High Tg Research Articles

1,3-Pentadiene-Assistant Living Anionic Terpolymerization: Composition Impact on Kinetics and Microstructure Sequence Primary Analysis.

The combination of a living anionic technology and a unique alternating strategy provided an exciting opportunity to prepare novel and well-defined poly(1,3-pentadiene-co-syrene-co-1,1-diphenylethylene) resins consisting of three alternating sequences of modules (A/B/C zwitterions). "A" being Styrene (St)/1,3-pentadiene (PD), "B" being diphenylethylene (DPE)/PD, "A" being DPE/St, respectively, A wide composition range of new polyolefin resins, i.e., poly (A-co-B), poly (A-co-C), and poly (B-co-C), with controlled molecular weight and very narrow molecular weight and composition distributions have been prepared by a one-pot living characteristic method. In the section of kinetic analysis, the terpolymer yields and kinetic parameters were strongly dependent on the feed/comonomer ratio as well as the content of the alternating structure. The competition copolymerization behaviors of A/B, B/C, and A/C were studied in detail in this work. By contrast, the microstructure and the thermal property of the resulting terpolymer were investigated via Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The results of 1H NMR tracking the change of [Aromatic ring]/[C=C] value indicated the distinctive copolymer-ization behavior of the selective "alternating-modules". The glass transition temperature (Tg) was very sensitive to the terpolymer composition. By contrast to poly(A-ran-B) with only one obvious Tg, there were two Tgs in the A/C and B/C copolymerization cases. Moreover, the desirable high Tg ~ 140 °C resin was limited to the terpolymers with up to 50 mol % DPE. Finally, the "ABC-X" mechanism was proposed to interpret the unique terpolymerization behavior, which belongs to the classical "bond-forming initiation" theory.

Apolipoprotein E genetic variation, atherogenic index and cardiovascular disease risk assessment in an African population: An analysis of HIV and malaria patients in Ghana.

Apolipoprotein E is involved in lipid transport and clearance of lipoprotein through low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR). ApoE variation has been linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. There are 3 isoforms of ApoE which originate from two non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms denoted as ε2, ε3 and ε4. The ε2 isoform is implicated in higher levels of atherogenic lipoprotein with the ε4 isoform causing LDLR downregulation. This leads to variable effects and differential CVD risk. Malaria and HIV are life-threatening diseases affecting several countries globally especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Parasite and viral activities have been implicated in lipid dysregulation leading to dyslipidaemia. This study examined ApoE variation and CVD risk assessment in malaria and HIV patients. We compared 76 malaria-only, 33 malaria-HIV coinfected, 21-HIV-only and 31 controls from a tertiary health facility in Ghana. Fasting venous blood samples were taken for ApoE genotyping and lipid measurements. Clinical and laboratory data were collected with ApoE genotyping performed using Iplex Gold microarray and PCR-RFLP. Cardiovascular disease risk was calculated using the Framingham BMI and cholesterol risk and Qrisk3 tools. The frequency of C/C genotype for rs429358 was 9.32%, whiles T/T genotype for rs7412 was found in 2.48% of all participants. ε3/ε3 was the most distributed ApoE genotype accounting for 51.55% of the total participants whiles ε2/ε2 was found in 2.48% of participants, with 1 in malaria-only and 3 in HIV-only patients. There was a significant association between ε4+ and high TG (OR = 0.20, CI; 0.05-0.73; p = 0.015), whiles ε2+ was significantly associated with higher BMI (OR; 0.24, CI; 0.06-0.87; p = 0.030) and higher Castelli Risk Index II in females (OR = 11.26, CI; 1.37-92.30; p = 0.024). A higher proportion of malaria-only participants had a moderate to high 10-year CVD risk. Overall malaria patients seem to have a higher CVD risk though the means through which this occurs may be poorly understood. ε2/ε2 genotypes was observed in our population at a lower frequency. Further studies are vital to determine CVD risk in malaria and how this occurs.

Influence of Zn2+ catalyst stoichiometry on curing dynamics and stress relaxation of polyester-based epoxy vitrimer

In the classical “covalent adaptive network” constructed by diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and crosslinking agent glutaric anhydride (GA), Zn-based catalyst greatly affects the curing crosslinking reaction and dynamic transesterification reaction. Herein, the crucial roles of Zn(Ac)2 catalyst in the curing dynamics and stress relaxation were studied. The results reveal that increasing the content of Zn(Ac)2 can significantly reduce the reaction activation energy (Eα) at initial stage, thus effectively promoting the curing crosslinking reaction. The analyses of dynamic properties suggest that although stress relation time (τ) can be shortened by increasing catalyst content, the high content of catalyst would lead a fast transesterification rate at relatively low temperature, which is adverse to the mechanical stability of vitrimer resin at operating temperature. By comparison, the vitrimer resin with modest catalyst content (mole ratio of 1:0.5:0.05) shows a highest viscous flow activation energy (Eτ), i.e., excellent dimensional stability and processability. Besides, the crosslinking density of resin was significantly affected by the content of catalyst. Since the competitive catalytic effects on curing cross-linking reaction and subsequent transesterification, the vitrimer resin of 1:0.5:0.05 exihits the highest crosslinking density (1855 mol/m3), so that it has highest Tg (79 °C) and tensile strength (72 MPa).

Sleep Duration and Metabolic Syndrome among Early Adolescents—A Cross-Sectional Study in Khartoum State, Sudan

Numerous studies have reported that sleep disorders are linked to poor health outcomes. However, studies on these associations in children and adolescents in an African context are limited. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between sleep duration and the presence of metabolic syndrome among early adolescents in Sudan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on participants aged 10-15 years in Khartoum State, Sudan. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was diagnosed by increased waist circumference and the presence of two or more metabolic abnormalities (triglycerides [TG], high-density lipoproteins [HDL-C], blood pressure [BP], and fasting plasma glucose [FBG]). Short sleep duration was defined based on National Sleep Foundation (NSF) classification. Data were collected by physical examinations, biochemical analyses, and self-developed standardized questionnaires. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics Version 24. A generalized additive model (GAM) was used for the smoothing function between sleep duration and MetS. p < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The prevalence of MetS and short sleep among early adolescents aged 10-15 years in Sudan was 2.3% and 55.0%, respectively. A higher prevalence of short sleep was found among overweight and obese participants (p < 0.05). The prevalence of MetS among short sleepers was 2.8%. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that male short sleepers had higher odds of having MetS compared to female short sleepers. The relationship between short sleep and low HDL-C in boys and between short sleep and high TG in girls was statistically significant. The highest risk of MetS was observed at less than 6.5 h of sleep per night. Conclusions: Short sleep duration was significantly associated with overweight/obesity in the total population and with low HDL-C in boys and high triglycerides in girls. A nonlinear curve pattern was observed between sleep duration and prevalence of MetS. Longitudinal studies are needed to further determine the causal relationship between sleep habits and MetS and its components.

Abstract 118: Positive Adipose Liver Crosstalk Protects Adipose MTP Knockout Mice from Hepatic Steatosis on an Obesogenic Diet

Introduction: Our previous study demonstrated that adipocyte MTP regulates intracellular lipolysis by inhibiting ATGL activity. Adipose-specific MTP knockout mice (A- Mttp -/- ) had smaller adipocytes and showed increased thermogenesis and gained less weight on an obesogenic diet. They also exhibited moderately high plasma triglyceride levels and less hepatic steatosis compared to wild-type counterparts. In this study, we have elucidated the mechanism behind less hepatic lipid accumulation and moderately high plasma TG in A- Mttp -/- mice. Methods: We characterized lipoproteins and studied hepatic ApoB production. We have analyzed adipose-liver crosstalk using two strategies 1) lipidomics of adipose tissue, plasma, and liver. 2) adipokine profiling. Further, we have used western blotting and qRT-PCR to check signaling and gene expression. Results: Plasma lipid profiling revealed increased TG content in the VLDL and LDL fraction of A- Mttp -/- mice compared to Mttp f/f mice. Additionally, A- Mttp -/- mice showed significantly increased hepatic triglyceride production compared to the wild type. Lipidomic analysis revealed the movement of fatty acids from adipose tissue to the liver, resulting in significantly higher amounts of oleate, palmitate, linoleate, and stearate in the liver of A- Mttp -/- mice compared to Mttp f/f mice. A- Mttp -/- mice liver also showed significantly increased expression of genes involved in fatty acid uptake and utilization such as Cd36 , Mcad , Fatp2 , and Cpt1a compared to Mttp f/f mice. Further adipokine profiling showed a significantly higher amount of adiponectin and decreased amount of proinflammatory cytokines such as leptin in the plasma of A- Mttp -/- mice compared to Mttp f/f mice. We also found decreased ceramide levels and significantly increased phosphorylation of AMPK in the liver of A- Mttp -/- mice compared to Mttp f/f mice. Conclusion: We conclude that increased availability of substrate for TG production might contribute to increased ApoB secretion by the liver of A- Mttp -/- mice. In addition, positive cytokine profile and increased adiponectin signaling in the liver of A- Mttp -/- mice protects it from hepatic steatosis.

Current status and time trends of lipid and use of statins among older adults in China-real world data from primary community health institutions.

Elevated serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels are established risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, a leading cause of death in China, especially in aged population. We sought to assess the latest levels of serum lipids, prevalence of dyslipidemia and achievement of LDL-C lowering targets among Chinese aged population. The data was obtained from the annual health check and medical records in primary community health institutions of Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Southern China. A sample of approximately 135,000 participants provides comprehensive estimates of the status of cholesterol level and statins use in older adults in China. Clinical characteristics were compared by different age grades, genders and years. Independent risk factors associated with statin use were determined by stepwise logistic regression analysis. The mean levels of TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG were 5.39, 1.45, 3.10, and 1.60 mmol/L, respectively, while the prevalence of high TC, high TG, high LDL-C, and low HDL-C were 21.99, 15.52, 13.26, and 11.92%, respectively. Although statin use showed an increasing trend in both participants > 75 years and ≤75 years of age, the achievement of treatment goals fluctuated between 40.94 and 48.47%, and even seemed to have a downward trend. Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis further indicated that age, medical insurance, ability of self-care, hypertension, stroke, CAD, and high LDL-C were shown to be associated with statins use (P < 0.05). Those aged ≤75 years old seemed to be less likely to use statin, and those without medical insurance or ability of self-care seemed to be less likely to use statin, too. Patients with hypertension, stroke, CAD and high LDL-C were more inclined to use statins. Chinese aged population currently experienced high serum lipid levels and prevalence of dyslipidemia. Although an increasing trend was shown in the proportion of high CVD risk and statin use, the achievement of treatment goals seemed to have a downward trend. Improvement of lipid management is necessary in order to reduce the burden of ASCVD in China.

Impact of short- and long-term exposure to air pollution on lipid profile in adults aged 20 to 69 years in Tehran Province, Iran

There are inconsistent findings concerning the impact of air pollution on different lipid measures and there is a lack of data for the highly polluted Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. To assess the association between short-term exposure to five major air pollutants including PM10, NO2, SO2, O3, and CO, and lipid profiles as well as long-term exposure to these pollutants and incident dyslipidemia. A total of 5,821 participants (3,387 women) aged 20–69 years at baseline were followed from 2001 to 2018, every three years. The mixed-effects model evaluated the impact of air pollutants on blood lipids including TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C. The proportional hazards Weibull model estimated the long-term impacts of air pollutants on incident dyslipidemia. Applying the Bonferroni correction, the significance level of 0.0014 (0.05/35) and 0.0033 (0.05/15) was set for short- and long-term scenarios, respectively. In the short term, SO2 and CO had consistent unfavorable effects on lipid profiles, including TC, TG, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and HDL-C (only for CO). Moreover, short-term exposure to O3 and NO2 had negative associations with TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, and TC (only NO2) and positive associations with HDL-C. Generally, in a long-term manner, CO was associated with a higher incidence of high TC, high TG, and low HDL-C; NO2 and O3 were associated with a lower incidence of high TG and low HDL-C; 1- and 2-year exposure to PM10 was associated with lower incidence of low HDL-C and 3-year exposure to PM10 was associated with lower high TC and high non-HDL-C. In conclusion, given the robust unfavorable impact of CO on lipid profiles in both short- and long-term periods, more interventions should be conducted to reduce the impact of CO exposure.

Using metal precursors to passivate oxides for area selective deposition

Although it has long been known that metal-containing compounds can serve as catalysts for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of films from other precursors, we show that metal-containing compounds can also inhibit CVD nucleation or growth. For two precursors A and B with growth onset temperatures TgA &amp;lt; TgB when used independently, it is possible that B can inhibit growth from A when the two precursors are coflowed onto a substrate at a temperature (T) where TgA &amp;lt; T &amp;lt; TgB. Here, we consider three precursors: AlH3⋅NMe3 (Tg = 130 °C, Me = CH3), Hf(BH4)4 (Tg = 170 °C), and AlMe3 (Tg = 300 °C). We find that (i) nucleation of Al from AlH3⋅NMe3 is inhibited by Hf(BH4)4 at 150 °C on two oxide surfaces (Si with native oxide and borosilicate glass), (ii) nucleation and growth of HfB2 is inhibited by AlMe3 at 250 °C on native oxide substrates and on HfB2 nuclei, and (iii) nucleation of Al from AlH3⋅NMe3 is inhibited by AlMe3 at 200 °C on native oxide substrates. Inhibition by Hf(BH4)4 is transient and persists only as long as its coflow is maintained; in contrast, AlMe3 inhibition of HfB2 growth is more permanent and continues after coflow is halted. As a result of nucleation inhibition, AlMe3 coflow enhances selectivity for HfB2 deposition on Au (growth) over Al2O3 (nongrowth) surfaces, and Hf(BH4)4 coflow makes it possible to deposit Al on Al nuclei and not on the surrounding oxide substrate. We propose the following criteria to identify candidate molecules for other precursor–inhibitor combinations: (i) the potential inhibitor should have a higher Tg than the desired film precursor, (ii) the potential inhibitor should be unreactive toward the desired film precursor, and (iii) at the desired growth temperature, the potential inhibitor should adsorb strongly enough to form a saturated monolayer on the intended nongrowth surface at accessible inhibitor pressures.

High Tg, Bio-Based Isosorbide Methacrylate Resin Systems for Vat Photopolymerization.

The use of isosorbide-derived polymers has garnered significant attention in recent decades as a high-performance, renewable material sourced from biomass. Of particular interest is isosorbide methacrylate, which possesses low viscosity (<500 cps), high thermal properties (Tg ≈ 220 °C), and high modulus (>4 GPa). These characteristics present a promising opportunity to replace BPA-derived methacrylate compounds in various applications. This investigation aims to synthesize and characterize isosorbide-based low-viscosity resin systems for 3D printing. The resin blends are composed of isosorbide methacrylate and two bio-renewable methacrylates, furfuryl methacrylate (FM) and bis-hydroxymethyl-furan methacrylate (BHMF-M), polymerized through a digital light processing (DLP) technique. The addition of the bio-based co-monomers serves to enhance the fracture toughness of the brittle isosorbide methacrylate crosslinked homopolymer (GIc = 37 J/m2). The resulting polymers exhibit Tg values greater than 200 °C and GIc around 100 J/m2. These resin systems hold potential for imparting high bio-based content to polymers used in additive manufacturing for high-performance applications.

Recyclable flame retardant phosphonated epoxy based thermosets enabled via a reactive approach

The development of reusable fire-safe polymers with a prolonged lifetime heralds the switch for a transition towards circular economy. In this framework, we report a novel phosphonated thermoset which is composed of networked phosphonate esters containing both PC and PO bonds. Employing a simple one-pot, two-step synthetic methodology, oxirane groups of the epoxy resin were partially reacted with various amounts of reactive bis H-phosphonate monomer, and cured with a cycloaliphatic hardener to obtain multifunctional thermosets with up to 8% phosphorus (P) content. Though 2.5% P was adequate to achieve good flame retardancy, a concentration > 5% P was necessary for accomplishing material reprocessability and recyclability. These phosphonated thermosets exhibited high Tg (94 °C – 140 °C) and good thermal stability. Fire performance of the thermoset with 2.5% P via cone calorimetry showed effective reduction in the peak heat release rate (pHRR, 75%) and significant inhibition of total smoke production (TSP, 72.5%), which was attributed to the gas and condense phase actions of the phosphonate moieties. This thermoset was explored as a transparent fire-safe coating on wood where an intumescent flame retardant mechanism was observed. The phosphonated thermoset with higher P content (6%) demonstrated excellent damage reparability and thermomechanical reprocessability driven by transesterification induced network rearrangement. This thermoset was used for manufacturing flax fiber reinforced composite, to demonstrate its future application as a polymer matrix for composite materials.

Dietary Inflammatory Patterns Are Associated With Serum TGs and Insulin in Adults: A Community-Based Study in Taiwan

BackgroundDietary patterns related to inflammation have become a focus of disease prevention but the patterns may vary among populations. ObjectivesThe study was conducted to determine Taiwanese dietary inflammatory patterns and evaluate their associations with biomarkers of lipid and glucose. MethodsData were taken from 5664 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥55 y recruited in 2009–2013 in the Healthy Aging Longitudinal Study in Taiwan (HALST). Dietary data were obtained from an FFQ. An empirical dietary inflammatory pattern (EDIP) was derived from reduced rank regression models that explained the serum high-sensitivity CRP, plasma IL-6, and TNF receptor 1. Cross-sectional associations between dietary scores and biomarkers of total cholesterol (TC); HDL cholesterol; LDL cholesterol; TG; and ratios of TG/HDL cholesterol, TG/TC, fasting glucose, insulin, and HbA1c were analyzed via multiple linear regression and adjusted for major confounders. The false-discovery rate (FDR)-adjusted P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Abdominal obesity was defined as a waist circumference of ≥90 cm for men and ≥80 cm for women. ResultsHigher EDIP-HALST scores were associated with higher TG (per score increment: 1.62%, 95% CI: 0.58%, 2.76%; PFDR = 0.01), TG/HDL cholesterol (2.01%, 95% CI: 0.67%, 3.37%; PFDR = 0.01), and TG/TC (1.42%, 95% CI: 0.41%, 2.43%; PFDR = 0.01) and nonlinearly associated with insulin, with those in the middle tertile had the highest serum insulin concentrations (means: 5.12 μIU/mL, 95% CI: 4.78, 5.78; PFDR = 0.04) in men, but not in women. No heterogeneity was detected between sexes. The associations with TG (1.23%, 95% CI: 0.19, 2.23%; Ptrend = 0.02), TG/HDL cholesterol (1.62%, 95% CI: 0.30%, 2.96%; Ptrend = 0.02), and TG/TC (1.11%, 95% CI: 0.11%, 2.13%; Ptrend = 0.03) were stronger in participants with abdominal obesity, but were borderline associated in participants with normal abdominal circumferences (all Ptrend = 0.05). ConclusionsInflammatory diets, as measured via EDIP-HALST, are associated with serum TG concentration, particularly in participants with abdominal obesity. These findings may suggest that developing disease prevention strategies using dietary inflammatory patterns may be different by populations.J Nutr 20xx;x:xx.

High levels of interleukin-6 and triglycerides and low levels of soluble leptin receptors as risk factors for leptin resistance in obese adolescents

Introduction: Obesity is a nutritional disorder that can affect all ages, including teenagers. Obesity can affect gut microbiota and cause increased intestinal permeability. This process leads to interleukin-6 and TNF-α production which can increase leptin levels. The soluble leptin receptor (sLR) is a leptin receptor in the plasma that transports leptin to the hypothalamus. Low sLR numbers are associated with high leptin levels in obesity. Obesity in hyperleptinemia conditions indicates leptin resistance (defects in leptin receptors) which causes hyperphagia and reduces energy expenditure. This study was conducted to prove high TG and IL-6 serum levels and low sLR levels in obese adolescents who have a higher risk of developing leptin resistance than normal adolescents. Methods: This research is a case-control study. The subjects underwent an assessment including food recall, anthropometric status, and lipid profile. The food recall assessment was obtained by means of a questionnaire given to parents. Blood sampling and laboratory examination are carried out by the Prodia® Clinical Laboratory. Data analysis was performed by computer, using the Independent t-test, Mann-Whitney test. Chi-Square test, and analysis of the ROC curve. Results: ROC curve analysis obtained the optimal cut points for TG and IL-6 levels, respectively 101.5 mg/dL (sensitivity 82.1%, specificity 89.7%) and 11.95 pg/mL (sensitivity 84.6%, specificity of 80%), with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.96 and 0.89, respectively. ROC curve analysis obtained the optimal cut point for sLR levels of 19.3 ng/mL (sensitivity 64.1%, specificity 71.8%) with an AUC value of 0.77. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression found a significant relationship between TG and IL-6 levels on the incidence of hyperleptinemia. Conclusion: This study reinforces the theory of chronic low-grade inflammation and proved that inflammation and high TG levels play a role in hyperleptinemia in obese adolescents.

Repairable, reprocessable and recyclable rigid silicone material enabled by dual dynamic covalent bonds crosslinking side-chain

Although many dynamic crosslinked silicone materials with repairability, reprocessability and recyclability have already been developed, these materials are still challenged by their weak mechanical properties and low glass-transition temperature (Tg). Herein, a dual dynamic covalent bonds crosslinking side-chain concept is proposed to fabricate repairable, recyclable and reprocessable silicone material with high mechanical strength and Tg. Specifically, the dynamic imine bond and aminal bond are synergistically integrated into the polysiloxane crosslinked network, where diethylenetriamine functionalized polysiloxanes are crosslinked by 1,4-phthalaldehyde. The resultant silicone materials exhibit maximum tensile strength and Tg of ∼ 25 MPa and ∼ 170 °C, respectively, which are much higher than the reported dynamic crosslinked silicones. More importantly, the dynamic behavior of this rigid silicone can still be effectively activated by raising the temperature. Based on this, after the damaged materials are repaired by thermally pressing them with silicone powders, they can recover more than 95 % of virgin tensile strength. The pulverized silicone powders can also be reprocessed into new samples after thermally pressing at 150 °C for 45 min, and ∼ 85 % of the tensile strength is repeatedly restored. In addition, the carbon fiber/silicone composite with a tensile strength of 110 MPa can also be recycled for carbon fiber and silicone material. When the recycled carbon fiber and silicone material are thermally remolded into new composite, they repeatedly recover ∼ 95 % of mechanical properties. Obviously, this dynamic crosslinked silicone material will meet the potential applications requiring high mechanical properties under high temperature conditions.

Relationship between Serum Ferritin Level and Dyslipidemia in US Adults Based on Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2017 to 2020.

Previous research has suggested that high serum ferritin (SF) levels may be associated with dyslipidemia. This study investigated the association between SF levels and dyslipidemia in American adults, which held relevance for both clinical and public health areas concerned with screening and prevention. Data from the pre-pandemic National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), conducted between 2017 and 2020, were utilized for this analysis. Multivariate linear regression models were used to explore the correlation between lipid and SF concentrations, and the connection between SF and the four types of dyslipidemia was further assessed by using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Odds ratios (ORs; 95% CI) for dyslipidemia were calculated for quartiles of SF concentrations, with the lowest ferritin quartile as the reference. The final subjects consisted of 2676 participants (1290 males and 1386 females). ORs for dyslipidemia were the highest in the fourth quartile (Q4) of SF both in males (OR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.12-2.28) and females (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.07-2.17). The crude ORs (95% CI) for the risk of High TC and High LDL-C increased progressively in both genders. However, after adjusting for covariates, the trend of significance was only present in females. Finally, the association between total daily iron intake and the four types of dyslipidemia was examined, revealing that the risk of High TG in the third quartile of the total daily iron intake was 2.16 times greater in females (adjusted OR: 3.16, 95% CI: 1.38-7.23). SF concentrations were remarkably associated with dyslipidemia. In females, daily dietary iron intake was associated with High-TG dyslipidemia.

Recyclable, Repairable, and Fire-Resistant High-Performance Carbon Fiber Biobased Epoxy

Due to the global environmental concerns caused by the ever-increasing environmental impact, landfill materials, and CO2 emission, there is a critical need in the elaboration of sustainable composite materials. Advanced material composites used in the production of high-performance products to solve some of the most difficult engineering challenges are having a key role in decarbonization by their light weight, higher performance, and increasing durability. In this work, sustainable carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRCs) have been engineered with an environmentally friendly epoxy resin derived from natural and renewable compounds employing an industrial feasible manufacturing protocol. The thermosetting resin with a biobased organic carbon content (BOC) of ∼77% was synthesized by combining a renewable based monomer, the triglycidyl ether of phloroglucinol (TGPh), with hexahydro-4-methylphthalic anhydride (HMPA). The developed CFRCs show high performance with high glass transitions Tg > 350 °C, a high storage modulus ∼42 GPa, a high interlaminar shear strength ∼63 MPa, and a compressive strength ∼400 MPa. In addition, the outgassing tests show that both the resin and the CFRCs are compliant for space application. Moreover, the biobased CFRCs exhibit chemical recyclability, reprocessability, and excellent intrinsic flame resistance.

Hyperuricemia is associated with more cardiometabolic risk factors in hypertensive younger Chinese adults than in elderly.

Numerous studies have shown that hyperuricemia (HUA) is associated with cardiovascular and renal outcomes, but few studies specifically explored the effect of age on this relationship. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the relationship between HUA and other cardiometabolic risk factors in different age groups. This cross-section study used the data from Survey on uric acid in Chinese subjects with essential hypertension (SUCCESS). We performed multivariate logistic regressions in different age groups. After adjusting for potential confounders, among young and middle-aged adults less than 60, HUA was associated with higher body mass index (BMI, adjusted OR = 1.114, 95% CI: 1.057-1.174), higher fasting blood glucose (FBG, adjusted OR = 1.099, 95% CI: 1.003-1.205), triglycerides (TG, adjusted OR = 1.425, 95% CI: 1.247-1.629), higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, adjusted OR = 1.171, 95% CI: 1.025-1.337), and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, adjusted OR = 0.992, 95% CI: 0.988-0.996). Among elderly adults 60 years or older, HUA was associated with higher SBP (adjusted OR = 1.024, 95% CI: 1.005-1.042), higher TG (adjusted OR = 1.716, 95% CI: 1.466-2.009), and higher LDL-C (adjusted OR = 1.595, 95% CI: 1.366-1.863). HUA is associated with more cardiometabolic risk factors in younger adults with hypertension (HT). Comprehensive management of HT with HUA is needed in clinical settings.

Habitual Tea Consumption Increases the Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome in Middle-Aged and Older Individuals.

In middle-aged and elderly individuals, the relationship between tea consumption and incident metabolic syndrome (MetS) is still unclear. Therefore, this study intends to figure out the relationship between tea-drinking frequency and MetS in rural middle-aged and older Chinese residents. In the Northeast China Rural Cardiovascular Health Study, 3632 middle-aged or older individuals (mean age 57 ± 8, 55.2% men) without MetS were included at baseline during 2012-2013 and were followed up on between 2015-2017. Participants showing differential tea consumption frequency were divided into the following classes: non-habitual tea drinkers, occasional tea drinkers, 1-2 times/day drinkers, and ≥3 times/day drinkers. Data showed that non-habitual tea drinking was more common among women. The frequency of tea consumption was higher in ethnic groups other than Han and among singles, as well as in concurrent smokers and drinkers and individuals with primary or lower educational status. The increasing tea consumption was in line with baseline elevations in body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and AST/ALT ratio. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that occasional tea drinking increased the incidence of low HDL-C [OR (95% CI): 1.268 (1.015, 1.584)], high waist circumference [OR (95% CI): 1.336 (1.102, 1.621)], and MetS [OR (95% CI): 1.284 (1.050, 1.570)]. In addition, 1-2 times/day tea drinking increased the cumulative incidence of high TG [OR (95% CI): 1.296 (1.040, 1.616)], high waist circumference [OR (95% CI): 1.296 (1.044, 1.609)] and MetS [OR (95% CI): 1.376 (1.030, 1.760)]. We demonstrated that regular tea consumption is correlated with a greater incidence of metabolic disorders and MetS. Our findings may help clarify the contradictory association reported between tea drinking and MetS development in middle-aged and older residents of rural China.

Comparison of anthropometric parameters and laboratory test results before and after the COVID-19 outbreak among Chinese children aged 3-18 years.

To compare the physiological health of Chinese children around the COVID-19 lockdown. We extracted data on children's anthropometric and laboratory parameters from May to November in both 2019 and 2020 from the Health Checkup Center, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China. Overall, 2162 children aged 3~18 years without comorbidities in 2019 and 2646 in 2020 were assessed. Mann Whitney U tests were used to compare differences between the above health indicators before and after COVID-19 outbreak. Quantile regression analyses adjusted for age, sex and body mass index (BMI) were also used in analysis. Chi-square tests and Fisher's exact tests were used for comparing differences of categorical variables. Compared with children examined in 2019 before the outbreak, children in 2020 had a higher median z score of BMI for age (-0.16 vs. -0.31), total cholesterol (TC, 4.34 vs. 4.16 mmol/L), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, 2.48 vs. 2.15 mmol/L), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, 1.45 vs. 1.43 mmol/L) and serum uric acid (290 vs. 282 μmol/L), and a lower hemoglobin (Hb, 134 vs. 133 g/L), triglycerides (TG, 0.70 vs. 0.78 mmol/L) and 25(OH)D (45.8 vs. 52.2 nmol/L), all P < 0.05. No differences were identified for waist height ratio, blood pressure and fasting glucose (both P > 0.05). However, in regression models after adjusting, BMI, TC, LDL-C, blood glucose and sUA were positively correlated with year; while Hb, TG and 25(OH)D were negatively correlated with year (all P < 0.05). Accordingly, children in 2020 had a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity (20.6 vs. 16.7%, P < 0.001), hypercholesterol (16.2%vs. 10.2%, P < 0.001), high LDL-C (10 vs. 2.9%, P < 0.001), hyperuricemia (18.9 vs.15.1%, P = 0.002), vitamin D deficiency (22.6 vs. 8.1%, P < 0.001) and a lower prevalence of high TG (4.3 vs. 2.8%, P = 0.018) compared with children in 2019. In this real-world study, we found that long-term lockdown due to COVID-19 outbreak might cause adverse impact on children's metabolic health, which might increase their future risk of cardiovascular diseases. Thus, parents, health professionals, educationists, and caregivers should pay more attention to children's dietary pattern and lifestyle, especially in this new normal against COVID-19.

The effect of heterophilic antibody interference in thyroglobulin measurement on different immunoassay devices

Abstract Objectives Serum thyroglobulin (Tg) is a biochemical marker used in the follow-up of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), but heterophile antibody interference may limit the clinical use of Tg. Case presentation In the first-year follow-up of a 31-year-old female patient who received treatment for papillary thyroid CA, a clinically significant difference was found in the Tg values measured by two different brand devices with similar measurement methods. Conclusions Despite the use of state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, heterophile antibodies in immunoassay analysis can still cause false high Tg measurements. Our case report shows that analytical errors can be avoided with attention and effective communication between clinicians and laboratory specialists. In this way, patients will be prevented from being misdiagnosed and/or exposed to treatment.

Release Enhancement by Plasticizer Inclusion for Amorphous Solid Dispersions Containing High Tg Drugs.

Plasticizers are commonly used in the preparation of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) with the main goal of aiding processability; however, to the best of our knowledge, the impact of plasticizers on drug release has not been explored. The goal of this study was to evaluate diverse plasticizers, including glycerol and citrate derivatives, as additives to increase the drug loading where good drug release could be achieved from copovidone (PVPVA)-based dispersions, focusing on high glass transition (Tg) drugs, atazanavir (ATZ) and ledipasvir (LED). ASDs were prepared using the high Tg compounds, atazanavir (ATZ) and ledipasvir (LED), as model drugs. Release was evaluated using surface normalized dissolution testing. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to measure glass transition temperature and water vapor sorption was performed on select samples. The presence of a plasticizer at 5% w/w for ATZ and 10% w/w for LED ASDs, led to improved drug release. For ATZ ASDs, in the absence of plasticizer, release was very poor at drug loadings of 10% w/w and above. Good release was obtained for plasticized ASDs up to a drug loading of 25%. The corresponding improvement for LED was from 5 to 20% DL. Interestingly, for a low Tg compound, ritonavir, relatively smaller improvements in release as a function of drug loading were achieved through plasticizer incorporation. The use of plasticizers represents a potential new strategy to increase drug loading in ASDs for high Tg compounds with a low tendency to crystallize and may help improve a major limitation of ASD formulations, namely the high excipient burden.