Conjugated Microporous Polymer Aerogels Encapsulated within Hydroxyapatite Nanowires Exhibit Good Thermal Insulation and Flame-Retardant Properties.

Aerogels have been widely studied in the field of thermal insulation. Herein, we reported a kind of conjugated micropolymer (CMP) aerogel synthesized by 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene and 2-amino-3,5-dibromopyridine. To enhance the flame-retardant property, we composited hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanowires with a CMP aerogel. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed that HAP nanowires were encapsulated within nanosized CMP tubes. In addition, the thermal conductivity of HAP2-NCMP aerogel was 0.0251 W m-1 K-1, which possesses good thermal insulation property. In the micro-combustion calorimeter (MCC) test, compared with pure NCMP, the peak heat release rate (pHRR) of HAP2-NCMP decreased from 39.3 to 30.82 W g-1, approximately 21.6% lower. Furthermore, with the increased addition of hydroxyapatite in the HAP-NCMP composite, the pHRR of HAP3-NCMP decreased by about 37.4%. Besides, NCMP possesses good mechanical properties, with a compressive strength of 117.3 kPa at a strain level of 60%. These findings suggest promising application potential for HAP-NCMP in energy-saving and flame-retardant applications.

[Preventive and therapeutic effects of quercetin on hyperuricemia and renal injury in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the preventive and therapeutic effects of Quercetin (Que) on hyperuricemia and renal failure in rats. METHODS: Seventy rats were divided into ten groups, normal control group, model control group, allopurinol group and seven Que groups (50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 5 and 2.5 mg/kg). Hyperuricemia and renal failure in rats were induced by adenine and ethambutol hydrochloride intragastrically, and then Que was given for 3 weeks. The items related to high serum uric acid and renal injury were observed. RESULTS: Levels of serum uric acid (SUA), serum urea nitrogen ( SUN), serum creatinine (SCr), malonaldehyde (MDA) and the activity of xanthine oxidase (XOD) in liver were lowered effectively by Que, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in serum was increased. The better results of lowering serum uric acid and protecting against renal failure were at the dosage of Que between 10 and 20 mg/kg. CONCLUSION: Hyperuricemia and renal failure in rats could be intervened by Que. The possible mechanism might be inhibiting the activity of liver XOD and improving the ability of clearing oxygen free radicals and reducing lipid peroxidation, which might play an important role in reducing serum uric acid level and protecting kidney.

A study on the correlation between IL1RAPL1 and human cognitive ability.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of IL1RAPL1 on the human cognitive ability. Four genetic marker sites, i.e., DXS1218, DXS9896, rs6526806 and rs12847959 on IL1RAPL1 were genotyped in 332 Qinba Mountain Area children. Meanwhile, a cognition test with a C-WISC scale was performed to study the relationship of genotype with cognition test scores. Results indicated that genotypes of DXS1218, DXS9896 and rs12847959 were associated with memory/concentration factor intelligence quotient (IQ) (P=0.027, 0.042, 0.029, respectively). DXS1218 also associated with full IQ, verbal IQ, and performance IQ (P=0.006, 0.014, 0.006, respectively). rs12847959 were related to verbal comprehension factor and perceptual organization factor IQ (P=0.021, 0.043, respectively). Further study on rat brain revealed that Il1rapl was mainly expressed in memory/concentration-associated encephalic regions, such as hippocampus, dentate fascia, osmesis perithelium, and piriform cortex. mRNA expression levels of Il1rapl in brains of rats with different learning and memory abilities showed significant difference. Combined data suggested that IL1RAPL1 affected human cognitive ability to some extent, especially the memory and concentration capability.