ToF-SIMS evaluation of PEG-related mass peaks and applications in PEG detection in cosmetic products.

Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are used in industrial, medical, health care, and personal care applications. The cycling and disposal of synthetic polymers like PEGs pose significant environmental concerns. Detecting and monitoring PEGs in the real world calls for immediate attention. This study unveils the efficacy of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) as a reliable approach for precise analysis and identification of reference PEGs and PEGs used in cosmetic products. By comparing SIMS spectra, we show remarkable sensitivity in pinpointing distinctive ion peaks inherent to various PEG compounds. Moreover, the employment of principal component analysis effectively discriminates compositions among different samples. Notably, the application of SIMS two-dimensional image analysis visually portrays the spatial distribution of various PEGs as reference materials. The same is observed in authentic cosmetic products. The application of ToF-SIMS underscores its potential in distinguishing PEGs within intricate environmental context. ToF-SIMS provides an effective solution to studying emerging environmental challenges, offering straightforward sample preparation and superior detection of synthetic organics in mass spectral analysis. These features show that SIMS can serve as a promising alternative for evaluation and assessment of PEGs in terms of the source, emission, and transport of anthropogenic organics.

2D Porphyrin-Based Covalent-Organic Framework/PEG Composites: A Rational Strategy for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

Two-dimensional porphyrin-based covalent-organic frameworks (2D-por-COFs) have gained significant attention as attractive platforms for efficient solar light conversion into hydrogen production. Herein, it is found that introducing transition metal zinc and polyethylene glycol (PEG) into 2D-por-COFs can effectively improve the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance. The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of ZnPor-COF is 2.82 times higher than that of H2Por-COF. Moreover, ZnPor-COF@PEG has the highest photocatalytic hydrogen evolution efficiency, which is 1.31 and 3.7 times that of pristine ZnPor-COF and H2Por-COF, respectively. The filling of PEG makes the layered structure of COFs more stable. PEG reduces the distortion and deformation of the carbon skeleton after the experiment of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The layered stacking and crystallization of 2D-por-COFs are also enhanced. Meanwhile, the presence of PEG also accelerates the transfer of excited electrons and enhances the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity. This strategy will provide valuable insights into the design of 2D-por-COFs as efficient solid photocatalysts for solar-driven hydrogen production.

Measurement of Polyethylene Glycol 3350 With Standard Household Measuring Devices.

OBJECTIVE: Though standard household measuring devices (e.g., teaspoons, tablespoons) are often used in clinical practice to measure pediatric doses of polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG-3350), no published -literature documents the accuracy of these measurements. Standard dosing for adults is 17 grams, which is 1 capful according to the manufacturer. The objective of this study was to determine the weight of household teaspoons and tablespoons of PEG-3350. METHODS: PEG-3350 measurements were performed using 5 different household measuring teaspoons and tablespoons and the cap that accompanies the bottle for 3 different brands of PEG-3350. Using an electronic balance to determine weights, 3 investigators completed 5 measurements for each of the 5 measurement devices and PEG-3350 bottle caps as follows: leveled teaspoons and tablespoons, unleveled teaspoons and tablespoons, "heaping" tablespoons, half-capfuls, and capfuls. RESULTS: A leveled teaspoonful of PEG-3350 weighed ∼3.3 grams and an unleveled teaspoonful weighed ∼3.7 grams. A leveled, unleveled, and heaping tablespoon of PEG-3350 weighed about 10, 11, and 15 grams, respectively. Heaping tablespoons, half-capfuls, and capfuls resulted in the most measurement variability. CONCLUSIONS: Use of a kitchen scale may be the most precise method of measurement, however not all patients have kitchen scales. Standard household measuring devices (teaspoons and tablespoons) may be used to conveniently measure PEG-3350 doses. Using 1 dedicated measurement device and leveling the dose may improve consistency, which could be beneficial for patients who are sensitive to dose variability.

Sustainable Cellulose-Derived Organic Photonic Gels with Tunable and Dynamic Structural Color.

Structural color is a fascinating optical phenomenon arising from intricate light-matter interactions. Biological structural colors from natural polymers are invaluable in biomimetic design and sustainable construction. Here, we report a renewable, abundant, and biodegradable cellulose-derived organic gel that generates stable cholesteric liquid crystal structures with vivid structural colors. We construct the chromatic gel using a 68 wt % hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) matrix, incorporating distinct polyethylene glycol (PEG) guest molecules. The PEGs contain peculiar end groups with tailored polarity, allowing for precise positioning on the HPC helical backbone through electrostatic repulsion between the PEG and HPC chains. This preserves the HPC's chiral nematic phase without being disrupted. We demonstrate that the PEGs' polarity tunes the HPC gel's reflective color. Additionally, gels with variable polarities are highly sensitive to temperature, pressure, and stretching, resulting in rapid, continuous, and reversible color changes. These exceptional dynamic traits establish the chiral nematic gel as an outstanding candidate for next-generation applications across displays, wearables, flexible electronics, health monitoring, and multifunctional sensors.

Assessing the toxicity of one-step-synthesized PEG-coated gold nanoparticles: in vitro and in vivo studies

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo toxicities of polyethylene glycol-coated gold nanoparticles synthesized using a one-step process. Methods Gold nanoparticles were prepared via a co-precipitation method using polyethylene glycol, and the synthesis product was characterized. For the in vitro evaluation, a flow cytometry analysis with Annexin V and iodide propidium staining was used to assess cytotoxicity in MG-63 cells labeled with 10, 50, and 100µg/mL of nanoparticle concentration. For the in vivo evaluation, nanoparticles were administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 10mg/kg dose in 10-week-old mice. Toxicity was assessed 24 hours and 7 days after administration via histopathological analysis of various tissues, as well as through renal, hepatic, and hematopoietic evaluations. Results Synthesized nanoparticles exhibited different hydrodynamic sizes depending on the medium: 51.27±1.62nm in water and 268.12±28.45nm (0 hour) in culture medium. They demonstrated a maximum absorbance at 520nm and a zeta potential of -8.419mV. Cellular viability exceeded 90%, with less than 3% early apoptosis, 6% late apoptosis, and 1% necrosis across all labeling conditions, indicating minimal cytotoxicity differences. Histopathological analysis highlighted the accumulation of nanoparticles in the mesentery; however, no lesions or visible agglomeration was observed in the remaining tissues. Renal, hepatic, and hematopoietic analyses showed no significant differences at any time point. Conclusion Polyethylene glycol-coated gold nanoparticles exhibit extremely low toxicity and high biocompatibility, showing promise for future studies.

Dried lemon slices improve bowel cleansing quality of polyethylene glycol for colonoscopy preparation: randomized controlled trial

Background: adequate bowel preparation is related to the quality of colonoscopy. Dried lemon slices can increase gastrointestinal peristalsis, which has shown potential as an adjuvant of bowel preparation. We hypothesized that the combination of dried lemon slices and polyethylene glycol (PEG) could improve the efficacy of bowel preparation and be more acceptable to participants. Aim: to investigate the effectiveness of lemon slices combined with PEG for colonoscopy preparation. Methods: a prospective, single-center, randomized, controlled trial was performed of 521 patients randomly assigned to two groups. A total of 254 patients were given lemon slices based on conventional 4-L PEG treatment for the bowel, while 267 patients received only 4-L PEG treatment. Patients’ basic information, procedure-related parameters, adverse effects, and subjective feelings were collected by questionnaires. Intestinal tract cleanliness was scored according to the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) by experienced endoscopists. Data were analyzed by the two-sample t-test or the Chi-squared test. Results: the BBPS scores were significantly higher in the PEG + lemon slice group (p < 0.05). The taste acceptability, satisfaction, and willingness to repeat bowel preparation were significantly higher in the PEG+ lemon slice group (p < 0.05). However, a larger proportion of patients from the PEG+ lemon slice group (30.7 %) suffered abdominal distension compared with the PEG group (20.6 %), while the incidence of other adverse effects was comparable between the two groups. Conclusion: the addition of dried lemon slices to conventional PEG showed its superiority for bowel preparation (AU)

Phase 2 Dose-Finding Study in Patients with Gout Using SEL-212, a Novel PEGylated Uricase (SEL-037) Combined with Tolerogenic Nanoparticles (SEL-110).

INTRODUCTION: SEL-212 is a developmental treatment for uncontrolled gout characterized by serum uric acid (sUA) levels ≥ 6 mg/dl despite treatment. It comprises a novel PEGylated uricase (SEL-037; also called pegadricase) co-administered with tolerogenic nanoparticles containing sirolimus (rapamycin) (SEL-110; also called ImmTOR®), which mitigates the formation of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) against uricase and SEL-037 (PEGylated uricase), thereby enabling sustained sUA control (sUA < 6 mg/dl). The aim of this study was to identify appropriate dosing for SEL-037 and SEL-110 for use in phase 3 clinical trials. METHODS: This open-label phase 2 study was conducted in adults with symptomatic gout and sUA ≥ 6 mg/dl. Participants received five monthly infusions of SEL-037 (0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg) alone or in combination with three or five monthly infusions of SEL-110 (0.05-0.15 mg/kg). Safety, tolerability, sUA, ADAs, and tophi were monitored for 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 152 adults completed the study. SEL-037 alone resulted in rapid sUA reductions that were not sustained beyond 30 days in most participants due to ADA formation and loss of uricase activity. Levels of ADAs decreased with increasing doses of SEL-110 up to 0.1 mg/kg, with anti-uricase titers < 1080 correlating with sustained sUA control and reductions in tophi. Overall, 66% of evaluable participants achieved sUA control at week 20 following five monthly doses of SEL-037 0.2 mg/kg + SEL-110 0.1-0.15 mg/kg, whereas only 26% achieved sUA control at week 20 when SEL-110 was withdrawn after week 12. Compared to other dose combinations, SEL-037 0.2 mg/kg + SEL-110 0.15 mg/kg achieved the greatest sUA control at week 12 and was well-tolerated with no safety concerns. CONCLUSION: Results provide continued support for the use of multiple monthly administrations of SEL-037 0.2 mg/kg + SEL-110 0.1-0.15 mg/kg in clinical trials for SEL-212. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02959918.

Assembly of an A6 L6 Anion Trigonal Antiprism and Binding of Glucopyranosides and Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs).

Anion-coordination-driven assembly (ACDA) has proven to be a very effective strategy for the construction of polyhedral structures. Here we demonstrate that variation of the "angle" of the backbone of C3 -symmetric tris-bis(urea) ligands, from triphenylamine to triphenylphosphine oxide, results in the change of the final construct from an A4 L4 tetrahedron to a higher-nuclearity, A6 L6 trigonal antiprism (A=anion, herein PO4 3- ; L=ligand). Most interestingly, this assembly features a huge hollow internal space that is divided into three compartments: one central cavity and two large outer pockets. This multi-cavity character enables the binding of different guests, namely monosaccharides or polyethylene glycol molecules (PEG600, PEG1000 and PEG2000), respectively. The results prove that anion coordination by multiple hydrogen bonds may provide both sufficient strength and flexibility, thus making possible the formation of complicated structures with adaptive guest binding ability.

Taxanes hypersensitivity is not a risk factor for severe reactions to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.

Summary: Background. Hypersensitivity reactions (HSR) to taxanes have been related to a complement activation by their excipients, polyoxyethylated castor oil and Polysorbate 80, structurally related to those of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. The aim of this study was to verify the presence of a higher risk of HSR to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with history of HSR to taxanes. Methods. Patients with history of HSR to taxanes were evaluated before the vaccination in our center and underwent skin tests for PEG and Polysorbate 80 (PandP). Some patients completed the vaccination course in other centers without prior PandP skin tests because they had not manifested taxanes hypersensitivity before vaccination, or because those tests were not available. Results. 50 patients were evaluated. 100% of patients with history of hypersensitivity to taxanes completed the vaccine course with no cases of anaphylaxis. 33 underwent skin tests for PandP before the vaccination and no correlation was found between the positivity of PandP and taxanes skin tests (p = 0.538). 7 patients developed mild symptoms during skin tests and vaccination, similar but weaker than those suffered at the time of the taxane infusion, independently from the results of skin tests. Conclusions. In our cohort patients with history of reaction to taxanes were not at higher risk to develop anaphylaxis to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. However, a common non-IgE mediated mechanism behind those HSRs cannot be completely excluded. This can only account for mild and harmless symptoms in case of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. However, prudence is still recommended in these patients.

Modeling Binary and Multicomponent Systems Containing Supercritical CO2 with Polyethylene Glycols and Compounds Relevant to the Biodiesel Production.

The CPA equation of state is applied to model binary, ternary, and multicomponent mixtures that contain CO2 with polyethylene glycols or compounds relevant to biodiesel production, such as glycerol and various triglycerides. Effort has been made to evaluate the model performance on correlating both the liquid and the vapor phase compositions, which is a demanding task, revealing the model's and parameters' limitations, due to the rather low concentrations of heavy compounds in the vapor phase. Initially the model's binary parameters, which in all cases were temperature independent, were estimated using experimental data for binary systems. Those parameters were used to predict the phase behavior of supercritical CO2 containing ternary and multicomponent mixtures. Since no parameter was adjusted to ternary or multicomponent systems' data, the reported CPA results for such mixtures are considered as pure predictions. This is the final part of a series of studies [Tsivintzelis et al. Fluid Phase Equilibria 430 (2016) 75-92 and 504 (2020) 112337] that complete the parameterization of the CPA equation of state for systems relevant to the biodiesel production, which allows the application of the model to multicomponent mixtures of the relevant processes.

Comparison of Two Types of 1-L Polyethylene Glycol-ascorbic Acid as Colonoscopic Bowel Preparation: A Prospective Randomized Study.

Background/Aims: Recently, 1-L polyethylene glycol-ascorbic acid (PEG-Asc) has been used to reduce the volume of preparation agents in colonoscopy. This clinical trial aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of two types of 1-L PEG-Asc (CleanViewAL® [Tae Joon Pharmaceutical Company, Seoul, Korea] and Plenvu® [Norgine, Harefield, United Kingdom]) in average-aged adults. Methods: This study was a prospective, randomized, non-inferiority, open-label, phase 4 clinical trial. The primary endpoint was the efficacy evaluated using the Boston bowel preparation scale (BBPS), and the secondary endpoint was clinical safety. Results: In total, 173 patients were assigned to either the CleanViewAL® (n=84) or Plenvu® (n=89) group. Overall cleansing successes of 97.6% (82/84) and 98.8% (88/89) were achieved in the CleanViewAL® group and in the Plenvu® group, respectively, showing that CleanViewAL® has similar bowel cleansing efficacy to Plenvu® (95% CI, -0.052 to 0.027; p=0.207). The total BBPS score was 8.67±1.00 and 8.70±0.76 in the CleanViewAL® group and Plenvu® group, respectively (p=0.869). The most common adverse symptom was nausea, and no adverse symptoms requiring hospitalization were reported in either group. There were no cases of critical hypernatremia and liver dysfunction exceeding the common terminology criteria for adverse events grade I. An overall satisfaction score (scale of 1 to 10) showed no difference between the two groups (p=0.289). However, the CleanViewAL® group showed a higher taste satisfaction score (scale of 1 to 5) than the Plenvu® group (CleanViewAL®: 2.90±0.91, Plenvu®: 2.60±0.86, p=0.028). Conclusions: Both types of 1-L PEG-Asc, CleanViewAL® and Plenvu®, are effective and safe bowel cleansing agents in average-aged adults. CleanViewAL® was preferred in terms of taste satisfaction.

Endovascular Juxtarenal Aortic Aneurysm Repair Using the ALTO Abdominal Stent Graft System: The First Case Series.

The ALTO abdominal stent graft system (Endologix Inc., Irvine, CA, USA) is a latest-generation polymer-based device used to treat patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms. The present study describes the first case series of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms, including two patients with juxtarenal aneurysms, treated using the ALTO stent graft system. Six males were treated using the ALTO device at a single public center. All procedures were uneventful, and the dosimetric results recorded in terms of kerma-area product and fluoroscopy time were similar to those reported in previous studies. At the 1-month follow-up, computed tomography angiography showed no evidence of endoleak, device migration, thrombosis, or structural graft failure. This clinical series demonstrates that the use of the ALTO stent graft system is associated with promising patient outcomes. Lifelong postoperative imaging surveillance may highlight possible late failures and suggest potential graft improvements.

Comparison of Effects of Different Sacrificial Hydrogen Bonds on Performance of Polyurethane/Graphene Oxide Membrane.

Processing robust mechanical properties is important for elastomeric materials. In this work, different molecular weights of polyethylene glycols (PEG) were used to modify graphene oxide (GO) in order to study the relationship between the number of hydrogen bonds and the properties of the polyurethane/graphene oxide membrane. The fact of PEG was successfully grafted onto the surface of GO was certified by Fourier transform infrared spectra, Raman spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The graft ratio was indicated by thermogravimetric analysis. The presence of hydrogen bonds in PUR/MGO composites membrane was proved by the cyclic loading-unloading test and stress relaxation test. The thermal stability and low-temperature resistance performance of PUR/MGO had been improved compared with PUR/GO. When the molecular weight of PEG grafted on the surface of GO was 600, the tensile strength and elongation at break of the composite membrane were optimal. The reason for the improvement of physical and mechanical properties was that the dispersion of filler in the rubber matrix and the compatibility between filler and rubber had been improved.

Allergy to polyethylene glycol and polysorbates in a patient cohort: Diagnostic work-up and decision points for vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic focus has been on polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polysorbate as these excipients are constituents in the first vaccines and possible elicitors of allergic reactions to the vaccines. We aimed to evaluate the possibility of vaccinating patients with PEG and/or polysorbate allergy against COVID-19. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with a history of an allergic reaction to drugs, vaccines and mouth hygiene products containing PEG or polysorbate and sensitization (skin test or in vitro test) or a positive challenge were included. We re-evaluated 19 of 21 patients diagnosed before 2021 and four new patients by skin prick tests (SPT) and Basophil Histamine Release (BaHR) for PEGs, polysorbates and approved COVID-19 vaccines as well as measurement of specific IgE (PEG 2000, 10,000). Patients were offered vaccination based on decision points from the primary diagnosis and re-evaluation. RESULTS: Most common primary elicitors were depot-steroids and laxatives. Most patients had experienced more than one reaction. SPT was superior to BaHR test although many SPTs became negative over time. After careful re-evaluation three patients were successfully vaccinated with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. Three were vaccinated before referral. Eleven were offered the Johnson-Johnson vaccine; four were vaccinated successfully, seven abstained. Six patients could not be vaccinated with PEG or polysorbate containing vaccines. CONCLUSION: Hypersensitivity to excipients in COVID-19 vaccines constitutes a risk to patients with allergy to PEG or polysorbates. After diagnostic evaluation, a safe COVID-19 vaccine could be offered to most patients, the remainders will await new vaccines containing different excipients.

Randomized trial of oral sulfate solution versus polyethylene glycol-ascorbic acid for bowel cleansing in elderly people.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The efficacy and safety of the recently introduced low-volume purgatives in elderly people are not well known. Therefore, in this trial, we aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of two low-volume agents, oral sulfate solution (OSS) and 2-L polyethylene glycol with ascorbic acid (PEG-Asc), in elderly people. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, single-blinded, multicenter, non-inferiority trial was performed at three university-affiliated hospitals in South Korea. Outpatients aged 65-80 years, who underwent elective colonoscopy, were enrolled. The primary outcome was the rate of adequate bowel preparation assessed using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale. RESULTS: A total of 199 subjects were randomized into the OSS (n = 99) or the 2-L PEG-Asc (n = 100) group. Of them, 189 subjects were included in the analysis of the primary outcome (OSS group 95 vs PEG-Asc group 94). The proportion of adequate bowel preparation was 89.5% (85/95) in the OSS group and 93.6% (88/94) in the 2-L PEG-Asc group. OSS was not inferior to 2-L PEG-Asc according to the prespecified non-inferiority margin of -15% (95% confidence interval for the difference, -12.1 to 3.8). Vomiting (11.6% vs 2.1%) and thirst (24.2% vs 11.7%) were more common in the OSS group than in the 2-L PEG-Asc group. CONCLUSIONS: OSS is an effective low-volume purgative that is non-inferior to 2-L PEG-Asc in elderly people. Both the low-volume agents were identified to be well tolerated and safe in the healthy elderly population.

Pre-administration of super-low volume polyethylene glycol is as effective as senna laxative as bowel preparation for colonoscopy: a randomized controlled phase 2 trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Senna laxatives are commonly used for bowel preparation before colonoscopies in Japan. However, this laxative frequently causes complications such as abdominal pain. This study aimed to establish a novel method of bowel preparation, which involved the pre-administration of super-low volume polyethylene glycol (PEG) for three days followed by the same-day administration of low volume PEG. METHODS: This study was a prospective, multicenter, investigator-blinded, phase 2, randomized control trial. The intake of 13.9 g (120 mL) of PEG or 1 g of a senna laxative for 3 days before the examination was indicated for each group, and 2 L of PEG solution was used for preparation on the examination day. The primary endpoint was the efficacy of bowel cleansing, as assessed by the Boston bowel preparation scale. The secondary endpoints were the adenoma detection rate and occurrence of complications. RESULTS: A total of 250 patients were initially enrolled. A total of 122 patients from each group were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the responder rates were the same for the two groups (56.6% vs 50.8%). Additionally, the adenoma detection rate did not differ between the two groups (34.9% vs 41.8%, P = 0.3795). In contrast, adherence was higher in the PEG group (93.4% vs 82.8%, P = 0.0101), and the occurrence of complications was lower in the PEG group (1.7% vs 16.4%, P = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The novel super-low volume PEG method for bowel preparation was as effective as the conventional method with senna laxatives.