Supramolecular control over self-assembly and double thermoresponsive behavior of an amphiphilic block copolymer

A poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly[N, N-dimethylacrylamide-ran-2-acrylamidoethyl nonanoate] (PEG-b-P(DMA-AAEN)) block copolymer has been demonstrated to show double thermoresponsive behavior in aqueous solution in the presence of hydroxypropylated cyclodextrin (HPCD). The polymer itself is insoluble in water due to the presence of hydrophobic alkyl chain, however, with the presence of HPCD, fully dissolution of the polymer could be obtained indicating the formation of host-guest interaction between HPCD and the alkyl chain. The clear solution of HPCD/polymer complex showing a first thermoresponsiveness during heating and led to the formation of small micelles stabilized by PEG chains and DMA segments. Upon further heating of the aqueous solution, the small micelles aggregated and formed multimicellar aggregates. The reported double thermoresponsive behavior may provide a new strategy of designing smart polymeric systems, which can find broad applications in the fabrication of smart materials

Plant mucilage increases pull-out resistance of root analogues from soil

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We wish to thank Dr. Muhammad Naveed and Dr. Ewan Oleghe for guidance on experimental approaches. This research was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Shanxi Province of China (20210302123105) and the Shanxi Scholarship Council of China (2020-054).Peer reviewe

Core-sheath structured electrospun nanofibrous membranes for oil-water separation

In recent years, both the increasing frequency of oil spill accidents and the urgency to deal seriously with industrial oil-polluted water, encouraged material scientists to design highly efficient, cost effective oil-water separation technologies. We report on electrospun nanofibrous membranes which are composed of core-sheath structured cellulose-acetate (CA)-polyimide (PI) nanofibers. On the surface of the CA-PI fibers a fluorinated polybenzoxazine (F-PBZ) functional layer, in which silica nanoparticles (SNPs) were incorporated, has been applied. Compared with F-PBZ/SNP modified CA fibers reported before for the separation of oil from water, the PI-core of the core-shell F-PBZ/SNP/CA-PI fibers makes the membranes much stronger, being a significant asset in their use. Nanofibrous membranes with a tensile strength higher than 200 MPa, a high water contact angle of 160 degrees and an extremely low oil contact angle of 0 degrees were obtained. F-PBZ/SNP/CA-PI membranes seemed very suitable for gravity-driven oil-water separation as fast and efficient separation (>99%) of oil from water was achieved for various oil-water mixtures. The designed core-sheath structured electrospun nanofibrous membranes may become interesting materials for the treatment of industrial oil-polluted water

Assessment of hydrological connectivity characteristics of riparian zones and their correlation with root–soil composites at different bank heights of a first-class river in China

Under the combined effects of topography and vegetation, hydrological connectivity characteristics of riverbank slopes become complex and unclear, which limit the utilization and protection of riparian zones. To quantify the hydrological connectivity in root–soil composites, we conducted dyeing and tracing experiments in a high elevation plot and a low elevation plot on the bank of the Fenhe River. Soil and root properties and hydrological connectivity indexes in the plots were measured and analyzed. The results showed that the soil dyeing area ratio was approximate 1 in the soil depth of 0–5 cm and then decreased to 0.1 from 5 cm to 25 cm. The dyeing area ratio, maximum dyed depth, length index, peak value and non-uniformity coefficient of the high plot (Pc2) were 27%, 26%, 5%, 40% and 45% greater than those of the low plot (Pc1). The index of hydrological connectivity (IHC) of Pc2 was 7%, 44% and 71% greater than Pc1 in the soil depths 0–10 cm, 10–20 cm and 20–30 cm respectively. There was no significant correlation between the IHC and the physical properties of the soil at different depths, and the soil hydrological connectivity was closely related to the plant roots with diameter less than 1mm. The study primarily explored the characteristics of hydrological connectivity in root–soil composites. The results provide a scientific basis for exploring hydrological connectivity of riparian zones, which can support future riparian zone protection and restoration efforts in similar regions

The effect of intermittent versus continuous enteral feeding for critically ill patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

ObjectivesThe appropriate strategy for enteral feeding in critically ill patients still remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to compare the effect of intermittent versus continuous enteral feeding method for critically ill patients.MethodsElectronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched up to April 10th, 2023 for randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of intermittent versus continuous enteral feeding for critically ill patients. The primary outcomes were feeding intolerances, including diarrhea, vomiting, distension, constipation, gastric retention, and aspiration pneumonia. The secondary outcomes were mortality in intensive care unit (ICU), length of stay in ICU, and achievement of nutritional goal.ResultsThirteen studies with a total of 884 patients were analyzed in this meta-analysis. Overall, the use of intermittent enteral feeding was associated with higher incidence of diarrhea (OR 1.66, 95%CI 1.13 to 2.43, I2 = 16%) and distension (OR 2.29, 95%CI 1.16 to 4.51, I2 = 0%), lower incidence of constipation (OR 0.58, 95%CI 0.37 to 0.90, I2 = 0%), and longer length of ICU stay (MD 1.09, 95%CI 0.53 to 1.64, I2 = 0%). Moreover, no significant difference was identified for other outcome measures.ConclusionIn critically ill patients, the implementation of intermittent enteral feeding was associated with higher incidence of diarrhea and distension, longer length of ICU stay, but lower occurrence of constipation. Nevertheless, the absence of sufficient high-quality randomized controlled clinical trials precludes any definitive conclusions regarding the optimal approach to enteral feeding in this population. There is an imperative need for more studies to further assess the efficacy of the two enteral feeding strategies

Root moisture content influence on root tensile tests of herbaceous plants

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China projects (No. 31600582), China Scholarship Council (No. 201606935013), Natural Science Foundation of Shanxi Province of China (No. 201701D221224), Program for the Outstanding Innovative Teams of Higher Learning Institutions of Shanxi Province of China and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council UK (EP/M019713/1).Peer reviewedPostprin

Role of nerve signal transduction and neuroimmune crosstalk in mediating the analgesic effects of acupuncture for neuropathic pain

Neurogenic pain rises because of nervous system damage or dysfunction and is the most difficult to treat among other pathological pains. Acupuncture has been reported as a great treatment option for neurogenic pain owing to its unlimited advantages. However, previous studies on the analgesic effects of acupuncture for NP were scattered and did not form a whole. In this study, we first comprehensively review the relevant basic articles on acupuncture for NP published in the last 5 years and summarize the analgesic mechanisms of acupuncture in terms of nerve signaling, neuro-immune crosstalk, and metabolic and oxidative stress regulation. Acupuncture inhibits the upstream excitatory system and suppresses neuronal transmission efficiency by downregulating glutamate, NMDA receptors, P2XR, SP, CGRP, and other neurotransmitters and receptors in the spinal cord, as well as plasma channels such as TRPV1, HCN. It can also activate the downstream pain inhibitory pathway by upregulating opioid peptide (β-endorphin), MOR receptors, GABA and GABA receptors, bi-directional regulating 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and its receptors (upregulate 5-HT 1A and downregulate 5-HT7R) and stimulating hypothalamic appetite-modifying neurons. Moreover, neuroinflammation in pain can be inhibited by acupuncture through inhibiting JAK2/STAT3, PI3K/mTOR pathways, down regulating chemokine receptor CX3CR1 on microglia and up regulating adenosine receptor A1Rs on astrocytes, inhibiting the activation of glia and reducing TNF-α and other inflammatory substances. Acupuncture also inhibits neuronal glucose metabolism by downregulating mPFC's GLUT-3 and promotes metabolic alterations of the brain, thus exerting an analgesic effect. In conclusion, the regulation of nerve signal transduction and neuroimmune crosstalk at the peripheral and central levels mediates the analgesic effects of acupuncture for neuropathic pain in an integrated manner. These findings provide a reliable basis for better clinical application of acupuncture in the management of neuropathic pain