Glycol Groups Research Articles

Searching glycolate oxidase inhibitors based on QSAR, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic simulation approaches

Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PHT1) treatment is mainly focused on inhibiting the enzyme glycolate oxidase, which plays a pivotal role in the production of glyoxylate, which undergoes oxidation to produce oxalate. When the renal secretion capacity exceeds, calcium oxalate forms stones that accumulate in the kidneys. In this respect, detailed QSAR analysis, molecular docking, and dynamics simulations of a series of inhibitors containing glycolic, glyoxylic, and salicylic acid groups have been performed employing different regression machine learning techniques. Three robust models with less than 9 descriptors—based on a tenfold cross (Q2CV) and external (Q2EXT) validation—were found i.e., MLR1 (Q2CV = 0.893, Q2EXT = 0.897), RF1 (Q2CV = 0.889, Q2EXT = 0.907), and IBK1 (Q2CV = 0.891, Q2EXT = 0.907). An ensemble model was built by averaging the predicted pIC50 of the three models, obtaining a Q2EXT = 0.933. Physicochemical properties such as charge, electronegativity, hardness, softness, van der Waals volume, and polarizability were considered as attributes to build the models. To get more insight into the potential biological activity of the compouds studied herein, docking and dynamic analysis were carried out, finding the hydrophobic and polar residues show important interactions with the ligands. A screening of the DrugBank database V.5.1.7 was performed, leading to the proposal of seven commercial drugs within the applicability domain of the models, that can be suggested as possible PHT1 treatment.

Lithium Borate Ionic Liquids as Single‐Component Electrolytes for Batteries

AbstractCurrent electrolytes for lithium batteries are usually composed of at least two chemical compounds, an organic solvent such as a cyclic carbonate and a lithium salt such as LiPF6. Here, the concept of using a single‐component electrolyte is demonstrated in lithium batteries based on new lithium borate ionic liquids at room temperature. The design concept of this class of lithium ionic liquids (LiILs) is based on an asymmetrically substituted central tetracoordinate boron atom with oligoethylene glycol groups, fluorinated electron‐attracting groups, and one alkane group. The optimized borateLi+ LiILs show a high ionic conductivity value of >10−4 S cm−1 at 25 °C, high lithium transference numbers ( = 0.4 – 0.5) and electrochemical stability (>4 V). Some of the LiILs present high compatibility with lithium‐metal electrodes showing stable polarization profiles in platting/stripping tests. The selected LiIL is investigated as single‐component electrolytes in lithium‐metal battery cells showing discharge capacity values in Li0/LiIL/lithium–iron phosphate and Li0/LiIL/lithium titanate cells of 124 and 75 mAh g−1, respectively, at a C‐rate of 0.2 C and 65 °C with low‐capacity loss.

Bowel cleansing efficacy of 1L NER1006versus macrogol and 3L polyethylene glycol using split-dose administration.

Colonoscopies are an important diagnostic technique in the detection of colorectal cancer and colonic disease. Adequate examination is dependent on the degree of mucosal visibility, with poor cleansing impeding the detection of neoplasms. These patients require shorter colonoscopy surveillance intervals, longer hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs-rendering a screening colonoscopy cost-ineffective. In Australia and the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service (GCHHS), macrogol and 3L of polyethylene glycol are the preferred regimen given its safety profile and efficacy. Yet, little is known locally about the use of the new low-volume bowel preparation NER1006 (Plenvu) given its recent registration with the Therapeutic Goods of Australia (TGA). The primary outcome assessed the bowel cleansing efficacy of NER1006 compared with 7 days of macrogol and 3L of polyethylene glycol using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS), while also assessing the influence of notable patient characteristics such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and the patients Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Secondary outcomes assessed the polyp detection rate and procedural factors including cecal intubation, scope withdrawal time, and rebooking rates. Data from all patients who underwent an outpatient colonoscopy procedure at GCHHS between 1 July 2020 and 30 September 2020 were analyzed. Patients were aged 50-74 years of age and were referred for a screening colonoscopy due to a positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT) result from the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. Of the 238 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 108 patients received NER1006 and 130 patients received macrogol and 3L polyethylene glycol. NER1006 achieved superior overall (P< 0.001) and right-sided colon cleansing (P= 0.016). There was an even distribution of males and females (P= 0.118), the mean age of both cohorts was <65 years of age. The macrogol and 3L polyethylene glycol group had a statistically higher BMI (P< 0.001) and CCI (P< 0.001). Cecal intubation success was achieved in both cohorts (≥95%) and scope withdrawal time was ≥6min, polyp detection was non-superior (P= 0.824), but superior in NER1006 when BBPS ≥6 (P= 0.002). Rebooking rates were significantly lower in the NER1006 group (P= 0.013). This study demonstrated that NER1006 was superior in terms of overall and right-sided bowel cleansing as a primary endpoint. Patient factors demonstrated to be independent predictors of inadequate bowel preparation. Future studies should aim to explore the safety and tolerability of NER1006 while also assessing the bowel cleansing effectiveness in patients with a high BMI and comorbidity index.

Special issue on enhanced photodynamic therapy: Part II

Special issue on enhanced photodynamic therapy: Part II

Inelastic Neutron Scattering from Thin Film Biaxially Oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate.

Recent interest in emerging processes for polymer manufacturing and bio-based chemistries for direct chemical recycling/upcycling has motivated new research focused on a deeper understanding of atomic-scale polymer properties and how they influence macroscopic phenomena. Uncovering the fundamental properties of polymers that give rise to macroscopic behavior could enable new pathways for improved recyclability or utilization of alternative "greener" polymer analogues. In this study, the neutron vibrational spectrum was measured for a film of biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET) using inelastic neutron scattering (INS), to investigate the relationship between the structure and dynamics of a widely used polymer. Compared to conventional spectroscopic techniques, the use of INS is advantageous for polymeric materials due to the absence of selection rules (i.e., all transitions are allowed), broad-band energy range, and considerable sensitivity to hydrogen modes. In order to distinguish the vibrational modes caused by trans and gauche rotational isomerism, the normal modes of vibration were calculated from a density functional theory-optimized structure of crystalline PET (cPET), representative of the all-trans state, and compared with INS from "highly crystalline" PET powder. Although in- and out-of-plane wagging of hydrogens on the ring structure exhibit significant contribution to both BoPET and cPET spectra, the wagging, rocking, and twisting modes of hydrogen on the ethylene glycol group are, in most cases, conformation-specific. These results were further rationalized by investigating the role of hyperconjugation in stabilizing both conformations using the natural bond order method. Through comparison of experimental and calculated INS results, this work provides the fundamental basis for discovering the role of structure and dynamics in shaping the macroscopic properties of PET and polymer analogues.

A novel BODIPY-based nano-photosensitizer with aggregation-induced emission for cancer photodynamic therapy

The discovery of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effect provides opportunities for the rapid development of fluorescence imaging-guided photodynamic therapy (PDT). In this work, a boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY)-based photosensitizer (ET-BDP-O) with AIE characteristics was developed, in which the two linear arms of BODIPY group were linked with triphenylamine to form an electron Donor–Acceptor–Donor (D–A–D) architecture while side chain was equipped with triethylene glycol group. ET-BDP-O was able to directly self-assemble into nanoparticles (NPs) without supplement of any other matrices or stabilizers due to its amphiphilic property. The as-prepared ET-BDP-O NPs had an excellent colloid stability with the size of 125 nm. Benefiting from the AIE property, ET-BDP-O NPs could generate strong fluorescence and reactive oxygen species under light-emitting diode light irradiation (60[Formula: see text]mW/cm[Formula: see text]. After internalized in cancer cells, ET-BDP-O NPs were able to emit bright red fluorescence signal for bioimaging. In addition, the cell viability assay demonstrated that the ET-BDP-O NPs exhibited excellent photo-cytotoxicity against cancer cells, while negligible cytotoxicity under dark environment. Thus, ET-BDP-O NPs might be regarded as a promising photosensitizer for fluorescence imaging-guided PDT in future.

Lipid-mediated ex vivo cell surface engineering for augmented cellular functionalities.

Once administrated, intercellular adhesion to recognize and/or arrest target cells is essential for specific treatments, especially for cancer or tumor. However, immune cells administrated into the tumor-microenvironment could lose their intrinsic functionalities such as target recognition ability, resulting in an ineffective cancer immunotherapy. Various manipulation techniques for decorating functional moieties onto cell surface and enhancing target recognition have been developed. A hydrophobic interaction-mediated ex-vivo cell surface engineering using lipid-based biomaterials could be a state-of-the-art engineering technique that could achieve high-efficiency cell surface modification by a single method without disturbance of intrinsic characteristics of cells. In this regard, this review provides design principles for the development of lipid-based biomaterials with a linear structure of lipid, polyethylene glycol, and functional group, strategies for the synthesis process, and their practical applications in biomedical engineering. Especially, we provide new insights into the development of a novel surface coating techniques for natural killer (NK) cells with engineering decoration of cancer targeting moieties on their cell surfaces. Among immune cells, NK cells are interesting cell population for substituting T cells because of their excellent safety and independent anticancer efficacy. Thus, optimal strategies to select cancer-type-specific targeting moieties and present them onto the surface of immune cells (especially, NK cells) using lipid-based biomaterials could provide additional tools to capture cancer cells for developing novel immune cell therapy products. Enhanced anticancer efficacies by surface-engineered NK cells have been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, it could be speculated that recent progresses in cell surface modification technology via lipid-based biomaterials could strengthen immune surveillance and immune synapses for utilization in a next-generation cancer immunotherapy, beyond currently available genetic engineering tool such as chimeric antigen receptor-mediated immune cell modulation.

Design and evaluation of neutralizing and fusion inhibitory peptides to Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a medically relevant tick-borne viral disease caused by the Bunyavirus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). CCHFV is endemic to Asia, the Middle East, South-eastern Europe, and Africa and is transmitted in enzootic cycles among ticks, mammals, and birds. Human infections are mostly subclinical or limited to mild febrile illness. Severe disease may develop, resulting in multi-organ failure, hemorrhagic manifestations, and case-fatality rates up to 30%. Despite the widespread distribution and life-threatening potential, no treatments have been approved for CCHF. Antiviral inhibitory peptides, which antagonize viral entry, are licensed for clinical use in certain viral infections and have been experimentally designed against human pathogenic bunyaviruses, with in vitro and in vivo efficacies. We designed inhibitory peptides against CCHFV with and without conjugation to various polyethylene glycol and sterol groups. These additions have been shown to enhance both cellular uptake and antiviral activity. Peptides were evaluated against pseudotyped and wild-type CCHFV via neutralization tests, Nairovirus fusion assays, and cytotoxicity profiling. Four peptides neutralized CCHFV with two of these peptides shown to inhibit viral fusion. This work represents the development of experimental countermeasures for CCHF, describes a nairovirus immunofluorescence fusion assay, and illustrates the utility of pseudotyped CCHFV for the screening of entry antagonists at low containment settings for CCHF.

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY TEST AND EFFECT OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF NUSA INDA PUTIH (Mussaenda pubescens) AGAINST CREATININE, URIC ACID AND UREUM LEVELS IN WHITE RATS (Rattus novergicus)

The purpose of this study was to examine the antioxidant activity and the effect of the extract of Nusa Indah Putih (Mussaenda pubescens) on creatinine, uric acid and urea levels in white rats (Rattus novergicus). The study design, the treatment group was divided into 5 groups. The control group (P0), the ethylene glycol group (P1), the kidney drug treatment group (P2), the Nusa Indah Putih ethanol extract group at a dose of 100 mg/kgBW (P3), and the Nusa Indah Putih ethanol extract group at a dose of 200 mg/kgBW (P4 ). Nusa Indah Putih extract has strong antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 78.27 ppm and AAI value of 1.277. Nusa Indah Putih extract was effective in lowering creatinine, uric acid and urea levels in experimental animals.

ANTILITHIASIS EFFECTIVENESS TEST OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF ALANG-ALANG (Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv) ON WHITE RATS (Rattus novergicus)

The purpose of this study was to determine the antilithiation effectiveness of alang-alang extract in white rats by looking at the histology of the rat kidney. The study design, the treatment group was divided into 5 groups. Control group (P0), ethylene glycol group (P1), Hydrochlorothiazide treatment group (P2), alang-alang extract group at a dose of 100 mg/kgBW (P3), and alang-lang extract group at a dose of 200 mg/kgBW (P4). The results showed that alang-alang extract had activity in repairing the kidneys of white rats with urolithiasis. And the alang-alang extract dose of 200 mg/kgBW has better effectiveness.

Alcoholysis features of lithium aluminum hydrides for its hydrolysis reaction at low-temperature

Lithium aluminum hydrides are promising hydrogen storage materials due to their high hydrogen storage density. Hydrolysis of LiAlH4 is an ideal path to reach the operating temperature (−40/60 °C) target released by department of energy without extra heating processes. Ethylene glycol is a common antifreeze agent ingredient for low temperature reactions. However, the reaction features of ethylene glycol with LiAlH4 are still unknown. Here, the reaction behaviors of ethylene glycol with LiAlH4 have been studied. The reaction of LiAlH4 powder with ethylene glycol has been found to be hindered by the thin layer alcoholysis products on the surface. The alcoholysis products have been found to be easily react with water to yield Li–Al layered double hydroxides. The alcoholysis products have been demonstrated to be Li–Al double layered alcoholates, which is analogous to Li–Al layered double hydroxides. The ethylene glycol groups in the alcoholysis products are easily substituted by –OH in the presence of water. Thus, only water is consumed from the antifreeze agents for low temperature hydrogen release.

A pilot dynamic analysis of formative factors of nephrolithiasis related to metabolic syndrome: evidence in a rat model

Introduction and objective To examine the dynamic changes in the formative factors of nephrolithiasis and the final micromorphological changes in an obesity-initiated metabolic syndrome (MS) rat model. Methods Forty five-week-old male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: the regular diet group (RD), high-fat diet group (HFD), regular diet with drug (ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride) group (RDD), and high-fat diet with drug group (HFDD). A dynamic assessment of MS components (body weight (BW), body length (BL), Lee’s index (LI), blood glucose (BG), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TGs)) and stone-forming factors (urinary pH, urinary calcium, and urinary oxalate acid) was carried out. In addition, the levels of oxidative stress (OS) markers (CAT, SOD, TAC, GSH-PX, and MDA) were measured, and histological analysis was carried out at the end of 16 weeks. Results MS-related parameters, such as BW, LI, BG, TC, and TG, were significantly higher in HFD-fed rats than in RD-fed rats (p < 0.001). In the HFDD group, significantly lower urinary pH, hyperoxaluria, and hypocalciuria were noted in the dynamic assessment of stone-forming factors (p < 0.001). CAT, TAC, and MDA were notably changed in the HFD-fed groups, particularly the HFDD rats. Histological analysis showed that the renal tubules of HFDD rats had the highest scores for both inflammation and renal crystallization deposition (p < 0.05). Conclusions Our results suggest that male SD rats with MS are prone to developing nephrolithiasis. Validation in an in vivo model may lead to an understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of action of MS-related nephrolithiasis in humans. Key messages Male SD rats with metabolic syndrome are more prone to developing calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis after treatment with ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride compared to control lean rats. MS-related nephrolithiasis in rats induced by ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride is mainly related to increased hyperoxaluria and inflammation and decreased antioxidant levels. High-fat diet-fed SD rats treated with ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride are a stable and valid in vivo model for understanding the potential mechanism of action of MS-related nephrolithiasis.

Chemo-photodynamic Activity of Silicon Phthalocyanines Bearing Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors on Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines.

Colorectal cancer ranks as the third most lethal cancer worldwide, resulting in over 1 million cases and 900 000 deaths per year. According to population-based studies, administration of long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was proven to reduce the risk of a subject developing colorectal cancer. In the present study, the anti-cancer activity of two different NSAIDs, sulindac- (Pc-1) or diclofenac-substituted (Pc-2) asymmetric silicon phthalocyanine derivatives, was evaluated in four different colorectal cancer cell lines bearing various carcinogenic mutations. In this context, the IC50 values of each compound after 24 and 48 h were determined on HCT116, SW480, LoVo, and HT29 cell lines, and the effects of the compounds on programmed cell death pathways apoptosis and autophagy, their impact on cell cycle progression, and the effect of NSAID moieties they bear on COX-1 and COX-2 proteins were analyzed. In addition, the photophysical and photochemical properties of a synthesized Pc derivative bearing axial diclofenac and triethylene glycol groups (Pc-2) have been investigated, and the compound has been characterized by using different analytical techniques. Our results indicated that both compounds inhibit COX protein expression levels, activate apoptosis in all cell lines, and lead to cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, depending on the COX expression profiles of the cell lines, indicating that NSAIDs can be coupled with Pc's to achieve increased anti-cancer activity, especially on cancer cells known to have high COX activity.

(Invited) Functionalized Polymer-Sorted Carbon Nanotube Networks for Sensing Applications

Networks of polymer-sorted, purely semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) exhibit very high charge carrier mobilities, chemical stability and mechanical flexibility. Due to their large surface area they also permit a wide variety of modifications for sensing of gases, ions and even biomolecules. Exchanging the conjugated polymer used for the selective SWNT dispersion with specifically functionalized new wrapping polymers enables targeted sensing of analytes and improved devices performance. For example, spiropyran-functionalized polymer-nanotube hybrids can be used for dynamic optical memory devices and UV sensors (Adv. Electron. Mater. 2020, 6, 2000717). Other functional groups of the wrapping polymer promote the selective binding of copper ions and hence also the detection of the herbicide glyphosate in water by competitive binding using electrochemical SWNT network transistors. We further demonstrate how the performance of water-gated electrochemical SWNT transistors for bioelectronics (ACS Appl. Electron. Mater. 2021, 3, 3106) can be improved by exchanging the hydrophobic alkyl sidechains of the wrapping polyfluorene copolymer with hydrophilic tetraethylene glycol (TEG) groups. Thick, aerosol jet printed SWNT films with TEG sidechains show significantly increased volumetric capacitances and thus higher transconductances.

Comparative evaluation of enema alone and in combination with oral polyethylene glycol for bowel preparation before transvaginal pelvic floor reconstruction in elderly patients: a retrospective cohort study

The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the value of using an enema alone for mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) before transvaginal pelvic floor reconstruction (TPFR) in patients ≥65 years old. In total, 190 patients were included [81 in the enema group vs. 109 in the enema + polyethylene glycol (PEG) group]. The levels of serum potassium (p = .004) and calcium (p = .005) were higher in the enema group after surgery. The decrease in serum calcium was more significant in the enema + PEG group (p = .027). More patients in the enema + PEG group developed hypokalaemia (p = .035) or hypocalcaemia (p = .008) after surgery. The incidence of thrombus and surgical site infection was similar and earlier bowel movement was evident in the enema group (p = .000). Overall, the enema group used more laxatives (p = .026). Using enema alone before TPFR reduces the incidence of electrolyte disturbances with no increase in surgical complications in elderly patients. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? TPFR is an effective treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in elderly women. Bowel preparation performed before gynecological surgery can reduce surgical site infection, but increase discomfort and electrolyte disturbance. What do the results of this study add? The levels of serum potassium and calcium were lower in the enema + PEG group than in the enema group after surgery and more patients developed hypokalaemia or hypocalcaemia in the enema + PEG group. The incidence of thrombus and surgical site infection was similar between the two groups. Bowel movement was earlier in the enema group. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or future research? Using enema alone before TPFR reduces the incidence of electrolyte disturbance and does not increase surgical complications. This conclusion needs to be confirmed by random controlled trial studies in the future.

Synthesis and Sensor Properties of Silicon Phthalocyanine Axially Substituted with Bis-(Prop-2-Ynyloxy) Groups and Polymeric Phthalocyanines Bearing PEG Substituent by “Click” Chemistry

Synthesis and characterization of new axially substituted phthalocyanine complexes were done. Bis - (prop-2-ynyloxy) phthalocyaninato silicon (IV) compound was obtained from the reaction of 2-propin-1-ol with SiPcCl2. Polymeric phthalocyanine containing axially substituted PEG was obtained from the reaction of bis - (prop-2-ynyloxy) phthalocyaninato silicon (IV) compound and polyethylene glycol azido. The structure of the compounds was justified by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, UV–Vis, and mass spectra. The photophysical and photochemical properties of the phthalocyanine compound axially substituted with bis-(prop-2-ynyloxy) was investigated. Properties of the compounds were examined in terms of fluorescence quantum efficiency and singlet oxygen generating capacity, and the potential photosensitizer capacity of the compound was determined. In addition, polyethylene glycol group was added to the phthalocyanine compound by click reaction. The polymer product was obtained in blue color. Phthalocyanine(Pc) containing PEG polymeric units is soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Absorption measurements of the compound at different concentrations were made. Both polyethylene glycol (PEG) and phthalocyanine compounds can be used in the manufacture of medical supplies due to their non-toxicity. UV–visible study of Bis-(prop-2-ynyloxy) phthalocyaninato silicon (IV) compound revealed its high selectivity for Fe3+ ion recognition.

Effect of pH on the structure and morphology of W18O49 nanowires and their electrochromic properties

In wet-chemistry processes, pH value is an important parameter that can be used to control the microstructures of the as-grown nanostructures. In this work, W18O49 nanowires with crystalline@amorphous core-shell structures were synthesized by controlling the pH of the precursor solutions in a hydrothermal reaction. Due to surface functionalization by ethylene glycol (EG) groups, the hydrothermally grown W18O49 nanowires could be easily dispersed in aqueous environment, thus enabling the fabrication of electrochromic thin films of W18O49 nanowires by a simple spray-drying process. The optimized W18O49 nanowire films showed a large optical modulation (ΔT) of 81.1% at 633 nm, short response time (coloring/bleaching time τc/τb = 7.9 s/3.9 s), good cycle stability (ΔT retention was 84.5% after 1000 cycles), and the excellent memory effect (the color withstood for 36000s after turning off the voltage). Furthermore, the electrochromic device (ECD) (4 × 4 cm2) based on the W18O49 nanowires exhibits a large optical modulation of 56.6%, short response time (τc = 7.6 s, τb = 2.7 s), and superior coloration efficiency (CE) of 64 cm2 C−1. Finally, by simply amplifying the developed processes, a large-area electrochromic device (10 × 10 cm2) was successfully prepared, which implies the possibility of large-area spraying process for practical applications.

Acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives based on ethylene glycol acrylate for flexible display application: Highly elastic and recoverable properties

New acrylic PSAs with a high flexibility were synthesized using 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethyl acrylate (EEA), an ethylene glycol-based acrylate. Compared to acrylic PSAs based on 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA) and octyl acrylate (OA), acrylic PSA based on EEA was found to form physical crosslinking due to improved chain entanglement and increased secondary bonding by the ethylene glycol and hydroxyl groups. These properties showed behaviors similar to those caused by crosslinking, which improved the elasticity of acrylic PSA and resulted in a fast recovery rate and high recovery characteristics of more than 70%. In addition, it was confirmed that the physical crosslinking supplemented the cohesive strength of the acrylic PSA, which showed relatively excellent adhesion properties compared to EHA and OA despite a low modulus of less than 106 Pa. The properties of EEA-based acrylic PSA were controlled by the photoinitiator (PI) and chain transfer agent (CTA), and the effect of reaction conditions on EEA-based acrylic PSA was analyzed based on this. The PI did not affect the molecular weight of the acrylic PSA, and only the reaction rate was controlled by the radical content. On the other hand, the CTA showed sufficient control over the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of acrylic PSAs. The viscoelastic properties of the acrylic PSA also showed no significant change in response condition control, indicating excellent elasticity, regardless of the conditions. The PI influenced the creep and recovery characteristics of the acrylic PSA through plasticization, and excellent stress relaxation characteristics were confirmed by the controlled glass transition temperature.

Solution properties of amphiphilic amino- and oligoethylene glycol-containing methacrylic copolymers

The behavior of methacrylic copolymers with oligoethylene glycol and amine groups in aqueous solutions has been studied. The eff ect of the composition of copolymers of alkoxyoligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylates and N-[3-(dimethylamino) propyl] methacrylamide on their solubility in aqueous media, aggregation properties and surface activity at the water-oil phase boundary was demonstrated. The presence of thermo- and pH-responsive properties, characterized by lower critical solution temperature, has been shown. Polymers exhibit high interfacial activity at the water-toluene interface, which increases with an increase in the proportion of methacrylic ether units in the copolymer. For polymers in aqueous media the value of the critical micelle concentration was found in the region of 10-3 g/L.

Dose-dependent effect of Scolymus hispanicus L. (sevketibostan) on ethylene glycol-induced kidney stone disease in rats

Kidney stone, also known as calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis, is one of the most common diseases worldwide. Calculi usually forms when urine becomes supersaturated with particular calcium salts such as calcium oxalate. In the present study, we investigated the ameliorative potential of the root extract of the Common golden thistle, Scolymus hispanicus L. (SH) on rats with ethylene glycol (EG) induced kidney stone disease. Sprague-Dawley rats, each weighing 250-300 g, were divided into three groups (n=6 per group): (i) Control (C); (ii) EG; and (iii) EG+SH. To induce nephrolithiasis, the rats received 1% of EG with drinking water, while the C group received normal drinking water during the study. SH extract 2 g/kg was added to the treatment from the 4th week onwards in EG+SH group. At the end of each experiment, rats were decapacitated and serum levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were assessed in all groups at 0, 4, and 8 weeks. Oxalic acid and creatininelevels were measured in urine samples collected at 24 h in metabolic cages. Renal tissues were evaluated histopathologically at the end of the experiment. After 8 weeks, serum creatinine levels were found decreased in the SH group while increased in the EG group. Serum magnesium and AST levels were also found decreased in the EG group, however, SH treatment reversed these values. The SH treatment also increased urinary oxalic acid levels. When the kidney tissue of EG group was examined, there was a high level of crystal/stone, especially in the renal cortex. In kidney tissues of the SH group, only small amounts of crystal/stone were observed. Our experimental findings have demonstrated the ameliorative potential of the aqueous extracts of S. hispanicus roots and shells on EG-induced in the kidney stones in rats. Isolation of active compounds of SH would be desirable to understand the biochemical mechanism behind the process better.