Optimizing the Ion Conductivity and Mechanical Stability of Polymer Electrolyte Membranes Designed for Use in Lithium Ion Batteries: Combining Imidazolium-Containing Poly(ionic liquids) and Poly(propylene carbonate).

State-of-the-art Li batteries suffer from serious safety hazards caused by the reactivity of lithium and the flammable nature of liquid electrolytes. This work develops highly efficient solid-state electrolytes consisting of imidazolium-containing polyionic liquids (PILs) and lithium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI). By employing PIL/LiTFSI electrolyte membranes blended with poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC), we addressed the problem of combining ionic conductivity and mechanical properties in one material. It was found that PPC acts as a mechanically reinforcing component that does not reduce but even enhances the ionic conductivity. While pure PILs are liquids, the tricomponent PPC/PIL/LiTFSI blends are rubber-like materials with a Young's modulus in the range of 100 MPa. The high mechanical strength of the material enables fabrication of mechanically robust free-standing membranes. The tricomponent PPC/PIL/LiTFSI membranes have an ionic conductivity of 10-6 S·cm-1 at room temperature, exhibiting conductivity that is two orders of magnitude greater than bicomponent PPC/LiTFSI membranes. At 60 °C, the conductivity of PPC/PIL/LiTFSI membranes increases to 10-5 S·cm-1 and further increases to 10-3 S·cm-1 in the presence of plasticizers. Cyclic voltammetry measurements reveal good electrochemical stability of the tricomponent PIL/PPC/LiTFSI membrane that potentially ranges from 0 to 4.5 V vs. Li/Li+. The mechanically reinforced membranes developed in this work are promising electrolytes for potential applications in solid-state batteries.

Long-term outcome of randomized clinical trial between polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer (PPC) and dextranomer-hyaluronic acid copolymer (Dx/HA) as bulking agents for endoscopic treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study is to compare long-term outcome of endoscopic treatment of VUR using PPC or Dx/HA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From October 2014 to April 2017 patients with VUR grades from 3 to 5 that needed endoscopic treatment were eligible for this RCT. Patients were randomized in two groups: PPC and Dx/HA. A VCUG was performed at 6 months; if VUR > 3 was still present a second ET was performed. We included for this long-term follow-up study those patients that were successfully treated at short-term follow-up. At 36 months postoperative VCUG was performed to assess outcome. Success was considered if postoperative VUR grade was 0 at 36 months, and there was no ureteral obstruction. RESULTS: In the previous study, 60/73 ureters were successfully treated in 36/44 patients, and then we have analyzed 60 ureters in 36 patients. Three patients were lost in long-term follow-up, and then we analyzed 57 ureters in 33 patients divided. PPC group 18 patients (28 ureters); and Dx/HA group 15 patients (29 ureters). After 3 years of follow-up the VCUG showed a success rate of 26/28 of RU in PPC and 26/29 of DX/HA. Two RU in PPC group had ureteral obstruction, and then the successful rate for PPC group dropped to 24/28. The overall successful rate at long-term was 72.7% of the RU in PPC group and 70.3% in Dx/HA group. CONCLUSION: PPC and Dx/HA has similar long-term outcome in VUR resolution, but ureteral obstruction could be present at long-term follow-up in PPC group.

A Portable, Encapsulated Microbial Whole-Cell Biosensing System for the Detection of Bioavailable Copper (II) in Soil.

A portable, field deployable whole-cell biosensor was developed that can withstand the complex matrices of soil and requires minimal to no sample preparation to monitor bioavailable concentrations of the essential micronutrient copper (II). Conventional measurement of micronutrients is often complex, laboratory-based, and not suitable for monitoring their bioavailable concentration. To address this need, we developed a fluorescence based microbial whole-cell biosensing (MWCB) system encoding for a Cu2+-responsive protein capable of generating a signal upon binding to Cu2+. The sensing-reporting protein was designed by performing circular permutation on the green fluorescent protein (GFP) followed by insertion of a Cu2+ binding motif into the structure of GFP. The design included insertion of several binding motifs and creating plasmids that encoded the corresponding sensing proteins. The signal generated by the sensing-reporting protein is directly proportional to the concentration of Cu2+ in the sample. Evaluation of the resulting biosensing systems carrying these plasmids was performed prior to selection of the optimal fluorescence emitting Cu2+-binding protein. The resulting optimized biosensing system was encapsulated in polyacrylate-alginate beads and embedded in soil for detection of the analyte. Once exposed to the soil, the beads were interrogated to measure the fluorescence signal emitted by the sensing-reporting protein using a portable imaging device. The biosensor was optimized for detection of Cu2+ in terms of selectivity, sensitivity, matrix effects, detection limits, and reproducibility in both liquid and soil matrices. The limit of detection (LoD) of the optimized encapsulated biosensor was calculated as 0.27 mg/L and 1.26 mg/kg of Cu2+ for Cu2+ in solution and soil, respectively. Validation of the portable imaging tools as a potential biosensing device in the field was performed.

Efficacy of polyacrylate silver salt/polyvinylpyrrolidone-based liquid oral gel in management of concurrence chemoradiotherapy-induced oral mucositis.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Acute oral mucositis (OM) is a painful complication of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). This severe adverse symptom may impact on patient's quality of life, lead to malnutrition. Thus, finding more effective methods in OM management is very important. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of polyacrylate silver salt/Polyvinylpyrrolidone-based liquid oral gel (named as polyacrylate silver salt oral gel) in improving the symptomatic relief of CCRT-induced oral mucositis and oral dysfunction in neck and head cancer patients. METHODS: In this study, 24 oral cancer patients underwent CCRT and having OM grade 2 or higher were randomly assigned into the test group and the control group. Both groups followed Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer and International Society of Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO) clinical practice guidelines for the management of mucositis, but adding rinsing with 15 g oral gel right after oral hygiene treaded the test group. Clinical OM and oral function were assessed weekly for 4 consecutive weeks till 5-10 days after the completion of radiotherapy. For evaluation, Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v3.0 was used for collecting the data of OM grade. RESULTS: The results showed that polyacrylate silver salt oral gel had better effect for relieving the oral mucositis. There were statistically significant differences in OM grades (1.59 vs. 2.8, p < 0.0001) between the test group and the control group. CONCLUSION: Our clinical studies demonstrated that polyacrylate silver salt oral gel is an effective interventional option in terms of rapid mucositis healing.

Food waste digestate composting enhancement by sodium polyacrylate addition: Effects on nitrogen transformation processes and bacterial community dynamics.

The influences of sodium polyacrylate (PAAS) at the ratios of 0% (CK), 0.5% (F1), 1.0% (F2), 1.5% (F3), 2.0% (F4) and 2.5% (F5) on nitrogen transformation and bacterial community composition were investigated in the composting of food waste digestate (FWD) and corn straw (CS). PAAS addition increased the thermophilic temperature but had no significant effect on pH values. PAAS exerted significantly effects on the concentration of total nitrogen (TN), ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N), nitrite-nitrogen (NO2--N) and nitrate-nitrogen (NO3--N). The compost product in 1.0% PAAS treatment was more active in absorbing nutrients. Firmicutes (9.40-83.54%), Actinobacteriota (9.98-51.50%), Proteobacteria (0.20-27.87%) and Bacteroidota (0.11-34.69%) were the dominant phyla in FWD composting. Moreover, relative to CK, PAAS promoted the propagation of dominant bacterial phyla Firmicutes with increment of 30.05-102.06% in the thermophilic phase. Kroppenstedtia, Thermobifida and Saccharomonospora were observed to be dominant at the maturing phase and correlated with NH4+-N, NO2--N, TN and NO3--N. Therefore, they might be regarded as probable biomarkers symbolic for the maturing phase during FWD composting. The compost product had the highest maturity degree in 1.0% PAAS treatment. These results indicated that PAAS addition improved the maturity and nutrient contents of the compost product as well as altered compost bacterial community dynamics.

Fabrication of Hierarchically Porous CuBTC@PA-PEI Composite for High-Efficiency Elimination of Cyanogen Chloride.

Cyanogen chloride (CNCl) is highly toxic and volatile, and it is difficult to effectively remove via porous substances such as activated carbon due to the weak interaction between CNCl and the adsorbent surface. Developing a highly effective elimination material against CNCl is of great importance in military chemical protection. In this work, a new metal-organic framework (MOF) CuBTC@PA-PEI (polyacrylate-polyethyleneimine) composite was prepared and exhibited excellent CNCl elimination performance in the breakthrough tests. PEI was used for the functionalization of PA with amino groups, which is beneficial to anchor with metal ions of MOF. Afterward, the growth of MOF occurred on the surface and in the pores of the matrix by molecular self-assembly via our newly proposed stepwise impregnation layer-by-layer growth method. Breakthrough tests were performed to evaluate the elimination performance of the composites against CNCl. Compared with the pristine CuBTC powder, the CuBTC@PA-PEI composite exhibited better adsorption capacity and a longer breakthrough time. By compounding with the PA matrix, a hierarchically porous structure of CuBTC@PA-PEI composite was constructed, which provides a solution to the mass transfer problem of pure microporous MOF materials. It also solves the problems of MOF molding and lays a foundation for the practical application of MOF.

Study on antibacterial wood coatings with soybean protein isolate nano-silver hydrosol.

As the new coronavirus pneumonia swept the world in 2020, the demand for antibacterial products significantly increased. In this study, a soy protein isolate nano-silver hydrosol was prepared using an environmentally friendly Ag+ in situ reduction process, where the soy protein was ultrasonically blended with polyacrylic resin to obtain a polyacrylate-nano silver antibacterial wood coating. The structure of the soy protein isolate nano-silver hydrosol was assessed, and the structure and antibacterial and mechanical properties of the film were characterized. The results showed that the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibited good crystallinity and were evenly distributed in the emulsion. The composite film had good antibacterial properties against gram-negative bacteria represented by Escherichia coli and gram-positive bacteria represented by Staphylococcus aureus. With increased nano-silver content, the diameter of the inhibition zone increased from 0 to 30 mm, and from 18 to 50 mm for the two bacteria, respectively. Moreover, the elastic modulus of the film increased from 8.173 to 97.912 MPa, and the elongation at break decreased from 240.601 to 41.038% as the content of AgNPs changed from 0.1 to 1%, respectively. Thus, this study provides a new method for preparing waterborne polyacrylate coatings with excellent antibacterial properties.

An observational study of wounds treated with hydro-responsive wound dressings.

OBJECTIVE: Acute and hard-to-heal wounds are a significant burden to both a patient's quality of life and resources in healthcare systems. Here, we evaluate the outcomes of a non-comparative case series study in which Ringer's solution-preactivated polyacrylate dressings were used to treat acute and hard-to-heal wounds (the presence of Ringer's solution provides a wound dressing that allows, upon application, the immediate hydration of the underlying wound tissue). METHOD: Patients with acute and hard-to-heal wounds were enrolled into an open-labelled, non-comparative observational study. Patients were treated with Ringer's solution-preactivated polyacrylate dressings to enable wound debridement and wound cleansing for up to 12 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 303 patients were enrolled in the study and 278 were included in the analysis. Wound size decreased, from a median of 3.6cm2 (interquartile range (IQR): 1.2-9.3] at baseline to a median of 2.6cm2 (IQR: 1.1-7.8] at 84 days. Relative wound area reduction (WAR) was 43.1% at 84 days and estimated probability of achievement of a WAR of ≥40% and ≥60% was 68.7% and 53.4%, respectively. Median time to achieve a WAR of ≥40% and ≥60% was 54 days and 75 days, respectively. The median percentage of wound area covered by fibrin had decreased from 50.0% to 10% and granulation tissue had increased from 25% to 50% after 84 days. In addition, periwound skin condition, local signs of infection and pain all showed improvement. The majority of the wounds were assessed as 'healed' or 'better' at the conclusion of the evaluation period. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of this study, the use of Ringer's solution-preactivated polyacrylate dressings in daily practice has the potential to improve clinical outcomes, including healing, in patients with acute and hard-to-heal wounds.

Biomimetic Modification of Water-Borne Polymer Coating with Carnauba Wax for Controlled Release of Urea.

Benefitting from the special structure of the leaf cuticle layer, plants have natural hydrophobicity and anti-fouling abilities. Inspired by the leaf surface structure, a biomimetic modification strategy was raised to improve the surface hydrophobicity of polyacrylate coating for controlled release fertilizer. Double-layer (polyacrylate and carnauba wax) coated fertilizer was obtained after biomimetic modification. The quality of controlled release fertilizer modified with the carnauba wax was greatly enhanced, and the coating material was effectively saved. The surface appearance of polyacrylate-coated fertilizer was improved for the surface blemish was repaired by the loaded carnauba wax. The characterizations by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that the hydrogen bonds were formed between the water-based polyacrylate membrane and the carnauba wax layers. By optimizing the content of polyacrylate and carnauba wax, the release duration of the fertilizer was effectively prolonged, which was improved from 1 month to more than 2 months after the biomimetic modification. Therefore, biological wax as an environmentally-friendly natural material that has showed a broad potential in the application of coated controlled release fertilizer.

Design of Robust, Lithiophilic, and Flexible Inorganic-Polymer Protective Layer by Separator Engineering Enables Dendrite-Free Lithium Metal Batteries with LiNi0.8 Mn0.1 Co0.1 O2 Cathode.

As a promising candidate for the high energy density cells, the practical application of lithium-metal batteries (LMBs) is still extremely hindered by the uncontrolled growth of lithium (Li) dendrites. Herein, a facile strategy is developed that enables dendrite-free Li deposition by coating highly-lithiophilic amorphous SiO microparticles combined with high-binding polyacrylate acid (SiO@PAA) on polyethylene separators. A lithiated SiO and PAA (lithiated-SiO/PAA) protective layer with synergistic flexible and robust features is formed on the Li metal anode via the in situ reaction to offer outstanding interfacial stability during long-term cycles. By suppressing the formation of dead Li and random Li deposition, reducing the side reaction, and buffering the volume changes during the lithium deposition and dissolution, such a protective layer realizes a dendrite-free morphology of Li metal anode. Furthermore, sufficient ionic conductivity, uniform lithium-ion flux, and interface adaptability is guaranteed by the lithiated-SiO and Li polyacrylate acid. As a result, Li metal anodes display significantly enhanced cycling stability and coulombic efficiency in Li||Li and Cu||Li cells. When the composite separator is applied in a full cell with a carbonate-based electrolyte and LiNi0.8 Mn0.1 Co0.1 O2 cathode, it exhibits three times longer lifespan than control cell at current density of 5 C.

3D-printed microfluidics integrated with optical nanostructured porous aptasensors for protein detection.

Microfluidic integration of biosensors enables improved biosensing performance and sophisticated lab-on-a-chip platform design for numerous applications. While soft lithography and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microfluidics are still considered the gold standard, 3D-printing has emerged as a promising fabrication alternative for microfluidic systems. Herein, a 3D-printed polyacrylate-based microfluidic platform is integrated for the first time with a label-free porous silicon (PSi)-based optical aptasensor via a facile bonding method. The latter utilizes a UV-curable adhesive as an intermediate layer, while preserving the delicate nanostructure of the porous regions within the microchannels. As a proof-of-concept, a generic model aptasensor for label-free detection of his-tagged proteins is constructed, characterized, and compared to non-microfluidic and PDMS-based microfluidic setups. Detection of the target protein is carried out by real-time monitoring reflectivity changes of the PSi, induced by the target binding to the immobilized aptamers within the porous nanostructure. The microfluidic integrated aptasensor has been successfully used for detection of a model target protein, in the range 0.25 to 18 µM, with a good selectivity and an improved limit of detection, when compared to a non-microfluidic biosensing platform (0.04 µM vs. 2.7 µM, respectively). Furthermore, a superior performance of the 3D-printed microfluidic aptasensor is obtained, compared to a conventional PDMS-based microfluidic platform with similar dimensions.

Tunable Viscoelastic Properties of Sodium Polyacrylate Solution via CO2-Responsive Switchable Water.

Upon stimulus by CO2, CO2-switchable viscoelastic fluids experience a deliberate transition between non-viscous and highly viscous solution states. Despite attracting considerable recent attention, most such fluids have not been applied at a large- scale due to their high costs and/or complex synthesis processes. Here, we report the development of CO2-switchable viscoelastic fluids using commercially available sodium polyacrylate (NaPAA) and N,N-dimethyl ethanol amine (DMEA)-based switchable water. Upon bubbling CO2, into the solutions under study, DMEA molecules are protonated to generate quaternary ammonium salts, resulting in pronounced decreases in solutions viscosity and elasticity due to the influence of increased ionic strength on NaPAA molecular conformations. Upon removal of CO2 via introduction of N2, quaternary salts are deprotonated to tertiary amines, allowing recovery of fluid viscosity and elasticity to near the initial state. This work provides a simple approach to fabricating CO2-switchable viscoelastic fluids, widening the potential use of CO2 in stimuli-responsive applications.

Stoichiometric Control over Partial Transesterification of Polyacrylate Homopolymers as Platform for Functional Copolyacrylates.

Only recently, post-polymerization modification reactions of unactivated polyacrylates have been emerging as an attractive alternative to utilizing reactive monomers, enabling the synthetic upcycling of these widely applied polymers. Within this contribution, the triazabicyclodecene-catalyzed transesterification of polyacrylates is reported, including the reaction kinetics and the broad scope for macromolecular design of functional copolyacrylates. More specifically, the transesterification is performed under equilibrium conditions with a set of primary alcohols whereby the reaction kinetics and the obtained conversion as a function of stoichiometric excess of alcohol are evaluated. The results show that the obtained conversion is dependent on the polarity of the solvent and of the alcohol. Through this approach, the transesterification degree can be accurately controlled by stoichiometry, enabling the precise modulation of the macromolecular structure. Finally, the utility of this approach is demonstrated to incorporate functional side chains that are incompatible with radical polymerization, to facilitate Diels-Alder and thiol-ene reactions, enabling access to a broad range of functional materials from simple polyacrylate homopolymer precursors.

Rapid UV-radiation synthesis of polyacrylate cryogel oil-sorbents with adaptable structure and performance.

Macro-porous poly(lauryl acrylate) cryogel sheets as oil-sorbents were prepared through UV-radiation cryo-polymerizations in 1, 4-dioxane at low temperatures (-5, -2 and 0 °C) within 30 min. The influences of total monomer concentration, crosslinking monomer amount and polymerization temperature on the formation of cryogels were studied. The chemical structure and porous morphology were characterized through the techniques of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, contact angle measurement and scanning electron microscopy, confirming the features of high hydrophobicity, macro-porosity and good thermal stability. As well, the comparison between conventional gels prepared at room temperature and cryogels at lower temperatures was made, showing the higher rate of cryo-polymerization than conventional polymerization under the same UV-radiation condition. The swelling investigation was carried out with several organic solvents and oils. Enhanced performance of oil absorption was observed for those cryogels considering the absorption capacity and absorption rate. Variation of initiator amount and acrylate monomers could also modulate the absorption capacity. Those cryogel oil-sorbents exhibited wide adaptability, good reusability and high-temperature tolerance. Thus, this rapid and low-cost fabrication opens out a novel pathway to prepare efficient oil-sorbents used in waste water treatment.

Randomized clinical trial between polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer (PPC) and dextranomer-hyaluronic acid copolymer (Dx/HA) as bulking agents for endoscopic treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).

OBJECTIVE: To compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of endoscopic treatment of primary VUR using polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer (PPC-Vantris®) or dextranomer-hyaluronic acid copolymer (Dx/HA-Deflux®). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2014 to April 2017, patients with primary VUR grade III to V that needed endoscopic treatment (ET) were eligible for this randomized clinical trial. We excluded toilet-trained patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. Patients were randomized and allocated into two groups: PPC group and Dx/HA group. After endoscopic treatment a voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) was performed at 6 months; if VUR was still present a second ET was performed. Radiological success was considered if postoperative VUR grade was 0 and clinical success rate was considered if no more fUTI appeared during follow-up. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were eligible but 2 did not accept the trial. Forty-four patients with 73 refluxing ureters were included. PPC: 34 refluxing ureters; and Dx/HA: 39 refluxing ureters. Both groups were statistically homogeneous and comparable. Mean follow-up was 27.6 months. Radiological success rate (82.2%) and clinical success rate (92.3%) were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). The volume of bulking agent used in those successfully treated was greater in Dx/HA group (p < 0.05). Distal ureter was excise in all cases of ureteral reimplantation after PPC treatment; however, distal ureter was preserved in all ureters reimplanted after Dx/HA injection. CONCLUSION: PPC and Dx/HA had similar outcomes, but we must warn that ureteral reimplantation after endoscopic treatment with PPC is difficult because of the periureteral fibrosis.

Synergy between Electrochemical ATRP and RAFT for Polymerization at Low Copper Loading.

A dual-concurrent atom transfer radical polymerization/reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (ATRP/RAFT) system is used to control a radical polymerization by electrochemical reduction of small amount of copper complexes in the presence of a chain transfer agent (CTA). Electrochemical ATRP conditions provide a continuous supply of radicals, while the CTA aids the control over molecular weight and dispersity of poly(n-butyl acrylate), even in the presence of low ppm amounts of catalyst. The polymerization could be turned "on" and "off" by shifting electrolysis potential. With as low as 10 ppm of Cu catalyst, addition of only 2% CTA (with respect to the ATRP initiator) improves control by decreasing dispersity from Ð = 1.41 to Ð = 1.25.

Tough, Stimuli-Responsive, and Biocompatible Hydrogels with Very High Water Content.

Some marine creatures like jellyfish have gel-like bodies consisting mostly of water (above 95 wt%). Yet, their gel-like bodies still show quite good mechanical properties and can respond to external stimuli. Artificial hydrogels with very high water content are generally extremely weak, and hence their practical applications are strongly limited. Inspired by jellyfish, tough and biocompatible poly(vinyl alcohol)/sodium polyacrylate (PVA/PAANa) hydrogels with very high equilibrium water content (98.23-99.58 wt%) are developed. The equilibrium swollen PVA/PAANa hydrogels show good mechanical properties, with elastic modulus, tensile strength, and elongation up to 0.046 MPa, 0.14 MPa, and 206%, respectively, very close to those of jellyfish mesoglea. Moreover, the PVA/PAANa hydrogels can respond to external multi-stimuli distinctly, such as metal cations, pH, and salts. Very impressively, the PVA/PAANa hydrogel can easily distinguish tap water from deionized water, and its detection limit of metal cations can be as low as 10-4  mol L-1 . Cell cytotoxicity tests and in vivo biocompatibility tests prove that the PVA/PAANa hydrogels have excellent biocompatibility. The tough, stimuli-responsive, and biocompatible hydrogels with very high water content may find a variety of practical applications in load-bearing biomaterials, detection, sensors, and agricultural fields.

Handling properties of a superabsorbent dressing in the management of patients with moderate-to-very high exuding wounds.

OBJECTIVE: Exudate control is an important aspect of wound management in both acute and chronic wounds. Exudate can be an indicator of the wound bed condition, specifically inflammation and infection. This study aimed to evaluate the performance, in terms of usability, handling properties, exudate management, user satisfaction and patient comfort, in daily clinical practice, of a superabsorbent dressing, Vliwasorb Pro (Lohmann & Rauscher), suitable for the management of moderate-to-very high exudate levels. METHOD: The user test was conducted between September 2016 and July 2017, with clinicians from different specialisms in 55 centres across Germany. Both the dressing and user test were supplied by the sponsor. The superabsorbent dressing was used for at least three dressing changes, with frequency dependent on the patient and wound condition. RESULTS: A total of 55 clinicians recruited 171 patients with various wound types. The clinicians rated dressing application as 'easy' for 163 (95.3%) of the patients. The dressing was rated as easy to remove (168 (98.3%) and, according to clinicians, did not soil patients' clothing in 165 (97.1%) of cases. The dressing demonstrated a 'good absorbent capacity', as noted by clinicians in 167 (98.2%) of cases. Clinicians also commented that the dressing reduced foul odour, maceration and improved periwound skin condition. CONCLUSION: The evaluated dressing was easy to use, comfortable and reliable for patients with moderate-to-very high exuding wounds. In view of these results, superabsorbent dressings seem to be interesting for both clinicians and patients. Clinical studies are required to confirm these results.

Idiosyncratic reaction after injection of polyacrylate - polyalcohol copolymer.

CONTEXT: Polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer is a synthetic product, non-biodegradable, with low rate of therapeutic failure and lower incidence of reactions at the site of injection, when compared to biodegradable agents. We report an unprecedent, exuberant and persistent inflammatory reaction following injection of that substance. PATIENT: A 17 years-old patient with vesico-ureteral reflux and complete pyelocaliceal right duplication was submitted to treatment with polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer (STING technique). In the seventh day of post-operatory, she presented intense dysuria and hypogastric pain, without laboratory exams alterations; a symptomatic treatment was started. After two months, the symptoms persisted and an ultrasound detected thickening of bladder wall close to the uretero-vesical junction. After that exam, a cystostopic biopsy showed epithelial hyperplasia with increased edema of lamina propria, suggesting an adverse reaction to the polymer. After four months, there was complete remission, but the reflux persisted with the same grade. HYPOTHESIS: This is an unprecedent reaction following injection of this copolymer. The presence of characteristics such as absence of infection, temporal relation between treatment and beginning of symptoms, and detection of epithelial hyperplasia at the local of injection reinforce the hypothesis of association of the substance and adverse reaction. In that patient, important complains motivated early investigation of urinary tract, that confirmed those aspects. Maybe if that reaction had occurred in patients with lower capacity of expression (such as in infants) it would be unnoticed.

An Intrinsically Self-Healing NiCo||Zn Rechargeable Battery with a Self-Healable Ferric-Ion-Crosslinking Sodium Polyacrylate Hydrogel Electrolyte.

Self-healing solid-state aqueous rechargeable NiCo||Zn batteries are inherently safe and have a high energy density and mechanical robustness. However, the self-healability of solid-state batteries has only been realized by a few studies in which electron/ion-inactive self-healable substrates are utilized. This arises from the lack of self-healable electrolytes. Now an intrinsically self-healing battery has been designed that utilizes a new electrolyte that is intrinsically self-healable. Sodium polyacrylate hydrogel chains are crosslinked by ferric ions to promote dynamic reconstruction of an integral network. These non-covalent crosslinkers can form ionic bonds to reconnect damaged surfaces when the hydrogel is cut off, providing an ultimate solution to the intrinsic self-healability problem of batteries. As a result, this NiCo||Zn battery with this hydrogel electrolyte can be autonomically self-healed with over 87 % of capacity retained after 4 cycles of breaking/healing.