A fully bio-based soy protein wood adhesive modified by citric acid with high water tolerance.

Despite the widespread application prospect of soybean meal flour (SF) as a non-toxic and renewable wood adhesive, the practical application is limited by its poor mechanical properties and water resistance. In this work, a novel SF-based wood adhesive (CSP) was developed using citric acid (CA) as a modifier, which was further designated to produce plywood on a laboratory scale. Moreover, the effects of the mass ratio of CA/SF, hot-pressing temperature, and hot-pressing time on the bonding properties and water resistance of the resulting plywood were investigated in detail. As a result, under the optimal hot-pressing conditions (180 °C, 5 min), high-performance plywood bonded by CSP (CA/SF = 15/100) adhesive was fabricated, whose dry shear strength, cold-water wet shear strength (20 °C for 24 h), and hot-water wet shear strength (63 °C for 3 h) reached 1.65 MPa, 1.99 MPa, and 1.58 MPa, respectively. Due to the easy preparation process, sustainability, and favorable properties, the proposed fully bio-based CSP wood adhesive has great potential for the large-scale fabrication of eco-friendly wood panels in industry.

Effective and eco-friendly safe self-antimildew strategy to simultaneously improve the water resistance and bonding strength of starch-based adhesive.

Starch adhesive, as a sustainable biomass-based adhesive, could be used to solve environmental problems from petroleum-derived adhesive. But its application is hindered by poor water resistance, mildew resistance, and storage stability. Here, a fully bio-based citric acid-starch adhesive (CASt) with high properties was successfully introduced by a simple method. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) determined that esterification of citric acid (CA) and starch (St) occurred to form a stable three-dimensional crosslinking structure, which strengthened water resistance and bonding strength of the starch adhesive. Compared with native starch (100 %), the soluble content of cured CASt was 1-16 %. CASt adhesive has well storage stability and high mildew resistance. Even after being stored for 5 months, the CASt-1 adhesive (mass ratio of CA/St = 1:1, and reaction time = 1 h) still have good liquidity. And its hot water strength (1.05 ± 0.22 MPa) also satisfied the standard requirements (≥0.7 MPa). The exhibited CASt adhesive is eco-friendly with components from plant resources, which performed as a bright alternative that can substitute petroleum-based adhesives in the artificial board industry.

[Application of "kindergarten effect" in radiotherapy for children with tumor aged 3-5 years]. / "幼儿园效应"在3~5å²å„¿ç«¥è‚¿ç˜¤æ”¾ç–—ä¸­çš„åº”ç”¨ç ”ç©¶.

OBJECTIVES: To study the clinical application effect of "kindergarten effect" in radiotherapy for children with tumor based on the psychology of preschool children aged 3-5 years. METHODS: A total of 30 children, aged 3-5 years, who were admitted to the Department of Radiotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, from January 2020 to August 2021 were enrolled in this prospective study. The children were randomly divided into a control group and a test group, with 15 children in each group. The children in the test group were treated in "kindergarten mode", i.e., all children were treated together at a specified time and left together after all children completed treatment. Those in the control group were treated alternately with adult patients according to the treatment time based on the type of radiotherapy fixation device. The treatment compliance was evaluated for both groups, and the two groups were compared in terms of the setup errors in the superior-inferior (SI), left-right (LR), and anterior-posterior (AP) directions. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the test group showed a significantly shorter time for finishing the treatment (P<0.05) and a significantly lower proportion of children with treatment interruption (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the test group showed smaller mean errors in the SI, LR and AP directions after image-guided radiotherapy, with significant differences in the mean errors in the SI and LR directions (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: With the application of the "kindergarten effect", most children can actively cooperate in radiotherapy, and it can also improve the accuracy and repeatability of positioning and help to achieve the desired treatment outcome.

Fully Biobased Adhesive from Glucose and Citric Acid for Plywood with High Performance.

Biomass-based adhesives have attracted much attention due to their eco-friendly, sustainable characteristics compared to formaldehyde-based adhesives; however, their low bonding strength and water resistance restrict their application. Thus, developing a high-performance biomass-based adhesive with excellent bonding strength and water resistance is necessary. In this work, a fully biomass-based citric acid-glucose (CAG) adhesive was produced by the esterification reaction of glucose and citric acid, which was validated by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Furthermore, the properties of the CAG adhesive were tuned considering the effects of reaction time and molar ratio of citric acid/glucose (CA/G). It was revealed that increasing the molar ratio of CA/G is more advantageous to improve the shear strength and water resistance of plywood than the reaction time. The dry and wet strengths of plywood bonded by the CAG adhesive can reach the standard requirement (≥0.7 MPa) when the molar ratios of CA/G were more than 0.6 and the reaction time was 1 h. These results were better than those bonded by the urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin. Therefore, this green adhesive shows great potential to replace the existing industrial UF resin adhesives.

Compassion fatigue among haemodialysis nurses in public and private hospitals in China.

AIM: This study was conducted to identify and compare the levels of compassion fatigue and job satisfaction among haemodialysis nurses in public and private hospitals in China and explore explanatory factors based on sociodemographic and occupational characteristics. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted using a self-designed demographic questionnaire, the Professional Quality of Life Scale and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, with responses from 283 haemodialysis nurses working at six public and private hospitals in China between June and November 2018. RESULTS: The compassion fatigue score of public hospital nurses was significantly higher than that of private hospital nurses. Univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in compassion fatigue among nurses based on the number of years worked, nature of employment, and education level. Correlational analysis showed a negative correlation between overall job satisfaction and compassion fatigue in both public and private hospitals. Multiple regression analysis showed that compassion fatigue among haemodialysis nurses in public hospitals was associated with years worked, type of employment, and intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction, whereas in private hospitals, education level, years worked, and intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction were significant. CONCLUSION: Haemodialysis nurses in public hospitals are more likely to develop compassion fatigue than those in private hospitals.

Impact of serum albumin level and variability on short-term cardiovascular-related and all-cause mortality in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

ABSTRACT: Studies have shown that low serum albumin (Salb) levels are associated with a high risk of mortality among patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD); however, the impact of Salb variability on short-term cardiovascular mortality remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the association between Salb levels and Salb variability on short-term all-cause and cardiovascular-related mortality in patients on MHD.Eligible patients on MHD at Chongqing General Hospital between June 2017 and June 2020 were recruited in this study. Patients were grouped by Salb levels (normal Salb, ≥3.8 g/dL; low Salb, 3.4-3.8 g/dL; and lower Salb, 2-3.4 g/dL) and Salb variability (decreased, >5% loss; increased, >5% gain; and steady, 5% loss to 5% gain). Associations between Salb levels, Salb variability, and all-cause and cardiovascular-related mortality were analyzed using Cox regression models. A survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier analysis.We enrolled a total of 181 patients on MHD with an average age of 65 years (interquartile range [IQR], 53-75 years). The mean Salb level was 3.8 ±â€Š0.6 g/dL (IQR 2.9-4.4 g/dL), and the median Salb variability was 2.6% per year (IQR, -4.1 to 6.5). Fifty-two (29%) patients died, including 31 (17%) patients who died due to cardiovascular-related causes. Compared with the other groups, the lower Salb group had higher all-cause mortality (P < .01). Cox regression analyses revealed that lower Salb levels and decreased Salb variability were independently associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.103-3.452; HR = 2.245, 95% CI 1.084-4.650), whereas increased Salb variability was independently associated with cardiovascular-related mortality (HR = 2.919, 95% CI 1.178-7.234; P < .05).Lower Salb levels were an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in patients on MHD. Increased Salb variability was strongly associated with cardiovascular-related mortality in the same population, especially in the short-term and in patients with normal Salb levels. Significantly elevated Salb variability should be evaluated to reduce cardiovascular-related mortality.

Aminopeptidase N-targeting nanomolecule-assisted delivery of VEGF siRNA to potentiate antitumour therapy by suppressing tumour revascularization and enhancing radiation response.

Tumour revascularization and the consequent radioresistance activated by the up-regulated angiogenic pathway after radiation exposure remain a major bottleneck for improving the tumouricidal effect of radiotherapy (RT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, we show that fabricated aminopeptidase N (ANP/CD13)-targeting Gd-hybridized gold nanomolecules (tGd-GNMs) can efficaciously suppress tumour revascularization and the consequent radioresistance, and then synergize in augmenting the RT response. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that the targeted delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) siRNA into the tumour site and the generation of an abundance of intratumourally cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) under X-ray radiation by the tGd-GNMssiRNA complex has the capability to down-regulate VEGF gene expression and strengthen the radiation response. Furthermore, the tGd-GNMssiRNA complex contributes to excellent active tumour targeting ability, remarkably enhancing tumour contrast in the fluorescence, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging modalities in real-time with a long imaging time window. Overall, the synthesized tGd-GNMssiRNA complex with excellent potentiation of the antitumour ability and real-time multimodal imaging ability represents a promising visualized theranostic nanoplatform for the treatment of HCC.

A Gas-Permeation Controllable Packaging Membrane with Porous Microspheres as Gas "Switches" for Efficient Preservation of Litchi.

Food wastage represented by the deterioration of perishable food like fruits and vegetables is a serious global problem with tremendous ethical, financial, and environmental costs. The atmosphere (CO2 and O2) has a crucial role in food storage and can regulate physiological food metabolism and microbial growth. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is a promising method used to extend shelf life and preserve the quality of perishable food; yet, its use depends on the specific gas permeability and selectivity of polymer membranes to generate an atmosphere desirable for storage. In this study, we established and validated a new plant leaf-mimetic shellac-based MAP membrane embedded with chitosan porous microspheres loaded with antimicrobial tannic acid (TA-CPM) as gas "switches" for regulating O2 and CO2 permeability and CO2/O2 selectivity. The effects of different amounts of TA-CPM added into the hybrid membranes were examined for litchi preservation at room temperature. Our results showed that this hybrid TA-CPM/shellac packaging membrane could regulate the internal CO2 and O2 concentrations and the CO2/O2 ratio within the packages containing litchis by adjusting the addition amount of TA-CPM. The 0.05% TA-CPM/shellac and 0.10% TA-CPM/shellac packages, especially 0.05% TA-CPM/shellac, generated a more desirable CO2 and O2 atmosphere for litchi preservation compared with controls, which was reflected by the delaying of browning and rotting, maintaining of the natural color of the litchi pericarp, preservation of pulp quality, inhibition of polyphenol oxidase and guaiacol peroxidase activities, and reduction of oxidative cell damage in litchis. The results suggested that 0.05% TA-CPM/shellac and 0.10% TA-CPM/shellac packaging membranes, especially 0.05% TA-CPM/shellac, could generate an ideal atmosphere for litchi storage at room temperature, demonstrating that this permeation-controlled hybrid membrane has great potential in food preservation and other applications requiring a modified atmosphere.

Ratiometric Fluorescence Detection of DNA Based on the Inner Filter Effect of Ru(bpy)2(dppx)2+ toward Silicon Nanodots.

A ratiometric DNA sensor was developed based on fluorescent silicon nanodots (SiNDs) and Ru(bpy)2(dppx)2+. The absorption spectrum of Ru(bpy)2(dppx)2+ has significant overlap with both the excitation and emission spectra of SiNDs. Therefore, fluorescence quenching of Ru(bpy)2(dppx)2+ toward SiNDs can occur on account of the strong inner filter effect. The effect of quenching is not influenced by the specific binding between Ru(bpy)2(dppx)2+ and DNA. Fluorescence turn-on detection of DNA can be performed employing Ru(bpy)2(dppx)2+ and SiNDs as the response and reference signals, respectively. Using SiND-Ru(bpy)2(dppx)2+, a convenient, sensitive, rapid, and precise method could be developed for DNA detection. In aqueous solutions, the I 601/I 448 fluorescence intensity ratio of SiND-Ru(bpy)2(dppx)2+ increases linearly in the DNA concentration range of 20-1500 nM. The limit of detection and precision of the method is 4.3 nM and 3.5% (50 nM, n = 13), respectively. The ratiometric sensor was tested for visual detection of trace DNA. Moreover, this method was found suitable for the ratiometric detection of DNA in a simulated sample and a human serum sample, and the recoveries were in the range of 98-119%.

Effects of Rhein on Bile Acid Homeostasis in Rats.

Rhein, the active ingredient of rhubarb, a medicinal and edible plant, is widely used in clinical practice. However, the effects of repeated intake of rhein on liver function and bile acid metabolism are rarely reported. In this work, we investigated the alterations of 14 bile acids and hepatic transporters after rats were administered with rhein for 5 weeks. There was no obvious injury to the liver and kidney, and there were no significant changes in biochemical indicators. However, 1,000 mg/kg rhein increased the liver total bile acid (TBA) levels, especially taurine-conjugated bile acids (t-CBAs), inhibited the expression of farnesoid X receptor (FXR), small heterodimer partner (SHP), and bile salt export pump (BSEP) mRNA, and upregulated the expression of (cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase) CYP7A1 mRNA. Rhein close to the clinical dose (10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg) reduced the amounts of TBAs, especially unconjugated bile acids (UCBAs), and elevated the expression of FXR and multidrug resistance-associated protein 3 (Mrp3) mRNA. These results denote that rhein is relatively safe to use at a reasonable dose and timing. 30 mg/kg rhein may promote bile acid transport and reduce bile acid accumulation by upregulating the expression of FXR mRNA and Mrp3 mRNA, potentially resulting in the decrease in serum UBCAs.

Aluminum compounds containing eta1- and/or eta5-bidentate dianionic pyrrolyl-methylamide ligands.

A series of dialuminum compounds have been synthesized and their reactivity and application for lactide polymerization have been studied. The reaction of AlH3 x NMe3 with [C4H3NH(2-CH2NHtBu)] in diethyl ether generated a dimeric aluminum hydride compound, [[[C4H3N(2-CH2NtBu)]AlH]2] (1). The structure of 1 was confirmed by spectroscopy of a deuterated analogue of 1 with an Al--D function. Direct treatment of [C4H3NH(2-CH2NHtBu)] with LiAlH4 in diethyl ether resulted in colorless crystals of [[Li[micro-eta1:eta5-C4H3N(2-CH2NtBu)]2Al]2] (2) in 80 % yield after recrystallization from a toluene solution. The micro-eta1:eta5-pyrrolyl protons exhibit high-field shifts at delta=5.73, 6.15, and 6.72 comparable to a similar eta5-bonding mode in the literature. Treatment of 1 with 1 equiv acetone oxime or acetone in dichloromethane gave [[[C4H3N(2-CH2NtBu)]Al[varkappaO,varkappaN-(ON==CMe2)]]2] (3) and [[[C4H3N(2-CH2NtBu)]Al(O--CHMe2)]2] (4) in 67 % and 60 % yield, respectively. Compounds 1-4 have been characterized by X-ray diffractometry and were used as catalysts for epsilon-caprolactone polymerization.

One-dimensional indium sulfides with transition metal complexes of polyamines.

Three new indium sulfides, [Ni(dien)2]0.5[InS2] (dien = diethylenetriamine) (1), [Ni(dap)3]0.5[InS2] (dap = 1,2-diaminopropane) (2), and [Ni(tepa)]2[In4S7(SH)2].H2O (tepa = tetraethylenepentamine) (3), have been prepared under solvothermal conditions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 consist of discrete 1-D {[InS2]-} infinity chains with complex cations as charge-compensating ions, while compound 3 consists of a novel 1-D anionic chain constructed from arachno-shaped In4S11 clusters. The sulfide chain of 3 coordinates into the complex cations via the nonterminal S atoms of the polymeric anion, forming a covalently linked organic-inorganic hybrid compound.