperature favors the dissociation of the complexes and subsequent Dox release from the NP. The first order rate constant for drug releasing was 1.1×10−2min−1 with a half-life time of 63min at 37°C. Finally, the great potential of the carrier/probe double nature of Au@PEG–CD NPs was demonstrated in real time inside HeLa cells.

Determination of urine oxalate level in rats with renal calcium oxalate calculus by high-performance liquid chromatography.

To establish a method of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for determining the urine oxalate levle in rats with renal calcium oxalate calculus. Totally 24 SPF Wistar healthy male rats were randomly divided into control group(n=12)and ethylene glycol (EG) group (n=12). Rats in EG group were administered intragastrically with 2% ammonium chloride (AC)2 ml/rat per day+1% ethylene glycol (EG), along with free access to drinking water.The control group was fed with deionized water, along with the intragastric administration of normal saline (1 ml per day). Twenty-eight days after modelling, the 24-hour urine samples were collected, and the urine oxalic acid levels were determined using HPLC and the results were compared with those of catalytic spectrophotometry using oxidation of methyl. During the HPLC, the samples were separated on Aglient 5TC-C18 (250×4.6 mm,5 Μm), eluted with mixture of methanol (0.1 mol/L) and ammonium acetate (15:85) at 1.2 ml/min, and detected at 314 nm, with the column temperature being 20 ℃. The standard curves of high and low concentrations of oxalic acid were y=5909.1x+378730, R² =0.9984 and y=7810.5x-16635, R² =0.9967,respectively. The lowest detectable concentration in this method was 5 Μg/ml. The linear high concentration range of oxalate stood at 62.50-2000.00 Μg/ml, and the linear low concentration range of oxalate stood at 6.25-100.00 Μg/ml. Its average recovery was 95.1%, and its within-day and day-to-day precisions were 3.4%-10.8% and 3.8%-9.4%. Both HPLC and catalytic spectrophotometry showed significantly higher urinary oxalic acid concentration and 24 h urine oxalate level in EG group compared with the control group [urinary oxalic acid concentration: (736.35 ± 254.52) Μg/ml vs.(51.56 ± 36.34) Μg/ml,(687.35 ± 234.53) Μg/ml vs.(50.24 ± 42.34) Μg/ml;24 h urine oxalate level: (11.23 ± 4.12)mg vs.(0.87 ± 0.45)mg,(9.89 ± 3.55)mg vs. (0.77 ± 0.65)mg; all P<0.01]. No statistically significant difference was observed in the results of urinary oxalate concentration and 24 h urine oxalate level between HPLC and potassium chromate oxidation of methyl red spectrophotometry (all P>0.05). HPLC is a simple, rapid, and precise method in detecting urine oxalate level in rats with renal calcium oxalate calculus, with high recovery rate.

A Comparative Study of Four Oral Contrast Agents for Small Bowel Distension With Computed Tomography Enterography

PurposeTo assess the efficacy of a variety of oral contrast agents in obtaining small bowel distention for computed tomography (CT) enterography examinations. MethodsA retrospective study was developed to quantitatively assess small bowel luminal distension during CT enterography by using 4 contrast agents, which included water, Metamucil, polyethylene glycol, and lactulose. A total of 256 patients were enrolled in the study and included 64 individuals for each oral regimen. The widest loop of small bowel in each of 4 quadrants on representative coronal images was separately measured for luminal distension. Overall distension and the greatest number of “useful” quadrants were evaluated. Overall distension was calculated by summing the 4 quadrant values into an overall luminal diameter distention score (cm). A “useful” quadrant was defined as having a measurement of ≥2 cm. Each “useful” quadrant was assigned a score of 1, with values that ranged from 0-4. ResultsFor overall distension, multivariable liner regression analysis showed that the lactulose group had a significantly higher overall distension value than Metamucil, polyethylene glycol, and water by 0.88, 0.92, and 1.63 cm, respectively, with 95% confidence interval. The categorical multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the lactulose group had greater odds of having more “useful” quadrants than the Metamucil, polyethylene glycol, and water groups, with odds ratios of 3.51, 2.68, and 9.19, respectively. ConclusionLactulose achieves better small bowel distension for CT enterography studies than the other 3 agents and, therefore, is the preferred oral regimen at our institution.

Carica papaya Latex Accelerates Wound Healing in Diabetic Wistar Rats

Aim: The wound healing ability of Carica papaya latex in excisional wound of alloxan induced diabetic wistar rats was investigated. Methodology: The excisional wounds of 24 diabetic rats in four equal groups were dressed respectively with latex (LD), gentamicin (GD), normal saline (ND) and propylene glycol (PD). A composite four nondiabetic (control) groups were also established (LC, GC, NC, and PC). All the eight groups had daily dressing till healed. Wound dimensions were taken at an interval of four days and obtained values were used to calculate wound contraction rates for specific period. Granulation tissue biopsies taken on day 4, 8 and 12 were processed for light microscopy. The healed scars were also processed for light microscopy. Results: The latex control (LC) group had the shortest healing period (16 days) while the longest period of 32 days was recorded by the diabetic normal saline (ND) and diabetic propylene glycol (PD) groups. The differences in the healing duration amongst the groups were significant (P < 0.001). Original Research Article Ajani and Ogunbiyi; EJMP, 9(3): 1-12, 2015; Article no.EJMP.17758 2 Comparison of highest and lowest wound contraction rates within the same period The LC group had highest mean wound contraction rate of 21.56±7.04% on day 4 with the PD group being the lowest (6.45±2.32%). Similar pattern was observed on day 8; (LC: 55.71±4.87%) and (ND: 18.98±12.13%). For day 12, the results were LC: 84.86±5.11% and GD: 35.36±17.80%. All these paired values were of statistical significance. Intra and intergroup comparisons of contraction rates On day 4, LC had significantly higher contraction rate than LD (21.58±7.04; 11.06±2.82 respectively with P< 0.001). Also results for the same parameter on day 8 and day 12 were significant in LD vs GD (47.48±8.9 vs 21.06±5.83; P<0.001); LD vs ND (47.48±8.94 vs 18.98±12.13; P<0.001); LD vs PD (47.48±8.9 vs 23.12±5.77; P< 0.001) and GC vs GD (42.56±8.61 vs 21.06±5.83; P< 0.001). Light microscopy of the granulation tissue from all the control groups showed more cellular infiltration than the respective diabetic group which might be due to hyperglycemia. Conclusion: The study had been able to demonstrate that Carica papaya latex promotes wound healing in diabetic wistar rats. Possible mechanisms through which this was achieved include amelioration of the inhibitory effect of diabetes mellitus on wound healing, increased rapidity of wound contraction and reduction in the duration of healing. From the results of this study, the latex of Carica papaya appeared superior to gentamicin, normal saline and propylene glycol as materials for wound management in diabetic wistar rats. Latex is naturally occurring and its source (Carica papaya) is easily cultivated, readily available, affordable and cannot be adulterated. It may thus be considered as an alternative to the synthetic materials in the current management of wounds in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Monitoring pattern formation in drying and wetting dispersions of gold nanoparticles by ESEM.

We report an investigation of the self-assembly of patterns from functionalized gold nanoparticles (GNPs) by monitoring the process in situ by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) during both evaporation and condensation of the dispersant. As this method limits the choice of dispersants to water, GNPs functionalized with hydrophilic thiol ligands, containing poly(ethylene)glycol (PEG) groups, were used on a variety of substrates including pre-patterned ones. Particular emphasis was given to early stage deposition of GNPs, as well as redispersion and lift-off upon condensation of water droplets. ESEM presents a unique opportunity of directly imaging such events in situ. It was found that attractive interactions between the substrate and the GNPs are often stronger than expected once the particles have been deposited. The role of nickel perchlorate as a highly water-soluble additive was studied. It was found that entropically driven deposition of particles and decoration of surface features was enhanced in its presence, as expected.

Synthesis and investigation of singlet oxygen production efficiency of photosensitizers based on meso-phenyl-2,5-thienylene linked porphyrin oligomers and polymers

Three new Zn(ii)-, oligo- and poly(2,5-thienylene)-linked porphyrins, bearing multiple triethylene glycol (TEG) groups, on all meso aryl positions were synthesized via Stille and Suzuki coupling reactions and their photophysical properties as well as singlet oxygen generation efficiencies have been investigated to elucidate the possibility of their use as a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photodynamic inactivation of bacteria.

Hemocompatibility of PVDF/PS-b-PEGMA membranes prepared by LIPS process

The lack of knowledge on the hemocompatibility of PVDF-based membranes suggested the need for a dedicated study. The present work lays the focus on the effect of polystyrene-b-poly (ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PS-b-PEGMA) on the blood compatibility of PVDF membranes prepared by liquid-induced phase separation. First, the adhesion behavior of three major blood plasma proteins – fibrinogen (FN), γ-globulin and human serum albumin (HSA) – onto the membranes is thoroughly discussed. PS-b-PEGMA acts as a protein repellent, favoring the formation of a hydration layer at the surface of the membranes. A similar result is obtained whether using pure proteins or proteins from a platelet-poor plasma solution. Next, our results suggest that interactions between thrombocytes, erythrocytes and leukocytes with PEGylated membranes are importantly reduced. The mechanism for cell repulsion is believed to be identical as that responsible for protein resistance: the formation of a hydration layer around the ethylene glycol groups minimizes (i) the interactions between the membrane and the proteins constituting the wall of blood cells and (ii) prevents mediation of cells attachment by plasma proteins. Also, the hemolytic activity and the plasma clotting time are reduced and delayed, respectively, supporting the improvement of membranes hemocompatibility with PS-b-PEGMA content. Finally, the copolymer contributes to the resistance of irreversible biofouling due to plasma proteins during filtration. A flux recovery ratio of 91% is obtained for modified membranes while it is only 17% for commercial hydrophobic PVDF membrane and 56% for commercial hydrophilic PVDF membrane, after applying a similar treatment involving the adsorption of plasma proteins. Therefore, PEGylated PVDF membranes presented in this work are hemocompatible and could be used in blood contacting devices.

Surface functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles as an effective carrier for epirubicin delivery to cancer cells

Recent studies with inorganic nanoparticles modified with functional groups have demonstrated improvement in drug delivery into cancer cells. In the present study, we prepared, characterized, and evaluated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as carriers for epirubicin hydrochloride (EPI) in order to improve the antitumor efficacy of this drug. MSNs were prepared and functionalized with phosphonate, polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyethylenimine–polyethylene glycol (PEI–PEG) groups. Different nanoparticulate formulations were loaded with EPI. The in vitro cytotoxicity and the in vivo antitumor efficacy of MSNs containing EPI were evaluated versus free EPI. The EPI release from nanoparticles was shown to be pH-dependent. The size of MSNs functionalized with polyethyleneimine-polyethylene glycol (MSN–PEI–PEG) was 123.8±4.8nm. This formulation showed the best antitumor effects at an EPI dose of 9mg/kg in C-26 colon carcinoma model. The biodistribution results proved that MSN–PEI–PEG–EPI had a higher tumor accumulation compared to free EPI, 3h after drug administration. The results indicated that this formulation could be effective nanocarriers for anti-tumor therapies.

Effect of Fenugreek ( Trigonella Foenum-Graecum ) on Ethylene Glycol Induced Kidney Stone in Rats

Fenugreek is one of several herbal medicines whose seeds and leaves are used either as food or as an ingredient in folk medicine. In the existing literature, there is evidence regarding the effects of fenugreek on ethylene glycol induced kidney stone formation of rats. Regarding the other drugs, such as Cystone, the seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) are reported to have been used as anti-urolithiatic in traditional medicine. Thus, the present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of fenugreek on the prevention of kidney stone formation. Twenty male albino rats were divided into 4 groups: Normal, Ethylene Glycol (EG), Cystone and Fenugreek. The duration of the experiment was 28 days. Ethylene glycol group led to increases in kidney weight, malondialdehyde (MDA) and platelet count, while Cystone and Fenugreek combat the effect of EG. Haematological examination showed that the hemoglobin and red blood cell count in rats treated EG were significantly lower than those in the controls while Fenugreek and Cystone decreased the EG effect. Our studies demonstrate the anti-urolithiatic and anti-oxidative potential effects of T. foenum-graecum, which could exert beneficial effects against the kidney stone formation and the associated free radicals complications in kidney tissues. Further clinical trials are needed for evaluating its benefits and the possible side effects.