Sulfur-doped graphene as a potential alternative metal-free electrocatalyst and Pt-catalyst supporting material for oxygen reduction reaction.

In this study, sulfur-doped graphene (S-graphene) was synthesized by thermal treatment of exfoliated graphene under CS2 gas flow. Its electrocatalytic activity as a metal-free catalyst was evaluated and compared with other doped-graphenes and commercial platinum nanoparticles loaded on carbon black (Pt/C) catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cell cathodes. The resultant S-graphene was shown to act as a viable catalyst for ORR and its limiting current density and durability were improved compared to those of the commercial Pt/C catalyst.

Effect of electrospun non-woven mats of dibutyryl chitin/poly(lactic acid) blends on wound healing in hairless mice.

The aim of this study was to examine the proliferative ability of dibutyryl chitin (DBC) on scratch wounds in HaCaT keratinocytes and to evaluate the effect of nanoporous non-woven mat (DBCNFM) on skin wound healing in hairless mice using the advantages of DBCNFM, such as high porosity and high surface area to volume. The cell spreading activity of DBC was verified through a cell spreading assay in scratched human HaCaT keratinocytes. Scratch wound experiments showed that DBC notably accelerates the spreading rate of HaCaT keratinocytes in a dose dependent manner.

Preparation and physical properties of chitosan benzoic acid derivatives using a phosphoryl mixed anhydride system.

Direct benzoylation of the two hydroxyl groups on chitosan was achieved using a phosphoryl mixed anhydride system, derived from trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA), benzoic acids (BAs), and phosphoric acid (PA). The reaction is operated as a one pot process under mild conditions that does not require neither an inert atmosphere nor dry solvents. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by NMR and IR spectroscopy.

Health-related quality of life, activities of daily living and parenting stress in children with brain tumors.

Objective: To compare health-related quality of life (HRQOL), activities of daily living (ADL), and parenting stress between children with brain tumors and those of normal control (NC).

Methods: Participants were 31 brain tumor patients who had received chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or peripheral blood stem cell transplantation after surgical resection and 125 NC subjects. We administered the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, version 4.

Anti-inflammatory effect of So-Pung-Tang, a Korean traditional prescription for cerebral infarction patients.

So-Pung-Tang (Sopung), a prescription composed of 14 herbal mixtures, has been widely used in the treatment of cerebral infarction in Oriental Medicine. However, the mechanisms by which the formula affects on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in cerebral infarction patients remain unknown yet. The levels of secretory protein of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interlukin (IL)-1beta, and IL-6, were significantly increased in both THP-1 differentiated macrophage-like cells (THP-1/M) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from cerebral infarction patients after stimulation.

Synthesis and anticonvulsant evaluation of 4-(4-alkoxylphenyl)-3-ethyl-4H-1,2,4-triazoles as open-chain analogues of 7-alkoxyl-4,5-dihydro[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinolines.

A series of 4-(4-alkoxylphenyl)-3-ethyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole derivatives was synthesized as open-chain analogues of 7-alkoxyl-4,5-dihydro[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinolines. Their anticonvulsant activities were evaluated by the maximal electroshock test (MES test) and their neurotoxicity was evaluated by the rotarod neurotoxicity test (Tox). MES test showed that 3-ethyl-4-(4-octyloxyphenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole 3q was found to be the most potent with ED(50) value of 8.

Troglitazone improves blood flow by inhibiting neointimal formation after balloon injury in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty rats.

Troglitazone (TGZ) is an antidiabetic agent of the thiazolidinedione (TZD) class that potentiates insulin action. In addition to its effects on insulin action, TGZ has an antiproliferative effect on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), of which proliferation is a prominent feature of retenosis after balloon injury, as well as atherosclerosis. Therefore, we investigated the effects of TGZ on intimal formation and blood flow after balloon injury in insulin-resistant Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats to see whether the decrease in insulin resistance could minimize VSMC proliferation and could maintain blood flow.